Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 2 a Few New Year Thoughts from the Editor

Issue 79 February 2017

Community House Makeover

YOU WILL doubtless have noticed that the Community House is looking very spick and span for the start of this new year, having had a bit of a makeover. The most obvious sign of which is the exterior work on the thatch to replace the ridge, but the interior has also been redecorated. The work on the roof was carried out by Cobb Thatching of St. Ives, Cambridgeshire in the early weeks of December. Continued on page 16

Village Sign for Birdbrook Never Miss a Meeting!

READERS will be pleased to hear that the WE’RE all familiar with the old ofﬁce rules of Parish Council has been successful in securing a ‘never miss a meeting’ and ‘don't volunteer’. Find grant of £4,500 from the Essex County Council, out what happened when Martin Gilbert broke the Community Initiative Fund (CIF) for the erection ﬁrst and why he wants you to break the second of a village sign in Birdbrook. Cont. on Page 5 by helping clean up the village pond on Page 20 Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 2 A Few New Year Thoughts From The Editor

FIRSTLY CAN I wish you all a very belated completed before we can go ahead. You get Happy New Year? Hope you are keeping all enough about Parish Council in every issue and those well intentioned Resolutions. Personally I the Annual Report time is coming up so that’s was never any good at this so stopped making enough for now! Don’t forget though members them years ago. of the public, and even the press, are entitled to attend any Parish Council Meeting. New Year, New Look, New Co-Editor You surely can’t have missed our new look International Politics and layout, hope you like it. You will recall that What’s with this new strain that seems to be Carrie Webb relinquished her post at the end of if you don’t like the result of an election you can last year due to personal family commitments. I go around calling anyone who voted for the am grateful (I think) that Albert Baxter has winning side idiotic and try whatever ruse stepped forward into the fray and taken up the (including damage in some cases) to try get it post from this issue. We were perhaps well changed. In the UK we had a referendum where overdue a makeover by now and you can see we were told all the polls said the majority Albert’s inﬂuence so far. Your comments would favoured to leave the EU but everyone thought be appreciated. If you like it tell everybody, and it unlikely to happen. So everyone was us. If you don’t like it tell only us! The new surprised it happened but it seems the minority address for everything except advertising is is determined to change it all. In the USA a [email protected] business man with no political experience is elected President following the election rules Life and Death over there, but again the losers want it all Life goes on as they say but since Cilla Black changed. It would appear that it wasn’t the thing died in August 2015 it seems perhaps not. All being voted on that mattered in either of these through 2016 the list of celebrities and the like cases but that the general population were who have passed away has just grown and basically fed up with the same old people and grown. Perhaps this is because we are now of parties “carrying on as before” and either just the generation where these people became not listening to, or completely ignoring what the much larger than life and our opportunities to public wanted. Looking at what is happening in see them and what they did became easier and Italy and Greece in this respect and what we are we therefore feel we know them better and of told of upcoming elections in France and course they are of our age group but some were Germany in 2017 then we can possibly expect a still appreciated by and enjoyed by younger few more of these outcomes going against the generations! Currently it seems 2017 may present ways. Out with the old in with the new? continue in the same vein, but let’s hope not. And this might well be in a big way. Birdbrook itself has not been immune from this in that three of our parishioners and one friend Local Politics of Birdbrook died in a matter of two or three The next election in our parish is on weeks at the end of the year. I sincerely hope Thursday 4th May for County Councillors. Is this for a much better year in this respect for us. a time to consider an upheaval as above? After all a great many of the Councillors and parties Parish Council have been in the same position for many years and there seems to be some discontent with The last year seemed to have been spent local government at the present time. Is our doing the run of the mill every year items plus a County Council doing a good job? Should local lot of work drawing up plans for, and applying government actually be politically based? Does for a grant for, completion of the work on two each councillor actually do what his particular telephone boxes and also for a village sign. A residents would like or just follow the party line? grant was approved at the end of the year so In other words are they working for us? The 2017 will see work going ahead hopefully to main problem though is perhaps the lack of completion although the equipment may take a interest in voting. As a rule General Election little longer because as yet we cannot get help turnout is quite low and local elections even towards the cost of the deﬁbrillators and Continued on Page 6 everything else has to be Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 3

2012 2013 Simply outstanding

What Ofsted said:

● Children ﬂ ourish here ● Babies feel comfortable and safe ● Language is promoted exceptionally well ● Children are extremely well prepared for school ● Parents hold the nursery in the highest regard

Haverhill

A1017 we are A1017

here B1057

B1054 New England Helions Call us on Bumpstead Steeple Bumpstead Birdbrook 01440 730520 B1054 email us on B1057 [email protected] or visit us at www.bloismeadowdaynursery.com

Blois Meadow Day Nursery Ltd, Unit L, Blois Meadow Business Centre, Steeple Bumpstead, Haverhill CB9 7BN Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 4

News from St Augustine’s

AS ALWAYS Christmas was a busy and A present from his mother-in-law it would joyous time at St. Augustine's. Both the appear. I guess… to keep the peace, he was Christmas morning and the nine lessons obliged to wear it... even if it was only the once! service the preceding Sunday evening were That said the prize for best costume, were well attended. Music on both occasions was there such a thing, would surely have gone to arranged and played by our resident organist, Churchwarden, Judi Price's granddaughter, David Wilson. Refreshments at the carol Tatiana who wowed everyone with her service were, as ever, popular and delicious... delightful angel costume, complete with its thank you Judi. tinsel halo. Revd Sue Cruse joined us for both Christmas services, although she was not due to take up her position in the benefice team until January. From February Revd Cruse will be taking the holy communion service on the second Sunday of each month. We are also looking forward to welcoming Sue's husband Ian to Birdbrook. Ian is an organist and we are hopeful he can be persuaded to play when our own David Wilson is on holiday. We are pleased to say there will be a further addition to the benefice ministry team in June when Claire Robertson joins us as Curate. Claire too is a musician, a The church looked resplendent with concert pianist and performs numerous floral arrangements and an regularly with her twin sister Antoinette Cann as absolutely magnificent tree; donated by Peter the Cann Twins. Unwin and decorated by Ann Beetson. That's about it for now, other than to remind The floral displays were created by Pippa everyone that the monthly coffee mornings Unwin and her team of arrangers. Many thanks have been suspended for the winter. They will to them all for their efforts throughout the year. resume on the first Tuesday of April. Until then, The gentlemen of the congregation were not to we would be delighted to see you at any of our be outdone however, with many sporting festive regular Sunday morning services, details of jumpers for the Christmas morning service. which can be found in the Dates & Info. Although, our sympathy must go out to one section… poor soul, who managed to leave the gift tag attached to his sweater. God Bless

The pen drawing of the parish church was drawn by former parishioner, the late Vic Gilbert. It together with drawings of the other three churches which made up the original Ridgewell benefice, was used on the cover of the 'Parish News' for many years. We are pleased to revive that tradition, by using Mr Gilbert's drawing here for the church news section. Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 5 Birdbrook Village Sign Hello From Your Continued from Page 1 New District WHILST the bulk of the funds from the CIF Councillor grant will be used for the sign, parish councillors are confident the balance will be sufficient to complete the refurbishment of the telephone EARLIER in 2016, I was kiosks at Baythorne End and St. Augustine's. invited to stand for election to The tradition of replace Robert Bolton, our decorative village signs former District Councillor for the Bumpstead started in Norfolk in the Ward; Sturmer, Steeple Bumpstead, Helions early years of the last Bumpstead, Birdbrook and Baythorne End. I century, when the then have served on Sturmer Parish Council for Prince of Wales, later around thirteen years, so I already know that Edward VII, these villages have some truly dedicated commissioned four signs voluntary Parish Councillors who are a pleasure for villages on his to work with. These people work really hard to Sandringham estate. The ensure that local amenities are maintained to Prince believed the signs make their area an enjoyable place to live. would be a feature of On 20 October 2016, I was elected District interest and provide a navigation aid to early Councillor with a very healthy 64.6% of the vote, motorists. Although the origins of such signs although there were four opposing candidates. I may date back further, to the village crosses of hope to make a real difference to the lives of the medieval times, which served both as a people within our local communities and be at landmark and a talisman to ward off evil. the forefront of debate at District level. King George V continued the tradition started I will represent the Ward and the people who by his father then, after live in it; to provide a bridge between the the Second World War, community and the council. I will be an the practice spread from advocate for residents and signpost them to the Norfolk to other, right people. I may not have all the solutions, neighbouring counties in but through experience I hope to be better East Anglia. Today there placed to deal with the range of issues that are more than 4000 arise. Local government is facing village signs across unprecedented change and there will be England. Many of which challenges ahead. We know that the services can be seen in the people tend to take for granted may change in gallery section of the the future financial climate. I intend to do my Village Sign Society web best to ensure that those who rely on vital site www.villagesignsociety.org.uk. These everyday services get the help and support they include a number of handsome examples from need. I will work with local organisations, villages in north Essex. interest groups and businesses. Behind all The signs often depict local landmarks; services and facilities that local authorities typically the parish church, village hall or pub provide is a web of legislation and bureaucracy and may also commemorate significant national that most people don’t need, or want to see. As events such as the Queen's Golden or Diamond a councillor, I hope to understand how it works Jubilees. Norfolk signmaker, The Village Sign in order to help represent and benefit the local People, have been commissioned by the Parish community. Council to construct the Birdbrook sign. When the final design and location for the sign have With best wishes to all been agreed details will be published in the Birdbrook News. Diana Garrod Finally, King George VI once described the village sign as 'a welcome guide to the visitor in Phone: 01440 712742 a strange land.' Let's hope our village sign will Mobile: 07979 790637 provide visitors with a warm welcome to the e-Mail: [email protected] village for many years to come. Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 6 Continued from Page 2… present in Birdbrook at the present time. The more so. The general attitude appears to be majority of the current councillors are coming up why vote because the same guy, or worse still for the halfway stage in their first four year really, the same party will get in whether I vote period of office, one is in his sixth year of office. or not. Perhaps in this period of political change I myself was co-opted in 1999and have been now is the time to give more thought to these chair since 2004 so am very much vulnerable? outcomes? After all if you don’t vote you can’t The next election for Parish is in 2019 so really complain if it isn’t as you would like, but perhaps now is the time to be considering what for goodness sake if you do vote and are on the you want from your council and who you want losing side you accept this as being democratic. on it. I personally cannot understand all this move Well, that has aired some of my views, and I towards everything must be done to appease stress any opinions shared above are mine and the losers. However if the voting system itself is are not attributable to any one councillor or considered wrong that is a whole new matter. indeed the whole parish council. I realise this also applies on a parish level although the political party involvement is not Richard Walker

Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe Courtesy of Mr. W. McAskie

This seems to have been missed out of the Christmas issue… can't for the life of me think why… so we thought we’d drop it in here. Perhaps you can try it this year? Ingredients 1 cup water 2 cups dried fruit 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup sugar 1 tsp salt 8oz nuts 4 large eggs 1 tsp. baking soda Juice if 1 lemon 1 bottle whisky Method Sample the whisky to check for quality. Take a large bowl. Check the whisky again to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink. Repeat Turn on the electric mixer, beat up one cup of butter in a large ﬂuffy bowl. Add one tsp. sugar and beat again. Make sure the whisky is still OK. Cry another tup. Turn off the mixerer. Break two eggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the dried fruit. Mix on the turner. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers, pry it loose with a drewscriver. Sample the whisky to check for tonsistiticity. Next sift two cups of salt. Or something. Who cares? Check the whisky. Now sift the lemon juice and strain your nuts. Add one table. Spoon… of sugar… or something. Whatever you can ﬁnd. Grease the oven. Turn the fake tin to 350 degrees. Don’t forget to beat off the turner. Throw the bowl out of the window, check the whisky again and go to bed. Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 7 Birdbrook Ladies Group

by Diane Cook and Sue King

December 2016

OUR CHRISTMAS DINNER this year was held at the Moot House in Castle Hedingham. We all had an enjoyable meal in festive surroundings including a lovely log ﬁre. As usual we did a Secret Santa gift and I am sure that everyone was pleased with what they received. All-in-all a very pleasant evening.

January 2017

OUR START TO 2017 saw us welcome Celia Stevens, who is a racing driver, to our group. She gave an excellent presentation and talked very enthusiastically about how she came to be a driver of a number of different racing cars. Celia entertained us with anecdotes of her career in racing. She was the ﬁrst woman to take her racing driver's licence at the Snetterton track and has driven at almost every circuit in the country. She has competed several times at the Le Mans Classic driving a Peerless GT Phase and Celia has also raced at Angouleme, one of her favourite courses. Celia is very passionate about what she does and has no doubt inspired many women to follow in her footsteps, or even just to enjoy driving more. Her philosophy is to get the best out of car driving.

Upcoming Events

9th February Carpet Bowls 9th March Swifts

13th April History Brought to Life Mike Wabe — Town Crier 11th May AGM & Refreshments Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 8 Green Bin Collections

IF YOU, like me and provide this service and they did so as a numerous others missed convenience for residents. the last green bin It was noted by members of the Parish collection of the year at Council that, if saving money was the objective, the end of November you the District Council may do better to review the may be interested in the practice of making separate collections of trade explanation offered by and domestic waste on the same day. Since this Braintree District Council, often results in the village being overrun by Refuse Department when dustcarts on Mondays. asked to comment by our District Councillor, Parish Councillors also suggested that during Diana Garrod. the winter months, the District Council consider At the Parish Council meeting on 5th January, reinstating the monthly, Saturday morning 2017, Councillor Garrod reported that, following collections of garden waste. We await a complaints from a number of constituents, she response to these suggestions from council made enquires about the absence of green bin officials. collections. She was told that the primary In the meantime and until the collection of reason for the annual three month suspension green bins resumes on Monday 6th March, of garden waste collection, from December to garden waste can be taken to the Essex County February, was to save money. Council recycling centres at Saffron Walden or District Council figures show that the number Braintree. of green bins being put out for collection drops Directions to the centres and details of by 80% during the winter months, making it opening times can be found on the Braintree uneconomic to continue fortnightly collections. District Council website www.braintree.gov.uk Officials also pointed out that there was no by following the links for Recycling Centres. mandatory obligation for the District Council to

Local Blood Donor Sessions

Monday 13 February 2017 Haverhill, Arts Centre CB9 8AR

Wednesday 5 April 2017 Sawston Village College CB22 3BP Thursday 6 April 2017 Linton Community Sports Centre CB21 4JB

Sunday 4 June 2017 Forest Hall School, Stansted CM24 8TZ

Friday 7 July 2017 Haverhill The New Croft CB9 0BW

To ﬁnd out more about registering to give blood or to make an appointment please go to www.blood.co.uk or phone 0300 123 23 23 Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 9 Prayer, Partnership and Fatalism. a letter from Revd Cannon Jonathan Lowe

“Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” — (from Genesis 18:23)

I WAS TALKING recently with a young Lance Corporal in the army regiment for whom I am Chaplain. His ﬁancée had just tragically died from leukaemia and I was asked the question that frequently surfaces when tragedy strikes: why did God take her? I replied that I don’t think God did take her — a terrible disease did. God isn’t responsible for everything that happens on this planet, because God doesn’t always get his way on the earth. It’s not God’s will that little girls are used as prostitutes in India, that evil dictators crush the poor beneath their heels and that terrible atrocities are committed in the wars that rage today around the globe. If God always gets his way, then why would Jesus teach us to pray: “thy kingdom come, thy will be done”? When we believe that everything that happens is because it’s God’s will, we engage in a kind of Christian fatalism. Heaven is the realm where God’s sphere of rule is currently perfect — and again, we pray, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. And that’s why we pray. Prayer is not an exercise in vague piety, a time when we plead in vain because everything has already been decided. As God invites us to pray, he calls us to partnership with him. He is forever the senior partner; but as God determines to keep Abraham informed of his intentions and then Abraham effectively negotiates mercy for the righteous innocents of a town that is about to be destroyed, so we see one of the core essences of prayer: God intervening in history by joining his heart and hands with his praying people. Today, our prayers matter. Let’s take our calling to partnership seriously. Lord, thank you for the privilege of partnership with you. Help me to be responsible in prayer today. Amen.

Blessings,

Jonathan.

Services at St Augustine’s, Birdbrook.

First Sunday 10.00 am Family Service Second Sunday 11.00 am Family Communion

Third Sunday 11.00 am Morning Prayer

Fourth Sunday 11.00 am Family Communion

Cavell Community Choir with the Big Sing Gospel Choir

Steeple Bumpstead Village Hall - Saturday 25th March 2017 Workshop 3.30 - 5.00 pm Concert 7.00 pm Tickets£10 Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 10

Anne of Cleves House, Hamlet Road, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 8EE Telephone: 01440 70 56 56 www.haverhillphysiotherapyclinic.co.uk

Sports injuries - muscle and ligament sprains and strains Back Pain - Sciatica, trapped nerves, disc prolapse Neck Pain - Direct Injury (Whiplash), Postural Strain Peripheral complaints, e.g. upper and lower limb problems Arthritis/rheumatic conditions Repetitive strain injuries/Sports injuries Assessment of undiagnosed aches and pains Post operative rehabilitation Pilates Classes (small classes - Halstead & Haverhill)

Registered with all major insurance companies Self financing patients welcome.

Registered with the Health Professions Council Member of the Organisation of Chartered Physio- therapists in Private Practice

When responding to an advert you have seen in Birdbrook News please mention where you saw it. Thank you.

Page 9

When responding to an advertisement you have seen in Birdbrook News please mention where you saw it… Thank You. Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 11 Dates & Info...

2016 - 2017 BIRDBROOK LADIES GROUP

Our group meetings take place at 7.30 p.m on the 2nd Thursday of each month at Birdbrook Community House. Visitors are always welcome.

Ladies Programme Group — of CalendarEvents Mobile Library

Carpet •BowlsJune 9th - East Town Park 9 February The Mobile Library visits Birdbrook and parks outside the church every other Wednesday Swifts • July 14th - Cocktail Evening 9 March between 3.45 and 4.15 pm - Dates as follows: History Brought to Life 13 April February 15, March 1, 15 & 29 and April 12 & 26 Mike Wabe• August — Town 11th Crier - To be announced AGM &• RefreshmentsSept 8th - Glass Charms: Pat Beamish11 May Domestic Refuse

Chairperson• October 13th - St Nicholas Hospice:Sue King Collected Tea & Co onf alternateee Rota Mondays — Secretary Diane Cook Grey Bin Abi Morris Non-recyclable items only please. Treasurer Hilary Hoye June - N/A • November 10th - Trends of a Decade Phone 01441 788836 July Collected- N/A on weeks when the Grey Bin is not collected. Amanda Sutherland RecyclingAugust - N/A Birdbrook Bowls Club Use the clear plastic sacks for Newspaper, Card, Plastic & Metal • December 8th - Christmas Meal September - Angela & Joyce Every Tuesday from April to September October - Carol Carter & Louise Birdbrook Bowls Club (at the rear of the • Jan 12th - ‘Classic Car’ Racing Driver Glass There are bottle banks located Community House) - 6.00 pm onwards. Bottles Novemberoutside - Emma the Community& Sarah House Celia Stevens Chat & Stitch Group December - N/A • February 9th - Carpet Bowls JanuaryPlease - use charity shops for reusable items or see Braintree Every Tuesday in the Community House Textiles • March 9th - ‘Swi"s’ District DC Literature for more 2.00 to 5.00 pm. February - N/A information • April 13th - History Brought To Life March -

Mike Wabe: Town CrierBus ServicesApril - May - Cheese & Wine Service• 438:May Newport 11th - AGM - Great & ReYeldham#eshments Operates on school days only Service 236: Haverhill - Sudbury Operates Monday to Saturday

Shopper’s Bus: Upper Colne - Haverhill Tuesdays only departing from Birdbrook at 11.25 am Chairperson: Sue King Phone 01621 874411 to book or for more information go DemandSecretary: and DianeResponse Cook Service (DaRT) to www.essex.gov.uk/publictransport Treasurer: Hilary Hoye Tel: 01440 788836

Don’t forget the ‘Use it or Lose it’ rule applies to all of these services Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 12

Parish Council Birdbrook News Phone Editors Chair T.R. Walker 01440 788887 Richard Walker 01440 788887 Vice Chair S. Rhenius 01440 785219 Albert Baxter 01440 788524 A. Cook 01440 785458 P. Smart 01440 788424 D. Simpson 01440 788113 Publication Dates M. Gilbert 01440 785967 February, May, July, September and December

Council Clerk Mrs D. Hilliard 01440 785629 e-Mail [email protected] Deadline dates for copy, advertising etc

15 January, 15 April, 15 June, Dates for Parish Council Meetings 2017-18 31 August and 15 November Thursday 2 March

Wednesday **10 May Submissions and Contributions to: Wednesday 28 June [email protected] Thursday 7 September Thursday 2 November Advertising please contact: Thursday 4 January All start at 7.30pm in the Community House. [email protected] **AGM and Annual Parish Meeting All copy to be in a common text format e.g. Word, Pages, RTF… or a scanner friendly District Councillor document please. Diana Garrod Phone 01440 712742 Last Postal Collections Mobile 07979 790637 Baythorne End 4.45 pm Monday to Friday e-Mail [email protected] 9.30 am Saturday

County Councillor Birdbrook 4.30 pm Monday to Friday 10.30 am Saturday David M. Finch Phone 01787 371878 New England 4.30 pm Monday to Friday e-Mail cllr.david.ﬁ[email protected] 10.00 am Saturday

On weekdays there is a later Member of Parliament collection at 5.45 pm from the postbox - 46 High Street, James Cleverley MP Halstead e-Mail: [email protected]

If you would like to have details of your group or club meeting included or have a contact added to our list please let us know by e-Mail at [email protected] Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 13

Useful Contacts Police Community House Bookings Emergencies 999 John Weeks 01440 785634 Police non-emergency 101 number Essex Highways Dept. • This is the number to call if you want to [email protected]/highways contact your local police in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland — when it's less Floodline 0845 988 1188 urgent than a 999 call. Electricity 24 hour fault line 0800 7838 838 • You should also call 101 to report crime and other concerns that do not require an Water 24 hour fault line 08457 145 145 emergency response. Stansted Flight Eval. Unit 0800 243788 • You should always call 999 when it is an emergency, such as when a crime is in [email protected] progress, there is danger to life or violence is being used or threatened. Braintree Council 01376 552525 Customer Services Local Police Stations Essex County Council Library Direct Braintree Police 101 Station To join or volunteer to deliver 01245 438438

Village Agent Richard Ould 07540 720601 Blyths Meadow, Braintree, CM7 3DJ.

Birdbrook Bowls Club 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday Yvonne Lawrence - Chairman 01284 789521 Saffron Walden 101 Tricia Birt - Secretary 01787 461581 Police Station Steeple Bumpstead Surgery 01440 730235 London Road, Saffron Walden, CB11 4ER. St. Augustine’s Church 9.00 to 5.00 pm Opening Hours: Revd Jonathan D Lowe 01440 731687 Monday to Thursday Churchwarden Judi Price 01440 730506 8.30 am to 4.30 pm Friday Churchwarden Patrick Crouch 01440 709090 Closed PCC Secretary Ginny Faire 01440 785341 Saturday and Sunday

Steeple Bumpstead Surgery Opening Times

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Surgery 8:00 am to 6:30 pm 8:00 am to 6:30 pm 8:00 am to 6:30 pm 8:00 am to 6:30 pm 8:00 am to 6:30 pm Closed for lunch 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm*

Dispensary 8:00 am to 6:30 pm 8:00 am to 6:30 pm 8:00 am to 1:00 pm 8:00 am to 6:30 pm 8:00 am to 6:30 pm *Both the surgery and dispensary will be closed between 2:00 and 3:00 pm on Tuesdays for staff training Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 14

Collection Calendar Collection Calendar Collection Calendar Collection Calendar

ROUTE 1 - MONDAY www.braintree.gov.uk/recycling ROUTE 1 - MONDAY www.braintree.gov.uk/recycling ROUTE 1 - MONDAY www.braintree.gov.uk/recycling ROUTE 1 - MONDAY www.braintree.gov.uk/recycling

APRIL 2017 JULY 2017 OCTOBER 2016 JANUARY 2017 APRIL 2017 JULY 2017 OCTOBER 2016 JANUARY 2017 Mon 3 10 17 24 Mon 3 10 17 24 31 Mon 3 10 17 24 31 Mon 2 9 16 23 30 Mon 3 10 17 24 Mon 3 10 17 24 31 Mon 3 10 17 24 31 Mon 2 9 16 23 30 Tues 4 11 18 25 Tues 4 11 18 25 Tues 4 11 18 25 Tues 3 10 17 24 31 Tues 4 11 18 25 Tues 4 11 18 25 Tues 4 11 18 25 Tues 3 10 17 24 31 Wed 5 12 19 26 Wed 5 12 19 26 Wed 5 12 19 26 Wed 4 11 18 25 Wed 5 12 19 26 Wed 5 12 19 26 Wed 5 12 19 26 Wed 4 11 18 25 Thurs 6 13 20 27 Thurs 6 13 20 27 Thurs 6 13 20 27 Thurs 5 12 19 26 Thurs 6 13 20 27 Thurs 6 13 20 27 Thurs 6 13 20 27 Thurs 5 12 19 26 Fri 7 14 21 28 Fri 7 14 21 28 Fri 7 14 21 28 Fri 6 13 20 27 Fri 7 14 21 28 Fri 7 14 21 28 Fri 7 14 21 28 Fri 6 13 20 27 Sat 1 8 15 22 29 Sat 1 8 15 22 29 Sat 1 8 15 22 29 Sat 7 14 21 28 Sat 1 8 15 22 29 Sat 1 8 15 22 29 Sat 1 8 15 22 29 Sat 7 14 21 28 Sun 2 9 16 23 30 Sun 2 9 16 23 30 Sun 2 9 16 23 30 Sun 1 8 15 22 29 Sun 2 9 16 23 30 Sun 2 9 16 23 30 Sun 2 9 16 23 30 Sun 1 8 15 22 29

MAY 2017 AUGUST 2017 NOVEMBER 2016 FEBRUARY 2017 MAY 2017 AUGUST 2017 NOVEMBER 2016 FEBRUARY 2017 Mon 1 8 15 22 29 Mon 7 14 21 28 Mon 7 14 21 28 Mon 6 13 20 27 Mon 1 8 15 22 29 Mon 7 14 21 28 Mon 7 14 21 28 Mon 6 13 20 27 Tues 2 9 16 23 30 Tues 1 8 15 22 29 Tues 1 8 15 22 29 Tues 7 14 21 28 Tues 2 9 16 23 30 Tues 1 8 15 22 29 Tues 1 8 15 22 29 Tues 7 14 21 28 Wed 3 10 17 24 31 Wed 2 9 16 23 30 Wed 2 9 16 23 30 Wed 1 8 15 22 Wed 3 10 17 24 31 Wed 2 9 16 23 30 Wed 2 9 16 23 30 Wed 1 8 15 22 Thurs 4 11 18 25 31 Thurs 3 10 17 24 31 31 Thurs 3 10 17 24 31 Thurs 2 9 16 23 Thurs 4 11 18 25 31 Thurs 3 10 17 24 31 31 Thurs 3 10 17 24 31 Thurs 2 9 16 23 Fri 5 12 19 26 Fri 4 11 18 25 Fri 4 11 18 25 Fri 3 10 17 24 Fri 5 12 19 26 Fri 4 11 18 25 Fri 4 11 18 25 Fri 3 10 17 24 Sat 6 13 20 27 Sat 5 12 19 26 Sat 5 12 19 26 Sat 4 11 18 25 Sat 6 13 20 27 Sat 5 12 19 26 Sat 5 12 19 26 Sat 4 11 18 25 Sun 7 14 21 28 Sun 6 13 20 27 Sun 6 13 20 27 Sun 5 12 19 26 Sun 7 14 21 28 Sun 6 13 20 27 Sun 6 13 20 27 Sun 5 12 19 26

JUNE 2017 SEPTEMBER 2017 DECEMBER 2016 MARCH 2017 JUNE 2017 SEPTEMBER 2017 DECEMBER 2016 MARCH 2017 Mon 5 12 19 26 Mon 4 11 18 25 Mon 5 12 19 26 Mon 6 13 20 27 Mon 5 12 19 26 Mon 4 11 18 25 Mon 5 12 19 26 Mon 6 13 20 27 Tues 6 13 20 27 27 Tues 5 12 19 26 Tues 6 13 20 27 Tues 7 14 21 28 Tues 6 13 20 27 27 Tues 5 12 19 26 Tues 6 13 20 27 Tues 7 14 21 28 Wed 7 14 21 28 Wed 6 13 20 27 Wed 7 14 21 28 Wed 1 8 15 22 29 Wed 7 14 21 28 Wed 6 13 20 27 Wed 7 14 21 28 Wed 1 8 15 22 29 Thurs 1 8 15 22 29 Thurs 7 14 21 28 Thurs 1 8 15 22 29 Thurs 2 9 16 23 30 Thurs 1 8 15 22 29 Thurs 7 14 21 28 Thurs 1 8 15 22 29 Thurs 2 9 16 23 30 Fri 2 9 16 23 30 Fri 1 8 15 22 29 Fri 2 9 16 23 30 Fri 3 10 17 24 31 Fri 2 9 16 23 30 Fri 1 8 15 22 29 Fri 2 9 16 23 30 Fri 3 10 17 24 31 Sat 3 10 17 24 Sat 2 9 16 23 30 Sat 3 10 17 24 31 Sat 4 11 18 25 Sat 3 10 17 24 Sat 2 9 16 23 30 Sat 3 10 17 24 31 Sat 4 11 18 25 Sun 4 11 18 25 Sun 3 10 17 24 Sun 4 11 18 25 Sun 5 12 19 26 Sun 4 11 18 25 Sun 3 10 17 24 Sun 4 11 18 25 Sun 5 12 19 26

PLEASE KEEP THIS CALENDAR SAFE Green bin, clear sacks and food bin this when you have ﬁnished with it. Please recycle PLEASE KEEP THIS CALENDAR SAFE Green bin, clear sacks and food bin PLEASE KEEP THIS CALENDAR SAFE Green bin, clear sacks and food bin this when you have ﬁnished with it. Please recycle PLEASE KEEP THIS CALENDAR SAFE Green bin, clear sacks and food bin Braintree District Braintree District Grey bin and food bin Braintree District Braintree District Grey bin and food bin Council Grey bin and food bin Council Council Grey bin and food bin Council CLEAR SACKS AND FOOD BIN ONLY CLEAR SACKS AND FOOD BIN ONLY GARDEN @BraintreeDC GARDEN @BraintreeDC NO GARDEN WASTE GARDEN @BraintreeDC GARDEN @BraintreeDC NO GARDEN WASTE WASTE WASTE WASTE WASTE

COLLECTION COLLECTION COLLECTION COLLECTION MARCH TO DON’T FORGET MARCH TO DON’T FORGET MARCH TO DON’T FORGET MARCH TO DON’T FORGET NOVEMBER TO PUT YOUR FOOD NOVEMBER TO PUT YOUR FOOD NOVEMBER TO PUT YOUR FOOD NOVEMBER TO PUT YOUR FOOD BIN OUT WEEKLY BIN OUT WEEKLY BIN OUT WEEKLY BIN OUT WEEKLY

How to sort your waste for recycling REMEMBER - Your bins and/or sacks must be out at your collection point by 7am but no earlier than the evening before

Clear Green Food Waste Bin Grey Bin Sacks Wheeled Bin FOR FOOD RECYCLING FOR HOUSEHOLD WASTE THAT ONLY CANNOT BE RECYCLED OR FOR RECYCLING FOR GARDEN WASTE ONLY ONLY (MARCH - NOVEMBER) COMPOSTED

4 Newspapers, 4 Grass cuttings 4 Meat & fish - raw and cooked 4 Disposable nappies, incontinence magazines & catalogues 4 Shrub & hedge prunings 4 Fruit & vegetables - raw pads, sanitary waste & wet wipes 4 Paper, cardboard & junk mail 4 Leaves, flowers & weeds and cooked 4 Pet waste 4 Plastic bottles & plastic packaging 4 Tree branches (less than 4 Bread, cakes and pastries 4 Polystyrene & other non-recyclable plastics including lids/tops 5cm (2”) diameter and 4 Uneaten food, plate scrapings 4 Tins, cans & aerosols 30cm (12”) in length) 4 Tea bags & coffee grounds BUT NOT: 4 Beverage cartons 4 Rice, pasta & beans BUT NOT: 8 Builders Waste 4 Dairy products 8 BUT NOT: 8 Food of any kind including Hard core/Rubble/Cement 4 Mouldy and out of date food 8 Soil/Turf 8 Polystyrene fruit and vegetable peelings (including ready 8 8 Soil, turf & rubble Electrical Items 7 8 Plastic film, clingfilm & bubblewrap meals) 8 Business Waste 8 Crisp packets & biscuit wrappers 8 Cat litter, dog mess & pet waste 8 Hard plastic items such as toys, 8 Metal, glass or plastic BUT NOT: NO SIDE WASTE 7 video tapes, coat hangers etc. 8 Refuse or nappies 8 Glass All waste should be 8 Food waste or garden waste 8 No plastic bags of any kind 8 Packaging of any sort contained within your 8 Refuse or nappies 8 Japanese knotweed 8 Liquids including oil or liquid fat wheeled bin and the lid must be shut. For any types of household waste/ 8 Glass (please use your Local 8 Pet food, bedding or faeces Recycling Centre) recycling that we do not collect please We cannot take additional contact Essex County Council for advice 8 Wallpaper bags of garden waste placed by your bin Put your food waste Let’s get it right, flatten If you have not been Second green bins are available straight into your issued with wheeled bins what you can and fill at an additional cost. food bin right to the top Please home compost as much as Your black sacks are for household Tie/knot your sacks when full you can or take it to Essex County If you wish to wrap it first, please waste that cannot be recycled. use a sheet of newspaper or a Place your refuse sacks out for Do not use for any other Council’s Recycling Centre for waste - this will not be collected Household Waste caddy liner collection on ‘grey bin days’

Need more recycling sacks? Apply for a delivery online at www.braintree.gov.uk, e-mail [email protected] or call 0800 0748243 If you run a business from home or from another premises, we can offer a Business Waste Collection Service Customer Service Centre 01376 552525

The information contained in these directory pages is as advised to the editor and believed to be correct at the time of publication. Birdbrook News cannot be held responsible for any changes between then and the date of the next issue, or indeed for any changes that are not advised to us. Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 15 Steeple Bumpstead Surgery

THERE REMAINS no change to the Clinical There is no feedback as the study is looking Team at the surgery and we are very pleased at clinical and genetic data; they are not that there have been no working days where a supplied with the patient’s name, only the area Doctor or Nurse has not been present all day for where they are from. It is an aim of the study to over 15 months. ﬁnd out the causes of diabetes. Clinical Support for Patients Dispensary Activity It is reminded that Mel Cunningham is a Activity over the past two months has been qualiﬁed Advanced Nurse Practitioner, with over immense. The following data is provided for 12 years’ experience in urgent care. She runs information: clinics Monday’s to Thursday’s and Mel can assess, diagnose, order tests, prescribe and Dispensary Activity refer patients as appropriate. She has on the day bookable appointments to cover acute Prescriptions Total Items problems but she can also be booked in Issued Issued advance for problems less urgent, or for follow November 2016 1588 3859 ups from patients she has seen earlier. When you contact the surgery for an appointment December 2016 1684 3587 please consider the Nurse Practitioner and not Totals for Period 3272 7446 just the GP’s. Our aims over the next two months are to Please remember the dispensary closes at 1pm see and review patients with diabetes. The on Wednesdays. Practice Nurse is holding clinics and the surgery is making contact with patients to attend these. General We are also inviting Diabetic patients to take The surgery now has a comprehensive part in a research study by the National Institute welcome pack to all new patients. This can be for Health Research. This means patients will located on the surgery website. be invited to the surgery and the research www.steeplebumpsteadsurgerynhs.net explained to them, followed up by them consenting and having a blood test. The surgery Andy Cutting, Practice Manager sends this to the Institute.

Steeple Bumpstead Surgery Patient Participation Group (PPG)

We continue to work with the surgery to improve services for everyone. We would very much welcome your individual feedback, suggestions, comments or questions about the Surgery and its services so these can be fed into our discussions. Please contact our Chair, Liz Heyer. Liz Heyer- Phone: 01440 730579 or email [email protected] Ultrasound Machine in Haverhill Local fundraising has secured £20k towards the purchase of a new ultrasound machine in Haverhill. West Suffolk Hospital, who would run the service, is now having discussions about topping up these funds to cover the full capital cost and to pay for the staff and other running costs. Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection of the Surgery The CQC is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. They will be undertaking an inspection of the surgery and its services during January to assess their quality, safety and effectiveness. We will let you know their ﬁndings once they are published.

Together we can improve services for everyone Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 16 Community House Makeover Continued from Page 1

AS FAR as we can tell new ridge looks magniﬁcent and should be this is only the second good for at least ﬁfteen years. time the roof has had These latest works were paid for by the attention since the Bryce Foundation, which is an Anglo-American Community House was charitable fund established by the late, Mr John built in 1958. Which, by 'Ivar' Bryce and his second wife Josephine, the by, means it, like me, former owners of the Moyns Park Estate. The will be enjoying its 60th Foundation paid for the construction of the birthday next year. building back in 1958 and it has continued to Birthdays aside, we contribute to its upkeep over the years. know the ridge has been One last thought, does anyone have more replaced at least once information on the history of the Community before, because one of House, or possibly even photographs of the the thatchers mentioned having been involved building works, the opening ceremony... in the project; albeit he couldn't recall the exact assuming there was one... or other past events. date when the previous work was done. As they If you do, drop us a line at say, 'it's a small world'... or is it more a sign that [email protected] and, if you were to there are fewer traditional craftsmen around feel inclined to write a few words to go with the than there were, not so many years ago. Who photos we will be happy to include them in a knows, but the future issue.

New Look for the News

THE SHARP-EYED amongst you will not you about some new ideas for the News, like a have failed to notice that the Community House food and drink section, a recipe or gardening is not the only thing to have had a bit of a page, maybe even a few more puzzles to go makeover. There have also been one or two with the crossword and, what about the odd changes at Birdbrook News. First, I have, for my short story. However, following a recent sins, taken over the job as joint editor from conversation with Richard, I realised that many Carrie Webb. Along with this switch we have a of these had featured in past issues of new e-mail address, which is, Birdbrook News. So, perhaps I will change that [email protected]. Please use this for and say instead, we plan to reintroduce some getting in touch, whether it's to let us know old favourites. about upcoming events, to have your club or Of course such things have to be society details added to the information pages researched, written and compiled. With that in or to submit an article. mind, we would welcome any submissions on For advertising, you should continue to those topics or any others that take your fancy. contact Richard directly at Old photographs of Birdbrook, together with a [email protected] or by phone recent shot taken from the same position, to on 01440 788887. show the changes or… to show how little things We have also changed the look of the News. have changed would be great. We hope you will like the new format, but as a One other thought, if there are any budding certain Lance Corporal Jones was often heard artists out there, who might be able to provide to say, 'don't panic Mr Mainwaring', because all us with cartoons or drawings again we’d like to the regulars are still there. Like the information hear from you. Volunteers are always welcome section, our regular update fromSteeple and hopefully over the coming months we can… Bumpstead Surgery and News from For now, I hope you enjoyed this issue of St. Augustine’s Church. Next I was going to tell Birdbrook News and good luck. Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 17 Obituaries

ROBIN GEORGE problems most of which I couldn’t help with as they were outside the parish council perimeters. HODGE However I remember well one Saturday morning Died 8th December 2016 about 9.00am, we were getting ready to go out for aged 79 years. the day and the phone went and I groaned when it was Mick on the other end. He told me there was We had already gone to an oil slick outside his house and what was I going print when we heard of to do about it? I though, I can’t ring Highways it’s the sad death of Robin Saturday, but for clear conscience I did. There was but as his funeral was an emergency lady who gave me an incident not until 16th January we number and “We will deal on Monday”. I explained can report it this time. my parishioner’s problem and the possible We had not heard Robin dangers of cars skidding across the road junction if had been ill, but believe he passed away in his they got oil on their tyres. Imagine my surprise as armchair with a glass of wine in his hand; which when we went out there were two fire engines we feel is perhaps how he would have wished to outside Mick’s house, blue lights flashing and go. Robin was perhaps the first person in hoses washing down the road. Obviously the Birdbrook I had a real conversation with (in The Highways lady had a twinge of conscience as well! Plough of course). It centred mainly on where I Mick never mentioned it again but I was quite actually lived. He was adamant there was no pleased I had managed to sort him out at least such road as Daw Street in Birdbrook, eventually once. Mick had been ill for a good year or so but telling me it was merely the Back Road. From was able to enjoy a day out at Colchester Zoo in then on if my son Philip and I were together in his July 2016 to celebrate his and Maureen’s Golden presence we became, ‘The Boys from The Back Wedding. The funeral was held in a very full St. rd Road’. Mary’s Church, Sturmer on 23 January with Robin’s wife Hazel was a parish councillor for Reverend Sue Cruse conducting the service. some fifteen years, she died on Maundy Thursday 2015. At that time Robin and Hazel had been married for 57 years. Robin’s funeral was held at The Church of St. Augustine of Canterbury, Birdbrook in a full to bursting church and the service was conducted by Reverend Canon Jonathan Lowe. The picture here is from the service sheet. COLIN CRACKNELL Died 23rd December 2016 aged 79 years.

Not a parishioner I know but Colin and his MICHAEL ARTHUR wife Gwen were good friends to Birdbrook and FREEMAN Gwen particularly has helped with church organ playing and helped a lot with concerts th Died 26 December 2016 and entertainment. They were also active aged 78 years members of the Birdbrook Club. Colin had been a surveyor and he told me he was Michael (Mick) was a member of the parish responsible for surveys on our house in council when I was co- connection with the 10 year warranty scheme. opted in 2000 and had Colin as we all know was not a well man and been for some time. He Gwen tells me his problems stated when he very much had his own was 46. He managed to continue working until ideas and was like a dog he was 61. He had been very ill for about a with a bone when he wrestled to get them sorted. year or more before he passed away. Colin’s He phoned me on numerous occasions with cremation was on Monday 16th January Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 18 PHYLLIS MAUD WISEMAN Died 29th December 2019 aged 96 years.

Phyllis was taken into Addenbrooke’s on wouldn’t have to. The week after it was Christmas Day and died there some four days because she wouldn’t like doing it on her own. later. I met Phyllis in church and eventually was After some thought I realised perhaps Toby able to have a conversation with her as she Hunt was the oldest gentleman at the time and seemed somewhat shy and really only spoke if persuaded them to do it together as of course spoken to, but don’t get me wrong she still had they had been friends since childhood. The her own views on matters. One thing I will funeral was on 15th January at The Church of always remember about her was from one time St. Augustine of Canterbury, Birdbrook and we were enjoying our coffee after a service. I conducted by Reverend Canon Jonathan Lowe heard this voice say, “Ah, I see the tide’s out this with a Tribute by Peter Wiseman, an Address by morning!” Looking round I saw it was Phyllis. Father Michael Teader (a family friend) and This was one of the mornings when the cups prayers by Vernon Cutler. The photo is of Phyllis weren’t perhaps as full as they could be and planting the tree and is by Alan Cook for Phyllis’s looked particularly low. This amused Birdbrook Parish Council from 31st March 2012. me and has done for years such that I have used it myself since. My personal coup with We extend our condolences, and I am sure Phyllis was when I got her to plant the tree for those of the rest of the parish, to the families at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee as being perhaps this very sad time. the oldest parishioner who had spent all her life in Birdbrook. Her ﬁrst refusal was because she Richard Walker didn’t wish to speak, I assured her she Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 19 Birdbrook Parish Council The ﬁrst meeting of 2017 took place on 5 January at Birdbrook Community House. We were pleased to be joined by County Councillor David Finch and the recently elected District Councillor, Diana Garrod and one member of the public. The Chairman, Richard Walker welcomed everyone to the meeting and made the sad announcement of three Birdbrook Parish residents who passed away recently: • Robin Hodge, whose late wife Hazel, was a parish councillor for many years. • Phyllis Wiseman who helped plant the Jubilee Oak. • Michael Freestone of New England.

Cllr Finch then addressed the meeting covering the areas of Devolution, Budgets, Highways and infrastructure.

On Highways there was a detailed discussion on the Parish Council’s concerns of trafﬁc speed on the A1017. Although Cllr Finch was unable to give any assurance that any changes to the current speed restrictions would happen he did suggest that the installation of accident black spot signs might be worth a try. The Parish Council will decide on the appropriate position of these signs.

Cllr Garrod then spoke about the District Councillors’ Community Grant which she has available to award to appropriate schemes in her Ward. An application form was left with the Clerk. Cllr Garrod has a total of £1,500 to award in this ﬁnancial year.

Pond – Martin Gilbert reported he had broken up 2 of the barley straw bales in the pond and part of the pond appears to be clearing. He will try and break up the other 2 next week.

Parks – The inspection has been carried out by Fenland Leisure and their report circulated. Arrangements will be made for the work to be carried out.

Chairman’s Report – Efforts are still being made to trace the streetlight outside Moyns Park entrance which was removed last year after the post on which it was situated was replaced by UK Power Network. UK Power have no record of removing the streetlight. The clerk will continue to try and trace the light.

Green Bin collections – The Chairman has been approached by Parishioners about the cancellation of green bin collections by Braintree District Council through the winter months. Cllr Garrod explained that the decision had been taken because the uptake for collections during winter 20% of regular uptake and this was a waste of resources. She also advised that Braintree District Council are not obliged to provide this service.

Birdbrook News – After many years service Carrie Webb has stepped down from editing and publishing the newsletter. Thank you to Carrie for all your work during this time. The newsletter will now be edited by Albert Baxter. A new email address has been set up [email protected].

Community Initiative Fund – This fund is run by Essex County Council and is for Parish Councils and Community Groups who require funding for projects in the area. Our Parish Councillor, Alan Cook, has put together an application on behalf of the Parish Council for a village sign and for refurbishment of the 2 telephone boxes. We are pleased to announce that the Parish Council has been awarded the sum of £4,500 towards this project. Thank you to Alan for all his work and further details will be announced in the near future. The Parish Council are also grateful to Cllr Finch who endorsed the application and Essex CIF Fund for awarding us this grant.

Budget and Precept 2017/18 – As we have reported previously, at this time of year the Parish Council has to decide its budget for the next ﬁnancial year. This is then sent to Braintree District Council and forms the Parish element of your Council Tax. Braintree District Council provide help Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 20 towards this budget in the form of a Localism Fund. However, Braintree have advised that the localism fund is being reduced and phased out completely by 2020. This means the Parish Council has no option but to increase its’ own precept. For the year 2017/18 the precept ﬁgure will be £12,691 which amounts to approximately a 9% increase over 2016/17.

The next meeting will take place on Thursday 2 March 2017 at 7.30pm in the Community House, Birdbrook.

Meeting dates for 2017 as follows:- Thursday 2 March Wednesday 10 May (AGM and Annual Parish Meeting) Wednesday 28 June Thursday 7 September Thursday 2 November

All at 7.30pm in the Community House.

There being no further business to discuss the meeting closed at approximately 10.00pm.

Debbie Hilliard Parish Clerk Tel: 01440 785629 Email: [email protected]

Minutes of Parish Council meetings are available on the website www.birdbrook.org.uk

Never Miss a Committee Meeting! Ode to Birdbrook Pond: Part 2

WELL, I did unfortunately and upon my by Doreen Findlay return it was suggested that, “Perhaps I might like to take on the role of Pond Warden”, I didn’t Oh pond of Birdbrook you used to be even know that there was such a thing! A place of beauty for all to see However, a couple months later whilst standing in the pond in my waders, trying to do But today you just can’t compare something about the green algae, I struck up a conversation with the lady next door. Doreen was There’s mouldy Hovis ﬂoating there out in her garden and told me that she was Buddleia growing out of the wall writing a poem about the pond for the Birdbrook news. Before we know it it’ll collapse and fall I’ve been told, by people who have lived in the Last year’s weeds are ragged and bare village longer that I have, that working parties have done their bit in the past to keep the pond Now none but me seems to care healthy and attractive. The men of Birdbrook came twice a year I believe that we will soon be getting a smart new village sign. So maybe we can have another With their wellies on to keep you clear go at creating a smart village pond too. I have set aside the morning of Saturday 18th February, I try to do my little bit from about 10 o’clock for an hour or so, to clear But I’m getting old and I’m not too ﬁt away some of the plants around the edge of the pond. I would be very appreciative of anyone So come on you lot, give us a hand who can come along with gardening tools at the To make our poor old pond look grand ready to at least make a start to tidy up the pond.

Martin Gilbert Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 21 Parish Council Precept 2017/18

YES, IT’S THAT TIME of year again and you £1.65 per week for what Birdbrook Parish will see elsewhere in this issue that at the end of Council does. our January meeting, a lot of number crunching At this stage we do not know what BDC is and rethinks we had settled on a figure which expected to do, or the Police and Fire but we would produce about a 9% increase on the believe Essex are going for same again but current year. In fact now we have the final adding the 3% they have recently been given figures from Braintree District Council (BDC ) for permission for in respect of Care Services. That Birdbrook for the amount per property in band is as far as we know at present. D, so bear with me and I will try and explain. As stated above I will use my Annual Report In spite of the fact we are hoping to do a lot to the Parish to explain again the finances more this year as regards a Village Sign and the fully and what our position is. In the meantime Telephone Boxes we are using money currently you are now aware of part of the bill which will in hand together with grants you will have read drop though your letterbox during March for the about. This in spite of the fact that financial rules 1st April. state that parish councils should have in reserve one and a half times the amount they expect to Richard Walker spend each year and we are nowhere near this. Chair, Birdbrook Parish Council However we have merely estimated the costs for an as before budget and as some prices are beginning to rise an increase was inevitable. ******* STOP PRESS ******* The amount for 2016/17 was £12952 and for 2017/18 we estimated we would need £13570. DID YOU see it? A little digger near the bus Anybody who is quick amongst you will see this shelter on Moat Road last Thursday 19th is an increase of just under 5%. So what went January 2017. I had to stop and check they wrong? were not disturbing telephone wires as we Well, before we ask for a precept figure we have enough problems as it is! Guess what, a are allowed a grant from the Localism Fund hole was dug and a plastic box with pipes before we ask you for the Tax amount. This coming out of it was concreted into it. It seems grant in 2016/17 was £1318 and reduces for this is to receive fibre cables a new junction 2017/18 to £879. This means the amount we box installed on top for new broadband. They asked you for in 2016 was £11634 and for are apparently doing three or four boxes in 2017/18 will be £12691 which is the 9% rather and around Ridgewell so don’t hold your than the 5% as above. I will go into these breath but the updates may be on their way! reducing grants more fully in my Annual Report Keep your eyes and ears open then for further as by 2020 there will be nothing! developments but be aware if and when it So where does another nearly 2% come comes along and you want Infinity or more from? Well, to collect, BDC allocate a band D then you will not be directly upgraded but will rate based on the number of properties paying need to apply. I believe if you have already council tax less the properties who for some expressed an interest you could well be reason do not pay the full amount. This figure advised of availability.Tuesday 24th January, for 2016/17 was 149.89 which divided into the new cabinet has now been fitted on top of £11634 was £77.62 but for 2017/18 the figure is the base so presumably all that is left now is reduced to 147.61 so divided into £12691 is the complicated bit with the cabling? £85.98 and this will be the Band D rate for Birdbrook Parish Precept. The difference over TRW the year is therefore £8.36 which equates to 16 pence per week and indeed the full amount is

Notice of Election The next election to be held in the parish will take place on Thursday 4th May, 2017 and is for the County Council. To register to vote go to the Braintree District Council website www.braintree.gov.uk and follow the links for ‘Register to Vote’. Alternatively you can register at www.gov.uk/register-to- vote. You will be asked for your name, address, nationality, date of birth and NI number. Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 22 Colouring Page Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 23

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Please remember to keep us advised of all your events, so we can include them on the ‘notice board’ and in the Dates & Info. pages of the Birdbrook News. Publication and deadline dates are in pull-out section.

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Birdbrook News is printed by Hedingham School, Reprographics Department e-mail: [email protected] Birdbrook News February 2017 Page 24

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Birdbrook News Quick Crossword No. 1 2 Contributor (5) Across 3 Pragmatic person (7) 1 ChannelAcross island (8) Down 4 Ballpoint pen (4) 5 Stock __ , __ (2,5) 6 Confess (3,2) 18 TemperChannel (6) Island (8) 1 Embarrass (5) 9 Eastern garment (6) 7 Harmless (4) 11 Overflowing (5) 410 StormyBallpoint Lantern pen (9,4) (4) 2 Contributor (5) 12 Bathroom fixture (3) 13 Ferry operator (7) 814 BarterTemper (5) (6) 153 HeadPragmatic instrument? person (7) (7) 16 Inspect (3) 17 Tall and thin (5) 917 PickEastern up a newgarment skill (5,3,5) (6) 185 BlueStock, and white ___, river ___ (4) (2,5) 21 Agile (6) 19 Sonar echoes (5) 1022 AfterStormy dinner lantern drink (6) (9,4) 206 HitConfess high (5) (3,2) 23 Jerk (4) 1224 LikeBathroom Queen Victoria fixture (8) (3) 7 Harmless (4) 14DownBarter (5) 11 Overflowing (5) 1 Embarrass (5) 16 Inspect (3) 13 Ferry operator (7) 17 Pick up a new skill 15 Head instrument (7) (5,3,5)

21 Agile (6) 17 Tall and thin (5) 22 After dinner drink (6) 18 Blue and white river (4) 23 Jerk (4) 19 Sonar echoes (5) 24 Like Queen Victoria (8) 20 Hit high (5)

BIRDBROOK NEWS is supported by Birdbrook Parish Council, who meet all printing costs not covered by sponsorship or advertising. It is produced by Richard Walker and Albert Baxter and all copy should be e-mailed to [email protected] or call 788887 or 788524. News is issued in February, May, July, September and late November. Publication and deadline dates are in pull-out section. We welcome comments, reports and stories on village life, past and present together with general correspondence although, copy may be edited for reasons of space. The acceptance of, and subsequent publication of, any advertisement does not in any way constitute any endorsement by Birdbrook News of the goods or services being offered. The views expressed in Birdbrook News do not necessarily reﬂect those of the Parish Council.