October - Great Bentley

Village Information
VICAR:
St Mary’s Church
Rev’d. Canon Bernard Metcalfe
The Vicarage, Moors Close - 250476
CHURCHWARDEN:
Rosemary Branch
4 Wents Close - 250137
CHURCHWARDEN
Linda Hayes
Ivy Lodge, Frating - 250207
TREASURER:
Tim Carney
Tudor House, The Green 01206 251006 (business): 01206 250194 (home)
CHURCH VERGER:
Rita Baverstock
Stonybroke, Station Road - 251271
ORGANIST
Penny Metcalfe
The Vicarage, Great Bentley - 250476
LAY READER:
Wendy King
17 Larkfield Road - 250852
PCC SECRETARY:
Rita Coles
3 Wents Close - 251506
STEWARDSHIP SECRETARY:
Rosemary Branch
4 Wents Close - 250137
TOWER CAPTAIN:
Roger Carey-Smith - 250521
SUNDAY SCHOOL:
Linda Hayes
Ivy Lodge, Frating - 250207
BENTLEY BEARS:
Carole Allington
Poplar House, Station Road - 251086
SEEKERS:
Wendy King
17 Larkfield Road - 250852
MOTHERS’ UNION:
Jill Earwaker 01206 824328
VESTRY ROOM BOOKING SECRETARY:
Carole Allington
Poplar House, Station Road - 251086
or ring Church Verger
PARISH MAGAZINE EDITOR/ADVERTISING/ DISTRIBUTOR:
Mary Maskell
Caldew Cottage, The Green - 250524
[email protected]
METHODIST LAY WORKER:
David Bavister, 2 Richmond Drive, Clacton-on-Sea
01255 427874
DOCTOR’S SURGERY:
Drs N.F. Cavenagh, M.J.N. Hunt, D.J. Letton, F. Bhatti,
& R.S. O’Reilly
The Hollies, The Green - 250691
FOOT HEALTH PROFESSIONAL:
Terry St George - 01255 861387: Mobile: 0775 833200
POLICE:
Clacton 0300 333 4444
PC. Heard 07967 466876
24 hour Non emergency number 0300 333 4444
PARISH COUNCIL:
Chairman - Jonathan Hills,
Grange Farm, Heckfords Rd, CO78RR - 798666
Clerk to the Council - Kate Mayhew
Correspondence to: The Clerk, Community Resource Centre,
Village Hall, Plough Road, Great Bentley, CO7 8LD
Telephone - 256410
TENDRING DISTRICT COUNCILLOR:
Lynda McWilliams, Boblyn, St Mary’s Road, Aingers Green 01206 250732
COUNTY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE:
Derek Robinson, Brentor, Brightlingsea Road,
Thorrington, CO7 8JH - 01206 250557
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Paul Manwaring - 250966
GOOD NEIGHBOURS TRANSPORT:
Barbara Fookes - 250431 or if unavailable
Deputy: Anne Griffiths - 251605 (evenings & weekends only)
MEDICAL AIDS:
Sylvia Adams 250160
Deputy - Paul Manwaring, 250966
TENDRING FURNITURE SCHEME:
Rocket House, Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, Clacton:
01255 476068
VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS:
Shelley Pizzey, 5 Keeble Court - 252385
VILLAGE HALL DAYTIME KEYHOLDER:
Sharon Smith 07758 012487
METHODIST HALL BOOKINGS:
Robert & Janet Taylor, Dominica, Moors Close - 250087
GT BENTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL: - 250331
COLNE COMMUNITY SCHOOL: - 303511
VILLAGE HISTORY RECORDER:
Heather Taylor, Granville, Plough Road - 251004
COLCHESTER HOSPITALS: 01206 747474
CLACTON & DISTRICT HOSPITAL: 01255 201717
FOOTPATH REP: David Gollifer 250309
DONATIONS FOR ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE:
Judy & Alan Bishop - 23 Cedar Way, 251702
VILLAGE TRANSPORT REP: Peter Harry - 250511
VILLAGE CORRESPONDENT:
Sue Gibson, 1 Cedar Way, e-mail: [email protected]
VILLAGE CARETAKER:
Bobby McWilliams, Boblyn, St Mary’s Rd, Aingers Green
250732
EDITORIAL
Oh no!! It just happened. Today I became a twitcher. For those not in the
know it means I have succumbed and gone in search of a rare bird rather
than just walking the dog and enjoying what I saw in the process. With
complete disregard for my own safety, the cost of fuel and with no Grid
Reference, I set off for the sewage works at St. Osyth! See Nature Notes
on page 35 for the whole gripping instalment.
Talking of excitement, just for once I thought I had managed a real
scoop which involved the capture of two thieves, following a car, van, police
and police helicopter chase. As there will soon be a court case it seems
prudent to await the outcome before revealing full details. It certainly is like
something out of Boys Own, truly the stuff of legends, and well done to Bill
and his family for their tenacity and securing justice for the perpetrators of
this crime.
Out of adversity there is often a positive outcome. The friends and
family of Steven Shaw have raised an awful lot of money. See page 18.
Now villagers are rallying to help the family of a little boy called Harry with
an event on 8th October details on page 18.
At the last Parish Council meeting a representative from the
Tendring Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team gave an informative talk
about a scheme to Beat the Burglars. (You can tell I’m still miffed at
missing out on my scoop!!!) Selecta DNA is a forensic marking product
which is advanced in its make up and should crack down on crime and help
to reunite stolen property with its owner. See page 11 and speak to the
Parish Clerk if you are interested in purchasing one of these kits.
Heather growing on the green, you must be joking? No, we have
several patches which are doing really well and are growing alongside
other heathy acid grassland species. A really rare area in North East
Essex equalled only by the old Water Board land. Please join the
Conservation Group on the morning of 8th October for a quick tour and a
cuppa. (Beside the Methodist church/near the Play Equipment, see page
27.)
It’s heading towards Christmas you know. We have full details
regarding the Shoe Box Appeal on page 13 and these need to be handed
in by 6th November at the latest. On that note we have a reminder to place
your order with Hubert’s Happy Healthy Turkeys, this year you will also
have the facility to order from our very own butchers, and while you are at it
you’d better order those logs!!! We have Jim on page S and Anglia
Heatlogs, (top quality Eco logs) on page 36.
A special Essex Wildlife trust meeting is taking place at the Village
Hall on Monday 10th October and everyone is welcome to attend this free
talk more information on page 23.
To end on a positive note the Great Bentley Show was, in my
opinion, the best ever. Lots of high quality entries, stalls, and perfect
weather. Followed a week later by an equally successful Flower and Art
Festival Well done and thank you to all concerned.
I end with a plea for help with stapling and collating the magazine,
see diary for dates. Also please would you consider writing an article for
the magazine? It doesn’t have to be War and Peace. I’m worried we are
getting a bit repetitive. (And no, you can’t write about “Bill and the
Burglers” because that’s my article!!)
Enjoy the autumn.
Mary Maskell
2011
CONTENTS
Editorial
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1
Vicar’s Letter ..
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2
Church Services
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3
Church Rotas
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4
Thank You/Birthdays..
.. 5 & 30
Cricket column
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6
Peter’s Potterings
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8
Police News ..
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9
DEADLINE
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10
Surgery News
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12
Pet’s Corner ..
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13
Wildlives
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14
Running Club ..
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15
Bentley in Bloom..
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18
Quiz
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21
Cookery
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22
Clubs & Organisations
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23
Children’s Page
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24
Parish Council
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25
District Councillor notes
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26
Dog Show Results
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28
Show Results ..
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29
Pre-School
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31
Football
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33
Advertisers
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36
FRONT COVER
DISCLAIMER
Neither the Vicar, Church Wardens, Parochial Church Council, nor the Editor take
responsibility for the information given or views expressed in the Great Bentley
Parish News. Nor is any culpability accepted in work undertaken by advertisers.
1
Great Bentley
Show
The Monthly Letter - October 2011
‘Its not fair’
David’s Deliberations
I heard on the radio that the average pocket money is around £6.50 per week. They didn’t say what
age this related to and you often hear children remark that things are not fair.
An old comic strip shows two boys Jeff and Billy squabbling over the size of the slices of pie
their mum has placed before them. “They aren’t the same, “ Jeff says. Mum tries again, trying to
even them up. Still Jeff is upset. “They still aren’t the same!” he whines “But mum,” Jeff complains,
“I want mine to be just like Billy’s… only bigger!” Right from an early age we are taught that doing
more is worth more.
The reward for doing chores around the house was how you received your pocket money. You
always hoped the more you did the more you got. When you started to get older you hoped your
pocket money would be increased. There seemed to be a scale of rewards, (I am not sure if it was
locked into Inflation figures).
If a five year old gets 50p for picking up their toys and clothes and if an eight year old gets a
pound for feeding the dog, emptying the bins and cleaning their room, then a twelve year old should
get considerably more for mowing the lawn, doing some of the cleaning, cleaning the garage or car.
The scale differs from home to home, there is no national scale although I believe I did hear once
that there are guidelines on this matter. Chores and rewards teach our children that in this world’s
economy we have to do work in order to receive our “rewards”. We want our children to learn and to
live the adage, “hard work pays.” But isn’t it good when volunteer workers what ever age expect no
pay, the reward is in the service given.
Pastor David
ALL SAINTS
SUNDAY 30TH OCTOBER
3.00PM
IN ST MARY’S, GT. BENTLEY
CONFIRMATION
SERVICE OF REMEMBERING
Are you interested in being
confirmed?
All Saints is a time for remembering.
For the past eight years we have arranged
a special ecumenical service on
All Saints Sunday
to help bereaved families and friends
to remember and give thanks
for the lives of all those whose
memories they treasure.
The response was so positive that
we are arranging another
Service of Remembering
If so, please have a word with
the Vicar
Revd Canon Bernard Metcalfe
(250476)
or complete one of the forms at the
back of St Mary’s Church
at 3.00pm
on Sunday 30th October.
Once again it will be held
in St. Mary’s, Gt. Bentley.
Everyone is very welcome.
2
CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS IN
GREAT BENTLEY DURING OCTOBER 2011
ST MARY’S CHURCH
SEEKERS –
GREAT BENTLEY
METHODIST
CHURCH
NEWS
Seekers 3.30pm-4.30pm.
Every Monday term time only
BELLRINGING PRACTICE - Every Monday 7.30pm
CHOIR PRACTICE - Thursdays 7.15pm
BENTLEY BEARS - 1st Wednesday of every month
SUN. 2
ND
Wed. 5th
Thur 6th
Fri
7th
SUN. 9TH
Wed. 12th
SUN 16
TH
Wed. 19th
We welcome you to worship with us during October.
Morning worship will be held at 11.00 a.m unless
otherwise stated.
The leaders of worship are set out below:October 2nd
Rev John Robinson Chapel
Anniversary
October 9th
A Messy Church Service
October 16th
Pastor David Bavister
October 23rd
Barbara Fookes
3pm
Rev Andrew Bell Sacrament
October 30th
TH
15 SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
8.00am
Holy Communion
9.30am
Sung Eucharist and Sunday
School
10.00am
Holy Communion
2.15pm
Bentley Bears
2.00pm
MU in the Vestry Room
2.00pm
Wedding
HARVEST FESTIVAL
8.00am
Holy Communion
9.30pm
All Age Harvest Festival
Celebration
12.00noon Bring & Share Harvest Lunch
4.00pm
Public Baptism
10.00am
Holy Communion
Events in October
Church Anniversary Weekend 1st & 2nd October
Saturday at 6.30pm we shall have a 3 course meal
followed by
A Concert by the Cavender singers
Cost of meal and Concert £10.
Please ring 250087 or 250431 for more information.
TH
20 SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
8.00am
Holy Communion
9.30am
Sung Eucharist and Sunday
School
6.30pm
Deanery Celebration at
Alresford
10.00am
Holy Communion
On Sunday at 11am we welcome Rev John Robinson to
lead our Church Anniversary worship. 168 years old this
year!
SUN 23RD BIBLE SUNDAY
8.00am
Holy Communion by extension
9.30am
Word and Worship Service for
all the Church Family.
Mon 24th 3.30pm
No Seekers at Half Term
Wed 26th 10.00am
Morning Prayer
Thur. 27th 7.15pm
No Choir Practice at Half Term
7.30pm
Deanery Synod at Kirby le
Soken
Something New ----Two Messy Church events
On Tuesday 4th October we shall begin this new activity.
It is for parents/carers and their children from birth to
about 7 or 8 years old.
We shall be taking a Bible
Theme, making things together, singing and having a
simple meal. We shall start about 3.20 and expect to
finish around 5pm. Parents and their children will do the
activities together and we aim to have lots of fun. Please
ring 250087 or 250431 for more information.
We shall do the activities again at 11am on the
Sunday 9th October so that the adults in our church don’t
miss out!
Cameo 3rd October 6.30 Rev Anthony Poulter, Curate at
St James & John at Romford will talk on his Christian
work in Thailand.
SUN 30TH ALL SAINTS SUNDAY (CLOCKS GO
BACK ONE HOUR)
8.00am
Holy Communion
9.30pm
All Age Celebration for All
Saints Sunday
3.00pm
Service of Remembering
Coffee morning-- will raise funds for Christian work in
Thailand. Friday 7th October 10am to 12 noon
Adventurers Club Fridays 7pm to 8.30pm, Subs £1.50.
Children from year 3 upwards are welcome. Please ring
250087 for more information and to register your child.
Each week the following events are held at the
Methodist Church. Ring these numbers for
more information;
Luncheon Club 4th & 18th October
If you would like to come along to the Luncheon Club
please ring 251330 and talk to Brenda. Come and see if
you enjoy the meal and company before you commit
yourself to coming each time. Transport can be arranged
to help those unable to get to the Methodist Church.
Luncheon Club Alternate Tuesdays 12 Noon 251330
Parent & Toddlers Group Thursdays 9-15 a.m. 250431
Adventurers
Fridays 7 p.m. 250087. For children in
school year 3 and older.
We host the Village Teen Youth Club on alternate
Thursdays. Leader Sue Warder 250713.
3
ST MARY’S CHURCH
ROTAS FOR
OCTOBER 2011
WEDDING
7th October
Stuart Dixon and Emma Williams
SIDESPERSONS’S ROTA
Sunday 2nd October - Trinity 15
Sidespersons
Intercessions
-
FUNERAL
Jackie & David Thimbleby
Graham Thornton
6th September
Barbara Jane Coles
Sunday 9th October - Harvest Festival
Sidespersons
-
Linda & Nick Hayes
Sunday 16th October - Trinity 17
Sidespersons
Intercessions
-
Rosemary & David Branch
Jackie Thimbleby
MOTHERS’ UNION
Sunday 23rd October - All Saints
Sidespersons
-
On the 1st September several members
enjoyed a delicious meal at Scooby Snax.
Pat & Peter Nunn
The October meeting will start at 2.00pm in the
Vestry Room at St Mary’s on Thursday 6th.
Mrs Diana Bandy will be telling us about the
Child Contact Centres in Essex that MU
members help to run.
Sunday 30th October - All Saints Sunday
Sidespersons
Intercessions
-
Ben & Hilary Harris
CLEANING ROTA
1st
Wendy Smith & Karen Williams
8th
David & Rosemary Branch
Jill Earwaker
01206 824328
15th Pat & Peter Nunn
22nd Linda Hayes
29th Anne Griffiths & Billie Soar
RBL FLAG FLYING DAY
COFFEE ROTA
2nd
Hilary & Ben Harris
9th
Sybil & Dennis Curry
21st October
Trafalgar Day
24th October
Nations Day
16th Myrtle Clayton
23rd Carole & Peter Allington
30th Bev Adams
BRIGHTLINGSEA
FARMERS’ MARKET
BAPTISMS
Thursday 27th October
9th October
9am - 12 noon
Nicole Clare Read
Brightlingsea Community
Centre
Lower Park Road
4
THANK YOU
Animal bedding
Well here we are about to step into October, dark
mornings and short afternoons, how we have got so far
into 2011 is a mystery! We haven’t ventured far since
our last article in regard to distributing bedding around
the rescue centres, however we have had time for a
good sort out and rearrangement of our storage facilities
following the fitting of a new garage door. Donations of
suitable items have continued to arrive at ’BishopTowers’
which we have been able to check, seperate, bag up and
label ready for delivery. The month of September is
when many of the rescues we frequent have their Open
Days in order to try and build up vital funds to hopefully
get them through to Christmas (yes we know we have
said it!) Like most charities it takes a special event to
attract the attention of a large proportion of the general
public who in the main are not aware or don’t care about
giving unless, dare we suggest, it is right under their
nose or there is something in it for them. Charities need
help and support ALL year, much like the well known
phrase “A dog is not just for Christmas but for life”.
Therefore it is only because kind folk in and around this
village, and further afield, support us on a REGULAR
basis that we can do what we do. This in turn brings
reassurance to those who run and work unstintingly at
the rescues, many voluntarily, in the knowledge that
there will always be fresh supplies of good clean bedding
and towels. As you know we also like to be able to take
dog and cat food to help offset the bills and to this effect
we had a most generous donation of such in recent
weeks from a very thoughtful lady & gentleman to whom
we extend our grateful thanks.
As ever our clever knitting ladies have produced
more colourful blankets for the cat rescues, we can
never have too many! We will be out and about on the
road again spreading some cheer, the more we receive
the more we can spread which is much needed in these
dark times.
Our sincere thanks once again for your continued
kindness and support.
Judy & Alan Bishop, 23 Cedar Way, tel: 251702
A proposal of marriage by Jon Hesketh to
Joanna Adams was accepted in front of the
Disney Castle at Orlando.
Completely unexpected!!!
Love and Best wishes to you both
Nanny and Grandad
IT’S A BOY!!!!
(and yes only 1 this time!)
Blane, Adel and our 4 girlies
would like to announce the safe arrival of
STANLEY ALBERT PEARSON
born 30th August 2011
8lb 13 oz
Thank you to everyone who
has helped us over the past
few weeks, it always means
a lot to us.
ELLIE TYLER
Happy 8th birthday darling
Have a lovely day
All our love
and kisses always
Mum, Aaron & Brandon
XXXX
JONATHAN AND JO
Congratulations on your engagement
We should like to express our personal thank you and
appreciation to Eunice Payne who is standing down as
secretary and fund raiser of The Royal British Legion in
Great Bentley after nine busy years. We know how much
hard work and effort goes into organising all the various
events and occasions that Eunice has had responsibility
for, they do not ‘just happen’ on the day, they take weeks
if not months of planning to bring to fruition. We send our
sincere wishes for a happy retirement taking time for
yourself and your family after all the good work that you
have achieved. You deserve it!
Judy & Alan Bishop
With love and best wishes for your future
Mum, Dad and Grandad
Paul, Aimee, Cameron, Henry
Michael and Anneka
HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY
EMILY PARKER
Can’t believe you are now in double numbers!
Lots of love
CELIA DE BONO
Mum, Dad, Grandad, Nanny M,
Nanny P & Sophie xxx
Jo DeBono and family would like to thank everyone
who attended Celia’s funeral and who helped in any
way during her illness.
5
CRICKET COLUMN
After much promise earlier in the summer, Great
Bentley began to slip down the table as the 2011
drew to its conclusion. Availability issues have
dogged the club’s hopes throughout the season
and double-header weekends have hardly
helped their quest.
The August 21st trip to Boxted ended in an
18-run defeat, after Bentley had done well to
dismiss their hosts for 187.
Captain Matt
Fowler’s unbeaten 47 provided little consolation
a week later as Bentley could make just 95-8
against Springfield and fell to a nine-wicket loss.
But they bounced back in style on August
Bank Holiday Monday to produce a notable
highlight at Colchester’s picturesque Castle Park
ground. Matt Fowler led the way, again, with the
bat as Bentley batted out their 45 overs to score
195-7. Fowler hit nine fours in his 74, from 99
deliveries, and had excellent support from young
Charlie Thompson, who struck three boundaries
in a notable stand with his skipper before he was
finally trapped leg before, three runs short of his
half-century. Joe Fowler (0-33) bowled a tight
10-over spell in Colchester’s reply, as brother
Matt (2-23) nabbed a brace of wickets. The
home side’s innings centred around two
batsmen, who both reached the 70s, but good
work in the field by Bentley enabled them to
defend their total and claim a memorable 29-run
victory.
Rain ruined the September 4th clash at
Chappel & Wakes Colne, with the home side
having reached 172-5 when play was
abandoned.
Bentley were then forced to forfeit their
game at Eight Ash Green on September 10 due
to a lack of players, before hosting Ardleigh at
The Green the following day.
The two sides might have met in the North
Essex League’s Plate final, had Bentley’s semifinal with Purleigh not been washed out and led
to a bowl-out defeat. As it was, Ardleigh came
up just seven runs short in that final, after
Purleigh had made 187.
Rod Fowler (61 not out) top scored as Bentley
were restricted to 132-7, but the visitors reached
their target in some comfort, with eight wickets in
hand. Bentley had two games still to play as the
October parish magazine was going to press,
with Clacton Ramblers due to
visit on September 18, before
Chappel & Wakes Colne
provided the closing-day
opposition a week later.
Hopefully the village
club will be able to end the
year on a high before winter
starts to set in.
North Essex League Division Two (at September 14)
P
Elmstead
19
Colchester
17
Springfield
19
Eight Ash Green 18
Chappel*
18
Ardleigh
16
Boxted
18
Clacton Ramblers* 18
Gt Bentley^
18
Gt Totham^
19
Gt Braxted & Tip 20
W
15
11
10
10
9
7
5
5
7
4
2
L
2
3
6
5
5
7
11
9
9
13
15
V
2
3
3
3
3
2
2
3
2
2
3
Pts
317
239
242
226
211
188
172
159
167
107
102
Ave
18.65
17.07
15.13
15.07
14.07
13.43
10.75
10.60
10.44
6.29
6.00
*includes tied match; ^points deducted.
BARBARA COLES
19.9.1944 - 19.8.2011
The cremation of Barbara Coles took
place at Weeley Crematorium on
September 6th and a service of thanks for her life
followed at St Mary’s Church.
Barbara had led a full life even during her fights in
later years against Cancer. Having left school she
joined the WRNS where she rose to the rank of Petty
Officer specialising in Communications. She left the
WRNS to train as a teacher at Hockerill College,
Bishops Stortford. She taught firstly at the Sweyne
School, Rayleigh, for a short while at Pathfields Boys’
School, as it was then called in Clacton, and, as the
family grew up, in the Village Primary School, the Colne
School and its feeder primary schools, later with the
County Special Needs Team where she became an
Advisory Teacher. Her last employment was helping
students at Essex University. She took a full part in
village life, running the Ladies’ Keepfit group soon after
moving into the village, was PCC Secretary for some
time and was a member of the Mothers’ Union. Many
visitors enjoyed her garden during several Open
Gardens Days. Amidst all these activities she was a
devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be
greatly missed by all her family and friends.
Alan and the family would like to thank all those
people who sent such kind cards and messages of
sympathy; Canon Bernard Metcalfe for the two moving
services and all those who attended them; Rita
Baverstock for helping with the organisation of the
Service in the Church, Rosemary Branch, Rita Coles
and Maria Pagram for their help with catering and Myrtle
for the flower arrangements in the Church porch.
6
POLICE INCIDENTS IN GREAT BENTLEY DURING AUGUST
Suspicious Circumstances - Hall View Road (Male selling at door)
St Mary’s Road (2 males in a van)
Theft of Vehicle - Plough Road
Criminal Damage - Colchester Road (CCTV cameras damaged PAS Trade)
The Green (Red Lion Inn, tiles on roof damaged)
Heckfords Road (Admirals farm sign damaged)
Theft from Motor Vehicle - Thorrington Road (Index plates taken)
Nuisance Youth - Heckfords Road - (Youths running in front of vehicles)
RTC - Plough Road
POLICE SURGERY
Friday 21st October
Village Hall
7.30 to 8.30pm
GREAT BENTLEY SHOW 2012
Please take note next year’s photo
classes are as follows:
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
AN “OLYMPIC” MOMENT
A RIGHT ROYAL SNAP
SOLITUDE
A SUMMER SCENE
THUNDER AND LIGHTNING
CLOSE-UPS
FOR SALE
MEDITEK STAIRLIFT
3.5 metre straight track
Very good condition
£100 o.n.o.
Tel: 01206 250206
WELCOME
We welcome to Great Bentley
Suzanne, Adam and Isabelle Franklyn
who have moved into Rambler Cottage
We also welcome Allen and Shirley who
have moved into Hedgerow House
On the 15th October we shall hold our Annual
General Meeting. The date and venue will be
notified to all members. Will all members please try
to attend this important meeting. We shall be
placing posters in public places to lure new
members. There are no initiation ceremonies - all
you need is a willingness to support all ex service
personnel and their families young or old. The
demands on Legion funds increase year by year and
we have an increasing number of war veterans and
their widows.
We now have another problem. Redundancies in
the service are sending service personnel of many
years’ experience into a new world. Agreed a lump
sum of redundancy money will be received. They
have skills, loyalty and qualities that many
employers would appreciate. However they have no
home base and may find difficulty in adjusting. For
some married families these adjustments are hard.
Single men also have problems. They served us
and we must do what we can for them. This is
important work for the RBL and we are reliant on
voluntary work and fund raising. This year the
appeal in our 90th year is for £90,000,000. Let’s do
our bit. Help us in Great Bentley and Thorrington to
contribute to this fund.
For those willing to join our Branch or help with
Poppy Appeal collections please contact our
Chairman Dennis Curry on 01206 251717.
We are particularly short of collectors in Thorrington!
MICK DORLING
7
as being good to eat roasted, unlike most nuts it is
relatively low in protein and fat but high in starch,
and is used to make stuffing (particularly at
Christmas) flour to make bread and porridge and
various biscuits and cakes in some parts of the
continent, but I prefer mine roasted whole, peeled
and eaten whilst hot.
There is still time to sow a few seeds such as
winter lettuce. Choose a specific winter variety such
as Valdor, which will produce growth in the colder
weather and have leaves ready to pick 10 weeks
after sowing. “Winter Density” and “All the Year
Round” will take a few more weeks to grow to the
right size. If you don’t have a greenhouse, sow the
seed in pots on a sunny windowsill and after they
have germinated transfer them to larger pots and
cover with a cloche or some fleece, keep them in a
sheltered position and water sparingly so that they
don’t rot and this will give you some nice fresh green
leaves to have with your salad.
It is also time to harden your heart and take out all
the summer bedding and get the soil ready for the
winter flowering plants. The polyanthus, wallflowers,
pansies etc. will all perform better in the Spring if
they can get their roots established now
whilst there is still some warmth in the
soil. I always plant daffodil and tulip
bulbs at the same time so that everything
goes into its right place and I don’t get
pansies growing on the top of daffodils.
If you have grown any tuberous
begonias (the ones with very large
flowers) you can carefully lift them, place
them in a tray of slightly moist compost,
and keep them in the greenhouse, shed,
bedroom, giving them an occasional light watering
until the leaves begin to yellow. Stop watering and
let them dry off gradually. Carefully remove the
leaves and stalks, then cover the tubers with some
more compost, which needs a careful light watering
just to stop the tubers drying out. They will be ready
in the Spring to water and put them into a warm
area to start them off into new growth. I have done
this for several years with the ‘Apricot Shades’
begonias I use in my baskets.
Geraniums and tender fuchsias should also
be lifted before any proper frosts.
Lift them
carefully, trim back to tidy them up, pot into multi
purpose compost and keep them just moist over the
winter in a frost free place, then a bit more moisture
and warmth and you will have some more plants for
next year.
Peter’s
Potterings
Walking back from the allotment recently I stopped to
look at the horse chestnuts on the ground by the
school. Like everything they seem to be earlier this
year. I admit I was tempted to crack open one or two
of the biggest shells to reveal a nice shiny nut inside.
This took me back to my days at school when a
game of conkers in the playground was a regular
routine. I don’t suppose that Health and Safety
would allow such simple pleasures now.
I recently read an article all about Chestnut
Trees which I found interesting so I have edited a few
of the details for you to read. The horse chestnut is
not related to the sweet chestnut and does not
generally live as long. It grows fast in any
sort of soil and can reach a height of 100
feet and with its spreading nature can get
to nearly the same size across. The
flowers are at their best in May producing
pyramids of white (or pink) flowers which
combined with the sticky green buds
which overall make a delightful sight to
cheer up Spring. The conkers are the
seed of the tree, and it is easy to plant
these in a pot of soil where they will
germinate freely. You must however
remember that they grow very large so its not
practical to plant them in a small garden or next to
buildings. There are now a large number of varieties
with trees from North America, France, India,
Himalayan forests and many more places. In recent
years many of the British trees have ended up with
foliage looking as though they have been exposed to
a blow torch, turning crispy brown by the end of July.
There are a number of causes but one of the main
ones is a moth called “cameraria ohridella”, which
lays its eggs on the leaves. The grub when it
hatches tunnels along inside the leaves causing them
to appear brown, shrivelled and curled up. This does
not kill the tree but reduces its energy. One other
cause of brown leaves is a fungus which starts with
blotches which can sometimes cover the whole leaf.
If you find this on your tree it is best to collect the
leaves as they fall and burn them. Normally I would
recommend composting leaves but this is an
exception.
I cannot talk about chestnuts without
mentioning the sweet chestnut. This tree has been
grown for hundreds of years and the oldest surviving
examples are said to be over 1000 years old. The
wood is also used to make things like fences, gates
and garden furniture. It is though most known for the
nuts that it produces inside the prickly shell. As well
PETER ALLINGTON
8
POLICE NEWS
LATEST PRESS RELEASE FROM
THE OFFICE OF FAIR TRADING
Steer clear of potential loan scams warns OFT
93/11 22 August 2011
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is warning people to steer
clear of scam loan companies who take upfront fees but fail
to provide credit or offer clearly unsuitable credit
alternatives.
The OFT is alerting consumers after seeing a 50 per
cent year-on-year rise in complaints about loan scams,
particularly credit applications which involve the consumer
'wiring' or sending upfront fees through money transfer
companies. Complaints to OFT-managed advice service
Consumer Direct increased from 2,059 between 1 July 2009
and 30 June 2010 to 3,167 during the same period in 201011.
The OFT advises people to be vigilant when dealing
with or taking calls from loan companies that want upfront
fees and who are not interested in consumers' credit history.
The OFT's 'dos and don'ts' to help consumer’s spot scam
loan companies are:
Dos:
ο
Do be very careful when dealing with loan companies
that charge upfront fees
ο
ο
ο
Do be cautious if a loan company cold-calls you
Do some research about the business offering the loan
- look for proper phone numbers and physical
addresses and ask for information in writing
Do check that the company has a credit licence on the
Consumer Credit Register at
www.oft.gov.uk/ConsumerCreditRegister
Don'ts:
ο
ο
ο
ο
Don't believe adverts which indicate a loan is
'guaranteed'
Don't give out your card details 'for security r e a s o n s '
as the company may then debit your bank account
without you knowing
Don't wire money to loan companies using money
transfer services when applying for loans
Don't go ahead with a loan if a company approves it
and then demands a fee before you get the money.
David Fisher, OFT Director of the Consumer Credit Group
said:
'We have seen an increase in complaints about companies
who are not interested in the applicant's credit history, that
ask for payment of fees upfront and then disappear with the
money.
'We advise people to check out the company carefully
before agreeing to anything, including asking for a landline
number, a physical address and doing a search about the
company online, as well as checking that they have a valid
credit licence.'
'If consumers think they have been approached or tricked by
an advance-fee loan scam, they should report it to
Consumer Direct.'
In response to a super-complaint from Citizens
Advice, in June the OFT published new draft guidance that
gives people better protection when dealing with credit
brokers.
9
For advice on loan scams or any other consumer
issues call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or visit
www.direct.gov.uk/consumer. Free, confidential debt advice
services are available for those facing financial difficulties
through their local Citizens Advice Bureau by visiting
www.citizensadvice.co.uk
Please be aware of the supermarket car park scam
below.
The aggrieved states that she paid for her shopping
at Tesco, Highwoods, Colchester on 11th July at 10:15
hours. An eastern European male approached her as she
had just finished packing her shopping away and had a map
in his hand and was asking the aggrieved for directions. The
aggrieved believes that she did not lock her car as she was
distracted. She then spent 5-10 minutes talking to this male
before getting back to her car. The aggrieved then got in her
car and drove home. Back at home, she looked in her purse
and saw that the card she had used to pay for shopping at
Tesco was missing from her purse. The aggrieved believes
that someone working in company with the eastern
European male, who asked for directions, must have seen
her use her card in the store and has then been distracted
whilst another has entered her vehicle and taken her card
from her purse in her handbag. The aggrieved phoned her
bank, where they stated at 10:25 hours of the same day at
the same Tesco, £250 had been withdrawn from her
account. The aggrieved stated that she saw the same male
earlier that day when she pulled into Tesco car park, walking
around with a map in his hand. The male asking for
directions and potentially a suspect is described as a white
male, 5'9 to 5'10 tall, dark short hair that was slightly curly,
very bad teeth, wearing a dark coloured tracksuit / hooded
top possibly navy blue or black and dark bottoms either
tracksuit bottoms or dark jeans and spoke with an eastern
European accent.
Supermarket car park distractions have been seen
across the county in 2010 and 2011, with suspects almost
always described as Eastern European or Asian. It seems
that Tesco stores are particularly popular with the offenders,
with the store on Princes Road in Chelmsford being a
notable hotspot. Offences have been identified in
surrounding counties as well. The victims are commonly
singled out in the store itself, often when using the chip and
pin reader machines at the self-service tills as these can be
watched by a member of the offending team to get the PIN
number. This person will then phone their associates in the
car park on a mobile phone to alert them to the targeted
victim. They usually then drive up alongside the victim as
they are putting their shopping bags away and distract them
by asking for directions with a large map. This allows
another member of the team to enter the front seat of the
victim's vehicle and remove the bank card from their purse.
These offenders often commit several offences on
one day over a wide area. Both male and female suspects
have been seen at these offences.
The last two identified offences were committed on one day
5th July in Tendring; both were at Morrisons - Parkeston and
Little Clacton. The descriptions of both persons are also
similar, and are therefore likely to have been committed by
the same persons:
1 x male (dark brown short hair, late 20s, white T-shirt,
shorts, sunglasses) 1 x female (mid-late20s, long curly
bleached blonde hair in a pony tail, shoulder length, long
pink acrylic nails, foreign accent)
Although the "asking for directions" MO has been
employed since this date, these were not at supermarket car
parks and the descriptions given are different.
PCSO 71909
HOUSEHOLDS “DUPED”
BY DOOR-TO-DOOR CHARITY
COLLECTIONS
SPECIAL EVENTS IN 2011
26th November
Farmers’ Market & Christmas
Craft Fayre
Millions of householders are being duped when
making donations to door-to-door charity bag
collectors.
3rd/4th December Christmas Tree Festival,
St Mary’s Church
10th December
Just around a third, 30% of items donated to charity
via letterbox charity bags actually stand a chance of
ending up in High Street charity shops - with most of
it sold abroad for private profit, according to new
research by the British Heart Foundation.
RBL Band Concert, St Mary’s
Church, 7pm
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
POPPY APPEAL
Many charities, often those without shops, do deals
with commercial firms who collect door-to-door for
them with bags emblazoned with the charity logo.
TABLE TOP SALE
But the company keeps all the donated goods and
then re-sells them for profit, mostly to overseas
markets.
They then make a royalty payment to the charity, but
as little as 5% of the cash made goes back to good
causes, according to the British Heart Foundation.
In some cases charities are getting £50 to £100 per
tonne of goods collected when, in fact, the goods
can sell abroad for anything up to £1,800.
Saturday 29th October
Village Hall
This is now a lucrative industry, with householders
inundated with charity bags as firms chase millions
of pounds of profits from the trade.
Doors open 2pm
Stalls: Refreshments: Raffle:
Tombola etc.
(As it is the RBL 90th Anniversary we
will be having 90 tombola prizes)
Be warned ….
Please come along and support us
To book a table
phone
Mrs Payne
01255 820374
DEADLINE FOR THE NOVEMBER 2011 MAGAZINE
Friday 14th October 2011
Material to Mary Maskell, Caldew Cottage, The Green, 250524
Please mark all material - “Parish Magazine”
email: [email protected]
AND [email protected]
Great Bentley Websites:
www.greatbentleyparishcouncil.co.uk
10
10
www.aboutgreatbentley.co.uk
It’s Nice to See
Results!
CRIME PREVENTION INITIATIVE
“BEATING THE BURGLARS”
There I was taking a class the
other day and I began to notice the
big change that had occurred in
most of the people who were practising Tai Chi at
the Studio. Some postures had improved beyond
recognition and there was an air of calm when they
were going through ‘the form’. Balance seemed to
have improved also and it was nice to see that the
moves were sliding nicely one to the other. I began
to see a positive change in the class and thought
that to see such change makes it all worthwhile
although sometimes over the past few years it has
been a struggle. So this month I thought I would just
give you a few testimonials from people that I have
received over the years (yes, blowing my own
trumpet I suppose) and hope it encourages you to
take up a class or at least come along and see what
goes on at the studio.
The Tendring Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team
cover the areas of Brightlingsea, Thorrington,
Alresford, Frating, Elmstead, Great Bentley, Little
Bentley, Great Bromley, Thorpe, Little Bentley and
Beaumont.
Working
together
with
their
local communities, Parish Councils, Neighbourhood
Action Panel and Selecta DNA they are looking to
promote a crime prevention initiative with a view to
"Beating the Burglars" on the run up to
Christmas. Statistically, figures show an increase in
dwelling burglaries on the run up to Christmas as
people often buy in extra items or gifts for friends and
family. Burglars take advantage of this and target
houses especially in rural areas. This initiative may
go some way to deterring would be burglars and
thieves and help to trace stolen property and detect
offences committed.
Selecta DNA is an advanced forensic marking
product which is easily applied to items such as PCs,
laptops, audio visual equipment and other valuable
items. When dry it is virtually impossible to remove. It
is invisible to the naked eye but glows under UV
search lights used by police. As well as a unique DNA
code, the Selecta DNA solution contains thousands of
Microdots - each containing an owner code which is
unique to each kit. Police can quickly trace where an
item was stolen from by calling the number displayed
on the Microdot and checking the owner against the
secure police approved database. The product can
be bought at a much reduced rate from the company
when being bought as a bulk lot in a preventative
scheme such as the one the Tendring Rural team are
trying to promote. Instead of an individual cost of £34,
it can be bought for just over £11. What price do you
put on protecting your home and its contents?
In the next two months officers will be visiting
local parish council meetings advising attendees of
the initiative and the product. It is hoped the councils
will then filter this through to the communities with a
view to confirming orders. Once a total number has
been confirmed the kits will be ordered and then
delivered
to
the
people
well
before
Christmas. The Neighbourhood Policing Team and
possibly some councillors will be giving a training input
on the product so that the kit can be correctly applied.
By taking this approach we hope to demonstrate our
commitment to reducing crime though working with
partners and the community.
If you have any queries regarding this item then
please do not hesitate to contact your local policing
team, Council or Neighbourhood
Action Panel who will happily advise
you and show you examples of the
kit.
‘The best form of gentle exercise, combined with
mental relaxation I have ever come across. The best
teacher who makes the class fun, stimulating and
rewarding. Dave has the knack of making everyone
feel comfortable with what they can achieve. The
best evening out, doing me good at the same time.
Long may it continue?’
Christine E
‘Tai Chi is an excellent form of exercise. Don’t be
deceived because the moves are done slowly. After
a while you will find that your posture and balance
have improved and you become much calmer. The
classes at the Studio are fun and informed, but that
does not mean that sloppy moves are tolerated!
Dave is an excellent teacher and explains the
reasoning behind the moves so that you can
understand why you are moving in a particular way. I
recommend that you give it a try. Keep up the good
work Dave!’
Linda P
So, there you have it – I hope this
may encourage you to come along to
the Studio and ‘give it a go!’. You
can join at anytime – classes
Monday morning 10.30-12.00
Monday/Tuesday/Thursday evenings
7.30-9.00.
There will be an introduction to Tai Chi workshop on
Saturday 15th October between 1.30 and 4.00pm
Cost £20 – if you would like to attend call me on
mobile 07734-982438 (leave message if necessary
and I will call you back) Alternatively, you can email
me at [email protected] and you can find
out more about me on my website
www.taichi4all.co.uk
Regards,
Ps 3507 Fraser MacRae
11
SURGERY NEWS
We're back to that time of year
when Mums and Dads of postA Level teenagers are tearfully
(or in some cases gleefully)
packing their offspring off to
university. Ah yes! I remember
it well.
On a less serious note, I see that some fast food
outlets are going to start showing on their menus
how many calories their non-gourmet delights
contain. It's a bit startling to realise that a burger and
a coffee, or a muffin and a milkshake contain about
half of the calories a full-grown adult is suppose to
consume in a whole day. No wonder we are
becoming a nation of fatties.
A couple of the said Mums and
Dads have asked recently what
the university freshers should
do about getting supplies of regular medication –
things like inhalers or hay fever tablets – and what
they should do if they get poorly during the term.
If, like me, you are – shall we say on the plump side
and wanting to do something about it, we have lots of
information here about healthy diets, exercise etc. A
healthy diet doesn't have to be boring and
depressing and good, healthy exercise needn't take
all day and leave you exhausted. Do ask if you'd like
to know more.
The best answer is for new students to find a GP
surgery close to where they are living while they
study. Very often there will be the medical centre on
the university campus itself, which is ideal. Once
signed on, the student's medical records will be sent
to the new surgery so that the GPs there have full
information about health history, allergies etc and
can safely prescribe for existing or new problems.
When students are home again during vacations,
we can look after them as temporary patients and
will have enough of their old records on our
computer system to enable us to do the job
properly. Congratulations and good luck to anyone
just going off to university for the first time. You'll
probably have the time of your life.
It's always nice to tell you about a new member of
staff here at the surgery. The latest addition to our
team is Andrea Spear, who joined us in August to
work on reception and to help with issuing
prescriptions. Having got safely through the initial few
weeks, when the whole job looks totally confusing
and impossible, she is now settling in really well.
If Andrea looks familiar to the Tendring-ites amongst
you, it's not surprising, as her previous job was at
Tendring Post Office where I understand that she
was equally at home selling either groceries or
stamps. Before the Post Office sadly closed its doors
for good at the end of July, she had worked there for
ten years.
It was interesting to see in the news very recently
that the ban on many gay and bisexual men
donating blood is to be lifted. This highlighted again
the problem that the NHS sometimes has in
keeping stocks up to levels that can cope with
anything other than normal daily demand.
Andrea lives in Tendring with husband Keith and
their three children, James, Mikey and Bethan. The
rest of the household is made up of a couple of Jack
Russells (with very strange names which I'm not
supposed to mention) and a tortoise. I wonder if they
all get walked together. When she's not walking or
working, Andrea enjoys decorating cakes and we are
hopeful that any accidents or disasters in that
department will end up at the surgery for proper,
respectful disposal.
Giving blood is incredibly simple for most people. It
doesn't hurt and only takes a few minutes. It is one
of the most generous things you can do for a
stranger. It will make you feel really good about
yourself and might just save a life. Don't worry!
They'll leave you plenty to keep fit and healthy. Why
not give it a go?
Welcome to the surgery Andrea! We all hope that
you will be happy with us for a long time.
There are sessions locally on a regular basis. If you
log on to www.blood.co.uk/sessionsearcher you can
find out where and when they are. The website is
brilliant in its own right, by the way. There is stacks
of information about giving blood, including who can
and who can't, and some true personal stories
which are almost guaranteed to inspire you into
becoming a donor if you aren't one already. If you
haven't got access to the internet, we have all the
information you need here at the surgery.
Hugh Cronin
Practice Manager
12
7
Yorkshire Terrier
With their steel blue and bright tan coat and
intelligent temperament, Yorkies are immensely
popular throughout the world.
Despite their
glamorous looks, they were bred for ratting in the
1800s and are feisty little packages of energy who
are always ready to play.
Pet’s
Corner
8
Dachshund (miniature smooth haired)
Their name means ‘badger dog’ and they originate
from 1900s Germany where they were bred to follow
badgers to ground. Instantly recognisable due to
their short legs and dignified expression, they have
deservedly attracted a large following of fans.
We have had a Border Terrier for 2 years now and
she is just settling in. They are very active and just
because she is small does not mean she does not
need lots of ‘walkies’, but it does give the children
something to do! I was pleased recently to read a
list of the top 10 small breeds as listed by the
Kennel Club and the Border Terrier was listed as
number one. I have listed the top 10 below for your
interest.
9
Chihuahua (smooth coat)
Although small and fragile, the South American
Chihuahua is an alert and bold dog, who likes to
carry their tail high and proud, which typifies the
breed’s personality.
1
Border Terrier
A truly British terrier, dating from around the 1700s.
Their long legs and stamina enable them to keep
up with the most demanding activity, and their
responsive personality makes them a superb family
dog.
10
Chihuahua (long coat)
Identical to their smooth coated cousin, apart from
their silky longer coat, this tiny dog is also most
content on the lap of their human companion.
MARK ALLINGTON
B.Sc (Hons) BVM & S, MRCVS
2
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The cheerful Cavalier is an ideal canine
companion, happy to curl up on the sofa or willing
to walk for miles. This miniature spaniel combines
all the best qualities of a Toy and a Gundog and is
full of charm.
3
Pug
Originally from China, this ancient breed is a true
individual, independent and resolute, but very
affectionate with their human family, making them
an amusing and rewarding companion.
SAMARITAN’S PURSE
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Shoe Box Appeal
4
Miniature Schnauzer
This German breed, which dates back to the 1400s,
is stylish, intelligent and easy to train. Good with
children and other dogs, they make a handy-sized
companion for people of all ages.
Shoe boxes need to be ready
by Sunday 6th November
5
Shih Tzu
Originally the Emperor’s court dog in China in the
1600s, this handsome and playful breed has
achieved worldwide popularity.
These sturdy,
bouncy extroverts make delightful family
companions.
They can be left in St Mary’s Church
or Poplar House, Station Road
If you would like to fill a shoe box this year you
can collect a leaflet from
St Mary’s Church
or Carole Allington
Poplar House, Station Road, Great Bentley
6
Lhasa Apso
A native of Tibet, these glamorous dogs from
antiquity were originally kept as indoor guards and
were popular in the palace of the Dalai Lama. They
have an independent nature and are wary of
strangers, although devoted to their owners.
For more information
contact Maida Brown
01206 252281
13
Wildlives
Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre
‘Catkins’, Frating Road, Thorrington, Colchester CO7 8HT
www.wildlives.org.uk
Opening hours: April - September
10.00 – 6.00 01206 251174 / 07802 767016
Outside of Wildlives’ hours, please log on to our website for advice on what to do with a sick animal until we are open again in the morning.
Would you miss hedgehogs if they weren’t there anymore?
Hedgehogs are one of our best loved animals. Immortalised as
Mrs.Tiggywinkle, they are instantly recognisable to everyone,
These helpful little animals clear our gardens of slugs and hurt noone. In 1950 there were 30 million in the UK. In 1995 there were
1½ million. Recent surveys indicate that there are now 750
thousand. This year has been particularly hard on hedgehogs.
After a longer winter than usual, the hungry hogs woke up from
hibernation to a drought, with very little food and water available.
Many did not breed, and the centre saw unprecedented numbers
of sick adults and the lowest number of babies. And these
circumstances are on top of the destruction of habitat for neat
gardens, decking, and concrete. If you want your grandchildren to
recognise Mrs.Tiggywinkle, everyone needs to help. Put out dog/
cat food and clean water (not bread and milk, which makes them
ill). Help hedgehogs travel for food and to find mates safely,
rather than going out on to the roads, by leaving a small hole in
your fence, 3-4 inches square – not enough for your dog to get
through – and talk to your neighbours to ask them to do the same.
October 2011
Very few hoglets have been born this year
The Hedgehog Street project is encouraging
and advising people to help hedgehogs – visit
www.hedgehogstreet.org or phone 01584
890801 for your information pack. Don’t let
hedgehogs disappear from our gardens in our
generation.
Teamwork needed
for Seal Rescue
A juvenile kittiwake was
found in the middle of
Saffron
Walden!
Since
kittiwakes nest on the high
cliffs around the coasts, it’s a
mystery how he ended up
there. After being built up to
his proper weight, he was
transferred to the RSPCA
centre at Mallydams Wood,
near Hastings.
When Wildlives received a
call for a collapsed seal,
Tony, who runs the sealwatching boat trips, and
Ian, a Wildlives volunteer,
went to check it out,
expecting to find a seal
pup.
When
they
discovered a seriously ill
and injured adult female
with
advanced
eye
infections, it was obvious
they would need some
help – an adult seal
weighs about the same as
an adult human, only with
teeth! Fortunately after a
call the coastguard came
to the rescue, with vehicles
that could drive on to the
beach and a stretcher.
After being stretchered
from the beach, she was
transferred to a body
bag for transit. On arrival at Wildlives she was stabilised, her
temperature reduced and fluid therapy given, before she
transferred to the RSPCA centre at East Wynch.
See our web site for more pictures of the animals and birds!
Registered Charity 1104167 Copyright Wildlives © 2011
14
RUNNING CLUB
A year in running.
As you may have gathered from last month's article I
am fairly new to running with a club. I had no idea of
the events which make up a runner's year and it has
been fascinating to see them unfold over the last
twelve months. For anyone tempted to join us I can
assure you that it is not all just pounding the roads
around Great Bentley: there are a wide variety of
events, terrains and routes available. There is also a
good choice of distances.
Since this article is for the October issue that would
seem a good month with which to begin. The 23rd
October is a very important date in the GBRC
calendar as it sees the start of the Cross Country
season. We compete in the A section of a two tier
league, a position we have to fight for each year. The
league consists of 5 races each five miles in length.
These take place on Sunday mornings during the
winter months and, as you may imagine, it is a
bracing experience stripping down to running shorts
and vest in winter temperatures. The courses are
varied with the Harwich race being acknowledged as
the most demanding. Anyone who has ever tried to
run uphill with six inches of Essex clay on
their trainers will have an idea as to how
much of a challenge it can prove. Many a
runner sheds a trainer (and possibly even a
tear) in the course of these runs, but it's all
in a good cause. There is also a bonus:
our chairman, Clive Jones, encourages
everyone to bring a cake. It has become a
club thing and it is not unusual to see
GBRC members standing with a large lump
of cake in each hand. It certainly helps the
team spirit if not the waist-line.
For GBRC the main Christmas event is our club
dinner where our awards are handed out. This is
closely followed by the Witham Boxing Day run, a five
mile race through the town. Great for those who may
have over-indulged, however the weather has proved
too much over the last two years and the iced up
roads have resulted in the races being postponed.
Soon after this we begin to plan for our own half
marathon. The race limit is set at around 800
competitors and such is the reputation of the event it
fills quickly. The course is recognised as one which
allows runners to achieve personal best (PB) times
for the half marathon distance: Nick Anderson, a
high-level coach, brought one of his trainees to the
last event in order to get them an improved time. As
always, the club is extremely grateful to all those who
live in and around Great Bentley for allowing us to
host this event and for the assistance many give.
From Christmas onwards those who are lucky (or
foolish) enough to have places in the London
Marathon begin their training. This year's race was
15
on the 17th April and the club put on a coach for
anyone who wanted to go to the event. Any
Individual can apply to enter the draw for a place. In
addition GBRC gets 3 places to allocate to club
members. Anyone who has been rejected in the
main draw can put their name in for a second
chance.
In February some of us went off to the Forest of
Dean for a long weekend of coaching led by Nick
Anderson and Bud Baldero.
It was a great
experience to get tips from people who have trained
Olympians and who are on name-dropping terms
with Paula Radcliffe! It was really beneficial for
those in the middle of their marathon training.
Late spring sees the beginning of a series of 5
kilometre races hosted by our friends at the Harwich
club. The races take place on Thursday evenings
through to the summer and runners are encouraged
to improve their times over the series. The most
improved individual is the winner. There is a school
of thought which suggests that a really slow first run
may be a way for someone to improve their chances
but that remains with the conscience of the
individual! The 'Friday Fives' also begin around this
time. This is a set of 5 mile races hosted
mainly by Suffolk clubs. GBRC is the only
Essex race in the series and again the club
in indebted to everyone in the village for
allowing us to host this event.
Somewhere in the middle of all of this falls
the Ekiden Relay race hosted by the Ipswich
Jaffa club. The term comes from Japanese
competitions and is applied to a relay race
which is generally of marathon length or
longer. The Ipswich relay is broken into 6
legs of 7.2k, 5k, 10k, 5k, 10k and 5k respectively,
making up the full marathon distance. Many clubs
participate and the competition no longer seems to
be limited to the course: there is a splendid array of
marquees, pagodas, banners and flags. The field
takes on the appearance of a medieval tournament,
and there are considerable amounts of cake, yet
again.
Apart from these events, there are races within
striking distance most weekends. Many of our
members travel across Essex and into neighbouring
counties to participate in runs, duathlons (run and
cycle) and triathlons (swim, cycle and run). We also
assist other local clubs with the marshalling of their
races and, of course, we have our regular training
sessions. Given the number of events available it is
sometimes difficult to decide which race to run at
any time. Still, it's better to have too much choice
than not enough or even none at all!
Paul Carlisle
Get involved in St Helena Hospice’s
Awareness Day
Harvest
Concert
St Helena Hospice is pleased to announce that they
will be holding an Awareness Day on Friday 7th
October. The aim of this day is to raise awareness
of the Hospice throughout the region and get people
talking about what the Hospice means to our
community and how they can get involved. They will
also be launching their new Hospice mascot ‘Dandy’
the Lion on this day! In the lead up to the day, the
Hospice is looking for organisations, groups,
companies, schools, nurseries or even individuals
who would like to get involved with fundraising on
the big day.
The Hospice Fundraising team have come up
with some simple and fun ideas to help any potential
fundraisers on their way, including, a dress down 'be
seen in green' day, recycling any unwanted items
that can be donated to any of the eight Hospice
shops, a colouring competition for the little ones, a
raffle or a cake sale.
To make it even easier, the Fundraising team
can provide you with posters and an order form with
lots of goodies, to help support your event and help
raise funds towards the £5.1 million that it will cost to
run the Hospice every year.
If you are interested in getting involved on the
day, please contact the St Helena
Hospice Fundraising team to find
out more and discuss which
fundraising ideas you are interested
in:
email:
[email protected]
telephone: 01206 791740 or go to
our website:
www.sthelenahospice.org.uk
With VENT—a professional
wind Octet
including players from the BBC Symphony
Orchestra & London Symphony Orchestra.
Repertoire to include Mozart Serenade in
E Flat K375 and music by Beethoven
A wind octet is made up of two oboes,
clarinets, French horns and bassoons.
At St Peter and St Paul’s, St Osyth
Sunday 2nd October at 6pm
£7.50 including cider and apple cakes
served during the interval!
Tickets must be purchased in advance and are
available from John Stiff Estate Agents, St Osyth,
or Allison Bond on 01255 820466
Proceeds to Improvement of Church as Concert Venue
GREAT BENTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL
Year 5 & 6 Kentwell Hall Trip
Year 5 and 6 will be going to Kentwall Hall on
Wednesday 28th September. Pupils need to be in
school for 7.34am. Children will be wearing Tudor
costume.
TheTravelling Book Fair is on Friday 23rd Sept Friday 30th September. This will earn commission
for the school.
CARNIVAL AGM
Tuesday 11th October
School Uniform Shop - The next uniform shop will
be on Tuesday 27th September 9-10am and 3-4pm.
8.00pm
Colne Community School and College Open Day
The Colne Community School and College will be
holding an open day on Saturday 8th October from
9.30am to 12.30pm. Both Year 6 and Year 5 are
welcome.
Village Hall
All welcome
For details phone Bev Adams 250724
WEDNESDAY BADMINTON CLUB
The Club will re-open on Wednesday October 5th after the September break.
New members are welcome to join our regulars. We look forward to seeing you all again.
16
Walking the Walls –
Witch hunt
THE GREAT BENTLEY SHOW
When the Romans invaded this
country in 43AD they came to
Camulodunum, which was the old
name for Colchester, and made it
their capital.
In 61AD Boadicca the
Queen of the Iceni, from present
day Norfolk and Suffolk, rose up in
rebellion about the way she and her two daughters
had been treated by the Romans. She made her
way to Colchester intending to have her revenge on
the Romans. There was no defence around the
town making it easy for her and the local Trinovante
peoples to sack the town burning it to the ground.
The Army was away and only retired Roman
soldiers had been left to guard the town.
Boadicca was later either beaten in a battle or
took poison killing herself and her two daughters to
prevent them being taken as slaves to Rome.
Colchester was rebuilt as it was still the
capital of Roman Britain. A wall was built all round
to prevent any further such attacks. Most of this wall
survives today making it the oldest town wall in this
country.
The wall is a scheduled ancient monument
and costs a lot to keep in repair. At the moment
there are no interpretation boards to explain the
significance of the walls but Colchester Borough
Council intend to have boards erected in different
locations to remedy this. The boards will cost about
£1,000 each and various organisations in the town
are starting to raise money to sponsor a board. A
group called “Friends of Colchester Roman Wall”
has been formed to coordinate the fundraising.
Colchester Tourist Guides are doing their bit
by taking costumed tours around the walls. Each
tour has a different theme to explain the significance
of the walls at different times in the past. The next
tour – Witch and Ghoul Hunt, will take place on
Sunday 16 October starting at 3pm from Colchester
War Memorial.
Tickets can be obtained from
Colchester Visitor Information Centre and cost £6 for
adults and £2 for children. A family ticket for 2
adults and 2 children costs £14. All money raised
will go towards sponsoring one of the interpretation
boards.
The last tour for this year will be on 6
November and it will have the title Gunpowder,
Treason and Stone. It will start at the same time
and place as the witch hunt tour and the cost is the
same.
I hope that some of you will be able to come
along and be suitably scared with the witch hunt and
later the treason tour. Further tours may be arranged
in 2012 so if you miss this year please try and come
along next year.
Well that’s another one done and dusted as they
say ...... though who “they” are has always escaped
me. However who cares? The show was a cracker, a
real village show in a superb setting. People came
from near and far and certainly equalled and
probably exceeded last year’s attendance.
Smiles were the order of the day and it was great to
be part of this, some would say, rather old fashioned
afternoon of innocent entertainment. The Marquee
housed
lovely plants, flowers, produce, crafts,
photographs and the children’s craft work. The
Companion Dog Show excelled this year, the Arena
entertainment drew big crowds, all the stallholders
were busy as were the Children’s amusements,
especially the Donkey rides!
Our thanks must go to Derek Burdett, the Show
Chairman and his wonderful committee who, once
again, have put together a really good Show. A
village Show for all the family. Thanks also to the
local press and radio stations for their support which
ensures that the show is available to all parts of the
County and further afield. A big thank you to the
Parish Council for providing those very important
portable toilets, to the Police (unsung heroes of our
society) for their help and St. Johns Ambulance for
their care and attention. I am sure I have missed one
or two people out of my “thank you section” but I can
assure you that every helper, whatever their
contribution, is really appreciated by the Chairman
and Show Committee..
The committee have one more meeting and the
AGM on the 23rd November this year. Plans for next
year will be discussed and early bookings made
where necessary. New members are always
welcome on the committee why not come and join
us!
The Great Bentley Show 2012 will be on 1st
September 2012. Put that date in your diary.
Ben Harris. Hon.Press Officer
Ann Turner
17
STEVEN SHAW
BENTLEY IN BLOOM
Before his untimely and very sudden death at just
31, Steven had planted a large row of runner beans
in the garden that he shared with his Dad. 300lbs of
beans were later harvested and sold which raised
£200 and this was donated to the Air Ambulance.
We have nearly 2,000 pansy and polyanthus plants
currently being grown for use in the Autumn
planting. Not all these are used in our displays
around the village and we have more than we need
so that you will be able to buy some for your
gardens and tubs. Amazingly we have been able to
buy our small plant plugs which we use to produce
the bigger plants at a similar price to last year, so we
have been able to keep the price the same as last
year. We will have our PLANT SALE round the
OLD VILLAGE HALL - SATURDAY 29th
OCTOBER 10am - 12 noon but if you contact any
of the ‘Bentley in Bloomers’ they can reserve what
you want and you may get an earlier delivery
depending on how soon the plants are ready.
A further £600 had been raised following his funeral
by friends and family and was shared equally
between the British Heart Foundation and Air
Ambulance.
A further £300 was raised by family, friends and
fellow fishermen who met regularly at Carpenters
Farm where Steven spent many happy hours. This
has purchased a seat with a commemorative plaque
which has been placed by the reservoir he loved to
fish.
Thank you to all who have supported us.
Pansies
£1.50 per 6 pack
Polyanthus £2.25 per 6 pack
Dwarf Wallflowers £2.00 per 6 pack (limited supply)
Finally some thank you’s. We would like to thank
Jenny Dewell from Thorrington who supplied most of
the bedding plants that you have seen around the
village this year. Jenny grows her own plants and
she always has a good selection of plants for
Summer bedding. Please note she does not sell
any plants for Winter bedding.
We also thank Gordon and Edna Black for the
use of their greenhouse which is used to grow the
pansies ready for planting out.
Thanks also to the watering gang of Mick
Dorling, Peter Stevens, Kevin Plummer and Peter
Allington who have kept the displays growing
through the “occasional” sunny days of Summer.
HARRY’S DAY
Fundraising Day
NOW in Village Hall
8th October
☺
Bentley in Bloom contacts:
Mick Dorling
250799
Peter Allington
251086
Sylvia Adams
250160
John & Jennie Moss
252182
Peter Stevens
252106
Sponsored truck pull at 1.00pm
from the Green near the War Memorial
followed by a Drag Race to
Great Bentley Village Hall
Face painting: Craft stalls:
Kiddies Corner: Cakes:
Raffle: Auction of Promises
Car wash in car park
Beer for dads
PETER TWEED
A Celebration of the life of
Peter Tweed
will be held on Thursday 29th September
2.00pm at St Mary’s Church.
Fundraising fro Sick Children’s Trust
and Great Ormond Street Hospital
which provides accommodation for families
of very sick children
All Welcome
Cheerful dress please
Donations if desired to
Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel
or RNLI
For more information on stalls or help
Contact
Lara - 250142 or Julie - 250563
18
St Mary’s Church
Flower Festival & Art Exhibition
YOUTH CLUB
Youth Club at the Methodist Hall
opens its doors to the youth of the
village between 7 - 9pm every other
Thursday. Our entrance fee is still £1.50 with tuck
and refreshments available throughout the evening.
We are currently holding a waiting list so if you
are between 11-16 years of age, please ring
Sue Warder on 250713 if you would like to join.
We would like to thank all the organisations that
provided a floral display. A lot of research had gone
into depicting a ‘Famous Olympian’. Well done.
Thank you to all the artists who provided the
paintings for the art exhibition. The standard seems
to get higher and higher each year.
An extra special thank you to all those people
who made the trip to the church not knowing if they
would get wet or blown away.
Finally thanks to all the helpers, because
without you we would not have had such a wonderful
weekend.
We had over 250 people visit us and hope to
have made approximately £1,200 for Church funds.
Dates for October and November are as follows:
6th October
10th November
20th October
24th November
I would like to take this opportunity to applaud the
behaviour of our members at our club as they are
always polite and respectful and it is always a
pleasure to see you.
Hilary Harris,
Rita Coles,
Peter Allington
Sue Warder
Answers to Flower Quiz
BENTLEY MASTER BUTCHERS
1
Great Bentley Guides
Mary Rand
2
Gardening Society
Mark Foster
3
Womens’ Institute
Torvill & Dean
4
St Mary’s Church
Eddie the Eagle
(Michael Edwards)
We are extremely fortunate that Kelvedon Butchers,
which has been established for over 20 years, has
decided to open a shop in Great Bentley. We
welcome Martin who is in charge of the shop which
is open on:
5
Sunday School
Rafa Nadal
Mondays from 7am - 1pm
6
St Mary’s Choir
Princess Anne
Tuesday to Friday 7am - 5pm
7
Bentley in Bloom
Daley Thompson
8
Rainbows
Cassius Clay
(Mohammed Ali)
Saturday 7am - 4pm
There is an excellent selection of good quality local
meat with some jars of pate, jams etc. On Tuesday
there is a discount for OAPs and on certain days
they have special offers.
9
Conservation Group
Reg White
10
Art Club
Olga Korbut
11
St Mary’s Bellringers
Linford Christie
12
Evergreen Friendship Club Duncan Goodhew
13
Football Club
Edwin Moses
Dear Editor
14
St Mary’s Seekers
Sharon Davies
15
Friends of the Green
Kelly Holmes
16
Mothers’ Union
David Broome
17
Royal British Legion
Emil Zatopek
I was sad to read that you never had the chance to
see a Red Kite even though it was around for a
while. However if you look closely on the front cover
of the September magazine you should be able at
least to see one red kite!
18
Methodist Church
Steve Redgrave
Liz Harry
19
Bentley Bears
Zola Budd
Winner
Mrs Rodger from Brightlingsea
Who gained 14 points out of 19.
19
LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE by Mirain Evans
From Australia to Britain by Container Ship
Contd from last month ...
We eventually emerged from the canal into the channel
which led to the city of Colon, named after Christopher
Columbus and occupying a spit of land jutting into the
Caribbean. Again the collection of ships at anchor in the
2roads” could be seen, waiting their turn to travel through
to the Pacific. By late afternoon we were anchored in the
large and obviously expanding container port facing the
harbour of Colon and the sparkling white cruise liner from
which our waving tourists had come. The buildings there
were brightly coloured, and in stark contrast to those at the
other end of the harbour where piles of rubbish were lying
around in corners of what seemed semi derelict houses.
Groups of men rested in the shade of trees, and the
occasional car stood next to a brick wall. It was still very
hot, and there was little movement. Although we had been
told that the port authorities advised against going into the
city at night, the captain allowed us to go under the
protection of the port official visiting the ship, a rather
unpleasant individual full of his own importance and keen
to accept his “present” of whiskey and cigarettes as he
examined our papers. He was a heavily set man with a
good command of English which he used as he took us
through a maze of shops, all of which looked as though
they had been deserted for years.
We arrived at “immigration”, a room with dirty
windows, three men watching TV and a cheery official
behind his desk who stamped our cards with a flourish and
wished us a good time in Colon. Our guide drove us
through the port gates where all passes were checked (for
the third time), and introduced us to his son, Amad, who
was charged with our safe passage for that evening. He
took us around in his taxi and looked after us so well, we
were quite happy to have a minder! Amad was a shy boy
of about eighteen with limited English, so we conversed in
a mixture of Spanish and English. Our desire to get out
and explore Colon on our own swiftly evaporated as we
drove into town. We passed suspicious looking men
thumbing a lift, mounds of smoking rubbish and burnt out
cars. The area where the cruise ships docked was bright
with garish colours and patterns, but the high tenements
were grey, rubbish was piled on every street corner, groups
of people sat in dimly lit doorways or outside the grilled
windows of shops. It was Sunday evening and it seemed
as though the entire population of the city was there on the
streets enjoying the cooler air … to us it was both exciting
and terrifying in its intensity of life and movement. We
wanted to join in but knew that we would stand out like sore
thumbs. Besides, Amad would have had a fit! We passed
an open air church where the congregation was singing
holding hands, a family crossed in front of us in their
Sunday best, people milled everywhere and gangs of
children raced among the water filled potholes.
On the wide promenade which led to the beach, the
population strolled past some amazing white marble
statues, both religious and secular, one of which
commemorated Christopher
Columbus.
Colon had
obviously once been a thriving port, but now this part
looked shabby and neglected. Amad drove us to the
Washington Hotel and Casino … the best hotel in town, a
beautiful white colonnaded building set in shady grounds.
The casino bar was dark and hid the scores of gambling
machines and their fans.
Our Spanish was quite well understood, although
the young barmaid was rather intimidated and refused to
speak to us!
Two policemen with their guns
relaxed were drinking coffee at one
end of the bar. The hotel lobby was
welcomingly cool with polished floors
and some lovely furniture, and people who were obviously on
holiday. The garden behind the hotel stretched down to the
beach past a large pool and small bar (where the staff
seemed to be standing in a trench enjoying an evening drink
on the terrace). These were obviously wealthy people, but
they sat on mismatched chairs and the tiles of the terrace and
pool were cracked and broken. A man wearing bathing
shorts and ropes of gold offered us two slightly graying plastic
chairs as we sipped our beers. In the restaurant we were
impressed by the extensive menu until we realised the
choices were extremely limited and that there was only one
type of wine available, in spite of the extensive wine list.
However the food was palatable.
Amad was outside at 8 and took us on a tour of the
sights including Ladies Street … the red light district. The city
was dark and warm and wet after a downpour. Burst bin
bags sat in the gutters amongst old prams and broken chairs
… people walked slowly out of darkened alleys or just stood
on street corners … the humid evening stopped any attempt
at energetic activity.
Eventually we passed the wealthy area, protected and
cosseted behind iron gates and high fences some with armed
security. We had seen this disparity many years before in
Colombia’s cities. We gave our driver a big tip and he gave
us both big hugs. He spoke of his one year old daughter and
of his wish to start studying soon on a tourist management
course.
Back at the port, we stood as the sniffer dog
rummaged around our legs. I hope he enjoyed my sandals,
which by that time smelt strongly enough to knock out any
potential drugs he might have discovered. We met three
Koreans from the Hyundai ship, on their way to sample the
delights of Ladies Street … and speculated on the possibility
of their successful return for the sailing to New York the
following morning.
Our passes were checked for the final time, as we
climbed the gangway and reported to the Chief Officer who
was no doubt relieved to see us back without any mishaps!
With a beer and wine we stood on deck watching the cranes
swinging containers on and off the ship, and saw on a deck
far below, a dockhand fast asleep oblivious to all the noise!
Rosario came and joined us with more drinks and family
photos until we protested exhaustion. It had been an
interesting day. Our 5am sailing was delayed due it seemed
to the inefficiency of the port handlers … not only were they
extremely noisy but they often had to re-stack many of the
containers. One was left on top of a stack on its own, and we
were sure it would be lost, especially when we later lurched
across the Atlantic in a storm. However it remained in place,
although we learned that containers do regularly fall into the
sea. We eventually left at 2 in the afternoon, spending the
hot hours in-between on deck avoiding the sizzling sun and
watching the surrounding areas. As we made our way into
the Caribbean, we passed at least seven rusting ships
abandoned in the harbour. We left them and the teeming
streets of Colon sweating in the relentless sun.
To Be Continued ….
20
21
The fat goose Cookery Corner
It’s Halloween time again and the shops will be full of beautiful big pumpkins, ready to be carved into fantastic faces, but what do you do with all the wonderful scooped out pumpkin flesh. Here at the fat goose the chefs will also enjoy carving a pumpkin but they will use it all to prepare wonderful dishes for the menu, so here are a couple of ideas for you to try. First prepare the pumpkin: Slice off the top and scoop out the flesh, don’t be tempted to scoop too near the edge, leave about 1” of flesh all around the inside, chop into large pieces and place on a baking tray to roast. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes until soft. At the same time put the seeds onto a baking tray with a tbs of oil and bake for about 5 minutes until golden. Reserve your shell to use as a serving dish or for carving later. Pumpkin and Apple Soup 2 onions peeled & chopped finely, 1 clove garlic peeled & crushed, 50g butter, 600g roasted pumpkin, 2 bramley apples peeled & chopped, 800ml vegetable stock, 200 ml cider or apple juice, fresh sage, S & P . Heat the butter in a pan, add onions, garlic, cook for a couple of minutes then add the pumpkin, apples and sage leaves, cook for about two minutes then add the stock & cider. Bring to the boil & simmer for about 20 minutes until very tender. Liquidise and serve hot with crusty bread. If you want a spicy soup use cumin instead of sage. Pumpkin Cheesecake 225g, crushed digestive biscuits, 60g butter, juice & zest of a lemon, 300g roasted cooked pumpkin, 225g caster sugar, 450g cream cheese, tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 4 eggs, 90ml double cream, 90ml natural yoghurt Heat oven to 170C/325F/gas 3, lightly grease a 25cm loose bottom tin. Melt butter over low heat and mix in biscuit crumbs, press into the base of the tin. Mix together the cream cheese, pumpkin flesh, sugar, cinnamon, & nutmeg. Beat the eggs and fold into the mixture. Turn into the tin and bake for about 90 minutes until set on top and squidgy underneath. Cool in the tin, when cold turn out and chill overnight. Whip double cream until thick, fold in the yoghurt & lemon juice, spread over the top of the cheesecake & enjoy. Roasted pumpkin seeds Use these to mix into flapjacks and biscuits or to garnish tarts and cakes, or they are just good to nibble. Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A & potassium, and high in fibre so all ways round it’s a winner, tasty and good for you. The Fat Goose special set menu which is only £10.00 for two courses and available for lunch or dinner Tuesday to Friday inclusive, features lots of tasty autumn dishes and the menu changes weekly, so there’s always something new to try. 22
WI
CLUBS &
ORGANISATIONS
At our September meeting, Gary Egerton talked
and showed slides of ‘The Tower of London’. What
an entertaining evening – no grumbles at all! Gary
gave us a potted history lesson on the tower and its
inhabitants – I wish I’d had a history teacher like
him when I was at school!
Our next meeting is on Tuesday 4th October at 7.30
pm in the village hall. This will be our AGM and
there will be food after the business is finished. If
you were not at the September meeting and would
like food will you please let Billie Soar know by
Sunday 2nd October. 250438.
GARDENING CLUB
With the nights drawing in and the Autumn upon us, I
thought I would let you know what the Garden Club
has planned for the rest of this year.
On the 18th October we will be joined by Mr
John Mead who is going to give us a talk and
demonstration of Autumn baskets and containers.
On the 15th November Anne Newman will be
our guest speaker and she will be giving us a talk on
the gardens of Suffolk.
This year our Christmas party will be held on
20th December.
Visitors are always welcome.
I look forward to bringing you news from our
Autumn Show in the next issue.
ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST
MONDAY 10th October
7.30pm
“What is under your house?
The surprising geology of Tendring”
EVERGREEN
FRIENDSHIP CLUB
Illustrated talk by Dr Peter Allen
Great Bentley Village Hall
At the meeting on August 24th Joye was unable to be
with us. Billie was in charge for the afternoon. We
were entertained by “The Day Timers”. They played
music we could all remember and sang songs which
we all joined in with.
It was a very well supported meeting and
enjoyed by all.
Raffle: Refreshments.
We hope to have some exhibits and why not
bring any rocks/fossils for ID/interest.
October 27th - Village Hall, 2pm
Clacton Lions’ Club Tea Party.
Competition - a Handmade party invitation (by you)
ART CLUB
Tuesday 11th October
Appraisal for Exhibition
HISTORY SOCIETY
Friday 21st October
Set up Exhibition
Thursday 20th October
Saturday 22nd/Sunday 23rd October
Annual Exhibition (40th year)
8pm
Tuesday 25th October
Autumn Tints
David Whittle of the Harwich Society.
“How Victorians Developed Dovercourt”
Guests and visitors are most welcome
23
CHILDREN’S PAGE
Ingredients
4 Slices Bread
Little butter or cream cheese for spreading
4 slices of ham or cheese, the same size as the
bread
4 pitted black olives
Few slices carrot or red pepper.
Tip
Use this same idea to make other spooky
shapes for Halloween, perhaps a witch’s hat,
cat or pumpkin lantern.
What to do
Cut a square of paper or card the same size as
the bread, then draw on a ghost shape and cut
out.
On the chopping board, spread each slice of
bread with butter or cream cheese and top with
ham or cheese.
Place the paper ghost shape over one open
sandwich and cut around it with a small knife, with
the bread still on the board. Repeat with other
sandwiches.
Halve the olives. Carefully cut zigzags in the carrot
or red pepper slices for mouths.
Decorate the ghosts with olives for eyes and
jagged carrot or pepper mouths, all stuck in place
with a little extra butter or cream cheese.
Tips
Other fruits, such as a grapefruit, small
watermelons or yellow-skinned melons,
could also be used as lanterns.
Ingredients
4 Oranges
4 scoops vanilla ice cream or blackcurrant sorbet
or set jelly.
4 liquorice Catherine wheels
Few glace cherries
Use the unused orange flesh to add to a fruit
salad. Alternatively, to make a smoothie,
blend the orange flesh with a banana and
some yogurt in a liquidizer.
What to do
On the chopping board, cut a slice off the top of
each orange about one-third down from the top,
and put to one side.
Using the teaspoon, scoop out the orange flesh
and membrane until you reach the white inside of
the orange.
Turn one of the oranges on its side and carefully
cut eye and mouth shapes with a small sharp
knife. You may prefer to mark these on with a pen
before cutting. Do the same with the other
oranges.
Fill with scoops of ice cream, sorbet or jelly.
Replace lids, place sliced cherries into the mouths
and add strips of unwound liquorice for hair. Serve
immediately or freeze until ready to serve.
24
Great Bentley Parish Council
Congratulations!
The Parish Council wish to say a very big well done and thank you to Cllr Herbert for his
efforts in assisting the Police with the capture of two burglars! The pair had just burgled his a
house on the Southside of the Green when they were disturbed and Cllr Herbert gave chase
whilst directing the police both on the ground and in the air towards their whereabouts. One
of the pair was armed with a knife and was more than willing to use it before he was
disarmed by Police. Well done Bill. We are very glad to have a hero amongst us!!! Please don’t wear your
underpants on top of your trousers to the next Parish Meeting – you’re supposed to be in disguise!!!
Allotments
On to less exciting news now! As most allotment holders now know there is to be a change in how the Parish
Council charge their rents. We have moved to a fairer system of charges per square metre which means not
all plots will be the same price. The minimum rent will now be £10 but for those who have considerably bigger
plots the rent will go up. The Parish Council will not make any money on this new system but it will be fairer
for all. Anyone who feels the measurements for their plot are incorrect is free to contact the Clerk for it to be
re-measured.
New Allotment Site
Finally it looks like the end is nigh and we will be having our original land reinstated to us after all this time. It
ain’t over til it’s over but we hope for a conclusion by the time you read this newsletter!!
Car Park
The old siding is to be transferred over from the 1st November and we are looking for funding to get the site
cleared and set up as a proper working car park. It is a big step towards creating a much needed facility for
the village and we really hope to be successful in our bid for Big Society Funding. Watch this space!
Highways
Please report any matters for the Highway Department’s attention to the Clerk in the usual way.
Green Boxes
Plenty in stock now!!!
Parish Council Meetings
Thursday 6th October 2011
Thursday 3rd November 2011
7.30pm – Village Hall, Michael Wright Room
7.30pm – Village Hall, Michael Wright Room
Resource Centre opening Times
Wednesday 28th September
Wednesday 5th October
Wednesday 12th October
Wednesday 19th October
Monday 24th October
Wednesday 2nd November
9.30am – 11.30am
9.30am – 11.30am
9.30am – 11.30am
9.30am – 11.30am
10.00am – 12.00pm
9.30am – 11.30am
Other times leave a message on the answer-phone at the resource centre (01206 256410). Email
[email protected] (both checked regularly). I will contact you as soon as possible. It can
also be arranged for the office to be open to view plans, collect green bins etc by appointment with the Clerk.
Kate Mayhew
Clerk to Great Bentley Parish Council
25
A FEW NOTES FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
Household Waste and Recycling Collection
A new contract with Veolia Environmental Services Ltd has been agreed for Tendring District Council’s
Household Waste and Recycling.
The service will be improved with a saving of £563,000 per annum being made. This includes a financial
contribution from Essex County Council under the Inter Authority Agreement which commits Tendring District
Council introducing a food waste collection. The agreement was for the collection of food waste in Urban Areas
only, but Tendring District Council is extending the service to include Rural Areas.
The service will provide; The continuation of a weekly waste collection in black bags
A new District wide weekly food waste collection
A weekly collection of various recyclables
Most households will be provided with two caddies for food waste; a smaller caddy for kitchen use which can
be emptied into a larger caddy for the weekly kerbside collection.
Two boxes will be provided for the kerbside non-food recycling materials which will be collected weekly; the
boxes will be different colours to enable alternate weekly collections of paper/card one week and plastics/tins
the next.
The new service is due to start as from 1st February 2012 with the food waste collection being phased in after
that date.
Martins Farm Civic Waste Site – Closure - Update
No update for this month as the meeting with Essex County Council’s Cabinet member for Environment, Cllr
Kevin Bentley, will be held on Tuesday 27th September; all District Councillors and Parish and Town
Councillors, for the area covered by Martins Farm, will be attending the meeting. There will be an update in
next month’s Parish Magazine.
Thank you again to all those residents who have signed the petition and written letters with your
concerns and support to oppose the closure.
Local Development Framework (LDF)
The consultation process is underway for proposed residential development in the District. Questions will
include; How many new homes do you think are needed over the next 15-20 years?
Will you or any members of your family need housing over the next 15-20 years?
How do you think housing growth should be distributed throughout the District?
What type of housing do you think will best meet the needs of future generations?
The responses will be analysed with reports prepared in November and December.
To find out more information and to complete the consultation questionnaire please go on line to Tendring
District Council’s website www.tendringdc.gov.uk.
Please remember the LDF will shape the future of residential housing development in Tendring for the next 20
years and your input is very important.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns; I am always very pleased to help and hear
from you.
Cllr. Lynda McWilliams
Cabinet Member for
Customer and Central Services
e-mail [email protected]
Telephone number 01206 250732
26
Thorrington Pre-School
The Heather Patch
Great Bentley Green
The Heather Patch is an area of
heathy acid grassland to the west
of the Methodist Chapel and north
of the chidren’s play area. About
10 years ago after a submission by the Conservation
Group, it was decided by the Parish Council that the
area should be allocated to the Conservation Group
for maintenance. This meant that the area would be
cut once annually and not at frequent intervals as is
done for the rest of the green. This cutting regime
allowed the native plants i.e. heather, harebells,
heath bedstraw and heath grasses to develop. This
is because the cut grass was also removed from the
site, allowing the soil to remain acid thus
encouraging the growth of acid loving heath plants.
Removing the cut vegetation maintains the site at a
low fertility. Initially the grass was cut and removed
by volunteers but currently a local contractor is used
for this operation. As the previous management
cutting routine had almost destroyed the existing
heather plants, new plants and seed were introduced
from Tiptree Heath during 2004 and 2006. The
heather plants struggled to survive but this year has
seen vigorous regrowth of two original plants and the
appearance of six new patches of heather
presumably from seed sown several years back.
‘Welcome back’ everyone to a new term with
Thorrington Pre-School. We are pleased to report
that our new children are continuing to settle well.
We are very much looking forward to working with
both our existing and new children and their families
and hope that you all continue to enjoy your time
with us.
Some new routines have been introduced and
are working positively with all the children; thanks
must go to you all for your patience and
understanding while we have implemented these
important changes.
Thorrington Pre-School is now owned and
managed by myself, Kathryn Long; I am very excited
to have the opportunity, along with the dedicated
staff team, to develop and progress Pre-School
further over the coming weeks. I would like to thank
the staff, parents, families and local community
groups for their continued support, enthusiasm and
Good Luck messages.
Pre-School will soon take on a new name and
identity, with a smart new uniform to match! This will
help give children a greater sense of belonging and
promote a clear identity. Hopefully our website will
be up and running soon. This will prove a useful tool
for general information, uniform details, term dates,
newsletters etc. (I will keep you informed of its
progress.)
Please contact me if you would like any further
information, or if you wish to register a place. You
are, of course, very welcome to visit during any
session.
(Please see our regular advert for details on page L.)
As always, your feedback, comments and
suggestions are welcomed.
The site was surveyed during 2002 by Terri Tarpey.
She reported that the Heather Patch contains
several plant species that are either scarce or rare
locally. Within the Tendring District, sites of acid
grassland cover approximately 5-6 hectares so at
0.5ha the Heather Patch is a significant proportion of
this habitat. Lowland heath lands are a rare and
threatened habitat internationally.
There will be an Open Morning at the Heather
Patch on the green on Saturday 8 October from
10-12. Tea and coffee will be available. All
interested persons are invited to attend. The
purpose of the Open Morning is to show villagers
what the Heather Patch is, why it is there, how it is
maintained and why it is an important ecological site
for the village and should be maintained for future
generations.
On a recent visit more than 20 Goldfinches
were feasting on the seeds of the knapweed plants.
With Good Wishes to you all,
Kathryn Long
Mobile: 07753-328524 / Pre-School: 07592-344367.
THANK YOU
Do join us.
Thank you to everyone who has sent their love
and good wishes to me and my family since I
have been in hospital. It has helped a great deal
and we feel very privileged to live in such a
supportive village with so many caring people.
I am now home and feeling better and am
looking forward to getting my strength back. I
hope to see you all before too long.
Adrian Watson
David Gollifer
27
Great Bentley Show
Companion Dog Show Results 2011
With such fantastic weather we had a really great day. 92 dogs were entered in the show
with 216 entries which was once again an increase on last year’s numbers.
Thank you to our judge, Val Burton, who was kept busy throughout the afternoon; it was
great to see so many pet dogs entered in the classes, with many dogs and owners taking
part for the first time; it looked as though everyone was thoroughly enjoying their afternoon.
My grateful thanks go to all the helpers I had on the day, Sally Morton, Donna Morphew, Lesley Shipp, Billie
Soar and Brooke Wingrove, also a big thank you to the Village Show committee for their help with setting up
and clearing away the ring, and thank you Julie Mead for supplying us with the much needed refreshments.
The winners of each class were; Pedigree Classes
Best Puppy
Sporting
Best Any Variety Non Sporting
Open
J Halsall’s Mini Long Haired Dachshund Psalm
Mr Mills’ Scottie Bebe
Ludlow’s Rough Collie Holly
Adams and Carlyon’s Rough Collie Cody
Best in Show
Reserve Best in Show
Best Puppy
Best Opposite Sex
Adams and Carlyon’s Rough Collie Cody
Mr Mills’ Scottie Bebe
J Halsall’s Mini Long Haired Dachshund Psalm
Mr Mills’ Scottie Bebe
Novelty Classes
Best Veteran
Best Child Handler
Best Crossbreed/Mongrel
Best Rescue Dog
Dog most like its owner
Prettiest Bitch
Handsome Dog
Dog with the WaggiestTail
Dog in best Condition
Dog the judge would like to take home
Best Novelty
Lorraine Jessops Llasa Apso Georgia (aged 17)
Rhianna Brooks with her Pomeranian Bobby
A Moran’s Celium x Norfolk Terrier George
Diesel Wallis’ Lurcher Daisey
Mr D Harveys Border Collie George
B Barnes’ Chichuhua Tinkabel
P Halliday’s Great Dane Storm
Anne Taylors’s Cavalier Daisy
Ludlow’s Rough Collie Holly
Danny Eldridge’s Terrier Libby
Ludlow’s Rough Collie Holly
Apart from the great support the show receives from Great Bentley and the surrounding villages and towns, it
always interests me to note how far people will travel with their dogs to come to our show; this year some
travelled from as far away as Loughton, South Essex and Chessington in Surrey.
Thank you to everyone who attended the show and well done to all the winners.
Lynda McWilliams
Dog Show Organiser and Deputy Chairman
on behalf of the Great Bentley Show
HUBERT’S HAPPY HEALTHY TURKEYS
Grove Farm, Elmstead Market
Turkeys will be available again for Christmas.
Also available hams, gammons and a whole range of other meats.
Tel: 01206 825881: 07747 625725
www.hubertshappyhealthyturkeys.co.uk
28
29
29
THANK YOU
1st Great Bentley Rainbows
We would like to thank everyone who gave us
Tesco vouchers. Our equipment has arrived and
the girls were pleased with their new hula hoops
and skipping ropes.
A big thank you too to
everyone who gave cakes and helped out in the tea
tent at the Village Show.
Badger
A message from Julie, David and Natalie,
The Green, Great Bentley
We would like to thank everyone who helped and
offered support, following the break-in to our home
on August Bank Holiday Monday. A special thanks
to the Herbert family, Bill for his detective work in
guiding the police to the burglars eventual
whereabouts on the borders of Weeley, Yvonne for
her care, Fiona for her detective assistance and
Howard for his tracking of the suspects. A very
special thanks to my wife, who having disturbed the
perpetrators had the presence of mind to follow
them to the Station and inform the police.
The suspects remain in custody awaiting trial
at the end of the year.
An incident like the one we have endured is
not nice, but is somewhat softened by the thought
that at times like this, Great Bentley truly does show
its community spirit.
Many thanks, Julie, David & Natalie
THANK YOU TO ALAN AND JUDY
Not a month goes by when we do not see a thank you
letter from Alan and Judy, thanking the village folk for
the gifts sent to our serving soldiers and airmen and
also the gifts of animal bedding and food. You only
have to read the letters from the soldiers to realise
how welcome the parcels have been. What a great
and loving couple you both are, always thinking of
others before yourselves.
We would also like to thank Alan and Judy for
the contributions they have given us to help the
homeless and vulnerable in Clacton and Colchester by
giving us soup for the soup kitchens.
Thank you both for all your kindness shown to
other people and animals.
We are not signing this but you will know who has
written it. God bless you both.
OCTOBER WINDS
October winds ease a while
Through the clouds, let the sun shine
You might be in a hurry, days gone by
I’m not, birthday nearly nigh.
Age is history to you
Age to me, I’m no longer new
October winds, leaves blown off trees
For me, you bring aches to the knees.
Colour to the leaves, beauty you bring
Alas birds in chorus no longer sing
Every year days of the month, we compete
You always win, I accept defeat
Annually we meet together
Reminding me, my birthday is in November.
GREAT BENTLEY CONSERVATIVES
Thanks to all those of you who took the time to drop
by at the Conservatives Stand at the Village Show
on Saturday 3rd September. Tendring District and
Essex County Councillors were out in force and our
MP, Bernard Jenkin, was also at the Show and took
the time to see as many people as possible.
Our stand seemed to prove popular – could
that have been due to the coconut-shy type
contraption that encouraged members of the public
to toss wet sponges at the three party leaders? All
in all, with such favourable weather and a great
turnout the show proved to be one of the best – and
we were delighted to support it.
Meanwhile, we’re planning our next event and
will let you have details soon….
CAKES FOR ST HELENA HOSPICE
The W.I. will be baking cakes for St Helena
Hospice in the week beginning 17th October
Collection points:
Monday 17th October 12 noon
Chris Aplin, Newmay House,
The Green
Thursday 20th October 12 noon
Sylvia Adams, 68 Birch Avenue
Pam Stephens
Secretary, Great Bentley Conservatives
Coppice Farm, Wick Road, Great Bentley, CO7 8QZ
Tel: 01255-831567
E-mail: [email protected]
The patients and visitors really appreciate our
efforts, but they request NO NUTS please.
Thank you
Chris Aplin (Secretary)
30
Great Bentley Pre-school
www.greatbentleyschool.co.uk
We’ve all enjoyed our first month back after the
summer break and all our new children have settled
in well and shown great enjoyment with all the new
experiences and challenges they are gaining.
Our theme continues this month with ‘Things
that move’ and children will continue to develop their
knowledge on this through our craft activities and
outside environment. We will also look at all the
different ways that animals move as well as
transport.
We will also be joining in with ‘Halloween’
celebrations where children will be given the
opportunity to come in fancy dress on Monday 31st
October.
With ‘Bonfire Night’ being so close we will also
be having lots of fun with different activities to
support this.
We still have availability on Thursday and
Friday sessions so please speak to a member of staff
if you would like more sessions or if you would like to
join our group.
If you would like to join our Pre-school or look
around please do not hesitate to call or pop in and
see us.
For our new families I would like to inform you
of a great scheme we provide at our Pre-school. 2
years ago we were successful in obtaining a grant
from Sure Start Children Services; we used the
money to buy 13 story sacks for our families to hire
out. Story sacks come with props, books, CD’s and
DVD’s relating to a particular story and provide
children with visual aids to engage in reading and
listening skills. All families can join our scheme and
hire out the sacks on a weekly basis free of charge.
If you would like more information please speak to a
member of staff, a full catalogue of the stories can be
found on our notice board in the foyer.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Julie Walker will be coming into the group on Thursday 20th October. Julie has been our regular photographer for several years now. She always produces
lovely pictures and works really well with the children
totally putting them all at ease. All children attending
the Thursday session will have their photo taken, if
you are not in that day you will need to put your
name down for an allocated time.
It doesn’t seem possible but some children
that are due to start Primary School next year have
started to attend our regular sessions on a Tuesday
afternoon at Great Bentley Primary School. These
sessions have proved to be such a success and
thoroughly support your child with their transition
when the time arises to attend Primary School full
time.
Thank you once again to ‘Conkers Cutters’ for
coming round and kindly tidying our garden up again
in the summer break.
Our website is a good tool for communication
and correspondence. I update the information on a
regular basis and you will also find updated copies of
Newsletters each month (under the Forum section).
You can order new uniform, contact your Key person
and even have a chat with other Forum members.
Please
use
this
useful
tool,
www.greatbentleypreschool.co.uk.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Photographs – Thursday 20th October
Half Term – 24th – 28th October
Non Pupil Day at Great Bentley Primary School –
Friday 21st October – We are still open
Halloween Fancy Dress – Monday 31st October
GREAT BENTLEY CALENDAR 2012
BARNARDO’S WALK
Thank you to all the parents and children that
supported this event. It is such a worthwhile cause
and I am proud to inform that so far we have raised a
brilliant total of £226.50. A big thank you to everyone
who took part and to those who donated.
If you have still got any sponsor forms to hand in,
could you please do so as we need to send the
money off.
PROCEEDS TO
THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND
JUBILEE CELEBRATION
and
ST MARY’S CHURCH
If you would like to sponsor the
calendar please contact
HALL CLOSURE
On Wednesday 28th September is will be necessary
to close the Pre-school at 12.45pm due to the hall
being used by another user group. This is something
that we had to bear in mind when we started our
Wednesday afternoon sessions and I hope this will
not inconvenience you too much. All children will
need to be collected by 12.45pm. Thank you.
Tim Carney by the 1st October
Tudor House, The Green 251006/250194
Cost per sponsor will be £25
31
HISTORY SOCIETY
Coggeshall during Elizabethan Times
Behind the very plain title shown above lay a most
astonishingly entertaining evening for which “Carry on
Coggeshall” might have been a more appropriate name.
Michael Horne, a historian attached to the Coggeshall
Museum, was our speaker at the Society’s September
presentation, and from the outset plied us with details that
showed this nearby town to be a most unusual place with
a very strange history.
If most of us were asked about Coggeshall, we’d
probably say just that it is that little town somewhere off
the A120 that has a well-known restaurant. And so it may
now be. What we learnt from Michael, however, was that
in the past it was once, after Colchester, the second
largest town in Essex – bigger than Romford, Chelmsford
et al, with a thriving industry based on woollen goods like
so many East Anglian towns of the late Middle Ages. But it
was from the oddities of behaviour in times past that the
term “Coggeshall jobs” arose, referring to comical
anecdotes of absurd actions.
An example was of the large group of inhabitants
who, it is reported, gathered to try to push the church a
few yards along as it was in the wrong place; and they
believed they had succeeded when their coats that they
had left on the other side of the building were later not to
be found. If this all sounds like a bad Irish joke, no doubt
this is the effect of time adding bits to the original. The
town, being situated on so-called lay-lines, has also
encouraged the strong belief in local ghosts (of which
large numbers are claimed) and witches.
Concentrating initially on the serious side, Michael
explained how so much comes to be known of the
Elizabethan town. Such is the vast amount of local
documentation that exists from the 16th century that an
accurate picture can be seen, right down to exact sizes of
houses and plots, the names of those who lived there and
the whole minutiae of their lives. Public records of the
courts, state and church papers, and ecclesiastical
documents add vividly to this picture
Elizabeth’s accession in 1558 followed the religious
tumult of Mary’s reign and, like Great Bentley, the town
has its list of martyrs executed for their Protestant beliefs
and worship. A great source of information about this
period comes in the detailed wills left by some of the
wealthy clothiers of the town and a strong degree of
independence emerges; a major incident arose in the form
of a revolt by locals of all classes when they were
expected to pay for repairs to the highway to Colchester.
Earlier prosperity had been followed by great local poverty
brought about by outside monopolies in the clothing trade.
A reputation for dissolute behaviour grew alongside
the very puritanical observation by others of their
neighbours’ private goings on. Scandals abounded. Three
murders between 1584 and 1595 were, oddly enough,
somewhat mirrored in later years when three murders
were committed in the 1980s. The murder committed in
1592 by one George Haven was particularly gruesome
and the details of the trial describe in detail first one knife
plunging deep into the victim, Thomas Warner, and then
another (the strange additional information that each of the
knives was worth a penny lends it an odd reality). He was
executed at the Windmill Fields in the kind of carnival
atmosphere that would accompany such events in those
days
The further pictures he drew of the wild goings on of some
of the local characters are too many for this article but
infamous games of “camping”, a predecessor of football, at
Bradwell and Great Tey, and local constables neglecting
their duties to go fishing at the Abbey were just a few.
Poverty and crime continued. An Elizabeth Warner was
had up for “receiving and entertaining in her house divers
persons to drink”. Local conditions like the roads and
bridges, meanwhile, continued to deteriorate.
Michael has himself written a play about the antics
of the inhabitants of Church Street which is performed at
the National Trust’s Grange Barn and features several well
known Coggeshallites, and he is preparing a book on the
town’s history.
He ended with the stories of two major eccentrics of
the period, the first almost causing a revolution. This
involved a Sir John Smythe, a soldier, who in 1596/7 went
to Colchester where he gathered together a body of
troops. He then set about denouncing William Cecil, the
Lord Treasurer to the Queen (even though the two men
were old acquaintances). When called to account, all he
could say was that he must have been drunk. Later found
also to have amassed weapons and quantities of bullets,
he was incarcerated in the Tower where he was kept for
some years. Released when quite old, he died in Little
Baddow.
Lastly we heard of the renowned “Mad Vicar” who,
on the death of the much respected Rev. Newman,
replaced him with a form of rabid Puritanism that involved
three hour sermons denouncing Catholicism in the most
violent terms. A sign of his unbalanced mentality was his
writing of 300 pages about each of two verses of St Paul’s
Epistle to the Romans. Finally forced to leave, he returned
to Sandwich but came back to further declare his beliefs.
Dying he announced to his four children, “If you wish to be
saved, read my books” (the Bible seems to have been
ignored). Further to his madness - he appointed Jesus
Christ as executor of his will (quite how this would have
worked only he knew).
The speaker had held the audience almost
spellbound with his entertaining re-creation of the period
and the eccentric nature of the town in those years. But he
had shown us that, alongside the serious and important
matters of history, life goes on at times in its hilarious and
sometimes nonsensical way. The audience thanked him
appropriately for a really original evening’s entertainment.
**************************
Next month’s lecture will be on Thursday 20th
October at 8 p.m. when our speaker is David
Whittle of the Harwich Society. His subject is
“How the Victorians Developed Dovercourt”. As
always guests and visitors are most welcome.
32
YOUTH FOOTBALL
Well our first week of fixtures are out of the
way and on the whole a pretty good weekend
for the club! It seems that my Under 12 Reds
were the only team to be defeated this weekend coming
away from a long trip to Cressing empty handed. The only
mini soccer game saw Matt’s Under 10’s win 2-1 against
Rowhedge in a game in which they could have had 5 or 6
but had little luck in front of goal. Cliff’s boys in the A
league got off to a good start with a draw against
Wivenhoe Blues, whilst Al’s Under 14’s got a good win
away to Great Bradfords, Neil’s Under 12 Blues got the
three points from Boxford. Dave’s Under 11’s came away
with a 2-0 win in their first game at 11 a side so not bad all
round.
The leagues are looking pretty competitive again so
it’ll be a tough season all round for the kids. It’s great to
see so many young kids getting involved with both Rob
and Richie which is really positive for the future of the club.
We had our AGM recently and is it clear that all our
costs are rising so we have had to raise match subs and
annual subs for next year but we still compare very well
with other clubs in the area some of whom charge up to
£75 just to sign on. Anyway, here’s looking forward to
another good season with the kids .
Thanks for reading,
Scott
GT BENTLEY FOOTBALL CLUB
Results & Fixtures:
(All league, Saturday, 3 p.m. unless otherwise stated)
First Team: 3 Sept, away, Earls Colne, K.O. Cup, 2-3 a.e.t.;
10 Sept, home Sudbury Athletic 1-0;
17 Sept, away, Hatfield Peverel; 3-2;
24 Sept, home Harwich & Parkeston;
1 Oct, away Leytonstone United, Essex Premier Cup 2 p.m.;
8 Oct, away West Bergholt;
15 Oct, home Hedinghams United;
22 Oct, home University of Essex;
29 Oct, home Alresford Colne Rangers.
Reserves:
27 Aug, home Sudbury Athletic Res 0-3;
3 Sept, home Rowhedge Res. 1-4;
24 Sept, away, Earls Colne Res;
1 Oct, away Gas Recreation Res;
8 Oct, home Forest Glade Res, Essex Junior Cup 2 p.m.;
15 Oct, away University of Essex Res;
22 Oct, away Rowhedge Res;
29 Oct, away Coggeshall Town Res.
A Team:
3 Sept, away Sporting Rebels 0-1;
10 Sept, away, Witchfinders 0-7;
17 Sept, away, New Field 3-0;
24 Sept, away Brightlingsea Regent A;
1 Oct, home Harwich Rangers, Amos Cup 2-15 p.m.;
8 Oct, away Beacon Hill Rovers Res. Essex Junior Trophy 2 p.m.;
15 Oct, home Dellows; 22 Oct and
29 Oct, fixtures not to hand.
33
Despite starting training and playing friendlies
in July, Bentley always seem to be taken
unawares by the start of the season. Newbury
Forest beat us 7-3 in a very entertaining game,
and then hung around for an hour waiting for
the promised food from the BBQ. Apparently
the first cinder-encrusted sausage rolled off the
production line at about 8-45 p.m., some four
hours after the game. I still maintain that we
can organise a good drink in a brewery, but
very little else! The next week was a cup game
– we don’t do cup games - and lost to a goal
three minutes from the end of extra-time in
another good game.
What Bentley have done consistently, during
their seasons in the Premier Division so far, is
win enough points from target games, plus the
occasional surprise, to keep in the division.
Newbury, from what we’d seen and heard,
were always going to be a handful. Sudbury
and Hatfield, on the other hand, are teams of
similar ability to ourselves, and the six points,
taken from these games, are absolute golddust. To say that we flagged in the latter stages
of all the games would be something of an
understatement, but we have got a rather good
last line of defence in Ethi.
My favourite moment from the opening games,
was when stand-in manager, Herbie became
so traumatised by the desperation of our play,
in the latter stages at Hatfield, that he retired to
the dug-out and stared at the back of it, unable
to watch! Chairman, Rig pronounced himself a
nervous wreck, while everybody else had
chewed their fingernails to their elbows. It’s a
bit like watching a horror film from behind the
sofa. You’re too frightened to watch, but still
risk a peek now and then. I’ve rarely seen a
team as distraught as Hatfield after that game.
At least eight of their players just sat in silence
near our goal, looking for the invisible shield.
Speaking of horror films, a quick word about A
team player/manager, Colesy, who broke his
nose, both cheekbones and an eye socket after
a clash of heads during the game against
Witchfinders. Jules, who, on the day, said he’d
be ok to finish the game, is awaiting surgery,
and we all wish him the very best for a speedy
recovery.
Stoner
August Draw Winners:
M. Gourley £50,
B. Oram £20
and M. Page £10.
JOTTINGS FROM THE ALLOTMENTS
I think all allotmenteers would agree it has been an amazing year with bumper crops. We always face the
usual challenges thrown at us by the weather (how do farmers manage?). With every annual resumé the old
adage “You win some, you lose some” springs to mind. It applies to us all and even from plot to plot the same
crop can vary immensely.
The great thing about the allotments is the camaraderie between the individuals who work there. This
year has seen a definite comparison with the “Hampton Court Flower Show” ie the wild and avant garde look
as illustrated on the front cover of our July Magazine. Swathes of colour created by garden flowers
complimented by some wonderful wildflower beds have attracted the very important bees and butterflies which
form an integral part of all complimentary gardening. We all seek varying results from our labours; veg to
cook, flowers to fill our vases, fresh air, fun, friendship, pyromaniac tendencies fulfilled, aching muscles, the list
is endless.
By the time you read this most of us will have paid our annual rents and in all
probability there may be a few plots to spare. Make no bones about it, it is hard work.
Please don’t think that you rake a piece of soil, throw a few seeds in and relax until
harvest time arrives. Be prepared for the work but also to reap the rewards of your
labours. Nothing surpasses the flavour of home grown crops.
For many the wildlife is important too and is so varied. From a distance we
have seen marsh harriers, buzzards, kestrels and sparrowhawk and are complimented
by lizards, stoats, mice and rats. The local cats help to control the latter and one
moggie startled me recently when I had left the shed door open in the morning
sunshine, returned to gather tools half an hour later and was confronted by a fleeing furry form.
Why not join us? You won’t regret it I’m sure
APPLE WEEKEND
A recent free publication entitled ‘Coastal Life Essex’, an East Anglian Daily Times
publication caught my eye the other day at a local supermarket. Sponsored by Visit
Essex I found an article on Park Fruit Farm who advertise in our magazine.
Stephen Elsworth and his wife Rosemary (nee Buckle) run the orchard and tea
room, the latter was opened 3 years ago. There are 15 acres of planted orchards
and 39 different varieties of apples growing there. October 22nd and 23rd is Park
Fruit Farm’s Apple Weekend. This event has been run for 10 or more years and is
part of the National Apple Day initiative. Obviously the apples will be on display
and tasting will be possible with escorted tours around the orchard plus a mini farmer’s market which will
feature the farm shop suppliers. There will also be demonstrations on how they press the apples. This is a
free event and the farm will be open from 10am until 5pm on both days.
ADVERTISEMENTS
We now have a waiting list for advertisers who comprise of the following:
Love to Eat - a deli in Thorpe which sells home made food, artisan breads and offers catering for all sorts of
functions. 01255 860707.
Prettys Solicitors - 25 Elm Street, Ipswich, 01473 232121
Friendly Finishing Solutions - Plastering, Rendering, Dry Lining, Screeding, phone 01206 251979
Samantha offers bookkeeping facilities. Sage & Sage Payroll expertise, experience with manual cashbooks,
AAT Qualified. £20 per hour. 07790 040 520
Worried about your weight - why not try the Cambridge Weight Plan contact Gilly Sandford 07717 662102.
Strangers Home Caravan and Camping Site in Bradfield – please note we have restaurant facilities which are
open to the public. You will be very welcome. For details phone 01255 870 304.
I will be writing to all present and prospective advertisers for 2012 during the month of November. If you wish to
add your name to the waiting list please ring me - Mary Maskell 250524 or email [email protected].
34
NATURE NOTES
MARSH HARRIERS
Thank you to David Gollifer who kindly posted through the letterbox the Country Diary published in the Guardian
on 16th September. Written by a man who is walking in the Arun valley, beside the South Downs he records “A
large dark-brown shape moves low over the long grass, suspended in the air from it’s broad, sail-like wings. It
looks down as it gently strokes the air with its wing tips, before flapping and floating on across the field. It’s a
“cream crown” - a young or female marsh harrier with splashes of creamy white on its head and throat. This bird is
an adult female, with pale leading edges on her wings. Extinct in Britain by 1900 as a result of habitat loss and
hunting, the marsh harrier recovered, only to be reduced to one breeding pair in the 1970’s. But the ban on
organochlorine pesticides and habitat restoration have seen the birds return in their breeding strongholds in the
Eastern Counties. It is most likely a bird that has come from East Anglia or northern Europe.”
I had not realised that these wonderful birds, with a spectacular wing span of 115-140 centimetres (nearly 5
foot in old money) had suffered so badly. Easily seen nowadays at the RSPB reserve at Minsmere I have come to
take for granted their presence on my regular dog walk over the past few years. Just this week I have seen the
adult female I call “Gold Shoulder” and two of this years offspring, the latter with dark brown plumage and a
stunning golden head, soaring over the marsh and nearby farmland. In recent weeks the two males “Very White”
and “Not very White” have been noticeably absent. I have named them as the white plumage on their outstretched
wings is markedly different and would make good advertising publicity for washing powders you should/not select!
In Spring in particular, it is possible to see several of these birds at any one time. It is always hard to know
where they are nesting as they tease you by dipping below the sea wall with vegetation in their talons with which to
construct their nest. In the past two years near “My Patch” there have been two nests recorded in 2010 one had
four chicks ringed the other three. In 2011 the tally was two chicks ringed and we suspect just one bird fledged
from a second nest. Three cheers for privately owned land secreted away from footpaths.
They have been seen from the Green and from the allotments and over village farmland as
they have an extensive territory. Here is one of this years babies that I was privileged to
see ringed. This is of course undertaken by a qualified person with a special, legal permit.
AN UNEXPECTED SIGHTING OR TWO!
A couple of weeks back I was contacted to see if I would like to see a hoopoe. These are
birds normally associated with Mediterranean countries but occasionally they arrive here for
a short while. The person in question made me promise not to divulge the secret location
as he did not wish to have his property inundated with birders. It was a real privilege and in the morning sunlight
its plumage was resplendent and its crest, which has been likened to a Red Indian’s head-dress, a real giveaway.
And so it was that on the evening of Saturday 17th September someone phoned to say that a Palid Harrier
had been seen at Leewick. On a beautifully clear Sunday morning after checking my bird book, I decided to drive
to St. Osyth to take a look. On this private, single track which leads to the EWT reserve of Colne Point, a normally
deserted road, vehicles were parked in every field entrance and gateway. People well wrapped up against the
chill autumn weather were grouped with telescopes, binoculars and cameras with lenses the size of which BBC
cameramen would be pleased to be using. I walked away from all the activity with the dog eagerly racing along
the sea wall. It was so beautifully clear and the view was stunning. Although I have walked here in the winter in
search of barn owls (before I found some on my walk closer to home), I had forgotten just how beautiful it was. In
one direction it was possible to see Jumbo and the top of the Town Hall building in Colchester with the towers of
the University to the right. Brightlingsea, Bradwell, and so much more with a Thames sailing barge and other
yachts enjoying the breeze out to sea. Swallows swooped by and I savoured these glimpses as I know before
long they will all have left our shores for sunny winter habitats. A little egret paddled around in one of the inlets.
How do they keep such brilliant white plumage in these muddy conditions? Walking back to the huddled twitchers
I heard the shout “It’s up and going left” and there it was. My first palid harrier. If I am honest, if I had been there
on my own I would have just thought that in the distance was a marsh harrier. The dog was happy with his lovely
walk and I popped him in the car and joined Fred who was the only local person I recognised. We were all eagerly
looking at a ploughed field where our bird had landed behind a bush. Three men turned up to join us. They had
arrived from Epsom in Surrey. It’s up again and from the most enormous cameras came deafening clicks as they
all tried for that perfect shot. The guy next to me did a nifty leap to the right for a better view and there was a loud
pop which was the explosion of the food container in our Surrey visitor’s carrier bag as his lunch box was crushed.
The bird flew on towards the seawall and I had a job to stifle my giggles. More and more cars were arriving and I
decided that at 10 o’clock it was time for my Sunday morning tea and toast. The squashed lunchbox was last
seen being tossed into the car boot. The bird and twitchers, I am told soon disappeared and as Fred left a car
stopped and asked if this was the right place for “The harrier” “Sorry, it’s gone”. Can’t print what followed as the
man had just driven from Doncaster for a glimpse. A memorable experience! If I’m honest I love best of all my
garden and normal dogwalking feathered friends. M.M.
To view WONDERFUL photos of all these birds check out a local professional photographers website
www.markcoventryphotography.co.uk
35
DIARY FOR OCTOBER
Sat
1st
CONCERT BY THE CAVENDER SINGERS, Methodist Hall, p. 3
Sun
2nd
HARVEST CONCERT, St Osyth, p. 16
Tues
4th
W.I. Village Hall, 7.30pm, p. 23
Wed
5th
RESOURCE CENTRE OPEN, 9.30-11.30am
Wed
5th
BENTLEY BEARS, 2.15pm, St Mary’s Church
Thurs
6th
MOTHERS’ UNION, Vestry Room, 2pm, p. 2
Thurs
6th
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING, Village hall, 7.30pm
Thurs
6th
YOUTH CLUB, Methodist Hall
Fri
7th
ST HELENA HOSPICE AWARENESS DAY, See p. 16 for details
Fri
7th
COFFEE MORNING, Methodist Church, 10-12 noon
Sat
8th
OPEN MORNING AT HEATHER PATCH, 10 am - 12 noon, p. 27
Sat
8th
HARRY’S DAY, 2pm, Village Hall, see p. 18 for details
Sun
9th
HARVEST FESTIVAL, St Mary’s Church, 9.30am, p. 3
Mon
10th
ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST, 7.30pm, Village Hall, p. 23
Tues
11th
ART CLUB, Appraisal for Exhibition
Tues
11th
CARNIVAL AGM, 8pm, Village Hall
Wed
12th
RESOURCE CENTRE OPEN, 9.30-11.30am
Fri
14th MAGAZINE DEADLINE
Sat
15th
RBL Annual General Meeting, p. 7
Sun
16th
WITCH AND GOUL HUNT TOUR, Colchester, see p. 17 for details
Mon
17th
HOSPICE CAKES to Newmay House, The Green, 12 noon, p. 30
Tues
18th
GARDENING CLUB, 8pm , Village Hall, p. 23
Wed
19th
RESOURCE CENTRE OPEN, 9.30-11.30am
Thurs
20th
PRE-SCHOOL Photographs. p. 31
Thurs
20th
HISTORY SOCIETY, 8pm Village Hall
Thurs
20th
YOUTH CLUB, Methodist Hall
Thurs
20th
HOSPICE CAKES to Sylvia Adams, 68 Birch Avenue, 12 noon.
Fri
21st
ART CLUB, Set up for Exhibition
Fri
21st
POLICE SURGERY, Village Hall, 7.30-8.30pm
Fri
21st
NON PUPIL DAY AT GT BENTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL, p. 31
Sat 22nd/Sun 23rd
ART CLUB ANNUAL EXHIBITION
Sat 22nd/Sun 23rd
APPLE WEEKEND, p. 34
Wed
24th
RESOURCE CENTRE OPEN, 10-12 noon
Tues
25th
ART CLUB, Autumn Tints
Wed
26th
EVERGREEN FRIENDSHIP CLUB, 2pm, Village Hall, p. 23
Thurs
27th
BRIGHTLINGSEA FARMERS’ MARKET, p. 4
Fri
28th
MAGAZINE COLLATING, Vestry Room, 9am
Sat
29th
BENTLEY IN BLOOM PLANT SALE, Old Village Hall, p. 18
Sat
29th
POPPY APPEAL TABLE TOP SALE, Village Hall, p. 10
Sun
30th
CLOCKS GO BACK ONE HOUR
Sun
30th
SERVICE OF REMEMBERING, St Mary’s Church, 3pm, p. 2
Mon
31st
PRE-SCHOOL Halloween Fancy Dress, p. 31