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BYG Needs You!

BYG Needs YouBYG Needs You!

BYG has been running for over 7 years now, growing in popularity during this time. There are currently over 100 registered members in school years 6 to 10 with each Club evening being attended by between 60 and 70 children.

Although the volunteer list has seen many people come and go over the years, it is the same core of adults that still make up both the Club evening “crew” and the management committee. However after 8 years many of this original group are now looking to step aside.

In addition to the adults, most of the Youth crew, who have come up through the membership, are of a similar age.  Some have already been lost to University and over the next 18 months most of the remainder will also depart.

Without an injection of new volunteers – both adult and youth (school year 10 and above), BYG will not be viable and unfortunately will have to close its doors. It is, therefore, necessary to  start planning now.  By the end of this year a new core of volunteers needs to be in place

If you are interested in helping BYG in any way – ad-hoc or more formally by regular attendance at Club evenings or as a new management committee member – please contact Harry Stone on 01206 241026 or by email: [email protected].

 

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Better Internet in West Bergholt?

Better Internet in West Bergholt?

A Message from Chris Stevenson – Chair of the Parish Council

Chris Stevenson 2015For some time now people in the village have been enquiring about when we will receive Superfast Broadband Services (Internet).  As residents will know we already have access to this service via County Broadband, but we have asked to be considered for entry into Essex County Council’s Superfast Broadband programme & we await response to enquiries about progress.

Most recently a resident in the village made an enquiry to BT Openreach direct, and received a quotation to supply the village; some will have seen this reproduced on the Hub & Community Facebook pages, which received tens of comments as a result.  In order to shed some light on the matter, I have said, at the recent Annual Parish Meeting, that all the possible options need an airing so that people in the village can fully appreciate the situation.  In order to help do this a resident Aaron Williams has independently undertaken some research into our options and submitted his ideas to the Parish Council. He also attended the Annual Parish Meeting and gave a synopsis of this work.

The article below and the slideshow (download file) give an introduction to some options. Aaron will make a short presentation on this matter at the next Parish Council meeting (to which all are welcome).

Chris Stevenson

What we could do about this

Aaron Williams - keen to get faster Internet
Aaron Williams – keen to get faster Internet

Local villager, Aaron Williams is keen to get better internet in West Bergholt, so keen, in fact, that he is prepared to travel to Lancaster to find out how Rural Communities in the North of England got together to build their very own high speed fibre-to-the-door internet service.  The Broadband for the Rural North project (B4RN) now has over 800km of core network in Lancashire, North Yorks & Cumbria and offers fibre speeds of up to 1,000Mbps to every property in their area.

Obviously building your own network isn’t the only option for improving Broadband in West Bergholt and Aaron has written an informative presentation for those wanting to find out more about his researches on the subject.  He will be presenting this at the next Parish Council meeting on 27th April and all are, as with any Parish Council meeting, welcome to attend.  Other options include paying BT or working with existing altnets such as County Broadband.  You can download a copy of the presentation below.

B4RN are running a ‘Show-Tell’ day on Tuesday 26th April (9:00 – 16:30), which Aaron intends attending (leaving on 25th and staying overnight in the Carnforth area), and he would be happy to travel with any fellow villagers interested in seeing B4RN in action, as they say:

B4RN Emtelle Show Tell Day 9These now legendary events are an opportunity to meet up with like minded folk, to learn and share the knowledge of rural broadband deployment. These are great events for communities who want to learn how deploy a community based world class broadband network. They are free to attend thanks to our sponsors.

The date for the ninth Show-Tell day is set for the Tuesday 26th April 2016. These events have been extremely popular and have allowed valuable information to be shared. The day includes field visits to see various aspects of the B4RN community fibre broadband deployment.

The event, as before will be jointly hosted by B4RN and Emtelle in Lancaster and the surrounding B4RN area. The day will focus on sharing experiences and demonstrating installation techniques for rural fibre to the home/broadband initiatives.
Topics to be covered include:-

  • Customer Engagement
  • Product Selection
  • Network Planning
  • Content
  • Active Equipment
  • Hands on demonstrations
  • Field trip
  • Meeting volunteers

We hope you will be able to join us for a fully interactive day! It is advised that due to the locations visited on the field trip that delegates bring suitable clothing such as a raincoat and walking boots or wellies!

If interested, please register for attendance by emailing [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”], you will then be sent further details regarding the full agenda and location.

Aaron is happy to discuss any of this further if you have an interest and he can be contacted by email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”] or mobile, call 07910 007508; if you are interested in attending the Show-Tell day, you can also use these to contact Aaron and arrange to travel together.

Downloads

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The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration

Queen's 90th Birthday CelebrationThe Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration

On Thursday 21st April the Parish Council have organised an evening of festivities & fun at the Orpen Memorial Hall to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday.  Kicking off at 3:30pm with a birthday tea, the evening culminates in the lighting of the Queen’s Beacon and a Firework Display.

If the weather’s good why not bring your own Picnic Blanket & Deckchairs!  Red, White & Blue clothing is encouraged with a Prize for the Best Fancy Dress.

The full schedule is:

  • 15:30 – A Birthday Tea for Young & Old.
  • 17:00 – Balloon Race – whose will travel the furthest?
  • 17:30 – Live Music, Food, Drink, Inflatables (weather permitting), Photo Booth and Film Show.
  • 20:00 – Lighting of the Queen’s Beacon.
  • 20:15 – Firework finale.

Free of charge admission tickets for the birthday tea are available from Heathlands School, Bluebells Pre-School, the Co‑op & West Bergholt Pharmacy.  Please contact the Heathlands PTA directly for tickets for the Balloon Race.

For more details please contact the Parish Clerk on 07726 424419.

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Premises & Recreation – 7th March 2016

Premises & Recreation – 7th March 2016

The Premises & Recreation Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 7th March when, among other items, they discussed health & safety, bollards, licences, lighting, Poors Land, Orpen Hall toilets and Football Clubs.

Premises & Recreation Minutes

Monday 7 March 2016 at 7.30pm in the John Lampon Hall

Councillors present Murray Harlow (Vice chair), Harry Stone and Bob Tyrrell.
Also in attendance Laura Walkingshaw (Parish Clerk)

 

1.

Apologies
Brian Butcher, Jenny Church and Rosemary James

2.

Matters from Last Meeting

2.1

 

Orpen Hall Signage

This item is on hold at the moment and will be removed as an agenda item. Will re-visit later in the year.

2.2

 

Health and Safety Questionnaire – Asbestos Report/Fire Extinguish Training

The Clerk has found documents relating to asbestos in switch room, Health & Safety Fire Risk Assessments, Site Specific Risk Assessments and also a Building Survey from 1999. The Clerk has now provided these documents to BB. Await to hear from BB if sufficient.

The Hall Administrator has spoken to Bluebells and they felt a fire extinguisher handling session would benefit them. Dependant on costs there is the possibility of extending that training to the Parish Council and the heads of the various groups. VB-C to find out about costs.

The need for a clear Assembly Point was noted and a reminder needed to the various users to clarify that & general housekeeping rules prior to each event. BB & VBC to liaise to discuss.

 BB, VBC

3.

Clerks & Administrator’s Report

3.1

 

Scouts – Asbestos Survey

Clerk has contacted Scouts regarding a warning notice on the area of asbestos in the Scout Hut. The Scouts have a committee meeting the week beginning 7th March. Will await reply and report back to Premises sub-committee.

 LW

3.2

 

Bollards

Clerk still waiting to obtain copies of two left-hand bollard keys from WBFC, will hopefully pick up on Sat 12th March. Handyman has moved bicycle rack to make it more difficult to drive over the ramp onto field. Committee need to discuss MUGA bollards.

Committee agreed that the small space accessed past the MUGA bollards is not an imminent problem.

 LW

3.3

 

Draft T&C for one-off hirers

VBC to draft additional Terms and Conditions to one-off hirers to be signed on day of hire – to note their responsibility on the day. Item in progress.

 VB-C

3.4

 

Bar Licence & Music Licence

Clerk spoke to PRS for Music, licences are no longer issued, the only proof is the invoice & statement of payment.

Bar Licence –  Clerk has been approached by the Orpen Players concerned that the Social Club will no longer be keeping the Premises Licence for the entire building. LW to check with Social Club.

 LW

3.5

 

Lighting inside and out at Hall

Outside – flood lights fixed, waiting for starter motors on others.

Inside – Hall Administrator to check through internal lighting to ensure all bulbs working and all grills re-applied.

 VB-C

3.6

 

Car Parking

An email had been received from Andy Tomkins of the Pentecostal Church regarding parking on Sundays at the Hall. The Church has had difficulties finding free parking spaces of late, due to the number of Sunday matches played by WBFC. They requested that an area of the car park be cordoned off to allow five spaces to be reserved for them and ensure their children’s safety.

VB-C obtained a fixture list from WBFC, there are 11 matches a year played on Sundays from Sept – May, 3 matches left this season. It was noted that no part of the car park is cordoned off on Saturdays, when the Football Club also play and often coincides with parties occurring at 2 pm.

It was agreed by the committee that the Orpen Hall Car Park is a public car park and that the Hall does not have the staff available to approve this request. VB-C to reply to Andy Tomkins.

 VB-C

3.7

 

Tables

The Hall Administrator has found lately that both Halls are frequently booked at the same time and has suggested that each Hall should have their own set of tables. The committee were happy for her to obtain some quotes regarding this matter and then report back to them.

 VB-C

4.

Poor’s Land – Countrywide
This item was already agreed at the Parish Council meeting on 24th Feb and therefore did not need to be discussed.

5.

Bergholt Heath Youth Football Club
The committee agreed the wording on the draft T&C to BHYFC regarding the use of the Orpen Hall disabled toilet. However, following the response from BHYFC it is clear that the day needs to change to Sunday and the times from 9.30am-4.00pm. VB-C to make changes and go ahead with proposed T&C, which will be presented at the next Parish Council meeting. VB-C

Agenda Item
The committee discussed the viability of a lockable toilet being built on the Poors Land and the possibility of the PTA funding this. HS to liaise with the Headteacher, Mr Hallam when he next meets with him. HS

6.

Refurbishment of Orpen Hall Toilets
Esposito McLean have been appointed as designers for the Orpen Hall toilet refurbishment. BT & VB-C await to hear from him regarding timescale and access to the building for measuring up.

7.

Storage Units
The Environment sub-committee will be discussing this item on Thursday 10th March, it will then be brought back to this committee next month.

8.

AOB
No other items were raised. Meeting closed at 8.15pm

 

Date of next meeting – 4th April 2016 – 7.30pm John Lampon Hall
 

 

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Clubs – Volunteer Awards & Culture Grants

Clubs – Volunteer Awards & Culture Grants

Essex County Council recently issued news updates on two items that might be of interest to local clubs – time is running out though:

Stars-of-EssexWho are your star volunteers?

Tell us about a volunteer, business or charitable organisation that has made an impact on your community and improved the lives of others. This is your opportunity to show just how much you appreciate them.

The ‘Who Will Care?’ Awards is a county-wide volunteer awards for Essex. There are seven categories to choose from and nominations close on Friday 9 April.

  • Individual – adult (18+). Volunteer aged 18+ who has demonstrated outstanding commitment within their community. This may be something they have done independently or in connection with a charity/community group or employer.
  • Individual – young person (under 18) (Sponsored by Seetec). Volunteer aged under 18 who has demonstrated outstanding commitment within their community. This may be something they have done independently or in connection with a charity or community/youth/school group or employer.
  • Individual – overcoming adversity (Sponsored by Runwood Homes). A volunteer of any age who has continued to volunteer within their community (independently or with a charity or community group) while facing challenges in their own personal life.
  • Team Volunteer Award. A group of two or more volunteers of any age who have made an outstanding contribution to their community either independently or with a charity, community group or their employer.
  • Voluntary and Community Sector Award. Open to Charities and Community Groups who are able to demonstrate outstanding service delivery to support their community and/or service users.
  • Business Award (Sponsored by Edward Carter Solutions). Open to commercial organisations who have made an impact in their community
  • Innovation Award. Open to Social Enterprises, commercial organisations and individuals of any age who can demonstrate innovation in developing a service/project to support the community. 

Find out more and download application forms from the Castle Point AVS website.

Culture in Essex Small Grants

The Culture in Essex Small Grants Schemes are funded and run by Essex County Council, offering one-off project support to arts and culture projects within Essex.  Grants of between £250 – £2,500 are available for projects and up to £250 for personal development.

The deadline for 2016/17 is the 31st March 2016. Awards of up to £2,500 are offered to projects which meet the schemes criteria. Please ensure that you read the guidance notes before completing an application form. For more information please email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”].

 

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Roadworks in Lexden Road April 2016

Lexden Road closure Apr16Roadworks in Lexden Road

Between 11th & 14th April Lexden Road will be closed to through traffic from the junction with Sackville Way south for a relatively short distance whilst the National Grid carries out essential work to connect properties to the gas network.  The alternative route from 50 – 88 Lexden Road (& vice versa) will be via: Lexden Rd, New Church Road, Chapel Road and vice versa.  Access for emergency services and pedestrians will be maintained at all times.

To see more details for this closure, and to view other roadworks that might affect you, look on the roadworks website at https://roadworks.org/?tm=60252.  Apart from minor works installing signs in New Church Road later this week (23rd – 25th), the Roadworks site shows no other works are currently scheduled in the village for the next 3 months.

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Newsbites – Easter 2016 For Kids

Easter eggs

Easter EggsNewsbites – Easter 2016 For Kids

The following are a selection of activities, mostly for kids and young people, over the upcoming Easter holidays, enjoy!

Easter fun at Colchester Leisure World

Leisure World will be running a full programme of holiday activities including our popular Kids Camp and Base Camp during the Easter holidays.   There are extended opening hours for our Leisure Pool and extra Aquafun and Aquasplat sessions in the Fitness and Teaching pools.  With fun in the pools, sports, dance and arts and crafts Leisure World can help you keep boredom at bay. More information online.

Easter fun at High Woods

This Easter you can also join in an Egg-travaganser, search for fairies, build a bird box, learn how to survive in the forest and much more.

Fenwick Treasure coming to Colchester Castle!

Fenwick TreasureThe Fenwick Treasure is set to be unveiled to the public at Colchester Castle with an open event on Thursday 24th March 2016. Found underneath the Williams and Griffin store on High Street Colchester the hoard has been dubbed the Fenwick hoard.

The hoard includes: 2 pairs of gold earrings, 1 gold bracelet, 2 gold armlets, 5 gold finger-rings, 1 silver chain and loop, 1 copper-alloy bulla, 1 silver armlet, 2 silver cuff bracelets, 1 glass intaglio, a collection of Roman republican coins, and the remains of a silver pyxis (jewellery box).It is presumed that the hoard was buried during Boudica’s sacking of Colchester in AD 60. Further details on the hoard can be found to the right.

Visitors to the Castle will be able to view first hand a fascinating display of these captivating archaeological finds, which are of international significance. The objects and their stories really bring the vivid tale of the Boudican uprising to life. Find out more here: www.cimuseums.org.uk/fenwickhoard.

Eggs-ilerating fun at Sky Ropes this Easter

Great Notley Country Park’s Sky Ropes will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt over the upcoming Easter holidays between 25 March until 10 April.

Get the kids outdoors this Easter for less

Essex Outdoors is running a ‘five days for the price of four’ promotion over the Easter Holidays. The award-winning Activity Days offer children aged 8 to 16 years old a great way to keep active during the holidays.  The activity days cost £30 per child but as a special offer this Easter, Essex Outdoors is offering a fifth day free if four School Holiday Activity Days are booked.

Transport Fest

Museum of Power27th March at the  Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford nr Maldon CM9 6QA

Our special theme this year is ‘Retro Cars’ featuring all forms of 1950’s – 1990’s transport and classic vehicles. With live music, craft stalls 1950s -1990s transport displays, retro and vintage stalls, nostalgic live music, steam train rides, Steam Pump Tea Room and traditional Ice Cream Parlour.

Adult £6:00; Concessions £5:00; Children five to fifteen: £2:00; Children under five: Free.

  • Miniature steam train open for rides (extra charge applies)
  • Entry to Museum and ‘Astaria’ Model Village included.
  • Children’s Activities including Easter Egg Hunt
  • “Marshall” the Lilleshall pumping engine will be run by STEAM and other oil / diesel engines will be running.

More details at Museum of Power website.

British Science Week & Easter at the Museums

Join us for British Science Week at Hollytrees Museum as we celebrate all things clocks! Come along Saturday for activities from how to make electricity from fruit and veg to creating your own crafty clock face! Events are all FREE.

Looking for fun, engaging activities to inspire your family over Easter? Look no further than Colchester Museums. There’s so much to do, from an Eggstravaganza to animal activities, archery, dream catcher workshops and more!

girl-with-lindt-bunniesRHS Hyde Hall Easter Fun

Chicks, bunnies and ducklings, interactive story trails,  art and craft workshops and the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt are all part of the daily Easter activities happening on various dates between Sat 19 March and Sun 10 April at RHS Hyde Hall, Chelmsford CM3 8ET.

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Influence & Inform – Village Meeting 23rd March 2016

West Bergholt PC's Annual Report 2014

West Bergholt village signThe 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

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

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

Refreshments will be available.

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Neighbourhood Plan Makes Progress

NP Contents Page show how the group forges aheadNeighbourhood 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: