Concert Band 'Open Rehearsal' 4th May

The West Bergholt Concert Band is hosting an 'open rehearsal' on Friday 4 May between 6pm and 7pm (training band) followed from 7pm to 9pm with the Concert Band in Heathlands School. The organisers offer a warm welcome to wind instrument players and the opportunty to make great music in a friendly and fun environment. Concert Band Grade 5+. Training Band Grades 1 to 4. Contact Graham on 01206 824157 for more information.

Bluebell Walk - May 5th & 6th

The annual stroll through the bluebell woods beginning at the Old Rectory, Cooks Hall Road followed by a cream tea takes place on Saturday and Sunday May 5/6 at 2pm. All proceeds to St Mary the Virgin Church.

Flower Club - 16th May meeting last until 19th September

Colne Valley Flower Club welcomed Jane Cowell and Janet Thorogood who entertained members with their 'Flowers and Hats'. At the next meeting on 16 May there will be a plant stall to raise money for the club's chosen charity for this year. The demonstrator, Gill McGregor, will base her arrangements around the theme 'As Summer Approaches'. Guests are very welcome to the Orpen Memorial Hall. Meetings begin at 7.30pm.

Cricket Club Teas

Volunteers are urgently needed to help provide teas for the cricket club. Any expenditure would be reimbursed. Contact 01206 240225.

Women's Institute - April Report

The president thanked members who have made cakes for the St Helena Hospice. Erika Cole reported on the 90th County Annual Meeting at which a 1,000 delegates attended.

Islington is the latest W I to join Essex complete with its own website. George Mills is hoping to take many birthday cards from Essex W I's to Dr P who is 70 and runs the Children's Rehabilitation Centre in Chernigov, Ukraine. The Cuban Cycle Ride raised £3,000 for the W I Denman College. W I volunteers are required to form a team for the Village Quiz on Saturday 19 May. Contact our secretary.

The speaker Mr Brian Piccolo with the aid of slides talked about his sponsored walk from north to south island in New Zealand raising money for charities in Britain and New Zealand. He power-walked 40 miles per day.

As there is only one resolution to be discussed in May, members can enjoy a talk by Mrs Val Carter on Russian Dolls. Competition 'A Peg Doll'.

Orpen Players - The Vortex

The next production is The Vortex by Noel Coward, directed by Andrew Hodgson.Tickets are £4.50 for Thursday 26 April with Friday and Saturday evening £5.

Doors open at the Orpen Memorial Hall Lexden Road at 7.30pm curtain up 8pm. Box office opens on Saturday 14 April at Ash's Shop Colchester Road in the village. Contact Roger Milne on 01206 241048 for reservations.

Gardeners Meeting - Unusual Plants

The next meeting of the Gardeners' Association is in the Orpen Memorial Hall on Monday 16 April at 7.30pm. Mr Patrick Cadman will be the speaker on Unusual Plants. The annual outing by coach is a visit to Helmingham Gardens, Suffolk on Wednesday 20 June. Open to non-members. For reservations and more details contact Pat on 01206 241103. May 21 is the club's annual plant sale open to everyone. No further meetings until September.

Village Care Network AGM

The Village Care Network AGM takes place on Tuesday 17 April in the Methodist Church Hall at 7.30pm. This gives residents an opportunity to meet with the volunteers and find out more about this valuable service.

Braiswick Road Bridge - 18th - 21st May

The temporary bridge may be closed between 21:00 on 18th and 06:00 on 21st May to enable the new bridge to be put in place. Please check here for more information.

Easter Services

St Mary the Virgin church will hold a family communion on Sunday 8 April at 9.30am

The Methodist service is at 11am and led by Mr Robert Rickards.