Influence & Inform – Village Meeting 23rd March 2016

The Annual Parish Meeting on 23rd March 2016 is for all local residents to hear what is happening and, by raising issues and asking questions, to put their mark on the village’s future.

Formal Agenda for Annual Village Meeting on 23rd March 2016

Dear Resident,

You are invited to attend West Bergholt’s Annual Village Meeting, which will be held in the Orpen Hall (main hall) at 7.30pm on Wednesday 23rd March 2016.

Chris Stephenson
Chair – West Bergholt Parish Council

AGENDA

Welcome and Introduction from the Chairman — Chris Stevenson.
Heathlands School Council.
Parish Safety Volunteers – Essex County Fire & Rescue Service.
Presentation.
Issues from the Floor.

What You Say Matters – Make your point and ask questions.

Refreshments will be available.

March 15, 2016March 15, 2016

Neighbourhood Plan Makes Progress

The Neighbourhood Plan meeting that took place earlier this month resulted in much progress with an almost completed first draft plan. The picture on the right shows the Contents page to give some idea of what to expect when the final report is published (click on it for larger picture).

You will notice that a lot of the the section headings have blank ‘App Buttons’ and, since the plan will impact the children’s future, the NP group are running a competition for the pupils at Heathlands to design what the blanks should be filled in with.

There are 8 categories and these are listed below, there will be a winner and a prize selected for each App Button. The Categories are:

Example of what the 'App Button' could look like for Housing & Planning — Example of what the ‘App Button’ could look like for Housing & Planning

Housing and Planning
Business and Commerce
Village Social and Community
Environment
Transport
Sport and Recreation
Community Safety
Communications

Download the entry form:

NP App Button Competition (PDF file)

March 15, 2016November 15, 2021

Goodbye Doctor Milne

After more than 20 years serving the village, Doctor Milne is retiring at the end of March. His care has been much valued and respected by many over this time and it is thought to be fitting that the village recognise this with a gift. Any residents wishing to contribute to this can make a donation, collection boxes will be available in the Pharmacy and the Co-op, alternatively contributions can be left with the Parish Clerk at 80 Chapel Road.

The presentation will be made at the Annual Village Meeting which starts at 7:30pm in the Orpen Hall on 23rd March.

March 11, 2016March 11, 2016

Parish Safety Volunteers Sought

Essex Seek Parish Safety Volunteers

Further to the earlier news item (more details here), we have received the following update about Safety Volunteers from Essex Community Messaging:

The Parish Safety Volunteer Programme is a new community safety initiative, delivered in partnership by Essex Police, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and volunteers from local communities.

Could you volunteer?

Parish Safety Volunteers are trained by experts from our organisations to deliver bespoke fire and crime safety advice and fit smoke detectors in homes. Parish Safety Volunteers will work in pairs, in a smart but comfortable uniform and visit people in their own homes to offer this bespoke service. A diverse range of people will benefit from the Parish Safety Volunteer programme from young families, to the elderly and those vulnerable to the risk of fire or fear of crime.

You must be over 18, know your local area well and be able to commit to an average of 10 hours each month. Everyone who volunteers as a Parish Safety Volunteer will be interviewed, provide two references, complete standard Police security checks and a confidential health questionnaire. Good all-round communication skills are also a must. Reasonable expenses will be paid.

If you are interested in finding out more about what is involved in becoming a Parish Safety Volunteer, please visit www.essex-fire.gov.uk/volunteering or email [antibot mailto-=”[email protected]”] or ring 01376 576237.

March 11, 2016March 11, 2016

Essex Policing – The Way Ahead

Nick Alston, the PCC for Essex — Nick Alston will give lecture on Policing in Essex: The way ahead and the role of the PCC

Essex Policing – The Way Ahead

The future of policing in Essex will be the subject of a public lecture given later this month by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex.

In a public lecture as he approaches the end of his term in office PCC Nick Alston will reflect on his time as PCC as he looks ahead to how Essex police will need to respond to the changes in crime across Essex and to the many other demands on police resources.

The lecture, entitled “Policing in Essex: The way ahead and the role of the PCC”, will also look at the developing role of the PCC and at the crucial links between Essex Police and other agencies in seeking to prevent crime and bring offenders to justice.

The event takes place on Thursday March 17 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Chelmsford’s Anglia Ruskin University.
The lecture will take place in the Lord Ashcroft building at Anglia Ruskin University in Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford, CM1 1SQ.

Refreshments will be available from 6pm with the lecture beginning at 6.30pm.

The event is free and open to all. To book your place visit the EventBrite website. If you have any questions please contact [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

March 11, 2016

Recycling & Waste Consultation

Colchester Borough Council is about to commence a consultation on its current waste and recycling service. Borough residents are being asked for their views to help Colchester Borough Council consider how best to reduce waste and increase recycling in the coming years.

All residents are invited to give their views through the online survey at www.colchester.gov.uk/recyclingsurvey between Monday 7 March and 5pm Friday 3 June 2016.

Help to complete the survey is available at free Online Skills events across the borough listed at www.colchester.gov.uk/go-online . Residents with accessibility needs can request assistance from a Customer Advisor at the Community Hub in the town centre.

From 7 March to 29 March and Monday 9 May to Friday 3 June selected homes across the borough with kerbside or communal bin collections will also be visited. Face to face feedback on recycling and waste collections will be gathered from around 1,000 residents.

Home visits will take place borough-wide between 9am and 8pm, Monday to Saturday to households representative of Colchester’s demographic mix.

All survey responses will be used to help the Council understand what residents think including: satisfaction with the type and number of containers used for home storage and collection of waste and recycling; frequency of collections; and ideas for improvement that would help residents send less waste to landfill and recycle more. Household characteristics, including number of residents at the property and availability of outdoor and container storage areas, will also be gathered.

The consultation is part of a full review of the Council’s waste and recycling service including considering different collection methods and best practice nationally.

March 9, 2016March 9, 2016

St Mary’s Notices – 7th March 2016

Issued on 7th March 2016 this lists notices, dates, services and other events for the upcoming fortnight.

Christian Events in Colchester

As advertised in more detail in the previous news update:

Production of ‘Amazing Grace’ by Oddments Theatre Company at Christ Church, Colchester 7.30pm on Friday 11th March, tickets from tel: 542307.
Good Friday at the Mercury Theatre – Hope Undefeated – 25 March @ 7.30pm – free admission.

Messy Church

Our next Messy Church is this Sunday @ 9.30am when the theme will be the events leading up to Easter. There will be something for all ages so everyone is welcome. Don’t forget the pre-Messy Church prayer meeting on Thursday @ 7pm in church.

Other Diary Dates

All the following are at St Mary’s, West Bergholt unless otherwise stated:

Tues 8 March – 11am Village Communion at St Mary’s
Tues 8 March – Lent Group – refreshments at 8pm and end at 9.30pm. This year’s theme is personal prayer.
Weds 9 March – 11.45am Funeral for Don Turner
Thurs 10 March – 9am Coffee morning;
Thurs 10 March – Messy Church Prayer meeting @ 7pm
Sun 13 March – 9.30am Messy Church; 4.30pm Evening Prayer
Sun 13 March – 9.30am Communion, St Peter’s, Boxted;
Sun 13 March – 11.15am Communion, All Saints’, Gt Horkesley;
Sun 13 March – 6pm Storytime Club @ New Village Hall, Gt Horkesley
Tues 15 March – Lent Group – refreshments at 8pm and end at 9.30pm. This year’s theme is personal prayer.
Thurs 17 March – 9am coffee morning; 2.30pm 5T’s
Sun 20 March – 11.15am Palm Sunday Communion Service
Sun 20 March – 8am said Communion
Sun 20 March – 9.30am Sung Communion, St Mary’s, Langham;
Sun 20 March – 11.15am Palm Sunday Praise Service, St John’s, Gt Horkesley;
Sun 20 March – 4.30pm Evensong, St Peter’s, Boxted.
Maundy Thursday – 24 March – 8pm Fellowship Meal at St John’s, Great Horkesley
Good Friday – 25 March – 10am service at St Mary’s, West Bergholt
Easter Sunday – 27 March – 9.30am Communion, St Mary’s, West Bergholt
Sat 16 April – training day at West Bergholt on prayer & healing ministry
Annual Parochial Church Meeting – Sun 17 April after 11.15am Communion
Senior Citizen’s Lunch – Sat 23 April

Women’s World Day of Prayer – Friday 4 March @ 4pm at St Mary’s

Thank you to Kate Penrose and Judith Fletcher for organising this years’ service and to all who baked cakes and served refreshments for the afternoon team beforehand. It was a lovely service and very well attended.

Sunday Bible Readings

Sun 13 March – John 12:1-8 – A woman anoints Jesus with perfume.
Sun 20 March – Luke 19:28-44 – the events of Palm Sunday.

March 3, 2016

Premises & Recreation – 1st February 2016

The Premises & Recreation Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 1st February when, among other items, they discussed Orpen Hall, Health & Safety, budget, storage, football clubs, licences and toilets.

Premises & Recreation Minutes

Sub-committee meeting held on Monday 1st February 2016 in the John Lampon Hall

Councillors present	Brian Butcher (Chair), Murray Harlow (Vice chair), Jenny Church, Rosemary James, Bob Tyrrell.
Apologies	Harry Stone

Also in attendance Victoria Beckwith-Cole (Hall Administrator)

2.	Matters from Last Meeting
2.1	Orpen Hall Signage
	Work in progress, will update at next meeting.	BT
2.2	Health and Safety Questionnaire
	This has now been completed with the exception of obtaining a copy of the Asbestos Report – Parish Clerk to look further and to contact previous Parish Clerk to where the Report maybe located.	LW
	BB/VBC will organise unannounced fire drills throughout the year.	BB/VBC
	BB asked about fire extinguisher training – VBC confirmed that she has undertaken this in another employment. As Bluebells are the main users of the Hall – VBC to ask if their staff know how to use extinguishers.	VBC
	At this point reference was made to the chair clips (Panto Orpen Players) – that they were not functioning properly – VBC pointed out the correct positioning of the clips and confirmed that she will meet with the Orpen Players Friday night to show the Front of House the correct way positioning them. We discussed the Orpen Players smoking, “instructing” Zoe etc, and agreed we would meet them to discuss.	VBC
3.	Clerks & Administrator’s Report
3.1	Bar Licence and Dance/Music Licence – LW has sent off PPL and PRS paperwork. Bar Licence: LW to check with Social Club.	LW
3.2	Additional Bin Hire – This will only need to be considered when the CSH implement their “weighing payment” method. However, currently it will work out cheaper to have a 360l wheelie bin for glass and cans.	LW
3.3	JL Hall Toilet/Boiler – VBC updated that the plumber had to come out and deal with a leak in one of the toilets (replacement ball valve) and a leak on the boiler.
3.4	Job Role of Hall Admin – H&S – VBC reported that all points are covered within her role at present apart from “ensuring a fire risk assessment is maintained”. VBC to implement this.	VBC
3.5	Draft T&C for one-off hirers – in progress will update at next meeting.	VBC
3.6	West Bergholt Website – has been updated with up to date information especially with making contact details more prominent – will be checked periodically.
4.	Cleaning
	No further comments – this item can now be taken off the Agenda.
5.	West Bergholt Football Club – grass cutting Lorkin Daniell Field
	Signed off – this item can now be taken off the Agenda
6.	Bergholt Heath Youth Football Club – Saturday morning training proposal
	Prior to meeting CS sent the Committee correspondence regarding this. The Committee were to talk through the “Action Points” – As the first point was of utmost importance, this was discussed and agreed in principal that BHYFC could use the Orpen Hall disabled toilet – this was on the proviso that they agreed and signed the T&C which VBC will draft and send to BB for approval.	VBC
	The other action points will be followed up as and when necessary.	ALL
7.	Refurbishment of Orpen Hall Toilets
	A discussion ensued about the layout whether to draw up as per plans or to refurbish what we have. It was agreed to go with existing plans but with option that “cosmetic changes” be made once tendered. Bluebells would like to have at least one lower basin for handwashing but its need was not agreed. BB has been in dialogue with three designers and is nearing obtaining quotes for this work.	BB
8.	Storage Units
	Measurements of the storage units have been done and concluded that there is not enough storage. Various options to increase storage in the future were proposed, when funding is available. One being building another garage onto the existing two garages towards the football club. Two, where the CSH bin is located to have a unit to house the rubbish, salt, equipment needed for the handyman, etc. MH suggested racking out the current garages to optimise the space would help. MH to speak with the Orpen Players, BYG and Bluebells who currently rent them and come up with drawings and costings for next meeting for the Committee to consider.	MH
9.	Terms of Reference
	BB forwarded to CS – this item can now be taken of the Agenda.
10.	Budget for next year
	2016/2017 fees were approved at the Parish Council meeting. VBC to advise regular hirers of increases.	VBC
11.	AOB
	BB listed out various light bulbs not working and VBC will get these replaced	VBC
12.	Date of next meeting 7th March 2016 – 7.30pm John Lampon Hall
	(Brian Butcher offered apologies in advance)

March 2, 2016

Environment & Highways – 11th February 2016

The Environment & Highways Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 11th February 2016 and discussed a range of issues including litter & rubbish, hedge cutting, considerate parking, traffic safety, handymen, gardening equipment etc…

Environment & Highways Report

Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 11th February 2016 in Main Hall

Sub-committee members present	John Gili Ross, Harry Stone, Jenny Church, Murray Harlow, Rosemary James, Phil Spencer, David Short
Apologies

1	Clerks Report
	a) Upturned soil left in wake of new water pipe across Heath to school. Concerns about sinkage. Following a letter from Chris to Atkins Global he was informed it was Anglian Water who did not fill the hole. He has sent them an email. We are awaiting a reply from them.	LW
	b) Armoury Road – clearing of rubbish etc has been completed here.
	c) Hedge cutting at Chapel Road substation has been carried out. The cutting back required for laurel hedging along Colchester Road opposite village sign and roundabout is awaited. Laura will monitor this situation.	LW
	d) A litter pick was carried out as “litter Warriors”, organised by Laura, on 6th February. Not many volunteers but a deal of litter was cleared. Other areas identified as a problem. The next date for “Litter Warriors” is on Saturday 5th March- volunteers required.	LW
	e) Queen’s Road pond – litter here needs clearing. The Duck house has moved from its mooring and will need attention in the future. Also area around bus stop by Methodist Church needs to be kept under observation.
	f) Overgrown hedges on Chitts Hill have been cut back by landowner. Litter picking here is required. Handyman could do this.	JGR & DH
	g) Land off Armoury Road, back of the Maltings, has been cleared by agents of the land and much litter was left behind. Laura contacted the agents and is awaiting to hear if this has been cleared.	LW
2	Matters arising from last minutes
	a) Considerate Parking Scheme – Harry, John and Rosemary observed the parking situation round the school last Wednesday and made a list of 12 offenders for inconsiderate (illegal) parking. We hope this is having an effect and will repeat the exercise after half term.	HS
	b) Traffic Safety Plan – awaiting 20mph signs.	HS
	c) Plinth for Beacon – to be installed when weather permits.	IB
	d) Lower end of Lorkin Daniell has been cleared of shrubbery – 2 Trees still require attention.
	e) Wheelie bin – to contact Marcus re progress	MH, JC
3	Allotments
	Report from Harry – invoices for rents to be sent out to plot holders.
4	Handyman work
	David has been carrying out general work schedule. Will clear Chitts Hill area. Footway along Colchester Road near car sales site needs attention. Interviews have been carried out for second handyman. Selection process completed. Laura to deal with paperwork required for successful candidate.
5	Storage of gardening equipment
	John will discuss with Planning Committee the possibility of putting up a storage facility near the entrance to Orpen Hall.	JGR
6	Purchase of vehicle
	The purchase of a vehicle has been completed. The MOT will be due in July this year. A policy needs to be written for information for all users	JGR
7	AOB
	a) Repair of lawnmower is needed. Proposed cost is £180. This is an essential piece of equipment. Members of this sub-committee agreed the expense.	JGR
	b) Purchase of a ride-on mower to be considered in the future
	c) Fallen Tree lying over Hall Road pond needs attention. John to discuss with Handyman.	JGR
	d) Queen’s Birthday – plan to use beacon again – will need moving to LD field. Laura to register the beacon. Possibility of a firework display.	LW
	Date of next meeting – Thursday 10th March 2016 at 5pm in JL Hall.

March 1, 2016

Litter Warriors “Clean for the Queen”

The West Bergholt Litter Warriors next outing to clean up our streets takes place this Saturday, 5th March, meeting at 10am at the Orpen Hall. This is a ‘special’ event as part of the “Clean for the Queen” Spring Clean. Please join us litter-picking around the village, we do it once a month – it’s only an hour and can make such a difference. All equipment will be provided. There is an award scheme available for junior volunteers.

Clean for The Queen is a campaign to clear up Britain in time for Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday, which will be officially celebrated in June 2016.

When she came to the throne litter was not the problem that it is today. Food packaging, plastic bottles, takeaway meals and cigarette butts have all contributed to a growing menace that affects our wildlife, streets, countryside and sense of pride. What better way could we show our gratitude to Her Majesty than to clean up our country?

We are calling on individuals, volunteer groups, local councils, businesses and schools to do their bit. You can start now and also take part in our Clean for The Queen weekend on March 4th, 5th and 6th 2016. Please register your interest here and we will help you to Clean for The Queen.

Further dates

Saturday April 2nd
Saturday May 7th

Seen a Grot Spot that needs tidying? Let us know, on the Grot Spot Hotline below!

Many thanks
Laura & Rachel Walkingshaw

Call 07726 424419 or email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

Formal Agenda for Annual Village Meeting on 23rd March 2016

AGENDA

What You Say Matters – Make your point and ask questions.

Neighbourhood Plan Makes Progress

Download the entry form:

Goodbye Doctor Milne

Essex Seek Parish Safety Volunteers

Could you volunteer?

Essex Policing – The Way Ahead

Recycling & Waste Consultation

St Mary’s Notices – 7th March 2016

Christian Events in Colchester

Messy Church

Other Diary Dates

Women’s World Day of Prayer – Friday 4 March @ 4pm at St Mary’s

Sunday Bible Readings

Premises & Recreation Minutes

Sub-committee meeting held on Monday 1st February 2016 in the John Lampon Hall

2.

Matters from Last Meeting

3.

Clerks & Administrator’s Report

4.

Cleaning

5.

West Bergholt Football Club – grass cutting Lorkin Daniell Field

6.

Bergholt Heath Youth Football Club – Saturday morning training proposal

7.

Refurbishment of Orpen Hall Toilets

8.

Storage Units

9.

Terms of Reference

10.

Budget for next year

11.

AOB

12.

Date of next meeting

Environment & Highways Report

Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 11th February 2016 in Main Hall

1

Clerks Report

2

Matters arising from last minutes

3

Allotments

4

Handyman work

5

Storage of gardening equipment

6

Purchase of vehicle

7

AOB

Date of next meeting – Thursday 10th March 2016 at 5pm in JL Hall.

Litter Warriors “Clean for the Queen”

Clean for The Queen is a campaign to clear up Britain in time for Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday, which will be officially celebrated in June 2016.

Further dates