Blooming great...

At the Colne Valley Flower Club's AGM cheques of £140 were presented to Annie Neish, from First Responders, and to Amber Harlow and Graham Pullen who work with Bergholt Youth Group.

Clare Heyes gave a commentary, with slides, on members' visit to the NAFAS 50th anniversary Flower Festival held at Westminster Abbey. The speaker for the new season will be Shirley Perkins from Leigh on Sea with her arrangements entitled 'Spectrum'.

The committee now has a full complement in order to continue running the club. On Wednesday February 20th subscriptons will be due.

For further information ring 01206 241145 or look at the West Bergholt website for meeting dates and times.

It's defibrillating!

The village First Responders are getting together on Saturday 6th February for a training day. This would be an ideal chance for anyone considering joining the group to meet some of the Responders and to see the equipment that is sometimes used.

Being a First Responder is easier and less time consuming than you might assume so why not find out the facts and give Annie a call on 240469.

You can also find out more about First Responders at htp://www.westbergholt.net/first_responders.htm

Memorial bench

A new park bench has been sited under the cherry trees by the children’s play area on the Orpen Field. It is to the memory of Peter Johnson, Parish Councillor, who worked tirelessly for the village and its environment.

The bench was made for us from ethically sourced, quality timber at the Miletree Workshop (www.miletree.org) in Cowdray Avenue, an organisation providing opportunities and an environment for local people experiencing mental health difficulties. Their aim is to assist people to develop skills, build confidence and to enhance their employment prospects.

Miletree Workshop takes responsibility to care for the environment in everything they do and they have built us a fine piece of park furniture, a fitting memorial to Peter.

Are you happy with recycling services?

Colchester Borough Council's consultation on the future of recycling and waste collection in the borough (and so our village) has been extended until 29th January. The survey is available online at www.colchester.gov.uk/recycling.

The recycling team also has a Facebook page if you would like to contact them with comments and views, look for the Recycle for Colchester Facebook page to participate. Alternatively, if you require any further information please contact the Strategic Waste Team recycling@colchester.gov.uk

Buy a second hand cow from Jack?

It's Panto time again folks and the Orpen Players can't wait to delight you. This years panto is the classic fairy tale of Jack & the Beanstalk, which has been brought to life, in a NEW version, with a brand new script written exclusively for the Orpen Players by David Wenden. This is going to be a great show and full of all the usual thrills and spills, and a classic sing-along-sound track!

There are 6 performances with tickets (priced £6 adults and £4 children) now available either from Ash's or from Roger on 241048.

Performance times are:

• 29th Jan at 8pm
• 30th Jan at 2pm and 6pm
• 5th Feb at 8pm
• 6th Feb at 2pm and 8pm

You can also find out more about the Orpen Players at http://www.westbergholt.net/theatre.htm

Quiz Yourself for local youth group

Bergholt Heath YFC is kicking off a fund raising drive with a Quiz and 100 club and is looking for local support:

Bergholt Heath YFC General Knowledge Quiz
Saturday 27th February at the Orpen Hall, starting 7.30pm
Teams of 6 people are welcomed and entry is £10 per team in advance or £12 on the door.
Please bring your own drink and nibbles.
The winning team receives a trophy!

Please contact Jackie Dixey on 07846 428 229 to book a place

Bergholt Heath YFC 100 Club
Bergholt Heath is delighted to announce the introduction of its own 100 Club. As well as supporting the Club, entry gives you a chance to win 1st or 2nd prize (up to the value of £50) in a draw every month, plus a special once-off draw to a maximum of £100 at the annual awards evening in June.
The cost is just £14 per year. Entrants required by 1st March 2010.
The first draw will take place at our 10th Anniversary fayre on Easter Monday 5th April.

Please contact Geraldine Sabini on 07792 313 814 to receive an application form.

Exciting few months for BYG

The next few months see some exciting activities set up for our young people by the BYG. If you are year 6 and upwards why not come along and enjoy yourself at some of the following evenings (all 6:30pm - 8pm in the John Lampon Hall):

• 22nd Jan - Burns Night - try some real haggis;
• 12th February - Beetle Drive;
• 26th February - normal club activities (read more here);
  
• 12th March - Sports Relief - sponsored relay run around Orpen Field;
• 26th March - Easter Events

Local Egghead

Recently Sue Leng, together with friends Anne from Berkshire and Mary from Liverpool, (all members of the Master Mind club) and two young men with knowledge of sport and TV formed a team for the BBC 2 quiz programme Eggheads.

The team was called PRS (Pre Raphaelite Sisterhood). Susan had previously met a couple of the Eggheads as they, too, had competed on Mastermind and belonged to the club. The contestants rarely win but to everyone's joy PRS won receiving £6,000. Sue is pictured sitting in front of the quiz master, Jeremy Vine.

Be Alert!

We have received notice from our local police that there has been an increase in house burglaries in and around the Eight Ash Green and Gt Horkesley areas. Forced entry has been via rear doors during the day.

West Bergholt remains for the most part unaffected at this time, but all residents are encouraged to be extra vigilant in case we are next on the villains shopping list.

Jumble Sale

The Scout and Guide groups are holding their annual jumble sale on Saturday 16 January in the Headquarters, Lexden Road starting at 2pm.

The HQ will be open from 9am on Friday 15 to receive donations (but no furniture please).

Contact 01206 241666.

Friends of Hillhouse Wood Membership Update

The Friends' membership year runs from 1st December to 31st November each year and so renewals are now invited. The renewal form can be downloaded from our webpage.