Householders and businesses are being advised by Essex County Council Trading Standards against using cowboy builders or rogue traders if their properties have been damaged by the recent storms and high winds.
Legitimate builders, plumbers, carpenters and other craftsmen will be working at full stretch and Trading Standards is concerned that dishonest traders will take advantage of the situation to rip off vulnerable residents.
Traders who knock on your door or leaflet you may provide you with a false address or a pay as you go mobile number which cannot be traced.
Trading Standards advise people to speak to their insurance companies before engaging anyone to carry out repair work and to approach businesses approved by the insurers.
In the case of flood damage, electricity and gas companies may be able to make free inspections and advise on safety work.
If your house or property has been damaged by the recent storm, the last thing you need is a rogue trader adding to the problem. We would recommend using one of our Buy with Confidence traders, who have been audited and approved by Trading Standards.
You can find a Buy with Confidence trader or obtain advice and guidance on any consumer issue by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506, who handle calls for Trading Standards or look on www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.
We would also urge residents to ensure that family, friends and neighbours are not ripped off by rogue or doorstep traders.
We are holding our special “Christmas Coffee Morning” on Saturday November 28th from 10.00 to 12.00 in the Church Hall, Chapel Lane. Entrance is free and all are welcome. Coffee, tea, biscuits and mince pies will be available. There will be a variety of stalls including Home made cakes and preserves, books, jigsaws, cards and Christmas wrap, bric a brac, mystery parcels and novelty gifts.
Will you meet Mary and Joseph on their journey this year?
The churches in West Bergholt and Great Horkesley, as part of their Christmas preparations, are supporting Mary and Joseph on their journey around the villages.
They will be visiting the various West Bergholt Guide, Brownies, Cubs, Beavers and Rainbow packs in the lead up to the Gift and Parade service with the Uniformed organisations on Sunday 6th December at 11.00am. This will take place in the West Bergholt Methodist Church, Chapel Road and all are welcome to come to this celebration service.
Mary and Joseph will also be visiting other groups/organisations that are happy to offer them hospitality. Their itinerary is still being finalised but it is already known that among others they will be visiting:-
Bluebell pre-school
Christmas tree festival at Great Horkesley
St Marys for young people’s activities
This custom of the figures of Mary and Joseph going on a journey in the local community stems from Mexico where it is known as ‘Posada’. As we welcome the figures of Mary and Joseph we are encouraged to remember those who are homeless and outcast today and to reflect on how we might offer hospitality to others this Christmas. These figures of Mary and Joseph are travelling around West Bergholt and Great Horkesley to remind us of that first Christmas journey to Bethlehem. When they arrived no room could be found for them, except in a stable, but hopefully this year they will receive a warm welcome in the groups that they visit and there will be places for them to stay. They are keeping a diary of their travels which will be available at West Bergholt Methodist Church from their Candlelight Carol service at 6.30pm on 20th December onwards. All are welcome to join us on December 20th at West Bergholt Methodist Church, Chapel Road.
If your group is interested in having a visit from Mary and Joseph and would like to welcome them please contact Andrew Wilks to arrange this (01206 242511; [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”]).
Candlelit Carol Service
On Sunday December 20th there will be a Candlelight Carol service in the Methodist Church at 6.30pm. There will not be a service at 11.00am or 3.00pm.
Thank you to everyone who filled or contributed to a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child. Maree Foster and I delivered 34 boxes to the drop off point earlier this week!
Visit by Lydia & Jon Smith
It was wonderful to have Lydia leading our Communion service this morning. Many thanks to Kate, Hayley, Dorothy, Richard , Pat & Roy for putting on a delicious lunch (apologies if I have inadvertently left anyone out!).
Christmas Choir Rehearsals
The next rehearsals are on 22 November @ 10.45pm & 29 November @ 10am. All new singers welcome!
Christmas Tree Festival, All Saints, Great Horkesley Sat 28 & Sun 29 Nov
Great Horkesley will be holding their Christmas Tree Festival over the weekend of 28 & 29 November at All Saints church. The church will be open to visit the displays on Sat 11am – 4pm and Sun 1pm – 4pm. All Saints will also be hosting our 5th Sunday united service at 11.15am on Sun 29th November.
Christmas Tree Festival, St Mary’s West Bergholt – 11th 12th December
The pupils from Heathlands School will be decorating Christmas trees with gifts for the night shelter and the trees will be on display in the church between 3pm-4pm on Friday 11 December, and again on Saturday 12 December (times to be confirmed).
Upcoming Events
Thurs 19 Nov – 9am Coffee morning
Thurs 19 Nov – 10am Rachel’s Home Group
Thurs 19 Nov – 2.30pm 5Ts
Sun 22 Nov – 9.30am Morning Worship
Sun 22 Nov – 3.30pm Confirmation Service @ Chelmsford Cathedral
Tues 24 Nov – 8pm Michael’s Home Group at Dorothy & Richard’s House
Thurs 26 Nov – 9am Coffee morning
Sun 29 Nov – 11.15am Joint service at All Saints Church, Great Horkesley
Services in Great Horkesley & Langham with Boxted
Sun 22 Nov – 8am BCP Communion, All Saints, Great Horkesley; 9.30am Communion, St Peter’s, Boxted
Sun 29 Nov – 9.30am Communion, St Mary’s, Langham
Sunday Bible Readings
Sun 22 Nov – John 18:33-37 – Pilate asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews
Sun 29 Nov – Mark 13:24-37 – Signs of the end of the age
Diary Dates
Fri 11 Dec – 7.45pm Wired Christmas Party
Sun 13 Dec – 9.30am Messy Church
Sun 20 Dec – 2.30pm Carol Service at the Old Church
Christmas Eve – 3pm Crib Service; 6.45pm Carol Service; 11.30pm Midnight Communion at All Saints, Great Horkesley
The Premises & Recreation Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 21st October when they discussed a range of issues affecting Orpen Hall & playing fields such as Football Clubs, Play Equipment, Cleaning, H&S, Scouts, Personal Trainer, Orpen Players & Green’s Fish Bar.
Premises & Recreation Report
Sub-committee meeting held on Wednesday 21st October 2015 at the Orpen Hall
Councillors present
Rosemary James, Jenny Church, Bob Tyrrell, Brian Butcher, Murray Harlow, Chris Stevenson
Apologies
No Apologies
Victoria Beckwith-Cole (Hall Administrator), Laura Walkingshaw (Parish Clerk), Phil Spencer in attendance, also Michael Bell and Terry Farrow from West Bergholt Football Club.
1.
Election of New Chair & Vice Chair
Brian Butcher was proposed by Murray Harlow, Rosemary James seconded. All in favour.
Brian Butcher elected new Chair of Premises Sub-Committee.
Murray Harlow proposed as Vice chair by Brian Butcher, Rosemary James seconded. All in favour.
Murray Harlow elected new Vice chair of Premises Sub-Committee.
2a.
West Bergholt Football Club – grass cutting Lorkin Daniell Field
Minute Reference: Item 3 Sept 15. It was agreed, in principle, with the Football Club to pay £40 per month to them for cutting the Lorkin Daniel Field. The areas have also been agreed with WBFC. The agreement awaits signing by both parties, with attached plan.
BB, LW (& WBFC)
2b.
West Bergholt Football Club – development at 45-47 Lexden Road
The Football Club raised concerns about footballs entering the new development currently under construction in Lexden Road. They have added a comment on the CBC Planning website, but feel a mesh net may be needed in the future to stop wayward balls. BB needs more advice, but advised WBFC to deal directly with Glenmore Developments in the first instance and to copy the Parish Clerk into the response, before he sought such.
BB
(& WBFC)
3.
Bergholt Heath Youth Football Club – Saturday morning training proposal
BHYFC have submitted a proposal for Saturday morning training on the Lorkin Daniell Field. WBFC felt there is little time/room on the field prior to a match, although there is the oblong along the side of the pitch. BB, having just seen the proposal, felt it was too early to make a decision and needed some time to consider it, before then feeding back.
BB
4.
Dado Rail in John Lampon Hall
Minute Reference: Item 1 Sept 15. Ivor Beckwith-Cole has rounded off the corners of the dado rail as part of the original specification. Item is therefore now closed.
5.
Play Equipment
Minute Reference: Item 2 Sept 15. Third toddler swing now installed by Ivor B-C. H/S inspector commented on problems with the black safety sufacing previously installed by Playequip under the climbing frame & roundabout. An email regarding the subsequent meeting with Playequip & Phil Walby has been forwarded by Phil, stating that they will take responsibility & rectify some parts of the splitting surface in December, but others will need Ivor B-C to complete the work. This now comes under the Environment Sub-committee’s Terms of Reference and the email has been forwarded to the Chair, John Gili-Ross. CS asked that JG-R see the matter through to its conclusion, although help is available from the Premises committee if required.
JG-R
6.
Orpen Hall Signage
Minute Reference: Item 4 Sept 15. BT to submit quote.
BT
7.
Cleaning
Minute Reference: Item 5 Sept 15. Mike’s Cleaning was given 3 months’ notice on 24/09/15, he instead chose to stop cleaning the halls at the end of September. The Premises committee thanked both the Hall Administrator and the Parish Clerk for stepping into clean at such short notice and will reimburse them with overtime payments to cover the cost. The committee also thanked the Hall Administrator for finding a replacement cleaner so promptly. Zoe’s Cleaning Services began on Mon 5th October. The PC has received two references, insurance details and have had positive comments from regular users so far. Clerk to send Cleaning Schedule and previous Cleaning Agreement to BB to review. Committee agreed to give Zoe a three month contract at present. VB-C to put into writing the difficulty of seeking quotes & the abrupt loss of Mike’s Cleaning. BB & the Clerk to update the current contract to include the need to seek quotes on an annual basis.
LW
VB-C
BB
8.
Health and Safety
Minute Reference: Item 6 Sept 15. BB has emailed around his questionnaire to BT, AS & CS and awaits a response.
BT, AS & CS
9.
Vicky Beckwith-Cole
It was agreed that the Hall Administrator should be invited to all Premises Committee meetings from now on. It was also agreed that VB-C will produce an agenda and take the minutes at future meetings.
10.
Mowing of Scout Hut Grass
An email has been received from David Kay of the Scouts requesting grass & hedge trimming around the Scout Hut. The committee agreed to request that the Handyman/Ivor B-C be instructed by RJ, in JG-R’s absence, to cut the grass and hedges.
RJ
11.
Terms of Reference
JG-R and PW had agreed to re-balance some of the Terms of Reference covered by the Premises and Environment sub-committees. BB requested that the Clerk highlight the changes that have been suggested so he can make an informed decision.
LW
12.
Budget for next year
The committee agreed to invite the Responsible Finance Officer AS to next month’s meeting to discuss the budget.
13.
AOB
a)
Documents
BB requested the following documents from the Clerk/Hall Administrator:
Hall Insurance inc. Public Liability
Health & Safety Plan
Risk Assessments
Asbestos Management Plan
LW
VB-C
b)
Fire Extinguisher Check
VB-C reported that the Fire Extinguisher Check had been carried out, all fine, just a couple of small purchases needed.
c)
Indian Ceremony
VB-C had a request for an external fire pit to be used during an Indian Ceremony. The committee agreed it couldn’t see a problem, although stipulated a fire extinguisher be on hand during the ceremony and that such should be isolated from the car park so as to prevent damage. VB-C will relay this to the users.
VB-C
d)
Trainer
A personal trainer has applied to use the Lorkin Daniell Field for boot camp training of parents & toddlers several mornings a week during term time. The committee agreed to charge £10 an hour, although have requested insurance documents and certificates of qualifications first. The committee were concerned with CRB implications and requested the Clerk seek advice from the EALC.
LW
e)
New tap
The Hall Administrator requested a new tap in the John Lampon Hall toilet. The committee agreed to go ahead with the purchase.
VB-C
f)
Safe
The Hall Administrator asked to move the safe which holds the remote controls & microphone, as it sits over a radiator. The committee agreed VB-C can reposition it wherever she thinks is fitting.
VB-C
g)
Boiler
The hall has two domestic boilers used for heating and hot water, one of which was replaced last year. The second boiler is now playing up and frequently emitting an error code. VB-C to send to BB the details of the current boiler and to look further into replacement. VB-C to seek advice from manufacturer as to local repairer.
VB-C
h)
Firework Display – Sat Nov 7th
VB-C informed the committee that there is both a football match in the afternoon and a party booked into the hall that evening, therefore rendering the car park useless as overflow parking for Heathlands Firework Display. The Clerk has informed the firework committee already, however the Premises committee agreed the car park needed to be coned off, with signs noting “parking for football & party goers only”. VB-C and the Clerk to create the signage.
VB-C
LW
i)
Orpen Players
VB-C informed the committee that the Orpen Players have asked for a reduction in their bill, due to the cancellation of their latest production. The committee agreed to reduce the Players Panto bill by £200.
VB-C
j)
Smell in Orpen Hall Ladies Toilet
VB-C reported a smell in the ladies toilet in the Orpen Hall. The handyman was called and carried out an emergency repair, sealing between the pan and the floor. The smell has now gone and will hopefully no longer be an issue once new toilets are installed with possible CIF funding.
k)
Green’s Fish Bar
The Clerk informed the committee that Green’s Fish Bar have now paid their first month’s rent for use of a parking space at the Orpen Hall. It was agreed not to chase him for the electricity charges as that would result in him using his own generator and thereby disturbing nearby properties.
l)
Hall Administrator’s Holiday
The committee were informed that the Hall Administrator will be on holiday between the 15/11/15 – 29/11/15. The Clerk will be covering her duties and will therefore take the minutes of the next Premises meeting.
LW
Date of next meeting – 18th November 2015 at 6.15p.m.in JLH
The Environment & Highways Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 8th October 2015 when they discussed a range of issues including handymen, traffic safety, beacon, playgrounds, grass & hedge cutting, litter, pond clearing, allotments & budget.
Environment & Highways Report
Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 8th October 2015 in Main Hall
Councillors present
John Gili Ross, Harry Stone, Jenny Church, Murray Harlow
Apologies
Rosemary James
In attendance:- Phil Cook, Phil Spencer, David Short.
1
Welcome
John welcomed all to the meeting.
2
Matters arising from last meeting
a) Traffic Safety Plan – awaiting resurfacing of New Church Road and Chapel Road prior to yellow lines being reinstated. 20mph signs will be needed in New Church Road and School Road. Harry and Chris Stevenson met with Jeremy Hallam, school head teacher, to discuss parking problems by parents and other ways in which the school could assist in road safety for the school children.
HS
b) Plaque for beacon – this is now in situ. Plinth for beacon to be built by Ivor.
JGR
c) St Mary’s Church – work on French drain has been completed by Ivor.
3
Terms of reference
The Environment sub-committee is mainly responsible for maintenance activities in the village. A new list of terms of reference was proposed and agreed by this committee. This to go to the Finance and General Purposes Committee to be ratified.
LW Agenda item
4
Handyman work schedule
John has discussed the work schedule with David and Ivor. The schedule has been agreed at this committee.
JGR
Proposed that David Hewitt should now be given a contract. Agreed by this committee.
Also proposed that the hourly rate for David and Ivor should be the same, agreed by this committee.
Proposed to take on another handyman on a temporary contract for 8 hours work. Agreed by this committee.
LW
These items to go to the Finance and General Purposes committee.
Agenda Items
It was suggested by Phil Cook that the Co Op could be approached to see if they could offer to help in certain village projects/activities.
5
Grass cutting and Hedge cutting
Quotes for grass cutting and hedge cutting of LD Field Heath, Poors land and Allotments are being sought. CBC needs to be contacted to book a sweeper to clear footways following hedge cutting.
JGR & MH & LW
The budget is for £750. All this work is necessary.
This needs to go to the Finance and General purposes committee.
Agenda item
6
Litter by Practice goal area.
This continues to be a problem.
It was proposed to purchase a wheelie bin to place in the area to encourage clearing of litter. This bin could also be used for other litter picking by handyman.
JC
The goal post has been damaged and will need repairing.
JGR
5
Pond Clearing
The Colchester Volunteers have assessed the needs and will spend 2 days clearing part of Hall Road Pond, 1 day clearing edges and trimming back trees at Queens Road pond and during that time spend 2 hours cutting back shrubbery at Lexden Road pond. The total charge for this will be £600. We will need to organise and pay for all the trimmings to be removed. This usually costs £100 for each load to be removed. This will need to be organised.
JC
6
Allotments
Harry reported from the Allotment Committee. They are considering ways to charge more fairly for the rents.
HS
7
Playground equipment
The play area has been assessed for meeting Health and Safety requirements and the resulting areas that need repairs will be carried out by Ivor and David. Ivor will add a third cradle swing when parts are delivered.
JGR
8
Budget for next year
John had sent out proposed budgets which were agreed by this committee in general, but some elements still need clarity. Comments to be fed back by the end of October ready for the figures to be sent to the Finance and General Purposes Committee for consideration in November.
JGR
Date of next meeting – Thursday 12th November 2015 at 5pm in JL Hall.
The Bergholt Youth Group AGM takes place next Thursday, 12th November, at the Church Hall in New Church Road. The meeting starts at 7:30pm and all members and parents are invited to attend.
AGENDA
Apologies for absence.
Minutes of last AGM 20th November 2014.
Matters arising.
Election of Officers for forthcoming year.
Club Leader.
Chairman.
Secretary.
Treasurer.
Membership Secretary.
Child Welfare Officer.
Confirmation of Management Committee.
Confirmation of Youth Committee.
Treasurer’s Report.
Membership Secretary’s Report.
Review of Club events November 2014 to October 2015.
Chairman’s and Secretary’s notes.
Future Events.
A.O.B.
Date, time and place of next management committee meeting.
The village saw no reported crimes in September or October so either everything has been super-safe or crime isn’t getting reported. For a complete crime picture, please visit http://www.police.uk/ however, please be aware the information on this website is always three months behind.
The police have, nevertheless, been providing advice and information including the news that the Police & Crime Commissioner, Nick Alston, will be holding a public meeting in Colchester on 3rd December to which you are all invited or, if you would like to speak to him privately, he will be holding a surgery before the meeting. There is also advice about vehicle and home security posted below.
Information Releases
Nick Alston CBE, PCC for Essex
Nick Alston’s Surgery & Public Meeting
Your Police & Crime Commissioner is responsible for holding the police service in Essex to account on your behalf. Nick Alston wants to hear about the policing, crime and community safety issues affecting you. To make sure your voice is heard, come and speak with him at the Colchester Public Meting on 3rd December between 6:30-8:30 pm at:
The Essex Business School,
North Towers,
University of Essex,
Wivenhoe Park,
CM4 3SQ
Surgery
PCC surgeries will directly precede the PCC’s district public meetings. They are a chance for members of the community, particularly those who may not be comfortable speaking in a public forum to raise issues, ideas and concerns with the PCC directly, and in a private setting. All surgeries must be booked in advance and are given by appointment only. Please book early to avoid disappointment.
The COLCHESTER PCC surgeries will take place on Thursday 3rd December 2015, at the Essex Business School, North Towers, Essex University, Wivenhoe Park, CO4 3SQ. To book an appointment to attend a surgery near you please send an email to [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”] or use the online booking form at www.essex.pcc.police.uk/pcc-surgeries/ Please put the word SURGERY REQUEST in the subject line of your email. Alternatively you can ring the PCC office to book an appointment on 01245 291 600.
Gaping Home Security Hole
This is based on Neighbourhood Watch Research:
The average Briton moves home eight times in their lifetime,
11% of the UK population moves home every year,
92% of domestic burglary in England and Wales is committed through either the front or back door,
But two thirds of Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network (NHWN) members do not change their locks when they move.
How many people could have a key to your new front door?”
Jim Maddan, chairman, NHWN
Research undertaken by Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network (NHWN) has highlighted a gaping home security hole amongst its members – a problem the nationwide organisation says will be exacerbated amongst the general public. Working alongside its primary security sponsor, Avocet Hardware, NHWN’s research found that two thirds of the 6,000 respondents do not change their locks when they move home. And of those two thirds, 86.2% don’t even consider it.
Jim Maddan, chairman of NHWN, said:
These figures alone may not seem that surprising, but when you consider that around 11% of the population moves home in the UK every year; and that the average Briton moves eight times in their lifetime; then it begs the question just how many people could have a key to your new front door?
And when you take into account the most recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) crime survey showed that 92% of all domestic burglary in a dwelling in England and Wales was committed through either the front or back door, then it’s obvious that everything possible should be being done to secure them.
The security lapse highlighted by the research not only means that two-thirds of NHWN’s members are putting themselves and their possessions in unnecessary danger when they move, but they are also running the very real risk of having their home insurance negated should a burglar simply unlock their front door and let themselves in.
Clive Lloyd, managing director of Avocet Hardware, said:
Whenever I move home I make sure I change my locks as quickly as possible – the reason being the sheer number of people who’ve had access to my door keys in previous homes.
Whether it’s friends or neighbours we’ve given spare keys to while we’re away on holiday; workmen we’ve left a key out for; or even our grown-up children who still have their own sets of keys; there’s no escaping the fact a lot of people could still have the key to my old front door when I move. Therefore, I assume everyone else is in exactly the same boat and so change my locks as soon as I move.
Close to 40% of those who told NHWN that they do change their locks when they move did so for the same reason as Clive, while a further 25% made the decision based on the fact they felt the locks looked inadequate.
Meanwhile, only 6.9% of people changed locks in order to upgrade to anti-snap locks – an extraordinarily low figure when you consider that over half of those polled had uPVC doors, the standard locks for which led to the development of lock-snapping as a means of forced entry in the first place.
Doors are very much the main entry point for burglars and this research shows that a large percentage of the population isn’t even doing the basics to protect themselves, (continued Jim Maddan).
Our advice is simple – change your locks as soon as you move and rule out at least one horribly easy route into your home.
It is important to note, when changing locks, that you replace a lock on a security tested door with an identical lock so that you do not invalidate the test that the door was subjected to. New lock cylinders need to be of TS007 3-star or SS 312 standard.
Theft from Motor Vehicles
Cars and vans are frequently broken into, a lot of these are from vehicles shown as being insecure vehicles, and these are preventable by just locking them. Below are some tips that may prevent you from becoming a victim:
You might also like to register your property on www.immobilise.com this is completely free service. Please visit the website for more information.
DON’T tempt thieves by leaving any items on display.
DO CLEAN THE SAT NAV RING off the windscreen.
DO TURN BLUETOOTH OFF anything left in the car – it can be detected when on.
DO lock your vehicle at all times, even when parked on your driveway or when carrying out any work.
DO consider fitting additional locks on van doors
DO PARK REAR DOORS ON VANS up against garage doors or other to prevent access.
DO NOT just press the button on your fob to lock it – Look at your car to see the lights flash etc to confirm locking; someone may be nearby with a “remote blocker” and stop your car from locking.
If you don’t have an alarm, consider getting one fitted.
DO try to park in a secure, well lit area were possible
If using a public car park – Try to use a “Parkmark” approved car park www.parkmark.co.uk
The following items are of particular interest to a thief so should never be left in your vehicle:
Satellite navigation
MP3 systems
Mobile phones
Laptops
Wallets/ purses/ credit and debit cards
Cash/ cheque book
Electrical items
Jewellery
Power tools and work equipment
Vehicle registration documents
Empty your car before someone else does.
Keep your home secure as the darker nights draw in.
Secure your home and remain vigilant
Winter officially began on Sunday 27 October when the clocks went back an hour, so now is the perfect time to check your house is not vulnerable to opportunist thieves. You can find information regarding home security on the Essex Police website – http://www.essex.police.uk/be_safe/burglary.aspx
If you work full time and usually leave and return from work in the dark, then please take on board the advice. If no lights are on in your home, curtains are not drawn, and no cars on the drive, it’s an obvious sign to an opportunist burglar that no-one is in. At this time of the year more than any other it pays to secure your home.
There are a number of simple things which you could take on board, to help reduce incidents of crime.
Purchase a 24 hour segment timer for under £5. The timer can be used with a lamp, radio or TV to give the impression that someone’s home. Remember to use an energy efficient light bulb. Set them to come on from 16:00
Register your valuables on immobilise.com – This is a free service and takes just a few minutes and if your valuables are stolen, will allow you to tell the police and your insurer to assist in recovering your property and catch the thief.
Keep valuables out of sight.
Look your doors and windows, if you have a UPVC door make sure you have double locked it.
Draw curtains and blinds at night
Shut and lock your side gates
Ensure bins and ladders are chained securely so they can’t be used for access.
For further crime reduction advice contact the Crime Prevention Tactical Adviser on 101.
If you hear or see anything suspicious please call Essex Police on 101 or 999 is you believe a crime is being committed.
Local landscapers, Oak View, have recently learnt that they have received this year’s BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries) Award in the category for collaboration between designer and builder. Jason Lock, the designer, said:
We are absolutely delighted to win this award. We worked very closely with our client and contractor to achieve a truly stunning garden and it’s great to receive industry-recognition for all the hard work.
Giffords Farm is a Grade 2 listed farmhouse in Tindon End, Great Sampford, dating back to 1626. The property has a wealth of original architectural features and the owners wanted a new design for the front garden in a style that reflected the historic period of the house.
The new garden has new herbaceous borders to give year-round colour and interest and the existing pond was redeveloped to make it a more prominent feature. It has lawns and a paved terrace for summer entertaining.
Work started in May 2013 and involved extensive site clearance, pond excavation and construction. The owners said they were delighted with the completed garden and decided to put it forward for an award to celebrate what had been achieved by the two companies.
This will be the 4th BALI award Oak View have won since becoming full members in 2006.
Were you put off at school but wonder if you could still manage to speak French, wanting to go to France and not need to keep referring to a phrase book (or Google translate), perhaps you want to do business with a French company or just want to see if you can – well local resident Rachel Brown is starting up French for Fun language classes for adults in January so you can now put a date in your diary.
Rachel fell in love with French aged 11 and is passionate about the language. She took a degree in French and Business and has had a 30 year international banking career working with businesses of all types in the UK, France and Belgium.
She promises that the classes will be fun and informal with no homework or exams, but still structured to make sure progress is made, using tried and tested “Language for Fun” methods and materials. Classes will be for all levels according to demand – beginners, improvers, intermediate and advanced. To start with, she will probably only be offering beginners and improvers but this could change subject to demand.
Starting on 20th January (until 26th March), classes will run every Wednesday in terms/blocks of 10 weeks (roughly in line with the school year), provisionally (depending on demand) they will be:
7pm-8pm Beginners French – suitable for complete beginners.
8.15pm-9.15pm Improvers French – suitable for those who have done some French in the past but feel a bit rusty.
Further classes will be added in due course for other levels.
The classes, which will cost £120 per person per term (including all materials & refreshments) will be held at 23 Lexden Road where there is ample off- and on-road parking available.
Free Launch Event
To find out more you can attend Rachel’s Free Launch Event on Wednesday 6 January 2016 – 7pm-9pm at St Mary’s Church Hall, New Church Road, West Bergholt – come along for wine, soft drinks and nibbles and find out more about our stress free, fun French language classes for adults. Or, if you can’t wait, call her on 01206 241555 or 07772918097, contact by email, [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”] or visit the Language for Fun website.
Steve Hallam reports on the Autumn Fruits walk around Hillhouse Wood and the surrounding area on the 18th October 2015:
In mid-October I led the third of our Autumn Fruits walks. These walks focus on berries and nuts, but also cover whatever else we find along the way. Thirteen people came on the walk this year, which was pleasing bearing in mind the uninviting weather at the time.
It might reasonably be thought that, as this walk is primarily plant based, the same things would be seen each year. Indeed this is what I had anticipated. However it transpires that nature and predictability are not natural ‘fellow travellers’. This year this worked slightly to our disadvantage, as several finds in 2014 were absent this time. Chief among these was a spectacular display of wild hops, of which there was now no sign at all. White bryony was another fruit that could not be found. In general the numbers of berries were lower than in the two previous years. The haws and hips were relatively thin in the hedgerows, as were the delicate Spindle tree berries. The black berries of the Dogwood were nearly completely absent; in fact it was only through diligent searching by party members that a few were found.
Despite these absences, the area in and around Hillhouse Wood is so productive that we still ran out of time before we had stopped to see and talk about all the berries, nuts and flowers that are visible at this time of year. The walk pays most attention to aspects of the countryside such as the ways in which plants were once used by people, how they can indicate the line of historic boundaries, the mythological beliefs that were associated with certain plants, and the tricks they use to survive. Flowers such as the humble and unspectacular looking Yarrow or St. John’s Wort were once important to previous generations, used to cure ailments and protect crops from disease. Our two Guelder rose shrubs put on their normal spectacular display, while the Ivy berries were maturing in their normal abundance. Of the two, the latter were of much greater use to people, and have more interesting stories to tell. One of its uses was to protect households from malicious goblins, especially at Christmas time.
Blackberries have been abundant this year, although largely over by now. We were also able to find Woody nightshade and the related Black nightshade, the former a climber but the latter an upright herbaceous plant of disturbed ground. Two strands of Black bryony were found, the only member of the Yam family to grow in Britain. A few Holly berries were tucked away, and one Honeysuckle plant which was simultaneously showing berries and flowers. In the wood the Sweet chestnuts had produced their normal heavy crop of well protected nuts.
So, all in all, we had a very successful walk which I trust everyone enjoyed.
The churches in West Bergholt and Great Horkesley, as part of their Christmas preparations, are supporting Mary and Joseph on their journey around the villages.
