Village Bulletin Online

This quarterly publication is now available to read online along with many archive copies. Find out more about what First Responders have been up to, how residents can benefit from faster broadband and much more of local interest. Click on the following link www.westbergholt.net/village_bulletin.htm.

Orpen Players - Autumn Production

The autumn production is Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward with director, Tony Saitta who is chair of the Headgate Theatre. Performances are Thursday 25/26/27 October. Doors open 7.30pm with curtain up at 8pm. Tickets £4.50 on Thursday £5 Friday and Saturday can be purchased from Ash's Shop, Colchester Road from Saturday 13 October or contact Roger Milne on 01206 241048.

Neighbourhood Policing

The local Neighbourhood Watch group have long campaigned for a greater presence of police around the village since only with such a presence are criminals, vandals and others exhibiting anti-social behaviour likely to be deterred. Indeed they consider the dedicated police officer to be the kingpin of Neighbourhood Policing.

The most recent initiative to come from Essex Police would involve the manning of local police stations by local volunteers which would have the effect of allowing uniformed officers to spend more time on the streets.

Is this a good or a bad thing? Do police stations need be manned to establish a presence in any event? Are there not better ways to contact local police when you need them?

If you have strong feelings on this subject why not contact the local neighbourhood watch group. You can find out more about them and their contact details here.

Christian Aid Fundraiser

A Christian Aid tea held at The Grays in the village recently raised £206.75p. The money will be used to help poor people around the world.

First Responders

First responders are having a recruitment drive this Saturday in the premises of the Co-op supermarket in Chapel Road from 9am to 2pm. Anyone interested can come along for a chat and receive further information or contact co-ordinator Annie Neish on 01206 240469.

Harvest Festival

Following the above Methodist service fruit and produce were distributed to Colchester Night Shelter and the Women's and Children's Refuge. Thanks to everyone who donated goods for the service.

Workers Educational Association (WEA) - New Course

The Autumn course begins on 25 September with the subject entitled Britain and the Sea. The tutor is Roger Beckett. The 10 week course starts at 8pm to 9.45pm in the Methodist Church Hall with wheelchair access and a LOOP system by prior request. Fees £40 with concessions £34. If unsure sample the first evening free. Further information 01206 240791.

Braiswick Road Bridge Replacement

The Highways Agency are now nearing completion of this project and expect to remove the old bridge overnight on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th August. This will involve closure of the A12 Colchester By-Pass with diversions through the town centre and traffic controls on Braiswick Road itself. More details are available on the village website here.

Coffee Morning - 8th August

There will be a coffee morning in the Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Lane next Wednesday August 8 from 10am to 11.30am. Stalls include cakes, bric-a-brac and greetings cards.

Sponsored Car Wash

Children from Heathlands Primary School held a sponsored car wash last weekend to raise money to fund a suitable tribute to the life of Daniel Mullinger, their schoolfriend, who was involved in a tragic accident on a school trip to Felbrigg Hall. They exceeded all their expectations raising over £1,000 on the day.

Historic Vehicle Rally - 28th-29th July

The above takes place this weekend (28th-29th July) starting on both days at 10am in the fields off Nayland Road in the village. Saturdays arena events include Essex Dog Display Team, Massed Scout Bands from Holland, Kite Flying Display and SD Marshall Arts. Sunday sees the welcome return of the Imps Motorcycle Display Team. The Freefall team 'The Tigers' and various bands. The Country and Western Concert on Saturday at 7.30pm has free entry. Proceeds to local charities. Contact Mr Culham on 01206 271253 for further information.

Attended Freighter - 28th July

The attended freighter will be stationed on the Orpen Memorial car park this Saturday (28th July) from 10.45am to 12noon.

Parish Council Meeting 25th July

The agenda for this meeting is now online on the Village website. You can view it here.

RNLI - a record collection

The village collection for the Lifeboats raised £1,024.60p. The first time to realise over £1,000. The organisers wish to thank both the contributors and collectors. The Colchester District total was £9,109.90.

Coffee Morning - 11th July

There will be a coffee morning in the Methodist church hall Chapel Lane on Wednesday 11 July from 10am to 11.30am. Gifts for cake and general stalls will be appreciated. Greetings cards will also be on sale.

Parish Council Agenda 27th June

The Agenda for the next Parish Council meeting on 27th June has now been published online here.

Who wants to be a telly star?

If you do you have until the end of March to get your application in.

We have been approached by RDF, an independent production company, interested in doing a TV show for Channel 4 that looks at family life in the UK, celebrating different lifestyles in modern Britain. The documentary is primarily about people learning from the way others lead their lives. They are very keen to feature a country-living family; perhaps who can show what it’s like to maintain a large estate and grounds or give viewers a taste of life on a farm. Or perhaps a family who can show the reality and rewards of village life. This would be a wonderful opportunity to reach city-dwelling viewers and open their eyes to the perks as well as the hard work of country life!

• Are you a fun, outgoing family?
• Do you think others can learn from the way you live your life?
• Or have you ever wanted to experience a different way of living?

If you’re up for a fun family challenge a Channel 4 documentary series would love to hear from you.
Call Melissa for more details on:
020 7013 4514
Or email:
melissa.waterson@rdfmedia.com

You can also read a little more about the show here.