Reminder - Learn About Brunel

The WEA series of talks on 'Brunel: an Engineer's Life' starts on Tuesday 19th January 2010. More details are here.

Find out more about the WEA at http://www.westbergholt.net/wea.htm.

Broadband Update

Following recent coverage in the Village Bulletin and website, over 30 people have registered interest in helping boost the village's presence on Britain's Broadband map. Chris Stephenson, Chair of the West Bergholt Parish Plan Steering Group thanked everyone for responding to the appeal and said that "This is certainly sufficient to move to the next stage of the exercise. Our options for a faster connection speed are somewhat limited, and the best bet appears to be to pursue a 'wireless' means of obtaining an improved signal to the village. To move forward needs support not only from those who have already registered interest but as many more as we can get ."

As well as expressing your interest in better broadband for the village (for which please click this link http://www.westbergholt.net/pp_enquiry.htm) it would also help if you were to add your personal broadband statistics on a speed test website by clicking the following link http://www.top10-broadband.co.uk/speedtest/ (the picture above comes from this site).

The project team will be setting up a meeting during January to help plan next steps, if you would like to be involved please express your interest using the enquiry link above, in the meantime you may be interested in some of the hot topics already raised:

FAQS

Question/Comment	Project Team Thoughts
Reasonable cost required	Pricing will be an issue especially at the moment and a cost under £20 per month would be the aim I suspect.
Fed up with slow speeds – many posting this complaint	Intensive usage eg BBC i-player downloads show how much of an issue this will be in the future for younger generations, and those moving to the village in the future could well be put off locating in a “not spot”!
Broadband required to work from home	Can be virtually impossible if you need to download or upload large files as part of your work especially at peak periods. There are many small one-person businesses operating in the village so this is a real problem.
What range would a new provider cover	Whole village could be covered with 4-6 access points.
Why not canvass via school	Good idea if handled collaboratively with the school.
Initial charge for setting up in peoples’ homes may deter some	Possibly, there could be a trade off between this and an increased monthly cost or a lost leader promotion for first 200 households joining?
3G service improving all the time	True, still poor where I am and is an individual service rather than one for the whole household. Still this may be the best bet for single households or where there is only one user etc.
County Broadband signal picked up in village recently	This is true, but is just an example of how it can be done for an individual not a community.
BT issues on very slow speeds have resulted in numerous visits to some households specially concerning highly contended virtual paths	I guess we all have stories to tell like this. In our household the broadband service used to stop if it was raining, or if somebody had left a message on the answer-phone!
Speeds vary, download speeds of 135kb/sec up to 1.5mb/sec for download reported	We could do with a collective view on this because everyone will quote a different speed when asked!
Are we tied to a choice of just one provider?	Not in theory; we could gauge interest and put out a community tender, but in reality we know that there are only 2 companies in Essex that have developed this market.

2nd Class Broadband?

West Bergholt is not alone in having a poor quality broadband service. Recognising that many rural (and not so rural), communities are supplied with a broadband service that falls far below the minimum target (2Mbs) set by Government, the East of England Development Agency EEDA is undertaking a needs survey. The purpose of the survey is to record those communities where service provision is below standard or in some cases non-existent. EEDA is interested in the hearing from consumers and businesses alike and their survey takes into account these two broadband user groups.

There is the potential for funding sources to be made available in 2010 through EU sources aimed at improving rural broadband services. To capture demand and rural opinion, a short questionnaire is available on the EEDA web site link shown below. By registering you will be helping residents and local businesses alike. The registration process is expected to be withdrawn at the end of January 2010.

Our Parish Plan group continue to receive support for its broadband initiative to use wireless delivery to users in the village. By encouraging everyone you know to register on the web site below, we will be able to evidence local demand which will help the Parish Council when it applies for specific funding for an alternative service to that currently received via BT etc. EEDA are asking those with a business to register both the business and home needs separately using the same links.

The web site link is at http://erebusonline.org.uk/index.html

Bylaw causes closure

The Lorkin Daniell field will be closed all day on Christmas Day because of a bylaw.

Bergholt Heath YFC - Results Sunday 13th December

Only one team played today and what a result!

Under 11
Bergholt Heath 7 - 0 Holland*
(M James 3, J Holden 2, G Sabini, R Gallagher)

(* not the national team of course!)

Carol Services

20th December brings two Carol Services to ensure the Christmas feeling gets off to a good start:

St Mary the Virgin Church

On Sunday 20 December the choir will be singing at the carol service in the Old Church at 2.30pm.

On Christmas Eve the Crib Service in St Mary's takes place at 3pm with a carol service at 6.30pm.
On Christmas Day there will be a family service at 9.30am.

Sunday 27 December 9.30am communion.

Methodist Church
In place of the normal morning service on 20th December, there will be a Candlelight Carol Service taking place at 6:30pm followed by mince pies and coffee in the hall.

The Christmas Day service is at Lexden church at 9.45am or 10am at Eight Ash Green.

Women's Institute - December Report

The re-elected president, Pat Moran, welcomed members to the Christmas meeting. New officers are Bea Girkin, ,vice-president and Rachel Colley, secretary. Marie Fitz-John remains as minute secretary. A plant was presented to retiring secretary Clarice Chittenden in appreciation of all her hard work.

The subscriptions for 2010, payable on 6 January, will be £29.50 of which £3 pays for members' copy of Essex News and the W I Life magazine.

A coach will be provided for the Birthday lunch on 9 February leaving the Orpen Memorial Hall at 11.45am.

Invitations have been sent to other W I's to join our March meeting which is a Fashion Show.

Following the Christmas meal, Touch and Go entertained and a big thanks were given to the committee for providing such delicious food.

Bergholt Heath YFC - Results Sunday 29th November

Under 11
Bures 1 - 3 Bergholt Heath
(R Gallagher 2, J Adams)

Under 14
Called off, waterlogged pitch

Under 15
Feering Falcons 3 - 4 Bergholt Heath
(J Gatland, B Holness, G Wheeler, A Bartlett)

Under 16
Called off, waterlogged pitch

Bergholt Heath YFC - Results Sunday 22nd November

Under 11
Cornard Dynamoes 2 - 2 Bergholt Heath
(J Bowden, A Marley)

Under 14
Bergholt Heath 0 - 6 Cornard Dynamoes

Under 15
Bergholt Heath 2 - 3 Clacton
(A Bartlett 2)

Under 16
Wivenhoe 4 - 1 Bergholt Heath
(A Ponsford)

Brunel: An Engineers Life

All are welcome to a series of ten illustrated talks given by Roger Mannion on 'Brunel: an Engineer's Life'. Isambard Kingdom Brunel is certainly one of our most famous and controversial engineers - producing outstanding designs far ahead of his time. We'll look at the man; his success & failures; all within the economic and political situation of the day.

The course, which is organised by the WEA, starts on Tuesday 19th January 2010 and the lectures begin at 8.00 p.m. and last an hour and a half, with a coffee break in the middle, when there is a chance to look at and borrow books on the subject.

Venue is the Methodist Hall in Chapel Lane. The standard fee is £43.50 for the ten evenings.

If you are not sure whether this is for you, why not come and sample the first evening for free? Any queries or for more details ring the WEA Secretary on 01206 240791. Hope to see you there!

Bergholt Heath YFC - Results Sunday 15th November

Under 11
Bergholt Heath 3 - 0 Wivenhoe Youth
(J Adams, R Gallagher, G Sabini (pen))

Under 14
Bergholt Heath 0 - 14 FC Clacton

Under 15
Bergholt Heath 6 - 2 Brightlingsea
( T Hodder 3, G Wheeler 2, J Gatland)

Under 16
Match called off

Women's Institute - November Report

President, Pat Moran, welcomed members and guests. Names were asked to be given to the secretary together with a £5 deposit for the birthday lunch, a coach will be provided free of charge to the Institute. Mile End WI have invited the group to their Christmas Concert on 3 December.

The treasurer reported a further £38.40 had been raised from goods sold from the coffee morning. Crosswords will be available at the December meeting price 75p. Thanks were given to Susan Leng for organising the return of £188.13 from gift aid to local WI funds.

Val Stone, WI Adviser, guided members through the Annual Meeting. 8 new WI's have been formed in the county of Essex. Pat Moran was re-elected as president. Thanks were given to Barbara Buckley for arranging the programme of interesting speakers.
The Christmas concerts in the Charter Hall Colchester have been cancelled.

The evening ended with play readings written by 2 members.

December 2 is the Christmas party. Members are asked to bring cutlery and a glass. Items for the raffle would be appreciated.

Bergholt Heath YFC - Results Sunday 8th November

Under 11
Little Oakley Blues 0 - 2 Bergholt Heath
(R Gallagher, A Sabini)

Under 14
Brightlingsea Regents 17 - 0 Bergholt Heath

Under 15
Bergholt Heath 4 - 5 Halstead
(C Drage, T Hodder, B Povah, 1 og)

Under 16
Clacton 4 - 2 Bergholt Heath
(S Redhead, A Elzubier)

Bergholt Heath YFC - Results Sunday 1st November

Under 11
Bergholt Heath 4 - 1 Little Oakley Blues
(A Sabini 2, M James, R Gallagher)

Under 14
Clare Town Lions 17 - 1 Bergholt Heath
(G Lowe)

Under 15
Holland FC 3 - 6 Bergholt Heath
(T Hodder 2, A Bartlett 2, C Drage 2)

Under 16
Bergholt Heath 2 - 0 Little Oakley0
(B Trood, A Ponsford)

Church Updates

Remembrance Services

There will be a joint service with St. Mary's church and the Methodist church in the Orpen Memorial Hall, Lexden Road, on Sunday 8th November at 10.45 am.

On Tuesday November 10 St Mary's church will have a shared communion in the Methodist church beginning at 11am.

A coffee morning takes place on Wednesday 11th November in the Methodist Church Hall from 10am to 11.30am. There will be cakes and greetings cards for sale.

Quiz

The Methodist quiz night is Saturday 21st November at 7pm in the Methodist Hall. To book a table of 4 contact Judith on 01206 241969.

Bergholt Heath YFC - Results 25th October

Under 11
Lexden Saints 1 - 1 Bergholt Heath
(R Gallagher)

Under 14
Match postponed

Under 15
Bergholt Heath 0 - 5 Rowhedge

Under 16
Lawford 2 - 0 Bergholt Heath

Methodists celebrate 130 years

The Methodist Church celebrated its 130th anniversary over the weekend of 17/18 October. The sponsored Organ Play in which Keith Fletcher, with the help of Clive Carrington and Geoff Eames, attempted to play all the hymns in the Methodist hymn book was a great success with 665 tunes completed.

The art exhibition and memorabilia were admired by visitors as was the Tai Chi demonstration. The Reverend Robin Searles minister from 1983 to 1992 was welcomed back and led morning service on the Sunday. Songs of praise led by Reverend Ruth Ridge in the afternoon was accompanied by the Boxted Silver Band and brought the celebrations to a fitting close.

Old Time Music Hall

(For those old enough to remember) it might not be the Leeds Variety but the Orpen Players are planning an extravaganza production of an Old Time Music Hall to celebrate 40 years of playing.

Tickets priced at £10 include a light supper and the audience is encouraged to wear period costume although this is not compulsory. The box office is open at Ash's shop, Colchester Road in the village. Doors open at the Orpen Memorial Hall at 7.30 pm with curtain up at 8pm. Performances are 29/30/31 October.

For further details call Roger Milne on 01206 241048.

Is your number up?

West Bergholt First responders are asking residents to ensure that their house number/name is clearly visible from the road, even at night. Studies have shown that obscured or unlit house numbers can delay ambulance responses by minutes at a time when every minute can be the difference between life or death. Every second counts when you dial 999.


You can find out more about the First Responders on our website.

Bergholt Heath YFC - Results 18th October

Under 11
Bergholt Heath 4 - 1 Gt Bradfords
(A Marley, A Sabini, G Sabini, M James)

Under 14
AFC Sudbury 22 - 0 Bergholt Heath

Under 15
Bergholt Heath 3 - 5 Boxford Rovers (League Cup)
(A Bartlett2, J Paul)

Under 16
Bergholt Heath 1 - 2 Tempest
(A Ponsford)

Coffee Morning - Macmillan

As part of the world's biggest coffee morning £251.29p was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support in the village.

Bergholt Heath YFC - Results11th October

Under 11
Wivenhoe Youth Blues 2 - 1 Bergholt Heath
(J Holden)

Under 14
Bergholt Heath 0 - 23 Boadicea (League Cup)
This was a match against a B League team and we only had 8 players.

Under 15
Brightlingsea 3 - 2 Bergholt Heath
(A Bartlett, B Povah)

Under 16
Boadicea 0 - 4 Bergholt Heath
(B Trood3, S Redhead)
This win should keep them top of the A League

Green Fingers

Gardeners Association

The Gardeners Association next meeting is in the Orpen Hall on Monday 19 October at 7.30pm. The broadcaster, Karen Kenny will talk about composting worms and comfrey for fertility. Everyone welcome.

Flower Club

The Colne Valley Flower Club's next meeting is on Wednesday 21 October in the Orpen Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. This is 'Bring a Friend Free' evening. Mary Griffith from Mildenhall will arrange her flowers around the title 'Kaleidscope'.

Women's Institute - October Report

Bea Girkin a committee member was in the chair and announced that the coffee morning held last month in the Orpen Memorial Hall raised £142.62p for W I funds.

It was reported that the secretary will be standing down and nominations for the AGM next month would be welcome, it was noted that the position could be shared.

The W I Christmas concert will be held in the Charter Hall this year in December.

Sally Hepher spoke about the Woodland Trust which manages our local Hill House wood as well as Woodland elsewhere around the country. Members were surprised to hear that the UK has the smallest amount of wooded area in Europe, due to our large population.

Contact the secretary to book a place for our birthday lunch at the Institute.

UPDATED - Emergency Closure of Chitts Hill

Due to a damaged electric cable at the level crossing, Chitts Hill will be closed for 25m each side of the crossing from today (9th October).

The closure will remain in force for 3 - 4 days.

Keep up to date with Road Closures on the village website here.

UPDATE: Closure is now expected to be finished by Wednesday morning.

Youth Volunteers, Amber & Graham, Win Recognition

The recent Colchester Youth Awards saw Amber Harlow & Graham Pullen receive the recognition they deserved for their hours of dedicated volunteering to establish and operate the Bergholt Youth Group.

Sponsored by the Colchester Community Volunteer Service, the award recognises the efforts of young people who give their time voluntarily for the benefit of others. This is certainly something Amber & Graham have done. From very early days, nearly two years ago, when the idea of a Bergholt Youth Group was first discussed with Stanway School pupils, Amber & Graham demonstrated willingness to take on the challenge of forming the group through their leadership and willingness to get involved.

Having been involved in its original inception Graham & Amber are now active members of the management committee and were heavily involved in the successful application for nearly £4,000 in funding from the Youth Opportunity Fund. Between them they now organise the club's activities including arranging for appropriate adult volunteers. The club continues to go from strength to strength under their leadership and now sees over 60 young people attending the fortnightly sessions.

Congratulations Amber & Graham for a well deserved award.

Action for Children

The recent house to house collection in the village for Action for Children (formally called the National Childrens' Homes), raised a fantastic £940.14p. Thank you to all who helped and contributed!

Bergholt Heath YFC - Results 4th October

Under 11
Holland Blues 0 - 3 Bergholt Heath
(J Holden 3)

Under 14
Bergholt Heath 1 - 11 Alresford
(J Aldridge)

Under 15
Bergholt Heath 3- 2 Clacton Reds
(A Bartlett, T Hodder, G Wheeler)

Under 16
Bergholt Heath 2 - 5 Wivenhoe
(B Trood, H Warrick)

Bergholt Heath YFC Results- 27th September

Under 11
Team Player Youth 0 - 4 Bergholt Heath
(J Adams x 2, M James, R Gallagher)

Under 14
Bergholt Heath 1 - 13 Sudbury
(J Dixey)

Under 15
Halstead 5 - 1 Bergholt Heath
(A Bartlett)

Under 16
Brooklands 1 - 7 Bergholt Heath
(B Rout 5, J Thompson, R Evans)

Women's Institute - September Report

President, Pat Moran welcomed members and visitors. A delegate and two members will travel to the annual county meeting at Bagshott, Grays. A cheque for £18.98p has been sent to Pennies for Friendship.

Valerie Francis, recycling officer from the borough council was the speaker. She brought along a variety of recyling bins to suit all sizes of gardens. She also demonstrated a small indoor food recycling bin.

The next meeting on 7 October will be a talk on the Woodland Trust.

Taking it easy after long service

Mrs Betty Heard, who has lived in the village for over 60 years, has decided to take it a little easier and retired from her 20 & 25-year long stints as parish coordinator for The Children's Society and treasurer of the Ladies Luncheon Club in Colchester.

Both groups extended their warm wishes and grateful thanks to Betty with the Children's Society recognising her long service with a formal letter of thanks and certificate whilst the Luncheon Club also presented her with some garden vouchers.

Cleaner & Greener after West Bergholt Litter Pick

Many thanks to all the volunteers who came on Saturday 19th September to take part in the “Big Tidy Up”. In total 20 black bags of litter were collected.

David Bowden organised for the Boys Football team to pick the Poors Land before they started their training.

Amber and Graham worked with young people from the BYG to pick the Orpen Field. Thanks to Megan, Amy, Emily, Selena, and Teigan

BYG members Tom and Josh helped their parents pick Chapel Road.

The team that collected most was Sally Butcher and family who collected 3 full black bags of litter!!!

The youngest volunteer Jack helped his Mum pick on the Heath.

Well done to all volunteers.

We now have a “Cleaner and Greener” village.

Bergholt Heath YFC Results - 20th September

Under 11
Bergholt Heath 2 - 0 Bures Utd
J Adams
R Gallagher
Sweet victory over the side that has been a thorn in their side over the past two seasons

Under 14
Cornard Dynamoes 14 - 0 Bergholt Heath
Only 8 players so a valiant effort

Under 15
Bergholt Heath 3 - 1 Feering
B Pvah 2,
J Gatland

Under 16
Bergholt Heath 3 - 0 FC Clacton
R Evans 3

3 goals from a substitute.

Upcoming diary highlights

A number of calendar events have been highlighted for the upcoming period as follows:

Harvest Festival


On Sunday 20 September the Methodist church's Harvest Festival service is at 11am with the church being decorated from 9.30 am on 19th. Afterwards gifts of fruit, vegetables, packets and tinned food will be distributed to Colchester Night Shelter and Women's Refuge.

All About Garden Herbs

The village Gardeners Association begins the new season of meetings on Monday 21 in the Orpen Hall at 7.30pm. The club welcomes the return of Matthew Tanton Brown who will talk about Garden Herbs - their cultivation and uses. The AGM will follow. Everyone welcome.

World's Biggest Coffee Morning

As part of the World's Biggest Coffee Morning to raise funds for MacMillan cancer support the above takes place in St.Mary the Virgin church, New Church Road from 9am to 12 noon on Thursday 24 September.

Many more events and activities, of course, are always available on the village diary.

(Image above copyright D Kingaby - reproduction permitted only with credit)

BHYFC Results Sunday 13th September & Fixtures

U11 "A" League
Bergholt Heath 1 - 3 Cornard Blues

This was the first match at 11 a-side for the team, against one of the stronger clubs in the top division. After finding themselves 2-0 down at half time and a little shell shocked, the boys upped the tempo in the second half after finding themselves 3-0 down and probably should have had more than the one goal, scored by James Holden. Jamie Bowden was voted man of the match.

U14 "D" League
The U14s first match of the season was cancelled as the opposition - AFC Sudbury - could not put a team out. So the U14s sit joint top of the table with 3 points!

U15 "C" League
Clacton United 3 - 2 Bergholt Heath

An under-strength U15s (with only 10 players available) narrowly lost their opening match of the season away to Clacton United 3-2. Luke Duffy and Jack Gatland scoring the two Bergholt Heath goals.

U16 "A" League
Boadicea 1 - 2 Bergholt Heath

The Under 16s won their first match of the season despite finishing the game with only 10 men following the sending off of their goalkeeper.

Fixtures for Sunday 20 September (all league games):
Under 11 - home to Bures at the Poors Field, kick off 10am
Under 14 - away to Cornard
Under 15 - home to Feering at the Poors Field, kick off 12 noon
Under 16 - home to Clacton at the Orpen Hall, kick off 10.30am

The Big Village Tidyup

Do you sometimes think that there is too much litter around in our village? If so then why not join "The Big Tidy Up" being organised by our Parish Plan Steering Group.

The date for the litter pick is Saturday 19th September, meeting at the Orpen Hall at 9.30am. All clubs and village organisations, or groups of individuals, are invited to attend to help keep our village "Clean and Green". It is suggested that volunteers should be in teams of 6/7 with at least one adult in charge. We will then divide the Village up into specific areas so that different teams can "pick" and we will then also get some idea of the areas that need most attention in the future.

Offers of help already received from West Bergholt Football Club and Bergholt Youth Group.

Equipment for picking will be available courtesy of Colchester Borough Council. Tabards, badges and stickers will be available courtesy of "The Big Tidy up" organised by "Keep Britain Tidy".

For further info and offers of support please contact Harry Stone 241026 or Jenny Church 240792.

As many people as possible are invited to help and there will be refreshments available after the picking is finished. The more volunteers the quicker the Litter Pick will be completed!!!

Bergholt Heath YFC BBQ Cancelled

Bergholt Heath YFC have advised that, unfortunately, the pre-season BBQ planned for Sunday 6th September, has been cancelled. It is hoped that it will be replaced by other events later in the year.

Colne Valley Flower Club

The Colne Valley Flower Club begins its Autumn season of meetings on Wednesday 16 September in the Orpen Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. Adele Kent from Hethersett will base her arrangements around the title 'Blooming Marvellous'.

Congratulations go to Pat Sharman, Jane Lawson and Liz Clarke whose club exhibit at the Tendring show gained 1st prize.

Our October meeting on Wednesday 21st is ‘Bring a Friend Free’ a chance to introduce friends that may not have been to a meeting before so that they can get an idea of what goes on. Our demonstrator on this evening will be Mary Griffith from Mildenhall and her title is ‘Kaleidoscope’.

The final meeting of our year will take place on Wednesday 19th November. This is our open meeting when we ask members to join us from other flower clubs in the area.
The title of this evening is ‘Christmas Delight’ by Gill Mcgregor from Cuffley. Drinks and refreshments will be served.

(Image right copyright D Kingaby - reproduction permitted only with credit)

Orpen Players' budding Oscar nominees?

The Players' youth group recently took part in the North Essex Guild one act play festival staged at the Headgate Theatre in Colchester. The play 'Lunch Hour' was written by John Mortimer and directed by Michael Poole. Congratulations go to Ben Maytham who won Best Young Actor and to Holly Snowling who won Best Young Actress.

The Players are also looking forward to a celebration of 40 years of the Orpen Players with a Music Hall showcase on 29th - 31st October. The entertainment will comprise songs (both comic and tragic), sketches and skits, melodrama and monologues in typical music hall style up to and including the Second World War.

It's official - BYG members are enjoying themselves!

At the recent Bergholt Youth Group (BYG) Club meeting on 14th August nearly 40 members enjoyed an old-fashioned Sports Day. This had been organised by Amber, the joint Club Organiser, and supported by Graham and the rest of the team of enthusiastic volunteers.

Six teams exuded energy as they competed in sack, egg and spoon, three legged and wheelbarrow races. The climax was a tug of war contest which showed how skill can be used to overcome brawn. A good time was had by all and it was nice to see parents coming along to add their support. A big thank you goes to Amber for all her hard and painstaking work.

BYG is now well established with good leadership and management but with increasing numbers it is important that the pool of volunteers is increased in order to sustain the fortnightly meetings. More activities are gradually being introduced but new ideas and enthusiasms will be very welcome.

The next Club evening is Friday 28th August from 6.30 to 8.30. In September a new Club Year begins when annual subscriptions of £1 will be due. The Club is open to all young people from Year 6 to Year 11 so an influx from the new seniors at the Primary School is expected.

Local collection buoys up RNLI

The collection around the village for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution raised £1,082.46 for which the organisers would like to thank everyone who took part. Colchester District's total was £9,418.70.

(Pictured West Mersea lifeboat station)

A Russian Journey

The WEA look forward to welcoming you to a series of ten illustrated talks given by Dr. Anat Vernitski on 'A Russian Journey'. It's going to be an introduction to Russia, the land, its people and its culture. We'll be looking at literature, art, music and more in an historical context, with the help of a digital projector.

The course starts on Tuesday 22nd September and the lectures begin at 8.00 p.m. and last an hour and a half, with a coffee break in the middle, when there is a chance to look at and borrow books on the subject.

Venue is the Methodist Hall in Chapel Lane. Good news, too - the standard fee has hardly increased from last year and is £43.50 for the ten evenings.

If you are not sure whether this is for you, why not come and sample the first evening for free. Any queries or for more details ring the Secretary on 01206 240791. Hope to see you there!

Women's Institute - August Report

The president Pat Moran welcomed everyone. The following was reported:

• The WI stall at the village fete was well supported and a donation of £50 was given to the school from the proceeds.
  
• Diaries price £3.40 and calendars at £3.25 for 2010 can now be ordered from the treasurer.
  
• One of our members Mrs Barbara Buckley has a photograph in the Essex calendar.
  
• The Autumn County meeting on 15 October will be held at the Civic Hall Blackshots, Grays. A delegate is required.

It was decided that a letter will be sent to our MPs lending our support into research regarding the decline of the bee population.

Members were informed of our coffee morning in the Orpen Memorial hall on 12 September. There will be a large variety of stalls, raffle and a handicraft exhibition.

Octogenarian, Alan Chilvers spoke about his early schooldays in north Essex.

At the September 2nd meeting Sarah Ward will talk about Recycling; the competition is "A Recycled Item".

Friends volunteer recognised at No. 10

Local resident and keen volunteer with the Friends of Hillhouse Wood, David Bull, recently met with Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, and other government ministers, along with over a hundred other community volunteers who share a passion about the environment. Read about his day on our website here.

Historic Vehicle Rally

Once again this annual charity fund-raising event will take place in the village off Nayland Road. Running over two days (25th & 26th July) it will start at 10am each day with a packed programme to entertain you.

Arena events on the Saturday include Suffolk horses, kite display, fly-past by a World War II Lancaster Bomber and Vehicle parades. There is also a free Country and Western Concert at 7.30pm.

Sunday sees the Kangaroo gymnastics display team, parachute freefall team The Tigers and bands of the Royal British Legion.

For more information contact 01206 271253.

Women's Institute - July Report

Our annual outing this year was to Tropical Wings near South Woodham Ferrers. Although another hot day the air conditioned coach made for a pleasant journey.

As members strolled around the many enclosures with meerkats, wallabies, parrots and domestic pets we were blessed with a gentle breeze. The highlight was the free-flying butterfly house with many exotic tropical plants. Following a splendid ham salad lunch we watched a demonstration with a bird of prey, a stork with a lady keeper and finally a very large raven reared from 10 weeks who delighted his audience by seeking out tit bits hidden under his keeper's gloves.

The next meeting is on Wednesday August 5 at 7.15pm with Alan Chilvers talking about his schooldays.

70 strong and getting BYGGER

The Bergholt Youth Group (BYG) has been up and running for the last three months and now has over 70 members. A grant from the parish council has enabled the organisers to purchase equipment for everyone's enjoyment.

For an annual subscription, plus 50p per visit, young people (school years 6 to 11) are welcome to join in the fun and games. The group is also seeking more volunteers so call Harry Stone on 01206 241026 if anyone is interested or would like more information.

Argents Lane Closed 22nd June for 5 days

Essex County Council have just advised us that Argents Lane is to be closed for 5 days starting from today in order to facilitate roadworks. This conincides with the pre-announced closure of Chapel Lane. Please check here for more details.

First responders at Village Fayre

The First Responders will again have a stall at this years Village Fayre. We hope that adults and children alike will come over to say hello and to learn about some simple life saving techniques that everyone can learn. The team will have practise equipment to demonstrate how easy it is to give CPR with the aid of a defibrillator and will have leaflets to give out if you are considering joining the group and would like more information. We’d particularly like to recruit some parents from Heathland’s to join us.

As a reminder the group meet monthly on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm. We welcome all walks of life as long as you can drive and are of reasonable health we’d love to hear from you. Training is free. If you’d like to come along or would like to find out more about First Responding in West Bergholt please give Annie a call on 01206 240469.

Shown right is a photo of some of the First Responders taken at one of their monthly meetings.

Money galore

The village collection during Christian Aid week has so far raised £2,346 of which over half was gift-aided.

Grateful thanks to collectors and the counting team.

Want something for nothing?

It is always good news to find out that we, as a village, can get money for village facilities without digging into our own pockets and your Parish Council is always looking to find such funding. Recently we were partially successful in receiving grant funding towards the Orpen Hall (see recent committee minutes on our website) and any initiative to increase available funding must be welcome.

Well A petition has been raised on the Government petition website in support of specific funding from the Lottery for Village Halls and Community Buildings. Please follow this link http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/VillageHeart/#detail to the Prime Ministers website – there is further information on the petition and an opportunity for you to sign. I hope you’ll be able to support this by signing up.

If you haven’t signed a government petition before, they ask for your name, address and email address although the address and email are not published.

We are the champions..

The Bergholt Heath Under 10s squad recently won the Colchester and District Youths "West League" Championship. The team remained unbeaten in their 20 league games, winning 17 - including all 10 home games - and drawing just 3. They finished 9 points ahead of the second placed team (Great Bradfords from Braintree), with a goal difference of +80 (44 ahead of anyone else), having scored 91 goals and conceding just 11goals all season.

Next season the team moves on to 11-a-side on the full size pitch at the Poors Field, which is sure to be an exciting time. If you are interested in joining this winning team, the manager is recruiting now for extra players: trials will be held in July if necessary. Please see the football link on the West Bergholt website for contact details.

Women's Institute - May Report

The president, Pat Moran, explained to members that as the group had voted for the government to support the Bee resolution no action was required.

Outings organiser Joyce Hollock would like the fee for the visit to Tropical Wings in July as soon as possible. £15 covers entry, coach and lunch. Non members £18.

The village fete at Heathlands school is on Saturday 13 June. The WI will have a stall selling cakes and preserves, all contributions and help on the day most welcome.

8 members attended the County Annual Meeting at Towerlands Equestrian Centre Braintree. Bee Girkin reported an excellent day with speakers Terry Waite and the Chief Constable of Suffolk.

Next month several institutes have been invited to attend and members are asked to bring raffle prizes and goods for the sale's table.

Nicky Payne a Castle Park ranger showed members slides and explained her diverse activities and tasks and gave a brief history of the park which has been awarded a coveted green flag.

Flowers & Gardens

Both the Colne Valley Flower Club and Gardeners' Association announce their upcoming meetings:

Gardeners' Association
The next meeting of the village Gardeners Association is on Monday 18 May in the Orpen Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. Bill Wye will give a slide presentation on fuchsias.
A very successful plant sale was held last month to help boost club funds.

Flower Club
The next meeting of the Colne Valley Flower Club is on Wednesday 20 May in the Orpen Memorial Hall Lexden Road at 7.30pm. The demonstrator will be Crystal Dyball from Horsford Norwich with her arrangements entitled 'Floral Fun'. Members are asked to bring plants/seedlings for the plant sale that evening for the club's chosen charities. Guests welcome.

House-to-house

As part of Christian Aid Week there will be a house-to-house collection in the village between 10th - 17th May. To find out more about how the money you donate will be used check out their website at http://www.caweek.org/

Bergholt Heath YFC Results - 3rd May

Under 10
In their last game of the season the under-10 team retained their unbeaten record to add to the championship they had already secured 2 matches ago:

Bergholt Heath 4 - 0 AFC Sudbury
A Sabini (2), L Bloomfield, J Holden

Under 15
Also in their last game, the under-15 team retained their place in the A League:

Bergholt Heath 2 - 4 Maldon Town
B Rout, J Thompson

Blowing their trumpets...

Last Saturday (25th April) the West Bergholt Concert Band hosted a free afternoon workshop with local secondary school pupils, continuing its commitment to encourage young musicians to pursue their skills and talent. In the evening the pupils joined with the Band to perform a concert in aid of Muscular Dystrophy at St. Botolph's Church. The evening was a great success, attended by the Mayor and her Consort and local MP, Mr Bob Russell; all expressed their appreciation and enjoyment of the evening. Mr Russell has now attended six of the band's concerts in recent years.

The Band has two concerts coming up in its summer programme, featuring Last Night of the Proms classics plus 'Swing' favourites:

• Saturday June 23rd (7:30pm) – Westcliff Theatre, Clacton (*)
• Saturday July 14th (7:30pm) – Stoke By Nayland Golf Club

(*) Concert with the Cavender Singers – in aid of the St Helena Hospice

Further details and ticket availability can be viewed on the band's website www.wbcb.org or telephone Graham 01206 824157.

The Band is always happy to welcome new members, any player of a brass or woodwind instrument can try out - just turn up at one of their rehearsal evenings at Heathlands School, West Bergholt on any Friday evening during term-time from 6-7pm for Training Band and 7-9pm for Concert Band. The band is particularly interested in welcoming younger musicians into the Training Band.

Bergholt Heath YFC - Results 26th April

Once again, only the under 10 team were playing today, result as follows:

Gt Bradfords 0 - 0 Bergholt Heath

Champion footballers

Only the under-10 team were playing on 19th April but what a day for BHYFC. Playing at home against Cornard Dynamos Yellows they won 9 - 0 (A Sabini 4, J Adams 4, H Dixon) and thereby secured the Under 10 West League title for Bergholt Heath.

Well done to the team!

Pets' home from home

Bill & Karen McPherson are recent arrivals in West Bergholt and are delighted with their new choice of home and grateful to the many residents of the village who have made them so welcome.
They were also proud to be the first to be granted a licence by Colchester Borough Council to offer a 'dog home boarding' service for those pets that can't realistically cope with kennels. Their services are fully insured and both Bill & Karen have current police checks - if you would like to find out more about their services check their website by clicking on the picture.

Bluebell Open Day

Join the Friends of Hillhouse Wood for this ever-popular event having a guided tour of the Bluebells on Saturday 25th April. The tour will start from the Old Church at 2pm and take in not only the bluebells but also other spring flowers and wildlife.

Summer's Coming - Plant Sale

The village Gardeners Association will be holding their annual plant sale on Monday 20 April in the Orpen Memorial Hall, Lexden Road from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. The sale is open to everyone and is an ideal opportunity to restock your gardens ready for summer.

Womens Institute - April Report

The president Pat Moran thanked everyone who had baked cakes for St Helena Hospice; she would be delivering them the following day.

A small coach has been booked for our annual outing on Wednesday July 1 to visit Tropical Winds at South Woodham Ferrers. Contact the outings secretary on 01206 241216 as only a few seats remain.

Mr Ted Bennett was welcomed with his talk on the Art of Woodcarving. He showed many samples of his craft in a variety of woods. His restoration work included carvings at Windsor Castle.

Next month is WI resolutions and Nicky Payne will talk about Colchester Castle Park. Competition - a gardening tip.

Bergholt Heath YFC - Results 5th April

Under 10
Boxford 1 - 5 Bergholt Heath

A Sabini 2, G Sabini 2, A Marley

Under 15
Little Oakley 0 - 0 Bergholt Heath

84 Charing Cross Road

... is the title of the Orpen Players' spring production. The plot is based on real-life with a humorous script-reader in her New York apartment seeing an ad in the Saturday Review of Literature for a bookstore in London that does mail order. She begins a very special correspondence and friendship with Frank Doel, the bookseller who works at Marks & Co., 84 Charing Cross Road. The relationship lasted over 20 years without them ever actually meeting.

The box office at Ash's store Colchester Road opens on Saturday 18 April. Tickets are £5 for Thursday 30 April and £6 for Friday and Saturday, May1/2. Doors open 7.30pm curtain up 8pm.

Spring Weddings...

The Colne Valley Flower Club will welcome David Wright from Norwich on Wednesday 15 April in the Orpen Memorial Hall at 7.30pm. He will be demonstrating Spring Weddings. Members are asked to bring along an Easter Arrangement.

The picture right is of a bride with spring flower bouquet - the image is by griff on flikr.

Bergholt Heath YFC - Results 29th March

Under 10
Reed Hall 1 - 2 Bergholt Heath
A Sabini, J Adams

Under 13
No game, just one left

Under 14
Bergholt Heath 1 - 6 Stanway Villa
R King

This was the under-14's last match of the season and they finished 6th. A creditable position following promotion last season so well done.

Under 15
No game.

Steam's Up

The Colchester & District Model Railway Club will be holding an Open Day on Sunday 5 April from 10am to 4pm in the Orpen Memorial Hall, Lexden Road. As well as a number of working layouts there will also be a 2nd hand stall with a major clearance on N Gauge, Locos, Wagons and coaches in LNER and BR & US outlines and a small amount of Continental Stock.

Admission is free although donations are welcomed, light refreshments are also available.

Jumble results

The recent Jumble Sale held by the 1st West Bergholt Scout and Guide groups raised an astounding £827. The groups would like to extend their gratitude to all those who attended and helped on the day.

Bergholt Heath YFC - Results 22nd March

Under 10
West Bergholt 3 - 1 Cressing
A Sabini, J Bowden, A Marley

Under 13
No game

Under 14
West Bergholt 3 - 2 Elmden
C Drage, A Enright, G Wheeler

Under 15
West Bergholt 2 - 2 Cornard
E Davies, R Evans

Crafty kids for Easter...

On Monday 30th March the Baby & Toddler Group are organising an Easter Craft and Egg Hunt morning in the Methodist church hall, Chapel Lane from 9.30 am to 11.30 am.

Toddlers and babies will be able to hunt for eggs, play and meet new friends. Mums can enjoy tea with hot cross buns. Further details from 01206 242284/242342.

Wooden't you like to see more nature?

The Friends of Hillhouse Wood, in conjunction with the Woodland Trust, are organising a Spring Nature Walk on Sunday 5th April. Joe Firmin and Philip Smith will lead the walk and they hope those joining them will be seeing numerous spring birds such as Chiffchaffs (pictured right resting on board ship during migration from North Africa/Southern Europe) and other warblers, spring butterflies and many wild flowers.

The walk commences from the Old Church, meet at 10am and it is advised to wear stout footwer and warm clothing.