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October 2015 Crime Report

October 2015 Crime IncidentsEssex Police - Protecting & Serving Essex - December Crime report

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
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.

change door locksGaping 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.

Burglar
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.

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Landscape Award for Oak View

Oak View's award winning garden in Great Sampford
The Award Winning Garden

Landscape Award for Oak View

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.

To find out more about Oak View visit their website, to find out about other local businesses visit our Local Business page.

Acknowledgements to the Saffron Walden Reporter where this news was published earlier this week.

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French for Fun

French language for FunFrench for Fun

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.

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Autumn Fruits Report

Autumn Fruits Report

Steve Hallam reports on the Autumn Fruits walk around Hillhouse Wood and the surrounding area on the 18th October 2015:

Autumn Fruits 2015aAutumn Fruits 2015b

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.

Steve Hallam

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Autumn Fruits Walk 2015

Autumn Fruits Walk 2015

A report by Steve Hallam

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.

Nature predictable?

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 blackberries of the Dogwood were nearly completely absent; in fact, it was only through diligent searching by party members that a few were found.

Historic references

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.

Yams?

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.

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Halloween Half Term 2015

Halloween Half Term 2015

If you are looking for ideas of what to do with the kids, here are some events for the Halloween Half Term:

Haloween Half TermColchester Zoo

Fright Nights

For those that are brave enough to stay after dark, Colchester Zoo also is hosting a number of Fright nights with extended late night openings!  Dare you stay on into the evening and face the ghosts and ghouls that take over the zoo or step foot in the Haunted Church? With the return of the infamous Terror Train plus many more spine chilling events this really is your Best Nightmare!

Fright Nights take place on selected nights during the October half term (Saturday 24th October – Sunday 1st November), please check the website for exact dates for Fright Nights.  Please note that Tesco Deals Vouchers cannot be accepted as payment for Shriek Week, Fright Night or Magic of Christmas events.

Shriek Week

The darkness of ‘Shriek Week’ is set to return to Colchester Zoo…are you brave enough?! Why not join in and enjoy plenty of spook-tacular fun during October half term. Enjoy a number of spooky themed displays and activities throughout the day including The Haunted Mansion and Tales from the Crypt as well as riding along the Pumpkin Train Trail!

Please note that Tesco Deals Vouchers cannot be accepted as payment for Shriek Week, Fright Night or Magic of Christmas events.

Details correct at the time of going to press. Check out www.colchesterzoo.org for further information.

Light & Shades, Family Fun Day

Light and Shades, a spooky themed fun day for all the family on Saturday 31st October, 9am-9pm.

Plenty of hocus pocus will be cast upon the town centre – walk along the High Street without traffic, enjoy creepy craft workshops, ghoulish games, live music, zombie jugglers, steampunk magicians, spooky tours and storytelling. Oh, and watch out for the ghoulishly fun characters around the town centre. There will be plenty of food stalls to fill your appetite.

The spooky fun continues at Firstsite with a traditional ghost train – once on board, be prepared to be frightened with ghostly goings on. A mixture of giggles and screams guaranteed – you wouldn’t want to miss it!

Whatever you do, don’t leave too soon. As it gets dark, make your way to the High Street as Colchester Borough Council hosts fire juggling shows, light performers, live music and a light show on Colchester Town Hall from 5pm-9pm.

Please note that the High Street will be closed to traffic on Saturday 31st October from 8am-8pm.

Click here to download the Light and Shades Family Fun Day full programme.

Spectacular 3D Light Show

From 5.00pm you will see the Town Hall as you have never seen it before. A spectacular and unique fully projection mapped 3D light show – be amazed as you watch the building magically change before your eyes.

We don’t want to give too much away but the stories that will be showcased in the light show are the nursery rhymes Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Old King Cole, both with their roots firmly in the town.

The Town Hall will appear transformed with light, creating a new scene from the existing architecture that will immerse the audience into the nursery rhymes’ using forced perspective projection mapping techniques, live music and narration.

At one point the building’s façade will appear to be showered in falling stars as Jane Taylor, the author of Twinkle Twinkle looks up from an attic window in wonder as the building peels away revealing star fields and nebulas; in another scene, the historical building shall deconstruct and transform into King Cole’s castle.

The show will partly be narrated live by Anthony Roberts, Director of Firstsite and Colchester Arts Centre, and accompanied by live music from Colchester based band Fishclaw. Building to a climactic frenzy of audio and light.

First Site

Firstsite

Every Drawing Tells a Story

Come along to Firstsite during the half term for a whole mix of art and drawing to try with your families. Working with our fabulous artists you will join in with activities which link to this year’s theme for the national programme Every Drawing Tells a Story.

Firstsite has been involved in Big Draw for 15 years since it started way back in the year 2000.

We have twice received recognition as part of the national Drawing Inspiration Awards in 2012 winning one of the top three in the UK and in 2013 receiving Highly Commended for our Big Draw activities.

Monday 26th – Saturday 31st October,  11:00 to 13:00 & 14:00 to 16:00.  £2.50 per person.

Pumpkin Procession

Join lots of families and children for the first Colchester Pumpkin March through the town from Colchester Arts Centre to finish up at Firstsite for some fire spinning and music.

Saturday 31st October, 16:30 – 17:00.  Free entry.

Free Family Saturdays

An intriguing family art or cultural activity with a different theme each week all based on the exhibitions at Firstsite or specific to the season. It’s entirely free and you can stay for as little or as long as you like. Just drop in on the day.

Saturdays from 24th October, 11:00 – 13:00 & 14:00 – 16:00.  Free entry.

Find out more at www.firstsite.uk.net/page/3085/Whats-on.

Not Now, Bernard & Other Monster Stories @ Mercury Theatre

David McKee’s much-loved Not Now, Bernard is joined by two of his other wonderfully funny (and not too scary) monster stories, The Two Monsters and The Monster And The Teddy Bear, in this fast-paced show about growing up and learning how to deal with change.

Recommended for ages 3 – 8 years.  Tuesday 27th – Saturday 31st October, shows at 11:00 & 14:00.  Tickets £8.50 adult / £6.50 child.  Call 01206 573948

Colchester Castle

Roman Recruits

Have you got what it takes to be a Roman Legionary?  Minimum age 5 years old.

Friday 30th October, workshops at: 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm.  Free after normal admission price to the Castle, booking is required, please call 01206 282941.

Halloween Face Painting

Get ready for Halloween with scary faces.

Saturday 31st October, just drop in between 10:30 – 16:00, free after Castle admission price.

Leisure World

Kids Camp

For children in school years 1 to 6.  A range of activities from swimming to trampolining, as well as games, arts, crafts, a bouncy castle and much more.  Sessions are led by qualified coaches and the camp also includes lunch.

  • 9am – 3pm £25.00 per day
  • 8am – 5.30pm £30.00 per day.

Base Camp

For young people of secondary school age (up to the age of 15).  Sessions include trips to off site to places such as X-Treme Gaming.  Swimming every day and a lunch is provided.

8am – 5.30pm

Prices start from £30.00 per day and vary depending on trips included.

Hollytrees Museum

All Hallows Masks

Create your Halloween mask at Hollytrees Museum and make it as scary as you like. At the end of the session, you will have a wonderful addition to your costume to take home.

Monday 26th October at 10:30, 11:30, 14:00 & 15:00 – please book in advance – 01206 282941.  £3 per person.

Lighting the Night

Scare away the ghosts and ghouls this Halloween with a lantern jar.

Wednesday 28th October at 10:30, 11:30, 14:00 & 15:00 – please book in advance – 01206 282941. £3 per person.

Natural History Museum

Funny Bones – Skeleton Craft Workshop

Discover what happens under the skin by making your own moving skeleton. Cut out and colour the bones then join them together and bring it to life.

Tuesday 27th October, drop in between 10:30 – 16:00, charge £3 per person.

Go Live! Snake encounters

Get up close with these fascinating reptiles at the Natural History Museum.

Thursday 29th October, shows at 12:00, 13:15 & 14:30, charge £3 per person (free 2 & unders), no booking required.

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Your Village, Your Neighbourhood Plan AGM

Logo of the West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan project
Attend the AGM for your Plan

Your Village, Your Neighbourhood Plan AGM

NP Exhibition Leaflet
Exhibition Leaflet

The Neighbourhood Plan AGM with the NP Steering Group is on Wednesday 4th November 2015 at 7.30pm in the John Lampon Hall.  Do come along to find out about the progress of the Plan. We would also welcome anyone who would like to become a member of the NP Steering Group.

The production of the West Bergholt Neighbourhood Plan is progressing well. After the successful and well-attended exhibitions earlier in the year at the Orpen Hall more completed questionnaires were sent in by hand or on the web.

Over the summer period the NP Steering Group has completed analysing all the questionnaire responses and the results will shortly be available on this web site.

Sub-groups of the Steering Group have now been formed to write a narrative of the questionnaire results in all the categories for the Plan.  You can follow news related to the Neighbourhood Plan by using the Facebook Group or checking our news page periodically which will include PC meetings where the Neighbourhood Plan has been discussed.

For further information please check the links below or contact:- Chris Stevenson (NP chairperson) 241708.

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Heathlands Fireworks 2015

Heathlands Fireworks 2015
Last years’s display under way

Heathlands Fireworks 2015

The show that always goes with a bang proves to be even better this year as the Heathlands Fireworks 2015, taking place 17:30 – 20:00 on Saturday 7th November, are promising:

  • Double the amount of stalls (minimise queues);
  • Almost twice as many fireworks;
  • Luxury toilet facilities;
  • Additional catering options from external providers (a Hog Roast, Fish & Chips by Greens and 2 bars); and
  • More room!

With gates opening at 5:30, music & entertainment will start at 5:45, bonfire lighting at 6:15 and the display kicks off at 7pm lasting about 25 minutes – the event closes at 8pm.  Organisers ask that you arrive in plenty of time since parking will, as ever, be a challenge with some 4,000 expected to be attending!

Tickets go on sale from Monday 19th October and, with a continuing price freeze once again offer great value, which just gets even better with some of their special offers including BBQ food from the PTA stall.  Advance ticket prices are £3.50 (under-5s free) or £5.00 including your BBQ option; if any are tickets left on the day the gate price will be £5.00..

Tickets can be bought from:

  • Ash’s Convenience Express – Colchester Road,
  • The Blue Owl – Mill Street, Nayland,
  • Beauty at the Bay – Bergholt Road,
  • Kitty Rose – Colchester Road,
  • Scissorhands Salon – Chapel Road,
  • The Treble Tile – Colchester Road,
  • The White Hart – Nayland Road,
  • The Wine Centre – The Causeway,
  • West Bergholt Pharmacy – Chapel Road, and
  • Some other local schools.

Follow the event on Facebook or the PTA website.

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Environment & Highways – 10th September 2015

The Environment & Highways  Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 10th September 2015 when they discussed a range of issues including handymen, traffic safety, playgrounds, grass & hedge cutting, litter, ponds & budget.

Environment & Highways Report

Sub-committee Meeting held on Thursday 10th September 2015 in Orpen Hall

Councillors present John Gili Ross, Harry Stone, Jenny Church, Phil Walby, Murray Harlow, Rosemary James
Apologies

In attendance:- Laura Walkingshaw, Parish Clerk; David Hewitt, Village handyman.

1.

Welcome
John welcomed all to the meeting and introduced David to those who haven’t yet met him.

2.

Matters arising from last meeting
a) Traffic Safety Plan – New Church road will need resurfacing prior to yellow lines being reinstated. Poor parking has been less of a problem recently but it will be important for members to monitor this. 20mph signs will be needed in New Church Road and School Road. Harry and Chris Stevenson will meet with school head teacher to discuss parking problems for parents. HS
b) Plaque for beacon – needs measuring and ordering. Plinth for beacon to be built by Ivor. Expense approved. JGR
c) St Mary’s Church – it is agreed that David will sort out the French drain. The cost of labour will be a donation to the church from the PC. The church will supply the materials. David will carry out the work next week. DH
d) Cleaning “no dog signs” at Orpen Hall to be carried out by David. DH

3.

Handyman work schedule
John has discussed the work schedule with David and Ivor. JGR

4.

Grass cutting and Hedge cutting
a) Cutting of the Lorkin Daniell field will be discussed at next Finance meeting. Phil and Football club to be represented. PW
b) LD hedge project will be carried out by handyman. JGR
c) Hedges on Heath and Poors Land will need cutting during half-term. Laura will find out who we used last year and liaise with Murray regarding sweeper. LW & MH

5.

Litter by Practice goal area.
This continues to be a problem. After much discussion it was agreed to purchase a rubbish bin to be placed nearby to encourage litter clearing. Jenny to investigate ordering a bin. JC

6.

Pond Clearing
Need to arrange with Colchester Volunteers to carry out clearing of all three ponds in the Autumn. Jenny to arrange JC

7.

Playground equipment
Repairs have been made by Ivor to bring the Safety measure up to scratch following the last Health and Safety assessment. Next inspection due currently. The “baby” swings have a space for a third swing to be installed in the middle proposed to order one and arrange for Ivor to install JGR

8.

Budget for next year
Needs consideration. Laura will send out budget statements for information LW

Date of next meeting – Thursday 8th October 2015 at 4.45pm in JL Hall.
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St Marys’ Notices – 11th October 2015

st-marys-imagesSt Marys’ Notices – 11th October 2015

Events for the next week:

  • Monday 12 October – 4.45pm Children s’ confirmation class at the Rectory, West Bergholt
    Tuesday 13 October – 11am Village Communion service at St Mary’s, West Bergholt
  • Tuesday 13 October – 8pm Home Group @ Pat & Roy’s
  • Wednesday 14 October – 7.30pm Adult Confirmation Class at the Rectory, West Bergholt
  • Thursday 15 October – 9am Open house in church; 2.30pm 5T’s in church hall
  • Thursday 15 October – 10am Rachel’s Home Group
  • Saturday 17 October – 9.30am-4pm – PCCs Away Day at Assington Hall
  • Sunday 18 October – 11.15am Holy Communion led by Mandy Elmes

Services in Langham with Boxted & Great Horkesley

Sun 18 October –  8.00am BCP Communion at St Mary’s, Langham; 9.30am Morning Worship, St Peter’s, Boxted; 11.15am Morning Praise, St John’s, Great Horkesley

Sunday Bible Readings:

  • Sun 18 October – Mark 10: 35-45 – Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.

Latest News

Congratulations to Dorothy Chadborn who was licensed as a Pastoral Assistant yesterday at Chelmsford Cathedral, following her successful completion of the Diocesan Pastoral Care Course. In case you are wondering what is the role of a pastoral assistant, the following is a definition from the Diocesan web site:

“Pastoral Assistants are those in whom the Church has discerned special gifts for ‘pastoral care in the church and wider community. They are not people who know all the answers. But they are men and women of prayer; people who reflect on the dilemmas of modern life in the light of the Bible and Christian tradition, and people who want to communicate to others the message of Christ through caring action”.

Our prayers are with Dorothy as she begins her new role.

Messy Church – well done to Caroline Finlay and the Messy Church Team for another great service this morning on the theme of the Rugby World Cup. Lots of children had fun decorating (and eating!) rugby ball shaped biscuits, making puppets and taking part in a quiz. There will be no Messy Church in November as St Mary’s will be joining in with the Village Remembrance Service at the Orpen Hall on 8 November, so the next Messy Church will be on 13 December, when we will have a Messy Nativity!

Christmas Shoe boxes – thank you to everyone who has signed up to complete a shoe box or donate particular items. Completed shoe boxes need to be brought to church or to the parish office by Sunday 1 November, but if you are donating individual items, please could we have them by Sunday 18 October to allow time for making them up into complete shoe boxes. If you need labels for your boxes, there are a few left in church and in the parish office.

All Saints Day Service – Sunday 1 November @ 9.30am – Rev Paul Norrington will be leading and preaching in a special service on the theme of ‘gifts for the building up of the church’. Mandy will staying with us at the end of the service because she no longer has to rush off to take another service on the first Sunday in the month. Everyone is invited to stay for coffee and cake after the service and there will be a chance to discuss the Mission and Opportunity Fund.

Reminders:

Tools with a Mission – thank you to all those who have already donated their unwanted tools. The tools will be collected on 23 October, so there is still time to bring them to the parish office or Richard Chadborn if you haven’t yet had chance to look through your garage.

Dates for Your Diary

  • Sunday 8 November – 10.45am Village Remembrance Service at the Orpen Hall – please note there will be no Messy Church at St Mary’s that day (apologies for the error in the Good News Magazine).
  • Sunday 29 November – 11.15am Joint Service at All Saints Church, Great Horkesley, led by Mandy Elmes

Best wishes
Liz Dixon, on behalf of St Mary’s