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Village Information
St Mary’s Church METHODIST MINISTER VICAR: Rev Crawford Logan 37 Southcliff Park, Clacton on Sea, CO15 6HH 01255 423640 Rev Sharon Miles The Vicarage, The Bury, St Osyth, DOCTOR’S SURGERY: Drs F. Bhatti, R.S. O’Reilly, A. Nambi, and G. Pontikis. CO16 8NY 01255 822055 The Hollies, The Green 01206 250691
CHURCHWARDEN: CHIROPODIST: Terry St George 01255 820885: Mobile: 07775 833200 Wendy Smith Burnside, The Green - 01206 250098 POLICE: Clacton 0300 333 4444 24 hour Non emergency number 101 CHURCHWARDEN: VACANT In an emergency ring 999
TREASURER: PC Dan Heard Tel: 101 extension 440218 Penny Evans Jones PCSO Julia Brandon Tel: 101 extension 440356 The Old Rectory, The Green - 01206 250541 Julia.brandon@essex.pnn.police.uk [email protected] PARISH COUNCIL: Chairman Jonathan Hills,Grange Farm, Heckfords Rd, CHURCH VERGER: CO78RR 01206 798666 Rita Baverstock Clerk to the Council Karen Paradise Stonybroke, Station Road - 01206 251271 Correspondence to: The Clerk, Community Resource Centre, Village Hall, Plough Road, Great Bentley, CO7 8LD Telephone 01206 256410 READER: Wendy King TENDRING DISTRICT COUNCILLOR: Lynda McWilliams, Boblyn, St Mary’s Road, Aingers Green 17 Larkfield Road - 01206 250852 01206 250732
PCC SECRETARY: COUNTY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE: Alan Goggin, Freshfields, Church Road, Chris Aplin Brightlingsea, CO7 OQT 01206 308023 Mobile: 07860 519117 Newmay House, The Green - 01206 250385 email: [email protected]
GOOD NEIGHBOURS TRANSPORT: STEWARDSHIP SECRETARY: Barbara Fookes 01206 250431 Rosemary Branch NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: 4 Wents Close - 01206 250137 Richard Nowak 01206 250204
TOWER CAPTAIN: MEDICAL AIDS: Barbara Fookes 01206 250431 Roger Carey-Smith - 01206 250521 TENDRING FURNITURE SCHEME: SUNDAY SCHOOL: Rocket House, Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, Clacton: 01255 476068 Linda Hayes Ivy Lodge, Frating - 01206 250207 VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS: Mike Morgan, 51 Larkfield Road, 07903 096015 METHODIST HALL BOOKINGS: VESTRY ROOM BOOKING SECRETARY: Robert & Janet Taylor, Dominica, Moors Close 01206 250087 Carole Allington GT BENTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL: 01206 250331 Poplar House, Station Road - 01206 251086 COLNE COMMUNITY SCHOOL: 01206 303511 or ring Church Verger VILLAGE HISTORY RECORDER: Heather Taylor, Granville, Plough Road 01206 251004 PARISH MAGAZINE EDITOR/ADVERTISING/ DISTRIBUTOR: COLCHESTER HOSPITALS: 01206 747474 Mary Maskell CLACTON & DISTRICT HOSPITAL: 01255 201717 Caldew Cottage, The Green FOOTPATH REP: David Gollifer 01206 250309 01206 250524 DONATIONS FOR ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE: [email protected] Judy & Alan Bishop 5 Morella Close, 01206 251702 Carole Allington VILLAGE TRANSPORT REP: Peter Harry 01206 250511 [email protected] VILLAGE CARETAKER: Bobby McWilliams, Boblyn, St Mary’s Rd, Aingers Green 01206 250732
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EDITORIAL
The recent production by Bentley Green Players gave the audiences a truly memorable evening. The cast gelled together and it was obvious that they all enjoyed and relished their roles and it would 2018 be impossible, in my opinion, to single out any one person for special praise. Thank you to Barbara for her very prompt résumé of the production. CONTENTS We nearly all dislike change but should make mention that the Editorial ...... 1 Vestry Room behind the church is now to be called the Parish Hall. This is of course available to hire as is the Methodist church hall. We Monthly Letters .. .. 2 feature a full colour page of photos from a recent photo shoot to Church Services .. .. 3 illustrate just how the main Village Hall could be transformed into a Church Rotas .. .. 4 wedding venue plus their annual report. Booking details, as ever, on front inside cover. Thank You .. .. 5 The Corbeau Seat Rally appears to have caused some Nature Notes .. .. 9 differences of opinion and your views are sought by the organisers. A Village Diary ...... 9 representative will be attending the July Parish Council meeting to hear your thoughts or these can be emailed to the Parish Clerk District Councillor News .. 10 [email protected] Whatever your view on this it Peter’s Potterings .. .. 13 was the first in the country and I am told that every hotel room in Surgery News .. .. 14 Clacton had been booked. I have always thought that as a village community we would District Councillor News .. 10 never let anyone be lonely but maybe I am over optimistic. Rev Running Club ...... 16 Crawford Logan’s letter this month does not, of course, tell us the History Society .. .. 17 location in the Tendring area of the lady in question that he refers to, but it is a very poignant and powerful missive and highlights the fact Pet Notes ...... 18 that some people are truly independent but sometimes totally isolated. Clubs & Organisations .. 19 I am certain our Good Neighbours initiative plays a very special role in Pre School ...... 20 consolidating a network of support so vital in this day and age. St Mary’s church is organising a Knit and Natter afternoon and full details Deadline ...... 21 are included so do feel free to go along and join in. (I am sure any craft Gt Bentley Cubs .. .. 21 input would work if knitting is not your forte). The Surgery Notes have a slightly different format this month Farming Diaries .. .. 23 and one thing I find extremely sad is the poor response, as highlighted Wildlives ...... 24 by Dr Nambi, to the bowel screening test with only a 50% take up in Children’s Page .. .. 25 this area. All that is involved is a free, simple to complete kit which could save your life and takes very little time. Quiz ...... 26 On a positive note our PCSO Julia has completed her training Gt Bentley Cricket Club .. 27 and embraced the Trucam camera with her ever present enthusiasm. Parish Council .. .. 28 All I can say is WATCH YOUR SPEED. Sadly as a result of her success rate in monitoring speeding motorists, she has suffered verbal Police Report ...... 29 abuse. Julia, we all support you wholeheartedly in saving lives in our Carnival ...... 32 village community. Thank you. Julia’s notes are on page 28. Football ...... 35 I was saddened to hear of Beth Chatto’s death. She was a truly lovely lady and despite her busy life found time to support our village. Many people will not know that as a young teacher she worked at our village school and kindly wrote an article for the school’s Centenary publication and we include this on page 17. Carnival Day approaches and we hope for fine weather, and a FRONT COVER truly village day. Thanks to all involved in organising this event. PLEASE NOTE ROAD CLOSURES, see page 32. Dog Show at St Mary’s Church Mary Maskell Fun Day
DISCLAIMER The statements, opinions and data contained in these publications are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the Churchwardens, Parochial Church Council, the Editor nor the publisher. The appearance of advertisements in the Great Bentley Parish News or the website is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety.
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The Monthly Letters June 2018
I do enjoy the beginning of summer and we have been lucky to have already had a good number of sunny days. I do think that the sunshine makes us more aware of the beautiful countryside that surrounds our village, we don’t seem to mind taking a little longer on our journeys either by foot or car when the sun is shining.
I have to admit that I do sometimes take my surroundings for granted but birds and animals do make me stop and watch or listen. Recently, while in Great Bentley I was mesmerised by 3 squirrels chasing each other up and down around the trunk of a tree. I could not help but smile at what seemed to be real fun for the squirrels. It really lifted my spirits and also made me think that sometimes we all need to stop and look and allow ourselves to be reminded that we are also part of God’s amazing creation which should and does bring pleasure and smiles to others.
Every Blessing Sharon
Rev Sharon is usually in COME AND JOIN US Church on Fridays between FOR A 9.15am 11.00am. ‘KNIT & NATTER’
TUESDAY 26th JUNE If urgent please ring her on
01255 822055 and she will PARISH HALL arrange a time to see you as (VESTRY ROOM) soon as she can. 2.00 pm 3.30pm
I was invited to conduct a funeral service which, in themselves by their very nature is a time of sadness and pain, this one in particular was heart breaking. A lady in her mid 90's had lost her only son, he was her world, her main carer and supporter and now here she was completely alone and preparing the details with me of his service. The service itself consisted of me, this dear lady and the undertaker. You will appreciate just how difficult it was to conduct such a service in the light of this lady's grief and now isolation. In sharing this story with my congregation a wonderful member felt led to seek this lady out and befriend her and a good link and support is now happening there. However, I am concerned that we are living in such a self contained, self focused society that we may fail to notice the pain and isolation of our neighbours as Christians, the words of Jesus never fail to move us when He informs us that 'the least you do unto one of these....you have done it to me'
I wonder, if we can all look afresh at the folks who we come into contact with, see them with their hurt and struggles and pain and seek for a way in which we can support, help and care.
May God Bless and lead you into the special ministry He has called and prepared for you.
Crawford
4 CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS IN GREAT BENTLEY DURING JUNE
ST MARY’S CHURCH METHODIST CHURCH NEWS Sunday 3rd June 1st Sunday after Trinity
9.30am Sung Eucharist & Sunday School We welcome you to worship with us during June. Mon 4th Support in Loss, Parish Hall All activities at our Church in the centre of the Green. (Vestry Room), 10am followed by lunch Morning worship will be held at 10.30am unless at Hill Top Garden Centre otherwise stated. The leaders of worship are set out below: Tues 5th Bible Study, 11am Parish Hall June 3 rd Anne Beeton th Thurs 7th PCC Meeting, 7.30pm Parish Hall June 10 Rev Crawford Logan Holy Communion June 17 th Anne Scott Sunday 10th June 2nd Sunday after Trinity th June 24 Marion Gourley 9.30am All Age Worship with Communion Events in June:
Sat 16th Re source at Essex University st Coffee Morning 1 June 10am to 12.30 Fund raising for the Large Hall Floor replacement
Sunday 17th June 3rd Sunday after Trinity th Cameo 4 June meet for meal at 6.30pm followed by 9.30am Sung Eucharist & Sunday School speaker/activity
th th Tues 19th Bible Study, 11am, Parish Hall Luncheon Clubs 12 and 26 June 12 noon
th Fri 22nd Magazine collating, Parish Hall Messy Church 19 June After school for Parents & (Vestry Room) Children
Adventurers Club welcomes children from year 3 Sunday 24th June Birth of John the Baptist upwards. 7pm on Fridays. Christian teaching plus games, crafts and outings. Ring 250087 for more 8.00 am Holy Communion details.
9.30am All Age Worship with Hymns Each week the following events are held at our Workshop Church.
Tues 26th Knit & Natter, Parish Hall (Vestry Room) Ring these numbers for more information 2 3.30pm. Messy Church once a month after school 250087 Luncheon Club Alternate Tuesdays 12 Noon 251330 Fri 29th Magazine collating, 9am, Parish Hall Parent & Toddlers Group Thursdays 9 15 a.m. 250431 The Adventurers Club. Fridays 7 p.m. Ring 250087 Gt Bentley Village Youth Club Thursdays as announced 7pm
FUNERAL
31st May Prayer requests we can help with at the Methodist Church We know that many people have tough times in their Frank Taylor lives and would like prayers to be offered for those situations. We now have a post box at our Church on the wall to the right of the front of the Church. We welcome requests for prayers from any in need of prayer. Please post your requests in the box and we will pray about them.
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SIDESPERSONS ROTA JUNE PRAYER LIST Each day we will be praying for those that need help, Sunday 3rd June 1st Sunday after Trinity those who give help and all the people who live in each 2 Corinthians 4.5-12: Mark 2. 23 - 3.6: road. That’s a lot of praying to be done.
Sidespersons Nicky & Hannah Justice 1 Doctors Air Ambulance 2 Rowan Close Women’s Refuge Intercessions Nicky Justice 3 Support in Loss Epilepsy Support Group 4 Weeley Road Headway Sunday 10th June 2nd Sunday after Trinity 5 The lonely Salvation Army 2 Corinthians 4. 13 – 5.1: Mark 3. 20-end: 6 Larkfield Road Essex Carers 7 Messy Church Clacton Dis. Stroke Ass. Sidespersons David & Jackie Thimbleby 8 Hall View RSPCA 9 Housebound Macmillan nurses Intercessions Jackie Thimbleby 10 Moors Close The homeless
11 St Helena’s Hospice Careline Sunday 17th June 3rd Sunday after Trinity 12 Thorrington Road CRUSE 2 Corinthians 5.6-10: 14.17: Mark 4. 26-34: 13 The Vicar Samaritans
14 Wren Close Mind Sidespersons April Young 15 The grieving St John Ambulance & Annabel Stearn 16 Sturrick Lane Pre school children Intercessions Myrtle Clayton 17 Churchwardens Children’s Hospices 18 The Paddocks Blind & partially sighted
19 Methodist Minister Beacon House Sunday 24th June Birth of John the Baptist 20 Keeble Court The poor Acts 13. 14b-26: Luke 1.57-66. 80: 21 The sick Premature babies
22 Morella Close Fusion Youth Club Sidespersons Roger & Lyn Carey Smith 23 Church Sunday School Clinically depressed Intercessions Janet Strutt 24 Linnet Way British Red Cross 25 Birch Avenue First Responders
26 St Mary’s Close Young carers
27 Church Stewards RAD for the deaf 28 The Green Farmers COFFEE ROTA 29 Adventurer’s Club Local Food Bank 30 The abused Explorer Scouts
3rd Stephanie Sadler 10th Bev Adams 17th David & Rosemary Branch Services held at St Peter & St Paul 24th Jackie & David Thimbleby St Osyth
Every Thursday 10am Holy Communion CLEANING ROTA Sunday 3rd June 8am KJV Communion 2nd John & Jennie Moss 11am Morning Praise 9th Linda Hayes
16th Wendy King Sunday 10th June 8.00am Holy Communion 23rd Carol Kerridge & Friend 11am Sung Communion (with Sunday Club)
Sunday 17th June 8.00am Holy Communion
11am Parish Communion GWEN MARLOW (with Sunday Club)
Gwen Marlow passed away peacefully in Sunday 24th June 8.00am Holy Communion Colchester Hospital on 15th May 11am Sung Communion (with Sunday Club)
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We should like to thank those who responded to our article regarding Beacon House in Colchester where we volunteer. All the clothing and other items that The recent much looked forward to fine weather lifts our have been donated will meet the many needs of the spirits and jobs that have been put on hold until ‘the clients who rely on the support they receive from this weather gets better’ begin to be tackled. Past experience wonderful charity and in turn Beacon House is reliant tells us this is when to expect even more bedding to be on the generosity of the community. We will always be brought to us! If our garage is open many folk remark very happy to receive any appropriate donations. how tidy it is which is gratifying as we do spend a lot of time keeping it that way. We have to be organised and over the years we have established a system and regime A big Thank You to everyone who came out on a which works well allowing us to keep on top of sorting all the donations, labelling them as to what they are and damp Saturday to support the Church Family Fun where best for them to go! There are often donations Day. It was a huge success despite the dull weather which arrive following the passing of a much loved pet and made a profit of £1484.66 for Church funds. It and occasions when homes have to be cleared due to the certainly would not have been possible without the loss of a loved family member. We are always very dedication and effort of so many people who gave up grateful for people’s thoughtfulness and at times we are their time to help. It was wonderful to see so many completely overwhelmed when out of the blue the doorbell famlies enjoying the day which made it all worthwhile. rings and lovely people give us an item which we particularly need and without asking there it is, quite St Mary's Church fund raising committee unbelievable and heartwarming. We must make special mention of the kind lady who travels down from Manchester to bring bedding to us. Absolutely amazing. We made the long journey to The Wood Green Animal Shelter at Godmanchester in Cambridgeshire, a CONGRATULATIONS place we used to visit fairly frequently before we moved to Great Bentley over 20 years ago and recently nostalgia drew us back there. Of course we expected it to have to HAROLD WAGSTAFF changed but we were not prepared as to how much. A who will reach the wonderful wonderful multipurpose facility for animals, small age of 100 years old mammals, cats, dogs and even sheep! Alongside this on 29th May there are opportunities for working with special needs children and adults proving how animals can play an important role in their lives thereby enriching them. A lesson to us all. We had taken bedding, towels and some now infamous creations of our ‘lovely ladies who knit’. All the staff are very committed to the work they do, they MARY BEARD were gracious with their time and fascinated to learn how we gather the items we took and interested to hear about June 12th various pets we had from them many moons ago. We ate lunch in their small restaurant which set us up for the long 100 years young! journey home, complete with massive earthworks creating the new extension for the A14 due to complete in 2020. Happy birthday Mary As we passed through 5 miles of disruption Judy spied a from all your friends on the row of small terraced cottages which have seemingly (so Birch Avenue Estate far) escaped demolition and there amid all the dust, grime, exhaust fumes and chaos was a line of white washing happily flapping in the breeze. We were fortunate to receive a donation of a small wooden cat kennel which was perfect for our friend Vicky to put in place for the colony of feral cats that she and her team of helpers support. Needless to say she was delighted! A timely reminder to ensure cats are neutered, this is absolutely vital if the alarming increase in pregnant JOHN WALTERS females giving birth to multiple litters of unwanted kittens is to be stemmed. There are schemes to help with the Happy 80th Birthday cost of vet fees where appropriate which all the rescues endeavour to promote, failure to do so results in them June 22nd incurring the heavy cost of neutering programmes and time trying to find homes. This really is a huge ongoing Lots of love from problem. Agnes, Steve, Julie and families We thank each and every one who in whatever way allow us the privilege of ‘making a difference’ for the humans and animals at all the rescues that we seek to help and support.
Judy & Alan Bishop, 5 Morello Close, 251702
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TENDRING
OPEN GARDEN The Hall, School Lane Tendring, CO16 0BP Sunday 27th May and Monday 28th May 2.00pm to 5.00pm Magnificent Gardens, Music, Dancing, Wildlife Displays, Country Craft Stalls, Classic Cars, Children’s Competitions, Refreshments Adults £5, children under 12 Free Free Parking Well behaved Dogs welcome on a lead
In aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution
WELCOME
to Louise and family Brambles, Aingers Green Doreen at 1 Lords Cottages, Weeley Road Pam, Dick and Lily Wainer to the Southside of the Green
and Steve & Maria Howe and their son also to the Southside of the Green
FAREWELL TO MAY EDGELEY
We say a fond farewell to May who has moved "Up North" and good luck in your new home. We will all miss you and thank you for all your kindness and volunteering work in Great Bentley.
WE WELCOME Mrs Sue Vallance who has moved into May's Bungalow on Larkfield Road.
Ed.
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Stunning display to come to Castle Friends of the Green and the Park this summer Conservation Group St Helena Hospice is inviting people to be part of a Litter Pick third Saturday of the month beautiful installation of ceramic forget me not flowers coming to the grounds of Colchester’s Castle Park Next litter pick this July. Saturday 16th June Created by the same team who brought the at 10 am meeting at New May House poppies to the Tower of London, St Helena has commissioned this project to allow local people the All welcome to help keep our beautiful chance to dedicate one of these unique flowers to village tidy celebrate a loved one’s life, in return for a donation to the charity. Bags, pickers and hoops provided. Please bring Each of the handcrafted forget me nots will be your own gloves displayed from Friday 6 th to Sunday 8 th July, with boards of remembrance available for visitors to leave Please email Roni at their own special messages. [email protected] There will also be an informal service on for details Sunday 8 th July held next to the garden featuring uplifting words and music for those who wish to celebrate the lives of their loved ones. The forget me nots will then be available for collection by those who have donated for them. To donate for a forget me not flower call St Helena Hospice’s fundraising team on 01206 931468 or visit sthelenahospice.org.uk/forgetmenot.
St Mary Magdalen Church Thorrington Flower Festival ‘100 Years Coggeshall’s Open Gardens of Inspiring Women’ Ponds, Pools and Puddles Sunday 3 rd June 2.00 6.00 pm Saturday 30 th June & Sunday 1 st July 11am to 4pm This year Coggeshall's gardeners invite you to share the magic of "Ponds, Pools and Puddles" when we Celebration Service with Archdeacon Annette open our gardens on Sunday, 3rd June from 2:00pm Sunday 9.30am & to 6:00pm. Songs of Praise 4pm Visitors will be able to explore woodland gardens, riverside gardens, tiny gardens and formal Refreshments, cakes, raffle, stalls, children’s gardens and enjoy Cogeshall’s legendary afternoon activities & lots more tea by the river before collecting bargains to take home from our plant stall. Our younger visitors will Entry Free find plenty of watery fun on offer too. A perfect afternoon for all the family! Tickets are £5 per person and children under 12 are free. They are on sale in advance from The Chapel Inn and on the day in the Market Square. We would be very grateful if you could print off and FREE display the poster attached to this email. If you would like some small flyers or posters, I will get them to Old fashioned garden roller, needs attention, you within a day or two. Just in case you have mainly the roller part which has jammed. Or access to any publication, please feel free to use any would make an ideal ornament. of the text above. If you have a local facebook page, it would be wonderful if you could post our event on it. Thank Phone: 01206 251606 you! Do visit our stunning website: www.coggeshallopengardens.org.uk
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IN LOVING MEMORY OF HOLLIE GRAYSON BELL
10th October 1984 5th June 2008
Although you sleep in heaven now you’re not far away Our hearts are full of memories and you’re with us every day you lived your life with meaning and a smile upon your face a world that was full of happiness is now an empty place.
Love always Mum and John
Hollie Bell was raised in Great Bentley and attended the local school. She also worked in “Gaskins” hairdressers (now Uber).
She became a holiday rep and worked in Corfu, a job she adored.
Hollie became ill in 2007 when she complained of headaches which continued over a few weeks. Hollie was then diagnosed with a Brain Tumour. She underwent 2 operations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy over the following year but on 5th June 2008 she lost her fight and passed away. Over £43,000 has been raised in her memory.
If you would like to make a donation please go to The Hollie Bell Fund/The Brain Tumour Charity.
We would like to thank everyone that has held an event, walked, skydived, been waxed, etc. and also the businesses that have supported the charity. The Plough Inn for having a charity pot in the pub, for holding quizzes etc. Great Bentley Pharmacy, D. Spence family butchers, The Linen Shop, Clacton on Sea for not charging for carrier bags but instead asking for a donation in the charity pot, also the Horse & Groom, Wivenhoe, and anyone else we have forgotten (sorry).
Lesley Glover
The Great Bentley Show 1:30 p.m. Saturday 1st September 2018
Can you bake a fruitcake or chocolate brownies? Can you make jam? Can you grow herbs or runner beans? Are you green fingered or just snap happy?
Then please do enter some of the many classes in the Show.
Pick up a 2018 Show Schedule from ‘Deli licious’ Great Bentley Garage ‘Fairfield’,The Path, Great Bentley ‘The Warren’, Sturrick Lane, Great Bentley
Companion Dog Show Tractor Display Music Grand Prize Draw Tombola Donkey Rides Stalls Refreshments
Would you like to sponsor the Great Bentley Show by becoming a Vice President? Please contact Dorothy & Richard at Fairfield on 01206 250204
For any further information contact Jackie 01206 250158 or visit our website at www.greatbentleyshow.co.uk
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NATURE WEELEY FETE NOTES SUNDAY, 10 TH JUNE
Orchards East is an environmental and cultural Weeley Village Hall and Playing Field project covering six counties of the East of England. It is funded by the Heritage Lottery fund and based BIGGER & BETTER THIS YEAR in the School of History at the University of East 12noon – 3.30pm Anglia (UEA) and will last three years. It is being rolled out county by county and on 25 th March it was Grand Draw – Stalls (Books, Bric-A-Brac, Essex’s turn with a launch at Marks Tey. It included a visit to nearby 16 acre Crapes Farm at Aldham, Cakes, Plants, and lots, lots more) where Andrew Tann’s family have been fruit Display arena (Rugby, dance, growing since 1922 with some 290 varieties. Abbie Hartley, Fitness, Tai Chi & more) Speakers included Prof Tom Williamson, Landscape Children’s fun area –Splat the Rat –Teas – Historian who traced the history of fruit culture well Pin the Tail – Ping Pong Bowls – before the Roman Empire. Just as the Middle East Bouncy Castle/Inflatables – was the cradle of agriculture so slightly further north Bar B Q – Pig racing – Builders Balls Pony Eastern Europe and Central Asia saw the spread of rides – Coconut shy – Tin Can Alley anything fruit growing with Kyrgyzstan deciduous forests else we can think of!! often having an understorey of apples. Old estate Subject to change! and large scale Ordnance Survey maps show the extent of Essex orchards from the late 19 th C up to the 1960s. Over 90% have been lost, particularly RAISING FUNDS FOR more extensive ones. WEELEY IN BLOOM The environmental importance of well established orchards for both variety of fruit and wildlife is now better understood. I was surprised to learn that even quite small groups of mature fruit VILLAGE DIARY FOR 2018 trees [upwards from five or six] are of interest to the project that will be surveyed by volunteers currently July being recruited. It is hoped this will be more than a mere information gathering exercise and, just as 6th Running Club 5 mile race with woodland, orchards receive the recognition 7th Grand Garage Trail they deserve. For more information www.orchardseast.org.uk 7th & 8th Methodist Church Flower Festival 9th 14th Circus Tyanna For your diary : Sun 24 th June 11 4 Open Activity 14th Tendring Show Day at Cockaynes Wood nature reserve, Alresford – signed for day off Wivenhoe Rd beside railway September bridge – organised by Friends of Cockaynes Wood 1st Village Show Trust 15th & 16th St Mary’s Church Art Exhibition & Flower Festival 30th St Mary’s Church Harvest Festival ALLOTMENT HOLDERS PRODUCE SALE October 13th Barn Dance War Memorial November Saturday 26th May: Saturday 9th June: 10th Methodist Church Autumn Fayre Saturday 23rd June
from 10am to 12 noon. December Please bring along any EDIBLE produce 1st/2nd St Mary’s Church Christmas Tree (This can include cakes, jam etc). Festival We hope to have plants for sale too. 16th St Mary’s Church Nine Lessons & Carols
All we ask is for a donation to St Helena Hospice
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A FEW NOTES FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
Car Rally Several reports have been received stating how popular the recent Car Rally was, and how well it had been supported and organised. The organisers would like a meeting with Parish Councils in the areas where the time trials were run to receive feedback from the local community. The Parish Council will make you aware of the date that this is due to take place.
Air Show – Twilight Flights It has been confirmed that the Twilight Flights will be with us again this year for the Air Show, which takes place on the 23 rd and 24 th August. The Twilight Flights are held during the evening of 23 rd August between 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm. There will also be a firework display that evening at the end of Clacton Pier. It is well worth the trip to see these amazing spectacular displays. We are so very lucky that Clacton is still able to hold this annual Air Show event.
Blue Flag and Seaside Awards Tendring is pleased to announce that seven beaches have between them been awarded the prestigious blue flag and seaside awards. The Brightlingsea, Dovercourt Bay, Harwich, Frinton, Walton on Naze, and Clacton Town’s Albion Beach and Martello Bay have all been given Seaside Awards in recognition of their quality. Dovercourt Bay and Brightlingsea retain their Blue Flag status. No Tendring seafront has lost their accreditation. This is great for our district and TDC hopes our residents and visitors continue to enjoy these wonderful beaches.
Tendring Blue Ribbon Awards for Businesses – Nominations We have come to the time of year when the organisers of the popular Blue Ribbon Awards event for Businesses are keen for people to start putting names of individuals, teams and companies forward for the various categories for 2018. The awards are run by Jamesons Accountants, Barclays Bank and Tendring District Council (TDC).
All relevant information regarding entries etc., is available on www.tendringblueribbon.org and the closing date for entries is 13 th July 2018. The awards evening is to be held at the Princes Theatre, Clacton on 4 th October 2018.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns; I am always very pleased to help and hear from you.
Cllr. Lynda McWilliams Tendring District Councillor to the Ward of Great Bentley and TDC Cabinet Member with the portfolio for Health and Education (and Partnerships) email address [email protected] Telephone number 01206 250732
Clacton Choral do Lloyd Webber & Lionel Bart!
Crossing over from Classical music into the fun of family friendly, West End musicals for this concert, Clacton Choral’s ‘Summer Show!’ opens with Gilli Dulieu’s new arrangement of five of the best known songs from Lionel Bart’s ‘Oliver!’ followed by a full concert performance of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’. This was the first Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical to be performed publicly, and it is often chosen for schools to sing, because of its familiar themes and catchy music. Clacton Choral will have a real band on hand to accompany the songs, with David Mitchell on piano, Phil Dulieu on guitar, Peter Thorne on bass and Jeremy Price on drums.
You are promised a summer’s afternoon of pure, toe tapping musical enjoyment.
The concert, on Saturday 7 th July at 5.00pm at St James’ Church, Tower Road, Clacton CO15 1DA, will also showcase the solo talents of members of the choir, in other well known songs from the shows. There will be tea and cakes to enjoy after the show; tickets are £10 each and are available from 01255 424568, [email protected] and on the door.
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LETTER Corbeau Rally 22 nd April 2018 TO THE How fantastic that the organisers of the Corbeau car rally chose Tendring in which to stage it. Being total EDITOR “non petrol heads” we thought we’d take a stroll up to the Wick Lane run and see what was going on, it was We have read in the press that the Corbeau Rally an excuse to have a walk in the glorious sunshine and was a great success and was enjoyed by several give the dogs a leg stretch. We headed up in the thousand spectators. We were aware that the event afternoon from Weeley Road, the opposite end to the was taking place and were prepared for more traffic spectator area and although the road over Tye bridge to be in our area as people would be travelling to was closed in readiness for the 3 rd leg we were allowed watch the spectacle. We were not, however, to walk through, and what a pleasure that was, to be prepared to be on a 'link' road and be exposed to the able to walk along the country lanes of our village with downright racket that accompanied the no speeding traffic passing us, for a change! There contestants. It started at 10am and continued at were two road blocks, one at the turning to St Mary’s intervals until 5.30pm. Living on a cross roads we Road and one further up at Tye Barn to ensure that were subjected to the rally cars roaring up to the pedestrians were safe and away from the rally route, junction and then accelerating away down Frating with the finishing line outside Grove Farm. The Abbey Farm Road which in itself is not suitable for stewards were engaging, helpful and pleased to escort any amount of traffic. We felt sorry for the other us to the gateway opposite Grove Farm to watch the residents who live nearby. As you will recall, it was cars passing at the finishing line. Being new to this type one of the first warm days we had experienced in a of thing they explained in detail the focus of the rally, long time and very inviting to spend time in the the detail of how it was organised – 2 years in the garden. Not so; we even had to close all the planning! And gave an explanation of the cars, there windows as the fumes were infiltrating into the house were spectators and drivers from all over the UK. Over which was quite nauseating. 120 drivers took part, that’s without the crew and passengers in each vehicle, all staying locally on We imagine this will be the first of many rallies in the Saturday night and inputting into our local economy. future but we just hope that next time, if they choose The stewards couldn’t have been more helpful to hold them in Essex, they will find a suitable course and friendly, we spent a delightful hour watching a wide near Southend, Basildon or Harlow!! variety of vehicles speeding past the finish line. It was shame that the route was cut short late on Two rather deafened residents. Saturday night with it stopping on Tye Road and not on St Mary’s Road as initially planned, however that didn’t Well at last its over! The car rally I mean. We are detract from the spectacle of the event. As a resident told (media) that it was a wonderful event with of Weeley Road the disruption at the other end of the millions being raised for Tendring which includes village was minimal and all the drivers left to attend the Great Bentley. Are we to expect a large cheque for next stage in a courteous manner. From the elements the inconvenience caused on the day? I suspect we saw it couldn’t have been better organised or not. So, its once again take advantage of our village communicated, Great Bentley should feel pleased and with no financial income. proud that we were chosen to host a stage of it. However, the Tour de Tendring Cycle event Corbeau please come back next year!!! took place on Sunday 13 th May at which the Village Hall committee played host and supplied a Jane Hubert & Mandy Hooper refreshment stop at the hall. Result £650 towards the huge amount of upgrades and repairs that are ongoing – no inconvenience, no road closures! Back to the car rally. We were told that all FRIENDS OF THE affected property owners and landowners had been CHURCHYARD DRAW contacted – not true! We are told there was only one incident – not true! Ask the landowners and workers at Aingers Green or the Barn Café. People unable The winners of the Friends of the to get to church. Churchyard draw which took place at Rewards for village businesses? The only the Family Fun Day business open was Tesco’s and from what I were understand there was no appreciable increase in trade. There are other moans and groans concerning closed roads which I won’t dwell on and First Prize Penny Evans Jones finally thank goodness that the Parish Council refused permission for the participants to assemble Second Prize Ken Drew on the green.
Nimby.
13
AGM Thankyou Thank you Thankyou ..
Once again, on behalf of all on the Village Hall Bentley Green Players Committee, may I say a very big thank you to everyone that responded to our plea for cakes/sandwiches etc for Monday 2 nd July at 7.30pn the Tour de Tendring refreshment stop. Thank you to everyone that dropped in food before and on the day and to everyone that helped Parish Hall during the morning. We really couldn’t have done it without you all and the tables were wobbling with food (Vestry Hall) – most of which was gone by 12.30. We had so many ‘thank you’s’ from the cyclists Everyone Welcome and followers who appreciated it all. Several were staggered when they asked who made everything and we said, ‘the village’! There was a real feel of community togetherness during the morning. One Great Bentley cyclist even wants to move here! Good Neighbours We made £651 to go into funds so along with the quiz last month, we have made just over £1,000. Once again, many thanks indeed to you all. So AGM much appreciated.
Tuesday 26 th June 7.30pm Bev Adams Secretary of the Village Hall. Tel: 01206 250 724 Village Hall Letter to the Editor, All welcome It was very pleasing to see Sturrick Lane resurfaced on Monday 13th May! But why did they stop at the entrance to the Bird Estate? In comparison with Larkfield Road, Sturrick Lane was smooth and unblemished! To enter there is like being transported to a Third World country. People living beyond no 17 Great Bentley Youth Club must negotiate the Larkfield Trench which, while it is not as deep as the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Held at Great Bentley Methodist Church Ocean (you could drop Mount Everest in there and still on Thursdays at 7pm have 13 000 feet to spare), is getting to wheel bearing breaking proportions. 14th June: The remainder of Larkfield Road is pitted and tatty the obviously temporary tarmac resurfacing over the original concrete road completed many years ago is coming away exposing the concrete underneath, which is also breaking up, with stones and shards of concrete debris scattered all over the road and GARDENING CLUB pavements. TRIP TO PETER BEALES I gather representations have been made to the ROSE FESTIVAL authorities before, to no avail. I realise "times are IN NORFOLK hard" but we are feeling deprived! It is also probably true that resurfacing Sturrick If you are interested in joining the Gardening was part of the deal with Mersea Homes, the builders Club trip to Peter Beales Rose Festival in of Abrey Close and Great Bentley Grange Hamlet, but Norfolk on Sunday 17th June, please contact come on, Highways, this road is lowering the tone of Vision Getaways 07512 792686. the whole estate.
Pick up is in Great Bentley and open to all local Yours sincerely, residents as well as members of the Gardening David Branch Club. Please mention when booking that you are with the Gardening Club group. Cost is PLEASE—All send your concerns on pot holes to £26 per person. the Clerk (see front inside cover) and to our County Councillor Alan Goggin also on front cover. 14
require a higher nitrogen level to produce leafy greens, you get a better crop and nature has done Peter’s this all by itself. (If you don’t believe this dig up one bean root and look at the small white nodules on Potterings each strand of root). Finally this month a few words about salads and especially lettuce. Traditionally salad consisted of lettuce leaves, cucumber and tomatoes. Now it is Whilst writing these notes for the month of June I a mixture of lots and lots of leaves. These may thought that due to the weather in May that maybe I contain lettuce as well as something like lambs was a month late. Watering needs to be done lettuce or corn salad (soft velvety leaves) crisp red thoroughly during hot spells. Concentrate on things and green striped radicchio, bitter rocket, chicory, that need it most. Newly planted plants, young small beet leaves and the list can go on endlessly. seedlings an inch or two high, young vegetables and Why not let the seed merchant do the hard work for the plants in containers and hanging baskets. If there you and just buy a packet of seed consisting of mixed is a lot to do it is no good going out every night and salad leaves. These can be sown in pots or trays doing a quick splash and dash giving everything a early in the season in the greenhouse, or outside in small amount of water. Divide your watering into the summer. Keep them well watered and when they sections. Firstly choose the plants that will dry up and are 6 inches high use a pair of scissors and cut the die if you don’t keep them wet and also put fresh leaves when you want them. You can either just cut young seedlings into this section. After that the rest the outside leaves or trim the whole plant leaving the can be watered less frequently. The pots and baskets root and half an inch of “green” which will include the will usually last a couple of days unless there is growing centre which will soon produce more green masses of foliage and very little compost. The next to leaves. be watered are those in the ground. Borders, freshly Hopefully you will all be enjoying various new planted just maybe water twice a week and then if varieties of salad over the coming months. necessary established plants just once a week. This does not seem very much but the secret is to water PETER ALLINGTON very thoroughly when you do water. Give them a good soaking. This allows the water to go down in the soil and the plant then sends its roots down after the moisture. A splash every day keeps the top half inch moist, so the roots stay at the top where they continually go wet and dry and don’t grow and flower (or crop) at their best. You can however mulch newly planted containers. There is a wide range of decorative chippings now on offer which will compliment stone, terracotta or glazed pots. Not only do they look nice but there are no weeds or moss on top of the compost and so you do not have to water them so often. If, like me, you are changing your garden or HARKERS YARD have lost a treasured shrub or two don’t try to replace EAST COAST CHAMPIONSHIPS it immediately. Why not fill the gaps with a few summer bedding plants using some of the taller Invitation for all rowing clubs to race growing varieties. These will give an unaccustomed in Harkers Yard Gigs Only, competing for the burst of colour and allow you to replace your shrub in East Coast Champion Status to be held at the Autumn. Brightlingsea On the vegetable front the broad beans and peas should soon be ready to pick. With my broad Ladies Saturday 2nd June beans I always select say three good plants at the end of a row and don’t pick any pods I just leave them Men Sunday 3rd June alone. These just get bigger and bigger and then die off and produce next year’s seed. I used to pick from Timings for both days all the plants and then use the beans that did not get picked for seed. This gave me a mixture of small and Heat 1 10.15am large beans, several of which did not germinate Heat 2 11.15am properly. Incidentally when the beans have finished B Final 12.15am cropping don't dig them up, just cut the tops off at the A Final 1.15pm ground and leave the roots in the soil. Pea and bean roots have nodules on them which are able to store Further information from atmospheric nitrogen in the soil. If you then follow [email protected] peas and beans with a crop such as cabbages, which
15
SURGERY NEWS
We thought we would try something a bit different this month, so I asked all our doctors and nurses to come up with a sentence or two giving tips to patients on ‘How to be/stay healthy’:
Dr Bhatti – Many ailments can be treated more quickly if you speak to your local friendly pharmacist. You will be surprised with how much expertise they have, so try them first to get help faster.
Dr O’Reilly With summer coming, the British Association of dermatologists recommend a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and a UVA rating of 4 or 5 stars which is generally considered as a good standard of sun protection in addition to shade and clothing
Dr Nambi Bowel cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in UK and the best screening test is sending a poo sample off to Nottingham by post. However the uptake is only 50 % in our region. Please can all patients (over 60 years old) when they receive the kit, not ignore it and get involved. Even if you don't have any symptoms still send your sample off. Early detection of cancer saves a lot of lives!
Dr Pontikis – Brighter weather gives more opportunity for exercise! Current recommendations suggest doing at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise every week (eg 30 minutes brisk walk 5 times a week). More guidance (including exercise examples) can be found on the NHS website (https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/ physical activity guidelines for adults.aspx) Healthy body, healthy mind!
Sister Sue Webb June 11 17th is Cervical Screening Awareness week: every year in the UK 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer but picking up early changes in the cervix and identifying ladies with high risk HPV virus can prevent a large percentage of cases. Please make sure you are up to date with your cervical screening test (smear test); you will receive a letter when it is due but if you are unsure or think you are overdue please ring us at the surgery to check. It may just save your life.
Sister Bonnie Beard My top tip for a healthy life is to stop smoking if you smoke 10 cigarettes a day it will cost about £1,825 a year. On average, the time it takes you to smoke a cigarette equals the time that cigarette shortens your life – just think what you could do with the extra money and time if you stopped smoking. If you get help to quit you are more likely to succeed in your quit attempt and help is available from your local pharmacy.
Sister Sharon Radford – If you’ve booked a summer holiday, please don’t forget to think about travel vaccinations! Don’t leave it until the last minute as many vaccinations need to be administered well before the holiday itself. Download the form from our website, complete it and either hand it to reception or send to us by email.
Sister Jo Tyrrel Eat less, move more, don't smoke, wear sun screen, come for your checks up and reviews when invited!
The patient participation group will be meeting at 6.30pm as usual this month on Thursday 21 st June at the Great Bentley Village Hall.
Richard P. Miller Practice Manager
ADVERTISING IN OUR 2018 MAGAZINE We have just a FEW spaces FOR JULY TO DECEMBER Please contact [email protected] if you would like a space.
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No Worries, Mate. John Evans 2018
Whilst taking the dog for a walk in a park in Australia, I noticed a figure partially hidden in the shade under a tree, a man engaged in some form of Martial Art routine so, handing the dog lead to Mirain I went to investigate. He was a small man, stripped to the waist, thin, about 5 feet 4 inches tall but with much gymnastic power and his black, wavy shoulder length hair, moustache and small beard made him a strikingly handsome figure. He paid me no attention at all, remaining focussed on a stick about a metre long which he held with both hands. I say a stick, not a staff, not the kind of weapon used by Little John to dump Robin Hood into the river, no, the use of this stick appeared to be ceremonial, both gracious and elegant always ensuring that, at the end of a manoeuvre this baton remained either horizontal or vertical. After five minutes or so he stopped and looked at me. I asked what it was that he was performing. Pausing for a second and pointing at the ends of the stick, he said, “fire” and moving the stick slowly, he emphasised the word “fire” again, suggesting that in a real ceremony, each end of the pole would be alight. “Japan!” he declared with utter dignity, placing the palm of his hand upon his chest, which to me meant that he did not speak English. As I thanked him for his demonstration and apologised for my interruption he stood up straight, hands by his sides, smiled broadly and said, “no wuu’ ee, may.” Disappointment welled up in me. A mystical Japanese performance culminated with the phrase, “No worries, mate” in the best Hokkaidish interpretation of that phrase that this young man could manage. What a betrayal! All those years ago did every country on planet Earth watch ‘Neighbours’ or revere Crocodile Dundee, leaving us all with the legacy of those three words, ‘no worries, mate’? However, travelling the Australian Pilbara region for five weeks resulted in an immunity to the sound of this expression, as driving the outback is not at all like driving in the UK. Even when totally alone on the road, Australians rarely exceed the speed limit and congestion is never an issue, the main issue being that of unforeseen dangers ahead, mainly the hapless kangaroo. The trick is to have the UHF radio switched on at all times and listen in on the conversations taking place on channel 40, the truckers channel as it is a reminder that you are not totally isolated. Someone told us to expect smutty comments and swearing but we experienced neither, more a case of listening to the very useful information, with each brief chat usually ending with, “no worries, mate.” All main arteries in this desert like region are like our trunk or ‘A’ roads, two lane highways but are mesmerisingly straight with many ‘floodways’ in order to cross rivers. These floodways lower the level of the road to that of the usually dry river bed but when in flood they allow the water to pass over them, rather like a ford but with markers indicating the depth which can vary considerably. Without floodways there would be a need to build hundreds of bridges. During our trip near Dampier we were concerned about cyclone Kelvin, a storm which was causing flooding and road closures to the north east of us. One day a road train approached us heading in the opposite direction and rumbled past us, shaking our truck. “Road Train just past. Water hazards ahead? Over,” called Mirain on our UHF radio. Pause. “Bit of water at Shar River floodway,” came the reply. “Thanks for that,” said Mirain. “No worries, buddy,” he acknowledged. As we approached Shar River, we saw the flow of water over the floodway and slowly splashed our way across, about 80 metres, the depth of which was not far off the axle of our Nissan Patrol! The blue skies and blazing sun give no warning that far off heavy rains had resulted in a torrent of water flowing for miles along dry river beds. To see the spectacular gorges of the Pilbara requires going off road for long distances, a driving experience which would raise the hackles of any sane person. Although many dirt roads are comfortable, some are not, with surface corrugations which create a ridiculously violent shuddering of the vehicle, sometimes giving thought to how the truck is able to remain intact. Yes, there is a wow factor on finally reaching the target but even then, only the brave or stupid will leave an air conditioned cab to battle with swarms of flies and the searing heat. Why are Australian flies so nasty, small, agile and intent on entering the nostril, limbo dancing under sunglasses so as to snuggle under the eyelid or tickle the tympanic membrane? ‘No worries?’ You must be kidding, but of course it’s worth it. Our truck was visually typical of those used on mine sites, so we received a hand gesture from the hundreds of other working ‘Utes’, as the Pilbara is mining country where the HiLux rules and the Land Cruiser is king. I asked a trucker, a big bald guy with a long beard and huge belly, if these hand gestures meant anything. He laughed when we spoke of the two fingered gesture but assured me that drivers were simply saying hello. “No worries. Have a safe one,” rang out as we parted. But not all truckers are the same. Sitting in the shade at a roadhouse enjoying a cold orange juice one day, we looked up to see a four trailer road train slowly but noisily roll into the parking area, engine growling with gear change, brakes hissing, plumes of black smoke erupting volcano like from the two huge chrome exhausts high above the enormous cab. It chose a resting place and halted, became calm and quiet, breathing rhythmically not unlike the tamed red Toruk flying monster in Avatar. Several ladders up from the ground, the cab door opened and down climbed the most stunning of Australian lady truck drivers. No, be assured, not all truckers are lovely blokes. “Sorry about the dust,” she said with a beaming smile. “No worries, mate.”
17 GREAT BENTLEY RUNNING CLUB
So last month we were complaining about running in 0.5 with snow and blizzards. We have jumped straight from winter to summer with temperatures at some recent weekends the weekend topping out at around the mid to high 20s. This was somewhat unfortunate for those running at the 38th annual London Marathon on Sunday 22 nd April. Some 40,000 runners participated on what was reported as the hottest weather for the event in its history. We had 11 blue shirts toeing the line for this great event. It was especially memorable for Janine Simpson who joined the 100 club completing her 100th Marathon in London. Janine’s time for the record was 5:54:14. The ladies representation vastly outweighed the number of men runners and it should be no surprise that Vicky Presland registered another good for age time (so ensuring entry for next year) finishing in 3:26:17. Caroline Searle ran a brilliant race which resulted in her posting a personal best time of 4:57:35. Eileen Shadford (3:35:03), Meera Rajoo Oakley (3:50:00), Anna Mills (3:52:29), Emma Town (4:24:48) and Leoni Harvey (6:16:54) all completed the 26:2 in the stifling conditions. For the men Dave Goldsmith (3:25:46), Tom Fowler (3:29:33) and Kevin Stevens (4:07:43) all ran excellent races. Sunday 6 th May also proved hot for marathon runners. Running of any sort in this temperature is a challenge one which Sarah Fletcher was up for as she took on her first marathon in Milton Keynes. So having lost 2 toenails and suffering from some severe blisters Sarah posted a great time of 4:10. Paul Davidson decided on taking on the half at MK and again 13 miles is no mean feat in hot conditions so a finish time of 1:46 is another excellent run. Kathy Bishop also completed the half marathon at MK finishing in 1:52. Closer to home John Bush took himself to Witham to run the inaugural Witham 10 miler which is a new race for this year run on a nice hilly course that as usual for Witham is a well organised and marshalled event. John finished the 10 miles in 2:00:20 and given the conditions it was not surprising that it was a personal worst for John. The growing canicross team (those who run harnessed to their dog) were represented by Davina Swindell and Charlie Dog. They ventured to Thorpeness for the Heritage Coast Marathon event. They decided to take on the 6 mile route before it got too hot which saw them finish in 52:51, a return to form for Charlie following his recent lay off. That time saw them secure 2nd place on the 6 mile course. Wednesday saw the return of the club’s Micky Edwards 5k event. It was great to see such a large field turn out for race 1 where times are set for the handicap series. Russ Sharp came home first in 18:22:1 in a tight tussle with Mark Bishop who clocked 18:22:7! The First Lady over the line was Meera Rajoo Oakley in 21:34. As usual there were club standards being achieved Helen Carey; returning after a long injury lay off; achieved a Gold standard finishing in 24:21:9 with Melanie Moore also bagging gold with her time of 27:25:9. Mike Deed (24:13) achieved his 1st Bronze Standard. So the race is on for round 2 where these times will be put to the test to see who can improve on their handicap time. For full details and times have a look at our website.
Paul Carlisle
A Gap Year for the Parents If you are anything like us, the next holiday is being planned before coming home from the one you are on, somehow easing that disappointment of something good coming to an end. We began that timely conversation one evening overlooking Lake Vassivière in France, a few days towards the end of last summer, thinking about where the next trip in the motorhome might take us. Possibly helped by the wine, definitely prompted by the new found comfort of progressing from camper to motorhome and probably inspired by our son Ben’s travels over the past year, the conversation quite quickly took an unexpected turn. Before we knew it, we were discussing the viability of a whole year of touring. The idea became increasingly exciting the more we talked about it and, perhaps surprisingly, still seemed like a real possibility even in the cold, sober light of the following morning. So, as we write we are ten days from departure time, with a tour of Europe and Morocco ahead of us for the next twelve months. It has been nine months of planning, both for where we are going but also for what is left behind, house, allotment, work an ever increasing list. There have also been new things to consider along the way as life moves on and the needs of family members change, but we are pressing ahead and will work around these needs as we go, our mantra being ‘If we don’t do it now, we never will’. The plan is to give you a taste of our travels each month, maybe inspiring some of you to consider something similar or decide, no way, not for me! We will struggle to compete with Ben’s action packed accounts, but hope to do better than the predictions of a good friend who kindly suggested that our level of excitement would not extend beyond trying out a different supermarket! We’ll do our utmost to do better than that watch this space.
Lara and Alan
Good luck on your travels and we look forward to hearing from you.
18
Next meeting Thursday 14th June at 7.30pm in HISTORY SOCIETY Great Bentley Village Hall. SMUGGLERS Part 2 by Brian Billings. Visitors very welcome. £3. At the meeting in the Village Hall on Thursday 10th May, the chairman Future History Society Events welcomed the visitors and the speaker, Saturday 7th July Guided tour of Roman Circus Paul Mardon who told us about “The House and the Circus. For more information phone Essex Place Names Project”. This project was set David on 01206 250309. up to record names of roads, streets, fields, farms, Friday 3rd August Guided tour of Clifford Road houses, woods, inns, rivers, streams, mills, owners Air Raid Shelter, Ipswich. Further information from and tenants from old documents, parish by parish, David 01206 250309. and make the information available to any one needing it for further research. As different races colonised the county, the names changed. One needs to go back as far as Taken from 100 years A Centenary Celebration of possible to find the original name. From Celtic and Gt Bentley County Primary School Early British and Roman to Vikings in N.E. Essex to the advent of the Normans so place names were I arrived at Bentley school, 20 years old, fresh from influenced. There are more names of Norman origin Teacher Training College, in September 1943, and in Essex than in any other county. They tended to stayed for about two years. I left because it was change names due to ownership or simply if they wartime, my husband was struggling to cope on his found the present one unpronounceable. fruit farm, with City girls from London, so needed my He gave many examples of how the names help in training them. came into being and how they evolved. We were I much enjoyed my brief spell of teaching at the reminded that Great Bentley’s name came in Saxon school even though they were difficult times, with a times when a settlement grew round an open space, shortage of material. For example I was given about 6 then a marshy lea or ley covered with bent (reeds or yards of plain green cotton material to teach sewing to coarse grass). a class of 44 children, Standard 4. Abandoning the Some names came from names of the idea of run and fell seams, I asked the class to bring in owners, Tolleshunt from a Saxon Chief Toll and Hunt whatever materials they could, old grey flannels, torn or Spring, Dagenham from chief Dager’s land. Some dresses, anything unwanted at home. Every item was came from geographical terrain. Canvey means used to make a wonderful collection of dressed toys. island. Dun means a flat topped hill, and Wick an Those who could not sew adequately shredded rags army camp, burn a stream or water as in Burnham, for stuffing, everyone took part. We were all very ford a crossing as in Alresford. Strangely Romford proud when these toys were exhibited at a function in had no River Rom so they invented one! the village. Sometimes names came from local crops or As I was already an enthusiastic gardener I was animals. Rawreth means Heron and Stream, quickly enrolled by the Headmaster, Mr Swinden to Rochford ford with hunting dogs, Hockley clearing help teach the boys vegetable gardening. A large area with mallows. of land was used to supply the school’s kitchens. Of He spoke about the old field names to be course not every boy took kindly to being taught found on the tithe maps of 1840. With examples gardening by a woman. “My Dad don’t do it like that from Great Bentley tithe map some were obvious like Miss,” I was told one day. “Never mind”, I replied, “nine acres” others based on shape such as “leg of “there is usually more than one way of doing a job. mutton”, “swansneck” or “rainbow”. “Great gains” You do it your way at home, and my way here, and we would show that the field yielded well, “honey pot” will see if there is any difference.” and “slough bottom” indicated sticky land and what One of those 10 year old boys, Keith Page, about “pudding poke pightle”? came to work with me 18 years ago and is now my Sometimes field names were based on local Technical Manager, responsible for the installation and industry such as “copperas ground” and “clay pits”, maintenance of equipment needed to keep a busy sometimes vegetation such as “osier” and “apple pie plant nursery and its staff working efficiently. Recently bottom”. Some names are mysteries such as he brought in his school report which I wrote in “drawswords” and “fanny’s ease”. Summer 1944. He has lived up to the good opinion I Fields close to the farmhouse were often had of him then, and I am happy and proud to have “garden field” or “home field” and those far away him, and now his two sons, Gerard and called with wry humour after a distant country such Edmund also part of my team. as “Botany Bay” or a tiny field “hundred acre”. The If any old pupils of my class read speaker said his home is where the original field was this I would be very happy to welcome named “Great Hell”. We all went home determined them here. to find the ancient name of the land on which our own houses stood after a very informative talk Beth Chatto former Teacher. delivered with authority. Elmstead Market.
BMT It was with great sadness that I learnt of Beth’s passing. She was a truly lovely lady. ED
19
PET NOTES
Last month we experienced some impressive warm weather with the early May Bank Holiday being the hottest since records began. Love it or loathe it, summer is fast approaching.
This month I’m going to focus on caring for your dog during the summer heat.
Charities, including the RSPCA, do a good job of promoting the importance of never leaving a dog in a car on a warm day. It is possible for a dog to pass away within minutes as the temperature inside the car climbs rapidly above the temperature outside it. Leaving the window open simply isn’t enough.
There are other practical considerations for good dog ownership during periods of hot weather. They apply to all breeds and are even more important for brachycephalic dogs, i.e. those with relatively broad, short skulls, such as Bulldogs, Pugs and Chow Chows. Each summer at Kinfauns Veterinary Centre we see a significant number of dogs suffering with heat stroke and bracycephalic breeds are the most common. Heat stroke is serious and can be fatal but is so easily avoidable using the following guidance:
• Do not walk your dog during the hottest parts of the day and aim to do this during the coolest times, i.e. early in the morning or late at night. • Consider restricting exercise to lead walking instead of ball play so as to prevent your dog overexerting themselves. • Carry plenty of cool water with you when you leave home and offer it frequently. • Indoors ensure water is always available and use air conditioning or fans to keep the air cool. • Seek urgent veterinary advice if you are concerned about your dog’s breathing.
Dr April Young MRCVS BVetMed MRCVS BSAVA PGCertSAS
Parish Pet of the Month
This month’s Parish Pet of the Month If you’d like to see your pet here is Annie Pom Pom, owned by Demi. next month, She is one year old and extremely please send a photograph of photogenic. Both her parents are your pet and a short description Peruvians with long, straight hair but of what makes them special to: hers is curly. She is never lonely as [email protected] she’s one of eleven guinea pigs in the household.
20
THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB
CLUBS & At our April meeting we welcomed back Cherry Mullins who gave us an enthralling and amusing talk about “The land of the Maharajahs”. Wherever Cherry ORGANISATIONS goes she seems to find an adventure which we can enjoy in the telling of it without any of the worries. She will be back again with us in the New Year with more of her tales. After refreshments we continued the afternoon BENTLEY GREEN LADIES CLUB with our AGM. The programme for the next few months was disclosed and the new committee was elected. It was suggested that in order to attract new Edna opened our Mayday meeting by thanking those members, fliers could be distributed to newcomers to members who had baked cakes for St Helena the village. To help with finances it was agreed to Hospice and also gave a special mention to Marion raise the Annual Subs. to £12 and to have some and Margaret who kindly delivered them to the meetings without a speaker. Members were then Hospice. asked for ideas as to how the afternoon could be Our speakers for the evening were Sue and spent instead. Ann from the Colchester Sugarcraft Association who Our meeting on Wednesday 27th June will see gave us two wonderful demonstrations in which they Keith Price showing us his latest prints. Everyone is showcased their artistic skills working with sugar welcome and if it is your first visit there will be nothing paste. Sue used a quilling technique to make some to pay. beautiful cake decorations and Ann made an amazing shoe and a delicate rosebud they both Joye made it look so easy and assured us that we could all do the same at home!! (With a lot of practice I think!) Edna thanked our guests and then members enjoyed refreshments and a special, larger than usual raffle, GREAT BENTLEY the proceeds of which were added to a £55 donation for the new Christmas lights. At the end of the GARDENING CLUB evening it was announced that we would round that amount up to £100. A big thank you to all who supported our Annual Dates for your diary . Plant Sale. Thanks to a great team, good weather • Tuesday 5 th June monthly meeting at and generous customers we made a profit of the Village Hall 7.30pm £700. £350 has been sent to the Hospice. Also thanks must go to Shrublands Nursery, Hilltop ‘The History of Spoken English’ with Nursery and Rainbow Nursery who so generously Mr Charlie Haylock donated plants. Our May visit was to Strandlands garden at Wrabness where we spent a very pleasant GREAT BENTLEY afternoon and were well looked after by Jenny HISTORY SOCIETY Edmunds. A lovely garden on the bank of the River Stour. Sunday 17th June is our visit to Peter Beales Rose Garden. Thursday 14th June at 7.30pm Great Bentley Village Hall Hope to see you there. Regards Smugglers Part 2 by Brian Buillings. Bob Visitors very welcome £3.00 ART CLUB
ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST Tuesday 12th June Sunday 24th June Green Island Gardens 11am 4pm Outside Open Activity Day at Cockaynes Wood Nature Reserve Tuesday 26th June Signed for day off Wivenhoe Road Great Bentley Allotments beside railway bridge Organised by Friends of Cockaynes Outside Wood Trust 21
Great Bentley Pre-school
www.greatbentleypreschool.co.uk [email protected]
Theme We are still travelling around with our theme ‘Around The World’. This month we are visiting Italy and then it will be back to our home country where we will stop off at Ireland too and then off to China. The children have loved all the different food tasting, cooking experiences and activities we have set up for this theme. We have also been busy in our outside area and planted a variety of different fruits, vegetables and plants with the children.
Our Giant African Land Snails Usain (Bolt), Mo (Farah), Paula (Radcliffe), Linford (Christie) and Turbo are also getting big now. They are growing extremely fast and the children are beginning to observe and handle them.
Autism Coffee Morning Our next coffee morning is booked for Wednesday 13th June at 1:00 in the Village Hall. These sessions are held to support parents with children on the Autistic Spectrum or for parents who are concerned and want to find out more about it. We look forward to welcoming new faces so if you are interested please come along and join us, you don’t have to be a family that attends our Pre school.
Sponsored Walk, Picnic and Sport Events This will take place on Tuesday 19 th June so look out for lots of little ones and their parents having fun on The Green The sponsored walk will be in aid of Clic Sargent again. This charity helps children with cancer and the reason we like to support it is because over the past few years some of the children that have attended our group have suffered with some form of cancer. All children and parents are invited to meet on the green outside the Cricket Club at 11:30/40 for the sponsored walk which will be a walk around that half of the green, we will then have our picnic and the sports activities, including the adult races which will start at 12:30.
Carnival Carnival month is finally upon us again so I hope you all have the date in your diary Saturday 30 th June. We are busy creating our float within session with the children which is based around the theme ‘International Holidays/Celebrations’. Our float will be celebrating ‘International Farmer’s Day’ which being a Village with lots of farming around we thought was a great choice; we are also going to Jimmy’s Farm this year for our summer outing to keep the theme going. Put the date in your diary and look out for us as we pass you in the procession which starts at 12:30.
Summer Trip I can now confirm the summer trip has been booked for Thursday 5 th July and is at Jimmy’s Farm. This is a great day out in the Pre school calendar as it is open to all Pre school children that attend the group and we invite parents and carers to come along too so we can all enjoy a day out together. We just hope as many as possible can join us and the weather is kind too.
September Term Registers I know it’s hard to believe but as we break up for summer next month I will start to look at the registers this month for the next term which starts in September. Although we are full at present there are a lot of sessions released once the older children move onto Primary School. Already we have lots of new interest though and we also have lots of existing children wanting to increase their sessions too so if you would like to become part of this ‘outstanding’ Pre school then contact me as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Thanks for reading.
Julie Wiles
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This was followed by a picnic on the lawn We encourage all youngsters to participate in opposite the Holly Trees museum. the annual St George’s Day Parade around Colchester town centre. This year, around This year, the Colchester Scout Band were 1,000 youngsters from 27 different groups in running a workshop and were allowing the the Colchester North & Colchester Estuary youngsters to have a hands on musical districts, were in the procession. experience.
In previous years, we have told the cubs to wrap up warm underneath their uniform, but this year there was no need as the weather If you’d like your child to become part of was extremely warm. the adventure or be the next Bear Grylls then Cubs is on Tuesday from 6:30pm The parade starts off from the car park at the and is for any child aged 8 10 ½. Full rear of Colchester Town station, and details can be found at www.great circumnavigates the town ending up on the bentley.co.uk or Castle Park lawn. email cubs@great bentley.co.uk
The District Commissioner in the presence of Akela & Baloo the Colchester Town Mayor then conduct a Cub Scout Leaders short renewal of promise ceremony. Samantha & Gary Smith
DEADLINE FOR THE JULY MAGAZINE FRIDAY 15th JUNE
Material to Mary Maskell, Caldew Cottage, The Green, 250524 AND Carole Allington, Poplar House, Station Road, 251086. 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
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Village Hall AGM
The AGM was held on 29 th March in the Village Hall with 15 members and trustees attending.
The Chairman, Derek Burdett, opened the meeting and introduced Mike Morgan who is the new booking clerk/ treasurer and thanked the outgoing clerk, Shelley Pizzey, for all the work she has done for the hall over the past years.
The Chairman gave a report of the year with the following key points:
• CCTV has been installed, inside and out, and has already proven useful following a couple of incidents. • Wi Fi and Broadband are now fully functional. • A new door from the main hall straight into the childrens toilets has been installed thus allowing further options for the hire of the two smaller rooms. • An electronic key fob system is now in operation on the main hall during pre school sessions. Grants from the PC and GOG have helped with this project. • Ten replacement UPVC double glazed windows have now been installed into the two meeting rooms. The kitchen and outside loo doors have been replaced. As have the outside double doors in the hall. Nine soft door closures have been fitted. • The door leading from the Michael Wright room to the outside has been repaired.
The Chairman reported that Phase 2 has now been completed and that work on the hearing loop will be finished soon.
The Chairman listed future projects, all of which depend on future fundraising and grants:
• A foyer revamp (replacement windows and new electronic main door) • Replacement of kitchen cupboards/tops/sink and general redecoration. • Install AV equipment into one of the small rooms to enable further hiring and film nights. • Possible carpeting in the Michael Wright room.
An election of Officers, each proposed and seconded, took place during the evening as follows:
CHAIRMAN Derek Burdett VICE CHAIRMAN Roger Adams and Matt Plummer SECRETARY Bev Adams TREASURER Mike Morgan.
Fundraising was discussed, and planned events were the Quiz Night; Tour de Tendring refreshment stop in the Village Hall and another Christmas Craft Fayre on Sunday 9 th December. Various other options were discussed for during the year. This plays a vital part in helping to keep the cost of hiring the hall as low as possible and helps with proposed refurbishments. The hall is over 30 years old and needs major repairs, renewals and updates to remain an attractive hire.
Thanks, from the members were expressed to Derek and Hilary for their continued hard work on the Village Hall committee.
Bev Adams Secretary Tel: 01206 250 724 [email protected]
On the facing page are pictures taken recently when a local company that dresses venues for weddings and parties, displayed their products – it gives an idea of what the hall could look like.
24
FARMING DIARIES
With the farming year in full swing now and nearly all cropping in the ground the work load varies greatly depending on what the farmers are growing. Cereal growers will have, or will be in the next few days applying their final fungicides to ensure they prevent any disease creeping into the crop which could dramatically affect the quality of the final yield. The quality of the harvested yield is very important as the millers and the bread makers have very stringent specifications which farmers work to all season to ensure their produce meets the standards required. Protein levels in the wheat grain can affect the quality of bread or too much nitrogen in barley can make it impractical in the brewing industry so it is important that farmers get these levels correct. After their final fungicide cereal growers will begin to look ahead to harvest ensuring that their grain stores are cleaned out ready to store the harvested crop and looking at trial results and varieties for the coming season ahead. Farmers who have root crops such as potatoes, carrots, onions or sugar beet are much busier at this time of the year. They will be concentrating on weed control to avoid competition between weeds and the crop. Competition between weeds and the crop can mean that the crop is unable to access nutrients, fertiliser and water all of which are vital in their growth and development. Many irrigators have started up in the past month applying water to potato and onion crops. Applications of water are precisely planned with the use of neutron probes measuring the soil moisture deficit so that not too much water is applied which would result in lazy root development. Equally, potato crops must not dry out when the tubers are forming as this would lead to the development of scab making the potato unsellable. Farmers are also trying to prevent disease coming into the crop which can dramatically impact yield in the same way as the wheat example given in last month’s article. Blight is the biggest concern to all potato growers with total crop destruction occurring if it is not controlled. This comes at a cost of around £3bn per year to the potato industry. Farmers use various tools including national forecasting services which are e mailed to them directly as the weather conditions that cause blight occur, using local knowledge and assessing crops regularly by as and when spores start to move around in the air. Potato farmers have a narrow window from planting the potatoes to harvesting them to ensure that weeds and disease are controlled and making sure they have enough water and the right nutrition. Salad varieties such as Charlotte or Maris Peer will only be growing for around 90 days at which point they will be desiccated (the crop is ‘topped’) to prevent further growth to ensure they meet the stringent supermarket requirements (similar to the cereal standards mentioned earlier) which stipulate a specific size, skin finish and skin blemishes. Other varieties such as Maris Piper or Estima are left to reach maximum size as their markets require large potatoes for chipping or baking. You will notice in the local area that there has been an increase in the number of fields in which maize is being grown. Some of this maize will be grown to feed cattle on farms, but a large proportion of it will be going into a local A.D. Plant (Anaerobic Digestion plant). A.D. plants are becoming more widespread across the country. They carry out a natural process where plant and animal materials (biomass) are broken down by micro organisms in the absence of air – hence the term anaerobic digestion. The A.D. process is when the biomass, of which there are many suitable forms including food waste, slurry and manure are put inside a sealed tank or digester. Naturally occurring micro organisms digest the biomass, which in turn releases a methane rich gas (biogas) that can be used to generate renewable heats and power; this helps to cut fossil fuel use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The remaining material also known as digestate is rich in nutrients so it can be used as fertiliser. The AD process is not a new technology, it has been used in the UK since the late 1800s, but now an increasing number of AD plants are being built in the UK to generate clean renewable energy.
Vicki Brooks
Friends of the Green
July 7 th has been confirmed as the Grand Garage Sale Day. The process is simple: if you have lots of items that you no longer need, book in (£7 per entry and £10 on the day)) with me at the number below. Time 10am to 3pm. Please book in by Saturday 30 th June to ensure inclusion on the trail map. Litter Picking carries on with good support by Ken Drew and Roni Dickeson with numbers attending of between 15 and 20 which allows us to now cover most of the village. There are always spaces available however for newcomers. All are welcome it only takes around an hour per session. Contact Ken Drew on 01206 250177.
Michael Dorling Tel: 01206 250799 Answer phone available.
25
Wildlives Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre ‘Catkins’, Frating Road, Thorrington, Colchester CO7 8HT www.facebook.com/Wildlives Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre 319226511587244/ Opening hours: 9:00 – 5:30 01206 251174 / 07802 767016 Outside of Wildlives’ hours, please call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 or log on to our website for advice on what to do with a sick animal until we are open again in the morning. See the web site www.wildlives.org.uk for extra pictures too!
Crazy Season Arrives June 2018
Baby birds are flooding into the centre in droves. Sadly most are victims of cat attacks, being pulled out of the nest, attacked while fledging, or orphaned when their parents are killed. With feeding all these tiny birds every twenty minutes, it’s extremely costly and time consuming. One lady brought in a box of great tits and their very traumatised mother; a cat had been reaching into the box of nestlings and hooking them out one at a time. The lady’s husband dispatched those that had been terribly mauled by the cat. On arrival the remaining chicks were hypothermic as their mother was so traumatised she was cowering in the box and not brooding them. Despite our best efforts the hatchlings died. The mother was released
Birds of prey – One lucky, one not
Tawny owl chick ‘Thanos’ was blown out of his nest and grounded over the Easter holidays in the bad weather. He was brought in by the Suffolk RSPCA and is making very good progress.
A buzzard who arrived was much less fortunate – he was shot through the throat. The pellet ruptured his crop and caused massive internal infection. Sadly he died shortly after admission. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take wild birds with very few exceptions. There are NO birds of prey excepted and it is illegal to shoot, poison or trap them.
At Colchester barracks an extremely concerned Sergeant in the 2 nd paras found a nest of newly hatched abandoned wagtails. Sadly he sought advice immediately but was incorrectly told to leave them. They were left for a couple of nights, and, again, were hypothermic on arrival. Sadly despite several days of intensive care we were unable to save them. Warmth is the difference between life and death. Birds brood their chicks at about 38C, so left for only a few hours they become chilled and death is the inevitable result.
Photo competition
Visit our facebook page or website ( www.wildlives.org.uk ) for details of how to enter our wildlife photography competition to help raise money for Wildlives and win great prizes as well. There are categories for everyone, and you could win a family trip out on a boat to visit the seals!
Registered Charity 1104167 Copyright Wildlives © 2017
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A Sporting Chance!
TRUE OR FALSE?
1. Frank Lampard won over 100 international caps. 2. Usain Bolt finished third in the final race of his career. 3. Rafa Nadal won three singles grand slam finals in 2017. 4. In 2017 the Tour de France started in Germany. 5. The 1960 Olympic Games were held in Rome. 6. Geoff Hurst scored a hat trick in the 1970 World Cup Final. 7. The St Leger is run at Newmarket. 8. Lester Piggott won his first race in 1948 aged 12 years. 9. The sumo wrestling ring is called the ‘dohyō’. 10. Henry Cooper held the World Heavyweight title for 9 months in 1966. 11. The greyhound in trap 5 wears an orange jacket. 12. Crystal Palace F.C. play at Selhurst Park. 13. The Grand National 2018 was won by ‘Tiger Roll’. 14. Racing driver, Stirling Moss won the World Championship in 1955. 15. In snooker the green ball is worth 3 points. 16. The Solheim Cup is for women golfers. 17. ’Magic’ Johnson played basketball for the L.A. Lakers. 18. The South African rugby union team are called the ‘Rhinos’. 19. There are 8 players in a netball team. 20. Princess Anne won a gold medal at the 1976 Olympics.
We have a family ticket to the Tendring Show (donated by the organisers) to give to the person with the most correct answers valued at £35.
All answers to Mary Maskell, Caldew Cottage, The Green, Great Bentley.
27 What a wonderful early May Bank Holiday weekend we had at the Clubhouse. Thank you to everyone that came along to make the weekend so enjoyable. There was a fantastic
atmosphere and with the weather being so good, it just reminded us how lovely and friendly our village really is.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL Membership renewal is now due. Still the same great price of £10 for a family membership and £5 for a single membership. New members are always welcome, so please spread the word to friends and neighbours.
GBCC WEEKLY LOTTO BONUS BALL DRAW for £1 a go, come and pick your number (s) for our very popular Bonus Ball Draw. Our top cash amount of £59 has been won for several weeks now, so come along and join in the fun to see if our next winner could be you!
Fri 18 th May 2018 KWIK CRICKET TOURNAMENT The weather was kind to us after a very wet start to the season, and gave a long dry spell before the night. We welcomed 20 teams to play cricket on the Green, with teams coming from Boxted, Copford, Coggeshall, West Mersea, Mistley, Chapel Wakes Colne, Witham and Eight Ash Green Cricket Clubs. The children played at Beginner and Intermediate level, but the emphasis was on fun, and joining in. The Green in front of the clubhouse was full with five pitches of entertaining play. The cake stall was full of an impressive spread of delicious cakes and the BBQ and bar kept everyone fed and watered. Great thanks must go to everyone who helped to make the evening happen: Peter Giles for his mastery with pitch plotting and strip cutting; Henry and Debbie who collected tables, put up gazebos; Jenny and Shelly who ran the raffle; Henry, Kerry and Karl on the BBQ; Holly and Lucy on the cake stall; Flynn on the cold drinks and sweets. Lol, Gill and crew on the liquid refreshments (those hot drinks definitely were needed); and last but by no means least the Carparkers, David, Yvonne and Claire. Not forgetting all the cake bakers and everyone else who attended. We had 24 colts playing in four teams and a great time with some youngsters, new to the game this season; Alex, Michael, Lee and Mike led them throughout their games until the light failed! We have great facilities on the biggest village green in the UK run by a committee of local residents, dedicated to keep the game of Cricket a part of the village life.
For more information, come along to the Club House on The Green, or email Peter Giles [email protected] or Carol Kerridge: 01206 251781 [email protected]
REVIEW OF AGATHA CRUSTY AND THE VILLAGE HALL MURDERS By Bentley Green Players This review is dedicated to my dear friend, the late Joyce Conroy, who accompanied me to so many theatrical performances but didn’t make it to this year’s production. There were three performances in the Methodist Church Hall and I was there on the Saturday evening. It turned out to be a brilliant comedy a laugh from start to finish and a clever take off of the original Agatha’s work a string of nasty murders solved by visiting Agatha Crusty (pronounced Croostee) who was so much more astute than self important, inefficient Inspector Twigg. First poor Wendy fell down the stairs and broke her neck, then Harry drowned in a water butt with his legs in the air, another was stabbed with a fine stiletto, or was it a knitting needle, and a fourth was poisoned from eating the cookery club’s paté. And they were all members of the Village Hall committee. Four down, how many more to go? Doesn’t sound funny, but it was all brought about by the excellent script, full puns and innuendo and mangled language, and the clever repartee between the players. They probably retained the sparkle of the Royal Wedding and incorporated it into this brilliant performance. It all made for a hilarious show. Director and producer Peter Harry worked his magic with his talented cast and they came up with a winner, one of the best that I recall. The script by Derek Webb was a good one so often the second half is disappointing but we were still laughing right to the end. The set was just right a bare 1950’s style Village Hall complete with notice board, designed by none other than Bamber Gascoyne a running joke. Efficient stage hands moved the furniture about in the dark intervals between scenes under stage manager Bob Starsmere. Matt Plummer and Liam Olding are old hands with the lighting and sound, and Lilian and Paula Matthams were responsible for the timeless look wardrobe. It was good to see Lynda McWilliams on the stage again, linking the action in her role as Village Hall Secretary. She made her character a vague whisky person, anxious to please the Vicar. Richard Upston’s Vicar, Toby, was a Uriah Heap type, all things to all men. Ken Drew got into the skin of his “couldn’t care less” caretaker, rude and earthy, with a “country” accent and a cynical view of life. Continued on page 30.
28
GREAT BENTLEY PARISH COUNCIL
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
18/00421/DETAIL Reserved matters Land South of Proposed Cllr Richmore Homes Ltd planning application for Carpenters Adams, Seconded the residential Farm Cllr Drew, Resolved: development of 0.1 ha St Marys Road No Objection of land to create 1 Great Bentley detached dwelling with Essex associated garaging CO7 8NJ and parking (following 14/01182/OUT allowed on Appeal).
18/00530/FUL Proposed single storey 1 Plough Road, Proposed Cllr Mr & Mrs Edwards side extension. Great Bentley Balbirnie, Seconded Colchester, Cllr Drew, Resolved: Essex, CO7 No Objection 8LG
18/00611/FUL Erection of single storey Bouverie Proposed Cllr Mr & Mrs Herbert side extension to form St Marys Road Adams, Seconded study. Great Bentley Cllr Balbirnie, Colchester Resolved: No Essex Objection CO7 8NN
APP/P1560/W/17/3183695 Land to The West of Plough Road, Great Bentley Appeal Hearing: The Appeal Hearing has finished and the outcome is awaited.
The railway station waiting room rebuild has made little progress, and bricks used so far are not comparable. The Enforcement Team Leader at TDC is aware.
The next Parish Council Meeting is Thursday 7th June 7.00pm Planning: 7.30pm Parish Council Meeting.
Karen Paradise Clerk to Great Bentley Parish Council
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS PLEASE CAN YOU HELP?
We will be having a stall On Carnival Day (Thank you to the Carnival Committee)
We would welcome any GOOD AS NEW ITEMS that we can sell to raise funds for the Christmas Lights
Please deliver to Mary Maskell or ring 01206 250524 if you would like me to collect. Or Jackie Plummer 01206 250158
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PCSO REPORT
Incidents PCSO Tasks Points of Interest. 26/03 St Marys Road Nuisance youths Fire. 27/03 Plough Road Sudden Death TRUCAM Speed gun Is now up and running in 28/03 Colchester Road sus circs. Tendring. Coordinates for Sites are being 31/03 A133 Attention to vehicle. allocated for Great Bentley and will be active 03/04 A120/A133 Attention to vehicle broken down on dangerous bend. shortly. Statistics show that hitting a pedestrian 04/04 Domestic. at 30mph there is 80% chance of survival. 04/04 A120/A133 Concern broken down no driver. Hitting a pedestrian at 40mph there is a 20% 04/04 A120/A133 concern/broken down. chance of survival. It speaks for itself, speed 06/04 Weeley Road Nuisance youths/ egging limits are in force for good reason. Please drive properties and vehicles. safely through the village. 06/04 – Shair Lane As above. 06/04 Weeley Road Nuisance as above. Considerate parking tickets issued this month 06/04 Weeley Road Nuisance as above. 6 tickets and 5 verbal warnings. 07/04 Sexual offence. 08/04 A120/A133 Highway disruption. 10/04 Missing person. A white van has been seen around the village 11/04 Plough Road School alarm. and other parts of Tendring, selling power tools 12/04 A120/A133 Highway disruption. door to door. If you have concerns and do not 13/04 A120/A133 Highway disruption. know who is at the door, do not open it. 17/04 Thorrington Road Info BT Openreach vans obstuction. Youths have been in the area again throwing 17/04 Threats. eggs and food relish over peoples vehicles and 18/04 Prevent breach of the peace. property. There are a lot of elderly and 18/04 Civil dispute/purchase of dog. vulnerable people in Great Bentley and this 20/04 Aingers Green Elderly concern. causes them worry and concern. This 20/04 Plough Road disturbance. Station Barriers stuck/workmen getting abuse. behaviour will not be tolerated. Myself and PC 21/04 Aingers Green Disturbance drunk male. Sam Harris are looking into this. Anyone caught 1/04 A120/A133 Highway disruption. will be dealt with robustly. 22/04 Domestic/disturbance. 3/04 A133 RTC. To report crime or suspicious activity ring 23/04 A120/A133 Attn to swerving/high speed Essex police on 101 vehicle. 23/04 Aingers Green Concern. PCSO Julia Brandon
Tel: 101 extension 440356
Crime reports email: [email protected] 31/03 Linnet way Theft of milk from Doorstep (This is the 2 nd time now) 03/04 Great Bentley malicious communications. 03/04 Great Bentley Harassment without violence. 04/04 Great Bentley Domestic abuse investigation. 06/04 Hall View Road Damage to MV. 05/04 Weeley Road Egg shells in Garden/nuisance. 07/04 Great Bentley Sexual assault. 17/04 Great Bentley Malicious comments. 17/04 Great Bentley Harassment. 21/04 Shair Lane newly planted Trees ripped out of ground and left on verge. 22/04 Great Bentley Assault without injury. 24/04 Great Bentley Harrassement without violence. DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Harvest Barn Dance, Village Hall
Saturday 13th October
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COOKERY NOTES
DEAD FLY PIE
This is sometimes the affectionate name for the humble Eccles Cake which has been around since the 1700s when a James Birch began to make and sell small raisin filled flat cakes at his shop in Eccles a Lancashire town. At about the same time a housekeeper at a large country mansion in Cheshire wrote a book of her recipes which became very popular, and included a recipe for “sweet patties” which contained ingredients similar to the modern Eccles Cake. However any possible connection between the book and Mr Birch has disappeared in the mists of time, and the credit for the invention sits firmly with him. Many British cakes and sweetmeats have their origins in religious festivals, and it is thought that these were made for the general public to enjoy at the feast day of Saint Mary in Eccles. They obviously became very popular and as early as 1818 they were being sold at all the local markets and fairs. Records show they were even being exported to the West Indies and America, which suggests that the recipe had good keeping qualities and in all probability contained spirits. No wonder the Puritans attempted to ban them! These small cakes are very rich and high in calories, often baked using a secret recipe, and are absolutely delicious when warmed slightly and accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee. However, eating an Eccles Cake can pose a serious risk, not only to the waistline but sometimes to your life! As recently as 2013 the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Team attended several kitchen fires caused by people warming their cakes overzealously in the microwave! Now the commercially produced Eccles Cakes come with a “Do not Microwave” warning. My sister in law used to make her own, very successfully, and this is the recipe she used. This will make about six.
You will need: 225g puff pastry
The filling 15g butter 55g soft light brown sugar 110g currants 30g chopped mixed peel ½tsp cinnamon ¼tsp freshly grated nutmeg zest ½ lemon ¼ tsp ground ginger 1tsp lemon juice The glaze 1 egg white caster sugar
Preheat the oven to 220c. Roll the pastry to a thickness of a 20p piece. Cut out six 5inch rounds, cover lightly and set aside to chill in the fridge. Melt the butter in a saucepan, stir in all the other filling ingredients, then leave to cool. At this stage you could add a little rum or brandy if you really want to be daring. When the mixture has cooled completely place a good teaspoon of filling in the centre of each pastry circle. Damp the edges of the pastry and press together in the centre, making a ball shape. Turn the balls over carefully and roll them lightly until the fruit just starts to show through the pastry. With a sharp knife make three parallel cuts on the top. Beat the egg white with a fork until it is frothy. Brush the top of the cakes with the frothy mixture and sprinkle with caster sugar. Place the cakes on a greased baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Beware the microwave!
M.E .
Contd from page 27 - Review of Agatha Crusty Isabella Vi Hill died a dramatic death when the others thought she was just showing how it should be done. I hope she wasn’t too bruised after three nights falling to the floor. The rest of the committee began to get nervous the murderer is here amongst us said Inspector Twigg. There was Fiona Heaton as Olivia with the plumy voice, Alice played by Catherine Peck, Maisie so quick to take umbrage by Jennie Moss. Who had the motive and the means? Who would solve the crime? Well of course it was Agatha who worked it all out. Agatha admirably played or underplayed by Pippa Drew with her calm sensible manner and clear delivery. I don’t think anyone guessed and I’m certainly not going to tell you you should have been there. Altogether a most satisfying performance great fun full of laughter just what we needed. Congratulations to Peter and everyone involved. Long may the Players continue.
Barbara Tricker
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YOUTH FOOTBALL
As the premier league has reached a conclusion our teams only have a few matches to play, the majority of these will be played by the successful under 16's who have a couple of league games to go in which they can still secure a second place finish. Aside from the league their focus will be on their two cup finals which after some excellent scheduling will be played over 1 weekend with a final on a Saturday afternoon with a second the following day. Obviously, this will be a challenge for even the best of teams, however, these boys have a history of winning leagues and cups so I wouldn't write them off. I'll let you know how they get on in next months notes. Our other finalists were the under 8's under the superb guidance of Steve Palmer, Tony Nash and Phil Rokorasei have seen them progress in their trophy event to the grand final. Now contradiction time means that these lads play in a "non competitive" league but have progressed to a final that means that they must have won somewhere along the line...... FA rules mean that I can't tell you what the score was however, I can say that the lads played an excellent game which was played in Wivenhoe's ground so gives them experience of playing in front of some "stands", I can also let you know that George Nash picked up the man of the match award. The whole club is proud of their achievement well done boys. The end of the season means that players will be rewarded for their work over the season at our awards evening which will be on the 23rd June in the club. We will once again say farewell to an under 18 team who have represented the club all the way through from under 8 (which was the youngest age group when they started) through to two years of under 18's. Neil tells me that there are six lads who have played for the club every season since then they are Ben Peace, Jimmy Whiting, Joey Whiting, John Curtis, Sam Young and Louie French the majority of these boys have also played for the men's team which is a great achievement and underlines what we were hoping to achieve when we started the youth section. It looks like we'll have a pretty healthy roster of teams for next season too which ideally will include an under 7 team however, we are still on the look out for a coach. Some good news on the volunteer recruitment front. It looks like we may well have found people who are prepared to volunteer as club secretary taking on the role from Peter Broomfield; Pete has been involved at the club for a long time now and continued to be secretary for the last couple of seasons when his son Harry was no longer involved with the club. Pete is a top bloke and has done a great job thanks Pete. We also think we have a coach prepared to take on the under 12's from Ian Morton hopefully, I'll be in a position to confirm this in my next set of notes. That doesn't mean that we have stopped looking for volunteers if you would like to get involved please let us know as there are plenty of jobs to be done and roles to be filled. Finally, our local Primary Schools Festival will be on the 9th June, we have had plenty of interest from schools approaching us to be involved which is great news thanks for getting all the schools the information and coordination that they need goes to Neil French, thanks again Neil. That's about it for now as I write this there are 30 days till the start of the World Cup. I wonder what I'll be doing this summer!
Thanks for reading, Scott
KENNY’S SESAW NEWS
Once again we received a warm welcome from visitors to our £1 Sale in Tiptree which raised £550 last month. My friend Pat had a very interesting conversation with the daughter of the original Cheap Shop owner and I made friends with Tiptree resident Cathy who realised I was gasping and produced a cup of tea just for me. Our thanks to all for your support including Perrywood Nursery and Tesco for supplying raffle prizes. If you are nearby, the volunteers are holding a Summer Sale at Newton Green Village Hall, CO10 0QY, on 2 nd June. Apart from the usual jewellery, collectables, DVDs, books, pet stall and raffle there will be a wide selection of nearly new prom and evening dresses and other ladies fashions and accessories. Doors open at midday, refreshments available, free parking, 50p adult admission. Looking ahead to July, please make a note of our Open Day and Fun Dog Show on Sunday 29 th , midday to 4pm. I’ve heard there will be a spinning demonstration and entertainment by a ukulele band, quality gift, craft and plant stalls and lots of yummy homemade cakes. We would be really grateful for some top class raffle prizes, if you have anything suitable please leave a message on the ansaphone to arrange collection. Must go now, the sun is shining, the people have all gone home and we are free to run in the garden. Time for a game of chase with my canine pals and of course the winner must be me, Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua. Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare, Reg.Charity No.1124029, Stoke Road, Leavenheath, CO6 4PP. Tel: 01787 210888 www.sesaw.co.uk
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It’s Carnival & Fete Time!
Well, have you all got 30 th June 2018 in your diaries? It’s going to be a fantastic day for all the family.
There will be a variety of entertainment to suit all tastes. On stage there will be artists playing, so feel free to have a boogie.
• The Last Gunfighter If Johnny Cash, Kip Moore and Brad Paisley are your sort of music come and see the Last Gunfighter on the Arena stage. • ManiXL Back by popular demand, the guys from last year’s carnival are returning. Listen to familiar tunes from bands such as ACDC, Kings of Leon and Iron Maiden. • Harmless crossfire are an up and coming band, with members aged 11 – 18 years old; playing a range of cover songs from artists such as Amy Winehouse, Lissie and Green Day. • The Chocolate Fireguard an authentic sounding seventies nostalgia band, who perform music of the genre in the manner in which it was intended. • Esme Stovell is a young lady local to the area, who sings popular covers. 20+ stalls As well as the regular & popular returning stalls, there will be some new ones. Jasmine Store, Vegan Trucks, A & J Sweets, Slush Van, Ta Dah, Woodturner and Great Bentley Christmas Lights fundraising stall. Silent Auction 18 confirmed donations so far, with more on their way; Exciting Yacht Cruise, donated by George Wright Farms, Get your caravan cleaned ready for Summer holidays, Enjoy a meal or two, Theatre tickets, Pier tickets, Children’s Cricket Club membership for a year with coaching, are amongst a few of the generous donations from local companies and individuals. Happy bidding! Procession route The Procession Entrants should meet at the Plough Road Business centre at 11.15, judging will begin at 11.30. We then set off at 12.30. Buckets for the street collection will be available, but please feel free to bring smaller buckets for your little ones.
Road closures will be between 12.30 – 13.30 This will effect Plough Road starting at Keeble Court to Thorrington Road. Thorrington and Weeley Roads between De Vere Estate and the end of the green. Heckford's Road from Moors Close to Thorrington Road. Access into the village, via vehicle, during this time will be prohibited. (Except emergency vehicles) Exiting the village during this time will also be limited especially from the Birch Avenue area and if absolutely necessary should be made via Weeley Road on to Swallows Row or Tye Road. Let us not forget the purpose of the Carnival and Fete, to raise much needed funds for our local youth clubs and organisations. Hope you all have a great day.
PLEASE NOTE The Parish Magazine is available on the Parish Council website If you do not wish your information to be published on the website please let us know when you submit your article. Thank you.
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The Corbeau Seats Rally Tendring and Clacton on 22nd April was a milestone event as the very first event in England to utilise the new closed roads legislation to allow such events to take place. Chelmsford Motor Club was delighted to receive the support of Tendring District Council and local communities to bring this milestone event to the Clacton and Tendring area. The recent coverage of the event on Motorsport TV had fantastic images of the coast, villages and countryside bathed in sunshine on a glorious weekend. It also showed, through pictures and the words of competitors, the fantastic reception the event received as it passed through the area. Indeed, it was the crowds of people at the roadside, smiling and waving, that had the biggest effect on the crews. During the event Tendring District Council estimated over 6,000 people watched the rally in Clacton and the surrounding countryside and local businesses reported a valuable boost to trade. It was striking how the event and communities worked together to make the event a success and the rally organisers were very grateful for the support received from those along the route and for the cooperation received. Talking to people in advance and providing information in the Residents Rally Handbooks and engagement with the various Resident Liaison Personnel beforehand and during the event worked well. There were over 500 volunteers working on the event and it was gratifying to hear feedback from local people about how professionally the event was organised and how helpful the marshals were. This was reciprocated by residents, with marshals being offered drinks by local people and in one case they were, during a rest break, even offered barbeque food from a garden. The rally itself saw a fantastic variety of cars take part, including the eventual winners Melvyn Evans and Sean Hayde in their Subaru Impreza, who won by just 12.5 seconds, after 15 special stages, from Hugh Hunter and Rob Fagg in a Ford Fiesta WRC. Winner Melvyn Evans said “This has been a brilliant day and to win the first closed road event in England was very special for us. The spectators were amazing and with the event running like clockwork the organisers did an incredible job. Let’s hope this is the start of a new era for rallying”. However the final reflections really belong to local residents who posted amazing reviews on the event’s Facebook page. They overwhelmingly found it to be a fantastic, memorable, family friendly weekend and would love to see it return in 2019. The organisers are working to try and make this happen, so look out for news about a date for next year to put in your diary.
To share your experiences of this year’s event and give your feedback directly to Tony Clements, the Event Director, please come to the Parish Council meeting at 7.30pm on Thursday 5th July at the Michael Wright Room in the Village Hall. Public speaking is at the beginning and end of the meeting. If you can’t attend, please contribute your comments by letter or email through the Parish Clerk.
Thank you from the rally organisers for being a core part of such a memorable weekend.
Easter Charity Ball On 24 th March 2018, I had the pleasure of hosting 215 guests at our Easter Charity ball in aid of the Colchester Hospital’s Neonatal Unit. The event took just under 12 months to plan and it is with thanks to my wonderful committee of friends who made this possible. We were incredibly lucky to have the support of so many local businesses and events teams to make the event a night to remember. I’d like to thank Dreamwave Events, of Little Bentley, who were our main sponsor. They created the most beautiful setting for the ball and helped the event run so smoothly with their sound, visual and DJ support. Embellish Events also provided the soft furnishings for our décor and the room was full of beautiful spring colours. The committee worked tirelessly during the evening to sell raffle tickets, along with the fabulous Mary Maskell, who gave up her time to support us in this mammoth task. Before we even sat down for dinner, our raffle bags were bursting with cash and we knew we were set for a successful evening. Our live auction was also a huge success and the total amount raised by this alone was £3,900. Guests were most certainly in the party mood and once the auction was over, they were able to dance the night away to our fabulous live band, The Hot Shots. I am so excited to announce that our grand total raised is £15,008. These funds will be donated directly to the Neonatal Unit and be put towards the purchase of a new Baby Leo incubator. All four of my daughters were born prematurely and received care from the unit and this is our way of thanking them for everything they have done for us.
Emma Blowers
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FOOTBALL CLUB NOTES
Results and Fixtures 2017 2018 Leading Scorer: 1st team Connor Jones Border League Division 1: 2nd team Dave Gallant Vets Keith Young Sat 5th May Away Tiptree Jobserve 3 2 Players’ Player of the Year: Border Leage Division 3: 1st team Aran Yarwood 2nd team Grant Donaldson Tues 1st May Home Great Clacton (Friendly) Vets Neil French 4 1 Managers Player of the Year: Wed 9th May Home Old Memorial Services 1st team Jack Burch (Friendly) 4 1 2nd team Ryan McMahon Vets Mark Gridley North Essex Veterans League: Young Player of the Year: Thurs 24th May Away F.C. Clacton Vets 1st team Aaron Clifton (League Cup Final at 2nd team Ryan McMahon Rush green Bowl 7.30pm) Supporters Player of the Year: Unbeaten in Division One Aran Yarwood
After recovering from a 2 0 deficit to win at Tiptree Clubman of the Year: Jobserve, the first team became the first side in the Tim Tricker club’s 122 year history to go through a season unbeaten. This is no mean feat at any level of Chairman’s Cyril Buckle Award for person(s) who football, but it also meant that we were the highest made the biggest contribution to the club: ranked Essex team to finish the 2017 18 season Peter Everett and James Meadows. without suffering a league defeat. Many congratulations to manager, James Meadows and Neil French presented his collection of Alternative his players. Awards as follows:
The Reserves finished the season with a flourish, Worst Haircut: retaining his trophy despite strong and were able to blood a number of youth players in competition Tim Tricker. a handful of friendlies against adult sides. Several Anthony Joshua Award: for wading in with a series of good results here gave the reserves’ season a very haymakers to “protect his son” David Gray. positive conclusion, which managers, Richie Herbert Just the 2 Of Us Award: for blossoming young and Gordon Lawrence will hope to carry into the romance Tom and Archie. new season. Wish You Were Here Award: for most extravagant number of holidays in one season Richie Herbert. The Veterans will have wrapped up their season Always Injured Award: for playing through the pain with a league cup final by the time the magazine barrier Matt Hardwick. goes to print. A good top half finish in the league Plastic Crutch Award: for breaking leg in two places coupled with a cup final appearance has given before game started Gaz Evans. manager, Graham McCormick’s side a terrific end to their campaign. 5 a side tournament takes place on Carnival Day, Saturday 30th June, starting at 10am on the Green. Given such an upbeat end to the season, it was to Anyone interested in entering a team should contact be expected that the Dinner/Dance Awards Night chairman, Andy Walker on 252478. The clubhouse would be a fairly lively affair. And so it was, this bar will be open all day, and our BBQ team will be year at the Colne Yacht Club on Brightlingsea Hard. serving the best burgers in town. The wonderful waterside view was matched by a lovely meal and a joyous celebratory evening, at Lucky Team Winner May: which the managers handed out the following awards: C. Payne (Coventry City) £25
Kitfinder General.
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DIARY FOR JUNE
Fri 1st COFFEE MORNING, Methodist Church, 10am Sat 2nd/Sun 3rd HARKERS YARD ROWING CHAMPIONSHIP, Brightlingsea, see p, 13 Sun 3rd COGGESHALL’S OPEN GARDENS, 2-6pm Mon 4th SUPPORT IN LOSS, Parish Hall, followed by lunch at Hill Top. Tues 5th BENTLEY GREEN LADIES CLUB, Village Hall, 7.30pm Thurs 7th PARISH COUNCIL MEETING, 7pm Planning, 7.30pm Meeting Sat 9th ALLOTMENT HOLDERS VEGETABLE STALL, 10am Sun 10th WEELEY FETE, Weeley Village Hall & Playing field 12 noon – 3.30 Tues 12th ART CLUB, Green Island Gardens Thurs 14th GT BENTLEY YOUTH CLUB, Methodist Church, 7pm Thurs 14th HISTORY SOCIETY, Village Hall, 7.30pm Fri 15th MAGAZINE DEADLINE
Sat 16th LITTER PICK, Meet at New May House, 10am Sun 17th GARDEN CLUB Trip to Beales Rose Festival Tues 19th MESSY CHURCH, Methodist Church, after school Thurs 21st PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP, 6.30pm, Village Hall Fri 22nd MAGAZINE COLLATING, Parish Hall, (Vestry Room) 9am Sat 23rd YOUTH FOOTBALL AWARDS Sat 23rd ALLOTMENT HOLDERS VEGETABLE STALL, 10am Sun 24th OPEN ACTIVITY DAY at Cockaynes Wood Nature Reserve, Alresford, 11-4pm Tues 26th ‘KNIT & NATTER’, Parish Hall, (Vestry Room) 2-3.30pm Tues 26th ART CLUB, Gt Bentley Allotments Tues 26th GT BENTLEY GOOD NEIGHBOURS, AGM, Village Hall 7.30pm Wed 27th THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB, Village Hall Sat 30th GREAT BENTLEY CARNIVAL, 12.30. Sat 30th/Sun 1st July FLOWER FESTIVAL, Thorrington Church, 11-4pm
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