July - Great Bentley

1
Village Information
St Mary’s Church
VICAR:
Rev Sharon Miles
The Vicarage, The Bury, St Osyth,
CO16 8NY
01255 822055
CHURCHWARDEN
Wendy King
17 Larkfield Road - 01206 250852
CHURCHWARDEN:
Wendy Smith
Burnside, The Green - 01206 250098
TREASURER:
Penny Evans Jones
The Old Rectory, The Green - 01206 250541
[email protected]
CHURCH VERGER:
Rita Baverstock
Stonybroke, Station Road - 01206 251271
LAY READER:
Wendy King
17 Larkfield Road - 01206 250852
PCC SECRETARY:
Chris Aplin
Newmay House, The Green - 01206 250385
STEWARDSHIP SECRETARY:
Rosemary Branch
4 Wents Close - 01206 250137
TOWER CAPTAIN:
Roger Carey-Smith - 01206 250521
SUNDAY SCHOOL:
Linda Hayes
Ivy Lodge, Frating - 01206 250207
Maria Pagram
The Burrow, Plough Road - 01206 250280
METHODIST MINISTER
Rev Crawford Logan 37 Southcliff Park, Clacton on Sea,
CO15 6HH - 01255 423640
DOCTOR’S SURGERY:
Drs F. Bhatti, R.S. O’Reilly, A. Nambi, K. Chumbley,
S. Rokkam, B. Muir and G. Pontikis.
The Hollies, The Green - 01206 250691
CHIROPODIST:
Terry St George - 01255 861387: Mobile: 07775 833200
POLICE:
Clacton 0300 333 4444
24 hour Non emergency number 101
In an emergency ring 999
PCSO Louise Cox, Community mobile 07801 316876
or 101 ext. 487703. email: [email protected]
PARISH COUNCIL:
Chairman - Jonathan Hills,Grange Farm, Heckfords Rd,
CO78RR - 01206 798666
Clerk to the Council - Kevin Harkin
Correspondence to: The Clerk, Community Resource Centre,
Village Hall, Plough Road, Great Bentley, CO7 8LD
Telephone - 01206 256410
TENDRING DISTRICT COUNCILLOR:
Lynda McWilliams, Boblyn, St Mary’s Road, Aingers Green 01206 250732
COUNTY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE:
Alan Goggin, Freshfields, Church Road,
Brightlingsea, CO7 OQT 01206 308023 Mobile: 07860 519117
email: [email protected]
GOOD NEIGHBOURS TRANSPORT:
Barbara Fookes - 01206 250431
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:
Richard Nowak - 01206 250204
MEDICAL AIDS:
Sylvia Adams 01206 250160
TENDRING FURNITURE SCHEME:
Rocket House, Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, Clacton:
01255 476068
VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS:
Shelley Pizzey, 5 Keeble Court – 01206 252385
VILLAGE HALL DAYTIME KEYHOLDER:
Bob Newman 001206 251433
METHODIST HALL BOOKINGS:
Robert & Janet Taylor, Dominica, Moors Close - 01206 250087
GT BENTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL: - 01206 250331
VESTRY ROOM BOOKING SECRETARY:
Carole Allington
Poplar House, Station Road - 01206 251086
or ring Church Verger
COLNE COMMUNITY SCHOOL: - 01206 303511
VILLAGE HISTORY RECORDER:
Heather Taylor, Granville, Plough Road - 01206 251004
COLCHESTER HOSPITALS: 01206 747474
PARISH MAGAZINE EDITOR/ADVERTISING/
DISTRIBUTOR:
Mary Maskell
Caldew Cottage, The Green
01206 250524
[email protected]
Carole Allington
[email protected]
CLACTON & DISTRICT HOSPITAL: 01255 201717
FOOTPATH REP: David Gollifer 01206 250309
DONATIONS FOR ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE:
Judy & Alan Bishop - 5 Morella Close, 01206 251702
VILLAGE TRANSPORT REP: Peter Harry - 01206 250511
VILLAGE CORRESPONDENT:
Sue Gibson, 1 Cedar Way, e-mail: [email protected]
VILLAGE CARETAKER:
Bobby McWilliams, Boblyn, St Mary’s Rd, Aingers Green
2 01206 250732
EDITORIAL
First of all an apology which may or may not be applicable to your
magazine. Our colour printer has been playing up and there could be
poor quality reproduction of Peter Allington’s action shot. The new part for
the printer will not arrive in time to reprint the covers but normal service
will be resumed as soon as possible FF we hope.
We have new advertisers (including a painter who does exteriors) this
month, on page U. Please if you are using any of our excellent
businesses/tradesmen, tell them that you have seen their advert in Great
Bentley Parish News. Thank you. Just 1 spaces left now for 2015.
2015
CONTENTS
Editorial
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Lots going on and we do so hope that some real summer weather will
arrive to help events proceed. (Yes, of course I realise that we need some
rain overnight, too). Many of you will receive this edition on the eve of
Carnival Day which we hope is blessed with some warm sunshine and a
distinct lack of rain. There will be road closures, see page 5. Running
Club will be hosting a race on Friday 3rd July in the early evening which
again will involve a short closure on Plough Road in the early evening.
Monthly Letters..
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Church Services
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3
Church Rotas
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4
Thank You/Congratulations. ..
5
Deadline
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9
On 8th July a small group of villagers will be heading to Writtle (hoping not
to get lost for the third year in succession) to hear how we have fared in
this years Best Kept Village Competition. Fingers crossed.
Good Neighbours report
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Friends of the Green ..
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12
Peter’s Potterings
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13
We have a very interesting article from Wildlives this month highlighting
the desperate plight of our beloved hedgehogs. Maybe you can help in a
small way by supplying relevant food or small gaps to neighbours gardens
to let our faithful mammal expand its foraging range. It truly is the
gardeners friend devouring slugs and bugs.
Surgery News..
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14
Pet’s Corner ..
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15
Wildlives
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16
Running Club ..
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17
History Society
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18
Quiz
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20
Clubs & Organisations
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21
Children’s Page
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22
Farming Diaries
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23
Pre-School
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24
District Councillor Notes
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26
School ..
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28
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29/30.
Thank you to everyone for the information and write-ups featured but we
can always do with some more, please. David Bain’s Nature Notes
highlight the importance of flora and we of course are blessed with our
“heather patch” on the green. An almost unique area of heathy acid
grassland with its itinerant flora. It is situated between the Methodist
church and Wents Close/The Path. Definitely worth a look.
Planning issues feature highly at this moment in time. There will be an
important PUBLIC MEETING on 29th June at the Village Hall, see page
27. We are certainly facing difficult times ahead if we wish to remain a
village and not a suburb of the nearest town.
HELP IS REQUIRED with collating and stapling the magazine and details
are included in the diary on the back inside cover. PLEASE can you help
us?
Don’t be shy. The Great Bentley Bake Off takes place on 4th July.
Lizzie Bodmer, aged 16 has organised this event to repay the kindness
bestowed on her when she was recovering from leukaemia. Entry form
and full details on page 19 and 25. She deserves our support. Just think
of it as a practice run for the Village Show. In the afternoon you can take
a look and sample the entries. Monetary donations can also be made and
there will be a raffle and handmade cards etc on sale. You can read just
how much one of these “wishes” can make on page 19.
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Police News ..
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Chairman’s Report
Cricket..
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32
Parish Council
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35
Football
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38
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FRONT COVER
Aviva Women’s
Cycle Tour
passing through
Great Bentley
Mary Maskell
DISCLAIMER
Neither the Church Wardens, Parochial Church Council, nor the Editor take responsibility for the information given or
views expressed in the Great Bentley Parish News. Nor is any culpability accepted in work undertaken by advertisers.
3
The Monthly Letter July 2015
We have just been lucky enough to have some warm sunny weather and it has made me start to
think about summer. I have in my head the idea of hot sunny days followed by warm evenings sitting
out in the garden relaxing!
A lovely image but as we all know, things (especially the weather) do not always go the way we
hope.
However, whether it’s hot or not summer does usually mean a change in pace and often the
opportunity to take some time out. Whether it is a few days where you are able to set your own
timetable or a couple of weeks away with the family – do make sure that you get some space to
charge up the batteries and be re-energized. I know that for some people it may not include slowing
down but simply doing something different. Whatever it is for you – Enjoy!
I do also want to wish all those who are moving on from year 6, a great last few weeks at school.
Make the most of all that you will be doing with your classmates and be ready to have a fantastic
time in year 7 wherever that may be.
Every Blessing
Revd Sharon
From the Parish Registers
Baptisms
24th May
Mitchell Gardiner
31st May
Faith Grace Greenfield
Weddings
19th June
Stephen Palmer and Danielle Shaw
Funerals
17th June
Rosemary Pegg
18th June
Irene Bennett
CHURCH REPAIRS
ST MARY’S CHURCH
St Mary’s Church will be CLOSED from Monday 6th July
until further notice for repair work on the walls inside.
Church services will be held as usual in the Vestry Room during this period.
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CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS IN
GREAT BENTLEY DURING JULY
ST MARY’S CHURCH
Mon 6th
METHODIST
10am Support in Loss Session,
Vestry Room
CHURCH NEWS
Sung Eucharist & Sunday School
We welcome you to worship with us during July.
Morning worship will be held at 10.00am unless
otherwise stated.
3pm Baptism
The leaders of worship are set out below:-
Mon 6th
CHURCH REPAIRS START
Tues 7th
2pm Bible Study in the Vestry Room
July 5th
July 12th
July 19th
July 26th
SUNDAY 5th July - Trinity 5
9.30am
SUNDAY 12th July - Trinity 6
9.30am
Rev Crawford Logan - Flower Festival
Rev Charles Martin
Nick Scott
Rev John Allison - Sacrament
Membership service Four new members were
welcomed into our Church by Rev Crawford Logan
during a special service in June.
Family Eucharist
Events in July
SUNDAY 19th July - Trinity 7
9.30am
Sung Eucharist
Fri 24th
9am Magazine collating
Tues 21st 2pm Bible Study in the Vestry Room
SUNDAY 26th July - Trinity 8
8.00am
Holy Communion
9.30am
Family Service
PLEASE NOTE
ALL CHURCH
SERVICES
WILL BE HELD
IN THE VESTRY ROOM
FROM SUNDAY 12th JULY
AND DURING AUGUST
WHILST MAINTENANCE
WORK IS BEING
CARRIED OUT IN
THE CHURCH
Flower Festival This will be held on the 4th and 5th July
we look forward to welcoming you during the weekend.
See other advert on page 23 in this magazine.
Firebike Training this will be held on Wednesday 1st
July at 8pm (repeated 5th August). All bikers and drivers
welcome. Talk with supporting films given by Fire
Service Safety Officer.
Coffee morning No coffee morning this month due to
Flower Festival. Our next Coffee morning will be in
September.
Adventurers Club. On holiday.
Cameo 6th July 6.30pm our annual outing to Johnny
Mac’s Plaice for a fish and chip supper.
Luncheon Club 7th and 21st July
If you would like to come along to the Luncheon Club
please ring 251330 and talk to Brenda. Come and see if
you enjoy the meal and company before you commit
yourself to coming each time. Transport can be
arranged to help those unable to get to the Methodist
Church.
Messy Church
September
Our next Messy Church will be in
Each week the following events are held at our
Church. Ring these numbers for more information
Luncheon Club Alternate Tuesdays 12 Noon 251330
Parent & Toddlers Group Thursdays 9-15 a.m. 250431
Closed in school holidays
Adventurers
Fridays 7 p.m. 250087. For children in
school year 3 and older. Closed in school holidays.
Village Teen Youth Club restarts in September.
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ST MARY’S CHURCH
JULY PRAYER LIST
SIDESPERSONS ROTA
Each day we will be praying for those that need help,
those who give help and all the people who live in each
road. That’s a lot of praying to be done.
Sunday 5th July - Trinity 5
2 Samuel 5.1-5,9-10: 2 Cor. 12.2-10: Mark 6.1-13:
Sidespersons & Readers - Zonia Wood &
Hilary Harris
Intercessions
- Jackie Thimbleby
1
2
Doctors
Woodgreen Estate
3
Children injured on
The rollercoaster ride
The lonely
St Mary’s Road
Messy Church
Flagship Park
Housebound
Station Road
St Helena’s Hospice
George Mitchell Close
The vicar
Hill Cottages
The grieving
South Heath Road
Churchwardens
Chapel Terrace
Methodist Minister
Cedar Way
The sick
Birch Avenue
Church Sunday School
Sunday 12th July - Trinity 6
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
2 Samuel 6.1-5:,12b-19: Eph. 1.3-14: Mark 6.14-29:
Sidespersons
-
Intercessions
-
Pat Nunn &
Eve Hickley
Sally Day
Sunday 19th July - Trinity 7
2 Samuel 7.1-14a: Eph. 1.11-end: Mark t6.30-34,53-end:
Sidespersons & Readers - Carole & Peter Allington
Intercessions
- Wendy King
Sunday 26th July - Trinity 8
2 Samuel 11.1-15: Eph. 3.14-end: John 6.1-21:
Sidespersons
Intercessions
-
Nicky Justice
Yvonne Gibson
COFFEE ROTA
5th
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Nadine & David McKinlay
12th Pat Nunn & Eve Hickley
19th Janet Strutt
26th Stephanie Sadler & Maria Pagram
Air Ambulance
Blind & Partially
Sighted
Beacon House
St John Ambulance
Salvation Army
Hamilton Lodge
Farmers
Explorer Scouts
Macmillan Nurses
Action for Children
R.A.D. for the deaf
Wildlives
Samaritans
1st Gt Bentley Scouts
Parent Line
Clacton Soup Run
Children’s Hospice
Luncheon Club
Girl Guides
Parent & Toddlers
Premature babies
Essex Voluntary
Association for the
Blind
Cherrywoods
Fair Trade
The homeless
Trefoil Guild
Finch Drive
First Responders
Church Stewards
Victim Support
De Vere Estate
Open Road
Adventurer’s Club
District Nurses
Goodwyn’s Mews
Local Food Bank
The abused
Beaver Club
British Heart Foundation Primary School
St Mary’s Churchyard
Would you like to help maintain our lovely Churchyard by making a donation towards its upkeep? It costs over
£2,000 a year for mowing, strimming, tree work etc. Some people just like to sit in the peace and quiet, or walk
through with their dogs or visit the graves and cremation stones of their loved ones. Others may be
researching family history or watching the wildlife. We all enjoy this wonderful green space for many diverse
reasons.
We would be grateful for your help. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Gt Bentley PCC’ or you can donate
cash. Cheques and cash can be put through my door, or you can ring me if you wish to know more.
Thank you
Rita Baverstock (Verger)
Stonybroke
Station Road
Gt Bentley
CO7 8LH
Tel: 01206 251271
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CHRISTIAN AID
A total of £165.00 has been donated to Christian Aid
this year made up of donations and £64.40 was
raised at the Grand Garage Sale.
Many thanks to anyone who has contributed in
any way towards this worth cause.
Firstly we must make mention of two separate
donations of dog food, sundries and bedding
thoughtfully brought to us following the sadness of
saying goodbye to a beloved pet. That we were
thought of so quickly is a testament as to how kind
people are in our village ensuring other dogs not so
fortunate as those they have lost will benefit. We
understand the void it leaves in your life and
empathise with your feelings of loss. Our dear ladies
who knit continue in earnest to create all manner of
colourful intricate handiwork and also we must
include those who crochet. They are particularly
welcome at this time of year when the kitten
population explodes. We took some to Brenda where
evidence of the aforesaid explosion was abundant!
Brenda was trying to eat a late breakfast of porridge
on ‘the hoof’ in between providing 2 hourly feeds for
some very young and sickly kitties rescued from
under a shed, born of a feral mother they were
surprisingly not too ‘spitty’ when we handled themF
little darlings. Brenda will endeavour to trap their
mother and get her spayed. If anyone has facilities to
accommodate feral cats i.e. out buildings, barns etc.,
there is a great need, they will just require access to
some shelter and food on a regular basis, please
contact us. The National Animal Welfare Trust in
Little Clacton is similarly inundated with mother and
kittens or pregnant cats who will all need good new
homes. They had their Open Day and Fun Dog
Show on Sunday 7th June and this helped to raise
some much needed funds. They were thrilled with
the knitted blankets which we took along with other
bedding and towels, they really are a lovely well
organised group of staff and volunteers. We will be
grateful for donations of pet food, blankets, sheets,
fleeces, throws, towels, tea towels but we are unable
to accept duvets, pillows or cushions. We will ensure
they get to where they are most needed and spread
some cheer as we do so. Our sincere thanks as ever
for your continued support.
Maria Pagram
MOONWALK BREAST CANCER
We would like to thank everyone who has supported
us so generously with our fund raising at The Plough
Inn. £1,1105.50 was raised at the Quiz Night and
£60.16 was donated via the Pink Pot.
We have raised a further £1,312.84 making a
grand total of £2,478.50.
Thank you to everyone.
Sam, Kelly, Deborah and Nicola
The Bentley Girls
Apologies for omitting this birthday
greeting in the June edition
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
21st June
A very happy 50th Birthday
to
CLARE WHITE
Have a lovely day.
All our love,
Mum and Dad
Sharon and Phil
Kyle and Lauren
Dale, Laura and Frankie
Judy & Alan Bishop, 5 Morella Close. 251702
GREAT BENTLEY CARNIVAL
SATURDAY 27th JUNE
PROCESSION STARTS 12.30
ROAD CLOSURES
Reminder that the road will be closed between
approximately 12.15 and 1.30pm
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Buy tickets At Carpenter’s Farm
THE GREAT BENTLEY RETREAT
We have moved to new premises which are
on the ground floor and are much bigger, with
disabled access.
We’re so lucky to have such a wonderful client
base who have been so supportive over the
years since we started out in a little bungalow!
We will soon be offering an over 70’s discount
day once a month too.
Our new address is 5,6 and 7 Beaver House,
Plough Road, Great Bentley, CO7 8LG.
Emma
at the Great Bentley Retreat.
BADMINTON PLAYERS
WANTED
Come and join us on Tuesday evenings
between 8pm and 10pm in Great Bentley
Village Hall, Plough Road. (Next to the railway
station). We do have spare racquets if
required and if it is a while since you have
played come and give it a go, however no
beginners please.
For further information please contact Jo Day
on 01206 250452.
FOR SALE
Free standing galvanised
Scaffold Tower
2 levels with scaffold boards
Height approximately 9 feet
Any reasonable offer accepted
Julia Cottee
01255 830345
DEADLINE FOR THE
AUGUST
2015 magazine
Monday 13th July 2015
Material to Mary Maskell, Caldew Cottage, The Green, 250524
Please mark all material - “Parish Magazine”
email: [email protected]
AND
[email protected]
IMPORTANT - PLEASE SEND ALL INFORMATION TO BOTH OF US
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KENNY’S SESAW NEWS
A Few Facts about the Church Bells
and their Maintenance
Important announcement!
This is your official
invitation to the SESAW Open Day, Fete and Fun
Dog Show at midday on 26th July. We look forward
to meeting old and new friends – particularly exSESAW dogs!
There will be displays by ACE
Agility, doggy games and 13 classes including a
special one for our re-homed canines.
Our
volunteers love to see how the dogs are progressing,
what better time for a get-together and photos?
Mum says I must also mention the stalls,
games, competitions, wildlife corner, BBQ,
homemade food, ice cream van, bouncy castle and
music from “Jazz Galore”. Visitors will also see the
animals awaiting homes and view entries to our
Facebook Photo Competition. All this in just four
hours, whatever the weather as most of it will be
under marquees and gazeboes.
Over £450 was raised at our Bank Holiday
Garage Sale which was more like a social occasion,
thanks to all the lovely people who attended. More
events are planned for the Autumn including a big
sale at Great Bentley Village Hall on 25th
October. I’ll tell you about them next month and
about the animals for re-homing. Currently Mum is
busy feeding the annual influx of wildlife casualties
and last week two litters of kittens were born.
After all the painting, repairing and hammering
in the garden it is time for me to inspect the Open
Day preparations. They have made a good job of
the fencing but I know there is still a space that a few
can get through, including me, Kenny (the Boss)
Chihuahua!
Stoke Road, Leavenheath, CO6 4PP.
Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare,
Reg.Charity No.1124029.
Tel: 01787 210888 www.sesaw.co.uk
Churches are historical buildings, many dating back
hundreds of years, and require a lot of maintenance
and TLC, both inside and out. The bells are no
exception requiring monthly inspections and have
their own programme of regular maintenance.
The age of the bells varies, the oldest one being
manufactured in 1697 & the newest being
manufactured and installed in 1897. The original ring
of 5 bells was upgraded to 6 in 1890 and then to 8 in
1897. The bells were re-installed as a ring of 8 on
their current wooden frame in 1938. Such ancient
artefacts require respect and must be carefully
looked after.
Traditionally, church bell ringing groups carry out
their own maintenance, and sometimes appoint a
‘Steeple Keeper’ from amongst their members. In our
case, it is Mandy Miles who has this role.
As Steeple Keeper, Mandy oils the bearings, which
allow the bells to swing when being rung, using
castor oil. Castor oil is used as it is the purest type
available to the general public, and, because the
bearings are oiled once a month is less likely to
damage or corrode the metal than perhaps motor oil.
By oiling the moving parts, it ensures that the bells
will rotate freely and ensure that no damage
happens to the bearings. The pulleys and clappers
also need to be regularly oiled.
The ropes we use are either made of hemp or, as in
the case of the newer ones, made of a combination
of hemp with the top part being nylon. Like a lot of
natural products, seasonal changes can occur to the
ropes, which in the case of hemp ones, causes a
slight lengthening in summer and contraction as the
weather becomes damp and colder in the autumn.
When this happens, the ropes need to be adjusted
slightly, another job which Mandy carries out twice a
year.
We cherish the bells and are keen to ensure that
they are looked after and maintained correctly so
that they can continue to call out to the village for
hundreds more years.
If you are interested in church bell ringing, would like
more information or would like to learn or just ‘have a
go’, then please either come to one of our practice
nights on a Monday from 19.30 – 21.00, or contact
me on the number below.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Congratulations to Sylvia Young
who was 103 on 22nd June.
Roger Carey-Smith
01206 250521
Sylvia now lives at ‘Cheviots’ in Colchester
after moving from Moors Close.
She receives the magazine each month and enjoys
reading this and keeping up with all the village news.
9
ISABELLE’S TRIP TO LAPLAND
Spare a thought
On December 2nd I got up as usual to go to school.
When I arrived downstairs daddy was still at home!
On the dining table was some sparkling Christmas
lights, and two sheets of paper with a lot of writing. I
was then told I would not be going to school that day
instead Make a Wish charity, had granted me a wish
to go to Lapland to see Father Christmas! I was so
excited and really could not believe it was true. Yes,
mummy, daddy and I were going to fly to Lapland
for five days.
We flew from Gatwick, the whole plane was
full of mummies, daddies and children all very noisy
and very excited. We were entertained on the
journey by the crew, even the pilot dressed up as
Father Christmas and came to see us all!
When we arrived at Lapland we had to go into
a large barn to collect our cold weather clothes. We
went by coach to our hotel, we could not believe how
beautiful it was. Sparkling lights everywhere,
Christmas trees decorated and so much snow.
After a good nights’ sleep we were ready for
activities arranged for us, everyday was fun, fun, fun.
We met Father Christmas’ elves, Speedy, Tricky
Dickey, Jelly Bean, Gertie to name a few. During our
stay we rode in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer, a fast
ride in another sleigh pulled by six huskies,
tobogganing, snow mobiles. Another day we had to
search for Santa, we all had clues to go into the
woods to find his house. We eventually found it! Mrs
Claus was in the house, she said Father Christmas
has been expecting me! The bookcase moved back,
we went down the wooden stairs and into a room,
there sat Father Christmas!!! I could hardly speak,
he said he had been expecting me and had my letter
in his hand! We had a chat with him, he knew I had
been poorly and gave me a gift, all the boys and girls
had presents.
Soon it was time to leave Lapland, after a
wonderful time, a dream come true. As we were
travelling in the coach Mrs Claus and Father
Christmas came out of the woods to wave us
goodbye. This was a trip I will never forget.
Daddy and his friends had raised money
doing a sponsored walk for Make a Wish to help
other boys and girls who have been poorly.
Starlight, is another such charity, Lizzie Bodmer is
fundraising for this charity. Like me, Lizzie had
leukaemia and now wants to help others. Please
help her ....... I am giving her my saved pocket
money. GOOD LUCK LIZZIE.
I was reminded recently just how hard it must be at
times to sit as a Parish Councillor. A target for
criticism, someone to blame for problems within the
village, someone else to take responsibility while we
choose not to, someone to point the finger at when
things go pear-shaped, someone to take up an issue
on our behalfFFF..the list could go on. And all
that hassle for no pay, the only reward being the
knowledge that they are doing the very best possible
for Great Bentley and all who live here. And my
word, how difficult it is trying to be all things to all
people!
So spare a thought for the parish councillors
who are, don’t forget, just ordinary folks like you and
I but folks doing a time consuming and difficult job on
behalf of us all. For who would do this work if they
didn’t?
Ken Drew
Great Bentley Wine Tasting Group
For further details please contact Colin and Roni on
01206 252157 or e mail [email protected]
The wine tasting group established in August
2012 continues to hold enjoyable and informative
evenings. For details please contact the above.
The following wine comes highly recommended for
you to try and is perfect for drinking now;
Touraine Puzelet 2014 Available from Buon Vino
Settle at £12.95 (you can order this on line)
Forget your supermarket Sauvignon Blanc this is by
far the most delicious and gorgeous Sauvignon you
could hope to find and its organic as well.
Dessert Semillon Riverina de Bartoli 2009 Tesco
£6.79
This is generous, rich and fruity and is a real bargain.
It has flavours of ripe apricot and peaches, with a lick
of fragrant honey and lemon acidity.
Each month we taste between 6 and 10 wines from
£3.99 to £40 a bottle and it is a chance to taste a
number of wines in comfort before you rush out and
commit. Do call for more details.
Isabelle Franklin
The next wine tasting is on
Friday 31st July
10
Great Bentley Neighbourhood Policing Team
Neighbourhood Constable:
Pc Dan Heard:
Police Community Support officer:
Louise Cox:
Below is a breakdown of reported incidents for the month of May.
Theft /Theft from - 5
•
Report of an in house theft in private residence
•
All other reports were of vehicles that had been left insecure and persons unknown have gained entry and removed
various small items including loose cash and sat navs
•
A report was also received of motor vehicle Interference whereby persons had tried to gain entry to a secure vehicle
Burglary Dwelling Attempted - 1
Attempted entry was tried at a property by trying to gain access via an open small window – entry was not gained and no
items stolen.
Concern for Welfare – 1
This was a report of concern for a person’s welfare
Nuisance Communications – 1
Report was received of a person being mentioned over a social media site
Road related – 1
This was a report of a fail to stop RTC
Suspicious Circumstances – 2
•
Report of a delivery driver asleep in his van on the Plough Road Industrial Estate
•
A suspicious male was seen to enter the driveway of a private property and show interest in items that
•
were in the garden area.
Crime Prevention advice
You will see that Great Bentley has been hit recently with a number of thefts from vehicles. It would appear that a number of
these vehicles were left insecure by the owners making it very easy for the opportunist thieves to gain access. DO NOT
LEAVE VEHICLES, OUTDOOR BUILDINGS AND PROPERTIES INSECURE!!
Water safety
Whether you’re planning to soak up the sun abroad or stay at home and make the most of the beaches in Essex this summer,
it’s important to think about safety. Every summer the Essex Police Marine Unit deals with families putting themselves in
danger in the sea and county’s rivers. Dip into our advice below to help keep you and your family safe, and remember, if you
do ever find yourself in difficulty in the water, shouting for help or raising your hand in the air will help attract attention. If you
see someone in trouble in the sea, DON'T attempt a rescue. Look for a lifeguard or call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
At the beach
•
Where possible, swim at a beach with a resident lifeguard and avoid swimming alone.
•
If you or your children can’t swim or are learning to swim always wear a life jacket or arm bands.
•
If you can swim, know your limits and stay at a depth that is safe for you. Currents can be deceptively strong so keep
an eye on the beach to make sure you don’t drift out too far.
•
Tomb stoning or jumping into the sea from piers or high rocks is VERY dangerous and can kill. There's no way of
telling how deep the water below is or what rocks lie beneath so don’t take the risk.
•
If you’re taking a trip to the beach, plan your day. Find out what time the tide comes in so you don’t find yourself cut off
by high water. Don’t ruin a fun day out by finding yourself stranded!
•
Lilos and inflatables can be great fun for children but are easily pulled out to sea by the lightest of currents. Keep
control of your inflatable by tethering it to something solid on the beach like a parents’ wrist. This will help you pull the
lilo back in when you need to.
•
If you plan to ride a jet ski, do so safely by steering clear of swimmers. Jet skis being ridden within 200 metres of the
shoreline should not exceed 10 mph.
Lakes and rivers
•
Swimming inland in deep water lakes has its dangers too. Taking a dip to cool off on a warm summer’s day may be
tempting but the water may be deceptively cold. Plunging into cold water can shock your muscles into cramp, making it
difficult for you to swim to safety so be sensible and test the water first.
•
Swimming in locks and weirs may look fun but beware of strong currents beneath.
•
Water can look inviting on a hot day but beware of possible hidden dangers beneath like jagged rocks, broken bottles
and weeds. Wear something to protect your feet and watch out for weeds that can trap the strongest of swimmers. If
you become trapped, stay calm and slowly work yourself loose or call for help. Raising your hand in the air will help
attract attention if you are in need of help.
Calls to ‘101’ will cost 15p for the entire call
This applies to both landlines and mobile phones. For the first time ever, everyone calling the police for non-emergency
matters will know exactly how much it will cost them and will be assured of equal access whether they are on a pay-as-you-go
mobile or a home landline
Essex Community Messaging
Sign up for free to receive information, crime prevention advice and notifications from Essex Police and other key partners,
such as Neighbourhood Watch - please see the link
http://www.essex.police.uk/ecm
11
Village Veggies
Meat the Alternatives
The use of these meat alternative products in
catering seems to be mainly for providing vegetarian
options in fast food outlets and cafes. I feel there is
scope for them to be used much more widely in
restaurant menus. A pub restaurant near to where
my cousin lives in Derbyshire has an extensive
choice for vegetarians. Half of the eight or nine
options are simply vegetarian versions of items from
their main menu substituting things like Quorn for the
meat. That simple!
These meat-like products do suffer rejection
by those who really like tucking into a real meat
based meal. Sampling a vegetarian sausage for
example, in place of a pork one in a cooked
breakfast will usually receive a disappointing
response in this situation. Include them sliced up in a
risotto or with pasta then they might be more
appealing. Quorn is particularly good when added to
recipes as it absorbs the juices of other ingredients
adding flavour to it.
There are some other non-meat protein foods
that are becoming more popular in the fast food
industry. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) has its
origins in Columbia, South America and is a pseudo
grain related to Amaranth.
Falafel is made from chick peas or fava beans
which are formed into balls as fritters. It is one of the
main fast food protein foods in many Middle Eastern
countries, Israel in particular. Both Quinoa and
Falafel are now becoming established as popular
choices in fast or street food in major cities across
the world. On a recent visit to New York City I was
pleasantly surprised by the number of food outlets
serving this type of food. They are commonly
accompanied by a salad mixture in a pita bread
wrap, pocket or sandwich or can be the filling for a
veggie burger. I think this is one of the reasons I
enjoy visiting cities, you can always rely on getting
some good vegetarian food.
Linda and I do have these meat alternative
foods at home but we don’t live on them. When I do
eat a veggie sausage or burger I never make the
connection or comparison to the meat equivalent, if I
did I wouldn’t enjoy eating them. For those who
couldn’t imagine a situation where they wouldn’t eat
some form of animal derived food there are two other
possibilities. Some experts believe that protein
needs could be met by the mass production and
consumption of insects. In around ten years it is
thought that a substance called In Vitro meat will be
commercially available. This is meat that is grown in
a lab that has the appearance, texture and taste of
animal flesh. I think I will pass on both of these
items.
Vegetarian cuisine has always tended to include a
few meat comparative or meat representative dishes
and recipes. The nut cutlet is a prime example of this
and many vegetarians feel that they are still trying to
shake off the image of mass consumers of this said
item. Something that has helped in this process is
the wide use of meat alternative products such as
soya protein and Quorn.
The first of these to become widely available
was a soya product known as TVP (texturised
vegetable protein). It was developed in the sixties by
the giant American company Archer Daniels
Midland. The method of processing soya beans for
this purpose leaves a puffy solid, which when
rehydrated for use forms a very meat-like texture. It
is a very low cost protein and is about a third of the
cost of beef.
Quorn, which is a registered product name by
a UK company Marlow Foods, came much later in
1985. It is actually a fungus, which is grown by
fermentation in a process similar to the production of
beer and yoghurt. Strangely enough during its early
years of production it wasn’t suitable for vegetarians
due to the fact that it contained egg albumen derived
from battery eggs. Free range eggs are now used
and even a non-egg vegan version will soon be
available. The carbon footprint of Quorn frozen
mince is claimed to be 70% less than that of beef.
Both these items are available in their
designed form to use as ingredients in cooking and
are widely used in frozen oven ready products.
There has always been some debate about the
exact market for these foods. It has been said that
they are too much like meat for vegetarians and not
as good as the ‘real thing’ to appeal to meat eaters.
In spite of this rather questionable buyer profile sales
of these food items continue to grow. The Linda
McCartney factory in Fakenham, Norfolk, which
produces many meat alternative products, has
recently expanded to keep up with demand.
Surges in sales of these meat alternative
foods have been noticeable during health scares
within the meat industry, although a more steady and
sustained increase in the future could be for entirely
different reasons. Without wishing to cast too much
doom and gloom, several studies have concluded
that in a few more decades’ time there will be real
challenges to feed the increasing world population.
High meat consumption in the Western world and
more recently in China and some developing
countries will put extreme demands on world food
supplies. Currently around 90% of the world soya
bean harvest is grown to feed livestock. Of the
remaining 10% most gets used by food
manufactures for ingredients in processed food and
only a tiny amount is processed as soya protein for
human consumption.
Roy Parker
12
Annual Meeting of Great Bentley Good Neighbours
The Great Bentley Good Neighbours held their annual meeting on the 8th June. The
Chairman Robert Taylor reported as follows:1)
As you know I represent you on the Older Peoples Forum and following one of
these session I invited ‘Community Agent’ Mel Wakeford to one of our Committee
meetings. She works for the Rural Community Council in Essex. Mel travels around
the local villages visiting people who have asked for advice or who have been
recommended to them by Doctors, Social Services and others, giving advice from
entitlement to benefits; handrail/stairway rails and information on local clubs to
counteract social isolation. The team promote independent living enabling people to
stay in their own homes. She is dementia and O/T trained and can link up with the Essex Equipment
Services.
There are 36 ‘Community Agents’ across Essex and they are funded for the next 5 years. It is a
job that keeps her very busy even though she is only part time. She is readily available to be contacted
with regards to anybody that we think may fit into the above categories on 07711 556757 or on email
[email protected]
It was very interesting to hear from her and together work through with her how her work has
synergy with ours.
2)
Speedwatch. We have tried very hard to make up a Speedwatch team to help keep our roads safe in Gt
Bentley. We have sufficient volunteers however we cannot get the co-operation from the police to get
them trained. One volunteer went on a course last December but no further courses have been arranged
since then despite requests to the officer concerned. We start to lose heart after a while.
3)
The annual booklet delivered to every house in Great Bentley is possibly the one area where all villagers
can make use of our services. This years and past years booklets are also on the parish web site at
http://www.greatbentleyparishcouncil.co.uk/ Look under “Village” and “Good Neighbours”. Make it one of
your Favourites.
We are grateful to our advertisers for supporting us in producing this Booklet. Brenda Gourley,
Yvonne Oxford and Bev Adams do most of the research for this and we thank them for this work.
4)
Neighbourhood Watch. Still an important part of our work and Richard Novak is keeping up the
publicity regarding this. These days the police are much more proactive in letting people know what is
going on. It is good to see that we have a part time PCSO again and would encourage people to let the
Parish Council know if they feel this is being effective since future funding depends upon this.
5)
Carers Relief service.
for this.
6)
Transport scheme. This is still the busiest part of our work making great demands on Coordinator
Barbara Fookes. Thanks to Barbara and all the drivers who give their time. We are pleased to pay each
driver’s costs although very few claim and we are grateful to them for that contribution. New volunteers
for this essential driving work are always needed. The contribution made by users of this service
to the cost is very welcome.
7)
We have always felt that the Road Stewards do a most important task for their neighbours and thank
them all for their work. Yvonne Oxford co-ordinates this work.
8)
We thank Alan Bishop for providing the Pets to Vets service which he has done for many years.
9)
Medical Aids The items we lend are intended to be for emergency or short term use since for long term
use the health authorities or social services make the provision. We have many items out on loan at any
one time such as Wheelchairs, Commodes, Walking Aids and Bathing Aids. We hope that those who
are able to use this service will be able to contribute to the costs involved although we do not make a
specific charge.
10)
All the work the Good Neighbours does depends upon its volunteers. We thank them now on behalf of
the village
Robert Taylor
Maureen Johnson makes this available to all in the village and we thank her
Chairman
13
The Great Colchester Earthquake – a couple of rumbles!
May’s edition of the magazine can hardly have been through most people’s letterboxes
when pleasingly I received a call from Barbara Fookes providing me with exactly the
kind of response to my Colchester earthquake article that I had hoped for. A family
story centred on her great grandfather who ran the forge on the Green in 1884. The
story that had remained in the family’s oral archive ever since was that when the
quake came the forge building began to shake so much that all the horseshoes
hanging there started to vibrate against each other, so much so that (to quote) “they
rang out like church bells”.
Reading the book I have on the subject gives credence to the above for one of
the most remembered experiences at the time was also of how the bells in local churches were set ringing.
Sadly, church steeples seem to have been some of the most vulnerable edifices: Langenhoe’s being almost
completely destroyed, and the Lion Walk church in Colchester also lost its steeple. I wonder if our church was
affected in any way?
It was sad that this topic should have arisen at the time of the horrors suffered by the people of Nepal, but
while not on the same scale, it is a fact that much hardship was apparently caused by the Colchester incident.
This was particularly so for the less well-off, whose often quite unstable houses collapsed, leaving inhabitants
homeless.
Mick Dorling’s response in the June magazine was likewise very interesting with his suggestion that the
undulating surface of the green might well have been one of the shake’s long-term effects. If we see your
tractor disappear down a hole some time Mick we’ll come and see if you were right! He can barely have written
his contribution when news came of the quake in Kent, felt in Essex too. My sister-in-law tells me their roof in
Wickford was noticeably shaken
The serious issue that Mick makes when he refers to its not having been recorded bears out the point I
originally raised: that the quake was brushed from memory because powers that be felt it somehow put the
country in a poor light. Hence our knowledge of it is so sketchy.
If you read the two local histories - Carl Morton’s “How Green Is Our Village” and L Newman’s “History
of Great Bentley” - you will find no mention of the quake whatsoever, and when I inquired of Carl’s son Peter,
he said that although he had heard of it, it was not something he could remember Carl had ever referred to.
That is one reason I am keen to see if we can find further evidence of the event.
This leads finally on to the one other local story that has been passed on to me. I was told that a local family,
the head of which ran various local brickworks, had at one time (indeed may still have) a letter which the man
was writing at the very moment of the sudden earthquake. The vibration of the quake caused the writer’s hand
to jerk violently, thus leaving a great scrawl across the page. How interesting if that document still exists!
Hopefully more such wonderful local stories will come to light.
Reg Allington.
FRIENDS OF THE GREEN
The Grand Garage Sale was successfully organised and from the point of view of our Friends of the Green
was successful. Advertising reached far and wide with early visitors from Witham, Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds
and Woodbridge. These were probably traders but who cares. Some garage owners seem to have done okay
but some not at all well! The biggest let down was the weather, with the threat of rain people didn’t turn out in
large numbers. We hope it will be better next year. We had an entry of over 40 garages. Thanks to all who
took part. Special thanks to Donald and Peter for contributing the contents of their greenhouse (plants) which
were sold by Lynda from her front garden and made £46. We also appreciate sponsors from Restaurant 43
and MD Tyres for donating amounts that covered all our costs. A total of around £400 was raised. Thanks to
the Richers who allowed us to plug into their electric supply and to anyone else who helped or contributed to
the day.
The Friends of the Green are trying to organise a vintage tractor show
on the Green as part of the Great Bentley Show. If anyone has or knows of
people who own old tractors etc. would they please contact me on 01206
250799 to let me have a rough idea or how many to make space for. This is
the first time for such an event and I would like it to be successful to set the
trend for the future.
Michael Dorling - 01206 250799
Chairman - Friends of the Green
14
Peter’s
Potterings
How were your various vegetables this year? My new
potatoes were a bit late (mid June) but that is because I
planted them later this year. The crop was good, just
enough on each plant for a couple of days’ eating, and
the thing I always like is that, presumably it was due to
lower rainfall, the size of the crop has been no more
than a couple of inches across which means they
scrape nice and easy and they tasted like new potatoes
should do. I am now on to my second earlies - never
so nice as the first crop but still pretty good. The
asparagus was very tasty this year but started later,
and the crop was not so good as in previous years. I
stopped cutting them early in June to try to bulk them
up ready for next year.
I must also mention that my parsnips this year
germinated much better than in previous years, and I
am looking forward to a good crop this autumn (which
is more than I usually get).
Getting back to jobs for July, here are just a few.
Keep an eye on your shallots and onions. When the
tops start to go slightly brown and fold over it is time to
start the drying process ready for winter storage. I use
a fork to gently lift the root and an area of soil just a
couple of inches and leave them in the row for about a
week before lifting the roots completely away from the
soil. Lay them on their sides, on the soil or on a raised
platform of say chicken wire to allow the sun and the
wind to dry the tops nice and evenly. There are three
easy ways to store onions. The first, and I think the
best, is the traditional way of making onion strings. My
last year’s onions stored until June strung up and hung
in the garden shed. Do this before the foliage gets
totally dry, otherwise the tops will not wind around the
string without breaking. The next method is to dry them
a bit more and place them into a string bag (similar to
the ones used for oranges etc. at the supermarket) and
hang them up in the shed. The last method is to lay
them in cardboard or wooden trays and stack them in a
cool, dry and airy place, eg garden shed. The shallots
can be stored by using method 2 or 3 but the best
method is to peel them and put them in vinegar to
produce some pickled onions for Christmas.
Talking of Christmas, I know it seems a long way
off, but now is the time to think about hyacinths for
Christmas. Soon you will be able to buy specially
prepared bulbs for planting. They need 4-5 months
from planting to flowering compared to the normal or
unprepared ones you plant outside. (Plant outside
September and you get flowers 6 months later - March/
April). I plant one bulb in one pot. I know you usually
buy a large pot with 3 or 4 bulbs in, but these are grown
under carefully controlled temperatures and light levels.
At home you usually find one bulb is slower than the
next so you get flowers at different times. If you plant
in individual 3 inch pots you can choose, say 3, that are
the same just before flowering and plant them into a
larger container to give a better display.
15
Another job that will need doing soon is harvesting/
summer pruning. Lavender can be cut when the seed
spikes have partially dried, tied up in bunches then
stored under cover to fully dry right out. Then you can
remove the lavender seeds and place them in loose
weave cotton bags, or you can use them as a culinary
addition. I have eaten them as a flavouring in ice
cream and scones. I must say my personal preference
is not to eat them but to smell them. Trim the whole
bush so all the new growth is about an inch from last
year’s old growth, and the plant will sprout out and give
you a good show for next year. You can also do this
later in the year but I find the results are not so good. If
you don’t prune at all the bush will quickly go straggly
and if you cut too far into the old wood that branch may
not shoot out again.
PS. Don’t forget to save the seed from
any dry seed pods from those plants that
you particularly like. If they come from
hybrids you may not get the same plant
next year, but lots of new varieties come
from people saving their own seeds.
PETER ALLINGTON
BENTLEY IN BLOOM
All the baskets (39 of them) are up and settling
themselves in. John Glover is watering them as and
when necessary which is usually twice a week. We try
to get the plants when they are small so that they can
grow larger and look better for the summer season.
The beds have now all been planted. If you have the
time and inclination we would be extremely happy for
anyone to weed and deadhead any of the
arrangements. It may only be one of the beds just near
you, but every little helps.
If you have a car with a tow bar and are willing to
take our water bowser round the village watering the
plants, we would be very grateful for a bit of help.
There are several of us who help now so it will not be
all the time. If you are willing please give me a ring.
At the moment we have one hanging basket that
still needs a sponsor for this year. If you would like to
sponsor a basket in memory of someone or for your
company etc. please give me a ring. We have been
able to maintain the cost at £55 which covers the
plants, the watering and the fertiliser.
Thank you
Peter Allington - 01206 251086
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Clacton and District Canine Society desperately
needs a few more committee members or helpers to
enable us to run our shows. We organise 2-3 shows a
year. If you have an interest in dogs or want to get
involved with dogs in any way, please contact
our secretary John Carter on 01206 272755
or email
[email protected]
SURGERY NEWS
This month I have some unexpected news to pass on. As you know we have had many changes occur over
the last few years with doctors leaving/retiring and of course welcoming many new faces into our team, along
with a new registrar every year of course! I need to announce that Dr Chumbley, who has only been with us for
just under two years, will be leaving us at the end of August. As you may know, Dr Chumbley has been a
leading light in end of life care working part time for our local hospice. Having helped transform end of life care
for the better across North East Essex, Dr Chumbley has been offered and has accepted the position of
Medical Director for St Helena Hospice. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a move that I know will be
of huge benefit to the charity and all families across this part of Essex. Dr Chumbley has brought a wealth of
valuable knowledge, experience and skills to Great Bentley Surgery and I’m certain that her influence will
endure well into the future. Thank you for being part of our team Karen, you will be missed, but we wish you all
the very best in your new role.
Of course that begs the question of who will replace Dr Chumbley6..
Unlike many other practices, we have again been extremely fortunate in having more than one excellent GP
interested in joining us as a partner and as ever, the decision was extremely hard to make. However, I’m
pleased to announce a decision that I’m 100% certain will be very popular with patients. On 1st September
2015 we will be welcoming Dr George Pontikis back to the surgery as our new full time partner. Dr Pontikis
finished his GP training just last year and after having a taste of life as a GP elsewhere decided he would like
to settle here. Great news I’m sure you’ll agree!
Finally the Patient Participation Group is meeting as every month on the third Thursday which this month is
16th July at 6.30pm in the Great Bentley Village Hall.
Richard P Miller – Practice Manager
__________________________________________________________________
WALK THIS WAY....something some of us have forgotten how to do. It is so easy to jump in the car and go,
but walking is an excellent exercise which can be fun and is good for you. It is also free!
All you need are a good pair of comfortable shoes, trainers or boots and maybe a
lightweight jacket. Getting together with some friends and going for a walk can be fun.
You can talk and share stories of life with each other, both past and present. You can
share your worries and woes and most importantly you can laugh. Several members of
staff have trained for The Moonwalk for breast cancer and it really makes you love
walking! It is surprising how you can quickly build up a good pace and distance. Before
you know it you will be walking 5 miles without thinking about it. You can enjoy where
you live, see and find areas you didn't even know about. Local footpaths can be easily found on websites. So
find those trainers at the back of your wardrobe and ask a friend to go for a walk.....if you only do it once a
week it's better than not going at all, but try to go out two or three times. Go out at lunch time with someone for
30 minutes .You will feel better for it! You never know you may lose a few pounds and even feel a little
healthier. Walking for 40 minutes burns about 150 calories.....better than sitting having a coffee and a piece of
cake.......although I must admit I know some excellent walks that always seem to finish at a rather lovely pub.
Well you deserve it after all that walking don’t you?
Patient Participation Group
Guest Speaker: Dr Barbara Stuttle CBE
Dr Barbara Stuttle CBE Director of Nursing for Colchester General Hospital will be our guest speaker for our
meeting at 6.30 pm on Thursday 16th July in the Mitchell Room of our Village Hall. We are privileged that our
PPG is to be the first that Dr Stuttle has visited. She has a wealth of experience both as a Nurse for many
years and working within the NHS in other capacities. Dr Stuttle will speak and then be happy to receive your
questions. This really is a golden opportunity to voice any problems or concerns regarding Colchester General
Hospital or the Trust who run it. Please take advantage and come along. Refreshments will be provided and a
warm welcome awaits you. We are sure it will prove to be a very interesting meeting!
Judy & Alan Bishop
16
Pet’s
Corner
Researchers who studied one captive African grey
parrot said it could remember the names of 50
objects, identify colours, shapes and even count
quantities up to six. They believed it had the same
intelligence as a young human child. Other parrots
have vocabularies crammed with more than 150
words. Talking is how a parrot expresses wild
behaviour in the home.
(Escapee parrots can be seen/heard at Little
Bentley).
DOGS
Following on from last month, a few general
comments about pets in general.
HAMSTERS
Have you ever wondered why
hamsters love running for hours
on end in their wheels? Well, it’s
all down to instinct. In the wild
hamsters run for up to 10 km
every night, searching for food
and to escape hungry predators.
And they’re incredibly fast - scientists have recorded
them covering 600 strides a minute - imagine trying
to do that yourself!
Special chemicals called
endorphins are released by their brains when they
run, and these chemicals make them feel happy.
No wonder they run and run! They’re addicted to
their wheels.
In the wild hamsters hide in
underground burrows to protect themselves from
predators and to keep cool in the baking desert
heat. They cram their huge throat pouches with
food and hurry back to the safety of their burrow.
This explains why our pet rodents love tunnels and
assault courses around the house, and can often be
spotted stuffing food or objects into their mouths
before sneaking them back to their cage!
All dog owners love the sight of their pet pooch
rolling onto its back, exposing its warm belly for a
rub. That’s a sign of surrender, a submissive
behaviour found in wolves and all wild dogs. Dogs
descended from wolves 14,000 years ago and, just
as wolves will lick another wolf’s nose and mouth
dogs do this, too. Licking is a bonding thing. It’s a
behaviour that glues the pack together. So when
your pet dog licks you, it’s telling you that you’re the
boss, saying I appreciate the way you’re looking after
me and I’d like you to continue.
Border collie sheepdogs use classic bits of
wild dog behaviour when they’re working - circling
around the sheep, like they would prey, singling out
individuals, psyching out the sheep by
staring at them, dropping to the ground
when the prey is moving in the wrong
direction. Retrieving is also a classic
wild canine behaviour, following a
scent trail, bringing food back to the
den. When your dog runs after a ball,
it’s playing a game, doing it for fun. But
it’s also harking back to that instinct of
chasing after prey.
CLOUDS
AFRICAN GREY PARROTS
In drifting clouds in the sky
The sun plays a peek a boo with you
In the garden, rolled up sleeves
Fanned by a gentle breeze.
Enjoy the warmth of the day
Whatever comes to you, what may.
A letter. A Problem be
O nothing bothers thee!
Garden colours, gloom driven away
With your neighbour, “A good day”.
The sun’s brought out the best in you
You are one of the special few.
Now I know most of you will not have
one of these at home but you may be
interested in a few notes about these
birds.
In the wild these beautiful parrots
fly around in large noisy groups,
searching for trees that have fruit on
them. But because these parrots come
and go throughout the day, the birds
need to call to each other to keep the
overall group together.
They
remember the squawk and feathers of
every other member of their flock, and
it’s this tremendous memory that enables pet
parrots to say hundreds of words and make sounds
from around the house. The human home has
become an adopted flock, so they can mimic door
bells, microwave oven ‘dings’ and even barking
dogs!
D. Gibbs
17
WILDLIVES
Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre
‘Catkins’, Frating Road, Thorrington, Colchester CO7 8HT
www.wildlives.org.uk
Opening hours: April-September 10.00-6.00 01206 251174 / 07802 767016
Outside of Wildlives’ hours, please contact the RSPCA 0300 1234999 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 website for extra pictures too!
Hedgehog Emergency Special Edition
July 2015
All our regular readers will know that the newsletter usually features some of the animals and birds treated at Wildlives over
the past month. However this month we have devoted our newsletter to the desperate plight of one of our most familiar and
loved mammals – the hedgehog. Hedgehogs are survivors – they were around at the time of the dinosaurs, 150 million
years ago, and have thrived until very recently. But now hedgehogs are facing a crisis which could mean that the next
generation of children reading about Mrs. Tiggywinkle or playing games with Sonic the hedgehog will never have the
pleasure of seeing the real live animal bustling around their garden. While Wildlives used to treat about 500 hedgehogs a
year, this year only 250 have passed the doors. Recently Springwatch featured the appalling finding that our hedgehogs
could be doomed in only ten years.
Why are hedgehog numbers falling so dramatically?
Lack of habitat: Many houses now do not have gardens, and those that do have large areas of decking or concrete. Where
plants are found, tidy gardeners clear away the dead leaves and long grass where hedgehogs can make safe nests and where
they can find food.
Garden fencing: A male hedgehog can wander over several kilometres while searching for food and female hedgehogs. Often
now gardens are securely fenced, and hedgehogs can’t wander between them. In order to get enough to eat and find a mate
they must stray into the dangerous territory of roads. To stay healthy and well-fed, a hedgehog will visit 30-40 gardens a night,
causing no harm and eating a massive number of slugs and garden pests.
Poisoning: The gardener’s friend, hedgehogs love to eat slugs and the pests you don’t want. But when gardeners put down
slug pellets containing metaldehyde, the hedgehogs eat the dead slugs and are poisoned. Metaldehyde poisoning is
cumulative – one slug might not hurt, but the poison stays in the body, and each poisoned slug eaten adds to it. Eventually the
hedgehog will accumulate a fatal load, leading to convulsions, nerve damage, and an agonising death.
Isolation: In some places where hedgehogs are welcome, there are thriving numbers of hedgehogs. However, when that
population is unable to join with other populations, either because there are no others within a reachable distance or because
of a physical barrier like a fence or motorway, eventually all the hedgehogs in that place are very closely related. This lack of
genetic diversity eventually leads to birth defects, reduced numbers of births, and eventually the failure of the isolated
community.
How can you help?
Free passage: Talk to your neighbours, and make some holes in your fences to allow the hedgehogs to roam in safety. They
don’t have to be big holes; about 5” diameter will be enough for a adult hedgehog to pass.
Leave some wild space: Don’t clean up all the leaves from the garden; leave a pile for the hedgehogs in a corner. Leave an
area of long grass for them; you could sow wildflower seeds in it and make it a feature. Ultra-tidy gardens are not welcoming to
hogs. You could make or buy a hedgehog house, but if you have a wild area hogs are good at making their own homes.
Make your pond safe: Make some steps with bricks or a ramp of stones. Hedgehogs love to swim, but often can’t climb the
slippery sides of pond liners to get out again and drown. Don’t use soft netting – hedgehogs can get caught in it.
Don’t use slug pellets with metaldehyde: Check the ingredients of your slug pellets and don’t buy these. Even better,
complain to the shop or sign an online petition to get them banned. Metaldehyde isn’t just poisonous to hedgehogs – there is
no cure once it is eaten, and it is deadly to dogs, cats, birds and children too. Furthermore, it is now starting to enter river
water.
Help sick hedgehogs: If you find a hog out in daylight, or a small hog late in the autumn when they should be big enough to
hibernate, call Wildlives for advice. A hedgehog covered in fleas is sick, and needs help; healthy hogs don’t have large
numbers of fleas.
Feed hedgehogs: Hogs love reasonable quality cat or dog food. If you put it under a slab held up with bricks, the hogs will be
able to reach it and the neighbourhood cats won’t all get a free meal. You can also offer hedgehog food from your pet shop, or
dried pellet food. However, don’t ever give them bread or milk – that will make them very ill and probably kill them! A dish of
clean water is always welcome to all wildlife.
Tell your friends: Tell other people about the hedgehogs too! Spread the word and get all your friends to try to help as well.
Visit http://www.hedgehogstreet.org and join other people in the fight to save our hedgehogs.
18
Great Bentley Running Club GBRC
This time Jo McKay kicked things off on the Monday with The Ed Burton Memorial 5. This five mile race held by
Wymondham Athletic Club is the first in a series of three and was set up in recognition of an ex club member. A
time of 38 minutes 44 seconds saw Jo achieve a Great Bentley silver standard.
Moving along the week to Thursday, and Tiptree Road Runners hosted the second race in their summer 5k
series. Once again Sam Godden taking part and improving on her previous time with a new personal best of 20m
17s, giving her a gold club standard. Alison Day racing at the 5k distance for the first time earned herself a bronze
standard with a PB of 23m 25s.
Friday saw the third race of the popular Friday Five series, this time organised by the St Edmund’s Pacers. Seven
members from the club turned out with Mark Ross leading the way home for Bentley in 36m 49s. Louise Reeve took just under
two minutes off her previous time to PB with 47m 13s and John Bush finished in 48m 27s. Other runners were husband and wife
Claire and Luke Groves, Peter Reeve and Dave Nugent.
Chris Warren pointed his running shoes northwest and headed up to Lancashire. Having entered the flat and fast coastal
route of the Blackpool 10k, the men’s Captain duly won his category with a time of 38m 34s placing him fourth overall. Taking on
yet another event this weekend was John Bush. Staying with the coastal theme, Bush chose to stay closer to home this time and
run the well-established Southend Half Marathon in 2hours 31minutes 31 seconds.
Alison Day travelled to Southampton during April to take part in a 10k event. A mixture of coastal, city and parkland saw 896
runners pass by local iconic landmarks. The route also takes in the unique ascent and descent of the city’s Itchen Bridge, which
spans a total of 800 metres and climbs to a height of 795 metres. Day achieved her first 10k PB and a bronze standard in a time
of 48m 49s. Returning for its fourth year at the beginning of the month was the fast and flat Clacton 5k. A series of four out and
back races along the promenade starting from Marine Parade West. Linzi Iddon being Great Bentley’s representative completed
the event in 33m 1s.
E is for ENDURE
For some the countdown began the moment they pulled away from the campsite. For others it was a horrendous nightmare of
torrential rain, a mud fest and extreme exhaustion hopefully never to be repeated. This is Endure 24 and it’s not for the
fainthearted.
Organised and sponsored by Mizuno and Racesolutions among others, this annual 24 hour individual and team relay
event takes part in the woods of Wasing Park near Aldermaston, Berkshire. From midday on the Saturday the race begins and it
doesn’t stop until midday Sunday. Without doubt the course is extremely beautiful. Reasonably gentle undulations of multi terrain
glide their way around the first half, lulling runners into a false sense of security on a pleasant tranquil trail. Just after 5 kilometres
you are hit with a long drag uphill, one which you cannot see the top of in daylight let alone the darkness. It is also just the right
mix of length and gradient to make it for many the most difficult part of the course. What goes up must come down. And at
approximately 6.5k you descend over soft, twisting ground covered with exposed tree roots, whilst ducking under small branches
before dropping down a fairly steep bank to take on the final kilometre. This last section returns runners to the open and passes
through the campsite allowing fellow competitors to bathe others in enthusiastic and at times much needed support. The course
was slightly longer this year 4.95 miles instead of 4.70 and many stated it was more “technically challenging”.
The weather this year was definitely kinder to participants. Arriving on the Saturday morning, cloudy and cool conditions
were present which were ideal. Within the woods though, the environment was very much warmer and quite humid. Although, a
totally different story in the early hours of the morning albeit in June.
Twenty members from Bentley journeyed toward Reading, many on Saturday morning. Making up a total of four teams
with Rodger Alexander and Ben Ficken choosing to go solo! Essentially it is a relay, each team member out on the five mile
course at a time, handing the band of bravery onto the next. Thus it continues until the virtual noon day gun fires bringing the
proceedings to a very welcome close.
The teams were Bentley Blue Belles: Vicky Presland, Lara Townsend, Davina Swindell, Tonie Wilson and Steph Horner.
Malcolm’s Machines: Russ Sharp, Charlie Keitch, Darren Horner and Malcolm Jarvis. Only way is Bentley: Kevin Stevens, Sam
Godden, Janine Simpson, Jamie Neill and Shawn Leek. Pauls Pals: Paul Carlisle, Gary Hill, Phil Presland and Frank Gardiner.
Leading off for Bentley were Carlisle, Sharp, Stevens, and Presland. With Alexander and Ficken starting steadily in the midst of
the pack, their race plans a mix of run/walk. Chusa Batista and Lee Clarkson chose to run with a branch of The Commandoes,
electing to call themselves Team Weiner?! Batista completed a total of thirty miles, Clarkson twenty five. Helene Tyler, this year
running with Team Awesome Ladies finished on twenty five miles.
By 19.30 hours most of the Bentley crews had completed their second lap and were getting ready to don their head torch,
a compulsory requirement from 20.00 until 06.00 which would see them continue through the night. Nocturnal activity had Bentley
teams changing over anywhere between thirty five and fifty minutes. Alexander found himself in the medical tent, blisters had
struck and his feet were bathed and dressed accordingly on more than one occasion. It’s possible they were now on first name
terms. Ficken was putting in a considerably strong performance. So much so that he took himself off the course at some stage to
attempt some proper rest. Midnight washed over everyone to a mantra of run, eat, sleep. Returning after each tour to take on a
little food and a hot beverage, then shuffling off to attempt some shuteye. By the early hours of the morning some had completed
their fifth lap with about ten hours still to go. All night running, creates a peculiar individual. An infusion of sleep deprivation, cold
and exhaustion can become your enemy and no matter what your experience, being able to stay grounded during times of
disorientation and high emotions plays a major part in completing these types of experiences. Simply being able to run in daylight
is an enormous relief.
As the timing clock showed one hour left the sun broke through the clouds to douse one and all in glory. I am sure as I
type this report someone, somewhere is compiling overall statistics on miles, steps, massages and peanut butter bagels eaten.
For GBRC the provisional results stand at:
Ben Ficken 14 laps, 70 miles. Rodger Alexander 9 laps, 45 miles.
Ladies category 3-5 (participants) Bentley Blue Belles 4th, Men’s category (3-5) Pauls Pals 16th, mixed category (3-5) Only way
is Bentley 14th and Malcolm’s Machines (3-5) 16th.
Our website at GBRC.org gives details of our weekly routine and there is something for everyone no matter what their ability.
Paul Carlisle
STOP PRESSF.. Friday 5 Race 3rd July - brief road closure on Plough Road early evening.
19
HISTORY SOCIETY
Visit to the East Essex Aviation Museum – Point Clear
Having enjoyed a talk by John Moss at our previous meeting about this fine example of local
initiative, we were pleased as our June activity to make a visit to the Martello Tower at Point
Clear, which houses the collection of aircraft remains and other wartime memorabilia that
enthusiasts have amassed over the last three decades.
It goes without saying that we all recognise the horror of the two World Wars, but it is for respect that such
collections are mounted, and the East Essex Aviation Association have created an exhibition which pays due
respect to those who fought in those wars.
Entering the tower, one is immediately confronted with the remains of the very aircraft that is central to origins
of the exhibition. It consists of the cabin, front fuselage and propeller of an American P51 Mustang dredged up
from the sea off Clacton in 1987. It is accompanied by the tragic story of the young US Air Force pilot,
Raymond King, who was flying this plane when engine failure brought it down into the sea just 800 yards from
Clacton.
Although surviving the crash, he sadly died of hypothermia as a result of time spent in the freezing sea of
January 1945 before being picked up. That he was accompanying another pilot in trouble at the time makes
the tragedy that much more poignant. He was buried at the American Cemetery at Madingley. The
photographs of the young pilot, obtained subsequently from his family and mounted in a tribute to him, I have
to confess I found very humbling.
Shown around the exhibition by John Moss and two further volunteers, Stephen and John, we were able to
examine the exhibits closely. At close quarters to such a plane one also becomes aware of just how seemingly
delicate and flimsy the reality of such aircraft appears. The covering bodywork of the Mustang is unbelievably
thin.
The rest of this first floor is devoted to a wide range of parts, large and small, of other planes both Allied and
German that crashed in this locality. The actual recovery of such relics is occasionally tinged with humour as in
the example of a plane dug from under a garden shed in Frinton. Permission for the association to remove it
was given by the householder on the proviso that they replaced his shed. From the evidence of the
photographs, he got a good deal.
Moving to the first floor, one sees at the head of the staircase a display of the remarkable career of a New
Zealand Air Force Officer, who later settled locally. He was Flight Lieutenant Frank Brewster (Bruce) Lawless,
DFC; DFC (American). As the letters after his name indicate, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross from
both the New Zealand and American air forces. Additionally he received the equivalent from the French War
Dept. The simple letters of congratulation from the respective government departments that accompanied
these awards have an understated tone that is somehow appropriate to the bravery of such men. His many
medals are displayed alongside.
This floor is devoted to a broader range of memorabilia and includes also that of WW I. Again the manner of
the displays is a reminder that this is not about glorification but about admiration and respect for those who
fought and in many cases died in defence of their country.
Finally one is able to go up on to the roof of the Martello and appreciate the defensive reason for its
construction in the Napoleonic War era; although it was never called in to use at that time. That it was able to
be used, albeit in a small capacity, in subsequent hostilities has its own irony.
Details of the many exhibits would be inappropriate here; they should best be visited by those interested. Our
group all agreed that the Museum was of great interest and a fine and worthwhile use of the aged building.
The East Essex Aviation Association has done a remarkable job in creating it. It is really well worth a visit and
local support. We thanked the two Johns and Stephen our guides for a very well spent afternoon.
************************
For next month’s activity we return to the Village Hall for a talk by Karen Moss. She is one of the proprietors of
the prize winning Primrose Pork Farm enterprise and, like previous talks on the growth of local family
businesses, should interest a wide range of people. The talk is at 8p.m. on Thursday 10th July and visitors are
most welcome. Entrance - £2 incl. tea & biscuits.
20
NATURE NOTES
GREAT BENTLEY
BAKE OFF
Saturday 4th July
Vestry Room
(Behind St Mary’s Church)
Interest and general goodwill towards wildlife has
probably never been higher. The realisation that
without help much in nature could be lost is more
widely accepted. The contending pressures on landuse with growing human population however make
this less easy to put into practice. Similarly to make
up-to-date assessment of species skills in
recognition need to be encouraged. Unlike birds,
knowledge of wildflowers has lagged behind but a
national survey is underway led by the Botanical
Society of the British Isles. On 29th May at Colne
Point, St Osyth a group from across Essex met on
what proved a very squally, wet day. It was intended
to initiate efforts in our area to update plant records.
“Wildflowers of NE Essex” by Tarpey & Heath
published in 1990 methodically recorded all
wildflowers found in a grid of one kilometre squares
resulting in a staggering 24,000 entries, that built on
Jermyn’s 1974 “Flora of Essex”. The intervening
years between these two studies showed dramatic
changes, mostly - but not all - losses. Another
quarter of a century on the status of many plants will
now be different again. Small relic populations can
easily die out with even subtle changes in land
management such as drainage, let alone wholesale
habitat destruction.
Come and Sample the Goodies
from 1pm - 4pm
Prizes awarded at 4.30pm
10 years ago I was granted a wish by Starlight whilst
receiving treatment for Leukaemia, and the Bake Off
is one of a series of fundraising events I’m doing to
repay the favour, with the aim of raising £1000.
The categories are;
Victoria Sandwich cake
Tray bake
Cake involving fruit and/or
veg
•
Savoury bake
•
6 biscuits
•
6 decorated cupcakes (Adults)
•
6 decorated cupcakes (Children)
•
Rice krispie cakes (Children)
•
‘Starlight’ showstopper – an open themed
class designed to impress!
NB: All entries must be prepared
(no live cooking)
£1 per category, 50p for Children’s classes.
•
•
•
Climate change is showing some gains as well as
losses. The place of so-called aliens or introduced
plants, like human immigration stirs up debate and
included in this is the place of wildflower seed
mixtures. An updated national plant atlas is planned
for 2020 and it is hoped a new county flora will
eventuate from this. Botany can seem an arcane
topic and plant identification daunting beyond the
commonest species. That does not have to be the
case and there are a circle of naturalists willing to
assist those starting to get to grips with their flowers.
Digital photography allows a collaborative record that
can be confirmed and help avoid the fraught issue of
picking. Certainly over the coming few years
wildflowers need all the friends they can get to
champion their long-term protection.
DRB
All entries will be ranked and prizes given for 1st, 2nd,
3rd in each category and guaranteed prizes for every
child entrant.
Entry Forms available from the Bentley
Butchers and featured on page 25.
Closing day for entries is Wednesday 1st
July.
For more information please contact Lizzie Bodmer,
01206 251321 or to donate at
justgiving.com/LizzieBodmer
Raffle prizes gratefully received.
FEEDING THE BIRDS
Please does anyone have any bright ideas on
how to feed the birds without encouraging
Jackdaws? The final straw was when I found a
Jackdaw attacking and killing a baby blackbird.
ED
21
Beastly Logos!
1.Bacardi
2.British Wildlife Trust
3.Canada
4.Democratic Party (USA)
5.Republican Party (USA)
6.Ferrari
7.New Zealand
8.Lloyds TSB
9.Ralph Lauren
10.Barclays Bank
11.Readers’ Digest
12.Zoo on a road sign/map
13.Mauritius
14.Chinese zodiac 2015
15.RSPB
16.World Wildlife Fund
17.Suzuki
18.Peugeot
19.Lacoste
20.HMV
21.Chile
22.Esso
23.John Deere
24.Lamborghini
25.MGM
26.Australia
27.USA
28.Tennessee
dodo polo pony emu Pegasus lion lion elephant elephant crocodile
rhinoceros condor bat black horse badger raccoon sheep
prancing horse avocet panda eagle bald eagle Nipper the dog
leaping deer donkey tiger beaver bull kiwi
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????
1. bat 2.badger 3.beaver 4.donkey 5.elephant 6.prancing horse 7.kiwi
8. black horse 9.polo pony 10.eagle 11.Pegasus 12.elephant 13.dodo 14.sheep
15. avocet 16.panda 17.rhinoceros 18.lion 19.crocodile 20.Nipper the dog
21. condor 22.tiger 23.leaping deer 24.bull 25.lion 26.emu 27.bald eagle 28.raccoon
22
CLUBS &
ORGANISATIONS
EVERGREEN FRIENDSHIP CLUB
BENTLEY GREEN LADIES CLUB
Paulene, our chairperson, welcomed all members and
visitors to our June meeting and thanked those who had
donated cakes to St Helena Hospice.
Rabbit urine is particularly beneficial to which tree?
Why do we call potatoes spuds?
Who connects broccoli, corsets and high heeled shoes?
Well, these and many other questions were answered
during a fascinating talk entitled ‘Croissants aren’t
French’, delivered by our guest speaker Frances
Boardman. Her knowledge appeared endless as she
explained the derivations of many now commonplace
items and foodstuffs, and also introduced us to historical
figures who have contributed to both our language and
culture. We enjoyed a whistle stop journey through the
past, pausing to learn about famous names along the
way. Frances told us of Queen Eleanor of Castile to
whom the Eleanor Crosses were dedicated, William the
Conqueror, whom we must thank for introducing rabbits
and rheumatoid arthritis and Catherine of Braganza who
brought us tea. And by the way, the answers to the
opening questions areFlemon treesFspud is derived
from the spade which was used to dig them up andF
Catherine de Medici!
On behalf of us all, Rosemary thanked our speaker for a
fact filled and entertaining presentation. This enjoyable
evening was rounded off with refreshments and our
monthly raffle.
Our May meeting saw us in Party mood. As we
entered the hall we were met by the sight of tables
laid out and decorated most tastefully, ready for
the excellent and filling buffet which was organised
by Billie. When we were seated, members of the
committee became waitresses and kitchen staff for
the afternoon and at the end of the meal there
were empty plates all round.
Our entertainer was Frankie Coulter who
played the piano throughout the proceedings.
Our next meeting will be on July 22nd which
is the 4th Wednesday but not the last one, and our
special guest will be Ken Drew giving us a musical
afternoon.
Please come along if you are interested and
a lift can be arranged for you if you have no
transport.
Joye 250808
GREAT BENTLEY
GARDENING CLUB
Our July meeting is at the home of Claire Evans
on Tuesday 21st. PLEASE NOTE START TIME
IS 7.00pm. This is a ‘Chip Supper’ evening. To
book your meal please contact Anne Griffiths.
Bob Newman
Chairman 251433
Dates for your diary
July 6th Visit to the Suffolk Cheese Farm
August 4th BBQ please sign up and pay at July’s
meeting
ART CLUB
September 5th Items of produce/handicraft needed
for our stall at the Village Show
Tuesday 14th July
th
Our next meeting is on Tuesday July 7 at 7.30pm for
a 7.45pm start. The speaker will be the ever popular Mr
Melvyn Prentice who will be presiding over
‘Gardeners’ Question Time’.
All new members are welcome so do come along. Your
first visit is free and you are guaranteed a warm
welcome and a chance to make new friends.
23
Green Island Gardens, Gt Bromley
(All day)
Tuesday 28th July
Dedham,
Meet at car park near the river
CHILDREN’S PAGE
24
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY FOR 2015
.
September
5th
Village Show
15th Gardening Club Autumn Show to be
judged.
19/20th
St Mary’s Church Flower Festival &
Art Exhibition
November
27th St Mary’s Church ‘A Touch of Sparkle’
A Flower arranging Demonstration by
Brenda Eyers.
28th Christmas Light Switch on.
December
5th/6th
St Mary’s Church Christmas Tree
Festival
Farming Diaries
Harvest of the combinable crops such as oilseed rape, wheat and barley is just around the
corner. For the root crops - potatoes have already begun to be lifted as discussed in the
last article and sugar beet will remain in the ground growing until late autumn.
You will have noticed the oilseed rape fields which were once bright yellow in April, turning back to
green in recent months have now turned a light tan colour. Where the pollinators (including bees) have
pollinated the flowers these flowers have then developed into long pods approximately 6-7cm in length and
0.5cm wide. Inside these pods are the seeds which the farmer will be harvesting when they travel through the
crop with the combine. When they are ready to be harvested the seed will have turned from a green to a
brown-red colour and then to black as it ripens. It is very important that the farmer harvests the crop and the
correct timing as too many brown-red seeds can lead to penalisations from the buyer and the farmer receiving
less money for his crop. The harvested crop can then go on to be made into oil which you can easily find in
local farm shops and good supermarkets or may be exported for use in biodiesel.
Crops of barley are normally one of the first to be harvested in the year with the harvested grain
generally going for animal feed or malting and brewing. Both wheat and barley need to be harvested at a set
moisture level. If the moisture level is too high farmers will need to dry the grain in grain stores before selling.
This drying process involves a very gradual warming of the grain using industrial heaters. This is an additional
cost to crop production so farmers try their hardest to get the grain into their stores at the correct moisture
levels. They sample the grain as they harvest using moisture meters which are calibrated at the beginning of
the harvest season to ensure the readings are accurate. Moisture readings are carried out throughout the day
but especially in the evenings when, due to the dampness in the air the moisture levels will often rise. If levels
are too high this may halt the harvest for the day.
The start of barley harvest normally coincides with the Tendring Hundred Show which this year
celebrates its Centenary Show on Saturday 11th July. The Theme area is ‘Then and Now’ showing the
development in technology over the past 100 years and the changes in workforce which in such a relatively
small time frame have changed dramatically. There will also be a display in the Presidents’ ring demonstrating
the machinery involved in growing a crop of winter wheat from the cultivation equipment and drills used in the
autumn right through to the combine harvester in the summer months. It will be a great insight in to the
machinery you see in fields throughout the year. For more information on the Show go to the website:
www.tendringshow.co.uk. Tickets can be bought in advance from Carpenters Farm Shop.
Vicki Brooks
25
Great Bentley Pre-school
www.greatbentleypreschool.co.uk
[email protected]
Well the last month of the academic year is upon us already and it is that time again when we have to say
goodbye to lots of our children as they start the next step in their educational journey. This is the hardest part
of our job and can be quite emotional as we bid farewell, it is always an absolute pleasure though to see how
they have all developed, progressed and matured within their time at Pre-school and to know we have been a
part of that. We hope you have all enjoyed the challenges and experiences we have shared in your time with
us and that you all will take away lots of happy memories. The whole team at Great Bentley Pre-school would
like to wish every one of them good luck in their next step and hope they enjoy and have lots of fun at their
new ‘big school’.
Summer Trip
Well we had a fantastic time on our summer trip to Jimmy’s Farm. Lots of children that had not experienced it
before even enjoyed the ride on the double decker buses to get there, on the way home it was a little quieter
as some were so worn out they fell asleep. The weather was kind to us all day as we observed some beautiful,
tropical butterflies, walked around the animal enclosures being able to feed some alpacas, goats and reindeer
and then went bug hunting, den building and exploring for a Gruffalo in the woods.
We would like to thank all the parents and grandparents that came along too and hope you enjoyed it just as
much as we did.
We still have our sponsored walk, picnic, sports events and trip to St Mary’s Farm all at the beginning of this
month. I will let you know how we get on in August. I will also let you know about Carnival Day as this will have
happened after this has gone to print.
Aviva Women’s Cycle Tour
On Thursday 18th June stage two of the Women’s Tour was being hosted in parts of Tendring with Great
Bentley being lucky enough to be part of the course. We decided to take some of the older children over to the
green to watch them come through our village and cheer them on, we are so glad we did. We made flags with
them in the morning which I must say not all of them survived their vigorous waving so we are very grateful for
Lynda McWilliams bringing the children some more flags. We had a picnic first and then we watched as the
tour came a little closer with a rolling road block in operation. This was an amazing experience for the children
to witness, umpteen police bikes passed the children as they were closing the road off, the children were so
excited by this especially when most of the bikes that went past took the time to wave to the children and
sound their sirens for them. Then came the actual ladies on their cycles which happened all very quickly but
was still wonderful for the children to see, the rest of the entourage behind the ladies which included
ambulances, police cars, etc. continued to wave and toot at the children which was brilliant. The squeals of
happiness and excitement from the children were wonderful to hear with some saying ‘wow, I can’t believe my
eyes’ and ‘amazing, this is better than fireworks’.
We had a fabulous time with them and before we headed back to Pre-school with some very excited children
we ran off some of their energy and excitement around our fabulous village green.
Leavers Assembly
As I mentioned earlier we will be saying goodbye to lots of our children and their families this month so they
can begin the next stage of their education. With this in mind we are planning to do a little show for parents,
carers, grandparents, etc. on the last day of term which is Friday 17th July. We hope to see many of their
extended family there as we wish our little stars farewell and good luck for their continued journey.
September Term Registers
Registers for September are already looking quite full. We have had lots of new interest and present children
increasing their sessions but it is not too late if you would still like to become part of this ‘outstanding’ Preschool. Contact me through our email address at the top of this article.
Allison and I would like to thank all the staff and parents for their hard work and continued support over the last
academic year and we wish you all a happy and healthy sun filled summer.
Best wishes
Julie Wiles
26
The Great Bentley Show
1.30pm Saturday 5th September
Another great traditional event for all ages to enjoy on our 43 acre village green.
Building on the success of last year’s Show, we are proud to present Great Bentley
and typical rural England at its best.
We have lots of entertainment and activities for you to see again this year.
A marquee full of competitions, exhibits, flowers & plants, fruit & vegetables & homemade produce.
Artwork and other skilled displays of handicraft will impress you.
Outside is the Companion Dog Show - a tractor display
try the popular hog roast with real local ale & wine - scout & guide catering tent - face painting many quality stalls - donkey rides - raffle draw - lots of free parking.
To entertain you we have The Harmonettes singing group along with The Shanty Singers who will be
wandering amongst you.
Why not visit our website at
www.greatbentleyshow.co.uk/index.html
See you there!!!
GREAT BENTLEY
BAKE OFF
Saturday 4th July
THE GREAT BENTLEY BAKE OFF 2015
Please ensure this form is returned to The Bentley Butchers or sent to The Field House, Thorrington Road,
CO7 8QR by Wednesday 1st July. Entry costs £1 per class (50p for children’s class). Please pay on the
day. All entries must be entered ready to be judged. By submitting your bakes, you are agreeing for a sample
of them to be sold after judging in the Café. The vestry will be open from 10am to 11.15am to bring entries,
with doors opening for viewing at 1pm, and prizes will be awarded at 3.30pm. Entries must be in the Church
Vestry by 11.15am.
Name FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF.
Age (children only) FFFFF..
Address FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF..
Post Code FFFFFFFFF Contact number
Please indicate which class(es) you would like to enter:
Victoria Sandwich
6 Decorated cupcakes (adult)
Tray Bake
6 decorated cupcakes (children)
Cake involving fruit and/or veg
Rice Krispie cakes (children)
Savoury Bake
Starlight Showstopper*
6 Biscuits
* Judging for the showstopper will be based on creativity, interpretation of the theme and taste (of course)!
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Lizzie Bodmer, 01206 251321 or
[email protected]
27
A FEW NOTES FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
Housing Development Proposals
I have received many emails and phone calls from residents regarding the
planning applications that have been submitted to Tendring District Council
(TDC) for proposed housing developments in Great Bentley.
I have, for your information, briefly outlined below the current situation.
TDC was preparing a new Local Development Plan to take over from the previously adopted 2007 plan which
expired in 2011. Policies were covered for a period of time whilst preparation work was being carried out for
the new plan, and the Government more recently produced a new policy document the National Planning
Policy Framework (NPPF).
The NPPF introduced by the government in 2013 proposes “a presumption in favour of sustainable
development” and planning permission can only be refused “if the harm to its surrounds are greater than the
benefits that a development will bring”; other requirements of the NPPF are that all Planning Authorities must
demonstrate that their Local Plan has five years land supply and most importantly that they have fully
consulted and co-operated with their neighbouring Authorities under the new and now legal requirement of
Duty of Co-operation.
When the plan that TDC had been working on was nearing its completion, a draft was given to a
Government Inspector last year for comment; the comment that came back was, that the land provided for an
approximate number of 6000 houses, to be built in the District over the next ten years was insufficient; it was
said that the evidence required an allocation of land to build approximately 12,100 houses, which would take
the housing allocation for the district through to 2032. Effectively it meant that the plan that had been worked
on had to be revisited; and in May 2014 the Council set up a Local Plan Committee to progress this work. The
immediate implication of this enforced delay of not having a plan in place is that we, like many other councils in
the country, are vulnerable to unwanted developments.
When residents have contacted me regarding these planning applications, some have said they would
like to look at all information to understand in more detail the process that has been taken, I have suggested
they download the National Planning Policy Framework; through this link; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2 and refer to TDC’s website
to look at the minutes of the Local Plan Committee; the link is; - http://democracy.tendringdc.gov.uk/
akstendring/users/public/admin/kab71.pl?cmte=LPC this should give an insight into the work that has taken
place to date.
Now the elections are over the Local Plan Committee will shortly meet to continue the work needed on
the Local Plan; consultations will be starting with residents and others in the near future. Once these are
underway and the results start to come in and are processed, more and more weight can be given, using the
emerging Local Plan, when making decisions regarding planning applications.
When looking at the minutes you will notice that in July 2014 the committee made the decision that the
five key rural service areas, Great Bentley being one of them, would not require any more than 50 houses
each during the time the new plan is in operation.
At present there have been two outline planning applications submitted to TDC, one for 150 houses on
the site known as Station Field, Plough Road; application number 14/01750/OUT and another for 75 houses at
Admirals Farm; located behind the properties in Moors Close and Weeley Road and in front of the old
Waterworks; application number 15/00682/OUT. All documents, information and comments referring to these
applications are on TDC’s website under planning.
It is known that another application is due to be submitted for the land from the new development at
Sturricks Lane through to Heckford Road. There is a presentation expected to take place before the next
Parish Council meeting starts in July; please check the Clerk to the Parish Council’s notes for this one.
It is said there are another two applications due, one for the land behind Pine Close, from Weeley Road
across to the railway, and another to the west of the village.
Other villages have been selected by developers with Lawford being hit the hardest with over 750
houses being proposed. TDC’s Planning Committee recently refused the outline planning application for
Alresford, but the developers have now taken this one to appeal for a decision.
I hope this helps to answer some of your concerns.
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 Council Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Partnerships,
Tendring District Councillor and Parish Councillor to the Ward of Gt Bentley.
Email: [email protected] Telephone Number: 01206 250732
28
Protect Great Bentley
From mass development
At the Parish Council Meeting on 4th June, the Chairman let us know that in
addition to the Sturricks Lane Development, they are now aware of 5 new
potential housing developments, surrounding the village on all sides:
1.Sturricks Lane, under development, 2. Plough Road, outline application submitted and still live
3. Heckfords Road, outline application submitted and still live, 4.Heckfords Road West, application
expected, 5.Thorrington Road, since the meeting, the landowner has said that they have no
knowledge of development here so we have asked the Parish Council to clarify 6. Pine Close /
Weeley Road, application expected.
This could mean an increase of 50% in the size of the village:
Another 500-600 houses in a village of only 1200 houses
Another 1200 – 1500 cars to add to the congestion
Hundreds more children for our schools, which are already oversubscribed
Another 2,400 patients for the Doctors
Loss of large areas of our countryside & damage to our conservation area
Village meeting – Monday 29th June, 7.30, Village Hall
This is a public meeting and all are welcome
Visit our website: www.protectgreatbentley.com
or email [email protected] for more information.
29
July 2015
Summer action
Film Night
Wednesday 17 June, had a
variety of track events:
relay, 80m dash, sprint and
long run. Brielle Bird, Y6 said
“my first sports day at Great
Bentley was great, I like
having a break in between
so we don’t get too
exhausted.”
By Lizzie Sparling.
Sports Day
Ready, set, go! Sports day
at Great Bentley Primary
was done differently this
year; it was stretched across
two days. The first day,
Wednesday 10 June, was
Exciting, enjoyable and
brilliant, the film night was a
success again. As usual, the
PTA worked hard to make it
an enjoyable time for
everyone. “It was amazing!” a
Y5 pupil said. “The films are
always enjoyable”, another
pupil added.
We were given popcorn,
optional sweets and
refreshments. The films were
“BIG HERO 6” and
“MALEIICENT” which are both
great family films. Overall it
was a great evening and we
all look forward to our next
film night!
By Tommy Marns.
field events – the classic long
jump, won overall by
Edward Kerridge and new
ones like the hammer throw,
tennis ball throw, speed
bounce, (for Y3 & 4 , where
you jump over a small bump
as many times as possible in
30 seconds) and triple jump,
won overall by Jasmine
Morton. The second day,
Zoo Trip for Reception
Animals were the delight of
the day when Reception
headed to the Zoo for their
trip. Seeing the animals close
up at play was a wonderful
experience.
Y4 treated pupils and parents to an assembly telling the story of the changes in rainforest
habitation followed by a human made sound performance of a tropical storm together with
thunder. So realistic the audience thought they were at the epi-centre of the storm!
The saying goes “actions
speak louder than words”
and after all the hard work
of the SATS, Y6 have been
continuing their studies but
not just with pen and paper.
Pictured here is a group
baking making sure their
ingredients were weighed
out and conversions
calculated correctly. Others
made tasty smoothies,
•
Film Night
•
Sport Day
•
Zoo trip
•
A Tropical Tale
•
Y6 Learning in
Action
•
Up, Up and Away
Coming Next Month:
Y6 PGL Trip
Magna Carta Day
Gt.Bentley’s Got Talent
A Tropical Tale
Y6 Learning in action
Snapshot News:
example of how their use of
Maths translates into
everyday life.
Up, up and away
Y5 have been designing
their own hot air balloons.
They thought carefully about
the most appropriate
materials and used them in
their designs. The balloons
were made of paper mache
and the baskets from a
range of recycling containers
– then the test flights started
and the pupils could see the
effect of weight drag and
also (with the use of a
30
hairdryer to simulate the
balloon heaters) the effect
and speed increase in flight
when hot air applied.
Fascinating to see!
Edited Version of Chairman’s Report June 2015
I am happy to say yet again that we have had another year of stability within the Parish Council, finishing with the same
Councilors as we started with. We are very lucky to call upon Parish Councillors who have such a level of experience in
dealing with the day to day issues inherent with running our small public body. We have also been lucky over the past year
to have two District Councillors sitting on our Parish Council, Lynda McWilliams and Peter Balbirnie.
Peter has always been, together with Lynda, a useful insight into the workings of Tendring District Council. I thank
him for his guidance, and for his helpful influence in particular with various highways and planning matters that he has
diligently dealt with over the years. Peter continues as a Parish councillor and we welcome his future contributions.
Lynda is our District Councillor and has been a particular help to all of us this year with regard to not only the wind
turbines, but also with commentary and advice regarding past and future planning applications.
We have also this year had a new County Councillor in the form of Alan Goggin who is on hand to deliver advice
and counselling on what is going on with the County scene. Although Alan has not been in the post long, he has already
helped us on a number of issues and gathered together support whilst tackling the problem of congestion within the village
caused by the railway crossing gates. So thank you Alan.
In the normal way with this report, I shall start with Allotments.
Allotment Site
Our allotment site continues to flourish, and is being used for the benefit of all those that wish to participate. We are lucky
that we have a surplus allotment capacity at the present time, and considerable availability going forward depending on
what the future holds.
Car Parking
The Parish Council continue to encourage people to park in the station car park, especially the long term parkers, and
people working in the centre of the village. We generally believe the message is getting through as I regularly see the
butchers van parking in this area, as well as a number of other people who work in the village. The car park seems to be
well used and, although I do believe that we are getting some people using the car park from outside the parish, this is not
proving to be a massive problem at the moment.
The Green
The green continues to thrive. We are lucky to have this wonderful open space that we all benefit from and use for sports,
playing, walking and as a general thoroughfare across the village. We have introduced a diary system and this is soon to
go online so that people can see what is going on on the green at any given time so this should keep “use conflicts” to a
minimum.
I recently attended a Local Authority Greens and Commons Management Seminar and listened to some of the
problems that other parishes and districts experience with their village greens. The feedback that I got, was that we have
much fewer problems, and occasions of anti-social behaviour than the majority, and I put this down to the way we manage
our green as a community.
The green is precious but it is also there to serve us as a community. We are very fortunate that we can walk across
it, and use it as one large footpath/ play area/ sports pitch with little interference from anyone. It is not plagued with lots of
footpaths running through it which seemed to be the blight of other authorities. The openness is the advantage.
As always, I am certainly encouraged by the extent of the use of the green by all sorts of different people for all
sorts of different reasons. Again this year we have had several events on the green from Football Camps to Keep Fit Fans
from Weddings, to Circus, to Fun Runs, to Cricket, and with hard work, great communication, and a little common sense,
everybody has had successful events without any major or long lasting damage to the green’s surface.
Street Lighting
Through Robert Taylor’s continued vigilance, repairs to our street lights are always carried out quickly and efficiently. As I
always say, we ask members of the public to remain vigilant and report to us when lights are out so Robert and the Parish
Clerk can take appropriate actions. There is an ongoing desire to change the lights for more efficient LED versions and,
subject to funds, we are hoping to roll this out when we can.
Parish Community Resource Centre
This Centre continues to thrive and is not just a place where our Parish Clerk can carry out day to day functions of the
Parish, but can also be a modal point where people can pick up things, such as bins and notices that perhaps otherwise
they could not.
First Responders
We are still lucky enough to have First Responders in our village and this is due to the hard work and determination of a
few individuals. We continue to support them and thank them for their most useful contribution.
Young People Activities and Clubs
Fit Clubs, Youth Clubs, Gym Clubs, Nurseries and pre-school - all of these activities happen within our village. We are
lucky enough that we do not have to go to other villages to partake of these facilities. The Parish Council encourages
young people in particular, to participate in all forms of socially acceptable behavior. We encourage all types of sport and
outdoor activity and by doing this; the amount of trouble in the village continues to be low. Support for these clubs is most
important, as it promotes not only social responsibility and team building, but also brings the family unit together, as well as
creating a greater village spirit. I always ask the clubs, particularly when it is wet, to treat the green with respect on days
when damage could occur.
31
Police
As you will all be aware, we locally fund a PCSO with Alresford Parish Council and this partnership seems to be working
well. We have a strong Police presence in the village and we are keen to see our PCSO’s building a strong relationship
with the community in general. We work closely with our great PCSO to try and get the best from her, and have her in the
most appropriate places. This is an ongoing dialogue and seems to be working successfully.
Pond
The pond continues to look healthy and ecologically thrives.
Surgery/Pharmacy
Our Surgery thrives and again we are lucky to have this and the Pharmacy as a facility. This means that we don’t have to
hop in the car and go to town or a different village. However, I am told that a great many others do, and that the Surgery
and Pharmacy looks after more than 8000 people from not only our village but the surrounding villages as well, so when
we hear criticism of having to wait for an appointment, for a specific Doctor, people should perhaps be more
understanding. The doctors do a fantastic job and we are lucky to have them based in our village.
General Facilities
We are lucky to have restaurants, shops, pubs, cafes, sandwich shops, garages and a thriving business centre. We must
use them, we must support them or we may lose them. I urge you all to support localism where you can.
Highways
Highways are a constant source of frustration to the Parish Council, the County Council, and pretty much anyone who
drives up and down our village roads. Unfortunately, it seems that budgets, being what they are, are still very tight and
despite our continual, and I must emphasise the word ‘continual’ logging of all potholes and problems, the whole process
seems to be a very sorry and unsatisfactory way of dealing with highway repairs. The highway verges continue to be cut by
us the Parish Council as this allows the work to be carried out more often and at more appropriate times of the year.
License for use of green for entertainment
Anyone wishing to use the green for organised functions must have written permission and sign up to the conditions that
the Council has to apply. Once again, I would like to remind members of the public that if you would like to erect signage
on the green for a limited amount of time for any reason, you must have written permission.
Housing
It will not have escaped anyone’s notice that we have a serious national problem with regard to housing. However not only
do we have this national crisis, but we also have a much more serious local crisisF. in the form of a District Council that
simply doesn’t have an up to date Local Development Plan. This is not the forum to discuss why after so many years our
District Council have been unable to agree and formulate an up to date Plan. ButF., it doesn’t have one.
As a Parish Council and a community we have to suffer the fallout of this. My view as the Chairman is that we
cannot bury our heads in the sand. We are seeing on an almost weekly basis, applications or consultations arriving. The
major challenge over the next 2 years for Great Bentley will be deciding in my view, not if, but where we want the
development to go.
Now the recent development in the village, off Sturrick Lane /Abrey Close is a case in point. Despite the objections
of the Parish Council, and the Non Determination by Tendring District Council, because the development was “Govt Policy
compliant” the Planning Inspector at appeal gave the scheme approval. All our objections to that scheme did, was delay
the homes coming FF. by just a few months, and the approx. £80,000 worth of community benefits allocated by the
developer, were given directly to TDC of which we have not seen anything to date. Therefore your Parish Council’s
biggest challenge of this year will be trying to influence that land is allocated into the appropriate places, and where it
affects the fewest number of families.
Some may consider that families that are on the Bird Estate for example, around Finch Drive, and Larkfield Road
area, should not suffer further development because they have already had disruption, with the Sturrick Lane/Abrey Close
scheme. However this would occur if the remainder of the Heckford Field is developed, which is a current proposal.
A further proposal received recently, for the land east of Pine Close and Birch Avenue on the Tree estate, if successful,
would mean that those families, together with the others that lived on Cedar Way, could have development on two sides of
where they live,F. if the current application for 150 homes off Plough Road, and the Weeley Road scheme are
approved. I am unable to mention the Admirals Farm application as this is being discussed later and I have declared an
interest.
Now, there are a great number of people in the village, especially the young, that want to own their own home, and
we must listen, and take their concerns into consideration equally. It has come as no surprise to me that many people
WANT development in the village and they don’t really care where it goesF.. they just want a house. As a community we
need to look after these people as well.
Now I have heard about conflicts of interests, where a land owner may gain an advantage because he or she is a
past or resent Councillor. I had hoped sincerely that the previous allotment site disagreement; and the Wind Turbine
situation; which both involved past Councillors, had shown that having been on the PC does not give an advantage.
However, nor must it be a disadvantage, or be used by opponents of a scheme as a weapon, to discredit that member.
When looking at sites we need to be considerate to all parties, and consider all aspects and what is right for the whole
village. We lost control of the Sturrick Lane/Abrey Close siteFF completely to the Planning Inspector, and it has cost this
village significantly.
We have a problem, we need to deal with it, and we need to deal with it with fair consideration to all.
Jonathan Hills - Chairman of the Parish Council
32
PLANTS FROM THE PAST
‘Beauty and the Beast’
Poppies
(Family name – Papaveraceae)
Strange as it may seem, the correct name for poppy is Papaver and is part of the family name although there is
one other plant we all love (and some cannot grow like me) is the exquisite ‘Blue Poppy’ - Meconopis
betonicifolia discovered by Frank Kingdom-Ward (1885-1958) in 1924. However, the story of this plant does
not start there – it was first seen in 1886 by Jean Marie Delavay, a French missionary, sent back to France and
named M.betonicifolia by the botanist Franchet. In 1913 it was seen in bloom by Lt. Colonel F.M Bailey who
was so overcome with its beauty that he preserved some specimens in his pocket book. It was not until
Kingdom-Ward in 1924 who not only rediscovered this plant but it was the right time for seed collecting and
he gathered one pound from which all Meconopis have come from.
Gardeners may still be able to purchase some of the following, M. cambrica (Welsh Poppy) 12in high with
yellow flowers from June to September. Not fussy and is suitable for shady rock gardens, dry walls and moist
places or in full sun. M. grandis (1895) grows to 24ins with blue or purple flowers in May and June. This is
a perennial from Nepal, Sikkim and Tibet for a semi-shaded place.
One plant I am not allowed to grow is Papaver somniferum (Opium Poppy) for no other reason than the roots
go down so far it is difficult to remove them and when you do succeed, roots left at the previous spot become
another plant and the life-cycle starts all over again. Every year I tried to rescue those that have survived but I
am afraid I am always too late. However, the seed is abundant, delicious, yields oil and contains a small
amount of narcotic substances and when eaten fresh gives a pleasant relaxation.
Opium has been with us since before Christ, was sold on the street markets of Ancient Rome and by the 8th
century had spread to Arabia, India and China. Queen Elizabeth 1 instructed her merchants to purchase and
send back to England the finest Indian opium. It has been with us ever since but unfortunately we need it for
the morphine it provides which was in short supply only a few years ago. Worldwide many have been glad to
have morphine to help with pain.
P. nudicaule (Iceland Poppy (1759) grows to 12in with white or yellow flowers but today modern varieties
are all colours. P. orientale (Oriental Poppy (1714) grows to 3ft with red flowers in May and June –
unfortunately this plant dies back after flowering leaving an empty space which rather annoys my husband.
Papavers of all varieties are beautiful because of their creased-taffeta petals, like butterfly wings and give great
joy along the roadside. The poppy is a historical plant and according to mythology was created by Somnus
(god of Sleep) to give to Ceres (the Corn Goddess) exhausted with her labours for she was neglecting the corn.
After her poppy induced sleep, refreshed she could once again look after her crops, hence statues and pictures
of Ceres always show a chaplet with corn intermixed with poppies. However there is superstition that after the
battle of Waterloo red poppies grew from the blood of the men who died there. After the Battle of Neerwinden
the meadows were scarlet with poppies and, later in history, the fields of Flanders.
Sylvia
Bibliography:
“Manual of Old Fashioned Flowers” by Lys de Bray
“The Plant Hunters” by Toby Musgrave, Chris Gardner
and Will Musgrave
“The Secret Lore of Plants and Flowers” by Eric Maple
33
GREAT BENTLEY CRICKET CLUB
It was a case of third time lucky as Great Bentley broke their North Essex League Division One duck with
victory against Halstead at Star Stile in mid-May. Beaten by Colchester and Wivenhoe in their opening top
flight assignments, Bentley travelled to Halstead with Imran Sheikh, Rupert Haxell and Jamie Ivory coming into
their line-up for Michael Giles, Pete Bodily and Gary Brooker. But they saw the home side’s openers put on 90
in 17 overs before Matt Fowler and Brad Turner combined for a run out to break the deadlock. Fowler struck
again soon after to remove the other opener, then trapped a new batsman leg before wicket before Bart
Wilkinson completed a stumping off his bowling to dismiss Halstead’s dangerous South African left-hander.
That left the home side 133-4 and Fowler with 3-14 before Sheikh (3-20) began to make inroads at the other
end.
Halstead lost their last six wickets for just eight runs, with Haxell (2-17) striking twice in an over to help
dismiss them for 157 in the 34th over. Bentley lost Sheikh and Matt Fowler cheaply in reply to find themselves
29-2 after seven overs. But captain Joe Fowler and dad Rod steadied the ship to put them firmly back on
course for success. Rod dropped anchor to score 27 from 70 balls, including a six and a four, during a 95-run
partnership that spanned 20 overs. Joe also cleared the rope once and hit 10 other boundaries before falling
for 89, off just 73 deliveries, with his side 16 runs short of their target. Jason Edwards followed for a third-ball
duck, but Brad Turner and Reuben Hunter quickly completed the task, sealing a five-wicket win in 31 overs.
Bentley made it back-to-back wins with success over Division Two side Witham in the cup three weeks later on
The Green. They could only field a team of 10, with Gary Sargent, Len Clayden and Ian Johnson coming into
the side for Turner, Hunter, Edwards and Ivory. But a superb century from Sheikh helped Bentley to a
challenging 234-5 from their 40 overs. Sheikh dominated the total with an innings of 126, with Joe Fowler (37),
Rod Fowler (36) and Danny Hunt (16 not out) also contributing. Matt Fowler (2-38) made the breakthrough
with the ball in Witham’s reply, with Joe Fowler and Johnson adding further scalps. Batting hero Sheikh also
got in on the act with the wicket of Michael Glynn, for 62, and pouched a pair of catches in a fine all-round
performance. Haxell (2-27) maintained his good form with the ball, with Matt Fowler producing another run out
as the visitors came up well short on 201-8.
Victory set up a home quarter-final meeting with Great Horkesley & Lexden, scheduled for Sunday July
5. All support is welcome. Bentley were brought back down to earth as they returned to league action in midJune when High Easter visited the village. Captain Joe Fowler fell one run short of another half-century as his
side were held to 147-9, with the visitors reaching their target with five wickets in hand.
*Great Bentley holds colts cricket on Friday evenings for youngsters under the age of 11.
The sessions start at 6.15pm and are open to any children who are interested in playing.
Great Bentley CC
Season 2015
April 19:
Colchester lost by 137 runs
April 26:
FRINTON PP
May 10:
WIVENHOE lost by 8 wickets
May 17:
Halstead won by 5 wickets
May 31:
Springfield PP
June
WITHAM (Cup) won by 33 runs
7:
June 14:
HIGH EASTER lost by 5 wickets
July
5:
GT HORKESLEY & LEXDEN (Cup)
July
19:
Aug
2:
COLCHESTER
Aug
9:
High Easter
Aug
16:
Wivenhoe
Aug
23:
SPRINGFIELD PP
Sep
6:
Sep
13:
Frinton
Sep
20:
MISTLEY
NON ALCHOLIC COCKTAIL
This tangy cocktail is the ideal booze-free
refresher.
Shake 150ml lemon juice
and 150 ml elderflower cordial
with ice in a shaker.
Strain over fresh ice into a jug.
Top with ginger beer and garnish with
slices of lemon before serving in tall glasses.
Mistley
Serves 6.
HALSTEAD
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EULOGY FOR CHRIS CAMERON
We are here today to remember, to give thanks for and to celebrate the life of Violet
Christine Cameron although known to all of us as Chris.
Chris was born in Frating, she had 2 younger half-sisters Anne and Betty. There is not a
great deal known about Chris’ early years but we do know that she worked in the
Creche looking after the babies at the Kodak Company in Harrow, and was remembered
as being Deputy Matron at the Colchester High School for boys.
After the war Chris had lived in the Old School House in Frating, Admirals Farm and latterly in a bungalow at
De Vere.
I am not sure where or when Chris and Grant first met but I do know that they had many good and happy
years together. They both liked to laugh and had a good sense of humour, it was through Grant that Chris
looked on Scotland as her second home and they regularly enjoyed 6 weeks camping at Loch Eil and St Cyrus
Beach. Chris loved the scenery and would often paint it. The two of them were members of the local
Caledonian Society; Chris had a great love of Scottish country dancing and in fact all things Scottish and of
course the Cameron Clan. She even loved West Highland Terriers and I know many of you will remember her
walking her dog around the village. Chris enjoyed get togethers with her cousins and Ann and all who wanted
to visit.
Both Chris and Grant were keen to give back to the community and involved with the uniformed organisations,
Chris was a Girl Guide leader, she was very popular with the girls and was always encouraging and
enthusiastic about their achievements and enjoyed teaching them new skills on the many camping trips they
shared. Chris was a good home-maker and would add her creativity to the interior decoration and the layout
and content of the garden. She had a fantastic eye and impeccable taste.
Chris was a founder member of the Great Bentley Art Club with Harold Lambert and Grant was the Club’s
treasurer. She was a very talented artist – landscapes mainly but she did love to paint flowers and birds; I
expect that most of you here have a piece of her work hanging up in your home.
Chris had so many interests; poetry, reading, classical music. She was a faithful member of Saint Mary’s
Church Family, and a very good cook and would provide her Scotch pancakes for Church fundraisers and I am
told that at Art Club events it was her meringues that took centre stage. Chris even took meals into hospital for
Grant for them to microwave when he was hungry because hospital food was not a patch on home cooked.
Chris had a long term friend, who moved to Devon and she enjoyed a number of great holidays there when
she was widowed.
Chris knew the art of being a good friend, she was wise and gave good advice when asked and had many
good friends in return. Her friends proved invaluable with regular trips to the shops and to Art Club and they
were greatly appreciated.
It wasn’t too long ago that Chris’ health deteriorated and she moved into ‘The Oaks’ where she received great
care.
Chris was a fun loving, happy, caring, wise, faithful lady with a generous spirit.
May she rest in peace and rise in Glory.
Rev. Sharon Miles
HELLO AND GOODBYE
We welcome new residents to Jasmine Cottage and Anaheim. Welcome to your new home Lynn, Michael,
Sam and Esme who have migrated east and Liz who has migrated west, all on the south side of the green.
Farewell and good luck in your new home to Barbara and Norman Ryan who have left the village for pastures
new.
Goodbye and thank you to the Rev Canon Pat Prestney who has moved away and
welcome to Charlotte and Daniel who have moved into their new home.
35
RECIPES WITH CHERRIES
CHERRY, MOZZARELLA, ROCKET
AND PARMA HAM
CHERRY CHEESECAKE
This is really easy
Serves 4 (or 6 as a starter)
Prepare 10 minutes
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1
2
Base:
small packet digestive biscuits crushed
75g melted butter
75g caster sugar
150g cherries, pitted
3 tbsp olive oil
1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 small orange, zest
and 1 tbsp juice
90g pack Parma ham (or other cured ham)
roughly torn
2 x 125g balls buffalo mozzarella
torn into large pieces
4 large handfuls wild rocket
Combine crushed biscuits with sugar and butter and
press into 20cm spring form tin or 6 individual tins,
make sure you take the base up the sides of the tin.
Chill until firm.
Filling:
300g soft cheese
2 eggs
50g caster sugar
300g pitted cherries
For the dressing, roughly crush the cherries in
a large bowl with a fork (or use a pestle and
mortar). Stir through the olive oil, balsamic
vinegar, orange zest and orange juice;
season.
Arrange the ham, mozzarella and rocket
leaves on plates (or a large platter), then
drizzle over the cherry dressing before
serving.
Combine cheese eggs and sugar until smooth, fold
in cherries and bake at 80c/160/fan/gas 4 for about
30 minutes until set. Cool for about 30 minutes and
serve with cherry cream.
Cherry Cream:
Whip a tub of double cream until thick, blitz 100g
pitted cherries with 25g icing sugar and mix into the
cream.
DEEP-DISH CHERRY PIE
Serves
Prepare
Cook
•
•
•
•
•
•
8-10
25 minutes, plus chilling
1 hour 25 minutes
1.2kg cherries, pitted
200g golden caster sugar,
plus 1 tbsp extra to sprinkle
1 lemon, zest and juice
2 tbsp cornflour
2 x 250g frozen shortcrust pastry sheets,
defrosted
Egg white, to glaze
1
2
3
4
36
Simmer the cherries with sugar, lemon zest and
½ the juice for 15-20 minutes, until reduced by
half. Mix the cornflour with the remaining lemon
juice and stir into the cherries. Cook for 3-4
minutes more, until thick and jammy; cool, then
chill completely.
Preheat the oven to 220ºC, gas mark 7; place a
baking tray on the bottom shelf. Roll out 1 pastry
sheet until large enough to line a deep, 21cm pie
dish, with plenty of overhang. Lay the pastry in
the dish and press into the corners. Trim the
excess and chill for 10 minutes.
Fill the chilled base with cherries. Roll out the
remaining pastry sheet until large enough to
cover the pie. Brush the rim with the egg white,
lay the pastry on top and crimp the edges to seal.
Brush the top with egg white and sprinkle over
the extra 1 tbsp sugar. Cut a cross in the top to
let the steam escape; freeze for 20 minutes.
Bake the pie on the hot tray for 30 minutes, then
reduce the oven temperature to 180ºC, gas mark
4; cook for 25-30 minutes more, until golden
(cover any areas that brown too quickly with foil).
Cool for 30 minutes, then serve with ice cream, if
liked.
GREAT BENTLEY PARISH COUNCIL
Community Resource Centre, Village Hall
Plough Road CO7 8LG
Tel. 01206 256410
Email [email protected]
Website www.greatbentleyparishcouncil.co.uk
Proposed residential development on land south of Weeley Road: The Parish Council has agreed to a request
from Star Planning and Development (SPD), for an informal meeting. SPD is preparing a planning application for a
residential development on land west of Heckford’s Road. The 30 minute meeting will take place immediately prior
to the Planning Committee meeting at 6.45pm on Thursday 2 July 2015.
The Parish Council has received criticism in the past from local residents for meeting with other potential
developers on this type of basis. Therefore, it has agreed to this meeting on the basis of residents being allowed
to attend albeit with a listening brief on the understanding that members of the public will not be able to contribute
to the meeting or ask questions of the developer’s representatives or council members.
Annual Parish Meeting: The meeting was held on 4 June. Most of the local organisations that received financial
grants from the Parish Council sent a representative to the meeting to provide a brief outline of their activities
PCSO; In Cllr Wright’s absence, Cllr Hills reported the outcome of the review of the PCSO service. The members
involved in the review indicated that they are satisfied that the PCSO service is benefiting the village. Members
take the view that it is important that PCSO Cox is seen by residents going about her business. While she needs
to spend time on the housing estates, it is important she is seen in other parts of the village in particular the village
centre. Councillors agreed to make an effort to make more contact with PCSO Cox in the course of her duties.
Annual Internal Audit Inspection: The Parish Council’s annual accounts were closed prior to the recent annual
audit inspection. The inspection was undertaken by Heelis and Lodge on 29 May 2015. The report prepared
includes a number of relatively minor recommendations’ that need to be acted upon.
Forge Lane Drainage: A meeting on site at Forge lane with an ECC Highways engineer has been scheduled. The
aim will be to explain to Highways the problems that are experienced with rainwater sitting on Forge Lane. It is
hoped that a suitable resolution will be identified.
Housing Development Application at Admirals Farm: In the region of 35 members of public attended the Planning
Committee meeting to listen to proceedings with eight people taking the opportunity to speak and ask questions.
The Council agreed to seek additional information about the application and deferred a decision until the next
meeting on 2 July 2015.
Planning Applications: The planning applications shown in the table below were considered by the Planning
Committee at its monthly meeting. The Council’s determination can be seen in the minutes of the meeting
published on the Parish Council’s website or on the TDC website.
Planning Reference No.
& Email Link
15/00682/OUT
Mr G Wright
Application Details
Address
Land at Admirals Farm Heckfords Road
Great Bentley
15/00791/FUL
Mr & Mrs Chaplin
Proposed erection of 75 dwellings,
garages, roads and associated
works.
Proposed two storey side extension
to form garage & two bedrooms.
15/00794/TCA
Kier Services - Ms K
Heaton
1 No. Yew - reduce in height to
approximately 3.5 m above ground
level
Great Bentley C P School Plough Road
Great Bentley
Hill View Thorrington Road Great Bentley
Parish Council Meetings: The date and times of the monthly meetings on July 2nd are as set out below.
Proposed Residential Development on land South of Weeley Road - Presentation by Star Planning and
Development - 6.45pm
Planning Committee meeting,7.15pm Thursday 2 July,
Monthly Parish Council meeting,7.30pm on Thursday 2 July
The Community Resource Centre is staffed on a part time basis only. The opening times are displayed on the
office door and published on the Parish Council website.
Kevin Harkin - Clerk to Great Bentley Parish Council
37
FOOTBALL CLUB NOTES
There is a gap between football seasons, but a very small one, and we are already making preparations for
2015-16. Our remaining Border League team, which I will, henceforth, refer to as the 1st Team, will continue to
play in Division Two, and the Veterans will be one of ten teams in the North Essex Veterans League.
Training: The 1st Team have already begun training and will meet on the Green on Tuesdays and Thursdays
at 7 p.m. All players, new and old, are welcome to these sessions, and anyone wanting further information
should contact the club secretary, Clive French, on 01206 251000.
Friendlies:
A series of pre-season friendlies have been organised as follows:
Thurs 16th July home West Bergholt Res (7 p.m.);
Sat
18th July home Clacton F.C. Res (3 p.m.);
Sat
25th July home Cinque Port (3 p.m.);
Sat
1st Aug home Alresford Colne Rangers Res (3 p.m.);
Sat
8th Aug home Mersea Island (3 p.m.);
Tues 11th Aug away Bradfield Rovers (6-30 p.m.) The Border League season begins on Sat 15th Aug.
The Veterans will commence friendlies in August, with a league start date of Sat 5th Sept.
Awards Night:
The annual presentation evening went with a swing following a day of Youth Team awards and exhibition
matches. We had a disco on the trailer and the food and drink outlets did good business at this well attended
event. The winners of the adult awards were:
1st Team:
Manager’s Player of the Year – Trevor Kirk
Players’ Player of the Year – Gavin Newcombe
Leading Scorer – Julian Buda
Veterans:
Manager’s Player of the Year – Jimmy Morton
Players’ Player of the Year – Keith Young
Leading Scorer – Keith Young
The Club Person of the Year Award went to our indefatigable bar lady, Mary Amy, with a massive show of
thanks for all her efforts on the club’s behalf.
Five-a-Side:
Come and give us a look at our annual Five-a-Side competition on Carnival Day, Saturday 27th June, starting
at 10 a.m. Burgers, hot dogs, bacon rolls, coffees and teas will be on sale at our famous BBQ outside the
clubhouse, and the bar will be open from 12 midday. For anyone interested in football, the games will be
played on the main pitch near the Mill House.
A.G.M.
The football club’s A.G.M. will be held on Friday 3rd July at 8 p.m. in the clubhouse, and is open to everyone. If
there is anyone who’s interested in helping to run, or play for, our renowned village club, please don’t hesitate
to give us a look, either at the A.G.M., or at any of our matches.
Lucky Team Winner May: N. Kirtland (Cardiff City) £25.
Stoner.
38
Monday 29th June PUBLIC MEETING RE POTENTIAL HOUSING
DEVELOPMENTS, Village Hall, 7.30pm. p.27
DIARY FOR JULY
Wed 1st
FIREBIKE TRAINING, Methodist Church, p.3
Thurs 2nd
PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING, 7.15pm,
Village Hall
Thurs 2nd
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING, 7.30pm, Village Hall
Fri
Fri
FRIDAY 5 RUNNING CLUB EVENT
FOOTBALL CLUB AGM Clubhouse, 8pm
3rd
3rd
Sat
4th
Sat 4th
GREAT BENTLEY BAKE OFF, Vestry Room, see p. 19 & 25
METHODIST FLOWER FESTIVAL, 10-7pm
Sun 5th
METHODIST FLOWER FESTIVAL, 11-5pm
Mon 6th
ST MARY’S CHURCH CLOSED FOR REPAIRS,
Services will be held in the Vestry Room
BENTLEY GREEN LADIES CLUB, Visit to the Suffolk
Cheese Farm
Mon 6th
Tues 7th
BENTLEY GREEN LADIES CLUB, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Thurs 10th
HISTORY SOCIETY, Village Hall, 8pm
Mon 13th
Tues
MAGAZINE DEADLINE
14th
ART CLUB, Green Island Gardens, Gt Bromley (all day)
Thurs 16th
PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP, Mitchell Room,
Village Hall, 6.30pm
Tues
21st
GARDENING CLUB ‘Chip supper’, 7pm
Wed
22nd
EVERGREEN FRIENDSHIP CLUB, Village Hall
Fri
24th
MAGAZINE COLLATING, 9am Vestry Room
Sun
26th
SESAW OPEN DAY, Leavenheath, CO6 4PP
Tues 28th
ART CLUB, Dedham, meet at car park near river
Fri
WINE TASTING, Contact 01206 252157 for details
31st
39