st mary’s church - parish · pdf filest mary’s church vicar: ... s. rokkam, b....
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St Mary’s Church
VICAR:
Rev Sharon Miles
The Vicarage, The Bury, St Osyth,
CO16 8NY 01255 822055
CHURCHWARDEN
Wendy King
17 Larkfield Road - 01206 250852
CHURCHWARDEN:
Wendy Smith
Burnside, The Green - 01206 250098
TREASURER:
Penny Evans Jones The Old Rectory, The Green - 01206 250541
CHURCH VERGER:
Rita Baverstock
Stonybroke, Station Road - 01206 251271
LAY READER:
Wendy King
17 Larkfield Road - 01206 250852
PCC SECRETARY:
Chris Aplin
Newmay House, The Green - 01206 250385
STEWARDSHIP SECRETARY:
Rosemary Branch
4 Wents Close - 01206 250137
TOWER CAPTAIN:
Roger Carey-Smith - 01206 250521
SUNDAY SCHOOL:
Linda Hayes
Ivy Lodge, Frating - 01206 250207
Maria Pagram
The Burrow, Plough Road - 01206 250280
VESTRY ROOM BOOKING SECRETARY:
Carole Allington
Poplar House, Station Road - 01206 251086
or ring Church Verger
PARISH MAGAZINE EDITOR/ADVERTISING/
DISTRIBUTOR:
Mary Maskell
Caldew Cottage, The Green
01206 250524
Carole Allington
METHODIST MINISTER Rev Crawford Logan 37 Southcliff Park, Clacton on Sea, CO15 6HH - 01255 423640
DOCTOR’S SURGERY: Drs F. Bhatti, R.S. O’Reilly, A. Nambi, K. Chumbley, S. Rokkam, B. Muir and G. Pontikis. The Hollies, The Green - 01206 250691
CHIROPODIST: Terry St George - 01255 861387: Mobile: 07775 833200
POLICE: Clacton 0300 333 4444 24 hour Non emergency number 101
In an emergency ring 999
PCSO Louise Cox, Community mobile 07801 316876 or 101 ext. 487703. email: [email protected]
PARISH COUNCIL: Chairman - Jonathan Hills,Grange Farm, Heckfords Rd, CO78RR - 01206 798666
Clerk to the Council - Kevin Harkin Correspondence to: The Clerk, Community Resource Centre, Village Hall, Plough Road, Great Bentley, CO7 8LD Telephone - 01206 256410
TENDRING DISTRICT COUNCILLOR: Lynda McWilliams, Boblyn, St Mary’s Road, Aingers Green - 01206 250732
COUNTY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE: Alan Goggin, Freshfields, Church Road, Brightlingsea, CO7 OQT 01206 308023 Mobile: 07860 519117 email: [email protected]
GOOD NEIGHBOURS TRANSPORT: Barbara Fookes - 01206 250431
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: Richard Nowak - 01206 250204
MEDICAL AIDS: Contact Good Neighbours - 01206 25087
TENDRING FURNITURE SCHEME: Rocket House, Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, Clacton: 01255 476068
VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS: Shelley Pizzey, 5 Keeble Court – 01206 252385
METHODIST HALL BOOKINGS: Robert & Janet Taylor, Dominica, Moors Close - 01206 250087
GT BENTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL: - 01206 250331
COLNE COMMUNITY SCHOOL: - 01206 303511
VILLAGE HISTORY RECORDER: Heather Taylor, Granville, Plough Road - 01206 251004
COLCHESTER HOSPITALS: 01206 747474
CLACTON & DISTRICT HOSPITAL: 01255 201717
FOOTPATH REP: David Gollifer 01206 250309
DONATIONS FOR ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE: Judy & Alan Bishop - 5 Morella Close, 01206 251702
VILLAGE TRANSPORT REP: Peter Harry - 01206 250511
VILLAGE CORRESPONDENT: Sue Gibson, 1 Cedar Way, e-mail: [email protected]
VILLAGE CARETAKER: Bobby McWilliams, Boblyn, St Mary’s Rd, Aingers Green 01206 250732
Village Information
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2015
CONTENTS
Editorial .. .. .. 1
Monthly Letter.. .. .. 2
Church Services .. .. 3
Church Rotas .. .. 4
Thank You.. .. .. 5
Congratulations .. .. 5
Deadline .. .. .. 7
Police News .. .. .. 10
Gt Bentley Dog Show results 11
Letters .. .. .. .. 12
Peter’s Potterings .. .. 14
Surgery News .. .. .. 15
Pet’s Corner .. .. .. 16
Wildlives .. .. .. 17
Running Club .. .. .. 18
Quiz .. .. .. .. 20
School .. .. .. .. 21
Clubs & Organisations .. 22
Children’s Page .. .. 23
Gt Bentley Carnival .. .. 24
Pre-School .. .. .. 25
Protect Gt Bentley .. .. 26/27
District Councillor Notes .. 28
Gt Bentley Show results .. 29
Bentley Players .. .. 32
Parish Council .. .. 33
Farming News .. .. 34
History Society .. .. 35
Football Notes .. .. 38
FRONT COVER
Village Show Day
DISCLAIMER
Neither the Church Wardens, Parochial Church Council, nor the Editor take responsibility for the information given or views expressed in the Great Bentley Parish News. Nor is any culpability accepted in work undertaken by advertisers.
EDITORIAL
Thanks to everyone involved with the Village Show it was such a lovely day, enjoyed by all. Adult entries were down, 2015 had been a bad growing year but as ever the children set a brilliant standard to inspire us. The outside entertainment and stalls had a more villagey feel and appeared to be really successful with a wonderful display of vintage tractors. We have lots of information in this edition; results, colour supplement and even helpful hints on how to improve your photographic entries, plus categories for 2016. The weather behaved beautifully for the weekend of St Mary’s Flower and Art Festival. The church was resplendent with some amazing floral displays and a good selection of art work. Thanks to all concerned with this annual event which was highly successful. However, all is not well. Several worried readers have contacted me to ask how they can try to save the bus service which has become so popular. I did not wish to just publish the gloomy news that January 2016 would see the cessation of what for many, has become a lifeline. Peter Harry our Transport Rep has responded with a factual report which I hope will quell some of the rumours circulating at present. The Disability Discrimination Act is apparently the culprit but Peter Harry is on the case and liaising with Essex County Council. Many who use this service have bus passes and I would imagine that this has a detrimental effect on the profitability for Horizon. Many passengers are I believe willing to pay extra to keep the service going. It really would be a catastrophe for villagers along the route to lose this service. A petition to sign has been placed in Deli Licious. On a positive note the Railway Station is being upgraded and hopefully in the next few weeks will become more easily accessible for all. It is a shame that another of our well respected parish councillors has decided to resign. Thank you to Cliff Warder for all your hard work on the council. Cliff is also a stalwart with the Great Bentley youth football club and a true member of the village community. Whilst happy to print your views on most subjects can I please ask that you respect the ruling that we are not willing to publish personal attacks on individuals. Much as the notion of a short holiday appeals, detention at Her Majesty's Pleasure is not appealing. We see it as our role to air concerns regarding village issues and welcome these especially if they contain positive elements on how to solve perceived problems. Carole and I have been partners in crime on the magazine for over thirty years not out!!! Holidays have even been booked to avoid production deadlines. We have no intention of retiring but feel for the long term future of this publication we need to train someone to help us out with typesetting occasionally and bring fresh thinking. See page 34 if you think you can help us. As I mentioned in a previous editorial, I was recently asked rather accusingly if I was STILL editing the magazineJ. My response, “I’ve only been doing it for thirty years now and feel I am just getting the hang of it!!” We have lots of interesting articles again this month, thank you for that and please keep them coming in. Variety is the spice of life. Mary Maskell
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The Monthly Letters October 2015
OCTOBER PRAYER LIST
Each day we will be praying for those that need help, those who give help and all the people who live in each road. That’s a lot of praying to be done. 1 Doctors Air Ambulance 2 Hill Cottages Hamilton Lodge 3 Family church District nurses 4 South Heath Road Beaver Scouts 5 The lonely Salvation Army 6 Chapel Terrace Primary School 7 Messy Church Alzheimer Society 8 Cedar Way EMMAUS 9 Housebound Macmillan nurses 10 Birch Avenue Cub Scouts 11 St Helena’s Hospice Teen Talk 12 Cherrywoods Joseph Court 13 The Vicar Samaritans 14 Finch Drive Alcoholics Anonymous 15 The grieving Brownies 16 De Vere Estate Childline 17 Churchwardens Children’s Hospice 18 Goodwyn’s Mews Headstart 19 Methodist Minister Blood Donors 20 Plough Road Rainbow Guides 21 The sick Premature babies 22 Sycamore Close Women’s Refuge 23 Church Sunday School Epilepsy Support Group 24 The Path Relate 25 The homeless First Responders 26 Pine Close GB Youth Club 27 Church Stewards Essex Carers 28 New Cut R.A.D. for the deaf 29 Adventurer’s Club Local food bank 30 Rowan Close Farmers 31 The abused Explorer Scouts
Having just had our Harvest Festival it has made me think about our everyday thanksgivings and making sure that I am thankful. I am taking stock and reassessing things so that family, friends, colleagues, events and all the special things don’t just get taken for granted. We in our everyday lives have so much to be thankful for – our homes, jobs, hobbies, pets, village and all the important people in our lives. I wonder if you have been watching the news, seeing so many people fleeing their home lands because of violence and conflict to try and make a better, safer life for themselves and their families all the while knowing that they may not make it to their destination. It has made me realise just how fortunate I am to live in a place where I don’t fear for my life, where there is food, shelter and medical care and many supportive people sharing the journey. Being thankful is such an easy thing to do, just tell God how much you appreciate the good people and things in your life, making sure that you try to share what you can and also let those key people know that you appreciate their support and love or friendship. So let me practice what I preach – Thank you to all those who support me and share laughter and tears with me and for all we do together here in this place. Please continue with it and know that love and kindness does not go unnoticed. Every Blessing
Revd Sharon
ST MARY’S CHURCH FLOWER FESTIVAL & ART EXHIBITION
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
2 Gt Bentley Rainbows St Osyth
3 Gt Bentley Brownies St Mary
4 St Mary’s Bellringers St Dunstan
5 Gt Bentley Parish Magazine St Peter
6 Bentley Ladies Club St Luke
7 St Mary’s Sunday School St Catherine
8 Football Club St Elizabeth of Hungary
9 Conservation Group St Francis
11 Bentley in Bloom St George
12 Methodist Church St Dorothy
13 Evergreen Friendship Club St Cecilia
14 Carnival Association St Sebastian
15 Friends of the Green St Joan of Arc
17 St Mary’s Church St Nicholas
18 Hilary Harris St Anthony of Paduar
19 Gardening Club St Dunstan
The winner with the most correct answers was Nick Hayes
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CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS IN
GREAT BENTLEY DURING OCTOBER
METHODIST
CHURCH NEWS
ST MARY’S CHURCH
SUNDAY 4th OCTOBER - Trinity 18 9.30am Sung Eucharist Mon 5th 10.00am Support in Loss Vestry Room Tues 6th 2.00pm Bible Study SUNDAY 11th OCTOBER - Trinity 19 9.30am All Age Worship with Communion Baptism SUNDAY 18th OCTOBER - St Luke 9.30am Sung Eucharist Tues 20th 2pm Bible Study SUNDAY 25th OCTOBER - Trinity 21 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am All Age Worship Fri 30th 9am Magazine Collating
See more detail on “www.facebook.com/pages/Great-Bentley-Methodist-Church/776699562367528” We welcome you to worship with us during October. Morning worship will be held at 10.00am unless otherwise stated. The leaders of worship are set out below:- October 4
th Rev John Allison
Church Anniversary
October 11th
Gill Bavister
October 18th
Barbara Fookes
October 25th
Rev Andrew Bell Sacrament Many congratulations to Joyce and Ralph Butler who celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary in September.
Events in October
Coffee Morning 2nd
October (10am-12noon) for the Boys Brigade group started by Norman Coltham when he first moved to Zimbabwe (then called Southern Rhodesia) almost 60 years ago. Norman will be at the Coffee morning to talk about the group. September’s Coffee morning raised £183 for Church funds. Many thanks to all who helped in any way to raise this amount. Cameo 5
th October 6.30pm - led by Norman Coltham
who will talk about Boys Brigade in Zimbabwe. Church Anniversary The present church building (which replaced a smaller one) was opened on 5
th
October 1843. We are 172 years old! Rev John Allison will lead the service and we shall share lunch together after the service. The lunch will cost £6. Please ring 250087 if you would like to come to the service and meal. Messy Church 20
th October after school for parents,
carers and their children. Old primary school type tables to give to a good home. If you are interested please ring 250087.
Each week the following events are held at our
Church. Ring these numbers for more information
Luncheon Club Alternate Tuesdays 12 Noon 251330 Parent & Toddlers Group Thursdays 9-15 a.m. 250431 Closed in school holidays Adventurers Fridays 7 p.m. 250087. For children in school year 3 and older. Closed in school holidays Village Teen Youth Club alternate Thursdays at 7pm
FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS
BAPTISM
6th September
Nethanyel Smith
FUNERAL 1st September
Iris Simmons
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ST MARY’S CHURCH
SIDESPERSONS ROTA
Sunday 4th October - Trinity 18 Job 1.1,2.1-10: Hebrews 1.1-4,2.5-12: Mark 10.2-16:
Sidespersons & Readers - Zonia Wood & Hilary Harris Intercessions - Carol Kerridge Sunday 11th October - Trinity 19 IJob 23.1-9, 16-end: Hebrews 4.12-end: Mark 10.17-31
Sidespersons - Pat Nunn & Eve Hickley (Zonia Wood to read) Intercessions - Yvonne Gibson Sunday 18th October - St Luke Isaiah 35.3-6: 2 Timothy 4.5-17: Luke 10.1-9:
Sidesperson s & Readers - Chris Aplin & Carol Kerridge Intercessions - Myrtle Clayton Sunday 25th October - Trinity 21 Job 42.1-6,10-17: Hebrews 7.23-end: Mark 10.46-end:
Sidespersons & Readers - Ben & Angela Wright Intercessions - Vicar
COFFEE ROTA
4th Stephanie Sadler & Maria Pagram
11th Jackie & David Thimbleby
18th Hilary Harris & Wendy Smith
25th Bev Adams
CLEANING ROTA
3rd Rosemary Newman
10th Wendy Smith & Bev Adams
17th Linda Hayes
24th Chris Aplin & Carol Kerridge
31st Wendy King
A TOUCH OF SPARKLE
A demonstration by Brenda Eyers NAFAS East of England Demonstrator
St Mary’s Church, Great Bentley
Friday 27th November 7.30pm
Tickets £6.00
includes mulled wine & mince pies
The arrangements will be raffled at the end of the evening
Tickets available from:
Brenda Eyers 01206 250594 Carole Allington 01206 251086 Mary Maskell 01206 250524
FLOWER FESTIVAL AND ART EXHIBITION ST MARY’S CHURCH
A big thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to making the Flower Festival and Art Exhibition such a success, especially the flower arrangers, the artists, the helpers on the stalls and those who manned the kitchen, and of course the people who came and supported us The magnificent sum of £1,800 was raised for church funds. A great effort by all involved. Peter Allington Hilary Harris Organisers
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Animal Bedding As expected during the holiday season donations of blankets, sheets, throws, towels and tea towels have been few thereby curtailing any visits to the rescues. However we have been involved in animal welfare of a different kind which has taken up a lot of our time. There is much cause for concern about many aspects of treatment and abandonment of animals and peoples responsibility towards them. Horses despite their size and being clearly visible still suffer wanton cruelty and neglect, sadly help and intervention often comes too late. All the animal charities are under immense pressure and can barely cope with the overwhelming demand on their expertise and services, in turn this can bring about much criticism from the general public. In some cases this may well be justified but with our experience gained over the years we see it through different eyes and have learnt not to pass judgement without knowing the facts. There are times when one wishes we didn’t know as much as we do and pretend the problems are not there but we cannot do that. Animals contribute so much to us humans by way of companionship, loyalty and unconditional love. We chatted with a gentleman recently who having suffered injuries during service for his country is now confined to a wheelchair and has a canine partner, Guy a beautiful retriever cross. He explained how Guy had ‘given him his life back’ and to him most importantly that of his wife as with Guys help it allows them to have a better life as a couple together. Autumn is on its way and with it will come the need to replenish our stocks and deliver it to where it is most needed. Our thanks for those donations of food and bedding that we have received and of course to our faithful ‘ladies who knit’. You help us make a difference. Judy & Alan Bishop, 5 Morella Close. 251702
*********************** Alan Coles & family would like to express their thanks for the letters, cards and messages of condolence they received following the sad loss of Rita recently. They would also like to thank the many friends who attended the memorial service and who either generously provided food for the refreshments or helped to organise the evening. The kindness and compassion everyone has shown has been a great support to the family during this sad
and difficult time.
CONGRATULATIONS
Amy White and Justin Greenfield
Many congratulations on your engagement.
All our love
and best wishes
Mum, Dad, Andrew, Sam, Beth, Matt, Fay, James, Aidan and Jack, and all your family
and friends. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
TONY WHITE
Happy 50th Birthday on 12th October
All our love and best wishes.
Clare, Amy, Justin, Andrew, Sam, Beth, Matt
Fay, James, Aidan, Kane, Leon, Faith and Jack and all your family and friends
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
MARTIN SOAR
19th
JULY 1959 – 19th
SEPTEMBER 2015
Martin lost his battle for life on Saturday 19th
September. He had bowel cancer and subsequently the cancer spread all over his body. At last he is free from pain and at rest. He was the best son a Mum could ever have and was always thoughtful and helpful to me and to his sister Jo and niece Rachel. I can’t thank enough Yvonne, his wife, for all the care and comfort she has given to Martin over the last five months, never leaving his side and I would also like to thank her for the support she has given to me over this difficult time. Thanks to all of my friends and family in Great Bentley for the cards, support and offers of lifts etc Martin always loved to come back to Great Bentley and to meet up with old friends who he used to meet at the Football and Cricket Clubs. Rest in peace Martin. Billie Soar
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Bentley Green Ladies
Invite you to a
QUIZ NIGHT
Saturday 10th October
Great Bentley Village Hall
7pm for 7.30pm start
£4 per person with teams of 6-8 people
To book a table ring Billie on 01206 250438 or you can just turn up on the night - all welcome
Bring your own drinks and nibbles
Raffle
A Recital of Classical Chamber Music for
Piano and Clarinets
With Anthony Bailey, Felicity Vine
and Ian Ray
Sunday 11th October 6pm
at St Osyth Parish Church
Tickets £8 including Refreshments
Available from John Stiff Estate Agents or book to collect on the door
with Allison Bond on 01255 820466 or email [email protected]
GREAT BENTLEY SHOW
PHOTOGRAPHY SECTION
GET READY FOR 2016
Light & dark
Fun & frolics
Watch out!
Historical structures
Wedding bells
Warm & cuddly
Open (any subject)
Children’s section
Playtime
The Old Village Hall is for Sale
The Old Village Hall, which is situated between Tesco and the Railway Station, has for many of
the older village residents provided happy memories of such things as dancing classes and WI meetings. For the last 20 years it has been used as a workroom for Textile Conservation, the cleaning and repairing of historic textiles for museums and institutions such as the National Trust. Many interesting and unusual artifacts have passed through the door, including the flag carried by Shackleton on his unsuccessful expedition to the South Pole, when his ship Endurance was crushed by ice; and a Union Jack that was flown at the Battle of Trafalgar, 1806. The owner is retiring at the end of the year, so the Hall is now for sale, and ready to enter a new phase in its history. The Hall is 1000 square feet inside, and 1000 square feet outside, and has B1 consent. Enquiries to: 01206 563222
APOLOGIES FOR ERRORS
Bob Ward An apology for an error which was made in the September magazine. Bob Ward died on July 24rh and not June 24th. Ladybirds Pre-school The email address should read [email protected] and not as shown in the September magazine.
WELCOME
We welcome Steve, Kerry and Tabitha new residents to Corner Cottage, Moors Close and Kim and Becki to Primrose Cottage,
Moors Close
FOUND
A wedding ring was found at the Great Bentley Show
Ring Show Treasurer on 01206 250204
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DEADLINE FOR THE
NOVEMBER 2015 magazine
Thursday 15th October 2015
Material to Mary Maskell, Caldew Cottage, The Green, 250524
Please mark all material - “Parish Magazine”
email: [email protected] AND [email protected]
IMPORTANT - PLEASE SEND ALL INFORMATION TO BOTH OF US
Great Bentley Website: www.greatbentleyparishcouncil.co.uk
Enter into the spirit of Christmas and enjoy some fresh air fun at the festive St Helena Hospice Reindeer Dash
on Sunday 13th
December.
Invite your friends, family and colleagues along to run or walk the picturesque 3km route around Colchester Castle Park. As part of your registration we’ll provide free antlers and a flashing red nose to don, too!
By taking part you will be supporting our local patients and their families and making an immediate difference to their lives. Registration is just £7.50 per adult and £5 per child (ages 3 to 13). If you’re signing up a little one, you can donate £2 and they will receive a letter from Father Christmas thanking them for taking part.
Remember, Colchester’s first Winter Wonderland will be at the park – after the dash you can meet Father Christmas in his grotto and even take to the ice skating rink. If you’re super speedy with your registration we will reward you with free tickets to skate – The first 150 people to sign up will be eligible!
Make a difference today and sign up at sthelenahospice.org.uk/dash15, if you want to know any more about Reindeer Dash please contact the events team on 01206 931468 or email [email protected]. Registration closes on Friday 11
th December at 12pm, Don’t miss out.
AUTUMN SERENADE
A vocal concert starring J
Lawford Church Choir Chorus Iceni and
Manningtree High School Choir
Saturday 3rd October Commencing at 7.00pm
St Mary’s Church, Lawford
£5 per ticket (includes refreshments)
Please call:
07813 254724, 01206 396437 or 07779 259836
Also available after some church services and at the door.
GREAT BENTLEY CARNIVAL COMMITTEE
I hereby give notice that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Great Bentley Carnival Committee will be held on THURSDAY 15 OCTOBER at 8.00 p.m. in the Michael Wright Room, Great Bentley Village Hall, Plough Road, Great Bentley.
Members of the public are warmly invited to attend.
At the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting the profits from our 2015 carnival will be distributed to the beneficiaries, with each one receiving a cheque for £500.
Brenda Eyers Carnival Chairman 01206 250594
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Primrose Farm News
Well we are already talking of the Great British sausage week in November which is themed ‘Celebrating our love of the great British Banger’. This week is the 2
nd - 8
th November which coincides with Bonfire Night.
Since 1997 British Sausage Week has grown to become a multi-channel awareness campaign encouraging participation from schools, pubs and restaurants, multiple retailers and independent butchers. The highlight is to find the best British pork sausage from across the nation. This years categories are Best Traditional Pork Sausage and Best Innovative Pork Sausage. Primrose Pork won with their Best Traditional sausage a few years ago. Along with the title of Best Landmark sausage for the Eastern region came Dickie Bird the Cricket Legend to present us with an award. He was such a lovely character and very complimentary of our sausages. Since then we have won a succession of gold, silver and bronze awards and watch the British Sausage week with pride. We are also now looking at the Turkey trade for Christmas I know it is a long way away but we have to be organised for this huge time of the year. Our Back to University meat packs were a great success and if you are looking for that unusual practical present, we sell a huge combination of meat that we can box up for you. The shop is again busy with the emphasis on roasting joints and warming meals ie Toad in the Hole.
Roast leg of pork with pear and sausage stuffing balls
Cooking time:90mins
Serves:4 people
Ingredients 1 Boned and rolled pork leg joint Oil Salt 2-4 Small pears for roasting
Preparation Preheat oven. Method Weigh the joint and calculate the cooking time. Dry the rind and score deeply with a sharp knife. Rub the joint with a little oil and salt. Place the joint in a roasting tin and open roast in the oven for the calculated cooking time. Add the small pears 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time. To make the stuffing, remove the sausage meat from the skins and place in a mixing bowl. Add the sage and chopped pears mixing thoroughly. Take large spoonfuls of the mixture and shape into balls, place on a baking sheet and cook in the oven for around 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through. When the joint is cooked allow to stand for 10 minutes before carving. Save the meat juices and pour into a small pan, add a large splash of pear cider and boil rapidly to reduce slightly. Serve the roast pork with the stuffing balls, roast pears and pear juice. The farmers markets are really remaining a hive of activity with our own on the second Saturday of the month having had a good summer outside. I continue to go to Alresford, Rowhedge and Wivenhoe on consecutive Saturdays. I also have had another talk booked about the Story of Primrose Pork for next year, the development and the funny stories along the way! The winter crops for the wild birds are now looking very healthy and there are so many pheasants and partridges running around the farm land, so well camouflaged in the autumn colours.
Stuffing 225g (8oz) Herb pork sausages 30mlsp (2tbsp) Fresh sage leaves, chopped 2 Ripe pears, cored and chopped 2 Small pears, cored and chopped 30mlsp Pear Cider
POPPY APPEAL
The poppy appeal is not too far away and as usual the village, including Thorrington is short of collectors. If you can spare a few hours helping with collections please let me know on o1206 250799. The service this year is at St Mary’s Church followed by a procession to the Memorial and a service there at 11am. Mick Dorling
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Great Bentley Wine Tasting Group
For further details please contact Colin and Roni on 01206 252157 or e mail [email protected]
The wine tasting group established in August 2012 continues to hold enjoyable and informative evenings. For details please contact the above. Free advise available too, so please do contact me. The following wines come highly recommended for you to try and are perfect for drinking now; Luberon Perrin 2014 The Wine Society £7.99 This is a lovely dry white wine. It smells and tastes of white peach and cream. Delicious and perfect for any summer picnic. Bandol Domaine Lafran-Veyrolles Rose Fresh, fruity dry Rose of great character and quality. This is sure to turn any non drinking rose wine buff into a fan. It is delicious and very classy. Available from Waitrose larger stores or on line and worth every penny of the £14.99 price tag.
Each month we taste between 6 and 10 wines from £3.99
to £40 a bottle and it is a chance to taste a number of
wines in comfort before you rush out and commit. Do call
for more details.............spaces available
Great Bentley Primary School
For those parents who are applying for Reception 2016 places, we will be holding
Open Days for parents and carers to tour the school and ask any questions on the
following days:
Wednesday 14th October at 1.00pm and 2.00pm
Thursday 3rd December at 1.00pm and 2.00pm
Please contact the school office on 01206 250331 to book a place.
AUTUMN FAIR
In aid of Seven Rivers Cheshire Home Great Bromley
Tuesday 6th OCTOBER
10.30am - 3.00pm
At Gt Bromley Village Hall Rectory Road, Gt Bromley
CO7 7JR
Stallholders include:
Ho Ho Ho: Glorious Garments: Sports Channel: JoJo Matthews: Phoenix Cards: Leopardi:
Wishlist: PO-CH: Carole Russell: Terra Nova Shoes: Claire Weeks:
Wendy Warren Jewellery: Otta Designs: The Cheese and Pie Man: Serendipity:
Oxbow and Peach: Nicky Yeates:
Admission £3.
Colchester SUGARCRAFT Association presents a
FULL-DAY
CHRISTMAS CAKE WORKSHOP
Saturday 14th November 10am - 4pm
in Stanway Village Hall, Colchester, CO3 ORH
Under expert tuition: Marzipan a fruit cake (which we provide) Cover your cake with sugarpaste Make two models to go on your cake
The fee is £35
You will leave with a fully-iced cake on an appropriate-sized board in a box complete with two models. Your cake and all sugarcraft materials are provided but you will need to bring: an apron, your packed lunch, a large rolling pin, a flat knife (palette knife if you have one), a pastry brush and a pair of pointed-ended scissors. Tea and coffee will be provided. All details and an application form are on our website www.colchestersugarcraft.org.uk/workshop2015.html or ring Christine on Colchester 823400. Numbers are strictly limited, so apply soon.
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Great Bentley Neighbourhood Policing Team
Neighbourhood Constable - Pc Dan Heard: Police Community Support Officer—Louise Cox CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE Windows and doors. If your windows and doors aren't secure, neither is your home. Two thirds of burglars get in through a door and a third through a window so security is vital. Follow our advice to help keep your home safe. Windows If you are replacing windows install ones certified to British Standard PAS 24-2 'windows of enhanced security'. Also think about using laminated glass 6.4mm or greater, particularly in ground floor and accessible windows as it’s much harder to break. On double glazed windows the laminated glass should be installed as the inner pane. Fit window locks to all easy to reach windows, for example, those on the ground floor, above a flat roof or near a drainpipe.
DIY shops sell inexpensive locks to fit most windows but remember to remove keys from locks and store them somewhere out of sight. Your insurance could be affected if you don’t. Security is vital, but at least one window in each room at first floor or higher level must have a means of escape. Doors Doors and their frames should be strong and in good condition. If your front and back doors are not secure neither is your home. If you are replacing a door, improve your security by installing one that is certified to British Standard PAS 24-1 ‘doors of enhanced security'. If your door doesn’t have a window to help you check who’s at the door, fit a door viewer and chain. Strengthen wooden doors by fitting a steel strip and plates to the door frame and around the lock. These are commonly called London and Essex bars. Make sure hinges are sturdy and secured with strong, long screws. For added security fit a pair of hinge bolts. Never hang a spare key inside the letterbox – it’s an obvious place that a thief will check. Keep your doors locked even when you are at home. If you have a UPVC door, be sure to lock it properly by lifting up the handle and using a key. Think about fitting a rim latch, a device that locks automatically when the door is closed but can be opened from the inside without a key. Look for BS3621 kite marked products. Where euro profile cylinder locks are fitted (PVC-U door mainly), cylinder replacement should be to TS 007 standard. Below is a breakdown of reported incidents for the month of August Obstruction - 2: Two reports about a vehicle blocking a pavement – owner advised and vehicle moved Burglary Dwelling – 2: A property on Shair Lane was entered and various items removed. A mobile home was entered on Flag Hill and various items removed. Domestic Abuse- 1 Concern for Welfare -3 Suspicious Circumstances – 2 : Report of travellers setting up on land Two males were seen in a white transit van in the area of Larkfield Road acting suspiciously Nuisance Communications – 1: Unwanted texts received Hare Coursing – 1: Report received of person’s hare coursing over local fields Animal – 1: Report of Deer in the road Intruder Alarms - 3: All false activation Road related - 1: Report of a paint spillage on the road causing the road to be dangerous – Highways were contacted Rtc - 1: One vehicle had left Plough Road and ended up in a field Abandoned Vehicle - 1: Relevant checks were conducted all was in order Criminal Damage - 1: A resident had tyres slashed on their vehicle in the location of Linnet Drive. Police Community Mobile Please be aware that this number is no longer in service. Should you wish to contact Essex Police to report an incident or to speak to your local officers then please Dial 101 for non-emergency matters or 999 for emergency incidents. Alternatively you can contact Essex Police through the Essex Police website at www.essex.police.uk Calls to ‘101’ will cost 15p for the entire call. This applies to both landlines and mobile phones. For the first time ever, everyone calling the police for non-emergency matters will know exactly how much it will cost them and will be assured of equal access whether they are on a pay-as-you-go mobile or a home landline. Anti-Social Behaviour For all incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour please call police in the first instance on 101 for non-emergencies or 999 for all emergencies. The Anti-Social Behaviour Helpline - This number is provided for members of the public to call in and report acts of Anti-Social Behaviour to Tendring District Council Community Safety Partnership Unit. The Community Safety Team will co-ordinate a response to your anti-social behaviour problem with partners as required. ASB NUMBER – 01255 686359
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY FOR 2015
November
27th St Mary’s Church ‘A Touch of Sparkle’ A Flower Arranging Demonstration by Brenda Eyers.
28th Christmas Light Switch on.
December
5th/6thSt Mary’s Church Christmas Tree Festival
Great Bentley Show Companion Dog Show Results 2015
We had a really wonderful afternoon, despite it being on the chilly side to start with, but after I had chatted with the vicar of Bentley the sun shone and it was a beautiful day. It was great to see so many people and their dogs attend the show this year and especially pleasing, as always, to see many residents bring their pet dogs to the show and everyone obviously enjoying the atmosphere of the whole event. There were 112 dogs entered into the various classes with 275 entries. A big and grateful thank you to our judge Pam Simms, and her friend Avril who was our Ring Steward; they really had a hectic afternoon. Yet again the Dog Show has proved its popularity with not only the number of dogs entered but by the many spectators around the ring watching with interest and obviously enjoying their afternoon with us; with such large numbers in the novelty classes Pam still managed to finish the judging in good time. I always like to look on the entry forms to find out how far people and their dogs travel to be with us for the show, and this year was no exception, we had several travel up from the deep south of Essex and from over the Suffolk border. My grateful thanks go to all my very busy team of helpers, to Lesley Shipp, Donna Morphew and Helen McWilliams, where would we be without your generous help; also a big thank you to those kind members of the show committee who helped put up the gazebo this year. The winners of each class were; - Pedigree Classes Best Puppy Jean Mullets – Golden Retriever - Popcorn Sporting J Richardsons – Whippet - Flash Best Any Variety Non Sporting Mr & Mrs Lotts – Standard Poodle - Marlie Open Maureen Fifes – Basset Hound - Dexter Best in Show Mr & Mrs Lotts – Standard Poodle - Marlie Reserve Best in Show J Richardsons – Whippet - Flash Best Puppy Jean Mullets – Golden Retriever - Popcorn Best Opposite Sex Maureen Fifes – Basset Hound – Dexter Novelty Classes Best Veteran Angela Dickensons – Russian Black Terrier - Igor Best Child Handler Tye Kitchens - Miniature Dachshund - Titch Best Crossbreed/Mongrel Louis Jacobs – Teddy Bear Best Rescue Dog Sian Porters – West Highland Terrier - Morgan Dog most like its owner Gill Baxters – Jack Russell - Alice Prettiest Bitch Phoebe Bowmans – Bichon Frise - Bella Handsome Dog Kays – Australian Shepherd - Dash Dog with the Waggiest Tail Jane Baldrys – Brittany - Chester Dog in best Condition Joe Simmonds – Cockpoo - Tess Dog the judge would like to take home Karen Baudreys – St Bernard - Poppy Best Novelty Phoebe Bowmans – Bichon Frise - Bella Well done and congratulations to all the winners. Lynda McWilliams Companion Dog Show Organiser and Deputy Chairman of the Great Bentley Show
COLCHESTER MILITARY WIVES and BRAINTREE MALE VOICE CHOIRS
SING FOR CANCER CENTRE CAMPAIGN
Saturday 24th October St Botolph’s Church, Colchester
6.45pm for 7.30pm start
Tickets £15
Ring 01206 971044
ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT
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Letters to the Editor Horizon No 77 Bus Regular users of the No 77 bus may be aware that we are informed the service will cease at the end of this year. The actual reasons for this are not yet clear, however what is clear is the impact the loss of our bus will have on those who are reliant upon it to travel into Colchester, either to Tesco at the Hythe, into Town, to North Station or up to Asda. As far as I am concerned I do not know of any engagement by Horizon with those of us who rely on this service and seemingly no thought given to the repercussions on their loyal passengers. We were all so happy to see the splendid bus shelter erected in Thorrington Road with many expressions of gratitude to Doug Gibbs for his persistence. What an absolute debacle and waste of money and Doug’s time it will be if by the end of this year it becomes redundant! I have been encouraged to write to Essex County Council at County Hall, Market Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1QH to express my concern and ask them if they would help fund the bus. I would urge, if like me you are concerned, that you also write to them. Several comments have been made to me saying people would be prepared to pay a nominal amount for each trip if it would save the bus. I will do my level best to prevent the loss of this vital service which allows many of our older residents the independence and freedom to leave the village for a few hours. I know a lot of people who need to use the main Post Office in Colchester. Quite simply I do not like to think of the effects it will have, not just the convenience of the bus but also the helpfulness of the drivers and the feeling of community spirit which has been established. Judy Bishop
Congratulations on our new bus shelter. It’s far better than those going into Colchester. Only other thing to correct is the railway station platform. It is far too low to the carriages. When I did use the train, I have picked up three old ladies who had mishaps getting off the train. When I wrote to the railway about it, they said there was a guard on the train to help you. Yes, you are one end of the train, he is the other end. Doug Gibbs
The Station is being modernised at the present moment.
See Transport Rep’s report
Dear Chairman, Clerk, Councillors and members of the Public, As some of you are aware I have for sometime been considering my position on the Parish Council due to personal reasons following a change of job. Recent events have given me a lot to think about in terms of my role as a Councillor and I have concluded that I no longer feel my heart is in it. I had hoped that my resignation following the last meeting would have prevented the need for a ballot but procedures dictated otherwise. I, like all the other councillors, never volunteered to undertake this role for the glory or the thanks, just to do as best we could for as many parishioners as possible within the constraints we are bound by. However as time has progressed, especially in the current challenging times we as a Parish are facing, it has been clear as to how much of a thankless, unappreciated task this has become. I accept that some of this may have come from naivety through a lack of understanding as to how the PC has to work, but doesn’t excuse some of the comments I have received. At recent meetings the PC has been criticised for seeming not to be approachable, ironic given it was made by someone who would happily phone me on my personal number at a time convenient to them. The PC has been accused of not representing the good of the village by people who are only viewing what they feel is right by them and not the community as a whole. Plus further comments including the village is depressed the PC should do something (last meeting!) leaves me to conclude people have no respect for what the PC is capable of or trying to do. Added to this, I feel it is appalling how some members of the PC are being treated of late. The PC has followed the process and protocol required in a transparent and open manner for all to see. However to some this is an opportunity for a cheap dig, if you knew how much current and past members of the PC have given in time and resources they have available, for free to the village, you would back down with embarrassment, without these contributions we all would be paying a lot more in tax to maintain the village as is. I know some will be thinking, they can afford it, to those I point out, time is free why don’t you give up some of that and contribute to the village. Sorry it’s become a rant so I will stop and end on a positive. I thank those who have supported me over the past 5 years, it has been a learning exercise and one which I have in large enjoyed. I wish every success to the new members of the PC and good luck to the other councillors. I would like to pass special thanks to the Chairman for his support and the knowledge he brings and to the Clerk for keeping us in check (must be like rounding chickens up), and finally to those of the public in attendance. The PC is in between a rock and a hard place on so many issues, don’t squeeze them further, but work with them and help shape the community that will work for us all. Kind regards Cliff Warder
15
TRAVELLING THE KIMBERLEY by Mirain Evans
We left Perth airport on October 26th after a conversation in the lounge with Connie, an eighty year old lady travelling with a group to have lunch in Kalgoorlie (flight two hours) an overnight stop in the underground hotel at Coober Pedy (a further couple of hours) where she hoped to buy some of the famous opals, and a final flight to Adelaide to spend the rest of the week shopping. A month before, she had toured Europe. It made our two and a half flight to Broome seem very insignificant. However for us it was the beginning of a month in an area in the far north of the state of Western Australia J the Kimberley. This is a region in North West Australia, roughly three times the size of England, bounded to the west by the Indian Ocean, to the north by the Timor Sea and to the south by The Great Sandy Desert. It was named after the 1st Earl of Kimberley, John Wodehouse, although he served in Australian settlements much later than the first inhabitants who arrived about 40,000 years ago, probably from Indonesia. Now, the population of the Kimberley is 30,000 and increasing rapidly, but the area still has fewer people per square kilometre than any other place on the continent. Thirty three percent of the population is of Aboriginal descent, and much of the land in this region is owned by Aboriginal Communities. Australia is an ancient land geologically, and the Kimberley is no exception, with its steep sided mountain ranges cut through with sandstone and limestone gorges, formed over the centuries by numerous rivers. None of these ranges reaches even 1000 metres, but the terrain is so steep it is very difficult to traverse especially during the wet season when even sealed roads become flooded. To the south of the region the land is flatter and covered with tropical bush and grassland, much of which is cattle ranch country. The Kimberley has a monsoon climate and ninety percent of its rain falls between November and April. Cyclones are common during the wet season, and the regular flooding of rivers renders huge areas of land under water, making many routes impassable for long periods of time. The average annual mean temperature is 27 degrees centigrade, and just before the rains arrive, the heat intensifies, often into the 40s. Due to its remoteness and natural wild beauty, the Kimberley has become a popular tourist destination, and there are many National Parks and areas of special interest, including World Heritage sites. it is not surprising that the Kimberley was the inspiration for the filming of “Australia”. After we had left the sprawling suburbs of Perth behind, the land we flew over was a tapestry of changing colours with at first isolated homesteads and a few small towns, then enormous tracts of empty ranges and valleys. Once we glimpsed a huge open mine, recognisable even from the air as one of the hundreds in the Pilbara region, where companies like Rio Tinto dig for gold and iron to export to China. We landed in Broome in a haze of drifting smoke from a nearby bush fire, a common occurrence at that time of year in the hot build up to the wet season. A Chinatown taxi took us to the Mercure Hotel where we took refuge from the thirty degree heat for a while. Later we walked into town. Broome is an attractive town of 15,000 people set on a peninsula and is obviously a very popular tourist destination, although it was fairly quiet at the end of the season. It has a definite “frontier” feel and started as a centre for the pearling industry during the late 1800s which attracted many divers, especially Chinese and Japanese. These men came to make their fortunes but often died in the process, as the many headstones in the large cemetery in the centre of the town testify. The pearling industry however is still thriving, and there are quite a number of small shops specialising in pearl jewellery for which Broome is famous. As we walked in the dusk, huge flocks of fruit bats skimmed our heads leaving their roosts in the mangroves to feed on the trees in town. To be continued//...
FRIENDS OF THE GREEN
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday 17th November
7pm
Church Vestry
St Mary’s Church
All Welcome
QUIZ NIGHTS at the
Royal Fusilier
2nd Saturday in the month
10th October
14th November
12th December
7.30 for 8pm start
£3 per person max. 6 in a team
Charity to profit will be announced on
the night.
Book a table on 250001
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Peter’s
Potterings
OCTOBER GARDENS
Rake up fallen leaves from the grass and amongst the plants in the borders. Fallen leaves left lying around plants encourage the slugs and snails, and we know what a nuisance they are, so anything that reduces the problem for next year is a bonus. It used to be traditional to heap the leaves up then have a bonfire. Whilst it is nice to watch the smoke drift lazily up into the sky the leaves can be put to a better use. As an alternative try turning the leaves into leaf mould, the same way as nature does. If you go into a wood after leaf fall you can kick your way through a layer of loose leaves. Underneath this layer you will however find several more layers in various stages of decomposition, and eventually the goodness goes back into the ground feeding the trees that produced them. (Obviously slugs and snails don’t do much damage to a good old tree trunk). Leaves can be mixed in your own compost heap but they usually take longer than green matter to break down. Create a special container/area for leaves that can be left for at least a couple of years, or pack them into a black polythene sack and punch a few holes in the side with for example a garden fork. Tie the top and lose them up a corner for 2 years and then use the nice leaf mould that has been produced. Digging ready for next Spring can be started now as the crops come out of the ground. Lifting the last of the main crop potatoes can be done this month. As the soil will probably be moist, leave them on the surface of the soil for a couple of hours or so to dry out, before putting them away for storage. Store only undamaged potatoes. Any damaged tubers that got caught by the fork should be put to one side and used up for cooking. Store the rest in paper or hessian sacks, as using any material that cannot breathe such as polythene, will soon make the potatoes sweat and then rot. If you buy your potatoes from the shops it is a good idea to take them out of the polythene bag as soon as possible and say put them into a cardboard box and pack a layer of newspapers on top to keep out the light and stop them going green. October and November is a good time to plant new shrubs in the borders. The soil will still be warm and the roots can start to get established before the colder weather of Winter stops any further development. It is a good idea to incorporate some compost (or well rotted leaf mould) into the surrounding area before planting. A sprinkling of something like bone meal, which is an organic slow release fertiliser will help the shrubs in the Spring. Don’t use normal Growmore as this contains a high
level of nitrogen and this will start the plant into growth again and you don’t want this to happen until the Spring. Tread the ground down around the new shrub until it is firm. This helps the soil to contact the sides of the roots and also stops it blowing about in the Winter winds. You may have to refirm the soil again during the Winter especially after frosts. Whilst we are on the subject of planting what about the vegetable garden? Hurry up and get the spring cabbage plants in (don’t forget to cover them with some form of protection as the birds seem to like the taste of these young plants). Also garlic likes a long growth season and cloves planted now will repay you with a nice fat bulb in the Summer next year. I usually use garlic bought from a seed merchant but I know people who have been successful with those bought from the grocery shop. The problem here is that the bulb may not be virus free and if it is a variety that grows well in hot parts of the world it may not appreciate our colder British climate. Spring bedding needs to be planted now to allow it to get established before the Winter and then to give a good show next Spring. This is important for such things as polyanthus which are Spring flowering, but also for pansies where some varieties, if established, will continue to produce flowers all the time until they are taken out ready for the Summer bedding. The seed people have been working very hard over the last few years to select and improve the flowering characteristics of various species. Several companies are selling wallflowers that are supposed to bloom in the Autumn as well as the Spring. Whilst planting out the bedding don’t forget to plant your Spring flowering bulbs. Daffodils and tulips make a nice splash of colour in the darker months of Spring. There are many new varieties available every year so why not try a couple of different ones this year? Or what about a few hyacinths, we tend to think of them as pot plants for Christmas, but they are perfectly happy outside and give a long lasting spike of colour as well as a fragrance in March/April next year. They are a bit more expensive than daffodils or tulips but lift them carefully when the leaves die down and they will usually flower for several years. PETER ALLINGTON
BENTLEY IN BLOOM
Don’t forget your pansies and polyanthus plants this year. We have grown lots just for you! Please ask any Bentley in Bloomer to reserve any plants for you. (Last year we sold out). If we have any left we will have them for sale in the Old Village Hall car park on Saturday 31st October from 10am until 12 noon. John & Jennie Moss - 252182 Mick Dorling - 250799 Peter Allington - 251086
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Surgery Notes
IT’S FLU SEASON! We have a total of 3,754 patients who will be eligible for the NHS seasonal influenza vaccination. Most patients will already know they are eligible from previous years and we will be sending regular text reminders to those patients who have a mobile phone recorded. However, if you think you are eligible but are not sure, please give us a call on 01206 250691 and we can check for you. We have special flu clinics set up on Thursday 1
st, Saturday 3
rd, Monday 5
th, Wednesday 7
th and Saturday 10
th October. In addition we have also
arranged two special clinics at the Little Clacton Village Hall (opposite ‘The Firs’) on the afternoons of Tuesday 6
th and Tuesday 13
th October. We are hoping to get most patients vaccinated in these clinics, but will also be
arranging some ‘mop up’ clinics after these I’m sure. I also need to tell you about a couple of changes to our clinical staff. We are unfortunately losing Dr Muir and Sister Mooney who are both moving on to work at surgeries closer to their homes, but I’m very pleased to welcome back Sister Sue Webb as our new Nurse Practitioner/ Manager. Having left us a couple of years ago, she’s come back ‘home’ and I’m sure many of you will remember Sue very well. Finally, now the nights are drawing in, come along to our Patient Participation Group meeting on Thursday 15
th Oct at 6.30pm at the Great Bentley village hall.
Richard – Practice Manager
__________________________________________________________________
SLEEP makes you feel better, but it is important as part of a healthy lifestyle. Most
people will need 7-8 hours a night but some may only need about 6. A good night’s sleep is important for your energy levels and overall health. There are many factors that can affect your sleep. Some of the points below are ways to help you sleep or reasons that may upset your sleep:
Sleep can be effected by how active you have been during the day, what you may have eaten or had to drink
and how much mental stimulation you have had especially in the few hours leading up to going to bed.
• Using electronic devices like laptops, tablets or mobiles can cause a disrupted night’s sleep. Switch them off a couple hours before bedtime, especially video games.
• Watch what you drink; caffeine and alcohol can disturb a good night’s sleep.
• Spicy and fatty foods are also best avoided.
• How old is your mattress? They should be replaced after 10 years.
• A bedroom that is too hot. Turn the heat down a little or open a window.
• Don't have animals in your room.
• Cold feet can keep you awake so try putting on a pair of socks.
• Counting sheep - it does work, so try it!
• Focus on your breathing - slow it down, take a deep breath in and slowly breathe out and repeat a few times. There are also many other relaxation exercises that can help.
• Make sure your room is dark, particularly in the summer months.
Have a good nights sleep and feel fantastic the next day.
ALLOTMENT PLOTS AVAILABLE NOW
VARIOUS SIZES
WHY NOT TRY A SMALL STARTER PLOT
PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH CLERK ON 01206 256410
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Pet’s
Corner
GREAT BENTLEY YOUTH CLUB Dates for Youth Club for autumn 2015. They are as follows all at 7pm to 9pm:-
8th October, 22
nd October,
5th November, 19
th November,
3rd
December, 17th December.
Just to remind you that the Club is open for all young people of Secondary School age and is held at the Methodist Church on alternate Thursdays. Appeal As always with providing activities for young people we need more adults to help since inevitably some have to drop out. It involves an evening session normally from 7pm to 9pm. Contact me, or Jo Herbert or Roni Dickeson if you can help. Robert Taylor 01206 250087
VETS AND CATS
Why is taking a cat to the Vets usually more of a problem both for the owner and the cat than a dog? Well cats are a bit different to dogs in that dogs want to be with their owners and are happy to be off their territory providing they are with their owner (who they assume to be one of the pack!) Cats on the other hand, favour territory over owners. So to feel secure and happy they prefer to be in control and go where they want to go, not somewhere strange. Add to this the other things that happen on a trip to the Vet. They are put into a basket and then usually a car. When do cats normally go in a car? Dogs are often taken out in a car and it is usually pleasurable, ending in a good run, or meeting other people who make a fuss of it. So what can you do to make taking your cat to the Vet easier and less stressful for everyone? First stage “the cage”. Get your cat used to going in its carrying basket. (Show cats are obviously more used to this). Place the basket in the house and use it as a bed or somewhere the cat can use as a refuge. It will then smell of the house not the shed or garage. Perhaps a little trip in the car as well and how about a few treats on the journey. Once in the Vets, there is the smell, but modern surgeries do not smell as strongly as the new disinfectants are a bit kinder on the nose. Vets are used to handling arrivals, but first how do you get the cat out of that little hatch at the front? Not an easy start and cats do not like being dragged out by the scruff of their necks. The top opening baskets are much easier. Then the magic words, the Vet says - “2 tablets to be taken twice daily”, and the pills look like oversized Smarties. There are many tales about Vets trying to poke the pills at the back of the throat and keeping the mouth shut until it has been swallowed and a lot of scratches later - well you know the results. But there is hope - some of the pharmaceutical companies are realising the problems and trying better ways to get the medicine administered. These include palatable compounds, tiny tablets which are easily hidden in food and in some cases the easiest method of all, via the spot of liquid on the skin, the same as for the flea preparations now available. So always ask your Vet if any of these alternatives are available if you need them and good luck with the cats.
Thank you from your new Parish Councillor I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted in the Parish Council election on 3rd September. In my view, 30% turnout is fantastic and an absolute endorsement of the importance of the democratic process. The close team of people who helped and supported me during the campaign did an amazing job of demonstrating what can be achieved through hard work and team effort. I can genuinely say I had a wonderful (all be it wet!) Bank Holiday weekend, visiting, talking to, and - most importantly - listening to the people in our parish. It is extremely humbling to have received over 75% of the votes and to know that people had gone to the effort of not only voting, but in some cases postal or proxy voting for me. It is a big responsibility to undertake the role of Parish Councillor with that kind of mandate and I can only ask that people continue to challenge and question me in my role. I believe the Parish Council has an important part to play - not only as we go through the challenges of the housing developments, buses, traffic and village facilities, but also in supporting and celebrating the people and things which make the parish a wonderful place to be and live. I will be taking every opportunity I can to engage with and support the people of the parish, and I ask that you in turn engage with and support your Parish Council. Thank you.
Pippa Drew
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Great Bentley Running Club GBRC
Charlie Keitch completed his 50th Parkrun at Colchester Rugby Club on Saturday 29th
August. A time of 19 minutes 3 seconds saw Keitch once again inside the top ten. A total of twenty four times since his first run in 2013. His Parkrun personal best (PB) of 18m 45s was gained on 6th September 2014. Also up and out early was Meera Rajoo-Oakley, 21m 18 (PB), Chusa Batista 23m 43s (PB), silver standard, Paul Hollidge 23m 53s and Anthea Colsell 24m 20s. Over in Dovercourt, Malcolm Jarvis ( 23m 4s) and Rachel Giles ( 23m 52s) participated in the fifth running of the Harwich 5k distance. Jarvis was beaten into
twelfth position by Phil Sanderson and Dennis Warner both of Harwich RC. Giles placed seventeenth out of a total of fifty five runners. Sunday 30th saw a number of “Barmy Bentonians” take on a cross country obstacle run “Only Fools Ride Horses”. The 4 or 8 mile course had participants challenge themselves over more than twenty obstacles through water and woodland. Ladies Captain Vicky Presland completed the 8 mile distance in 8th place. Linzi Iddon, John Bush and Helene Tyler were also along for the ride. By mid morning on the Island of Mersea, the annual Mersea Lions 5 and 10 mile event was again under way. Great Bentley ladies placed third in the 10 mile team event, Caroline Searle (1hr 32m 28s), Simone Lindsey (1hr 34m 5s) and Alison Clarke (1hr 43m 39s). Also racing for GBRC was Sue Sorrell, crossing the finish line in 46m 47s. Donning her boot camp colours for the 5 mile event was Sam Godden. Godden was first lady home and twelfth overall in a inspiring time of 34m 38s. A time that sees her gain ninth place on the GBRC top ten performance list for this distance. Two of Bentley’s finest also packed passports and visas for a trip across the Strood. Clive Thomas was unfortunately beaten into second place by Paul Dobson (59m 15s) of Springfield Striders. Thomas who is five years senior to Dobson, finished in 65m 5s, placing 13th overall. Great Bentley Chairman Russ Sharp, was 15th overall and 12th in the men’s open category with a time of 65m 50s. Lazing about on Sunday morning on 6
th September was certainly not on the cards for Great Bentley Running
Club, as an impressive twenty-two members turned out for this year’s Langham 10k. This race is always popular with local and further afield clubs, usually reaching the 650 entry limit many weeks in advance. A flat and fast course around the village lends not only to beautiful scenery but many a personal or seasons best for those taking part. Leading the way home for the ladies in a time of 43 minutes 51 seconds and gaining herself a new PB, was Meera Rajoo-Oakley. Another lady also earning herself a new PB was this years Micky Edwards series winner, Jennifer Aylen (49m 3s). Emma Town (52m 0s), fired up the GBRC printer for a bronze club standard. Sandra James ran a great race, considering the rising temperature of the day to finish two minutes seventeen seconds faster than last year in 65m 18s. Russ Sharp (36m 57s) was just pipped to a top ten finish by David Willer from Hadleigh Hares. Just under two minutes later Ben Ficken appeared, with Charlie Keitch just over two minutes behind Ficken. Both gents crossed the finish line with times of 38m 39s and 40m 57s respectively. Eric Shaw was a very happy chap, returning from a long-term forced lay-off and racing again for the first time since last October. Pushing hard and having nothing left to give over the final kilometre, Shaw finished in 54m 3s. Other runners were Michael Simmons, Mike Belton, Rachel Giles, Eileen Shadford, Karen Skene, Hien Hoang, Anthea Colsell, Frank Gardiner, Lyn Foster, Alison Clarke, Barbara Law, Helene Tyler and Ruth Metcalfe. Running in the 2km event for the second year was young Charlie Sharp. Charlie set a blistering time of 12m 13s, a new PB by almost three minutes. Meanwhile fifty five miles away in Suffolk, John Bush was coursing through the streets of the Anglo Saxon market town of Framlingham. Taking on the impressive gradient of Market Hill not once but twice, Bush was home in a time of 63m 2s. This race forms part of the Suffolk County Amateur Athletics Grand Prix Series. There are nine races throughout the year, Framlingham being the fifth event, with 268 runners participating. Taking part in the standard triathlon distance over in St Neots Cambridgeshire was junior, Lizzie Bodmer. Bodmer finished second in her category in a total time of 3 hours 29 minutes 57 seconds, narrowly missing out on first place by just under four minutes. The standard tri distance comprises of a 1500 kilometre swim (40m 42s), followed by a 40 km bike ride (1hr 49m 44s) and finally a 10 km run (56m 28s). A fantastic 10k result will see Bodmer achieving a bronze club standard in the very near future. Our website at GBRC.org gives details of our weekly routine and there is something for everyone no matter what their ability.
Paul Carlisle
A bird café I be
For starlings twenty three On my lawn they peck and search
Twenty three yellow beaks in the earth Suddenly organised flight. To another lawn in sight Then in a row on my roof
Looking on other birds aloof. I have yet to hear one sing
Like other birds on the wing. But they like to peck in a mass
But what do they find in my grass?
D. Gibbs
20
GARDENS THROUGH THE
16th
and 17th
CENTURIES ‘The Knot Garden’
Much has been written about medieval gardens but perhaps it is time to move on and if it had not been Henry VIII’s love for Anne Boleyn, a fall out with the Pope and the dissolution of the monasteries perhaps gardens would still be the same as in Tudor times and earlier. However, due to the destruction of our monasteries we lost years of horticultural knowledge and Britain had to start again. The result of this was that where the common people relied on the monks for their needs, it was necessary for them to create their own gardens although we know from history that they did grow lavender, wormwood, sage and other plants suitable for medicinal use more than for pleasure. In the 16
th century, knot gardens were the vogue - low hedges were intricately planted into interweaving
patterns. New flowers such as daffodils, hyacinths, sun–flowers, mallows, nasturtiums and anchusas were imported from Europe, South America and the Far East. Knot gardens were frequently used for coat of arms with perennial edging such as lavender, box and lavender cotton. It was said of the elaborate garden of Thomas, Cardinal Wolsey, “the knots so enknotted it cannot be expressed”. Patterns became so important that flowers were replaced by coloured stones, gravel and even coal dust.
‘The Parterre’
After the Restoration in 1660, the ‘knot garden’ was replaced by ‘the parterre’ and garden designs soon began to change. The nobility wanted grand designs and even Charles II tried to obtain the services of Le Notre for his royal gardens but there is no record of him having come to England. However, two famous English gardeners, John Rose and George London, both visited France and Rose did work closely with Le Notre. Windsor Castle and Hampton Court were soon redesigned as Charles II wanted these to resemble the gardens of Versailles. “It has been said that never has so much money and manpower produced such a stingy effect as at Versailles”. The word ‘parterre’ was first used by the French in 1549 and later by the English but before that it was an Italian concept copied by the French. With the parterre many more flowers could be used and soon became an ornamental garden with paths between the beds. Gardens of the nobility featured series of parterre gardens probably divided by hedges or mazes and the upkeep must have been astronomical particularly with all the weeding, clipping and trimming of the edges. Many plants from both the 16
th and 17
th
century were used throughout the seasons such as tulips, primroses, iris and lilies to give a succession of colour as it was only the very rich who used clipped trees and water features for their parterres. In 1664 John Rea gave an insight into the less grandiose scale of gardening for those in rural areas and described how to create gardens for delight, recreation and entertainment. He recommended that south of the house should be divided into half - one for flowers and the other for fruit trees such as pears and pomegranates planted against walls, amongst standard rose trees, for their ornamental value as well as for their fruit. Borders could then be planted with mixed flowers such as red primroses, hepaticas, double rose campions. auriculas, wallflowers and double stock gillyflowers to perfume the enclosed and sheltered garden. During 1660-1690 ‘greens’ were one of the most important elements in a garden and the green foliage had to be ‘bright’. Evergreens such as myrtle, orange and lemon trees would stand outside during the summer and brought under cover for the cold winter months. Following the succession of William and Mary in 1688, the Dutch influence showed itself in the fanciful and complicated designs for parterres emphasizing an overall smaller scale of doing things. All kinds of ‘fashionable’ bulbs were perfectly suited for bedding out schemes and infilling of box-edged parterres. Statuary became a common garden feature and topiary reached extraordinary heights and was an art in itself. From “simple cones and pyramids of clipped evergreens grew fantastic spirals and corkscrews, people and birds were sculptured very often in box, also in privet, juniper and whitethorn, with yew only becoming popular later from the mid 17
th century”
However, by the end of the 17th century, man’s interference with nature was ridiculed and slowly
everything changed and the formal ordered garden was no more. A new vision was heralded – the 18th
century garden! Sylvia Steed Bibliography: “Perennials – Enduring Classic for the Contemporary Garden” by Rob Proctor and Rob Gray “Plants from the Past” by David Stuart and James Sutherland “Period Flowers” by Jane Newdick
21
1. Who wrote the famous 'Just William' series of books?
2. Who was our youngest Prime Minister?
3. Which William has played the character of Ken Barlow on Coronation Street since the first episode in 1960?
4. Which William wrote the novel 'Lord of the Flies'?
5. Which Bill sits alongside Louise Minchin on the BBC Breakfast sofa?
6. Which British Prime Minister had the middle name Ewart?
7. Which 'Bill' is the southernmost point in Dorset?
8. Which Bill co-founded 'Microsoft'?
9. Which Bill lived with Ben in a garden behind a potting shed?
10. Who won the first series of BBC 'Pop Idol' in 2002?
11. Which Swiss folk hero is the title of an opera by Rossini?
12. Which Willie was Margaret Thatcher's right hand man, serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Secretary?
13. Billy the Kid was the nickname given to which 19th century US frontier outlaw?
14. Mary Arden was the mother of which famous William?
15. William ............. Thackeray wrote 'Vanity Fair'.
16. Which Billy released his first hit song 'Piano Man' in 1973?
17. Which William was a leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade?
18. Which William was the first actor to play Dr Who in the 1960's?
19. Name the US singer famed as a founder member of 'The Black Eyed Peas' and mentor on BBC's 'The Voice'.
20. Which William is situated at the southern end of the Great Glen near to Ben Nevis?
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
1. Richmal Crompton 2. William Pitt the Younger 3. William Roche 4. William Golding
5. Bill Turnbull 6. William Gladstone 8. Bill Gates 9. Flowerpot man 10. Will Young
11. William Tell 12. Willie Whitelaw 13. William H Bonney 14. Shakespeare
15. Makepeace 16. Joel 17. Wilberforce 18. Hartnell 19. Will I Am 20. Fort William
22
Some of the beach huts made by Year 2 complete with deck chair to enjoy the Wonders of Walton! Year 6 The opening week in Y6 has been fun. Lessons like “Murder Mystery” and “Creating a persuasive advert” have been very enjoyable. Ancient Greece is our subject this term and we handed in our summer holiday projects. Privilege points were awarded when a good amount of effort had been put into a piece of work. So we have got off to a good start already. By Tommy Marns
In with the New Term
DO YOU HAVE ANY CHILDRENS’ BOOKS!!!! We are expanding our library for the children. If you are having a clear out – children outgrown their books? - then we would gratefully receive them - just pop them in at the school office. Thank you from our readers in advance!
“The Cardboard Challenge”. L a s t y e a r ’ s G l o b a l
Cardboard Challenge had
over 125,000 participants
from 46 countries including
Chile, Hungary, Kenya,
Indonesia and Pakistan. Kids
designed and built arcade
games, gadgets, castles,
robots, rocket ships -
anything they could dream
up . T h e y p r a c t i c e d
collaboration and creative
Welcome to our new academic year. By the time you read this article we will all be well underway into the term. We have welcomed the new pupils starting school and also our new members of staff, we wish them all a fulfilling time with us in Great Bentley. Term started with a blaze of activity and colour in the corridor – so here is a round up of teachers and subjects by year group with Mrs Caffull at the helm. YrR: Nursery Rhymes with Miss Hull. Yr1: Toys with Miss Leggett. Yr2: The Wonders of Walton with Mrs Cooke & Mrs Turner. Yr3: Lego with Miss Fares. Yr4: Egyptians with Mr Godfrey and Mrs Williamson. Yr5: Short Film with Mr Hitchin. Yr6: Ancient Greece with Mrs Morton and Mrs Chase.
Snapshot News: • Classroom Round-up • Fun with a Box
October 2015
solving, and learned about maths, engineering, design thinking, sustainability, social entrepreneurship and more along the way. The m i s s i o n o f t he
Imagination Foundation is to
find, foster and fund
creativity & entrepreneurship
in children around the world
to raise a new generation of
innovators and problem
solvers who have the tools
they need to build the world
they imagine. We will tell you
all how it goes and hopefully
show you some pictures next
month. We are hoping to
make this a fundraising event in
support of a local charity to
raise awareness amongst the
pupils of homelessness in our
area.
Fun with a box During our first week there was an assembly about how we can be creative with boxes. We watched an inspiring video about a boy who made an arcade out of boxes! This attracted people from all over the world and he became an internet sensation! So on Wednesday 7th October we will be celebrating the creativity and imagination by taking part in
23
CLUBS &
ORGANISATIONS
BENTLEY GREEN LADIES CLUB
In spite of the very wet evening, a good turnout of members attended our September meeting and enjoyed a virtual tour of the Canadian Rockies, courtesy of Dudley Chignall. His photographs were superb and together with his narrative, we spent an enjoyable hour travelling across Canada, learning about the wonderful flora and fauna of the country. From some very handsome ‘Mounties’ in Calgary, to brown bears swimming in lakes, Dudley enabled us to follow in his footsteps as he journeyed across country to Vancouver. The scenery was breathtaking, the wildflowers were stunning and the wildlife was abundantJa truly spectacular country. Edna gave the vote of thanks to our speaker and the evening concluded with refreshments, social time and raffle. Bentley Green Ladies Club had a successful sell-out on their first stall at the Village Show. A big thank you to all our members who made cakes and donated produce in order to raise funds for our newly formed club. Dates for your diary
• Tuesday 6th OctoberJ..Monthly meeting 7.30pm Village Hall. Speaker Anita Sackett ‘Christmas Cards & Decorations’.
New members are always welcome and can be assured a friendly evening with interesting speakers and activities. Do come along and join us at our next meeting, your first visit is free!
• Saturday 10th OctoberQQ.Quiz Night in the
Village Hall 7pm for 7.30pm
EVERYONE WELCOME!
• Saturday 14th NovemberJTheatre Trip to
Ipswich to see ‘Absent Friends’ by Alan
Ayckbourn
ART CLUB
Tuesday 13th October
Painting in the style of Surat Village Hall, 7.30pm
Tuesday 27th October
2-tone painting
Village Hall, 7.30pm
GREAT BENTLEY GARDENING CLUB
The next meeting is on Tuesday 20th October when our speaker will be Mary Maskell who will talk on the Botanical Gardens of Florida. Thank you to all who attended the AGM and contributed to the Autumn Show. Results: Harvest Cup : Winner Shirley Weeks, Runner Up Maurice Bacon Rose Bowl Winners Peter Stevens and Claire Evans, Runner Up Bob Newman Floral Trophy in memory of Mick Baxter: Winner Mary Maskell, Runner Up Maurice Bacon Floral Art trophy: Winner Wendy Stevens, Runner Up Rosemary Newman Craft Trophy: Winner Liz Harry, Runner Up Mary Maskell Heather Tweed Trophy: Mary Maskell We say good bye to our Secretary Liz harry who has done a fantastic job over many years. Thank you Liz, from us all. We have a vacancy for a committee member. The Club does not just function on our meeting nights. It needs a committee to make that happen. Please consider joining us and sharing the work. It is not arduous. Bob Newman - Chairman
ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST
Wednesday 21st October 7.30pm
Beaumont Village Hall “Wildlife in East Anglia”
Liz Cutting, wildlife photographer.
HISTORY SOCIETY
Thursday 8th October at 8p.m.
Village Hall
“The History of the London Livery Companies - with particular reference to the Coopers’ Company”. .
EVERGREEN FRIENDSHIP CLUB
At our meeting in July, members once again enjoyed an afternoon of nostalgia, singing along with their old familiar songs. Our guests were The Day Timers from The Manifest Theatre, and this was their penultimate performance before they disband. It was also our last musical afternoon until our Annual Party next May. Our meeting on October 28th will be a slide show given by Keith Price. If you enjoy seeing beautiful photography then this will appeal to you and you are very welcome to join us at 2 00 p.m. Arrangements are underway for a Buffet at Westwood House during the week before Christmas Day and a post Christmas Lunch in January. Members and friends are invited to both events, and actual dates and times will be given next month. Joye
24
Autumn Word Wheel Challenge
25
Great Bentley Carnival Needs You!
Firstly I would like to say a massive thank you to all those who helped to make our Carnival such a great success this year, including all of you who came along to support us on the day, it is very much appreciated. It was brought to my attention at our last meeting that Robert Black deserves a huge thank you for all his help, along with his colleagues/friends, for the outstanding job they did this year organising and controlling our road closure points, a job that I understand was very challenging with confrontation from some unreasonable members of the public – Thank you very much for all your help!! There are many individuals that deserve a big thank you, and hopefully I gave you all a mention in the programme on the day. I apologise if anyone was missed off, but you know who you are and we are truly grateful for all your help and efforts on the day and leading up to Carnival. A lot of work goes into planning and organising such a large event from about 6 months before. My children recently overheard me expressing that I might have to stand down as Secretary on the committee, due to increased working hours, further commitments I have this year and just sheer exhaustion. They were quite upset by this and were concerned that the Carnival would not go ahead next year, I then caught them writing the following pieces which they wanted me to copy and post around the village. I thought I would share them with you because what they have written is very true. I grew up in the village of Marks Tey that had a carnival each year and these carnivals hold some of my earliest childhood memories. I was delighted, when we moved to Great Bentley, to discover this community still had a carnival. It is great for the children to get dressed up and involved in the procession (some adults enjoy it too!). My main motivation for being involved in the carnival is for our community to have a fun day out and for my kids to have great childhood memories like I’ve got. I do recognise the fund raising element and I work hard to ensure that we raise money for some of the groups in the village such as Cubs and Guides etc that offer services to our children, but for me it is more about organising the best day out we can, that benefits everyone and I get great satisfaction on the day, seeing everyone enjoying themselves. For this reason I will be remaining on the committee. I would love to hear from anyone who has any ideas or suggestions to help improve our carnival. It would really be appreciated also, if we had more volunteers to help with things such as selling programmes and raffle tickets, cake donations and setting up on the Green on the morning of Carnival etc. We desperately need somewhere to store our Queens float for the winter months, please get in touch if you can help or know of someone who might be willing to assist us with this. May I take this opportunity to say another massive thank you to Mr Gordon Black, who has helped us with storage throughout this year, also thankyou for all your help on the day, it was noted that you were one of the first around on the morning of carnival and one of the last to leave – Your help was much appreciated!! If you are able to offer some of your time and assistance to this cause, you may like to attend our AGM on 15
th October at 8pm in the Michael Wright room, Great Bentley Village Hall. This is a good opportunity
to come and meet all the committee members including our beneficiary representatives and to find out more about our plight. I look forward to meeting you if you can attend our AGM, failing that I would be pleased for you to email me any comments you may have at [email protected] Many thanks Sara Maunton – Carnival Committee Secretary Tel 07503164260
26
Great Bentley Pre-school
www.greatbentleypreschool.co.uk
Thinking of Moving?...... ADVERTISING FEATURE Brilliant news if you areJJJ..Great Bentley is such a sought after village, not only for its award winning village green, friendly atmosphere, and amenities, but its direct train links to London. Local Independent Estate Agents Town and Country Residential in Brightlingsea, have buyers looking to purchase property in our village. Potential buyers are seeking anything from starter homes to larger executive/country homes. Rachael Keeble – Director of Town and Country explains “We have a supply and demand situation. Demand is high for Great Bentley however supply is incredibly low. We have registered applicants looking to move to the village and we urgently require property to offer them. We would be delighted to talk to residents and offer advice and a free market appraisal if they are contemplating selling. Rachael also adds” Potential buyers are even trying to rent property in the village so they are in a position to move quickly if property does come up for sale. Demand is also high for quality rental property”. Town and Country Residential can be contacted on 01206 302288 or at 9 Osbornes Court, Victoria Place, Brightlingsea, Essex. CO7 0EB www.townandcountryresidential.co.uk
Firstly I would like to say what a wonderful first few weeks we have all had back at Pre-School and all the children have settled in really well, this includes present children who have been great little role models to the new ones. It has also been lovely to start building a positive working relationship with all the new parents and carers too. This month I would like to welcome Max, Isaac and their families. I hope you enjoy your time at our Pre-school and I can promise you will gain lots of wonderful and exciting new experiences. Theme Our theme this month will continue as ‘Countries’. Last month we spent the first two weeks cooking traditional English foods like jam tarts and mini toad in the holes, we incorporated the celebrations of The Queen becoming the longest reigning monarch and we had lots of fun looking at all the places the children visited over the summer holidays. After that we visited Italy and China with some more on the agenda for this month. Halloween As this festival will be in half term we are inviting all children to dress up in their costumes the week before. This will be week beginning Monday 19
th October and will be every day for that week. We will also be doing
lots of exciting activities to support this including creative and cooking experiences. We will also look forward to carving our very own home grown pumpkins that the children have helped to plant and look after in our planters over the past months! Small Food Jars If anybody has any small jars with lids i.e. baby food jars, condiment jars (mint sauce, apple sauce, tartare sauce etc.) could you please save them for me and drop off to the village hall during school hours, (not a Tuesday afternoon). I am planning to create some ‘I Spy Jars’ so they can be used to promote communication and speech development in the group and to help children in learning letter sounds. Thank you in advance. Staffing I would like to welcome Joanne Smith to our team; Joanne has already completed her CACHE Early Years Level 1 and has experience with working in a Pre-school environment; she will also be going on to complete her Level 3 in the future. Dates to Remember Halloween Dress Up – Monday 19
th October – Friday 23
rd October
Half Term – Monday 26th – Friday 30
th October
Thanks for reading Julie Wiles
27
Protect Great Bentley Property Development News Update
Pine Close / Weeley Road In case you haven’t yet heard, the really exciting thing to report this month is that Gladman Developments have let the Parish Council know that they will NOT be pursuing this site for development. This means that we can take this off the map as a potential development site and the village will get to continue to enjoy the arable land and wonderful views for a while longer. The village development map now looks like this:
Plough Road / Station Fields
This application had been held up by Network Rail’s objections to the footpath crossing situation, but this is now resolved, subject to an agreement between the developer and Network Rail. We do not as yet know what that agreement will look like or its impacts. TDC planning committee did not determine this application at their September meeting as expected, so it may be included on their October meeting agenda.
Admirals Farm
At the time of going to press, there has been no further news on how the developer plans to address the unacceptable pedestrian access.
Heckfords Road West
At the time of going to press, there has still been no formal application regarding this site. We await further news on this.
TDC Local Plan
The Local Plan Consultation is nearing its closing stages, but there is still an opportunity to visit the TDC Council Offices at Weeley to have a look at and get involved with this important project before consultation closes on 13
th October. We are fully supporting the Local Plan as it will give us some protection against
these opportunistic development applications. If you are able to, please go along and make your views count and join us in supporting this consultation process. One of the options in particular (Option 3) involves a large development in the Hare Green / Frating Green area which we believe, if it were to go ahead, would have a huge negative impact on our village as it is likely a good number of the people in the new development would come to Great Bentley to use the train station and other facilities. Members of Protect Great Bentley went along to some of the consultation exhibitions to get a complete understanding of the options and to make their views known, and we have also entered a formal representation regarding the Issues & Options Consultation to TDC.
Village Show
Thank you to everyone who stopped at the Protect Great Bentley tent at the Village Show. We were kept busy all day as people wanted to know the latest on our development applications and we also had the TDC Local Plan Consultation exhibition on display. Huge congratulations to the Show Organisers for a successful day all round!
1 Sturricks Lane, under development 2 Plough Road (Station Fields), outline
application submitted and still live 3 Heckfords Road (Admirals Farm),
outline application submitted and still live
4 Heckfords Road West, application expected for 50 houses
5 Confirmed as no development 6 Pine Close / Weeley Road, Gladman
Developments have decided NOT to pursue this site for development
28
Village Show
August Parish Council Meeting Questions & Responses
Following on from our piece in last month’s magazine, the responses given to Protect Great Bentley regarding the questions asked of the Parish Council in the August PC meeting are as follows:
1) How does the Parish Council view Cllr Wright's behaviour at the Protect Great Bentley public meeting on 29th June?
The PC does not feel it is appropriate to comment on the actions of a member whilst he is not acting on behalf of the PC, at a non-Parish Council meeting.
2) In his Annual Speech in June, the Chairman of the Parish Council described the current housing
development problem as a 'Serious Local Crisis' and 'the Parish Council's biggest challenge of this year'. Does the Parish Council consider they are engaging effectively with the Parish to try and address this problem? The PC are trying to deal with applications as effectively as they can. The recent Admirals Farm application has been rejected by the PC. The Plough Road application has also been rejected by the PC. The application has been effectively stalled to date due to the intervention of the PC and the highlighting of the railways dangers. The application will be decided by TDC after the final consultations by Network Rail.
3) Given the 'serious local crisis' caused by the current lack of local plan and its impact on future
applications, it is obviously a major concern for the Parish. Has the Chairman provided an update for the Parish on this, as he was in attendance at the TDC Local Plan meeting on 15
th July.
The Chairman did provide an update to the Council on the meeting. 4) The Chairman also mentioned in his annual speech that we have not yet seen any money from the
S106 payment for the Sturricks Lane development - £81,667. As we know, this money does not become available until the building is completed, and is held by TDC until the Parish is ready to apply for it. In this case the funding is dedicated to open spaces (presumably sports equipment, play areas etc). How does the Parish Council plan to consult with the Parish regarding how and when this funding should be used, once it becomes available? This will need to be discussed further in the future.
So what can you do?
• Keep informed. Register on our website to receive news updates.
• If you do not have access to a computer, let us know at Cedarwood, Moors Lane, Great
Bentley, and we can add you to the growing number of people we deliver a paper update
to.
• Get involved. We are an inclusive group. We need and would welcome new members.
• �Write structured objection letters for all planning applications. See our website for examples.
• Attend your Parish Council Meetings on the first Thursday of every month www.protectgreatbentley.com
email: [email protected] Write to: Pippa Drew, Cedarwood, Moors Lane, Gt Bentley
Crowds gathered at the
Protect Great Bentley stand
29
A FEW NOTES FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
Seriously - I have not retired I have received messages and comments from residents asking if it is correct that I have retired. I know some of you were really concerned to hear this, but I can assure you I have not retired and am still going strong working with Tendring District Council (TDC) as your Ward Councillor and also in the privileged position of being the Cabinet Member responsible for Wellbeing and Partnerships. I think the confusion has come about because I had resigned from the Parish Council, this was due to the conflict I had over my position as a TDC Planning Committee member, and the proposed development plans there are at present for our village. Hopefully this has explained my present position, but be assured I am still here as your Ward Councillor. Air Show The Air Show was extremely successful again this year with nearly 250,000 visitors attending the event. Sadly the Vulcan will not be making an appearance at next year’s show now as she has been retired, but many other flights are already being researched and booked for next year, so we are looking forward to another fantastic Air Show next year. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns; I am always very pleased to help and hear from you. Many thanks Cllr. Lynda McWilliams Tendring District Council Cabinet Member for the Wellbeing and Partnerships Portfolio Tendring District Councillor to the Ward of Great Bentley email: [email protected] Tel: 01206 250732
NATURE NOTES
The number of wasps this summer has been the subject of comment, after appearing in recent years to be in decline. Local beekeepers have lost honeybee colonies due to wasps’ concerted robbing of hives that are below full strength. Now fruit attract them: when picking plums recently I witnessed the rivalry between two members of the social wasp family. Just beside me a large bright orangy-yellow object plummeted to the ground. It proved to be a hornet clutching a smaller wasp in deadly embrace. The term social wasp is used to distinguish them from smaller solitary wasps that are mainly insect feeders and generally overlooked. Our well-known wasps are generally one of two common species separated by differing facial marking. Both usually nest underground but sometimes in crevices. The exposed round hanging nests made of wood-pulp sometimes found in bushes in trees or sheds may be of two other slightly smaller Norway or tree wasps. It is thought wasps inspired our Chinese ancestors to try paper-making - with unrealised consequences! Hornets are the most spectacular member of the family and have slightly increased in recent times. Their low buzz is a distinctive sound but they are a shy species and not usually a nuisance like their better-known cousins. News about the western spread in mainland Europe of the Asian hornet that preys on bees is another matter. Like bumblebees, social wasps form colonies beginning with a young queen, which has over-wintered. Wasp colonies gradually build-up after midsummer and are initially regarded as useful predators of insect pests such as aphids. This year I have been reading about pollination and found there are wasp flowers – including figwort, buckthorn and certain helleborine orchids. An uncanny relationship between the flower and insect tongue length are key factors. Recent plum-picking has reinforced my appreciation of food-webs that reveal interdependence of a wide range of wildlife. Wasps feed on ripe plums that also attract hornets. Red admiral and comma butterflies as well as some moths are drawn to the ripe fruit and birds such as jays and magpies like plum scrumping. Fallen fruit attract small snails and slugs as well as, after dark, larger foxes and badgers. Some years ago when up a ladder picking in early evening I realised a badger was just below noisily eating fallen plums. Plums may be a common denominator but badgers often also dig out wasp nests. Such is the complex food-web that even high-and-mighty humans are part of: however much we artificially expand food production the basic interchange between organisms applies – even with pesky wasps! DRB For your diary: Wed 21
st Oct at 7.30pm “Wildlife in
East Anglia” Liz Cutting, wildlife photographer, at Beaumont village hall, organised by Tendring EWT Group
IDIOT SIGHTING
When my husband and I arrived at our local Ford dealer to pick up our car, we were told the keys had been locked in it.
We went to the Service Department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driver's door.
As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door-handle and discovered that it was unlocked.
'Hey,' I announced to the fitter/mechanic, 'it's open!' His reply: 'I know. I already did that side.' This was at the Ford dealership in St Albans, Hertfordshire.
30
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17
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18
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Mrs
P L
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27
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29
Th
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3
1
Th
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Be
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an
dic
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f th
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up
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dic
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ron
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Du
nn
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3
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Ke
mp
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mo
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rt C
lasses
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a M
ort
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3
4
Th
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ld L
am
be
rt C
up
M
ost
Po
ints
Art
Cla
sses
Ma
uri
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Cla
rke
3
5
Lo
nd
on
Cam
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an
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Run
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up
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in
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thle
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& A
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gain
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po
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in
sh
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31
Priority Services Register
We all know that the winter weather can cause disruption to our homes and families, particularly during a power cut. By taking a few simple steps now, you can be prepared to face the majority of winter emergencies. Put together an emergency pack, which should include: * list of emergency contact numbers including NHS Direct * analogue phone or portable mobile phone charger * battery operated or wind up torch and radio * spare batteries if needed * essential medication * three days’ supply of bottled water and ready-to-eat food that won’t spoil * Winter clothes and spare blankets * Regularly check weather forecasts * Plan for alternative ways to keep warm if your heating is disrupted If you or someone you know needs extra support during a power cut, then you may want to sign up for our Priority Service Register. This is a free service we offer to customers who are dependent on medical equipment; customers who are chronically sick or have a disability; customers with young babies; nursing or residential homes and elderly customers. For more information please call us on 0800 31 63 105 (from a landline) or 0333 32 32 105 (from a mobile) or go online at www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority
SESAW NEWS Oh dear! Kenny is so dog tired after a day out with his friend Pixie that he missed his deadline. Never mind, it’s Ollie to the rescue again with our news this month. By the time you read this, the winners of our Facebook Photo Competition will be known. Everyone is looking forward to seeing our 2016 calendar which will feature the best entries. The judges had a difficult job, naturally I was not entered to give the others a fair chance! Back at the Sanctuary we have lots of black and black/white kittens this year, one poor girl had SEVEN! Mother thinks herself quite the big game hunter. Went out trapping and guess what? Returned with more black cats! Nobody wants us but please do not pass by. Look beyond our colour to discover our personalities. Now the bonfire season is upon us please check for hibernating hedgehogs before you light up. There are so few of our prickly friends left to help in our gardens that each one is precious. The fundraisers are holding an Autumn Sale with a Christmas flavour, 11-4pm on 25
th October at Great
Bentley Village Hall. Our big Christmas Fair and Annual Draw will be held on 15th November, 10-3pm at The
Old School in Long Melford. I hope my cat’s eye view has been of interest. Kenneth may well fret over my little exposés but I’ll save them for another time. Mother is in need of my company on her evening rounds, then it will be back to a nice warm hay barn for another 80 winks for me, Ollie (the Black) Cat! Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare, Stoke Road, Leavenheath, CO6 4PP. Tel: 01787 210888. www.sesaw.co.uk Remember Sister Jayne Brown? Jayne is organizing the sale on the 25th October at our village hall so do go along to see her. ED
ON THE BUSES As most of you are now aware, Great Bentley is the proud owner of a new bus shelter at the top of Sturrick Lane, we have waited a long time for it to arrive. Ironically with effect from January 2016 the commercially run Horizon 77 bus service will cease. In January 2016 the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 2000 (PSVAR) comes into force for single deck buses over 7.5 tonnes. These regulations bring in Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements which unfortunately Horizon buses do not comply with. To comply Horizon would have to purchase two new buses as it is not a simple case of altering/updating the current vehicles. I have had long conversation with the manager of Horizon Travel and much as he would like to continue with what he sees as a 'community service', purchasing two buses is not a viable option. I have already spoken with Essex County Council who are investigating the option of providing a subsidised contracted service; Horizon travel are providing the passenger statistics. So all is not lost and I will continue to negotiate with ECC. On a more positive note, Great Bentley is to get a Station upgrade, not only will the platform be raised (after a wait of some 19 months) to make access into the trains easier, we are also getting new seating and updated waiting rooms, repainted bridge etc to go with the gardens that have been planted and maintained. This will involve I understand some 3 months work. P Harry Transport Rep
32
GREAT BENTLEY PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
Had a great day at the Great Bentley Show, enjoyed very much the images on show in the competition. From our observations, we believe the following points might help lift some of the images to a higher level. 1 Less is more - often the subject matter is surrounded by extraneous information. 2 Crop to improve presentation and highlight image subject. Example - in this year’s entrants
“Reflections” both the subject and its full reflection had been shown whereas cropping the image by approximately 40% horizontally from the image top and leaving the reflection itself as the main part, made each of the images we saw much stronger. Don’t forget that “letterbox” presented (10:3 ratio for example rather than the conventional 4:3 ratio) can make for very strong images.
3 Exposure - important to have correct exposure, no black or white areas in image unless they are designed to be there.
4 Orientation - landscape or portrait depending on subject. 5 Composition - applying the “Rule of Thirds” can often improve dramatically an image. 6 Camera position - too many images are taken with the camera held at eye level. Raising or lowering
the camera can make a striking difference to the final image. 7 Choice of lens - Wide angle, standard or zoom, making the right choice is important. 8 Subject position in the frame - Subject must be balanced within the overall image. 9 Backgrounds - Depending on the importance within the image, the background can be defused, soft or
focused. 10 Horizons - Must always be straight/level and try to avoid the horizon line halfway in the image as this
tends to create two images causing the eye to move between the top and bottom repeatedly. The eye does not settle to allow full appreciation of what you as the author are wishing to convey.
11 Skies - Pure white skies indicate over exposure and do not add anything to an image and are best avoided at all costs.
12 Portraits - Often too small within the image or conversely, bits cut off. 13 Presentation - The competition rules request mounting suitable size stiff card - nothing worse than a
curled or bent image. 14 Subject Matter - Does the image meet the requirements of the chosen category. Will it be obvious to
the judges. 15 General Note - Whilst digital cameras with all their functions and gismos help in the taking of images
with computer manipulation packages allowing post adjustment, what is far more satisfying is to get it right in camera. The foregoing points can for the main part be simply corrected by taking the time to look around the image in the viewfinder, or rear screen, before you press the shutter button. All too many times our reaction is to concentrate on what is the main subject without observing all that surrounds it. Obviously the fast action grab shots don’t always allow the time. With practice looking through your camera at what you are taking, you will be surprised at how quickly you spot the parts of an intended image you had no desire to include.
Alec and Chris
IT’S BACK!!
Charity Quiz Night Time!
Plough Inn
Monday 12th October
8.00pm start
Teams of up to six players at
£3 per player
All proceeds in support of
AIR AMBULANCE
Raffle prize donations would be much
appreciated
Tom (Quiz Master)
SESAW
AUTUMN SALE
11-4pm
25th October
Village Hall
Proceeds to Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare,
Leavenheath
33
BENTLEY GREEN PLAYERS
North Essex Theatre Guild Awards Evening – Friday 18th
September 2015 This is the Am. Dram’s equivalent of the Oscars so you can imagine how proud the group was this year to have been nominated six awards for its January production of “The Vicar of Dibley Christmas” The nominations were for each of the following categories; - The Costume Award – Set Design/Construction/Dressing – The Lyndon Trophy for Technical Achievement for the lighting and music tracks – The Norma Harris Award/Adjudicators Award for the characterisations of the supporting cast – Amanda Powell (Geraldine) and Sarah White (Alice) for The Cliff Hudson Award for Comedy – The Doris Griffith Memorial Cup for the Best Production. To have received the above nominations is a really a great achievement in itself and to actually win an award is really exceptional, so it is with great pleasure that we announce Amanda and Sarah won The Cliff Hudson Award for Comedy for their parts as Geraldine and Alice. Well done and Congratulations girls you really deserved the award. Also congratulations to the whole group for achieving so many nominations in all the other categories, which actually proves what great teamwork there was for this production; it was a really enjoyable and happy production. Many thanks Lynda McWilliams Chairman on behalf of Bentley Green Players Tel No 01206 250732 e-mail [email protected] The following letter was sent by the Secretary of the Bentley Green Players to the North Essex Theatre Guild. Dear Jan, Every year you ask members to write and let you know if they think somebody from their group should be nominated for the Jan King Award however we feel that our ‘special lady’, wouldn’t fall into this category but wondered if she could be considered for a Life Membership aAward. We would like to nominate our Chairlady, Lynda McWilliams, who called a meeting in our local Village Hall back in 1989 asking if anybody was interested in forming a local drama group. Several people attended and from that we put on our first production in October 1990 - two plays in fact called ‘Costa del Packet’ and ‘In Case the Queen looks in’. Lynda has worked tirelessly ever since, leading Bentley Green Players from strength to strength. She has been there to oversee every little detail in the 51 productions that we have put on since, often working well into the night to make sure that everything is covered and this hasn’t always been easy as she is so involved in other areas in the local community. A few major problems have occurred at the last minute over the years as I am sure everyone involved in the ‘drama world’ will understand but she calmly worked through it all giving advice, encouragement and praise to everyone involved. Over the years Lynda has acted, directed, produced, organised tickets, posters and publicity; set up, cleared up, fed set crew, washed up, worked backstage and been the make up lady; she has liaised, laughed and cried along with past and present members and she is still there, at the helm because she truly believes in Amateur Dramatics and what it can bring to the community as well as to the group and the individual. Due to all of the aforementioned this year we have had 6 nominations for our last production The Vicar of Dibley - Christmas; which Lynda directed. This year is our 25th year, a special year and so we ask you to consider Lynda for this award in recognition for all that she has done and as a way of telling her how ‘proud and grateful’ we all are of her. Many thanks, Bev Adams For and on behalf of all the members of Bentley Green Players Congratulations to Lynda McWilliams who on the night was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Essex Theatre Guild.
34
GREAT BENTLEY PARISH COUNCIL Community Resource Centre, Village Hall
Plough Road CO7 8LG Tel. 01206 256410
Email [email protected] Website www.greatbentleyparishcouncil.co.uk
Parish Council Meeting with the developer of Station Field. Planning App 14/01750/OUT: At the meeting on 10 September at which in the region of 40 residents attended, the developer would not discuss the technical issues of the development but instead wanted to listen to the views of the Council as to what community benefits the development might deliver. It was agreed without prejudice to the Parish Council’s position objecting to the development to prepare a list of community benefits and forward them the developer. PCSO: PCSO Cox’s monthly report notified that in future the first point of contact for all matters relating to community policing will be to call 101. Police mobile phones will no longer be available to contact. The Clerk was asked to make representation to the Police advising that the Council wishes to be able to contact its PCSO directly.
The Old Forge:
The Clerk has reported that because of the deteriorating condition of the Old Forge and its safety implications, this matter has been reported to TDC, the authority responsible for dangerous structures for attention.
Great Bentley Post Office Service: Councillors were advised that the level of service provided at the village post office appears to have reduced. It was agreed to address this matter through formal correspondence. TDC Cllr McWilliams and the Clerk agreed to pursue independently. Traffic Congestion: Further to a discussion about congestion issues in the village, it was agreed to publish a brief survey in the next edition of the Parish Magazine to canvass opinions and solicit proposed solutions. Tree Maintenance:
On advice and a request from the Tree Warden the Parish Council agreed to fell three trees in poor condition on the Village Green close to the Methodist Church and replace them with three suitable specimens.
Planning Applications: The planning applications shown in the table below were considered by the Planning Committee at its monthly meeting.
Parish Council Meetings:
The Parish Council and its Planning Committee both meeting on the first Thursday of each month. The
agendas are available three days in advance of the meeting and member’s residents are welcome and
encouraged to attend.
As we go to print we learn that there may well be another election for a Parish Councillor as Cliff Warder has
resigned. This will take place on 29th October. You will obviously be notified if indeed this becomes
necessary.
Planning Reference No. & Email Link
Application Details Address
15/01189/TCA Mr P Stevens
T2 -self set Sycamore - fell. T3 - Cherry - reduce by 1.5 m. T4 - Willow - reduce by 2m, back to previous points. T5 - Cedar - tip by 1.5-2m, lower branches to reduce spread.
Timbers Weeley Road Great Bentley
15/01190/TPO Mr P Stevens
T1 Beech - reduce and re-shape by 1.5 - 2m Timbers Weeley Road Great Bentley
35
Farming diaries
With many fields having been drilled with wheat, barley and oilseed rape they are now showing a green hue. Oilseed rape crops which would have been drilled between the end of August and early September have grown away well with the help of the warm temperatures (both soil and air temperatures) and the rain showers we had at the beginning of September. It is at this time of year farmers can be concerned about drilling their crops into dry-ish seedbeds. Their concern was that the seed would start to germinate with the roots (the radicle) emerging from the seed first followed by the coleoptile also known as the shoot and that a lack of moisture in the soil would mean the seed would shrivel and die. If adequate moisture is present the seeds will germinate and begin to establish well. You will have seen combines rolling later this summer and even into September this year. This was because the heavy rain showers we had throughout August hampered harvest progress. When farmers harvest a crop of wheat they first take a moisture reading from a sample of grain. The ‘ideal’ moisture reading for wheat is 15% which means that the farmer can harvest the grain and can store it in barns ready to be collected by a haulier and sold to millers. Grain with a moisture content higher than 15% can result in the farmer getting penalised. In order to avoid this if the grain is harvested above 15% the grain will need to be dried until it reaches the desired moisture level. This is an extra cost to the farmer and so they would want to avoid having to dry grain especially when the price of wheat is low as it is currently. Sugar beet is a root crop, which is drilled in
March and is not harvested until October but it can
stay in the ground until January. Sugar beet is lifted
from the ground and sometimes stored temporarily in
heaps before being loaded into lorries and
transported to a factory for processing. The closest
factory which processes sugar beet is at Bury St
Edmunds and can be seen from the A14. Here the
sugar beet is analysed for its sugar content and then
processed into a wide variety of products including
granulated sugar, icing sugar and jam sugar. When
you go to the shops look out for ‘Silverspoon’ sugar
products as the sugar in these will have come from
sugar beet grown in East Anglia and in particular
some of the farmers in Great Bentley and the
surrounding area.
Vicki Brooks
PART TIME EDITOR
REQUIRED
Carole and I have been working on the magazine together for over 30 years now.
We have no intention of retiring.
I have recently heard of three magazines folding because no one would come forward to take on the job of Editor. We would hate this to happen to our magazine which has always been lovingly cared for. Even Brightlingsea no longer has a magazine. Soooooooo..
Do you love/are interested your village?
Could you write a few articles
to fill gaps?
Can you work in Microsoft Publisher?
Would you be prepared to help typeset this magazine occasionally?
We really need someone to back us
in times of need!!!!!
Mary 01206 250524 Carole 01206 251086
We look forward to hearing from you!
My daughter went to a local Kentucky Fried Chicken and ordered a taco. She asked the person behind the counter for 'minimal lettuce.' He said he was sorry, but they only had iceberg lettuce.
36
GREAT BENTLEY HISTORY SOCIETY
Bernard Harris fell in love instantly with Pet Wiseman at the wedding of the Rector of Paglesham’s son in 1889, proposing only two days later. They were kept waiting by her parents until 1894, when Pet’s mother, Rose, held a ‘Farewell At Home’ a week before the ceremony held at 9.30 a.m. in Paglesham Church. Rose did not attend because she was separated from her husband Fred. After a honeymoon in Paris, Bernard and Pet returned to his practice in Hornsey. Zillah Harris was born in 1896 , and was soon taken to Paglesham to be shown off to all Pet’s friends. However in 1910 when she was 14, Bernard went to sea as a ship’s doctor to help his TB and Pet and her children, Zillah and Athelstan, returned to Paglesham, where Zillah would thereafter live. This was the introduction to the talk given by Mark and Rosemary Roberts as a two hander, with numerous pictures of the dramatis personae, places and events described. The talk was based on Bernard’s experiences at sea, ending with a front seat view of Gallipoli from ‘Galeka’, sent home in 87 pages of illustrated letters; Zillah’s own diaries, as well as Rosemary’s personal knowledge of the village. Zillah in fact noted Rosemary’s birth in her diary! Memories were stirred of life in the past by descriptions of Royal festivities, little changing between Queen Victoria’s Jubilee in 1897, and Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation in 1953, with church services, sports days and dinners for most of the population; sketches of social parties (pinning names on people’s backs to be guessed was still going on relatively recently!); the daily routine including getting water from a communal pump, sending washing to be laundered, walking to visit friends for afternoon tea, etc. Many of these activities were still common in present memory, wherever one lived. The advent of wireless, charged from accumulators, the WI, radar pylons, trench digging and evacuation preparations preceded the second world war. Personal memories came after Rosemary’s father met Phyllis from New Zealand and married her in 1935, starting life in a two up, two down cottage opposite Zillah, leading to “Baby born to Mrs Boardman’ in Zillah’s diary. Her father had taken up farming at a difficult time in the 1930s and losing 12 acres of lettuce after Dunkirk when Southend was cleared of civilians to make way for Royal Naval stations, HMS Leigh and HMS Westcliffe. Passes were needed to move around east of Rayleigh. Censored letters recorded the bombing around the village. Incendiaries were put out by the villagers, High Explosives, VIs and V2s, vapour trails rising over Holland watched from Rosemary’s house, the bombs passing overhead a few minutes later, even exploding in the village and shaking the house. Then came Zillah’s involvement in distributing the evacuees from Chingford, she and her mother looking after brother and sister who recalled their time in Paglesham 50 years later, supplying Territorial cyclists with tea and food when they came to patrol the seawalls and corresponding with Reg for years afterwards. Collecting for numerous Fund Days – Spitfire week, Aid to Russia Day and eight others in 1944 alone. Her diary in February 1944 recorded the surprising ‘Paglesham, for its size, the most bombed place in Essex’. After the war, when rationing tightened even further as the troops returned, Rosemary’s father started the Village Produce Association, still going strong. Their first year’s Produce Show in 1946 was well supported, with Zillah and Rosemary both keen exhibitors. Floods in 1897 and 1938, badly affected Paglesham, but the 1953 were even worse elsewhere. Rosemary’s father’s fields were flooded but his piggeries were just above flood level. The village’s famous boathouse still made traditional timber boats until the 1950s or 60s, but now fits out fibreglass motorboats. Native oyster cultivation ceased but others grown in bags on tables in the creek are still grown.
Rosemary and Mark ran craft fairs and then ‘History with Flowers’ exhibitions to raise money to restore the church tower, work which started in 1979, but Zillah unexpectedly died that year and sadly did not see the work finished.
Copies of their book, Zillah’s Village, published in 2009, were given to some members.
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The society’s next talk will take place on Thursday 8th October at 8p.m. at the Village Hall. It is entitled “The
History of the London Livery Companies - with particular reference to the Coopers’ Company”. It will be given by Peter Allington - not the magazine Gardening Correspondent but a former Master of the Coopers’ Livery Company from Berkshire. As always non-members are welcome, entrance £2 incl. tea & biscuits.
37
YOUTH FOOTBALL
Well I'm back! Turns out it was only a relatively short hiatus but I would like to thank Rob for doing the notes for the past couple of seasons.
I'll start with a request for players.....as you may know Cliff and I have a training session on a Saturday morning for the youngest age group of under 7. We are looking for players in both year 2 who are in the under 7 group, this season we are looking at getting a team together to play some friendlies with the aim of joining a league next season. These games are five a side and played on a smaller pitch which makes sure the kids get a lot of time on the ball and can have some fun playing. We are also starting with kids in year 1 (the under 6 age group) to start to play football and have fun kicking a ball around. Again the aim would be to play a few friendly games after Christmas. What we try to achieve is to get some parents involved in the training sessions and take on the team in the longer term, so if you are interested in getting involved please speak to either of us we would be delighted to speak to you. Training is for an hour at 11am, the kids just need to be dressed appropriately for the weather, have some shinpads, boots or trainers and a drink.
The weekend of 5th September saw a number of teams take part in a pre-season at FC Clacton. The under 8's, 11's and 16 Blues representing the club and putting in some fine performances. The under 14's and 18's had friendlies against Brightlingsea and Oakley respectively.
The league season kicks off in earnest on 13th September which will hopefully see another successful season for the club. I'll bring you details of how the team's are doing throughout the season. Finally, Mark has formed a fund raising committee at the club which has been very successful. The next event in the calendar is a sponsored bowling at Clacton on the 26th October for all age groups from under 14's downwards. This is normally a great day and is a good way to keep the kids entertained for a day in the holidays.
That's it for now, thanks for reading.
Scott
Results and Fixtures 2015-16: 1
st Team (Essex & Suffolk Border League
Division Two): 15
Aug home Hatfield Peverel Reserves, 4-1;
29 Aug home Little Oakley A, 3-1; 5 Sept, away Hatfield Peverel (Knock–Out Cup Preliminary Round) 0-2; 12 Sept, away F.C. Clacton Reserves, 1-1; 19 Sept, home Cressing United, 1-3; 26 Sept, home Boxted Lodgers Reserves; 3 Oct away Earls Colne Reserves; 10 Oct away Tiptree Jobserve Reserves; 17 Oct home Brightlingsea Regent A; 24 Oct away Hadleigh & Thundersley (Essex Junior Cup Round 2 kick-off 2 p.m.); 31 Oct away Colchester Athletic. All games league, kick-off 3 p.m. unless stated. Veterans (North Essex Veterans League): 5 Sept away Stanway Veterans, 1-0; 12
Sept home Halstead Veterans, 1-1:
3 Oct home Oyster; 17 Oct home Westhamians (Essex Saturday Veterans Cup); 24 Oct away Rowhedge Veterans; 7 Nov home Holland Veterans. All games league, kick-off 2 p.m. unless stated. Following the recent loss of his wife, Rita, Alan Coles has fulfilled a longstanding ambition to move to Yorkshire. Alan has, for many years, been one of the mainstays at the football club, which he has served with a dedication second to none. Always the first to volunteer his help, he would turn his hand to any task, be it painting, clearing up our rubbish, putting the ropes round the pitch or whatever. Alan had a long spell as fixtures secretary and, in his role on the committee, could be relied upon to see that club rules were being adhered to, and that we were being thrifty with our spending. We all send Alan our very best wishes for his new life “up north”, and offer our sincere thanks for all the support and friendship he has given us at Great Bentley F.C. Our teams have made a very promising start to the new season, both looking more than capable in their respective divisions. Following last season’s traumas, a new wave of enthusiasm seems to spread through the club, and the good numbers at training have encouraged us to rebook the floodlit facilities at Brightlingsea so they can continue to train. Lucky Team Winner September: B. Soar (Sunderland) £25. Stoner.
FOOTBALL NOTES
38
DIARY FOR OCTOBER
Thurs 1st PARISH COUNCIL COUNCIL MEETING, Village Hall
Sat 3rd AUTUMN SERENADE, Vocal Concert, Lawford Church, 7pm
Tues 6th AUTUMN FAIR, Cheshire Home, Gt Bromley, 10.30am
Tues 6th BENTLEY GREEN LADIES CLUB, 7.30pm, Village Hall
Thurs 8th YOUTH CLUB, Methodist Church, 7pm
Thurs 8th HISTORY SOCIETY, 8pm, Village Hall
Sat 10th QUIZ NIGHT, Bentley Green Ladies Club, 7-7.30pm, Village Hall
Sat 10th QUIZ NIGHT at Royal Fusilier, 7.30-8pm start.
Sun 11th RECITAL OF CHAMBER MUSIC, St Osyth Church, 6pm
Mon 12th CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT, The Plough Inn, 8pm
Tues 13th ART CLUB, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Wed 14th GT BENTLEY SCHOOL OPEN DAY, 1pm and 2pm
Thurs 15th MAGAZINE DEADLINE
Thurs 15th CARNIVAL AGM, 8pm
Wed 21st ESSEX WILDLIFRE TRUST, 7.30pm, Beaumont Village Hall
Thurs 22nd YOUTH CLUB, Methodist Church, 7pm
Sat 24th COLCHESTER MILITARY WIVES,
St Botolphs Church, 7.30pm
Sun 25th SESAW AUTUMN SALE, 11am-4pm, Village Hall
Tues 27th ART CLUB, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Wed 28th EVERGREEN FRIENDSHIP CLUB, Village Hall, 2pm
Thurs 29th POLLING DAY, Village Hall
Fri 30th MAGAZINE COLLATING, 9am Vestry Room
Fri 30th WINE TASTING, Ring 01206 252157 for details.