The West Bergholt Gardeners Association have been getting out & about with 4 summer visits recently. The first in May, to the flagship RHS garden at Wisley, provided the opportunity to appreciate the huge diverse plant collection.
In June a party visited Olivers Gardens (the lake pictured right), Colchester for the National Gardens Scheme. Philip Morant’s description of the garden in his 18th Century 'History of Essex' was considered to be as apt today by the owner. A garden tour culminated in refreshments on the terrace.
Also in June members visited Cants of Colchester Rose Field. As Britain’s leading rose specialist, members received professional advice on propagation, maintenance and rose types. Splendid displays of colour and fragrances were most appreciated.
On a July evening Kings Seeds, Kelvedon, a leading supplier of vegetable, flower, herb and Sweet Pea seed since 1888, welcomed members. Our host informed us on his company’s interesting history and stages of seed production during a conducted tour.
Next meeting is on 20 September at 7.30pm in the Orpen Hall. To find out more about the association visit the village website at
http://www.westbergholt.net/gardeners.htm.
Do you want to lose weight, feel better and meet some like minded people? If the answer is yes, come along to the Weight Watchers meetings held in the Methodist Church Hall, Mondays 7pm to 8pm. 
The West Bergholt Gardeners Association have been getting out & about with 4 summer visits recently. The first in May, to the flagship RHS garden at Wisley, provided the opportunity to appreciate the huge diverse plant collection. 
The Colne Valley Flower Club welcomed Lisa Howarth from Sandy in Bedfordshire to their June meeting with her arrangements entitled Summer Holiday. Lisa who is a florist shared some useful tips with the members.
Spanish Lessons for adults are now available in West Bergholt. Classes are informal and friendly and aim to get you communicating in spanish.
St Mary's Table Tennis Club is no more after 11 years. The club which played in the Colchester & District leagues achieved some success over the years but reducing numbers of players have meant the club had to stop. Read more in the next edition of the Bulletin (archive copies here).
This years Historic Vehicle Show takes place on Saturday and Sunday 23/24 July in the fields off Nayland Road in the village beginning at 10am. Over 500 historic vehicles, trade stands, static exhibitions and charity stalls, a parade of Suffolk horses and quad bike plus other attractions will be on view. The arena events on Saturday include a 70th Battle of Britain fly-past by a Spitfire and helicopter plus vehicle parades.
Members and guests enjoyed the annual outing to Carters Vineyard in Great Horkesley. The history of the vineyard from inception followed by a tour of the wine making process was fascinating. Before lunch a selection of wines were tasted including red, white and sparkling.
Join the Friends of Hillhouse Wood for a Butterfly, Dragonfly & Summer Insect Walk on Saturday 17th July. Joe Firmin and Philip Smith will lead a summer insect walk in and near the wood, offering a chance to see whiteletter hairstreaks and other special
