Change of Direction - BBC takes interest

West Bergholt businessman Andrew Ross was a guest on the Dave Monk show on BBC Essex on 13th May, 9am - noon.

The broadcast was a special live edition from Basildon library which centred on giving positive advice to people who are facing redundancy or looking to change their career. Andrew who has run nicenstripy, a garden maintenance company, since 2006, joined speakers from Essex organisations such as Business Link to talk about the sources of support available to those in the job market as well as what to look for when considering buying a franchise.
The Dave Monk show is available to listen to again via BBC iPlayer.

Dawn Chorus

On Sunday 16th May, Joe Firmin and Philip Smith will lead a walk, offering a chance to see nightingales and many other brilliant dawn choristers. If you haven’t tried this you’ll find it a rewarding and delightful experience at a very special time for the wood’s varied birdlife. Please bring warm clothing, stout footwear, a flask of hot drink and a torch. Meet at the Old Church at 3:45am.

No Salt & Lineker here

The next meeting of the Gardeners' Association is on Monday 17 May at 7.30pm in the Orpen Memorial Hall.

Wormingford farmer Robert Strathern will talk about the successful development of Fairfields Farm Crisps under the title "Potato Growing and Crisp Production".

Womens Institute - May Report

President Pat Moran welcomed members to the meeting. A letter had been received from St Helena Hospice thanking everyone for their home made cakes.

Letters and phone calls from visiting WI's thanked our W I for the enjoyable Fashion Show.

There will be a stall at the village fete at Heathlands Primary school on Saturday 19 June. Helpers and contributions of cakes and preserves are required.

The resolution for food to be labelled with the country it comes from not where processed was unanimously carried. The president will attend the National AGM in Cardiff to vote for this.

Simon Gallup, a blue badge holder spoke about Flatford and Constable Country. With the aid of two screens his audience could compare Constable's paintings and how in some cases the countryside has changed.

The annual outing on July 7 is to Carter's Vineyard which includes lunch; £15 payable next month. Congratulations to member Marie -Louise Fuell who won the Essex Tea Time Quiz.

June 2 meeting welcomes Mrs Diana Pettit with her talk on the 'History of Jewellery.

Christian Aid & Other Fund-raising Updates

Christian Aid Week runs from May 9 to May 15. Volunteers are required to deliver and collect envelopes please call Susan on 01206 241431 if you are able to help.

The Hunger Lunch this year is being held at the Methodist Church Hall at 12 noon on Sunday 9 May.

The next coffee morning takes place in the Methodist church hall on Wednesday 12 May from 10am to 11.30am. Various stalls including greetings cards. Last month raised £30.

Pot Luck & Fit For a Queen

At the recent Colne Valley Flower Club meeting National demonstrator, David Thompson, made a return visit with his arrangements entitled Pot Luck. He impressed his audience with exotic blooms and a stunning array of containers which he had collected during his career.

Members brought along arrangements on the theme of Fit For a Queen. These varied from traditional to crowns, handbag and a delicious cake. Although not a competition, members voted with coins for their favourite design which will be added to the club's chosen charity for this year.

The next meeting at 7.30pm in the Orpen Memorial Hall on 19 May will see Julie Woods from Cambridge with her title Popcorn. Members are reminded that the annual plant sale takes place this month so all contributions most welcome.

Find out more about the club on the village website.