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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

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Premises & Recreation – 10th September 2015

The Premises & Recreation Sub-Committee of West Bergholt Parish Council met on 10th September when they discussed a range of issues affecting Orpen Hall & playing fields such as The Heath, play equipment, signs, football club, health & safety and cleaning.

Premises & Recreation Report

Sub-committee meeting held on Thursday 10th September 2015 at the Orpen Hall

Councillors present Rosemary James, Jenny Church, Murray Harlow, Phil Walby, Brian Butcher, Bob Tyrrell
Apologies No Apologies

Victoria Beckwith Cole and Laura Walkingshaw in attendance.

1. John Lampon Hall
Dado rail installed, but a potential Health and Safety issue raised. Young children could possibly be injured by the sharp corners of the rail sited near the emergency door exit. Ivor Beckwith-Cole to be asked to round off these corners as part of the original specification. PW
2 Play Equipment
Equipment ready for H/S inspection next week. Possibility of a third swing to be installed was raised at the E and H sub-committee meeting, but was seen by this committee to be a possible H/S issue. Decided we would be guided by the inspector to see if a third swing would be compliant, before being considered. PW
3 Football Club
£480.00 has been agreed to be paid to the football club in respect of them mowing LD field, however it was felt that it was not prudent to pay all monies up front and a better way would be to set up a standing order from the PC to the football club. Suggested that this fee may also be covered by postponing their rent to us in lieu of the use of the field. Decision to be made by the Finance Committee at their next meeting.

Concern raised regarding their insurance when mower in use by FC club. Clerk to PC to send a letter to confirm details.

Some confusion around who mows what areas, clarification required. Clerk again to produce documentation with delineated areas of responsibility.

 PW

LW
4 Orpen Hall Signage
BT submitted quote for signage to OH, after on-site inspection was decided should be double-sided and located to left of disabled parking area. BT to submit Finance Committee a new quote. BT
5 Cleaning
Cleaning has not improved, complaints from hirers continue to be received. Payment of bill to be withheld and Mike given 3 month’s notice.

Meanwhile, need to advertise for new cleaner even going out to the commercial cleaning sector and consider overnight cleaning etc.

 PW
6 Health and Safety
BB has drafted a contractors questionnaire, needs to be reviewed by suitable our experienced councillors who have this necessary expertise. BB
7 Crack in link corridor parapet wall.
BT met with contractor on site and was advised that the wall was structurally safe, therefore no cause for concern. Cosmetics to be dealt at next maintenance.
Date of next meeting – 21st October 2015 at 6.15p.m.in JLH

 

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Autumn Fruits & Fungus

autumn fruits october 2015Autumn Fruits Walk

Next Sunday, 18th October, sees Steve Hallam leading an Autumn Fruits walk around Hillhouse Wood.  This walk will seek out berries, soft fruit, nuts & seeds along with any flowers & birds that might crop up en-route.  Steve will explain how these fruits have been used by humans and animals, the folklore about them, which ones should not be eaten – and what will happen to you if you do! You should expect to see around 20 types of berries, fruits and nuts.

The walk will take in Hillhouse Wood and surrounding hedgerows, and will thus be a little longer than normal.  Strong boots or wellies should be worn, as we may encounter long wet grass!

If you want to join us, met at the Old Church at 2pm (weather permitting).

The walk is arranged by the Friends of Hillhouse Wood in conjunction with the Woodland Trust.

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MicroSurfacing Update

MicroSurfacing Update

Many of you will have had letters or seen publicity about the resurfacing programme that will take place shortly on key roads in the village including Chapel Road, New Church Road and Queens Road.  However the term MicroSurfacing may have had many of you reaching for Wikipedia or simply scratching your heads in bewilderment!

So what is it?

The wait is nearly over and we will soon be seeing it in action but for those who would like to be prepared we have found the video (below) that should help you understand what will happen. The video is from the US but the principle is exactly the same here.

As you can see from the video a thin layer of surfacing is laid over the road once obvious defects such as potholes and larger patches have been repaired.  In our case these defects have already been attended to in past weeks, so all that is needed is the application of the road surfacing material.  During most of this time through traffic will be blocked, but access to your property will be maintained wherever possible; there may be constraints when the material is actually being laid outside your driveway of course.  Once the preparation is completed, though, and the surface is being laid it is normal for one side of the road to be completely closed until the surface is solid enough to take traffic (about half an hour).

How can you help?

  • Be patient, the road will be much nicer when it is finished.
  • Do obey the signs saying no parking because parked cars will prevent work taking place until the owner is traced and the vehicle moved.
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Restorative Justice

Essex Restorative JusticeSuccessful Trial of Restorative Justice Completed

Essex Police have successfully completed a six-months trial in West Essex, which includes the districts of Epping, Brentwood, Harlow and Thurrock.  It is now intended to roll it out to the rest of Essex from October and the Police & Crime Commissioner is inviting those groups and agencies who might be interested in getting involved to attend one of two launch events:

  • 27th October  12.00 – 15.00 at The Rayleigh Club, Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh, SS6 9QS ,
  • 28th October 12.00 – 15.00 at The Essex Golf and Country Club, Colchester, CO6 2JU.

The afternoon will begin with a buffet lunch, followed by talks and presentations focusing on the success of the West Essex RJ pilot, the impact of restorative justice on those that take part, and what the roll-out means for you in your organisation.  The launch will involve speeches from PCC Nick Alston, members of the RJ Hub and examples from those who have participated in Restorative Justice in Essex.

If you are interested in attending please contact Emma Callaghan, Restorative Justice Hub Development Manager, by email [antibot mailto=”[email protected]”], before Friday 16th October.

So, What is Restorative Justice About?

Restorative Justice is a process which gives victims the opportunity to meet or communicate with those who have offended against them.  It holds offenders to account and helps them take responsibility for the harm they have caused.  Both parties discuss next steps and the offender can then make amends.

Victims are given the chance to explain to a criminal the impact a crime has had on them, ask questions of the offender and seek an apology.  It enables offenders to be held to account for what they have done but also take responsibility for the harm they have caused.  If a face-to-face meeting is not appropriate they can do so indirectly via letters or messages.

Restorative justice is used for less serious offences or conflicts, such as graffiti or anti-social behaviour.  Everyone involved must consent to take part.

The Benefits are Apparent

  • 85% victims are satisfied following an RJ process.
  • Re-offending is reduced by as much as 27%.
  • 98% direct RJ ends in mutually agreed outcomes.
  • RJ decreases post-traumatic stress and allows victims of crime to return to work more quickly.
  • In neighbour disputes, RJ can help to avoid evictions and help neighbours live in peace.

Read more on the Police & Crime Commissioner’s website or download their information leaflet.