May 2016 magazine - Web

1
Village Information
METHODIST MINISTER
Rev Crawford Logan 37 Southcliff Park, Clacton on Sea,
CO15 6HH - 01255 423640
St Mary’s Church
VICAR:
Rev Sharon Miles
The Vicarage, The Bury, St Osyth,
CO16 8NY
01255 822055
DOCTOR’S SURGERY:
Drs F. Bhatti, R.S. O’Reilly, A. Nambi, and G. Pontikis.
The Hollies, The Green - 01206 250691
CHIROPODIST:
Terry St George - 01255 861387: Mobile: 07775 833200
CHURCHWARDEN
Wendy King
17 Larkfield Road - 01206 250852
POLICE:
Clacton 0300 333 4444
24 hour Non emergency number 101
In an emergency ring 999
CHURCHWARDEN:
Wendy Smith
Burnside, The Green - 01206 250098
PCSO Louise Cox, dial 101
email: [email protected]
PARISH COUNCIL:
Chairman - Jonathan Hills,Grange Farm, Heckfords Rd,
CO78RR - 01206 798666
TREASURER:
Penny Evans Jones
The Old Rectory, The Green - 01206 250541
[email protected]
Clerk to the Council - Kevin Harkin
Correspondence to: The Clerk, Community Resource Centre,
Village Hall, Plough Road, Great Bentley, CO7 8LD
Telephone - 01206 256410
CHURCH VERGER:
Rita Baverstock
Stonybroke, Station Road - 01206 251271
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]
LAY READER:
Wendy King
17 Larkfield Road - 01206 250852
GOOD NEIGHBOURS TRANSPORT:
Barbara Fookes - 01206 250431
PCC SECRETARY:
Chris Aplin
Newmay House, The Green - 01206 250385
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:
Richard Nowak - 01206 250204
MEDICAL AIDS:
Barbara Fookes - 01206 250431
STEWARDSHIP SECRETARY:
Rosemary Branch
4 Wents Close - 01206 250137
TENDRING FURNITURE SCHEME:
Rocket House, Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, Clacton:
01255 476068
TOWER CAPTAIN:
Roger Carey-Smith - 01206 250521
VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS:
Shelley Pizzey, 5 Keeble Court – 01206 252385
METHODIST HALL BOOKINGS:
Robert & Janet Taylor, Dominica, Moors Close - 01206 250087
SUNDAY SCHOOL:
Linda Hayes
Ivy Lodge, Frating - 01206 250207
Maria Pagram
The Burrow, Plough Road - 01206 250280
GT BENTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL: - 01206 250331
COLNE COMMUNITY SCHOOL: - 01206 303511
VILLAGE HISTORY RECORDER:
Heather Taylor, Granville, Plough Road - 01206 251004
VESTRY ROOM BOOKING SECRETARY:
Carole Allington
Poplar House, Station Road - 01206 251086
or ring Church Verger
COLCHESTER HOSPITALS: 01206 747474
CLACTON & DISTRICT HOSPITAL: 01255 201717
FOOTPATH REP: David Gollifer 01206 250309
DONATIONS FOR ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE:
Judy & Alan Bishop - 5 Morella Close, 01206 251702
PARISH MAGAZINE EDITOR/ADVERTISING/
DISTRIBUTOR:
Mary Maskell
Caldew Cottage, The Green
01206 250524
[email protected]
VILLAGE TRANSPORT REP: Peter Harry - 01206 250511
VILLAGE CORRESPONDENT:
Sue Gibson, 1 Cedar Way, e-mail: [email protected]
VILLAGE CARETAKER:
Bobby McWilliams, Boblyn, St Mary’s Rd, Aingers Green
01206 250732
Carole Allington
[email protected]
2
EDITORIAL
Sing a song of May time
Sing a song of Spring
The words of a children's hymn engraved in my heart from school days
long past. May is a wonderful month when the leaves on the trees and
hedgerows unfurl to reveal a pallet of green that defies description.
Couple this with the dark blue hue of bluebells and their incomparable
scent and for me this is heaven on earth. We have just heard that
Thorrington Hall Woods will be open on Saturday 30th April from 10am
to 4pm so hope you read this in time to make a visit. Following in the
same vein although “One swallow does not make a summer”, it is
always a wonderful start and one lonesome bird was swooping low over
the eastern end of the green on 21st April. We now need the weather
to start convincing us of the seasonal with higher temperatures and
favourable growing conditions.
You will have had through your door an envelope with the
Housing Needs Survey in it. Don't forget to fill this in and return it in the
envelope as it will help inform our housing needs for the future. If
you've misplaced yours or need another, please contact Pippa on
07841995934, or [email protected].
You will read in the article prepared by Protect Great Bentley that
planning permission for the houses on Admirals Farm land have been
approved. You will also note that the Heckfords Road West application
was turned down because of the footpath access. The same footpath
was involved in both planning applications which really does seem
strange. Even more houses on the way it is predicted. See page 29.
Thank you to everyone involved in any way with the Clean for the
Queen event and also the celebration for the Queen’s 90th birthday
which received a huge amount of support. The sound of the church
bells ringing out that afternoon spurred on the efforts to dig my
allotment. All illustrate the joys of living in our village with its
incomparable community spirit.
As Editor of the magazine I am often asked to try and explain
various issues and I received a phone call on 22nd April from a very
distressed dog owner. We were looking after a friends dog for the week
and I, along with other people enquired as to whether there would be
fireworks on the night of 21st April so as to avoid problems. It would be
really helpful and considerate if warning could be given ahead of a
firework display to avoid stress to pets and in one case at least a
resulting vet bill. Continuing with the pet theme two very much loved pet
rabbits have disappeared from their garden and a reward of £100 is on
offer for their safe return. The young ladies who own them are
devastated. I do hope there will be a happy ending to this plea. See
page 10.
I am going to indulge in a little nostalgia now straying far from our
village boundary back to my days at college in Liverpool, an amazing
city with a population of friendly, open and caring people. Strong bonds
have always existed there. Today, 26th April has been a very special
one for their community and proves that truth is worth fighting for,
however long it takes. Lets pray that it brings comfort to those families
torn apart and tortured for so many long years, who have fought for the
reputation of their loved ones and their beloved city.
2016
CONTENTS
Editorial
..
..
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1
Monthly Letter..
..
..
2
Church Services
..
..
3
Church Rotas
..
..
4
..
5
..
6
Thank You
Deadline
..
..
Coast to Coast
..
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12
Travelling the Kimberley
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14
Peter’s Potterings
..
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15
Wine Tasting
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15
Surgery News..
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16
Wildlives
..
..
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17
Running Club ..
..
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18
Quiz
..
20
..
..
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School ..
..
..
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21
Clubs & Organisations
..
22
Pet Notes
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23
Farming News
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24
Pre-School
..
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25
District Councillor Notes..
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27
Children’s Page
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28
Protect Great Bentley
..
29
Parish Council
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31/32
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..
History Society
..
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34
Carnival News
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36
Football Notes
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..
38
FRONT COVER
Clean for
The Queen
Mary Maskell
DISCLAIMER
The statements, opinions and data contained in these publications are solely those of the individual authors and
contributors and not of the Churchwardens, Parochial Church Council, the Editor nor the publisher.
The appearance of advertisements in the Great Bentley Parish News or the website is not a warranty, endorsement, or
approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety.
3
The Monthly Letters May 2016
I do so love the time after Easter when we hear the readings from the Acts of the Apostles, stories about the
amazingly quick growth of the church. The disciples assisted by the Holy Spirit performing miracles and
baptising hundreds and encouraging them in their new life with God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
I think about how amazing it must have been to be there in those days but reality gets a grip and I am
reminded of how the disciples were targets to those who continued to believe that Jesus was nothing more
than a troublemaker.
It seems obvious that those who followed Jesus were easy to spot in the crowd and got me thinking
about how Christians are recognised today. Do we stand out in a crowd? Is it something we do or say? Or do
we just get recognised as nice/good people? Because for me that just isn’t good enough!
There is a poster on the notice board of St Osyth Church that says “if you were arrested for being a Christian,
would there be enough evidence to convict you?”
I look at it whenever I am in church and it always makes me run through the last day or two in my mind
and try to work out how much evidence I had given to back up the charge. I suppose my dog collar might give
others a clue but if I had not been wearing it would the people around me know that I was driven by my
relationship with God or would they think of me as just a good person?
I believe for each of us it is about working out and knowing who we are and then living it distinctively.
In this 90th birthday year of her Majesty the Queen, I am so thankful that she is the head of the Church of
England and Defender of the Faith.
Do enjoy the warmer weather and the longer days.
Rev. Sharon
I do feel sometimes that an eye is always watching me in the guise of security cameras, they seem to be
everywhere these days and I'm sure must provide no end of entertainment for those who secretly man them
and watch people being caught in the act! A real candid camera show!
Our imperfect minds and hearts more readily record our limitations than our possibilities. Christ sees us
and records our actions and intentions through the eyes of perfect love.
The definition of candid is: pure, clean, free from undue bias, impartial, frank and straightforward. No
one in our lives will be as honest and fair with us as our God. Where we see weakness, fear, chaos and
failure, Christ sees in us the possibilities for strength courage, order and success.
To accomplish these changes he allows us to call on him for help, to lean on him and allow him to bring
completeness to our lives. But we must believe and say with Peter, "Thou art the Christ the Son of the Living
God".
May God Richly bless you.
Rev’d Crawford James Logan
MAY PRAYER LIST
Each day we will be praying for those that need help, those who give help and all the people who live in each road.
That’s a lot of praying to be done.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Doctors
Rowan Close
Support in Loss
Weeley Road
The lonely
Larkfield Road
Messy Church
Hall View
Housebound
Moors Close
St Helena’s Hospice
Thorrington Road
The vicar
Wren Close
The grieving
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Air Ambulance
Clacton Dis. Stoke Ass.
RSPCA
Headway
Salvation Army
Careline
CRUSE
MIND
Macmillan nurses
The homeless
Pre-School children
Blind & Partially sighted
Samaritans
Beacon House
St John Ambulance
4
Sturrick Lane
The abused
Churchwardens
Children’s Hospice
The Paddocks
RAD for the deaf
Methodist Minister Farmers
Keeble Court
Explorer Scouts
The sick
Premature babies
Morella Close
Action for children
Church Sunday School
Clacton Soup Run
Linnet Way
Wildlives
Parish Council
First Responders
St Mary’s Close
1st Gt Bentley Scouts
Church Stewards
Parent Line
The Green
Essex. Vol. Ass. for the Blind
Adventurer’s Club Local Food Bank
Hollybush Hill
Luncheon Club
Friends of the Green Girl Guides
CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS IN
GREAT BENTLEY DURING MAY
ST MARY’S CHURCH
METHODIST
CHURCH NEWS
Sunday 1st May - 6th Sunday of Easter
9.30am
Sung Eucharist & Sunday School
Thursday 5th May - Ascension Day
7.00am
Singing up the Church Tower
followed by breakfast
Sunday 8th May - 7th Sunday of Easter
9.30am
All Age Worship with Communion
Mon 9th
Support in Loss
10am in the Vestry Room
See more detail on:- www.facebook.com/pages/GreatBentley-Methodist-Church/776699562367528
We welcome you to worship with us during May.
Morning worship will be held at 10.00am unless
otherwise stated.
The leaders of worship are set out below:May 1st
May 8th
May 15th
May 22nd
May 29th
Rev John Robinson
3pm Special Service Dedication of
Easter Offering
Rev Crawford Logan - Sacrament
Rev John Robinson
The Church Stewards
Events in May
Sunday 15th May - Pentecost
9.30am
Sung Eucharist & Sunday School
Sunday 22nd May - Trinity Sunday
8.00am
Holy Communion
9.30am
All Age Worship
Fri
27th Magazine collating,
Vestry Room 9am
Sunday 29th May - 1st Sunday after Trinity
10.00am
Joint Benefice Service
at Great Bentley
Methodist Women in Britain at our Church 8th May
at 3pm followed by tea and cakes. A Circuit event to
receive and dedicate the gifts which will be used to work
with women and children at home and abroad.
Church Annual Meeting 15th May after morning
service. Followed by Bring and Share lunch
Coffee Morning 6th May. Raising funds for the Alison
Fracella Research Trust who feed funds into the
Oncology Research team at the Royal Marsden
Hospital.
CAMEO 9th May 6.30pm Simple meal followed by
Robert and Janet speaking on Southern India.
Messy Church 31st May after school for parents,
carers and their children. A time of fun with crafts and
cooking based on a Christian theme followed by
a meal.
Come to Tea at half past Three 5th June.
All welcome to afternoon tea and a relaxing time
together. We are happy to give lifts to anyone who
would like to come. Phone 250087.
You do not have to be a Church goer to come along.
Luncheon Clubs 10th & 24th May. We are pleased to
announce that the club has once again received a 5*
hygiene rating from Tendring Council thanks to the hard
work of Brenda and her team of helpers.
BAPTISM
3rd April
Willow Maisie
Weightman
Each week the following events are held at our
Church.
Ring these numbers for more information
Luncheon Club Alternate Tuesdays 12 Noon 251330
Parent & Toddlers Group Thursdays 9-15 a.m.
250431. Closed in school holidays
Adventurers
Fridays 7 p.m. 250087.
For children in school year 3 and older. Closed in school
holidays
Village Teen Youth Club alternate Thursdays at 7pm
5
VILLAGE DIARY
ST MARY’S CHURCH
June
18th The Queens Cream Teas,
St Mary’s Church
SIDESPERSONS ROTA
Sunday 1st May - 6th Sunday of Easter
Acts 16. 9-15: Revelation 21.10,22-5: John 14.23-29:
25th Carnival
Sidespersons
John & Jennie Moss
July
Intercessions
Myrtle Clayton
1st
2nd Garage Sale
Sunday 8th May - 7th Sunday of Easter
2/3rd Methodist Church Flower Festival
Acts 16. 16-34: Revelation 22.12-14,16-17,2-end:
John 17. 20-end:
Sidespersons
Linda & Nick Hayes
Intercessions
Nicky Justice
Running Club Friday 5 race
24th - 31st Circus on the green
September
3rd
Sunday 15th May - Pentecost
17th/18th St Mary’s Church Flower Festival
& Art Exhibition
Acts 2.1-21: Romans 8.14-17: John 14.8-17:
Sidespersons
Chris Aplin & Carol Kerridge
Intercessions
Carol Kerridge
Village Show
18th
SESAW Sale, Gt Bentley
November
Sunday 22nd May - Trinity Sunday
Proverbs 8.1-4, 22-31: Romans 5.1-5: John 16. 12-15:
Sidespersons
Wendy Smith & family
Intercessions
Wendy King
5th
Methodist Church Autumn Fair
13th
Remembrance Service,
Methodist Church
December
3rd/4th
Sunday 29th May - 1st Sunday after Trinity
1 Kings 8. 22-23, 41-43: Galatians 1.1-12:
Luke 7. 1-10:
Sidespersons
Roger & Lyn Carey Smith
Intercessions
Maria Pagram
Maypole
A fiddler's tune and around the Maypole the
children dance,
Singing, weaving coloured ribbons as they
prance,
Entwined around the pole
To another tune they then unwind.
Winter has gone, time now for May song
Summer and June will not be long.
May is the time for love
Who tells me this? - the cooing dove.
COFFEE ROTA
1st
Carole & Peter Allington
8th
Pat Nunn & Eve Hickley
St Mary’s Church
Christmas Tree Festival
15th Hilary Harris & Wendy Smith
22nd Stephanie Sadler & Maria Pagram
29th Rosemary & David Branch
D. Gibbs
CLEANING ROTA
7th
Maria Pagram
14th Wendy Smith & Beverley Adams
21st Linda Hayes
28th Chris Aplin & Carol Kerridge
6
GOSH! You have done it again!
Many thanks to everyone who supported the quiz at
the Plough (11th April) and a big thank you to
Christina and the rest of the pub crew, it was a great
evening. Including the raffle a sum of £297.50 was
raised in support of The Great Ormond Street
Children’s Hospital.
Well done teams and thank you for the raffle
prize donations. Hope to see you back for the next
Charity pub Quiz on Monday 16th May.
Tom
Animal Bedding
The healthy stock of bedding reported last month
grew even more thus allowing us to take one car
load to Margaret at the Colne Valley Animal Rescue
where she still battles on caring for a variety of
animals in a very exposed location and not the
easiest of conditions to work under. Of course she
was overjoyed to see such a huge
amount. Margaret does receive other bedding from
time to time for which she is always grateful, but
remarked that the quantity, quality and variety we
take her is amazing and lifts her spirits. We took a
second car load of bedding plus dog food to
Hacheston on a bright albeit chilly day.
The
abundance of gorse bushes along our route were
ablaze in the sunshine amongst the trees still waiting
to burst into life.
Emma was very busy when we arrived, they
also have boarding kennels and she was reuniting
an anxious lady with her ‘babies’, after being on
holiday for two weeks. Judy expected two small
dogs to appear but with much commotion and
clattering of paws trying to get a grip on the hall floor
two huge Wire Haired Pointers came bounding up to
greet their mummy. Then seeing their daddy in the
front garden they charged out there.
Such
excitement and mutual wagging of their short tails
left us humans breathless and laughing. Great
fun! Leaving a happy Emma going through the bags
of ‘treats & goodies’ which she loves doing we left to
a cacophony of barking as the rescued dogs looked
on with expectant anticipation. Despite the sadness
of seeing so many dogs, cats and other animals as
we visit various rescues it is a fulfilling and rewarding
experience.
Knowing that with your help we are actually
doing something positive for those animals who, for
no fault of their own, find themselves in unfamiliar
surroundings and for the men and women who care
for them brings us much pleasure and
satisfaction. Our thanks to each and every one of
you.
CHARLIE DORLING
Sunday 17th April was a good day for
Charlie Dorling’s under 18 side who
played an under 18s semi final against
Colchester Athletic at Wivenhoe. A late afternoon
kick off saw a very competitive contest between two
teams. Colchester probably shaded the first half but
Bentley came into their own during the second with a
determined give nothing up attitude and as a result
Bentley came off at the end with a 1-0 win to put
them through to the final.
The only goal was scored by Jay Gilbey after
being put through by a fine build up. The lead was
stoutly defended by a ‘Liverpool Spirit’ attitude
throughout the second half.
Well done to Charlie and the boys and the
best of luck in the final against Braintree at
Wivenhoe on 13th May. Onwards and upwards.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALEX
Our Grandson, Alex Rayment, did his family very
proud when he recently represented England in the
Five Nations Under 18 Rugby Union matches. His
first “England Cap” was when he donned the white
shirt as hooker against Ireland and then he went on
to play against Wales in the same position.
Well done Alex; needless to say we are all
very proud of you.
Nan and Grandad
(Jean & John Hopkins)
Judy & Alan Bishop, 5 Morella Close, 251702
Congratulations!
We welcome our new residents to the village
Mark and Fiona to Four Winds, Plough Road
The family at 12 Pine Close
Matt and Maria Yardley to 5 Linnet Way
Dr Terry Quinlan
on your Ph.D.
with love from your wife, Lesley
7
COLCHESTER SUGARCRAFT
The Open Gardens
is at
The HALL, Tendring, CO16 0BP,
on Sunday 29th, and Monday 30th May.
The new programme for Colchester Sugarcraft starts
in May with the following demonstrations: artistry in
cocoa, fairy, wobblies, swags tails and bows,
magnolia and royal cake maker Dawn Blunden in
February 2017
The Gardens are open from
1.00 pm to 5.00 pm on both days.
For more information
please contact
Sue Albins on 01206 251955.
As well as the magnificent gardens, there will a
display of Classic Cars, Country Craft Stalls,
an Owl display, music
(including a Pipe and Drum Band and Sea Shanties)
and other entertainment.
Colchester SUGARCRAFT Association
presents a
There will be a free photo competition
where we ask people to email their images
in and the best adult and best children’s
photo gets a certificate and a small prize.
HALF–DAY
CUPCAKE WORKSHOP
on a Summer Tea Party Theme
Saturday 11th June 10am - 1pm
A “Hunt The Hedgehog” competition for children.
In Elmstead Community Centre
Elmstead Market, CO7 7ET
There is ample free car parking,
and wheelchair access.
Under expert tuition, you will
decorate 6 cupcakes using various
different sugarcraft skills.
Entrance £5.00 on the door,
Children under 12 Free of Charge
Homemade cupcakes and all
sugarcraft materials are provided
but you will need to bring an apron
All proceeds go to Clacton on Sea Lifeboat
Teas and Coffees available at the nearby Village Hall
Tea and coffee will be provided on arrival
For further information contact
[email protected]
The fee is £20
You will leave with 6 decorated homemade
cupcakes in a cupcake box
All details and an application form are
on our website
www.colchestersugarcraft.org.uk/workshop.html
or ring Christine on 01206 823400
Numbers are strictly limited, so apply soon.
DEADLINE FOR THE JUNE MAGAZINE
SUNDAY 15th MAY
Material to Mary Maskell, Caldew Cottage, The Green, 250524 AND
Carole Allington, Poplar House, Station Road, 251086.
Please mark all material - “Parish Magazine”
email: [email protected]
AND
[email protected]
IMPORTANT - PLEASE SEND ALL INFORMATION TO BOTH OF US
Great Bentley Website: www.greatbentleyparishcouncil.co.uk
8
FRINTON FESTIVAL
Great Bentley is getting ‘Mucky’
Thursday 2nd June at 7.30pm
STRING QUARTETS
The Friends of Great Bentley Primary School
invite you to join Team ‘Mucky GB’ to raise
money for new, state of the art play equipment
to benefit the children of Great Bentley Primary
School.
All Saints, Great Holland
Free tickets for those aged 8-25 supported
by CAVATINA Chamber Music Trust.
Team ‘Mucky GB’ will be taking part in the
‘Mucky 5’ race in Brightlingsea on 16th July and
are looking for volunteers to have fun and raise
money.
Saturday 4th June at 4pm
FAMILY CONCERT
‘Mucky 5’ is a 5km course where you will wade,
crawl, climb and get muddy. The event is
suitable for newbies and seasoned athletes
alike.
featuring local schoolchildren alongside top
professional musicians in St Mary’s Parish Church.
Free tickets for those aged 8-25 supported by the
CAVATINA Chamber Music Trust
Sunday 5th June at 7.30pm
3VC
For those wanting an extra challenge, register
for ‘Mucky 10’ at no extra cost.
Three singing cellists in McGrigor Hall.
Ticket holders can enjoy a free WINE TASTING
courtesy of WHEELERS WINE CELLAR from 6.30pm
Step 1 - Join Team ‘Mucky GB’
Register your interest at
[email protected] to enable us
to keep you updated of any news and supply
you with sponsorship forms.
Step 2 - Secure your place at the start line
Visit www.muckyraces.co.uk and pay for your
race place. In support of our fundraising efforts,
‘Mucky Races’ have kindly awarded us a
discount race on race entries.
Tickets (which are on sale now)
cost £18 and include a free programme and
glass of wine in the interval
email: [email protected]
or call 01255 319141.
Full details of Frinton Festival 2016 at
www.frintonfestival.com
£32.40 - (20% of Mucky 5/10. Discount code
GBPTA20)
£5.00 - (50% off Mini Mucker Junior Race.
Discount code GBJUNIOR50)
FRIENDS OF ELMSTEAD CHURCH
ART EXHIBITION
Don’t forget to register as part of Team ‘Mucky
GB’ when you apply.
We are also looking for Mini Muckers to
run their own 1km ‘Mini Muckers’ race at
12.30.
at
ELMSTEAD CHURCH
INTERESTED?
Register your interest at
[email protected] to enable us
to keep you updated of any news and supply
you with sponsorship forms.
on
Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June
10.00am - 5pm on Saturday
11.30am - 4.00pm on Sunday
Have fun, get muddy and earn the medal.
Ploughmans Lunches,
tea, coffee,
cake stall etc.
9
GARDENS THROUGH THE 16th and 17th CENTURIES
‘The Knot Garden’
Much has been written about medieval gardens but perhaps it is time to move on and if it had not been Henry
VIII’s love for Anne Boleyn, a fall out with the Pope and the dissolution of the monasteries perhaps gardens
would still be the same as in Tudor times and earlier. However, due to the destruction of our monasteries we
lost years of horticultural knowledge and Britain had to start again. The result of this was that where the
common people relied on the monks for their needs, it was necessary for them to create their own gardens
although we know from history that they did grow lavender, wormwood, sage and other plants suitable for
medicinal use more than for pleasure.
In the 16th century, knot gardens were the vogue - low hedges were intricately planted into interweaving
patterns. New flowers such as daffodils, hyacinths, sun–flowers, mallows, nasturtiums and anchusas were
imported from Europe, South America and the Far East. Knot gardens were frequently used for coat of arms
with perennial edging such as lavender, box and lavender cotton. It was said of the elaborate garden of
Thomas, Cardinal Wolsey, “the knots so enknotted it cannot be expressed”. Patterns became so important
that flowers were replaced by coloured stones, gravel and even coal dust.
‘The Parterre’
After the Restoration in 1660, the ‘knot garden’ was replaced by ‘the parterre’ and garden designs soon began
to change. The nobility wanted grand designs and even Charles II tried to obtain the services of Le Notre for
his royal gardens but there is no record of him having come to England. However, two famous English
gardeners, John Rose and George London, both visited France and Rose did work closely with Le Notre.
Windsor Castle and Hampton Court were soon redesigned as Charles II wanted these to resemble the
gardens of Versailles. “It has been said that never has so much money and manpower produced such a stingy
effect as at Versailles”.
The word ‘parterre’ was first used by the French in 1549 and later by the English but before that it was
an Italian concept copied by the French. With the parterre many more flowers could be used and soon
became an ornamental garden with paths between the beds. Gardens of the nobility featured series of
parterre gardens probably divided by hedges or mazes and the upkeep must have been astronomical
particularly with all the weeding, clipping and trimming of the edges. Many plants from both the 16th and 17th
century were used throughout the seasons such as tulips, primroses, iris and lilies to give a succession of
colour as it was only the very rich who used clipped trees and water features for their parterres.
In 1664 John Rea gave an insight into the less grandiose scale of gardening for those in rural areas and
described how to create gardens for delight, recreation and entertainment. He recommended that south of
the house should be divided into half - one for flowers and the other for fruit trees such as pears and
pomegranates planted against walls, amongst standard rose trees, for their ornamental value as well as for
their fruit. Borders could then be planted with mixed flowers such as red primroses, hepaticas, double rose
campions. auriculas, wallflowers and double stock gillyflowers to perfume the enclosed and sheltered garden.
During 1660-1690 ‘greens’ were one of the most important elements in a garden and the greens foliage
had to be ‘bright’. Evergreens such as myrtle, orange and lemon trees would stand outside during the summer
and be brought under cover for the cold winter months.
Following the succession of William and Mary in 1688, the Dutch influence showed itself in the fanciful
and complicated designs for parterres emphasising an overall smaller scale of doing things.
All kinds of ‘fashionable’ bulbs were perfectly suited for bedding out schemes and infilling of box-edged
parterres. Statuary became a common garden feature and topiary reached extraordinary heights and was an
art in itself. From “simple cones and pyramids of clipped evergreens grew fantastic spirals and corkscrews,
people and birds were sculptured very often in box, also in privet, juniper and whitethorn, with yew only
becoming popular later from the mid 17th century”
However, by the end of the 17th century, man’s interference with nature was ridiculed and slowly everything
changed and the formal ordered garden was no more. A new vision was heralded – the 18th century garden!
Sylvia Steed
Bibliography:
“Perennials – Enduring Classic for the Contemporary Garden” by
Rob Proctor and Rob Gray (1990)
“Plants from the Past” by David Stuart and James Sutherland (1987)
“Period Flowers” by Jane Newdick (1991)
10
ST HELENA HOSPICE
TENDRING NEWS
Did you know that around 1 in 5 patients at St
Helena Hospice are supported by a gift left in a Will.
One person's decision to leave a gift, potentially
many years ago, is having a vital impact on the care
we provide now and hope to provide in the future.
Reverend Susan Wiggins' husband, Alan, died
in the Inpatient Unit at Myland Hall in July, 2015.
Susan explains how the care and support they both
received made life dignified and bearable, then and
now, she says:
"It was not an easy road but St Helena
Hospice helped to make that walk, that journey,
tolerable. You have lost something very precious to
you and St Helena at this time gave me something
precious. They gave me the gift of time."
For anyone wishing to make their final wishes
known, we have joined forces with a number of local
solicitors from across north east Essex who are
generously offering Will drafting appointments.
The solicitors make your Will, waiving their normal
fee and will instead ask for a suggested donation of
either £90 for a single basic Will, or £150 for a basic
mirror or double Will - every penny of which goes to
the hospice!
Find a list of participating solicitors at
sthelenahospice.org.uk/makeawill and call Helen
Scatola or Fliss Strode on 01206 931468 or email
[email protected] to find out more
information!
NEW! Essex Community Messaging
Doorstep/Rogue traders are operating in your area
trying to obtain work related to block paved
driveways, garden work or tree cutting, roofing or
any other household repair or maintenance.
Never agree to have work carried out by traders who
knock on your door offering these services and
always thoroughly check out leaflets as addresses
provided can be false with telephone numbers that
stop working if you have a problem with the work.
You can also be provided with guarantees that are
worthless. We would always advise residents to
consider using one of our Buy With Confidence
businesses who have been audited and approved by
Trading Standards. The nearest three to your
postcode can be found by calling the national
consumer
helpline
on
03454
040506
or
www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk.
We would ask all residents to look out
for household repair and maintenance
activity at the homes of elderly
neighbours, friends or family members.
Carpet Bowlers raise £730
for St Helena Hospice
FOR SALE
On 20th March the Club organised the 6th annual
Frank Gamblin Trophy Competition to raise money
for St. Helena Hospice.
Twenty-four teams from all over Essex
enjoyed a hard fought, day long tournament. The
trophy was won by Langham who won all five of their
games with Walton as runners up with four wins and
one draw
This event which was started as a tribute to
our late Captain has raised over £4000 for the
hospice in six years
We are still looking to recruit new members
and would invite one and all to come along to the
Village Hall on Friday nights at 7.30 p.m. You will be
very welcome to join our friendly club to give the
game a try, free of charge including refreshments.
Baby Belling Table Top Cooker
120R MK6
In excellent condition complete
with instruction manual.
£75.00
Tel Jenny Burke 01255 830990
GREAT BENTLEY YOUTH CLUB
Dates for Youth club for 2016 for the summer term.
They are as follows all at 7pm to 9pm:5th May and 19th May
For further information contact David on
01206 250504
We then close until September
This summer one of our Senior Leaders is leaving us
so extra volunteers are needed if the Club is to
continue from September.
Please ring me to discuss if you could help. 250087
Robert Taylor
11
MISSING!
Trevor’s Trek
We are missing two large grey rabbits
in Great Bentley in Elm Close/Cedar
Way. They were last seen on Sunday
3rd April.
Harassment offence
Former Great Bentley resident and Scout
Master Trevor Sibley will be walking the Ruta de
la Plata (Silver Route), an ancient commercial
and pilgrimage path that crosses the west of
Spain. From Seville in the south to Santiago de
Compostela in the north. The Ruta de la Plata
is 800 miles long and stretches of the route
cover the semi-arid regions of Spain that are
particularly tough to walk through.
Trevor Sibley (aged 69) lost his wife,
Beverley Sibley, to cancer two years ago. At
Christmas his six year-old granddaughter
Connie was listening to the news in Grandpa’s
car and asked why there was never any good
news like doctors having cured cancer so that
her Grandma would still be alive.
Trevor
decided that he would help bring this cure for
cancer closer by raising money for Cancer
Research UK; the world’s largest charity funding
cutting edge research into cancer treatments.
Trevor is planning on walking around 20
miles a day 6 days a week. At this pace he will
aim to complete the route in 7 weeks. Trevor
will be carrying all his equipment and clothing
with him and will be staying in hostels along the
route.
Trevor’s daughter in law, Rosalind Griffin
said “We are all in awe of Trevor’s fitness and
determination. He is setting an example to his
granddaughter that through hard-work and
perseverance everyone can play a part in
solving the big problems”.
Criminal damage to village hall whilst a birthday
party was in progress
To follow his adventures or to donate, please
visit www.justgiving.com/TrevorNSibley.
We are missing them so much!
Please help us to find them!
Reward of £100 for finding these two
rabbits.
01206 251087 or 0771
2878295
Tel:
CRIME DETAILS SINCE THE MIDDLE
OF MARCH
2 theft from motor vehicles
2 theft from shops (shoplifting), one of the thefts
supects have been dealt with
Domestic related theft
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT:
Toby Sibley, (07814 711 569 –
[email protected])
Donation page and updates during the walk:
www.justgiving.com/TrevorNSibley
No other incidents of note
The Clacton area is seeing an increase in theft of
tools from work vans.
Don’t forget the election is on 5th May for the
Police and Crime Commissioner.
The Community Policing Team meeting is open
to all residents in Tendring
Saturday, May 7, 11.30am at Golf Green Hall,
Golf Green Rd, Jaywick, CO15 2RH
Pc. 2176 Dan Heard
12
BRAISED BROAD BEANS,
PEAS & ARTICHOKES
SWEET POTATO, SPINACH
& FETA QUICHE
Tangy feta complements the sweet vegetables in this
savoury tart - delicious with a green salad.
This side dish is super-quick to prepare.
Serves 4 - Ready in 15 minutes.
Serves 6 - As a lunch or 8 as a starter.
Ingredients:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1
2
3
Ready in 1 hour 5 minutes.
4 slices pancetta (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil
3 spring onions, trimmed and finely sliced
200g frozen broad beans
200g frozen peas
150ml chicken stock made with 1/2 stock cube
150g pack chargrilled artichokes antipasti,
drained and cut into thick slices
1 tbsp chopped parsley
In a non-stick frying pan, dry-fry the pancetta
slices, if using, for 1 minutes on each side until
crisp. Set aside on a sheet of kitchen roll.
Add the olive oil to the frying pan and fry the
spring onions for 1-2 minutes until just soft.
Add the broad beans, peas and hot stock,
then simmer for 2 minutes. Add the artichokes
and simmer for 2 more minutes.
•
320g pack Jus-Rol Shortcrust Pastry sheets
•
1 tbsp olive oil
•
1 small sweet potato, peeled and cut into
1-2cm cubes
•
1 red onion, finely sliced
•
50g washed baby spinach leaves
•
275ml buttermilk (or substitute)
•
2 large eggs
•
1 tbsp chopped parsley
•
50g feta cheese
1
Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.
Line a 20cm flan dish with the pastry. Prick
the base all over with a fork and cover with
baking paper. Weigh down with baking beans
or uncooked rice.
2.
Bake for 10 mins. Remove the beans and
paper and return to the oven for 5 mins. Set
aside to cool slightly.
3.
Reduce the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4.
Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and
gently fry the sweet potato for 10 minutes.
Add the onion and cook for a further 5
minutes, stirring occasionally until tender and
just starting to colour. Add the spinach and
cook for 1 minute. Transfer to the pastry case.
4
In a jug, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs
and parsley. Pour over the filling in the pastry
case then sprinkle over the feta.
5
Cook in the oven for 25 minutes or until the
filling has just set through to the middle.
Serve straight away or leave to cool for later.
Crumble the pancetta into the pan and stir in
the parsley. Serve immediately.
BULGHUR WHEAT SALAD
A colourful and ‘different’ salad for a party, that is
best made a day in advance. Be sure to use the
best quality dried apricots for this recipe.
8 oz (225g) Bulghur wheat
6 oz (175g) Dried apricots, washed & sliced
4 tbsp (60ml) mint, chopped
1 oz (50g) Parsley, chopped
6 Spring onions, trimmed & sliced
2 garlic cloves (crushed)
4 tbsp (60ml) Lemon juice
3 tbsp (45ml) Oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh mint or parsley sprigs to garnish.
Preparation time 20 minutes.
Cover the bulghur wheat with boiling water and leave
to stand for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed.
Combine the wheat, sliced apricots, mint,
parsley, spring onions, garlic, lemon juice, oil and
salt and pepper to taste.
Mix well. Garnish with fresh herbs just before
serving.
Serves 6-8
Thank you to the reader who sent in these delicious
13
Coast to Coast continuedK
.... to the North Sea.
John Evans, September 1 – 13, 2015
As promised, Rob drove me to the Arncliffe Arms pub in the village of Glaisdale, a very
busy house on that Saturday night. However, having finally secured my pint, the young
bar person simply asked, “Laneside?, (the name of my B&B) to which I politely
responded in the affirmative and on hearing my reply she took me to my reserved table. I
sat at the table, pen in hand and opened my journal whilst scanning the room for walkers.
There were none, except for an athletic-looking, broad shouldered chap in the far corner
crouching over a seated young lady. It was Richard and Barbara, the young couple I had
met in Ingleby Cross. I took a swig of my Black Sheep and walked over to them. Richard
greeted me warmly but Barbara didn’t, offering only a rather reluctant ‘hello’ whilst her gaze remained firmly
focussed on the table top. She had totally hated the day’s walking experience over the high plateau to High
Blakey Moor and the Lion Inn; the rain, the wind but particularly the thunder, lightning and isolation. With eyes
becoming tearful and her head slowly moving from side to side she declared solemnly that she definitely was
not going to suffer that again. She had been so very frightened in that hostile environment. They left.
Glaisdale to Robin Hood’s Bay is about 11 miles as the crow flies but following Wainwright’s trail, the trek is
near twice that distance from Laneside. I breakfasted with Rob while Tracey brought my now dried coat,
gaiters and rucksack, apologising that my boots were not completely dry! Leaving my case near the door, we
shook hands and I stepped out to begin the last day of my crossing of England, to Robin Hood’s Bay and the
North Sea. The opening few hours were pretty easy, through Egton Bridge to Grosmont allowing time for a
view of the river Esk and the steam trains of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express fame. It was a sunny Sunday
morning and day trippers were already arriving. The climb out of Grosmont is a well-documented, tedious road
slog to the top of Sleight’s Moor, a featureless expanse but the reward is the knowledge that the remaining
miles, albeit a good few of them, are all downhill to the Victoria Hotel and my meeting with Mirain. On crossing
the A169, the path enters open country, is wide and clear and happy with the progress being made I chose a
large flat rock on which to sit and enjoy a rest period. I heard voices in the distance behind me, laughter and,
still chewing on my breakfast bar I turned my head to investigate. Over the brow of the hill came Richard and
Barbara, both vigorously waving a welcome, clearly recovered from yesterday’s onslaught. We chatted briefly
avoiding any mention of the previous evening in the Arncliffe Arms pub, exchanged our farewells and they
were quickly on their way, happy, excited and Barbara back to wearing her blue shorts, yellow top with her
blond hair tied on top of her head. They looked blissfully happy. On entering the wood at Littlebeck the track
heads south (why? Robin Hood’s Bay is to the east!), through woodland with its interesting ‘Hermitage’ and
other suchlike tourist sights and on to the 20metre high water fall at Falling Foss. I became a little irritated by
the maze of paths in this wood, trying to ignore them and concentrate on my GPS, my faithful friend. Finally
emerging from the wood, the route now turns northeast to Hawsker, traversing seemingly endless deep soggy
marshland, towards my target of Maw Wyke Hole and the coastal walk of the Cleveland Way. A mile or two
outside Hawsker I came upon Richard and Barbara. We joked about the rumours one hears of understandable
short cuts being taken by walkers during this zig zag stage, knowing that Robin Hood’s Bay is but 2 miles to
the east of my position but, following Wainwright’s route, I would have 5 or so miles to cover before reaching
that destination. In minutes they were on their way, Richard with his NASA style high tech GPS and Barbara
with her double walking poles plinking-plonking out of sight. Reaching Maw Wyke Hole is a special moment; to
stand for a few minutes and gaze out over the North Sea below me before turning onto the cliff edge path
heading southward in the knowledge that I had achieved my goal; just a couple of miles to go. Rounding
Castle Chamber I again came upon Richard and Barbara, sitting on a bank chatting excitedly about Richard’s
50th birthday the following day. Barbara had planned a surprise. We walked the last mile together and with
frequent use of their camera I took photos of them with varied but obvious backgrounds, smiling and posing.
With each radiant picture I was reminded of the contrast between that gleeful image in the camera and the
broken young lady I was with just the previous evening when she was so angry, so full of despair. The
challenging Coast to Coast crossing of England is a wonderful adventure, bringing immense satisfaction in the
achievement, but sometimes ones resolve it can cruelly destroy.
Finally we entered the picturesque village of Robin Hood’s Bay, continued downhill to the sea for the traditional
dumping of boots in the water or the throwing of an Irish Sea pebble. That is what people do I believe but I did
neither, for having spied my car in the car park of the nearby Victoria Hotel, I opted for my usual hot shower
and a pint with Mirain. “Well? Was it good?” she asked nodding expectantly. I considered raving about the
ridge walk to Grasmere, or the magic of Kidsty Pike or even stories of Manchester John or Sean. But all I could
think of was, “Yes, Indeed it was everything one could imagine”. With a huge smile, I held her hand and sipped
my Black Sheep.
14
TENDRING NEWS
Care Quality Commission inspection of the East of England Ambulance Service
The Care Quality Commission will shortly be inspecting services provided by East of England Ambulance
Service starting on 5th April. Your experiences of services help them to understand what is good and bad at
the Trust, so please get in touch www.cqc.org.uk/sye [email protected] 03000 616161.
NEW! The Government wants to know how to improve support for Carers
Informal carers (also called unpaid carers) are people who look after family members, friends, neighbours or
others because of long-term physical or mental ill health or disability, or care needs related to old age. This
does not include any activities as part of paid employment.
Carers freely give their time and energy to support friends or family members and many rightly take
pride in providing essential support for those close to them. Caring for others should not be to the detriment of
the carer’s own health and wellbeing and carers can receive support in a number of ways – including from
social services, the NHS, or the benefit system.
The Government thinks that a new strategy is needed for carers, setting out how more can be done.
One which reflects their lives now, the health and financial concerns they have, and gives them the support
they need to live well whilst caring for a family member or friend.
To help the Government develop the strategy, they want to hear from carers, those who have someone care
for them, business, social workers, NHS staff and other professionals that support carers. It’s a simple
question but it can have a lot of different answers – “how can we improve support for carers”? For more
information: https://consultations.dh.gov.uk/carers/how-can-we-improve-support-for-carers
Or go straight to the survey here: https://consultations.dh.gov.uk/carers/how-can-we-improve-support-for-carers/
consultation/subpage.2016-03-08.6836342440/view
NEW! Essex Community Messaging
For the first time you can report a non-emergency crime to Essex Police online. The 'do it online' service lets
you report non-emergency crime, road traffic collisions and access a range of information and advice easily
and conveniently. Online reporting for lost or found property will be added during April. Essex Police has also
subscribed to the national ‘knowledge bank’ Ask The Police, also accessible at www.essex.police.uk/doitonline.
Ask The Police contains answers to hundreds of often-asked questions about policing from abandoned
vehicles to youth issues. Your burning question may already have an answer waiting for you! Remember
though, you still need to dial 999 in an emergency and you can still call the non-emergency number 101.
NEW! Enhanced non-emergency patient transport service goes live
An enhanced non-emergency patient transport service, which is available 24/7 and has paramedics on board,
has been introduced across Colchester and Tendring. Non-emergency patient transport service is available to
eligible patients whose medical needs prevent them using public or private transport. The criteria would also
recognise that it would be detrimental for their condition or recovery if the patient was not able to travel with the
support of ambulance personnel. Further information is available on the CVST website
http://www.cvstendring.org.uk/support-for-groups/e-bulletin.html
Spring Quiz
BEACH HUT
FOR HIRE. CLACTON
It’s a Charity Quiz Night
Teams of up to six players at £3.00 per player.
Community Voluntary Services
Tendring (CVST)
All proceeds in support of
Breast Cancer Research
For details
telephone
Plough Inn Monday 16th May 8.00pm start.
Raffle prize donations would be much
01255 425692
appreciated
Tom (Quiz master)
15
TRAVELLING THE KIMBERLEY - ContdK
by Mirain Evans
Lake Argyle had been recommended, so we decided to make the fifty minute drive, and
possibly stay at Lake Argyle Village campsite. This was to be a fortunate and rewarding
decision. This is the largest man-made lake in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching over
1000 square kilometres. It is an incredibly beautiful place in the middle of nowhere, not
far (in Aussie terms) from the border with Northern Territories. As we drove there on the
almost deserted main route from the west to Darwin, the scenery grew increasingly more rugged, especially
when we turned south away from the highway. We saw red earth and red rocks as the road dipped and
swerved around mountains and cliffs, with no signs of any habitation or animals. Lake Argyle Village had a
hotel, camping and caravan park, cabins and villas perched high up overlooking one of the creeks, all owned
and run by Charlie, a smiley Crocodile Dundee type who persuaded us to book into one of his villas, not that
we needed much persuasion after seeing the incredible view from the huge balcony. We stayed longer than
we had intended and thoroughly enjoyed every day watching the ever changing shadows on the lake and the
mountain tops, and making use of the infinity pool (again with a fabulous view below us) as much as possible
to escape the overwhelming heat. However we did manage a couple of walks and rides into the surrounding
countryside; an uphill puff to the lookout point to take in the vista of the lake and range upon range of craggy
flat topped hills disappearing into the shimmering haze, the “islands” in the water being of course the summits
of smaller hills in the reservoir. At the water’s edge we found the slipway which would be much in use during
the tourist season, and crossing the dam wall we entered a small cool park filled with birdsong. On the banks
of the Ord river in the shadow of the dam was a warning notice informing us that we should inform the
authorities if we saw a saltwater crocodile which might have inadvertently found its way into the pool. We
looked carefully but from the safety of the bank, although a young man and his small son had waded out to sit
on some rocks. On our decking one evening as the sun set we watched a fierce storm crashing around the
distant ridges lighting up the sky, startling a kangaroo which had been grazing under our balcony. Each day
we spotted many different types of birds, and managed to identify some with the help of a chart in the
restaurant; a redbacked kingfisher, double barred finches with faces resembling puffins, a mistletoe bird with a
red and white breast, red and green parrots which regularly used the tree outside the window, a crimson finch,
lots of ospreys circling the lake hungrily, some southern rosellas which were red and blue, a blue faced
honeyeater and many, many cheeky, noisy bower birds, always on the lookout for something to entice the
females! We saw one of their nests; a small bower built of twigs on the ground with a stack of “treasures”
piled underneath , including a small plastic knife ; we learnt not to leave small objects outside unattended after
John’s pen nearly joined the bower bird’s collection!
We spent a lazy week swimming, enjoying the views, eating fresh mangoes, sitting on the terrace for
“sundowners”, and chatting to some of the other travellers. One Australian couple had been on the road for
twelve months, and he had just repaired the aircon in their van. Another pair from New Zealand had been
travelling around Australia for two and a half years. Two young girls were driving from Darwin to Perth. All
were tempting ideas VV maybe some time in the future VV?
THE END
COFFEE MORNING AND
PLANT SALE
PLEASE NOTE
IN AID OF
The Parish Magazine
is available on the
Parish Council website
Gt Bentley Gardening Club
and
St Helena Hospice
If you do not wish your
information to be published
on the website please
let us know when
you submit your
article
Saturday 7th May
10.00 am to 12.00 noon
Gt Bentley Village Hall
Refreshments, raffle, tombola.
Donations of plants, cakes, raffle, tombola and
bric a brac. would be appreciated.
Bob Newman 01206 251433: Billie Soar 01206 250438
Thank you
16
Great Bentley Wine Tasting Group
Peter’s
Potterings
For further details please contact Colin
and Roni on 01206 252157 or e mail
[email protected]
The wine tasting group established in
August 2012 continues to
hold enjoyable and informative
evenings. For details please contact
the above. Free advice available too,
so please do contact me.
Every year one of the sights that pleases the eyes
are the hedges being covered in millions of little
white flowers. At this time of year the brightest
blossom in the hedgerows is usually the Hawthorn or
May. The amount of blossom depends on how the
hedge has been maintained. If the hedge has been
flailed in the Autumn it will probably have a few
flowers peeking out among the green, but if it has
been left for a year or two it will probably have a
spectacular billowing of white blossom. Hawthorn is
not the earliest blossom in the hedgerow, the
Blackthorn usually blooms earlier giving flowers
against a backdrop of fresh green leaves, and it is a
sign that Summer is really on its way. There is an
old saying “ne’er cast a clout ere May is out”. A clout
is clothing and dates from the days before heating
systems and farm hands needed to keep their coats
on to keep warm.
The following wines come highly recommended for
you to try and are perfect for drinking now:
Chablis, Premier Cru Butteaux,
Jean Marc Brocard 2012
If you want to taste what a really good Chablis tastes
like then look no further than this beauty. It is dry and
has great intensity and you can almost taste the soil
in the wine. This demonstrates beautifully why it is
worth stepping up from basic Chablis to Premier Cru.
Available from the Wine Society at £22. Serve this
30 minutes out of the fridge so not too cold.
Chateauneuf du Pape, Sinards, Perrin 2013
This is proper Chateauneuf from a top producer. It's
priced really reasonably and is very smooth, rich and
fruity. You will find it hard to put down. Ignore the
overpriced supermarket Chateauneuf and go for this.
This is several pounds cheaper right now at the
Co-op so don't delay. It will keep a few years too if
you want to. £17.49
May is the time of year when lots of vegetables need
to be sown. You may, of course, have already
started some of the first sowings like the early
potatoes, and you can plant the main crops now
whenever you like. I think it is also time to plant
crops like the second crop of broad beans. Peas
can also be sown several times during the year so
it’s a good time to get started (if you have not already
done so). Early carrots can be sown as well as
parsnips, although I often find that I have to resow
again as parsnips up the allotment often do not seem
to grow well, generally due I think to the weather.
Manon, Provence Rose, France 2015
This is a decent Rose. Dry, fruity, with lovely
strawberry and redfruits to the fore. Buy and drink
well chilled this summer if you can wait that long.
Tesco £9. Posh bottle too.
Now is usually about the time to start some sowing in
the greenhouse. The main problem is often that
once the new seedlings start to grow they will need
pricking out into pots or trays. This means you need
a lot of space in the greenhouse. So what should
you be sowing? Well you can start with the flowers
that you want to put out into the garden during next
month. Sow carefully using the packet of seed. A
light sprinkling of seed covered with a light sprinkle
of something like fine compost, or vermiculite. I then
cover with a sheet of plastic, check every day and
then remove the sheet when the green shoots start
to emerge. It is also a good time to sow French
beans and at the end of May start a few of the runner
beans. I normally sow these in individual plastic pots
and plant them out into the garden next month when
they are a few inches higher. I also sow some of the
sweet corn towards the end of May and they will
usually be ready to plant out into the garden in June.
Next tasting is 27th May at 8pm
NEW ADVERTISER
ON THE WAITING LIST
HEEL2TOE, Mobile Foot Health Practictioner
Linda Finbow, MAFHP MCFHP,
Mobile 07794 301002. email: [email protected]
SHOES
COTTON TRADER MENS SHOES
UK SIZE 9
OLIVE GREEN/BLACK
WITH BLACK AND YELLOW LACES
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PLEASE CONTACT MARY 250524
OR CAROLE 251086
Peter Allington
17
SURGERY NEWSLETTER
Spring is here at last, but that becomes a miserable season for those of us who suffer with hayfever. Do stock
up with your usual anti-histamine tablets which can be bought very cheaply these days on the high street, but
particularly online for as little as £4 for 3 months’ worth!
We had our Care Quality Commission inspection on Wednesday 23rd March. This is very important to practices
as it is a formal measure of how we are performing regarding being safe, effective, caring, responsive and
well-led. We feel the day went very well and we got some great feedback from the inspectors at the end of the
day. We’ll let you know as soon as we hear anything, so if you don’t already, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
It’s a year today since our ‘Election Special’ newsletter went ‘viral’ last year, but unfortunately things have not
improved in the NHS. In fact, they appear to be getting significantly worse. We are still feeling demand for GP
appointments increase whilst our funding falls. We recognise that patients’ are waiting longer for non-urgent
appointments and have made the decision to recruit a new part time GP providing three extra sessions a
week. We are not getting any extra funding for this, so this is effectively coming from the GP partners’ wages.
As well as this, we also need our patients to use the surgery sensibly to help improve appointment availability
for everyone. If patients can consider providing self-care or getting advice from their pharmacist ahead of
booking a doctor’s appointment this would really help. Roughly a third of all our GP appointments are booked
for self-limiting minor illnesses meaning those who have more serious complaints, have to wait longer.
On a positive note, our receptionist (and soon to be Phlebotomist too) Abbie, would like to thank all patients’
who sponsored her in the Colchester half marathon. She completed it with ease and raised £130 for St Helena
Hospice with the raffle.
This month’s meeting of the Great Bentley Surgery Patient Participation Group will be meeting on Thursday
19th May at 6.30pm at the Great Bentley Village Hall.
Richard Miller (Practice Manager)
This part of our newsletter publishes suggestions from this 102 year old book called “Hints to Mothers” on
the health and wellbeing of children prior to the NHS existing. We hope you find this interesting and in many
instances still useful even today. Please bear in mind this was written a long time ago!
Bruises –As soon as possible after receiving the injury, generally caused by a blow, knock, or fall, apply cold
water, ice or even cold metal to the parts affected, as cold prevents the formation of a bruise by stopping the
bleeding taking place under the skin. There is also an excellent remedy for bruises in fresh butter. Apply it
immediately after the accident, and continue to renew it every couple of hours or more. The ugly appearance
caused by a ‘black eye’ can often be prevented by the application of fresh butter. Salad oil, too, can be
recommended for bruises; as also tincture or arnica, one teaspoon to a tumblerful of water, to be applied with a
soft rag.
Of course nowadays we have the Minor Injuries Unit at Clacton Hospital along with the Colchester
Walk in Centre in Turner Road to look at any minor injuries There are x-ray services available at both of
these units, so no need to go to A&E unless it’s very serious.
ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL SURGERIES
ECC Cllr Alan Goggin holds regular surgeries, to which he invites parishioners from the five local parishes
(including Great Bentley) that he represents, to pop-in to speak with him and raise issues with him. The dates
of the next few scheduled surgeries are below - all held in the Library at Brightlingsea 4-6pm.
31st May:
26th July:
27th September:
18
22nd November
Wildlives
Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre
‘Catkins’, Frating Road, Thorrington, Colchester CO7 8HT
www.facebook.com/Wildlives-Rescue-and-Rehabilitation-Centre-319226511587244/
Opening hours: October – March 9:00 – 5:30
01206 251174 / 07802 767016
Outside of Wildlives’ hours, please call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 or log on to our website for advice on what to do with a
sick animal until we are open again in the morning. See the web site for extra pictures too!
Spring orphans flooding in
May 2016
Spring has well and truly sprung, and the Wildlives hospital is full to bursting with orphans! Twelve squirrel kits
arrived from different sources; some needed help when the trees their nests were in were cut down, pitching
the hapless blind babies to the ground, while others were victims of cat predations. All are doing well at
Wildlives now, forming a large and playful extended family of which each member requires syringe feeding by
hand every two hours, so as soon as a volunteer has finished the meal round it is time to start again.
The baby rabbits were mentioned last month; we now have eleven. These too are a mixture of disturbed nests
and cat attack, and again, came to Wildlives blind and helpless for hand feeding and care.
The first fox cub of the season arrived as a newborn. Rosie spent two days of effort trying everything to get her
on the path to recovery, but sadly, on the second day she suffered massive haemorrhaging and died. It is likely
that she was either trodden on accidentally or kicked deliberately, but the internal damage (which was not
evident from an external examination - was too severe for her to recover).
The second to arrive was Shrapnel, brought in by the RSPCA with his eyes so crusted with thick pus they were
sealed shut. Weak and debilitated, he had then proved easy prey for a cat, resulting in a deep puncture wound
to the throat causing him to struggle hard to both eat and breathe. Because of this he was very timeconsuming to feed, but the perseverance paid off and Shrapnel is now well on the way to being a very healthy
little fox. He is shown on the left, shortly after arrival and then, much recovered, ready for a snooze.
In quick succession another three cubs arrived; first a pair of siblings, and then, just as the newsletter was
being written, a little cub with a terrible wound from a strimmer that left his skin almost in two pieces. He has
been rushed straight to the vet for stitches, and hopefully there will be happier news to report for him by the
next newsletter.
Owl makes good recovery
A tawny owl was found collapsed and semi-conscious by the side of the road. On examination she proved to
have a broken clavicle (shoulder-bone). At Wildlives the shoulder was strapped for 4 weeks; after some
exercise she had made a complete recovery and was flying strongly. She was ringed by Simon from the BTO
and successfully released.
PLEASE take great care when strimming! Hopefully this little cub will be one of
the lucky ones and make a recovery
Registered Charity 1104167
19
Copyright
GREAT BENTLEY RUNNING CLUB GBRC
Saturday 2nd April action started as so many do with Saturday’s parkruns. Colchester Castle parkrun celebrated its third
birthday. To mark the occasion the normal route was run in reverse. A total of 366 runners took park, the second highest
attendance to date. Before the run the annual presentations were awarded, and Great Bentley Running Club’s Meera RajooOakley picked up her award for finishing 1st in the female points table. Great work Meera!
First home for Great Bentley was Ben Ficken (20:37), who incidentally was also the first Bentley runner home in that
inaugural event three years ago. Ben was very closely followed by David Burrows (20:45). David was followed by Scott
Young (24:03), Charles Williams (24:08), Frank Gardiner (26:32) and Andy Stephens (28:51). Claudia Keitch (29:00) was
first Bentley female finisher. Luke Groves knocked nearly a minute and a half off of his course PB, finishing in 29:21. Sue
Sorrell (31:06) and John Ferdinand (37:02, PB) completed the Bentley representation.
Over at Harwich parkrun Richard Moor was the first Bentley finisher in 21:30. Not far behind him was Malcolm Jarvis (21:51).
Antoinette Wilson was the first Bentley woman to finish in 25:16 and Helene Tyler achieved a course PB of 30:02.
The first of the club trail runs for the year took place on Sunday morning 3rd April. A total of 31 runners took part. The trail
was a 5 miles long starting from the Stour estuary nature reserve. The route went through the woods and then alongside the
estuary, which was very tranquil on that beautiful spring morning. The route then headed across the fields and past Grayson
Perry’s gingerbread house. But as idyllic as it sounds, tree roots, mud and long grass kept our runners on their toes. Despite
getting lost, Charlie Keitch managed to finish the run in first position in the men’s table. Second place in that table was jointly
claimed by Paul Carlisle and Joe Alexander. Running with Paul and Joe was Meera Rajoo-Oakley, who secured first place in
the ladies’ table. She was followed by Vicky Presland and joint third placed ladies Trish Stacey and Toni Wilson.
Sunday also saw two Bentley runners take on the Wymondham 20. Ben Ficken was in action for the second day in a row
and finished in 33rd place out of a field of 293 with a time of 2:21:28. Tom Fowler also put in an impressive performance,
finishing in 2:35:44, a PB by four minutes and achieving a bronze standard.
Unfortunately Katie stormed in to cause the cancellation of the annual Easter Bunny doubles run on Easter Monday
however, the long weekend started on a much better footing with the Sudbury Five mile on Friday being attended by plenty
of Bentley Blue.
Matt Jones was the first Bentley male runner home in his first race over this distance in a very good time of 36:30, this
performance secured him 79th place out of the 429 strong field. Also having a strong run was Luke Groves who returned
with a personal best of 47:02, this knocked a massive 4 minutes off his previous best time over 5 miles. Eileen Shadford was
the first Bentley lady home in a great time of 39:22. Other runners on Friday were Mark Ross 38:44, Tricia Stacey 41:35,
Karen Skene who was returning to racing after injury to make sure she was ok for the upcoming Manchester marathon
41:48, Debs Cubberley 46:24, Paul Hollidge 46:24, Sue Sorrell 47:05, Barbara Law 51:13, John Bush 51:23 and Claire
Groves 58:23.
Saturday 26th March there were the usual Parkrunners with a couple of members attacking courses a bit further afield.
Charlie Keitch had a 2nd place finish at Forest Rec in Nottingham finishing in 19:28 whilst Helene Tyler ran the 5k distance
in Lincoln in 30:11.
Closer to home a record 101 runners took part in the Harwich run, we had 7 runners including a couple of course PB’s for
Patrick Reynolds (22:05) and Andy Fuller (23:24). Matt Knowles (21:13) was the first blue over the line followed by Malcolm
Jarvis (22:08), Paul Hollidge (24:07), Kevin James (28:02) and Sandra James (33:07).
Over at the castle in Colchester we had 11 runners in the field led home by Lee Clarkson (23:38) who was followed home by
Anna Mills (24:10), Charles Williams (24:23), Scott Young (24:52), Chusa Fructuoso (25:01), Lynsey Apps (28:16), Alison
Clarke (28:46), Claudia Keitch (29:12), Belinda Palmer-Barnes (29:38) and Andy Stephens (31:33).
Paul Blackwell chalked up another 26.2, this time at the Great Barrow marathon. He then took advantage of the long
weekend and, accompanied by Janine Simpson, ran his 61st marathon. The pair completed the Enigma Reverse on Easter
Monday in 4:52:56 (Simpson) and 4:53:29 (Blackwell).
Finally, Meera Rajoo-Oakley ran the Easter Eggstravaganza over four days which was hosted by Mid Essex casuals, Little
Baddow Ridge Runners, Grange Farm and Dunmow Runners and Springfield Striders. Meera was one of only a few who ran
all four days and is awaiting the cumulative score to be completed however, she ran well across all four days posting the
following times:
Day 1: 13.3 miles: 2:10:55 – 5th Lady
Day 2: 7.6 miles: 1:09:06. 3rd lady
Day 3: 6.8 miles: 1:05:21, 5th lady
Day 4: 6.5 miles: 1:03:34 – 4th lady.
Anna Mills joined Meera on Day 3 to run the 6.8 miles, they crossed the line together in a joint 1:05:21
time.
Chusa Batis and Lee Clarkson also had more than their fair share of mud and hills as they took on the
notorious Orion 15. A 15 mile cross country race through the hills of Epping Forest. Chusa was first to finish in 2:54:50 and
Lee followed in 3:08:09, describing the course as the toughest he’s ever run.
Across the channel Emma Town ran the Paris Marathon in just over 4 hours, despite the heat. Emma described it thus: “fab
scenery, great crowds, water stations were brilliant with fresh/dried fruit stalls – thoroughly recommend it!!”
Paul Carlisle
20
THE QUEEN’S
CREAM TEA
Saturday 18th June
St Mary’s Church, Great Bentley
2.00-5.00pm
Various Stalls
Bric a brac: Cakes: Books:
Tombola: Raffle: Gifts:
Children’s Activities: Quiz etc
We would appreciate any donations of books,
bric a brac, tombola prizes and gifts
These can be left at the back of the church
or contact
Wendy King 01206 250852
GREAT BENTLEY CONSERVATIVE
ASSOCIATION
We have now held our Branch AGM and I’m pleased
to announce that the committee for the coming year
is as follows:
Chairman: Michael White; Vice
Chairman: Luke Edwards; Treasurer: Alan Thomas;
Secretary: Pam White; Committee: Michael Dorling,
Michael Hicks, Lynda McWilliams and Peter
Stephens.
This year we were delighted to welcome the
Harwich & North Essex Constituency Association
Chairman, Terry Sutton, to our AGM. We celebrated
the election of Will Quince as MP in our neighbouring
Colchester Constituency and we talked about our
own successes, which included the election of
Bernard Jenkin as our Constituency MP and Lynda
McWilliams as our District Councillor.
Sincere
thanks were expressed to all our members and
supporters for their hard work during the elections.
Mr Sutton was invited to update the meeting
about the status of an alleged case of bullying which
was raised by the branch over a year earlier. He
thanked the branch for bringing this serious matter to
the attention of the Association and advised the
meeting that the matter had been subject to
investigation and was currently under review by the
Executive Council. He further assured the meeting
that the Association did not condone bullying in any
form and a policy on the subject had been drafted for
presentation at the next Executive Council Meeting.
Anne Margaret Good
Anne From Aingers Green
Anne passed away peacefully at
The Oaks, Aingers Green
on Monday 11th April
The funeral service will be held at
St Mary's Church, Great Bentley
on Tuesday 17th May at 2.30 pm
Everyone Welcome
Margaret Easter
Margaret passed away
on Friday 22nd April
Funeral to be arranged.
Pam White
21
OUR EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURS!
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
In which European country are the Troodos Mountains?
What is Europe's and the World's most northern capital city?
Which river flows through Budapest?
Name the three Baltic States and their capitals.
Travelling due east from New York City, which European country would
you reach first?
Which 2 countries does the Great St. Bernard Pass connect?
What is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea?
Liechtenstein lies between which two countries?
The Palace of Knossos is on which Greek island?
In which European country is The Tyrol?
What is the largest country in Europe in terms of area?
Which countries occupy the Iberian Peninsula?
The Utigord is the highest waterfall in Europe, in which country
is it found?
What is the smallest country in Europe in terms of area
(excluding Vatican City)?
Name the ruling Royal Family of this country.
On which river does Florence stand?
The river Rhone rises in which country and flows into which sea?
In which Italian city might you travel by ‘vaperetto’?
Which is the longest river in France?
On which island is the volcano Mount Etna?
1.Cyprus 2.Reykjavik 3.Danube 4.Estonia(Tallinn), Latvia(Riga), Lithuania(Vilnius)
5.Portugal 6.Switzerland & Italy 7.Sicily 8.Austria & Switzerland 9.Crete 10.Austria
11.Russia 12. Spain and Portugal (& Gibraltar) 13.Norway 14.Monaco 15.Grimaldi
16.Arno 17.Switzerland & Mediterranean 18.Venice 19.Loire 20.Sicily
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
22
May 2016
The World is Our Oyster
New Term Topics
All children were excited to find
out their new term topics. From
explorers to superheros – I am
happy to announce the new topics.
Reception will be exploring
“Superheros”; Year 1 will be
learning about “Our Planet”; Year
2 will be looking at “Myths &
Magic”; Year 3 are “Going for
Gold
Olympics”; Year 4 will
be examining “The Rainforest”;
Ye a r 5 a r e “ 2 0 1 6 R i o
Olympics” and Year 6 “Explorers”.
All children are looking forward to
this
upcoming term.
By Tommy Marns
New Netball Kit and
Tournament
The netball team of Great
Bentley Primary School has
received their new kit! Our
netball team looks very
professional in their new kits.
The green and yellow
represents our sc hool
uniform. They got to show off
our new kits at a tournament
with lots of other schools. They
played very well and got to
play in the quarter finals. We
are all very proud of them.
By Aoife McNicholl.
Snapshot News:
•
•
•
•
•
New Term Topics
New Netball Kit
Sports Relief
Easter Treats
BREXIT VOTE
Sports Relief 2016: Our whole school participated in a run to raise money for people less
fortunate than us. We all paid two pounds to come dressed as someone who does sport or a sport and in
the morning everybody helped each other to run a whole mile on the field. It was a great day and we
all felt very happy to have done something for charity. By Aoife McNicholl.
BREXIT VOTE:
Y4 Get Political
Easter Treats And School Egg Hunt
The school all enjoyed an Easter fun-packed day which commenced on the last
day of term. Within the morning, everyone took part in a massive school egg
hunt. The pupils had all decorated half of their egg a few days earlier. Their
mission was to find their other piece which was hidden around the playground.
Once the children found their missing piece, they came inside to collect their
chocolate Easter Egg!! Also Year 6 cooked their very own “Bunny Biscuits”.
Using knowledge of maths, they really enjoyed their afternoon of cookery.
Overall the day was packed with excitement and Easter activities. We all look
forward to the next.
By Tommy Marns
23
As part of last term’s
topic, the children learnt
about the geographical,
economical and political
role of the UK within the
EU and considered the
question of BREXIT. They
surveyed some of the
local community on their
views and then presented
their findings to the rest of
the school at a staged
debate in Assembly.
CLUBS &
ORGANISATIONS
BENTLEY GREEN LADIES CLUB
Paulene opened the evening by welcoming members
to our cheese and wine/quiz evening. We were
reminded of the trip to Southwold on Monday 9th May
for which there are still some seats available. Friends
and partners are welcome, so if you would like to join
us please contact Paulene (01255 823414). We are
also planning a trip to the Frinton Summer Theatre to
see their production of Noel Coward’s ‘Hay Fever’
and monies will be due at our May meeting.
‘What is a Bufflehead?’ and ‘What is the
collective noun for a group of frogs?’ Just a sample
of the questions posed by and devised by our
resident quiz mistress, Edna! Much brain searching
and laughter ensued, interrupted only by the interval
during which cheese and wine were served and the
raffle drawn. Many thanks are due to Edna and the
committee for providing us with a fun and most
enjoyable evening.
We entered two teams into the quiz at The
Plough held in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Over £200 was raised and our teams came 2nd and
3rd so well done to them!
A big reminder that on Wednesday 18th May it
is our turn to bake cakes for St Helena Hospice.
Marion has kindly agreed to take them to the
Hospice for us so please take your cakes to 26, Pine
Close.
THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB
At our meeting in March we welcomed Jill Bucke as
our guest speaker, who gave us a most delightful
and amusing slide show entitled "Adventures with
my dog."
Henri is a lively and friendly Lhaso Apso and
together since he was a puppy 9 years ago they
have had many interesting and even one or two
embarrassing moments on their walks. There never
seems to be a dull moment with him around.
Our next meeting on Wednesday May 25th will
be our Annual Party with a buffet lunch provided by
Billie and her helpers, and Ken Drew will be with us
encouraging us to join in with the familiar songs he
will be playing, (well at least as many of the words
that we can remember!) Tickets have now been
booked for "90 Glorious Years" but there is still time
for anyone wishing to add their name for the outing
to Dunwich and Woodbridge.
Please remember that if you wish for
something to do on the 4th Wednesday of the month
you will always be welcome at the Village Hall at 2
o'clock.
Joye
GREAT BENTLEY
GARDENING CLUB
An enjoyable Spring Show and social evening was
held in April. My thanks to all concerned.
Dates for your diary!
Saturday May 7th is our Annual Plant sale with 50%
of proceeds being donated to St Helena Hospice.
Please do support this event. Donations of raffle
prizes, plants etc. would be appreciated.
Dates for your diary
Tuesday May 3rd V.monthly meeting 7.30pm in the
Village Hall with Mr Ken Guyton on the ‘History of
Waterways and Windmills’
It is held at the Village Hall, from 10.00am until noon.
Raffle, Tombola, cakes, refreshments, including
“Bacon Butties”
Monday 9th May....trip to Southwold
May 17th is an outing to Feeringbury Manor Garden
at Feering. Cost £5. Afternoon event.
th
Wednesday 18 May....cakes for St Helena Hospice
please
June 21st is a visit to Spencers Gardens at Great
Yeldham cost £5. Afternoon event.
HISTORY SOCIETY
July 19th is the next meeting when Brian Carline will
talk on pelargoniums.
Thursday 12th May 8pm
For further details of any of the above please contact
me (01206 251433)
Colchester in Postcards
Guests & Visitors welcome
Bob Newman
Chair.
£3.00 including tea & biscuits
24
PET NOTES
Tales of a Naughty Tabby Cat – Part 2
Five days a week my human leaves early in the morning and returns home in the evening. I’ve always rather
liked this arrangement as I get fed as soon as she wakes up and then my dinner is the first thing she organises
once she’s home again. Some could get lonely during the day while she’s out but I’ve got my brother to
snuggle/wrestle/play with/pin to the floor and groom to within an inch of his life so there’s never a dull moment.
A long time ago I had a particularly exciting day which broke the usual routine. It was a day in which my
human left later than usual in different clothes to the ones she wears when she’ll be gone all day so I assumed
she’d be back earlier too. I was happily strutting along the corridor, turned into the living room when there I
saw it; her large purple handbag. She didn’t often leave it for me to explore and this was the perfect
opportunity to do exactly that.
I was cautious at first. I crept up to it slowly and paused. If she returned suddenly I’d have to scarper. I held
my breath and listened but all was silent. James lay sleeping on the sofa and no one could stop me. Getting
into the bag wasn’t easy. There were two zips at the top which required pulling in opposite directions to open it
though fortunately they were a little apart with enough of a gap between them for my paw. Once I had hooked
my paw inside I could ease the left zip further away from the right. I checked my surroundings once more then
slid my nose into the opening, deeper and deeper until my whole head was inside the bag.
Something wonderful filled my nostrils; a scent I was entirely unfamiliar with but at the same time immediately
worshipped. It was coming from a brown rectangular object with shiny sides. In my excitement I pulled the
bag onto its side which woke my brother. He approached me, looked at the bag’s contents which were now
scattered across the floor, sniffed the brown item and then returned to his chosen sleeping spot.
I inhaled deeply and allowed the sweet scent to wash over me once more. Then I tore into it and was
delighted to discover it tasted as incredible as it smelt. I was in a state of ecstasy as I chomped and chomped
and chomped andV.
“Oh Hunter, noooooo!”
I did not hear the door open and the first I knew of my human’s return were her shrieks. Instinctively I hid
under the table and folded my ears back in a blatant attempt to look as pathetic and undeserving of
punishment as possible. My human seemed very concerned by how much of the brown stuff I had eaten.
Following a few moments pressing buttons on a plastic rectangular device and a phone call, both James and I
were scooped up, imprisoned in the dreaded “cat carrier” and driven to a big red brick building.
My human hurriedly carried us inside then I waited whilst she did something to James. After a few minutes it
was my turn. She lifted me out of the carrier and grasped me by the scruff of my neck – I hate it when she
does that! - giving her full control of me. I felt a very brief and mild sting before she relaxed her hand and
scooped me up in her arms then walked along a corridor with me. Beyond a wooden door lay a room with
many silver compartments. I recognised James already confined in one of them as she lowered me into the
one next door. Suddenly a wave of nausea hit me and all the deliciousness of earlier lay in a pile in front of
me. It still smelt amazing but alas I felt overwhelmingly tired and drifted off to sleep.
Since that day my human has been extra careful to keep me away from anything that smells that good. I
guess she doesn’t want to share her food.
A tale by Hunter
(under supervision of Dr April Mahoney MRCVS)
25
FARMING NEWS
It has come to the time of year
when the cereals and oil seed
rape crops start to rapidly grow
away after the winter. The bright
yellow of the oilseed rape flowers
contrasts nicely against the deep green of adjacent
cereal crops. The crop of oilseed rape provides a
very important food source for a number of different
bee species. If you find a footpath through these
yellow fields or even a footpath which runs parallel to
a field of oilseed rape and you listen carefully, you
will hear the buzz of the bees. These bees play an
important role in pollinating the flowers resulting in
the formation of pods. These pods will develop and
expand and the seeds inside which turn black are
harvested for a number of uses. You may have
noticed in the local farm shops you can buy oil which
has come from oilseed rape. Many famous chefs like
using rapeseed oil when cooking for a number of
reasons including its taste but also the oil has one of
the lowest levels of saturated fats compared to other
oils. In comparison to olive oil, rapeseed oil has
approximately 50% less saturated fat showing that it
is a healthier option. The majority of rapeseed oil you
see on the shelves in the farm shops and
supermarkets is made using British rape seed. The
oil can also be used for biofuels as well.
Cereal crops such as wheat and barley, at the
time of drilling, have 100% yield potential. From the
moment they are planted in the ground different
factors such as the weather, soil type, the availability
of nutrients, pests, weeds and diseases will begin to
rapidly decrease the crop’s potential yield. In order
for farmers to produce the highest yielding crops
they can, they need to protect the crop from the
impact of the factors just mentioned. In the autumn
(for a winter grown cereal) farmers will apply a preemergence weed control spray – this is the first port
of call after drilling to prevent the growth of weeds
which would otherwise compete with the crop for
light, nutrients and moisture. More weeds may
appear later in the autumn but, due to the weather
they may not be able to travel with their sprayer on
the land due to it being too wet, so a further spray
application in the spring when the weather improves
would follow. Fertiliser as mentioned in last month’s
column would be applied to the crop to give it a kick
start to get it growing away as soon as the
temperatures warm up. As the temperatures do rise
disease pressure increases due to the warmer and
damper conditions as a result of spring showers.
This would exacerbate any disease which may have
appeared in the crop over the winter months and /or
may encourage the spread of disease in the crop.
Photosynthesis is the way in which a plant uses
energy from the sunlight which is absorbed by
chlorophyll in the plant to convert carbon dioxide and
water to make energy. The presence of chlorophyll in
a plant gives it its green colour. When a plant, be it in
the field or in your garden at home has a disease on
it you will notice that the leaves lose their green
colour meaning that they are not producing energy
used for growth and development to their maximum
capacity. If farmers can prevent and control any
disease coming into their crop they will help maintain
the potential yield of a crop. You may wonder how
farmers optimising yield affects our day to day lives. If
yields are dramatically reduced due to diseases, pests,
lack of the correct nutrition and the weather there
would be a shortage of wheat and barley to make into
bread or beer which would result in the cost of these
items increasing due to the shortage in supply of the
product used to make them. In the arable farming year
the next two months are the most important with
regards to diseases to ensure the crop stays greener
for longer, thus helping farmers achieve as near to
their 100% yield potential.
You will also have noticed many ‘ridges’
appearing in fields ready for planting potatoes.
Potatoes are a very important crop to the local area
and you will see many a tractor and planter in the field
over the coming weeks soon to be followed by
irrigation pipes and irrigators.
Vicki Brooks
Sunday 5th June – Open Farm Sunday
Earls Hall Farm, St Johns Road,
Clacton-on-sea. CO16 8BP
www.farmsunday.org
Open Farm Sunday is a national event run by LEAF
(Linking Environment and Farming) with the aim of
engaging people with local farming, the food it
produces and the environment in which it does so.
Driving around the countryside you will pass many
thousands of acres of land. The plants and animals
that are grown on that land feed you and the way they
are grown shape the countryside you see from your
car window.
As farmers we take great pride in producing
wholesome safe food and looking after the countryside
as we do it. So we thought we ought to open our farm
gate to anyone interested in learning where their food
comes from by joining this great national tradition –
Open Farm Sunday.
There will be guided tours by tractor and trailer
around the farm, and visitors will see and learn about
crops like wheat, rye, linseed and oilseed rape as well
as our managed environmental stewardship areas.
There will also be a nature walk featuring pond dipping
and woodland, as well as getting up close and
personal with our 130m high wind turbines! We also
hope to have some cattle and sheep on site too.
There will be refreshments provided by the local
WI, and local farmers and young farmers will be on
hand to answer questions and generally make the day
enjoyable for all the family.
If you would like to come along please email
[email protected] or call or text 07887 595236
as an indication of numbers would be useful.
David Lord
26
Great Bentley Pre-school
www.greatbentleypreschool.co.uk
[email protected]
Theme
We are having lots of fun with our theme ‘summertime’. Our biggest project last month was our outside area
where the children have been busy planting lots of brightly coloured flowers, plants and vegetables. The children
have been eagerly watering them during the glorious days of sunshine that we had and are waiting patiently to
see the development in the sunflower seeds that they planted.
Welcome Back
We would like to welcome Jenny back to Pre-school after being on her maternity leave. We all missed you and
are looking forward to having you back in the team again.
Primary School Transition
These sessions have begun now; all children have only had one session each by the time this went to print but
are already showing great maturity and pleasure in this new environment so goes without saying they have all
settled in well.
Carnival
Next month its Carnival time – Saturday 25th June, we already have lots of ideas for our float which is based
around the theme ‘Movies’. Put the date in your diary as we hope to see lots of you supporting us in this Village
event.
Summer Trip
We are in the process of organising our summer trip for this year. We are looking at various dates and venues;
as soon as all details are confirmed and risk assessments have been done we will let parents/carers know.
Autism Coffee Morning
This was organised for the end of April so took place after this had gone to print. I will let you know next month
how it went.
We break up this month for half term on Friday 27th May and return on Monday 6th June. We are also closed on
Monday 2nd May as it is a bank holiday; I hope you all enjoy the long weekend and the sun shines.
Thanks for reading.
Julie Wiles
NATURE NOTES
Last July’s Nature Notes reported the need to get up-to-date records of local wildflowers for a countywide survey.
Recently a small group has commenced each Thursday afternoon scouring promising sites. For a cross-theboard measure of plant frequency the county’s patchwork of Ordnance Survey one kilometre squares or monads
are used. It is hoped to get as many of these surveyed, or at least sampled, as possible. Obviously arable land,
roads, buildings and human clutter occupy a conspicuous proportion of landscape but semi-natural habitat
persists all around, some may be called “edge-land”. The present impetus for housing development threatens
these remnants of green, where wildlife ekes out a precarious existence.
Tendring’s coast, woods, brooks and streams are its greatest assets, but long established grassland is
also important. As well as roadside verges and village greens, churchyards are vital, with aboriginal grass.
Cutting has to negotiate stone monuments in whose shelter plants can flower and seed. This month the Essex
Wildflower Group began at Elmstead looking in the churchyard, where harebells should appear later in the
summer. Learning to recognize plants before fully developed is part of the fun, like birdwatchers having only a
tantalizing, fleeting view of a passing bird. Early lesser celandine, wild violets and speedwells provided colour
beyond the prevailing greens. The complication of grassland ecology is that many plants need the grass cut or
grazed to keep larger competitors including brambles at bay, yet are also frequently decapitated. This means
opportunities to set seed may be limited and need to survive vegetatively.
On both our two outings so far: to Elmstead and this week to Little Bromley churchyard, the leafy rosettes
of pignut, a dainty member of the parsley family, were found. It is likely the majority will not flower due to mowing
or rabbit grazing, yet individuals will survive from year to year as perennial and having a single tuber – hence
their name – that store food reserves. Less upright, smaller species are able to complete their annual life-cycle
by growing close to the ground. Localised tiny spring sedge found at Great Bromley, flowers ahead of the surge
of taller growth. Many plants in woods have a similar early flowering strategy before the tree canopy of leaves
shades out the light. The group is scheduled to visit several local woods in the next month or so. If you are
interested in plants and want to learn more by joining the group please contact: ken.adams@virgin net
DRB
27
Meet the Parish Council
Roger Adams
Continuing the ongoing ‘getting to know your council’ feature in the parish Magazine, I have been’ volunteered’
to be the second contributor.
I am fortunate enough to have lived in Great Bentley for the last 45 years; where I met and married my
wife Beverley and brought up our two children Ben and Jo. They also live in the village along with their
partners and now our grandson. I also run a large manufacturing business on the Plough Road Centre.
Over the many years I have been actively involved in village life.
•
After being nominated Chairman of the original steering committee for the Village Hall and along
with an amazingly hard working and forward thinking committee, I oversaw the completion of the
Hall in 1987. I then went on to become Chairman of the Management Committee for over 20 years. I
still act as a Trustee and am currently the Joint Vice Chairman of the Management Committee.
•
I have been privileged to have served as a Parish Councillor several years ago, including a period
as Parish Council Chairman. Subsequently, as a member of the public, I tried to attend all council
meetings.
•
I have served as a School Governor of our village school
•
More recently, I was one of three residents, along with the fantastic support from the village, who
managed the campaign to stop the siting of a wind turbine in our village
•
I am, and have been, a supporter of the Village Show, Carnival and Bentley Green Players
On 29th October 2015 I was pleased and privileged to have been elected once again onto the Parish Council. I
am now on the Finance, Green and Planning committees.
This village is unique; a small rural community with good facilities and our wonderful village green which
is the centre of village life and events, something that I care about passionately and hope that future
generations will also be able to do.
We are in changing times and I recognise, as with many things, the village needs to evolve. I will strive
to represent all aspects of village life to ensure that Great Bentley continues to be the thriving rural community
that it currently is.
However, I believe that evolution needs to take place in a controlled and sustainable way; housing
should be available for first time buyers and for those older members of the community who wish to downsize.
Any development in the village must occur in proportion to the community’s facilities. I believe that in-fill and
brownfield sites should be used in preference to green field sites wherever possible
Parking problems and road safety issues are regular topics of concern within our community
I am available and contactable to listen to people’s thoughts regarding village issues and most importantly
represent your views.
I will listen and I care.
JOSEPHS COURT MS-UK
Is holding a Fund Raising Event on 21st May in Castle Park 8.30-11.30
It’s all on the Bear Theme
You can choose one or all of the following sponsored events
WALKING OR RUNNING 4k in lower castle park (we will supply MS-UK Tee Shirts to all taking part),
ENTER FANCY DRESS COMPETITION (Bear Theme) open to children and adults. A prize for best dressed bear
DECORATE A CAKE COMPETITION (Bear Theme) a prize for the best decorated cake
Thank you for taking part in our BEAR DAY, It should be lots of fun - Yvonne Gibson
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV.
I want to take part in Park walk/Run VVV..
Please enter your size for tee shirt S.M.L.
I want to enter fancy dress competition VVVV
I want to enter the cake competitionVVVVV.
Name VVVVVVVVVVVV
Telephone No. VVVVVV
Address VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV..
Please complete this form and return to Yvonne Gibson c/o Michael Kinton, MS-UK, Unsworth House, Hythe Quay,
Colchester CO2 8JF
28
A FEW NOTES FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
Tour de Tendring preparations
Just a reminder that the ever popular Tour De Tendring is being held on Sunday 15th May.
There are three distances with the family six-mile race, the 20-mile race and the 60-mile
race.
The start and finish point will be at Dovercourt Bay Lifestyles. The start time for the
two longer races is between 8.30 am and 9.30 am; the family six-mile race starts between
9.30 am and 10.30 am. Entertainment will be laid on all day. For further information and to
sign up for the Tour de Tendring visit www.bike-events.com
The Local Plan
At the recent Local Plan Committee Meeting housing numbers were identified for various towns and villages;
the next stage will be for the preferred options of individual sites going out to the public consultation. The
overall number of houses was agreed at 9,974 or 10,924 for the period from April 2015 to March 2032.
Neil Stock TDC Leader and Chairman of the Local Plan Committee said “having the plan in place will
also stop the developer free for all that we are currently experiencing and which is no good for anyone other
than the developers and landowners.” He also said “there will be changes on the way as sites are approved
either by the Council or on appeal and others who drop out”. Great Bentley is listed with Brightlingsea for 100
houses each over the 17-year period.
Tenancy Fraud
There was a month long amnesty in March to give residents the chance to hand in the keys to Tendring District
Council properties that they were not entitled to.
TDC has more than 3200 properties and it is believed a number are being occupied illegally. TDC needs to
take back the properties for those residents who are on the waiting list.
Tenancy Fraud, which includes subletting or giving a property to someone else without the Council’s
permission; passing keys to another person for a one-off payment; moving out and leaving grown up children
in the property; leaving the property empty and not using it as a main home.
Anyone committing an offence could face up to two years in prison and a fine of £50,000 as well as
paying back any profits made from the fraud.
During the period of amnesty, the Council received 14 reports of alleged fraud, which are being followed
up.
Energy Savings on average of £328
200 residents have saved an average of £328. They took part in an initiative run by Essex County Council
(ECC) aimed at reducing people’s gas and electricity bills. The scheme is run in partnership with district,
borough and city councils through iChossr the delivery agent. Another launch is being proposed later this year.
If you are interested in the scheme and want advice or a home visit, please go to
www.essex.gov.uk/energyswitch
Cllr. Lynda McWilliams
Tendring District Council Cabinet Member
for the Wellbeing and Partnerships Portfolio
Tendring District Councillor
to the Ward of Great Bentley
e-mail address
[email protected]
Telephone Number
01206 250732
BLUEBELL OPEN DAY
FOUND
Saturday 30th April
10am to 4pm
Set of keys near St Mary’s Farm
Thorrington Hall Woods
Tel: 01206 251765
Admission £2
COMPUTER MOUSE
All proceeds to
Thorrington Church
Please call at the
Pharmacy
29
The Children’s Page
May is a month with two bank holiday Mondays, one on the 2nd and
one on the 30th. This means that millions of people around the country
get the day off work, and you get the day off school. But why…
Bank holidays began in 1871, and were
originally called ‘Bank’ Holidays as the
nation’s banks were closed for the day so
no trading could take place. Now, in 2016,
there are 8 national bank holidays in
England, Scotland, and Wales
How many cheeses can you
find on this page?
S
U
M
M
E
R
E
M
E
F
P
H
H
O
L
I
D
A
Y
H
R
I
X
C
D
N
I
Y
E
U
I
P
J
B
A
S
T
P
T
L
N
O
A
E
S
A
F
O
U
O
G
F
S
C
H
O
O
L
K
J
F
E
P
N
V
R
S
E
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F
A
W
I
A
U
E
V
Q
R
E
Q
C
F
D
L
G
M
E
D
HOLIDAY
SCHOOL
Draw a picture of people chasing
cheeses down a very steep hill...
SPRING
MAYPOLE
SUMMER
DANCE
The bank holidays in May fall on the
first and last Monday of the month.
The first Monday (Monday 2nd May) is
May Day Bank Holiday, and is traditionally
celebrated as a day of rejoicing the coming
Spring and Summer and sharing love and
romance. It is usually commemorated by
Morris and Maypole dancing, along with
crowning a May Queen.
The last Monday (Monday 30th May) is
Spring Bank Holiday, and falls on this day
as it is the first Monday after Pentecost.
Although there are no celebrations specific
to the Spring Bank Holiday, in a small town
in Gloucestershire there is a tradition of
chasing a huge wheel of cheese down a
very steep hill. The first person to the
bottom wins the whole 3.5kg (8lbs) of
cheese for themselves!
30
Protect Great Bentley
Property Development News Update
Heckfords Road West – Planning Committee meeting 19th April
The Planning Committee re-looked at this application in the light of the Highways site visit
and decided to refuse permission on the basis of highways safety and concerns over the
proposed footpath along Heckfords Road, which in itself is great news. Unfortunately, it is
very likely that this will be appealed, as immediately following this decision, the committee
debated the Admirals Farm applicationVV.
Admirals Farm – Planning Committee meeting 19th April
In what seemed to be a bizarre outcome, having refused permission to Heckfords Road
West, the committee went on to grant approval to Admirals Farm. Admirals Farm uses the
same footpath, but Mr George Wright (the developer & land owner) has arranged the option
to purchase part of the driveway of Heathbern on Heckfords Road, and therefore make at
least part of the footpath wider. However the other house next door had refused to sell their
land to him & therefore a pinch point still would exist! The committee didn’t even look at the
reasons they had already refused the site for development once, and were misled by
inaccurate drawings from the planning officer which showed that Mr Wright has options over
land to make the whole of the footpath wider, which we did point out is not at all the case.
However this point seemed to be ignored by them. They were also misled by the planning
officer insisting that the pedestrian access via Ivy Cottage was not part of the application,
which it very evidently is. You may remember that in the first Admirals Farm application,
Highways were not happy with this being the pedestrian access, which is why the Heckfords
Road footpath was conceived in the first place.
At least this time there was no personal attack on our members, and no declaration that this
is the right thing for the village. It does mean that there will be nothing to stop Heckfords
Road West being approved at appeal, as the only thing stopping it was the footpath, now in
part kindly widened by Mr Wright so that he can get his own development through approval.
This unfortunately is likely to mean at least 100 new houses for the village now.
As we know, if an application doesn’t go in favour of the developer they have the right to
appeal. Unfortunately there is no such equivalent mechanism for us to appeal this decision
without an expensive judicial review. So it looks like there is nothing more we can do on this
one.
Those of you who were at the last Parish Council meeting will know that PC Chairman
Jonathan Hills has now declared a pecuniary (financial) interest in the Admirals Farm
development.
Plough Road / Station Fields – Appeal underway
No further news on this appeal so far.
So what can you do?
Keep informed. Register on our website to receive news updates.
• Get involved. We are an inclusive group. We need and would welcome new
members.
• Attend your Parish Council Meetings on the first Thursday of every month
www.protectgreatbentley.com
email: [email protected]
Write to: Pippa Drew, Cedarwood, Moors Lane, Gt Bentley
31
BENTLEY GREEN PLAYERS
WHO DIES WINS!
Presents
The Comedy Thriller
The Bentley Green Players are proud to
present their latest dramatic offering. Who
Dies Wins is a comedy thriller written by
Seymour Matthews.
A jovial dinner party soon develops into
something more sinister, with twists and turns
to keep the audience on the edge of their
seats.
WHO
DIES
WINS
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness first hand
the drama as it unfolds.
TRANSPORT NEWS
by
Seymour Matthews
The Methodist Church Hall Great Bentley
Thursday 12th Friday 13th and Saturday
14th May 2016
Starting at 7.45pm
Tickets priced at £7 available from Deli-icious
or
Peter Harry Tel 07503153960
This amateur production is presented by arrangement
with Samuel French
After months of hard work, negotiations,
consultation, frustrating delays and behind the
scenes talks, the Great Bentley Transport
Minister is pleased to announce that the
footbridge at Great Bentley Station is now open
to the public It is understood that there is still
some residual painting to complete,
nevertheless the bridge will be open. This
ground breaking news will enable the village
and car parking to return to normal life and
allow commuters to have an extra 10 minutes
in bed!!.
Peter Harry
Transport Minister
SESAW NEWS
Kenneth is busy promoting dog chipping which became law last month, leaving me to tell you about two feline
families that arrived at Sesaw recently.
A kind gentleman rescued Chilli, who had been living rough on an industrial estate, just before she gave birth
to a litter of kittens. Sadly another pregnant puss lost one of her kittens and two more are fighting for their
lives due to a viral infection. By the time you read this I hope our remaining kittens will be fully recovered. We
are also expecting babies in the garden since the blue tits starting laying eggs in Ron's new bird box. Fear not
dear reader, my interest in our feather residents extends only to birdwatching from behind the ivy or in the
comfort of a sunny windowsill.
Whatever the weather, the Fundraisers are holding a two day Bank Holiday Sale in the front garden, 10am to
1pm on 28th and 29th May. Gazebos are at the ready to cover enough things to fill every house in the village,
all at bargain prices. More sales will take place in Tiptree on 2nd July and at Great Bentley on 18th
September, not forgetting our Open Day and Fun Dog Show at SESAW on 31st July.
Time to shadow Mother on her evening rounds, after which a very cosy cat bed will be calling to me, Ollie (the
Black) Cat
Suffolk and Essex Small Animal Welfare, Reg.Charity No.1124029, Stoke Road, Leavenheath, CO6
4PP. Tel: 01787 210888 Opening times vary, phone before visiting or check www.sesaw.co.uk
32
GREAT BENTLEY PARISH COUNCIL
Community Resource Centre, Village Hall, Plough Road, CO7 8LG
Contact the Clerk on [email protected] or Tel: 01206 256410
www.greatbentleyparishcouncil.co.uk
The following are some of the items discussed at the Parish Council meeting on 7 April. For
further information, please see the minutes of the meeting published on the Parish Council
website.
South Heath Road; Further to a letter expressing road safety concerns the Parish Council
agreed to:
I
Ask the police if it is possible to occasionally get an officer with a speed-gun.
2
Seek Highways assistance with this matter.
3
Consider the preparation of a LHP funding application.
Village Green Working Party;
1
The Clerk was asked to write to Mr Steve Sawyer thanking him for his work preparing a specification for the
kerbing in front of the Methodist Church and the Clerk was asked to obtain quotations based on the
specification.
2
The Council agreed to allow plaques to be erected at the bottom of the nine memorial trees behind Chapel
Terrace, subject to adherence to the specification of the Parish Council.
The Queen’s Birthday Beacon; The beacon lighting event planned for 21 April (7pm for 7.15pm start). The
beacon has been fully funded by generous donations from local businesses.
Parish Council Grants: The Council approved its grant funding programme for 2016/17 further to receiving a
report and proposals from Cllr Plummer. The list of the organisations who are to receive grant funding together with
the amounts they are to receive can be found on the Council ‘s website.
Mobile Fish Bar; Cllr Plummer provided an update of the situation confirming that the owner of the Fish Bar has
agreed to relocate to the Village Hall car park in May.
Car Park Improvements; Cllr Adams agreed to obtain a survey of the site with the aim of preparing a plan that
includes leveling the northern-most point of the car park and provides landscaping in that area and at the entrance.
The idea is to prepare an improvement scheme that might form the basis of a CIF application.
Annual Parish Meeting (APM); It was agreed to hold the APM on Thursday 16 June 2016 at 7.30pm. Cllr Drew
proposed changing the format and agreed to circulate a proposal for consideration.
Southside Track: Cllr Adams outlined the nature of the increasing maintenance requirements. It was suggested
that it may be time to look at a formal arrangement rather than relying on the generosity of a local farmer to
undertake repairs on an ad-hoc basis. It was suggested that it is time that we look at the cost of a formal
maintenance arrangement. This matter was referred back to the Greens Working Party to prepare a specification.
Planning Applications: The planning applications shown in the table below were considered by the Planning
Committee at its monthly meeting.
Planning Ref.
16/00339/OUT
16/00311/FUL
16/00282/FUL
16/00268/TCA
Application Details
Outline planning application for the residential
development of 0.59 ha of land to create 4 detached
dwellings with associated garaging and parking.
Change of use from B1A to B1 and B2 mixed use to
include preparation of food.
Revised application for removal of 2 x lawful caravans
and replacement with 1 x permanent timber clad lodge
for recreational purposes and occupation between 1
March and 31 October per year
1 No. Oak – light crown reduction – height reduction 1m,
final height 7m with a spread of 5m. 1 No. Holly – light
crown reduction – reduction in height 1m with final height
of 6x4m.
16/00299/TCA
Group of Limes – Re-pollard to previous pruning points.
16/00411/FUL
Extension.
33
Address
Land North of Carpenters
Farm St Marys Road Gt
Bentley
Great Bentley Food Hall
Plough Road Gt Bentley
Land to rear of Hill Cottages,
Flag Hill, Gt Bentley
Greenholt, The Green, Gt
Bentley
Woodlands, Moors Close,
Great Bentley
4 Elm Close Gt Bentley
Community Resource Centre Opening Times: The Resource Centre is staffed on a part time basis. The times
vary from month to month. The office is normally staffed Mondays and Tuesdays 9-5 pm and Thursdays 9-12
pm and 2.30-5.30 pm
Council Meetings: The Planning Committee and Parish Council both meet on the first Thursday of every
month. The meetings are open to the public to attend. The meeting agendas are posted on village
noticeboards and on the Council website five days in advance of the meeting.
Next meeting - Thursday 5th May.
Friends of the Green
At the latest meeting of the group, forthcoming fund raising and attendance at various future events was
discussed. Having been given permission to fund raise on Wednesday nights by the Parish Council the
motorcycle safety and training companies plus food and ice cream vans will be in attendance. Also the Air
Ambulance promoters will be with us on some occasions and all this takes place of course with the weather
permitting.
The Garage Sale will take place on July 2nd and the closing dates for participators will be June 24th.
Garages should be open from 10am to 3pm and book in with me on 250 799. Payment in advance must be
made by the closing date to ensure inclusion on the printed maps. These will be on sale at Deli-licious or on
the green from 9am on the day of the sale (near the memorial).
We have been asked by the Village Show Committee to repeat the vintage tractor display that caused
so much interest last year. It will help us if tractors are booked in – tel. 250 799. Spread the word!
The planting of trees adjacent to the Methodist Church has now been completed. These trees as
previously stated are to replace the poplars that were recently removed. All trees have been sponsored by
village people so there is no cost to the village. For 9 trees to be paid for by the public shows the support for
tree planting in the village and with almost all our native trees under attack from various viruses and beetles, it
is important to keep replacing these where possible. So many thanks to these 9 people who have sponsored
the trees at the cost of £100 each and also the Parish Council for agreeing to this scheme. Every year
requests come in to remove trees completely, never to be replaced so it is far better to have them pollarded.
For many years this village supported a TDC led scheme to subsidise tree planting in villages but this was
stopped by the Parish Council some years ago. One of our more important trees in danger is the Ash planted
on Heckford Road ditch to celebrate the millennium. Already most of the elms have gone although there is one
on Weeley Road which to date is still healthy and has managed to survive the annual
flailing. However towards Edens Farm was another Ash that was planted around a decade
ago and had reached approximately 15 ft in height and this was completely taken down to
hedge level this year. A beautiful tree for the future – trashed! The Copper Beech on the
opposite side coming back towards the village was reduced to hedge level 3 years ago but
is showing signs of recovery. Continuing towards the village – all but one of the Red Oaks
planted on the left hand side have survived so far.
Michael Dorling
The Great Bentley Show
1:30 p.m. Saturday 3rd September 2016
Another year, another show starts to take shape.
A great traditional event for all ages to enjoy on our 43 acre village green.
The 2016 schedules are now available from
Deli-licious
Carpenters Farm Shop
Great Bentley Garage
‘Fairfield’, The Path. Great Bentley CO7 8PN
‘The Warren’, Sturrick Lane. Great Bentley CO7 8PS
Stalls are now available to book for Show Day
For further information visit our website at:
www.greatbentleyshow.co.uk
34
….and Great Bentley!
Well, it has to be said that there was a brilliant turn out for the village clean up event on 16th April,
despite it being a decidedly chilly start to the day. More than 40 people gathered in the Village
Hall car park to collect equipment and be allocated an area of the village. The Scouts, Cubs and
Explorers were out in force, and many other village groups were represented including the
Guides, Friends of the Green, the Conservation Group, the Bentley Green Players, the
Conservatives and Protect Great Bentley. There were individual residents from the village joining in too, all in
pairs or teams and with so many people joining in, each area allocated was quite manageable.
The Brownies did a great job in the Cricket Club, serving refreshments and home made cakes to everyone.
Unsurprisingly, the largest collection came from the verges along Plough Road, with the removal of a countless
number of tin cans, bottles, mugs, food wrappers, car wing mirror parts and even a car suspension spring. If
only this sort of thing were a one off event, surely the world would be a better place.
Luckily the rain held off until the afternoon, by which time everybody was tucked up in their homes again,
hopefully suitably proud of a job well done. We managed to fill Bobby’s trailer with our purple
bags of rubbish, and he will be disposing of this (responsibly!) for us.
I’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone who joined in, including those who baked cakes,
lent equipment, and helped with the organisation.
Pippa Drew
Bulletin from the Belfry
The church bells were rung in April as part of the celebrations for the 90th birthday of her majesty Queen
Elizabeth II on the 21st.
We will also be ringing the bells as part of the Queen’s Cream Tea event in the church on Saturday 18th
June. This is an opportunity to come and see the bells being rung and perhaps have a go yourself. We will also
be doing accompanied visits to see the belfry and top of the church tower.
We will be ringing the bells at 2.30pm & 3.30pm as a demonstration and will accompany people up the
tower at 3.00 & 4.00 pm.
The bells have been rung every week since the current band formed in 1999 prior to the millennium;
however, we actively seek and welcome new members.
Bellringing does not require physical strength or knowledge of music, just a wish to take part and learn
something different!
If you have ever thought about learning to ring the bells, or would like to take up ringing as a new hobby,
then either come along to our open afternoon on Saturday 18th May or perhaps come along to one of our
Monday evening practice nights in the church at 19.30. Alternatively, please contact me on the number below;
I will be more than happy to discuss the art of Bellringing with you.
•
•
•
•
•
You do not need physical strength
Ringing is not physically demanding
You do not need to have played a musical instrument
You will make new friends
You will help to ensure that this English tradition continues
- Great Bentley Bell Ringers www.facebook.com/Greatbentleyringers
Roger Carey-Smith 07974 711909
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History Society
Off the Beaten Track: Essex’s (rather ramshackle)
Light Railways, actual & proposed
When our original speaker was unable to come due to illness, we were fortunate
and very grateful that Adrian Wright, whom many of us knew through his fine
lectures to the W.E.A. group, was able to replace him at short notice. An absolute
expert on the history of railways, Adrian provided a fascinating picture of one of the lesser known aspects of
the subject – light railways. It was a topic that needed the clear definition he gave as an introduction.
Perhaps like others I thought this would involve narrow gauge lines and miniature engines such as we
see on mountain railways like Snowdon. I was wrong. A distinct breed of short distance local line, it was an
idea conceived for providing easy transport of goods to market for farmers and other local producers. Indeed
only about twenty miles of such lines were built in Essex, though it might have been more had it not been for
the restrictions originally imposed as he showed here.
The problems of their introduction were enormous for what, in essence, seemed a simple, trouble free
notion. The chief obstacle lay in the fact that the same developmental regulations were applied to them as to
the major mainline railways that were growing so profusely in the early 19th century.
The chief of these was that for each line to be licensed an Act of Parliament was required. To fulfil the
planning, land purchase and the many other safeguards needed for a parliamentary act was an immense
undertaking appropriate for a major line. For a line of only a few miles such measures were clearly in the
realms of overkill. Even though they were to be small local lines they had to be built substantially enough to
take a heavyweight express. The resultant delays were so great that many proposed lines simply foundered.
An example of the time taken to complete a line was that of Easingwold in Yorkshire, a line from farms to
village that was to run for a mere two and a half miles. It took from 1887 until 1891 to complete this tiny line
and cost £17,000.
Little wonder few of them succeeded in being built. In Essex a proposed line at Great Dunmow came to
nothing because of the regulations and restrictions it was unable to afford to overcome
Compare this, however, only a few years later with the Corringham line in South Essex: this was only a
quarter of a mile longer but was built in one year (1901) and cost only half as much. The crucial factor in the
interim was a change of law in 1896 that removed the high expense of an Act of Parliament for such small
lines.
Now, instead, a Light Railway Order for a line to be approved needed only to satisfy the crossexamination of three Railway Commissioners. The result was a growth in these local lines. Although the width
of gauge of the rails remained the same, the actual rails could be made of lighter less costly metal. The
number of signals was reduced, and many other unnecessary restrictions removed.
The Corringham Railway mentioned above was the first in this county to be built under the 1896 Act and
served in particular an explosives factory at Coryton. The second and perhaps most well-known line developed
out of the Tiptree fruit growing industry and led ultimately to a line into Liverpool Street
In the remainder of his talk Adrian took us amusingly via his extensive collection of old photographs
through some of the distinctly ramshackle lines about the county. Too detailed for the scope of this article,
these images nevertheless amused the good audience present.
A picture of passengers alighting from the non-platform side of the train at one station to avoid the
longer walk to their homes was typical of the slightly disorderly nature of such lines. The Spartan conditions
and varied assortment of some of the station waiting rooms (e.g. old railway carriages, a disused bus etc.)
were another theme that produced much amusement.
One notable individual line that was rather different from those so far mentioned was that built to service
the building of the famous Becontree (Dagenham) Housing Estate for the London County Council from 1921
onwards. This line was for non-public usage but for transporting the thousands of tons of building materials
over the three and a half miles of the estate. Thirteen trains in total were employed. That an average of 97
houses per week was built over the next 15 years shows how valuable the lines must have proved.
Adrian finished with an outline of how some lines had developed into heritage railways, and he drew our
attention to the Mangapps Railway at Burnham-on-Crouch, a railway line and museum built by the Jolly family
on their own farm land.
Our speaker had held the wrapped attention of the group with the fluency and interesting detail of his
talk and we thanked him enthusiastically for an excellent evening’s entertainment. We hope he will be able to
return to us again in the not too distant future.
Reg Allington
*********************
Next month’s presentation will be given by Colchester historian Jess Jeffcott and entitled “Colchester in
Postcards”. It will be on Thursday 12th May at 8 p.m. Guests & visitors are most welcome - £3 incl. tea &
biscuits
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Twiddle Mitt’s-Supporting Patients to live well with Dementia - a Plea for your Support
As a resident in Great Bentley for over 20 years (I was born and raised in the village) in 2010 I left to pursue
Adult Nursing at the University of Southampton and in 2013 I qualified as a registered Adults Nurse. Prior to
this I was fortunate to seek employment in the Green Pharmacy where I gained experience communicating
with older adults and gained knowledge of medication. I also worked at the Oaks in Aingers Green where I
learnt invaluable skills and experience caring for patients living with a dementia. It was from these experiences
and during my nurse training that I decided to pursue a career in caring for older adults and consequently I
gained a newly qualified post at University College London Hospital (UCLH) working on an Elderly Medical
Unit ward. Two and a half years later I gained a post as an Older Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist and as a part
of my role I work closely with patients who are admitted to hospital to support individuals living with dementia
and their caregivers in order to improve the treatment that they receive whilst in hospital.
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a set of symptoms that include memory loss, difficulties in
perception and thinking. Dementia is a neuro-cognitive disorder caused when the brain is damaged by
diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or a series of strokes. There are various types of dementia all of which
can/will effect individuals in different ways however all dementias are progressive and will gradually get worse
over time. As a result of declining cognitive function being in hospital can be an intimidating and frightening
place for patients with dementia.
As a part of my role I look for innovative and creative ways to support patients in order to improve their care.
Research and practical experience identifies that giving a patient a Twiddle Mitt can ease patient’s anxiety,
help stimulate patient activity especially for patients who are bed bound and/or additionally offer a simple but
effective comforting activity for patients with dementia.
Twiddle Mitts are a knitted cylinder that has attached items such as ribbons and buttons, so that patients with
dementia can twiddle with them. I have first hand seen the benefits of patients with dementia having a twiddle
mitt. One way in which you could support patients is by knitting a Twiddle Mitt. If you are a keen knitter I would
be delighted if you or any other willing knitters you know could help me to create more Twiddle Mitts as a part
of my dementia awareness work. If knitting isn’t your gift - but you would still like to help, donations of wool,
buttons and decorative pieces would be appreciated too.
How to make a Twiddle Mitt
Materials: This mitt pattern is perfect for using up left over and odd balls of wool. Different textures
of wool are also good for stimulation but please avoid wool that “malts” such as mohair etc.
Needles: 6.5mm straight needles or 8mm circular.
Directions:
Cuff: Cast on 40 stitches using 2 strands of double knitting wool. You can also use 1 strand of
chunky wool. Work in stocking stitch, (knit a line, purl a line) for 11 inches (28 cm).
Mitt Body: Continue with stocking stitch and use up any oddments of various textures of wool. For
example: chunky, snuggly, Eskimo, ribbon and chenille. Avoid wools that shed easily. Knit until work
measures 23 inches (58.5 cm). Cast off .
Finishing and decoration! Neatly sew the long edges together with purl side facing you. Turn the
mitt inside out. Push the cuff up inside the mitt body and neatly sew together the two short ends.
Now is the time to decorate your Twiddle Mitt. Here are a few things to consider:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Choose a good variety of decorations, suitable for either a male or a female.
Try to include at least six decorations on the outside and four on the inside. You can add more
if you like.
Aim for a variety of textures e.g. hard and shiny, soft and silky
Use strong colour contrasts to the mitt
Use buttons, toggles, beads etc. that are 1 inch (2.5cm) or bigger in diameter
Use ribbon, plaited laces, less than 8 inches (20cm) long
Make sure everything is sewn on tight and there are no loose threads.
Check it passes the ‘tug test’ – if you can pull a decoration off the mitt or break it, so can the
patients.
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Please don’t use any sharp objects e.g. pin broaches, paper clips or any item that has very small
parts or could easily be broken.
If you would like to get involved or have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact me:
[email protected] or 07741490541
Any completed twiddle mitts can be dropped off or sent to Silver Birches, Moors Close, Great Bentley,
Colchester, C07 8QL
I hope to hear from you and thank you for your support!
GREAT BENTLEY CARNIVAL
COMMITTEE
With preparations well underway there are only 8 weeks to go now before
our Carnival!!
I just wanted to let you all know about how you can get involved and join in this day of fun, when all the
community comes together to celebrate an old tradition of village life – Carnival and Fun Fair, and help to raise
money for our village clubs: Rainbows, Guides, Methodist Toddlers and Methodist Adventurers and also for
Clacton Relay for Life who raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Our theme this year is “MOVIES” and there are lots of ways you can become part of the day.
You can be part of our procession which meets near the Village Hall, for judging at 11.30 am, it then moves off
at 12.30 pm, making its way around the village to end up on The Green for around 1.30 pm. Please contact
me for a list of the categories this year and an entry form if you are interested in taking part.
We do have some character costumes available, such as Mickey Mouse etc and are looking for some people
to wear them for the procession, please contact me for more details. Just turning up and cheering on our
procession is a great way to come and support us.
We are also looking to hold a Silent Auction again this year, which is a great fund raiser. You can help in a
number of ways, we are looking for small businesses to donate, maybe a service e.g. photography session, or
a voucher that offers a meal for two for example. You can also offer your time, maybe to do 2 hours gardening
or some ironing etc You can also help by attending our silent auction tent and placing a bid on the LOT of
your choice. Our auction last year raised a fantastic £1772.79. Again please contact me for further
information, but any help you are able to offer is much appreciated.
I have a number of pitches available if you are interested in running a stall, if you do not have your own
business but would like to be involved, the committee can offer you a pitch and some ideas of a stall that you
could run, again please contact me for further information.
We would also appreciate some cake and savoury donations for our tea tent this year if you would be so kind.
More details will follow nearer the time.
So please put 25th June in your diaries, and if you would like to be involved and
help support this event then please get in touch, I look forward to hearing from you,
and whatever help you are able to offer, is hugely appreciated by myself and all the
committee
Many Thanks
Sara Maunton
Chairperson – Great Bentley Carnival Committee
[email protected] Tel 07503164260
38
Happy 90th Birthday Your Majesty!
I have to say a huge thank you to everybody who supported the Queen’s Birthday beacon
event on the village green on 21st April. Even though it was a particularly grey, cold and
windy evening Great Bentley joined in the birthday celebrations in great style.
Our special guests for the evening were Adele Rose, and her children Lana & Ben RoseNewell. Adele, Lana and Ben had come out the previous weekend to join in the Clean for
the Queen village clean up event, and had their name drawn out of the ‘hat’ to be the
ones to light the beacon.
The Explorers, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Guides, Brownies and Rainbows started the
evening off by parading their flags to the beacon site where hundreds of people were
gathered to join in the proceedings.
We heard a letter which had been sent from Prince Charles, sang the national anthem
and then Lana led the count down to lighting the beacon at 7.30. Ben then called for 3
cheers for the Queen. Everybody joined in with great enthusiasm.
Afterwards many people moved to the warmth of The Plough and the Great Bentley
Cricket Club while the beacon carried on burning until full dark.
As always there are many people to thank for making the evening such a success……….
The beacon was sponsored by local businesses: Bentley Fire Shop, D Spence Family
Butchers, Carpenters Farm Shop, The Plough Inn, Great Bentley Garage, Restaurant 43
and Thomas Ellis Engineering. Homestead Caravans and Outdoor Leisure kindly
provided the gas.
The Great Bentley Cricket Club was suitably festooned with flags and bunting and opened
up their bar and BBQ for the event.
The members of the Parish Council Public Engagement Group – Luke Edwards, Amanda
Cordell & Peter Harry all worked very hard to organise the beacon and the evening and
make it the success it was.
Finally a huge thank you to our photographer, Nick Tate, who captured some wonderful
memories for us.
And of course, thank you to everyone who came along.
39
FOOTBALL CLUB NOTES
On behalf of everybody at Great Bentley Football
Club, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to
Andy Walker and his family, following the recent loss
of his father. Mr. Walker was a loyal supporter of all
our teams and, for many years, enjoyed watching the
games from his vantage point near the Mill House on
a Saturday afternoon.
FOOTBALL CLUB NOTES
Results and Fixtures 2015-16:
1st Team
(Essex & Suffolk Border League Division Two):
26th
2nd
9th
16th
30th
March, away Kelvedon Social Res, 3-2;
April, away Bradfield Rovers Res, 1-3;
April, home F.C. Clacton Res, p-p
(waterlogged pitch);
April, home Kelvedon Social Res, 6-3;
April, away Boxted Lodgers Res.
Lucky Team Winner April:
B. Bettell (Nottingham Forest) £25.
Stoner.
All games are league and kick-off 3 p.m.
26th
2nd
9th
23rd
30th
YOUTH FOOTBALL
Veterans (North Essex Veterans League):
March, away Halstead, 2-1;
April, home Beacon Hill Rovers, 4-2;
April, away Marks Tey, 9-3;
April home Holland F.C., 5-0;
April away Harwich & Parkeston; TBA,
Beacon Hill Rovers (NEVL Cup)
In my last notes I mentioned that the under 14’s were
having another great season and this has continued
in the cup where they have reached the League Cup
final after a really hard fought win over Stanway
Rovers blues in the semi-final played at Wivenhoe’s
Broad Lane stadium on 10th April. After going a goal
down Max Robertson was the quickest to react when
the Rovers goalkeeper palmed down a long ball into
the box and gave the Bentley boys a deserved
equaliser. Shortly after the re-start Stanway scored
again but Matt’s boys came back again with a
penalty from Bill Phipps after Robertson was fouled.
Stanway took the lead again late in the second half
but the Bentley team showed their resilience to
equalise for a third time this time following a cracking
shot from Sam Howe which was well worked from a
set piece routine that the boys had been working on
in training. With time running out Max Robertson
stepped up again to score his second and Bentleys
4th when he calmly slotted past the keeper. So the
final score was 4-3 to Bentley with a cup final
awaiting which will be arranged in due course when
their opponents are also known.
Matt’s lads could end the season as runnersup in the league as well, this may have to be decided
by a play-off depending on how other results go.
Added to the cup final appearance the under 14’s
should be very proud of their achievements this
season.
The league seasons are coming to an end
now with some of the younger teams playing in end
of season trophy events, the under 9 reds are giving
some excellent performances and are looking to
continue this as they approach their final trophy
event this season.
Cliff and I take the under 7’s and under 6
teams to Stanway Villa for a 5 a side tournament at
the end of April, this is always a good event that is
well set up and offers the kids a chance to play
against some different opposition. The under 7’s line
up against Holland Reds, Torquespeed and Great
Bradfords whilst the under 6’s will take on Stanway
Villa Orange, Hannakins Reds and Cornard Reds.
Hopefully I can update you all on how this goes next
time.
All games are league and kick-off 2 p.m. unless
stated.
First Team: A double over Kelvedon Reserves
sandwiched a defeat to bottom side Bradfield
Reserves and a postponement at home to Clacton
due to a waterlogged pitch???!!! The home game
against Kelvedon had enough clear-cut chances for
the score to have been trebled (18-9). It was just all
out attack. Over at Bradfield we faced a side that lay
well adrift at the bottom and had conceded something
like 170 goals. You’d have thought we were up against
the Bayern Munich defence the way we failed to break
down their row of dumplings and weebles. The writing
was on the wall when we punctured a ball in the
hedge behind the goal in the pre-match warm-up.
Given what followed, I’m just surprised we managed to
hit a pitch-wide 20ft high hedge. In the next game, we
started by playing some of our best football of the
season against a team one place below us, so its in
there somewhere.
The Veterans have won all four games since my last
notes, and have made a belated surge into the top half
of the table. After the referee had called off the first
team’s home game with Clacton, I made the short trip
to Marks Tey, where attackers played in defence
(except Youngy) and defenders up front. Bentley
packed in scoring after about an hour, while Tey were
delighted to pile up their biggest ever score on a pitch
that was about 20 times worse than Bentley’s. It
reminded me of the days when men
were men, and played on through
nearly a millimetre of dampness and
5 minutes of light drizzle as if it was
nothing.
Thanks for reading,
Scott
40
DIARY FOR MAY
Tues 3rd
BENTLEY GREEN LADIES CLUB, 7.30pm, Village Hall
Thurs 5th
ELECTION DAY for Police and Crime Commissioner
Thurs 5th
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING, 7.30 Planning 7.15pm
Village Hall
Thurs 5th
YOUTH CLUB, Methodist Hall 7-9pm
Fri
6th
METHODIST CHURCH COFFEE MORNING
Sat
7th
GARDENING CLUB COFFEE MORNING & PLANT SALE,
Village Hall, 10am-12 noon
Sat
7th
COMMUNITY POLICING TEAM MEETING, Golf Green Hall
Jaywick, CO15 2RH
Mon 9th
LADIES CLUB TRIP TO SOUTWOLD
Thurs 12th HISTORY SOCIETY, Village Hall, 8pm
Thurs 12/Fri13/Sat 14
WHO DIES WINS, Methodist Church.
Sun
15th
MAGAZINE DEADLINE
Mon 16th
SPRING QUIZ, Plough Inn, 8pm
Tues 17th GARDENING CLUB OUTING to Feering Manor Garden
Wed 18th CAKES FOR ST HELENA HOSPICE to 26 Pine Close
Thurs 19th YOUTH CLUB, Methodist Hall, 7-9pm
Thur 19th PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP, 6.30pm, Village Hall
Wed 25th FRIENDSHIP CLUB, Village Hall, 2pm
MAGAZINE COLLATING
Fri
27th
Fri
27th WINE TASTING, Details 01206 252157
Sat 28/Sun 29
SESAW SALE, 10-1pm, p. 30.
Sun 29/Mon 30th OPEN GARDENS at The Hall, Tending, CO16 0BP, 1-5pm
Thurs 31st GT BENTLEY SURGERY PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP,
6.30pm
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