Coffee Morning - 8th August

There will be a coffee morning in the Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Lane next Wednesday August 8 from 10am to 11.30am. Stalls include cakes, bric-a-brac and greetings cards.

Flower Club - July Report

The Colne Valley Flower Club planned open garden evening last month was cancelled due to poor weather. All the stalls were set up at the July meeting in the Orpen Memorial Hall and £120 was raised towards the club's local charities YMCA and the Haven Mental Health Support. The speaker Melvyn Prentice spoke about the various gardens he had been involved with during his 28 years as a horticulturist and illustrated his talk with many photographs.

There is no meeting in August but September 19 welcomes demonstrator Anne Bell from Newport with her arrangements entitled 'From Me to You'. It also includes 'Bring a Friend Free'.

Sponsored Car Wash

Children from Heathlands Primary School held a sponsored car wash last weekend to raise money to fund a suitable tribute to the life of Daniel Mullinger, their schoolfriend, who was involved in a tragic accident on a school trip to Felbrigg Hall. They exceeded all their expectations raising over £1,000 on the day.

Historic Vehicle Rally - 28th-29th July

The above takes place this weekend (28th-29th July) starting on both days at 10am in the fields off Nayland Road in the village. Saturdays arena events include Essex Dog Display Team, Massed Scout Bands from Holland, Kite Flying Display and SD Marshall Arts. Sunday sees the welcome return of the Imps Motorcycle Display Team. The Freefall team 'The Tigers' and various bands. The Country and Western Concert on Saturday at 7.30pm has free entry. Proceeds to local charities. Contact Mr Culham on 01206 271253 for further information.

Attended Freighter - 28th July

The attended freighter will be stationed on the Orpen Memorial car park this Saturday (28th July) from 10.45am to 12noon.

Parish Council Meeting 25th July

The agenda for this meeting is now online on the Village website. You can view it here.

RNLI - a record collection

The village collection for the Lifeboats raised £1,024.60p. The first time to realise over £1,000. The organisers wish to thank both the contributors and collectors. The Colchester District total was £9,109.90.

Gardeners' Association

The village Gardeners' Association programme ended in mid June with members and guests spending an enjoyable afternoon in the gardens of Helmingham Hall Suffolk. The members' stall at the village fayre attracted 50 young entrants to the painting and pumpkin growing competitions. The latter to be judged later in the year. £300 has been donated to St Helena Hospice following the club's annual plant sale.

Monday 17 September sees the start of the new programme in the Orpen Memorial Hall beginning at 7.30pm. Following the AGM Bill Wye will talk about fuchsias. Visitors and new members welcome.

Coffee Morning - 11th July

There will be a coffee morning in the Methodist church hall Chapel Lane on Wednesday 11 July from 10am to 11.30am. Gifts for cake and general stalls will be appreciated. Greetings cards will also be on sale.