Historic Vehicle Show 2011

At Nayland Road once again this annual event continues to offer a stunning range of activities and displays for all tastes. kicking off on Friday evening, 29th July, at 7:30pm with a FREE Country & Western Concert, starting at 10am on Saturday the show sees over 500 historic vehicles of all descriptions, a wide range of trade & charity stands, static exhibitions and funfair with a Massive Kite Display. Saturday evening entertainment is in the form of a Last Night of the Proms Concert (tickets from Manns Music, Colchester, or A Dickens on 07887 934726).

Sunday ups the ante with the show being opened at 10am by BBC Radio's Richard Spendlove MBE and includes the Massed Bands of the City of Coventry, Jez Avery Honda Buggy & Trials Bike Stunt Show and The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment Parachute Freefall
Team “The Tigers”.

Licensed Bar running throughout.

Any enquiries to M J Culham on 01206 271253

Q: When is a MUGA not a MUGA?

A: When it is an all-weather sports area managed by West Bergholt Sports Club.

The village games area situated on the Lorkin Daniell field is now managed by the Parish Council who, in an innovative agreement, have arranged for the Co-op store to hold the bookings diary.  To find out more about West Bergholt Sports Club visit their page on the village website. 

Free Half Term fun - Thursday 2nd June

The Halfords Tour Series is coming to Colchester Thursday 2 June 2011, bringing with it a whole afternoon of festival activities for all to enjoy, in addition to the thrilling professional cycle race that will take place in the town centre streets from 7pm.

Castle Park will host an array of free activities from 2pm for people of all ages to play a part in, in the lead up to the evening race.

Head to Hollytrees Meadow, Castle Park, to trial the amazing 54 metre Northshore mountain bike track, bikes and helmets will be provided. Budding BMX riders can freestyle on the BMX Park or brush up your tricks with the skills sessions – bring your own bike.

Drop in on the Halfords Hub Arena where there will be all sorts of entertainment going on throughout the afternoon, and prepare to be amazed by the tricks and flips of Triple World Champion Ben Savage as he tackles the VooDoo Bikes Stunt Rig. There will be an opportunity to improve your cycle skills with some coaching from Ben himself.

Don’t miss all that Lower Castle Park has to offer including football skills sessions, kwik cricket, tennis and volleyball.

Hollytrees Lawn will host the entertainment and refreshments arena, come and try Zumba Latin workout, join the street dance workshop or relax and enjoy a programme of activity throughout the day.

Gardening update

The West Bergholt Gardeners' Association thanks everyone for supporting their April Plant Sale. From funds raised they are donating to two village organisations and Essex Air Ambulance. Next year’s sale will be on 21 May 2012.

Natalie Finch delighted her audience in a virtual tour of her garden of roses at the Association's May meeting. Members shared her knowledge, passion and romanticised in a journey of beauty and colour landscaped by old English roses.

Wickham Place Farm Gardens

A leisurely stroll in Wickham Place Farm ancient walled gardens, dating from 1706 and 14 acres of woodland was enjoyed by members this week. Theirr admission costs were donated by the owner to charities supported by the National Garden Scheme.

All seats are sold for the trip in June to East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens.

Beeleigh Abbey Gardens, Maldon will be visited on Tuesday 5 July at 7.00pm. Three acres of riverside gardens in a picturesque and historic setting dating from the 13th century.

Growing as a Community is this year’s theme for RHS’s Dig Together Day in September. The Gardeners’ Association will undertake to improve an authorised public area in the village. Updates and publicity on this project will follow.

Top Ten Trees of Colchester is the topic of speaker Ian Baalham at the Association's AGM on 19 September.

For details on our meetings and activities contact the Chair – valerielofthouse1@hotmail.co.uk or the Treasurer – terryclaydon@aol.com.

Village Design Statement

The final draft of the Village Design Statement (as submitted for approval) is now on-line for those wanting to review it before the Annual Parish Meeting on 25th May. Once adopted, this document will be used to guide decisions on planning and developments within the Parish boundaries.

Have your say…

... at the Annual Parish Meeting on 27th May at 7pm and have a chance of a free pleasure flight for two into the bargain!

This meeting gives you a chance for informal discussion with your parish councillors, to be updated on the village design statement, find out more about local broadband and learn more about the new MUGA management all in a convivial atmosphere with light refreshments being served.

The meeting takes place in the John Lampon Hall adjacent to Orpen Hall.

Lands End to John O'Groats for St Helena

Sadly Chris Stevenson's attempt to cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats came to an abrupt end in a Devon country lane when, as Chris reported on his trip journal:

"I crashed heavilly, after a dog charged out of a driveway right under my wheels (the dog is fine!). At Barnstable A&E, I have been officially told that I have a broken collarbone, bruising to my right side etc. Oh yes, I also landed on my head too but the helmet saved me."

It is Chris' intention to try again next year so please watch this space and be prepared to dig deep then.