October - Great Bentley

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Village Information
METHODIST MINISTER
Rev Crawford Logan 37 Southcliff Park, Clacton on Sea,
CO15 6HH - 01255 423640
St Mary’s Church
VICAR:
Rev Sharon Miles
The Vicarage, The Bury, St Osyth,
CO16 8NY
01255 822055
DOCTOR’S SURGERY:
Drs F. Bhatti, R.S. O’Reilly, A. Nambi, K. Chumbley,
S. Rokkam, B. Muir and G. Pontikis.
The Hollies, The Green - 01206 250691
CHIROPODIST:
Terry St George - 01255 861387: Mobile: 07775 833200
CHURCHWARDEN
Wendy King
17 Larkfield Road - 01206 250852
POLICE:
Clacton 0300 333 4444
24 hour Non emergency number 101
In an emergency ring 999
CHURCHWARDEN:
Wendy Smith
Burnside, The Green - 01206 250098
PCSO Louise Cox, Community mobile 07801 316876
or 101 ext. 487703. email: [email protected]
PARISH COUNCIL:
Chairman - Jonathan Hills,Grange Farm, Heckfords Rd,
CO78RR - 01206 798666
TREASURER:
Penny Evans Jones
The Old Rectory, The Green - 01206 250541
[email protected]
Clerk to the Council - Kevin Harkin
Correspondence to: The Clerk, Community Resource Centre,
Village Hall, Plough Road, Great Bentley, CO7 8LD
Telephone - 01206 256410
CHURCH VERGER:
Rita Baverstock
Stonybroke, Station Road - 01206 251271
TENDRING DISTRICT COUNCILLOR:
Lynda McWilliams, Boblyn, St Mary’s Road, Aingers Green 01206 250732
LAY READER:
Wendy King
17 Larkfield Road - 01206 250852
COUNTY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE:
Alan Goggin, Freshfields, Church Road,
Brightlingsea, CO7 OQT 01206 308023 Mobile: 07860 519117
email: [email protected]
PCC SECRETARY:
Chris Aplin
Newmay House, The Green - 01206 250385
GOOD NEIGHBOURS TRANSPORT:
Barbara Fookes - 01206 250431
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:
Richard Nowak - 01206 250204
STEWARDSHIP SECRETARY:
Rosemary Branch
4 Wents Close - 01206 250137
MEDICAL AIDS:
Contact Good Neighbours - 01206 25087
TENDRING FURNITURE SCHEME:
Rocket House, Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, Clacton:
01255 476068
TOWER CAPTAIN:
Roger Carey-Smith - 01206 250521
VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS:
Shelley Pizzey, 5 Keeble Court – 01206 252385
SUNDAY SCHOOL:
Linda Hayes
Ivy Lodge, Frating - 01206 250207
Maria Pagram
The Burrow, Plough Road - 01206 250280
METHODIST HALL BOOKINGS:
Robert & Janet Taylor, Dominica, Moors Close - 01206 250087
GT BENTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL: - 01206 250331
COLNE COMMUNITY SCHOOL: - 01206 303511
VILLAGE HISTORY RECORDER:
Heather Taylor, Granville, Plough Road - 01206 251004
VESTRY ROOM BOOKING SECRETARY:
Carole Allington
Poplar House, Station Road - 01206 251086
or ring Church Verger
COLCHESTER HOSPITALS: 01206 747474
CLACTON & DISTRICT HOSPITAL: 01255 201717
FOOTPATH REP: David Gollifer 01206 250309
PARISH MAGAZINE EDITOR/ADVERTISING/
DISTRIBUTOR:
Mary Maskell
Caldew Cottage, The Green
01206 250524
[email protected]
DONATIONS FOR ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE:
Judy & Alan Bishop - 5 Morella Close, 01206 251702
VILLAGE TRANSPORT REP: Peter Harry - 01206 250511
VILLAGE CORRESPONDENT:
Sue Gibson, 1 Cedar Way, e-mail: [email protected]
VILLAGE CARETAKER:
Bobby McWilliams, Boblyn, St Mary’s Rd, Aingers Green
01206 250732
Carole Allington
[email protected]
2
EDITORIAL
Thanks to everyone involved with the Village Show it was such a lovely
day, enjoyed by all. Adult entries were down, 2015 had been a bad
growing year but as ever the children set a brilliant standard to inspire us.
The outside entertainment and stalls had a more villagey feel and
appeared to be really successful with a wonderful display of vintage
tractors. We have lots of information in this edition; results, colour
supplement and even helpful hints on how to improve your photographic
entries, plus categories for 2016.
2015
CONTENTS
The weather behaved beautifully for the weekend of St Mary’s Flower and
Art Festival. The church was resplendent with some amazing floral
displays and a good selection of art work. Thanks to all concerned with
this annual event which was highly successful.
Editorial
However, all is not well. Several worried readers have contacted me to
ask how they can try to save the bus service which has become so
popular. I did not wish to just publish the gloomy news that January 2016
would see the cessation of what for many, has become a lifeline. Peter
Harry our Transport Rep has responded with a factual report which I hope
will quell some of the rumours circulating at present. The Disability
Discrimination Act is apparently the culprit but Peter Harry is on the case
and liaising with Essex County Council. Many who use this service have
bus passes and I would imagine that this has a detrimental effect on the
profitability for Horizon. Many passengers are I believe willing to pay
extra to keep the service going. It really would be a catastrophe for
villagers along the route to lose this service. A petition to sign has been
placed in Deli Licious. On a positive note the Railway Station is being
upgraded and hopefully in the next few weeks will become more easily
accessible for all.
Thank You.. ..
It is a shame that another of our well respected parish councillors has
decided to resign. Thank you to Cliff Warder for all your hard work on the
council. Cliff is also a stalwart with the Great Bentley youth football club
and a true member of the village community.
Whilst happy to print your views on most subjects can I please ask that
you respect the ruling that we are not willing to publish personal attacks
on individuals. Much as the notion of a short holiday appeals, detention
at Her Majesty's Pleasure is not appealing. We see it as our role to air
concerns regarding village issues and welcome these especially if they
contain positive elements on how to solve perceived problems.
Carole and I have been partners in crime on the magazine for over thirty
years not out!!! Holidays have even been booked to avoid production
deadlines. We have no intention of retiring but feel for the long term future
of this publication we need to train someone to help us out with
typesetting occasionally and bring fresh thinking. See page 34 if you
think you can help us. As I mentioned in a previous editorial, I was
recently asked rather accusingly if I was STILL editing the magazineJ.
My response, “I’ve only been doing it for thirty years now and feel I am
just getting the hang of it!!”
We have lots of interesting articles again this month, thank you for that
and please keep them coming in. Variety is the spice of life.
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1
Monthly Letter..
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2
Church Services
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3
Church Rotas
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5
5
Congratulations
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Deadline
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7
Police News ..
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10
Gt Bentley Dog Show results
11
Letters ..
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12
Peter’s Potterings
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14
Surgery News..
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15
Pet’s Corner ..
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16
Wildlives
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17
Running Club ..
Quiz
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18
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School ..
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21
Clubs & Organisations
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Children’s Page
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23
Gt Bentley Carnival ..
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24
Pre-School
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25
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26/27
District Councillor Notes
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28
Gt Bentley Show results
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29
Bentley Players
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32
Parish Council
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33
Farming News
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34
History Society
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35
Football Notes
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38
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Protect Gt Bentley
FRONT COVER
Village
Show Day
Mary Maskell
DISCLAIMER
Neither the Church Wardens, Parochial Church Council, nor the Editor take responsibility for the information given or
views expressed in the Great Bentley Parish News. Nor is any culpability accepted in work undertaken by advertisers.
3
The Monthly Letters October 2015
Having just had our Harvest Festival it has made me think about our everyday thanksgivings and
making sure that I am thankful. I am taking stock and reassessing things so that family, friends,
colleagues, events and all the special things don’t just get taken for granted.
We in our everyday lives have so much to be thankful for – our homes, jobs, hobbies, pets, village
and all the important people in our lives. I wonder if you have been watching the news, seeing so
many people fleeing their home lands because of violence and conflict to try and make a better,
safer life for themselves and their families all the while knowing that they may not make it to their
destination. It has made me realise just how fortunate I am to live in a place where I don’t fear for my
life, where there is food, shelter and medical care and many supportive people sharing the journey.
Being thankful is such an easy thing to do, just tell God how much you appreciate the good people
and things in your life, making sure that you try to share what you can and also let those key people
know that you appreciate their support and love or friendship.
So let me practice what I preach – Thank you to all those who support me and share laughter and
tears with me and for all we do together here in this place. Please continue with it and know that love
and kindness does not go unnoticed.
Every Blessing
Revd Sharon
ST MARY’S CHURCH FLOWER FESTIVAL
& ART EXHIBITION
OCTOBER PRAYER LIST
ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ
2
Gt Bentley Rainbows
St Osyth
3
Gt Bentley Brownies
St Mary
4
St Mary’s Bellringers
St Dunstan
5
Gt Bentley Parish Magazine
St Peter
6
Bentley Ladies Club
St Luke
7
St Mary’s Sunday School
St Catherine
8
Football Club
St Elizabeth of
Hungary
9
Conservation Group
St Francis
11
Bentley in Bloom
St George
12
Methodist Church
St Dorothy
13
Evergreen Friendship Club
St Cecilia
14
Carnival Association
St Sebastian
15
Friends of the Green
St Joan of Arc
17
St Mary’s Church
St Nicholas
18
Hilary Harris
St Anthony of
Paduar
19
Gardening Club
St Dunstan
Each day we will be praying for those that need help,
those who give help and all the people who live in each
road. That’s a lot of praying to be done.
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11
12
13
14
15
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18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
The winner with the most correct answers
was Nick Hayes
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Doctors
Hill Cottages
Family church
South Heath Road
The lonely
Chapel Terrace
Messy Church
Cedar Way
Housebound
Birch Avenue
St Helena’s Hospice
Cherrywoods
The Vicar
Finch Drive
The grieving
De Vere Estate
Churchwardens
Goodwyn’s Mews
Methodist Minister
Plough Road
The sick
Sycamore Close
Church Sunday School
The Path
The homeless
Pine Close
Church Stewards
New Cut
Adventurer’s Club
Rowan Close
The abused
Air Ambulance
Hamilton Lodge
District nurses
Beaver Scouts
Salvation Army
Primary School
Alzheimer Society
EMMAUS
Macmillan nurses
Cub Scouts
Teen Talk
Joseph Court
Samaritans
Alcoholics Anonymous
Brownies
Childline
Children’s Hospice
Headstart
Blood Donors
Rainbow Guides
Premature babies
Women’s Refuge
Epilepsy Support Group
Relate
First Responders
GB Youth Club
Essex Carers
R.A.D. for the deaf
Local food bank
Farmers
Explorer Scouts
CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS IN
GREAT BENTLEY DURING OCTOBER
ST MARY’S CHURCH
METHODIST
SUNDAY 4th OCTOBER - Trinity 18
9.30am
Sung Eucharist
Mon 5th
10.00am Support in Loss
Vestry Room
Tues 6th
2.00pm Bible Study
SUNDAY 11th OCTOBER - Trinity 19
9.30am
All Age Worship with Communion
CHURCH NEWS
See more detail on “www.facebook.com/pages/GreatBentley-Methodist-Church/776699562367528”
We welcome you to worship with us during October.
Morning worship will be held at 10.00am unless otherwise
stated.
The leaders of worship are set out below:October 4th
Rev John Allison
Church Anniversary
October 11th
Baptism
Barbara Fookes
th
Rev Andrew Bell Sacrament
October 18
SUNDAY 18th OCTOBER - St Luke
9.30am
Sung Eucharist
Tues 20th 2pm Bible Study
SUNDAY 25th OCTOBER - Trinity 21
8.00am
Holy Communion
9.30am
All Age Worship
Fri
30th 9am Magazine Collating
Gill Bavister
th
October 25
Many congratulations to Joyce and Ralph Butler who
celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary in
September.
Events in October
Coffee Morning 2nd October (10am-12noon) for the
Boys Brigade group started by Norman Coltham when he
first moved to Zimbabwe (then called Southern Rhodesia)
almost 60 years ago. Norman will be at the Coffee
morning to talk about the group. September’s Coffee
morning raised £183 for Church funds. Many thanks to all
who helped in any way to raise this amount.
Cameo 5th October 6.30pm - led by Norman Coltham
who will talk about Boys Brigade in Zimbabwe.
.
FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS
BAPTISM
6th September
Nethanyel Smith
Church Anniversary
The present church building
(which replaced a smaller one) was opened on 5th
October 1843. We are 172 years old! Rev John Allison
will lead the service and we shall share lunch together
after the service. The lunch will cost £6. Please ring
250087 if you would like to come to the service and meal.
Messy Church
20th October after school for parents,
carers and their children.
Old primary school type tables to give to a good home. If
you are interested please ring 250087.
FUNERAL
1st September
Iris Simmons
Each week the following events are held at our
Church. Ring these numbers for more information
Luncheon Club Alternate Tuesdays 12 Noon 251330
Parent & Toddlers Group Thursdays 9-15 a.m. 250431
Closed in school holidays
Adventurers
Fridays 7 p.m. 250087. For children in
school year 3 and older. Closed in school holidays
Village Teen Youth Club alternate Thursdays at 7pm
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ST MARY’S CHURCH
SIDESPERSONS ROTA
A TOUCH OF
SPARKLE
Sunday 4th October - Trinity 18
Job 1.1,2.1-10: Hebrews 1.1-4,2.5-12: Mark 10.2-16:
Sidespersons & Readers - Zonia Wood & Hilary Harris
Intercessions
- Carol Kerridge
Sunday 11th October - Trinity 19
IJob 23.1-9, 16-end: Hebrews 4.12-end: Mark 10.17-31
Sidespersons
-
Intercessions
-
Pat Nunn & Eve Hickley
(Zonia Wood to read)
Yvonne Gibson
Sunday 18th October - St Luke
A demonstration by Brenda Eyers
NAFAS East of England Demonstrator
Isaiah 35.3-6: 2 Timothy 4.5-17: Luke 10.1-9:
Sidesperson s & Readers - Chris Aplin
& Carol Kerridge
Intercessions
Myrtle Clayton
St Mary’s Church, Great Bentley
Friday 27th November
7.30pm
Sunday 25th October - Trinity 21
Job 42.1-6,10-17: Hebrews 7.23-end: Mark 10.46-end:
Tickets £6.00
includes mulled wine & mince pies
Sidespersons & Readers - Ben & Angela Wright
Intercessions
- Vicar
The arrangements will be raffled at the
end of the evening
Tickets available from:
Brenda Eyers
01206 250594
Carole Allington 01206 251086
Mary Maskell
01206 250524
COFFEE ROTA
4th
Stephanie Sadler & Maria Pagram
11th Jackie & David Thimbleby
18th Hilary Harris & Wendy Smith
FLOWER FESTIVAL
AND ART EXHIBITION
ST MARY’S CHURCH
25th Bev Adams
A big thank you to everyone who contributed in
any way to making the Flower Festival and Art
Exhibition such a success, especially the flower
arrangers, the artists, the helpers on the stalls
and those who manned the kitchen, and of
course the people who came and supported us
CLEANING ROTA
3rd
Rosemary Newman
10th Wendy Smith & Bev Adams
17th Linda Hayes
The magnificent sum of £1,800 was raised for
church funds.
24th Chris Aplin & Carol Kerridge
31st Wendy King
A great effort by all involved.
Peter Allington
Hilary Harris
Organisers
6
MARTIN SOAR
19th JULY 1959 – 19th SEPTEMBER 2015
Martin lost his battle for life on Saturday 19th
September. He had bowel cancer and subsequently
the cancer spread all over his body. At last he is
free from pain and at rest.
Animal Bedding
As expected during the holiday season donations of
blankets, sheets, throws, towels and tea towels have
been few thereby curtailing any visits to the
rescues. However we have been involved in animal
welfare of a different kind which has taken up a lot of
our time. There is much cause for concern about
many aspects of treatment and abandonment of
animals and peoples responsibility towards them.
Horses despite their size and being clearly visible
still suffer wanton cruelty and neglect, sadly help and
intervention often comes too late.
All the animal charities are under immense
pressure and can barely cope with the overwhelming
demand on their expertise and services, in turn this
can bring about much criticism from the general
public. In some cases this may well be justified but
with our experience gained over the years we see it
through different eyes and have learnt not to pass
judgement without knowing the facts.
There are times when one wishes we didn’t
know as much as we do and pretend the problems
are not there but we cannot do that. Animals
contribute so much to us humans by way of
companionship, loyalty and unconditional love. We
chatted with a gentleman recently who having
suffered injuries during service for his country is now
confined to a wheelchair and has a canine partner,
Guy a beautiful retriever cross. He explained how
Guy had ‘given him his life back’ and to him most
importantly that of his wife as with Guys help it
allows them to have a better life as a couple
together. Autumn is on its way and with it will come
the need to replenish our stocks and deliver it to
where it is most needed. Our thanks for those
donations of food and bedding that we have received
and of course to our faithful ‘ladies who knit’. You
help us make a difference.
He was the best son a Mum could ever have and
was always thoughtful and helpful to me and to his
sister Jo and niece Rachel. I can’t thank enough
Yvonne, his wife, for all the care and comfort she has
given to Martin over the last five months, never
leaving his side and I would also like to thank her for
the support she has given to me over this difficult
time. Thanks to all of my friends and family in Great
Bentley for the cards, support and offers of lifts etc
Martin always loved to come back to Great Bentley
and to meet up with old friends who he used to meet
at the Football and Cricket Clubs.
Rest in peace Martin.
Billie Soar
CONGRATULATIONS
Amy White and Justin Greenfield
Many congratulations
on your engagement.
All our love
and best wishes
Mum, Dad, Andrew, Sam, Beth, Matt, Fay,
James, Aidan and Jack, and all your family
and friends.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Judy & Alan Bishop, 5 Morella Close. 251702
TONY WHITE
Happy 50th Birthday
on 12th October
***********************
All our love and best wishes.
Alan Coles & family would like to express their
thanks for the letters, cards and messages of
condolence they received following the sad loss of
Rita recently. They would also like to thank the
many friends who attended the memorial service and
who either generously provided food for the
refreshments or helped to organise the evening. The
kindness and compassion everyone has shown has
been a great support to the family during this sad
and difficult time.
Clare, Amy, Justin, Andrew, Sam, Beth, Matt
Fay, James, Aidan, Kane, Leon, Faith and Jack
and all your family and friends
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Bentley Green Ladies
A Recital of Classical Chamber Music for
Piano and Clarinets
Invite you to a
With Anthony Bailey, Felicity Vine
and Ian Ray
Sunday 11th October 6pm
QUIZ NIGHT
Saturday 10th October
at St Osyth Parish Church
Great Bentley Village Hall
Tickets £8 including Refreshments
7pm for 7.30pm start
£4 per person with teams of 6-8 people
Available from John Stiff Estate Agents
or book to collect on the door
with Allison Bond on 01255 820466
or email [email protected]
To book a table ring Billie on 01206 250438
or you can just turn up on the night - all welcome
Bring your own drinks and nibbles
Raffle
The Old Village Hall
is for Sale
GREAT BENTLEY SHOW
PHOTOGRAPHY SECTION
The Old Village Hall, which is
situated between Tesco and the
Railway Station, has for many of
the older village residents provided happy memories
of such things as dancing classes and WI meetings.
For the last 20 years it has been used as a
workroom for Textile Conservation, the cleaning and
repairing of historic textiles for museums and
institutions such as the National Trust. Many
interesting and unusual artifacts have passed
through the door, including the flag carried by
Shackleton on his unsuccessful expedition to the
South Pole, when his ship Endurance was crushed
by ice; and a Union Jack that was flown at the Battle
of Trafalgar, 1806.
The owner is retiring at the end of the year, so
the Hall is now for sale, and ready to enter a new
phase in its history.
The Hall is 1000 square feet inside, and 1000
square feet outside, and has B1 consent.
GET READY FOR 2016
Light & dark
Fun & frolics
Watch out!
Historical structures
Wedding bells
Warm & cuddly
Open (any subject)
Enquiries to: 01206 563222
Children’s section
Playtime
WELCOME
APOLOGIES FOR ERRORS
We welcome Steve, Kerry and Tabitha new
residents to Corner Cottage, Moors Close
and Kim and Becki to Primrose Cottage,
Moors Close
Bob Ward
An apology for an error which was made in the
September magazine. Bob Ward died on July
24rh and not June 24th.
FOUND
Ladybirds Pre-school
The email address should read
[email protected] and
shown in the September magazine.
A wedding ring was found at the
Great Bentley Show
Ring Show Treasurer on 01206 250204
8
not
as
Enter into the spirit of
Christmas and enjoy some
fresh air fun at the festive St
Helena Hospice Reindeer Dash
on Sunday 13th December.
AUTUMN SERENADE
A vocal concert starring J
Lawford Church Choir
Chorus Iceni and
Manningtree High School Choir
Invite your friends, family and
colleagues along to run or walk
the picturesque 3km route around Colchester Castle
Park. As part of your registration we’ll provide free
antlers and a flashing red nose to don, too!
Saturday 3rd October
Commencing at 7.00pm
St Mary’s Church, Lawford
By taking part you will be supporting our local patients
and their families and making an immediate difference
to their lives. Registration is just £7.50 per adult and £5
per child (ages 3 to 13). If you’re signing up a little one,
you can donate £2 and they will receive a letter from
Father Christmas thanking them for taking part.
Remember, Colchester’s first Winter Wonderland will
be at the park – after the dash you can meet Father
Christmas in his grotto and even take to the ice skating
rink. If you’re super speedy with your registration we
will reward you with free tickets to skate – The first 150
people to sign up will be eligible!
£5 per ticket (includes refreshments)
Please call:
07813 254724, 01206 396437 or
07779 259836
Also available after
some church services
and at the door.
Make a difference today and sign up at
sthelenahospice.org.uk/dash15, if you want to know
any more about Reindeer Dash please contact the
events team on 01206 931468 or email
[email protected]. Registration closes
on Friday 11th December at 12pm, Don’t miss out.
GREAT BENTLEY CARNIVAL COMMITTEE
I hereby give notice that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Great Bentley Carnival Committee will be
held on THURSDAY 15 OCTOBER at 8.00 p.m. in the Michael Wright Room, Great Bentley Village Hall,
Plough Road, Great Bentley.
Members of the public are warmly invited to attend.
At the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting the profits from our 2015 carnival will be distributed to the
beneficiaries, with each one receiving a cheque for £500.
Brenda Eyers
Carnival Chairman
01206 250594
DEADLINE FOR THE
NOVEMBER 2015 magazine
Thursday 15th October 2015
Material to Mary Maskell, Caldew Cottage, The Green, 250524
Please mark all material - “Parish Magazine”
email: [email protected]
AND
[email protected]
IMPORTANT - PLEASE SEND ALL INFORMATION TO BOTH OF US
Great Bentley Website: www.greatbentleyparishcouncil.co.uk
9
Primrose Farm News
Well we are already talking of the Great British sausage week in November which is themed ‘Celebrating our
love of the great British Banger’. This week is the 2nd - 8th November which coincides with Bonfire Night.
Since 1997 British Sausage Week has grown to become a multi-channel awareness campaign
encouraging participation from schools, pubs and restaurants, multiple retailers and independent butchers.
The highlight is to find the best British pork sausage from across the nation. This years categories are Best
Traditional Pork Sausage and Best Innovative Pork Sausage.
Primrose Pork won with their Best Traditional sausage a few years ago. Along with the title of Best
Landmark sausage for the Eastern region came Dickie Bird the Cricket Legend to present us with an award.
He was such a lovely character and very complimentary of our sausages. Since then we have won a
succession of gold, silver and bronze awards and watch the British Sausage week with pride.
We are also now looking at the Turkey trade for Christmas I know it is a long way away but we have to be
organised for this huge time of the year.
Our Back to University meat packs were a great success and if you are looking for that unusual practical
present, we sell a huge combination of meat that we can box up for you.
The shop is again busy with the emphasis on roasting joints and warming meals ie Toad in the Hole.
Roast leg of pork with pear and sausage stuffing balls
Cooking time:90mins
Stuffing
225g (8oz) Herb pork sausages
30mlsp (2tbsp) Fresh sage leaves, chopped
2 Ripe pears, cored and chopped
2 Small pears, cored and chopped
30mlsp Pear Cider
Serves:4 people
Ingredients
1 Boned and rolled pork leg joint
Oil
Salt
2-4 Small pears for roasting
Preparation
Preheat oven.
Method
Weigh the joint and calculate the cooking time. Dry the rind and score deeply with a sharp knife. Rub the joint
with a little oil and salt.
Place the joint in a roasting tin and open roast in the oven for the calculated cooking time. Add the small pears
30 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
To make the stuffing, remove the sausage meat from the skins and place in a mixing bowl. Add the sage and
chopped pears mixing thoroughly. Take large spoonfuls of the mixture and shape into balls, place on a baking
sheet and cook in the oven for around 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
When the joint is cooked allow to stand for 10 minutes before carving.
Save the meat juices and pour into a small pan, add a large splash of pear cider and boil rapidly to reduce
slightly.
Serve the roast pork with the stuffing balls, roast pears and pear juice.
The farmers markets are really remaining a hive of activity with our own on the second Saturday of the month
having had a good summer outside. I continue to go to Alresford, Rowhedge and Wivenhoe on consecutive
Saturdays. I also have had another talk booked about the Story of Primrose Pork for next year, the
development and the funny stories along the way!
The winter crops for the wild birds are now looking very healthy and there are so many pheasants and
partridges running around the farm land, so well camouflaged in the autumn colours.
POPPY APPEAL
The poppy appeal is not too far away and as usual the village, including Thorrington is short of collectors. If
you can spare a few hours helping with collections please let me know on o1206 250799.
The service this year is at St Mary’s Church followed by a procession to the Memorial and a
service there at 11am.
Mick Dorling
10
Great Bentley Wine
Tasting Group
Great Bentley Primary School
For further details please contact
Colin and Roni on 01206 252157 or
e mail [email protected]
For those parents who are applying for
Reception 2016 places, we will be holding
Open Days for parents and carers to tour the
school and ask any questions on the
following days:
The wine tasting group established in August 2012
continues to hold enjoyable and informative
evenings. For details please contact the above.
Free advise available too, so please do contact me.
The following wines come highly recommended for
you to try and are perfect for drinking now;
Wednesday 14th October at 1.00pm and
2.00pm
Thursday 3rd December at 1.00pm and
2.00pm
Luberon Perrin 2014 The Wine Society £7.99
Please contact the school office
on 01206 250331 to book a place.
This is a lovely dry white wine. It smells and tastes of
white peach and cream. Delicious and perfect for
any summer picnic.
Bandol Domaine Lafran-Veyrolles Rose
Fresh, fruity dry Rose of great character and quality.
This is sure to turn any non drinking rose wine buff
into a fan. It is delicious and very classy.
Available from Waitrose larger stores or on line and
worth every penny of the £14.99 price tag.
Colchester SUGARCRAFT Association
presents a
Each month we taste between 6 and 10 wines from £3.99
to £40 a bottle and it is a chance to taste a number of
wines in comfort before you rush out and commit. Do call
for more details.............spaces available
FULL-DAY
CHRISTMAS CAKE WORKSHOP
Saturday 14th November 10am - 4pm
in Stanway Village Hall, Colchester, CO3 ORH
AUTUMN FAIR
Under expert tuition:
Marzipan a fruit cake (which we provide)
Cover your cake with sugarpaste
Make two models to go on your cake
In aid of Seven Rivers Cheshire Home
Great Bromley
Tuesday 6th OCTOBER
10.30am - 3.00pm
The fee is £35
You will leave with a fully-iced cake on an
appropriate-sized board in a box complete with
two models.
At Gt Bromley Village Hall
Rectory Road, Gt Bromley
CO7 7JR
Your cake and all sugarcraft materials are provided
but you will need to bring: an apron, your packed
lunch, a large rolling pin, a flat knife (palette knife if
you have one), a pastry brush and a pair of pointedended scissors. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Stallholders include:
Ho Ho Ho: Glorious Garments: Sports Channel:
JoJo Matthews: Phoenix Cards: Leopardi:
Wishlist: PO-CH: Carole Russell:
Terra Nova Shoes: Claire Weeks:
Wendy Warren Jewellery: Otta Designs:
The Cheese and Pie Man: Serendipity:
Oxbow and Peach: Nicky Yeates:
All details and an application form are on our website
www.colchestersugarcraft.org.uk/workshop2015.html
or ring Christine on Colchester 823400.
Numbers are strictly limited, so apply soon.
Admission £3.
11
Great Bentley Neighbourhood Policing Team
Neighbourhood Constable - Pc Dan Heard:
Police Community Support Officer—Louise Cox
CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE Windows and doors.
If your windows and doors aren't secure, neither is your home. Two thirds of burglars get in through a door and a third through
a window so security is vital. Follow our advice to help keep your home safe.
Windows
If you are replacing windows install ones certified to British Standard PAS 24-2 'windows of enhanced security'. Also think
about using laminated glass 6.4mm or greater, particularly in ground floor and accessible windows as it’s much harder to
break. On double glazed windows the laminated glass should be installed as the inner pane. Fit window locks to all easy to
reach windows, for example, those on the ground floor, above a flat roof or near a drainpipe.
DIY shops sell inexpensive locks to fit most windows but remember to remove keys from locks and store them
somewhere out of sight. Your insurance could be affected if you don’t.
Security is vital, but at least one window in each room at first floor or higher level must have a means of escape.
Doors
Doors and their frames should be strong and in good condition. If your front and back doors are not secure neither is your
home. If you are replacing a door, improve your security by installing one that is certified to British Standard PAS 24-1 ‘doors
of enhanced security'. If your door doesn’t have a window to help you check who’s at the door, fit a door viewer and chain.
Strengthen wooden doors by fitting a steel strip and plates to the door frame and around the lock. These are commonly
called London and Essex bars. Make sure hinges are sturdy and secured with strong, long screws. For added security fit a
pair of hinge bolts. Never hang a spare key inside the letterbox – it’s an obvious place that a thief will check. Keep your doors
locked even when you are at home. If you have a UPVC door, be sure to lock it properly by lifting up the handle and using a
key.
Think about fitting a rim latch, a device that locks automatically when the door is closed but can be opened from the
inside without a key. Look for BS3621 kite marked products. Where euro profile cylinder locks are fitted (PVC-U door mainly),
cylinder replacement should be to TS 007 standard.
Below is a breakdown of reported incidents for the month of August
Obstruction - 2: Two reports about a vehicle blocking a pavement – owner advised and vehicle moved
Burglary Dwelling – 2: A property on Shair Lane was entered and various items removed.
A mobile home was entered on Flag Hill and various items removed.
Domestic Abuse- 1
Concern for Welfare -3
Suspicious Circumstances – 2 : Report of travellers setting up on land
Two males were seen in a white transit van in the area of Larkfield Road acting suspiciously
Nuisance Communications – 1: Unwanted texts received
Hare Coursing – 1: Report received of person’s hare coursing over local fields
Animal – 1: Report of Deer in the road
Intruder Alarms - 3: All false activation
Road related - 1: Report of a paint spillage on the road causing the road to be dangerous – Highways were contacted
Rtc - 1: One vehicle had left Plough Road and ended up in a field
Abandoned Vehicle - 1: Relevant checks were conducted all was in order
Criminal Damage - 1: A resident had tyres slashed on their vehicle in the location of Linnet Drive.
Police Community Mobile
Please be aware that this number is no longer in service. Should you wish to contact Essex Police to report an incident or to
speak to your local officers then please Dial 101 for non-emergency matters or 999 for emergency incidents. Alternatively you
can contact Essex Police through the Essex Police website at www.essex.police.uk
Calls to ‘101’ will cost 15p for the entire call.
This applies to both landlines and mobile phones. For the first time ever, everyone calling the police for non-emergency
matters will know exactly how much it will cost them and will be assured of equal access whether they are on a pay-as-you-go
mobile or a home landline.
Anti-Social Behaviour
For all incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour please call police in the first instance on 101 for non-emergencies or 999 for all
emergencies.
The Anti-Social Behaviour Helpline - This number is provided for members of the public to call in and report acts of Anti-Social
Behaviour to Tendring District Council Community Safety Partnership Unit.
The Community Safety Team will co-ordinate a response to your anti-social behaviour problem with partners as required.
ASB NUMBER – 01255 686359
12
Great Bentley Show
Companion Dog Show Results 2015
We had a really wonderful afternoon, despite it being on the chilly side to start with, but after I had chatted with
the vicar of Bentley the sun shone and it was a beautiful day.
It was great to see so many people and their dogs attend the show this year and especially pleasing, as
always, to see many residents bring their pet dogs to the show and everyone obviously enjoying the
atmosphere of the whole event. There were 112 dogs entered into the various classes with 275 entries.
A big and grateful thank you to our judge Pam Simms, and her friend Avril who was our Ring Steward; they
really had a hectic afternoon.
Yet again the Dog Show has proved its popularity with not only the number of dogs entered but by the
many spectators around the ring watching with interest and obviously enjoying their afternoon with us; with
such large numbers in the novelty classes Pam still managed to finish the judging in good time.
I always like to look on the entry forms to find out how far people and their dogs travel to be with us for the
show, and this year was no exception, we had several travel up from the deep south of Essex and from over
the Suffolk border.
My grateful thanks go to all my very busy team of helpers, to Lesley Shipp, Donna Morphew and Helen
McWilliams, where would we be without your generous help; also a big thank you to those kind members of
the show committee who helped put up the gazebo this year.
The winners of each class were; Pedigree Classes
Best Puppy
Sporting
Best Any Variety Non Sporting
Open
Jean Mullets – Golden Retriever - Popcorn
J Richardsons – Whippet - Flash
Mr & Mrs Lotts – Standard Poodle - Marlie
Maureen Fifes – Basset Hound - Dexter
Best in Show
Reserve Best in Show
Best Puppy
Best Opposite Sex
Mr & Mrs Lotts – Standard Poodle - Marlie
J Richardsons – Whippet - Flash
Jean Mullets – Golden Retriever - Popcorn
Maureen Fifes – Basset Hound – Dexter
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 Waggiest Tail
Dog in best Condition
Dog the judge would like to take home
Best Novelty
Angela Dickensons – Russian Black Terrier - Igor
Tye Kitchens - Miniature Dachshund - Titch
Louis Jacobs – Teddy Bear
Sian Porters – West Highland Terrier - Morgan
Gill Baxters – Jack Russell - Alice
Phoebe Bowmans – Bichon Frise - Bella
Kays – Australian Shepherd - Dash
Jane Baldrys – Brittany - Chester
Joe Simmonds – Cockpoo - Tess
Karen Baudreys – St Bernard - Poppy
Phoebe Bowmans – Bichon Frise - Bella
Well done and congratulations to all the winners.
Lynda McWilliams
Companion Dog Show Organiser and Deputy Chairman of the Great Bentley Show
COLCHESTER MILITARY WIVES
and BRAINTREE MALE VOICE CHOIRS
SING FOR CANCER CENTRE CAMPAIGN
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY FOR 2015
November
Saturday 24th October
St Botolph’s Church, Colchester
6.45pm for 7.30pm start
27th St Mary’s Church ‘A Touch of Sparkle’
A Flower Arranging Demonstration by
Brenda Eyers.
Tickets £15
28th Christmas Light Switch on.
Ring 01206 971044
December
ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT
5th/6thSt Mary’s Church Christmas Tree Festival
13
Dear Chairman, Clerk, Councillors and members of
the Public,
Letters to
the Editor
As some of you are aware I have for sometime been
considering my position on the Parish Council due to
personal reasons following a change of job. Recent
events have given me a lot to think about in terms of
my role as a Councillor and I have concluded that I no
longer feel my heart is in it. I had hoped that my
resignation following the last meeting would have
prevented the need for a ballot but procedures
dictated otherwise.
I, like all the other councillors, never
volunteered to undertake this role for the glory or the
thanks, just to do as best we could for as many
parishioners as possible within the constraints we are
bound by. However as time has progressed,
especially in the current challenging times we as a
Parish are facing, it has been clear as to how much of
a thankless, unappreciated task this has become. I
accept that some of this may have come from naivety
through a lack of understanding as to how the PC has
to work, but doesn’t excuse some of the comments I
have received.
At recent meetings the PC has been criticised
for seeming not to be approachable, ironic given it was
made by someone who would happily phone me on
my personal number at a time convenient to them.
The PC has been accused of not representing the
good of the village by people who are only viewing
what they feel is right by them and not the community
as a whole. Plus further comments including the
village is depressed the PC should do something (last
meeting!) leaves me to conclude people have no
respect for what the PC is capable of or trying to do.
Added to this, I feel it is appalling how some
members of the PC are being treated of late. The PC
has followed the process and protocol required in a
transparent and open manner for all to see. However
to some this is an opportunity for a cheap dig, if you
knew how much current and past members of the PC
have given in time and resources they have available,
for free to the village, you would back down with
embarrassment, without these contributions we all
would be paying a lot more in tax to maintain the
village as is. I know some will be thinking, they can
afford it, to those I point out, time is free why don’t you
give up some of that and contribute to the village.
Sorry it’s become a rant so I will stop and end
on a positive.
I thank those who have supported me over the
past 5 years, it has been a learning exercise and one
which I have in large enjoyed. I wish every success to
the new members of the PC and good luck to the
other councillors. I would like to pass special thanks to
the Chairman for his support and the knowledge he
brings and to the Clerk for keeping us in check (must
be like rounding chickens up), and finally to those of
the public in attendance. The PC is in between a rock
and a hard place on so many issues, don’t squeeze
them further, but work with them and help shape the
community that will work for us all.
Kind regards
Cliff Warder
Horizon No 77 Bus
Regular users of the No 77 bus may be aware that
we are informed the service will cease at the end of
this year. The actual reasons for this are not yet
clear, however what is clear is the impact the loss of
our bus will have on those who are reliant upon it to
travel into Colchester, either to Tesco at the Hythe,
into Town, to North Station or up to Asda.
As far as I am concerned I do not know of any
engagement by Horizon with those of us who rely on
this service and seemingly no thought given to the
repercussions on their loyal passengers. We were
all so happy to see the splendid bus shelter erected
in Thorrington Road with many expressions of
gratitude to Doug Gibbs for his persistence. What an
absolute debacle and waste of money and Doug’s
time it will be if by the end of this year it becomes
redundant!
I have been encouraged to write to Essex
County Council at County Hall, Market Road,
Chelmsford, CM1 1QH to express my concern and
ask them if they would help fund the bus. I would
urge, if like me you are concerned, that you also
write to them. Several comments have been made
to me saying people would be prepared to pay a
nominal amount for each trip if it would save the
bus. I will do my level best to prevent the loss of this
vital service which allows many of our older residents
the independence and freedom to leave the village
for a few hours. I know a lot of people who need to
use the main Post Office in Colchester.
Quite simply I do not like to think of the effects
it will have, not just the convenience of the bus but
also the helpfulness of the drivers and the feeling of
community spirit which has been established.
Judy Bishop
Congratulations on our new bus shelter. It’s far
better than those going into Colchester.
Only other thing to correct is the railway
station platform. It is far too low to the carriages.
When I did use the train, I have picked up three old
ladies who had mishaps getting off the train. When I
wrote to the railway about it, they said there was a
guard on the train to help you. Yes, you are one end
of the train, he is the other end.
Doug Gibbs
The Station is being modernised
at the present moment.
See Transport Rep’s report
14
TRAVELLING THE KIMBERLEY
by Mirain Evans
We left Perth airport on October 26th after a conversation in the lounge with Connie, an
eighty year old lady travelling with a group to have lunch in Kalgoorlie (flight two hours)
an overnight stop in the underground hotel at Coober Pedy (a further couple of hours)
where she hoped to buy some of the famous opals, and a final flight to Adelaide to spend
the rest of the week shopping. A month before, she had toured Europe. It made our two
and a half flight to Broome seem very insignificant. However for us it was the beginning
of a month in an area in the far north of the state of Western Australia J the Kimberley.
This is a region in North West Australia, roughly three times the size of England, bounded to the west by
the Indian Ocean, to the north by the Timor Sea and to the south by The Great Sandy Desert. It was named
after the 1st Earl of Kimberley, John Wodehouse, although he served in Australian settlements much later than
the first inhabitants who arrived about 40,000 years ago, probably from Indonesia. Now, the population of the
Kimberley is 30,000 and increasing rapidly, but the area still has fewer people per square kilometre than any
other place on the continent. Thirty three percent of the population is of Aboriginal descent, and much of the
land in this region is owned by Aboriginal Communities. Australia is an ancient land geologically, and the
Kimberley is no exception, with its steep sided mountain ranges cut through with sandstone and limestone
gorges, formed over the centuries by numerous rivers. None of these ranges reaches even 1000 metres, but
the terrain is so steep it is very difficult to traverse especially during the wet season when even sealed roads
become flooded. To the south of the region the land is flatter and covered with tropical bush and grassland,
much of which is cattle ranch country. The Kimberley has a monsoon climate and ninety percent of its rain
falls between November and April. Cyclones are common during the wet season, and the regular flooding of
rivers renders huge areas of land under water, making many routes impassable for long periods of time. The
average annual mean temperature is 27 degrees centigrade, and just before the rains arrive, the heat
intensifies, often into the 40s. Due to its remoteness and natural wild beauty, the Kimberley has become a
popular tourist destination, and there are many National Parks and areas of special interest, including World
Heritage sites. it is not surprising that the Kimberley was the inspiration for the filming of “Australia”.
After we had left the sprawling suburbs of Perth behind, the land we flew over was a tapestry of
changing colours with at first isolated homesteads and a few small towns, then enormous tracts of empty
ranges and valleys. Once we glimpsed a huge open mine, recognisable even from the air as one of the
hundreds in the Pilbara region, where companies like Rio Tinto dig for gold and iron to export to China. We
landed in Broome in a haze of drifting smoke from a nearby bush fire, a common occurrence at that time of
year in the hot build up to the wet season. A Chinatown taxi took us to the Mercure Hotel where we took
refuge from the thirty degree heat for a while. Later we walked into town. Broome is an attractive town of
15,000 people set on a peninsula and is obviously a very popular tourist destination, although it was fairly quiet
at the end of the season. It has a definite “frontier” feel and started as a centre for the pearling industry during
the late 1800s which attracted many divers, especially Chinese and Japanese. These men came to make
their fortunes but often died in the process, as the many headstones in the large cemetery in the centre of the
town testify. The pearling industry however is still thriving, and there are quite a number of small shops
specialising in pearl jewellery for which Broome is famous. As we walked in the dusk, huge flocks of fruit bats
skimmed our heads leaving their roosts in the mangroves to feed on the trees in town.
To be continued//...
FRIENDS OF THE GREEN
QUIZ NIGHTS
at the
Royal Fusilier
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
2nd Saturday in the month
10th October
Tuesday
17th November
14th November
12th December
7pm
7.30 for 8pm start
Church Vestry
St Mary’s Church
£3 per person max. 6 in a team
Charity to profit will be announced on
the night.
All Welcome
Book a table on 250001
15
Peter’s
Potterings
level of nitrogen and this will start the plant into
growth again and you don’t want this to happen until
the Spring. Tread the ground down around the new
shrub until it is firm. This helps the soil to contact the
sides of the roots and also stops it blowing about in
the Winter winds. You may have to refirm the soil
again during the Winter especially after frosts.
OCTOBER GARDENS
Whilst we are on the subject of planting what about
the vegetable garden? Hurry up and get the spring
cabbage plants in (don’t forget to cover them with
some form of protection as the birds seem to like the
taste of these young plants). Also garlic likes a long
growth season and cloves planted now will repay
you with a nice fat bulb in the Summer next year. I
usually use garlic bought from a seed merchant but I
know people who have been successful with those
bought from the grocery shop. The problem here is
that the bulb may not be virus free and if it is a
variety that grows well in hot parts of the world it may
not appreciate our colder British climate.
Rake up fallen leaves from the grass and amongst
the plants in the borders. Fallen leaves left lying
around plants encourage the slugs and snails, and
we know what a nuisance they are, so anything that
reduces the problem for next year is a bonus. It
used to be traditional to heap the leaves up then
have a bonfire. Whilst it is nice to watch the smoke
drift lazily up into the sky the leaves can be put to a
better use. As an alternative try turning the leaves
into leaf mould, the same way as nature does. If you
go into a wood after leaf fall you can kick your way
through a layer of loose leaves. Underneath this
layer you will however find several more layers in
various stages of decomposition, and eventually the
goodness goes back into the ground feeding the
trees that produced them. (Obviously slugs and
snails don’t do much damage to a good old tree
trunk). Leaves can be mixed in your own compost
heap but they usually take longer than green matter
to break down. Create a special container/area for
leaves that can be left for at least a couple of years,
or pack them into a black polythene sack and punch
a few holes in the side with for example a garden
fork. Tie the top and lose them up a corner for 2
years and then use the nice leaf mould that has
been produced.
Spring bedding needs to be planted now to allow it to
get established before the Winter and then to give a
good show next Spring. This is important for such
things as polyanthus which are Spring flowering, but
also for pansies where some varieties, if established,
will continue to produce flowers all the time until they
are taken out ready for the Summer bedding. The
seed people have been working very hard over the
last few years to select and improve the flowering
characteristics of various species. Several
companies are selling wallflowers that are supposed
to bloom in the Autumn as well as the Spring. Whilst
planting out the bedding don’t forget to plant your
Spring flowering bulbs. Daffodils and tulips make a
nice splash of colour in the darker months of Spring.
There are many new varieties available every year
so why not try a couple of different ones this year?
Or what about a few hyacinths, we tend to think of
them as pot plants for Christmas, but they are
perfectly happy outside and give a long lasting spike
of colour as well as a fragrance in March/April next
year. They are a bit more expensive than daffodils
or tulips but lift them carefully when the leaves die
down and they will usually flower for several years.
Digging ready for next Spring can be started now as
the crops come out of the ground. Lifting the last of
the main crop potatoes can be done this month. As
the soil will probably be moist, leave them on the
surface of the soil for a couple of hours or so to dry
out, before putting them away for storage. Store
only undamaged potatoes. Any damaged tubers
that got caught by the fork should be put to one side
and used up for cooking. Store the rest in paper or
hessian sacks, as using any material that cannot
breathe such as polythene, will soon make the
potatoes sweat and then rot. If you buy your
potatoes from the shops it is a good idea to take
them out of the polythene bag as soon as possible
and say put them into a cardboard box and pack a
layer of newspapers on top to keep out the light and
stop them going green.
PETER ALLINGTON
BENTLEY IN BLOOM
Don’t forget your pansies and polyanthus plants this
year. We have grown lots just for you! Please ask
any Bentley in Bloomer to reserve any plants for you.
(Last year we sold out).
If we have any left we will have them for sale
in the Old Village Hall car park on Saturday 31st
October from 10am until 12 noon.
October and November is a good time to plant new
shrubs in the borders. The soil will still be warm and
the roots can start to get established before the
colder weather of Winter stops any further
development. It is a good idea to incorporate some
compost (or well rotted leaf mould) into the
surrounding area before planting. A sprinkling of
something like bone meal, which is an organic slow
release fertiliser will help the shrubs in the Spring.
Don’t use normal Growmore as this contains a high
John & Jennie Moss - 252182
Mick Dorling - 250799
Peter Allington - 251086
16
Surgery Notes
IT’S FLU SEASON!
We have a total of 3,754 patients who will be eligible for the NHS seasonal influenza vaccination. Most
patients will already know they are eligible from previous years and we will be sending regular text reminders
to those patients who have a mobile phone recorded. However, if you think you are eligible but are not sure,
please give us a call on 01206 250691 and we can check for you. We have special flu clinics set up on
Thursday 1st, Saturday 3rd, Monday 5th, Wednesday 7th and Saturday 10th October. In addition we have also
arranged two special clinics at the Little Clacton Village Hall (opposite ‘The Firs’) on the afternoons of Tuesday
6th and Tuesday 13th October. We are hoping to get most patients vaccinated in these clinics, but will also be
arranging some ‘mop up’ clinics after these I’m sure.
I also need to tell you about a couple of changes to our clinical staff. We are unfortunately losing Dr Muir and
Sister Mooney who are both moving on to work at surgeries closer to their homes, but I’m very pleased to
welcome back Sister Sue Webb as our new Nurse Practitioner/ Manager. Having left us a couple of years ago,
she’s come back ‘home’ and I’m sure many of you will remember Sue very well.
Finally, now the nights are drawing in, come along to our Patient Participation Group meeting on Thursday
15th Oct at 6.30pm at the Great Bentley village hall.
Richard – Practice Manager
__________________________________________________________________
SLEEP
makes you feel better, but it is important as part of a healthy lifestyle. Most
people will need 7-8 hours a night but some may only need about 6. A good night’s sleep is
important for your energy levels and overall health. There are many factors that can affect
your sleep. Some of the points below are ways to help you sleep or reasons that may upset
your sleep:
Sleep can be effected by how active you have been during the day, what you may have eaten or had to drink
and how much mental stimulation you have had especially in the few hours leading up to going to bed.
•
Using electronic devices like laptops, tablets or mobiles can cause a disrupted night’s sleep. Switch
them off a couple hours before bedtime, especially video games.
•
Watch what you drink; caffeine and alcohol can disturb a good night’s sleep.
•
Spicy and fatty foods are also best avoided.
•
How old is your mattress? They should be replaced after 10 years.
•
A bedroom that is too hot. Turn the heat down a little or open a window.
•
Don't have animals in your room.
•
Cold feet can keep you awake so try putting on a pair of socks.
•
Counting sheep - it does work, so try it!
•
Focus on your breathing - slow it down, take a deep breath in and slowly breathe out and repeat a few
times. There are also many other relaxation exercises that can help.
•
Make sure your room is dark, particularly in the summer months.
Have a good nights sleep and feel fantastic the next day.
ALLOTMENT PLOTS AVAILABLE NOW
VARIOUS SIZES
WHY NOT TRY A SMALL STARTER PLOT
PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH CLERK ON 01206 256410
17
Thank you from your new Parish Councillor
I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who
voted in the Parish Council election on 3rd
September. In my view, 30% turnout is fantastic and
an absolute endorsement of the importance of the
democratic process. The close team of people who
helped and supported me during the campaign did
an amazing job of demonstrating what can be
achieved through hard work and team effort. I can
genuinely say I had a wonderful (all be it wet!) Bank
Holiday weekend, visiting, talking to, and - most
importantly - listening to the people in our parish. It is
extremely humbling to have received over 75% of
the votes and to know that people had gone to the
effort of not only voting, but in some cases postal or
proxy voting for me. It is a big responsibility to
undertake the role of Parish Councillor with that kind
of mandate and I can only ask that people continue
to challenge and question me in my role.
I believe the Parish Council has an important
part to play - not only as we go through the
challenges of the housing developments, buses,
traffic and village facilities, but also in supporting and
celebrating the people and things which make the
parish a wonderful place to be and live. I will be
taking every opportunity I can to engage with and
support the people of the parish, and I ask that you
in turn engage with and support your Parish Council.
Thank you.
Pet’s
Corner
VETS AND CATS
Why is taking a cat to the Vets usually more of a
problem both for the owner and the cat than a dog?
Well cats are a bit different to dogs in that dogs want
to be with their owners and are happy to be off their
territory providing they are with their owner (who they
assume to be one of the pack!) Cats on the other
hand, favour territory over owners. So to feel secure
and happy they prefer to be in control and go where
they want to go, not somewhere strange. Add to this
the other things that happen on a trip to the Vet.
They are put into a basket and then usually a car.
When do cats normally go in a car? Dogs are often
taken out in a car and it is usually pleasurable,
ending in a good run, or meeting other people who
make a fuss of it.
So what can you do to make taking your cat to
the Vet easier and less stressful for everyone? First
stage “the cage”. Get your cat used to going in its
carrying basket. (Show cats are obviously more
used to this). Place the basket in the house and use
it as a bed or somewhere the cat can use as a
refuge. It will then smell of the house not the shed or
garage. Perhaps a little trip in the car as well and
how about a few treats on the journey.
Once in the Vets, there is the smell, but
modern surgeries do not smell as strongly as the
new disinfectants are a bit kinder on the nose. Vets
are used to handling arrivals, but first how do you get
the cat out of that little hatch at the front? Not an
easy start and cats do not like being dragged out by
the scruff of their necks. The top opening baskets
are much easier. Then the magic words, the Vet
says - “2 tablets to be taken twice daily”, and the pills
look like oversized Smarties. There are many tales
about Vets trying to poke the pills at the back of the
throat and keeping the mouth shut until it has been
swallowed and a lot of scratches later - well you
know the results. But there is hope - some of the
pharmaceutical companies are realising the
problems and trying better ways to get the medicine
administered. These include palatable compounds,
tiny tablets which are easily hidden in food and in
some cases the easiest method of all, via the spot of
liquid on the skin, the same as for the flea
preparations now available. So always ask your Vet
if any of these alternatives are available if you need
them and good luck with the cats.
Pippa Drew
GREAT BENTLEY YOUTH CLUB
Dates for Youth Club for autumn 2015. They are as
follows all at 7pm to 9pm:8th October, 22nd October,
5 November, 19th November,
3rd December, 17th December.
th
Just to remind you that the Club is open for all young
people of Secondary School age and is held at the
Methodist Church on alternate Thursdays.
Appeal
As always with providing activities for
young people we need more adults to help since
inevitably some have to drop out. It involves an
evening session normally from 7pm to 9pm. Contact
me, or Jo Herbert or Roni Dickeson if you can help.
Robert Taylor
01206 250087
18
Great Bentley Running Club GBRC
Charlie Keitch completed his 50th Parkrun at Colchester Rugby Club on Saturday 29th
August. A time of 19 minutes 3 seconds saw Keitch once again inside the top ten. A total
of twenty four times since his first run in 2013. His Parkrun personal best (PB) of 18m 45s
was gained on 6th September 2014. Also up and out early was Meera Rajoo-Oakley, 21m
18 (PB), Chusa Batista 23m 43s (PB), silver standard, Paul Hollidge 23m 53s and Anthea
Colsell 24m 20s. Over in Dovercourt, Malcolm Jarvis ( 23m 4s) and Rachel Giles ( 23m
52s) participated in the fifth running of the Harwich 5k distance. Jarvis was beaten into
twelfth position by Phil Sanderson and Dennis Warner both of Harwich RC. Giles placed seventeenth out of a
total of fifty five runners.
Sunday 30th saw a number of “Barmy Bentonians” take on a cross country obstacle run “Only Fools
Ride Horses”. The 4 or 8 mile course had participants challenge themselves over more than twenty obstacles
through water and woodland. Ladies Captain Vicky Presland completed the 8 mile distance in 8th place. Linzi
Iddon, John Bush and Helene Tyler were also along for the ride.
By mid morning on the Island of Mersea, the annual Mersea Lions 5 and 10 mile event was again under
way. Great Bentley ladies placed third in the 10 mile team event, Caroline Searle (1hr 32m 28s), Simone
Lindsey (1hr 34m 5s) and Alison Clarke (1hr 43m 39s). Also racing for GBRC was Sue Sorrell, crossing the
finish line in 46m 47s. Donning her boot camp colours for the 5 mile event was Sam Godden. Godden was first
lady home and twelfth overall in a inspiring time of 34m 38s. A time that sees her gain ninth place on the
GBRC top ten performance list for this distance. Two of Bentley’s finest also packed passports and visas for a
trip across the Strood. Clive Thomas was unfortunately beaten into second place by Paul Dobson (59m 15s) of
Springfield Striders. Thomas who is five years senior to Dobson, finished in 65m 5s, placing 13th overall. Great
Bentley Chairman Russ Sharp, was 15th overall and 12th in the men’s open category with a time of 65m 50s.
Lazing about on Sunday morning on 6th September was certainly not on the cards for Great Bentley Running
Club, as an impressive twenty-two members turned out for this year’s Langham 10k. This race is always
popular with local and further afield clubs, usually reaching the 650 entry limit many weeks in advance. A flat
and fast course around the village lends not only to beautiful scenery but many a personal or seasons best for
those taking part. Leading the way home for the ladies in a time of 43 minutes 51 seconds and gaining herself
a new PB, was Meera Rajoo-Oakley. Another lady also earning herself a new PB was this years Micky
Edwards series winner, Jennifer Aylen (49m 3s). Emma Town (52m 0s), fired up the GBRC printer for a bronze
club standard. Sandra James ran a great race, considering the rising temperature of the day to finish two
minutes seventeen seconds faster than last year in 65m 18s. Russ Sharp (36m 57s) was just pipped to a top
ten finish by David Willer from Hadleigh Hares. Just under two minutes later Ben Ficken appeared, with Charlie
Keitch just over two minutes behind Ficken. Both gents crossed the finish line with times of 38m 39s and 40m
57s respectively. Eric Shaw was a very happy chap, returning from a long-term forced lay-off and racing again
for the first time since last October. Pushing hard and having nothing left to give over the final kilometre, Shaw
finished in 54m 3s. Other runners were Michael Simmons, Mike Belton, Rachel Giles, Eileen Shadford, Karen
Skene, Hien Hoang, Anthea Colsell, Frank Gardiner, Lyn Foster, Alison Clarke, Barbara Law, Helene Tyler
and Ruth Metcalfe. Running in the 2km event for the second year was young Charlie Sharp. Charlie set a
blistering time of 12m 13s, a new PB by almost three minutes.
Meanwhile fifty five miles away in Suffolk, John Bush was
A bird café I be
coursing through the streets of the Anglo Saxon market town of
Framlingham. Taking on the impressive gradient of Market Hill
For starlings twenty three
not once but twice, Bush was home in a time of 63m 2s. This
On my lawn they peck and search
race forms part of the Suffolk County Amateur Athletics Grand
Twenty three yellow beaks in the earth
Prix Series. There are nine races throughout the year,
Suddenly organised flight.
Framlingham being the fifth event, with 268 runners participating.
To another lawn in sight
Taking part in the standard triathlon distance over in St Neots
Then in a row on my roof
Cambridgeshire was junior, Lizzie Bodmer. Bodmer finished
Looking on other birds aloof.
second in her category in a total time of 3 hours 29 minutes 57
I have yet to hear one sing
seconds, narrowly missing out on first place by just under four
Like other birds on the wing.
minutes. The standard tri distance comprises of a 1500 kilometre
But they like to peck in a mass
swim (40m 42s), followed by a 40 km bike ride (1hr 49m 44s)
But what do they find in my grass?
and finally a 10 km run (56m 28s). A fantastic 10k result will see
Bodmer achieving a bronze club standard in the very near future.
D. Gibbs
Our website at GBRC.org gives details of our weekly routine and
there is something for everyone no matter what their ability.
Paul Carlisle
19
GARDENS THROUGH THE
16th and 17th CENTURIES
‘The Knot Garden’
Much has been written about medieval gardens but perhaps it is time to move on and if it had not been Henry
VIII’s love for Anne Boleyn, a fall out with the Pope and the dissolution of the monasteries perhaps gardens
would still be the same as in Tudor times and earlier. However, due to the destruction of our monasteries we
lost years of horticultural knowledge and Britain had to start again. The result of this was that where the
common people relied on the monks for their needs, it was necessary for them to create their own gardens
although we know from history that they did grow lavender, wormwood, sage and other plants suitable for
medicinal use more than for pleasure.
In the 16th century, knot gardens were the vogue - low hedges were intricately planted into interweaving
patterns. New flowers such as daffodils, hyacinths, sun–flowers, mallows, nasturtiums and anchusas were
imported from Europe, South America and the Far East. Knot gardens were frequently used for coat of arms
with perennial edging such as lavender, box and lavender cotton. It was said of the elaborate garden of
Thomas, Cardinal Wolsey, “the knots so enknotted it cannot be expressed”. Patterns became so important
that flowers were replaced by coloured stones, gravel and even coal dust.
‘The Parterre’
After the Restoration in 1660, the ‘knot garden’ was replaced by ‘the parterre’ and garden designs soon began
to change. The nobility wanted grand designs and even Charles II tried to obtain the services of Le Notre for
his royal gardens but there is no record of him having come to England. However, two famous English
gardeners, John Rose and George London, both visited France and Rose did work closely with Le Notre.
Windsor Castle and Hampton Court were soon redesigned as Charles II wanted these to resemble the
gardens of Versailles. “It has been said that never has so much money and manpower produced such a stingy
effect as at Versailles”.
The word ‘parterre’ was first used by the French in 1549 and later by the English but before that it was
an Italian concept copied by the French. With the parterre many more flowers could be used and soon
became an ornamental garden with paths between the beds. Gardens of the nobility featured series of
parterre gardens probably divided by hedges or mazes and the upkeep must have been astronomical
particularly with all the weeding, clipping and trimming of the edges. Many plants from both the 16th and 17th
century were used throughout the seasons such as tulips, primroses, iris and lilies to give a succession of
colour as it was only the very rich who used clipped trees and water features for their parterres.
In 1664 John Rea gave an insight into the less grandiose scale of gardening for those in rural areas and
described how to create gardens for delight, recreation and entertainment. He recommended that south of
the house should be divided into half - one for flowers and the other for fruit trees such as pears and
pomegranates planted against walls, amongst standard rose trees, for their ornamental value as well as for
their fruit. Borders could then be planted with mixed flowers such as red primroses, hepaticas, double rose
campions. auriculas, wallflowers and double stock gillyflowers to perfume the enclosed and sheltered garden.
During 1660-1690 ‘greens’ were one of the most important elements in a garden and the green foliage
had to be ‘bright’. Evergreens such as myrtle, orange and lemon trees would stand outside during the summer
and brought under cover for the cold winter months.
Following the succession of William and Mary in 1688, the Dutch influence showed itself in the fanciful
and complicated designs for parterres emphasizing an overall smaller scale of doing things. All kinds of
‘fashionable’ bulbs were perfectly suited for bedding out schemes and infilling of box-edged parterres.
Statuary became a common garden feature and topiary reached extraordinary heights and was an art in itself.
From “simple cones and pyramids of clipped evergreens grew fantastic spirals and corkscrews, people and
birds were sculptured very often in box, also in privet, juniper and whitethorn, with yew only becoming popular
later from the mid 17th century”
However, by the end of the 17th century, man’s interference with nature was ridiculed and slowly
everything changed and the formal ordered garden was no more. A new vision was heralded – the 18th
century garden!
Sylvia Steed
Bibliography:
“Perennials – Enduring Classic for the Contemporary
Garden” by Rob Proctor and Rob Gray
“Plants from the Past” by David Stuart and James
Sutherland “Period Flowers” by Jane Newdick
20
1.
Who wrote the famous 'Just William' series of books?
2.
Who was our youngest Prime Minister?
3.
Which William has played the character of Ken Barlow on Coronation Street since the
first episode in 1960?
4.
Which William wrote the novel 'Lord of the Flies'?
5.
Which Bill sits alongside Louise Minchin on the BBC Breakfast sofa?
6.
Which British Prime Minister had the middle name Ewart?
7.
Which 'Bill' is the southernmost point in Dorset?
8.
Which Bill co-founded 'Microsoft'?
9.
Which Bill lived with Ben in a garden behind a potting shed?
10. Who won the first series of BBC 'Pop Idol' in 2002?
11. Which Swiss folk hero is the title of an opera by Rossini?
12. Which Willie was Margaret Thatcher's right hand man, serving as Deputy Prime
Minister and Home Secretary?
13. Billy the Kid was the nickname given to which 19th century US frontier outlaw?
14. Mary Arden was the mother of which famous William?
15. William ............. Thackeray wrote 'Vanity Fair'.
16. Which Billy released his first hit song 'Piano Man' in 1973?
17. Which William was a leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade?
18. Which William was the first actor to play Dr Who in the 1960's?
19. Name the US singer famed as a founder member of 'The Black Eyed Peas' and
mentor on BBC's 'The Voice'.
20. Which William is situated at the southern end of the Great Glen near to Ben Nevis?
??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
1. Richmal Crompton 2. William Pitt the Younger 3. William Roche 4. William Golding
5. Bill Turnbull 6. William Gladstone 8. Bill Gates 9. Flowerpot man 10. Will Young
11. William Tell 12. Willie Whitelaw 13. William H Bonney 14. Shakespeare
15. Makepeace 16. Joel 17. Wilberforce 18. Hartnell 19. Will I Am 20. Fort William
21
In with the New Term
We lco me to o ur new
academic year. By the time
you read this article we will all
be well underway into the
term. We have welcomed the
new pupils starting school and
also our new members of
staff, we wish them all a
fulfilling time with us in Great
Bentley. Term started with a
blaze of activity and colour in
the corridor – so here is a
round up of teachers and
subjects by year group with
Mrs Caffull at the helm.
October 2015
Snapshot News:
Some of the beach huts
made by Year 2 complete
with deck chair to enjoy the
Wonders of Walton!
Year 6
The opening week in Y6 has
been fun. Lessons like
“Murder Mystery” and
“Creating a persuasive
advert” have been very
enjoyable. Ancient Greece is
our subject this term and we
handed in our summer
holiday projects.
Privilege points were
YrR: Nursery Rhymes with Miss awarded when a good
amount of effort had been
Hull.
put into a piece of work. So
Yr1: Toys with Miss Leggett.
Yr2: The Wonders of Walton we have got off to a good
with Mrs Cooke & Mrs Turner. start already. By Tommy
Marns
Yr3: Lego with Miss Fares.
Yr4: Egyptians with Mr
Godfrey and Mrs Williamson.
Yr5: Short Film with Mr Hitchin.
Yr6: Ancient Greece with Mrs
Morton and Mrs Chase.
•
Classroom
Round-up
•
Fun with a Box
DO YOU HAVE ANY CHILDRENS’ BOOKS!!!! We are expanding our library for the children. If you are having a clear
out – children outgrown their books? - then we would gratefully receive them - just pop them in at the school office.
Thank you from our readers in advance!
Fun with a box
During our first week there
was an assembly about how
we can be creative with
boxes. We watched an
inspiring video about a boy
who made an arcade out of
boxes! This attracted people
from all over the world and
he became an internet
sensation! So on Wednesday
7th October we will be
celebrating the creativity and
imagination by taking part in
“The Cardboard Challenge”.
Last year’s Global
Cardboard Challenge had
over 125,000 participants
from 46 countries including
Chile, Hungary, Kenya,
Indonesia and Pakistan. Kids
designed and built arcade
games, gadgets, castles,
robots, rocket ships anything they could dream
up. They practiced
collaboration and creative
22
solving, and learned about
maths, engineering, design
thinking, sustainability, social
entrepreneurship and more
along the way.
The mission of the
Imagination Foundation is to
find, foster and fund
creativity & entrepreneurship
in children around the world
to raise a new generation of
innovators and problem
solvers who have the tools
they need to build the world
they imagine. We will tell you
all how it goes and hopefully
show you some pictures next
month. We are hoping to
make this a fundraising event in
support of a local charity to
raise awareness amongst the
pupils of homelessness in our
area.
CLUBS &
ORGANISATIONS
EVERGREEN FRIENDSHIP CLUB
At our meeting in July, members once again enjoyed an
afternoon of nostalgia, singing along with their old familiar
songs.
Our guests were The Day Timers from The
Manifest Theatre, and this was their penultimate
performance before they disband. It was also our last
musical afternoon until our Annual Party next May.
Our meeting on October 28th will be a slide show given by
Keith Price. If you enjoy seeing beautiful photography then
this will appeal to you and you are very welcome to join us
at 2 00 p.m.
Arrangements are underway for a Buffet at
Westwood House during the week before Christmas Day
and a post Christmas Lunch in January.
Members and friends are invited to both events,
and actual dates and times will be given next month.
BENTLEY GREEN LADIES CLUB
In spite of the very wet evening, a good turnout of
members attended our September meeting and enjoyed a
virtual tour of the Canadian Rockies, courtesy of Dudley
Chignall. His photographs were superb and together with
his narrative, we spent an enjoyable hour travelling across
Canada, learning about the wonderful flora and fauna of
the country. From some very handsome ‘Mounties’ in
Calgary, to brown bears swimming in lakes, Dudley
enabled us to follow in his footsteps as he journeyed
across country to Vancouver. The scenery was
breathtaking, the wildflowers were stunning and the wildlife
was abundantJa truly spectacular country.
Edna gave the vote of thanks to our speaker and
the evening concluded with refreshments, social time and
raffle.
Bentley Green Ladies Club had a successful sellout on their first stall at the Village Show. A big thank you
to all our members who made cakes and donated produce
in order to raise funds for our newly formed club.
Joye
GREAT BENTLEY
GARDENING CLUB
The next meeting is on Tuesday 20th October when our
speaker will be Mary Maskell who will talk on the Botanical
Gardens of Florida. Thank you to all who attended the AGM
and contributed to the Autumn Show.
Dates for your diary
•
Tuesday 6th OctoberJ..Monthly meeting 7.30pm
Village
Hall.
Speaker
Anita
Sackett
‘Christmas Cards & Decorations’.
New members are always welcome and can be
assured a friendly evening with interesting speakers
and activities. Do come along and join us at our next
meeting, your first visit is free!
•
Saturday 10th OctoberQQ.Quiz Night in the
Village Hall 7pm for 7.30pm
EVERYONE WELCOME!
•
Saturday 14th NovemberJTheatre Trip to
Ipswich to see ‘Absent Friends’ by Alan
Ayckbourn
Results:
Harvest Cup : Winner Shirley Weeks, Runner Up Maurice
Bacon Rose Bowl Winners Peter Stevens and Claire Evans,
Runner Up Bob Newman Floral Trophy in memory of Mick
Baxter: Winner Mary Maskell, Runner Up Maurice Bacon
Floral Art trophy: Winner Wendy Stevens, Runner Up
Rosemary Newman Craft Trophy: Winner Liz Harry, Runner
Up Mary Maskell Heather Tweed Trophy: Mary Maskell
We say good bye to our Secretary Liz harry who has done a
fantastic job over many years. Thank you Liz, from us all.
We have a vacancy for a committee member. The
Club does not just function on our meeting nights. It needs a
committee to make that happen. Please consider joining us
and sharing the work. It is not arduous.
Bob Newman - Chairman
ART CLUB
ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST
Tuesday 13th October
Wednesday 21st October
7.30pm
Painting in the style of Surat
Village Hall, 7.30pm
Beaumont Village Hall
“Wildlife in East Anglia”
Liz Cutting, wildlife photographer.
Tuesday 27th October
HISTORY SOCIETY
2-tone painting
Village Hall, 7.30pm
Thursday 8th October at 8p.m.
Village Hall
“The History of the London Livery Companies with particular reference to the Coopers’ Company”. .
23
Autumn Word Wheel Challenge
24
Great Bentley Carnival Needs You!
Firstly I would like to say a massive thank you to all those who helped to make our Carnival such a great
success this year, including all of you who came along to support us on the day, it is very much appreciated. It
was brought to my attention at our last meeting that Robert Black deserves a huge thank you for all his help,
along with his colleagues/friends, for the outstanding job they did this year organising and controlling our road
closure points, a job that I understand was very challenging with confrontation from some unreasonable
members of the public – Thank you very much for all your help!!
There are many individuals that deserve a big thank you, and hopefully I gave you all a mention in the
programme on the day. I apologise if anyone was missed off, but you know who you are and we are truly
grateful for all your help and efforts on the day and leading up to Carnival.
A lot of work goes into planning and organising such a large event from about 6 months before. My children
recently overheard me expressing that I might have to stand down as Secretary on the committee, due to
increased working hours, further commitments I have this year and just sheer exhaustion. They were quite
upset by this and were concerned that the Carnival would not go ahead next year, I then caught them writing
the following pieces which they wanted me to copy and post around the village. I thought I would share them
with you because what they have written is very true.
I grew up in the village of Marks Tey that had a carnival each year and these carnivals hold some of my
earliest childhood memories. I was delighted, when we moved to Great Bentley, to discover this community
still had a carnival. It is great for the children to get dressed up and involved in the procession (some adults
enjoy it too!). My main motivation for being involved in the carnival is for our community to have a fun day out
and for my kids to have great childhood memories like I’ve got. I do recognise the fund raising element and I
work hard to ensure that we raise money for some of the groups in the village such as Cubs and Guides etc
that offer services to our children, but for me it is more about organising the best day out we can, that benefits
everyone and I get great satisfaction on the day, seeing everyone enjoying themselves. For this reason I will
be remaining on the committee.
I would love to hear from anyone who has any ideas or suggestions to help improve our carnival. It
would really be appreciated also, if we had more volunteers to help with things such as selling programmes
and raffle tickets, cake donations and setting up on the Green on the morning of Carnival etc.
We desperately need somewhere to store our Queens float for the winter months, please get in touch if
you can help or know of someone who might be willing to assist us with this. May I take this opportunity to say
another massive thank you to Mr Gordon Black, who has helped us with storage throughout this year, also
thankyou for all your help on the day, it was noted that you were one of the first around on the morning of
carnival and one of the last to leave – Your help was much appreciated!!
If you are able to offer some of your time and assistance to this cause, you may like to attend our AGM
on 15th October at 8pm in the Michael Wright room, Great Bentley Village Hall. This is a good opportunity
to come and meet all the committee members including our beneficiary representatives and to find out more
about our plight. I look forward to meeting you if you can attend our AGM, failing that I would be pleased for
you to email me any comments you may have at [email protected]
Many thanks
Sara Maunton – Carnival Committee Secretary
Tel 07503164260
25
Great Bentley Pre-school
www.greatbentleypreschool.co.uk
[email protected]
Firstly I would like to say what a wonderful first few weeks we have all had back at Pre-School and all the
children have settled in really well, this includes present children who have been great little role models to the
new ones. It has also been lovely to start building a positive working relationship with all the new parents and
carers too.
This month I would like to welcome Max, Isaac and their families. I hope you enjoy your time at our Preschool and I can promise you will gain lots of wonderful and exciting new experiences.
Theme
Our theme this month will continue as ‘Countries’. Last month we spent the first two weeks cooking traditional
English foods like jam tarts and mini toad in the holes, we incorporated the celebrations of The Queen
becoming the longest reigning monarch and we had lots of fun looking at all the places the children visited
over the summer holidays. After that we visited Italy and China with some more on the agenda for this month.
Halloween
As this festival will be in half term we are inviting all children to dress up in their costumes the week before.
This will be week beginning Monday 19th October and will be every day for that week. We will also be doing
lots of exciting activities to support this including creative and cooking experiences. We will also look forward to
carving our very own home grown pumpkins that the children have helped to plant and look after in our
planters over the past months!
Small Food Jars
If anybody has any small jars with lids i.e. baby food jars, condiment jars (mint sauce, apple sauce, tartare
sauce etc.) could you please save them for me and drop off to the village hall during school hours, (not a
Tuesday afternoon). I am planning to create some ‘I Spy Jars’ so they can be used to promote communication
and speech development in the group and to help children in learning letter sounds. Thank you in advance.
Staffing
I would like to welcome Joanne Smith to our team; Joanne has already completed her CACHE Early Years
Level 1 and has experience with working in a Pre-school environment; she will also be going on to complete
her Level 3 in the future.
Dates to Remember
Halloween Dress Up – Monday 19th October – Friday 23rd October
Half Term – Monday 26th – Friday 30th October
Thanks for reading
Julie Wiles
Thinking of Moving?......
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Brilliant news if you areJJJ..Great Bentley is such a sought after village, not only for its award winning
village green, friendly atmosphere, and amenities, but its direct train links to London.
Local Independent Estate Agents Town and Country Residential in Brightlingsea, have buyers looking
to purchase property in our village. Potential buyers are seeking anything from starter homes to larger
executive/country homes.
Rachael Keeble – Director of Town and Country explains “We have a supply and demand situation.
Demand is high for Great Bentley however supply is incredibly low. We have registered applicants looking to
move to the village and we urgently require property to offer them.
We would be delighted to talk to residents and offer advice and a free market appraisal if they are
contemplating selling. Rachael also adds” Potential buyers are even trying to rent property in the village so
they are in a position to move quickly if property does come up for sale. Demand is also high for quality rental
property”.
Town and Country Residential can be contacted on 01206 302288 or at 9 Osbornes Court,
Victoria Place, Brightlingsea, Essex. CO7 0EB
www.townandcountryresidential.co.uk
26
Protect Great Bentley
Property Development News Update
Pine Close / Weeley Road
In case you haven’t yet heard, the really exciting thing to report this month is that Gladman Developments
have let the Parish Council know that they will NOT be pursuing this site for development. This means
that we can take this off the map as a potential development site and the village will get to continue to enjoy
the arable land and wonderful views for a while longer. The village development map now looks like this:
1 Sturricks Lane, under development
2 Plough Road (Station Fields), outline
application submitted and still live
3 Heckfords Road (Admirals Farm),
outline application submitted and still
live
4 Heckfords Road West, application
expected for 50 houses
5 Confirmed as no development
6 Pine Close / Weeley Road, Gladman
Developments have decided NOT to
pursue this site for development
Plough Road / Station Fields
This application had been held up by Network Rail’s objections to the footpath crossing situation,
but this is now resolved, subject to an agreement between the developer and Network Rail. We do not as yet
know what that agreement will look like or its impacts. TDC planning committee did not determine this
application at their September meeting as expected, so it may be included on their October meeting agenda.
Admirals Farm
At the time of going to press, there has been no further news on how the developer plans to address the
unacceptable pedestrian access.
Heckfords Road West
At the time of going to press, there has still been no formal application regarding this site. We await further
news on this.
TDC Local Plan
The Local Plan Consultation is nearing its closing stages, but there is still an opportunity to visit the TDC
Council Offices at Weeley to have a look at and get involved with this important project before consultation
closes on 13th October. We are fully supporting the Local Plan as it will give us some protection against
these opportunistic development applications. If you are able to, please go along and make your views count
and join us in supporting this consultation process. One of the options in particular (Option 3) involves a
large development in the Hare Green / Frating Green area which we believe, if it were to go ahead, would
have a huge negative impact on our village as it is likely a good number of the people in the new
development would come to Great Bentley to use the train station and other facilities. Members of Protect
Great Bentley went along to some of the consultation exhibitions to get a complete understanding of the
options and to make their views known, and we have also entered a formal representation regarding the
Issues & Options Consultation to TDC.
Village Show
Thank you to everyone who stopped at the Protect Great Bentley tent at the Village Show. We were kept
busy all day as people wanted to know the latest on our development applications and we also had the TDC
Local Plan Consultation exhibition on display. Huge congratulations to the Show Organisers for a successful
day all round!
27
Village Show
Crowds gathered at the
Protect Great Bentley stand
August Parish Council Meeting Questions & Responses
Following on from our piece in last month’s magazine, the responses given to Protect Great Bentley regarding the
questions asked of the Parish Council in the August PC meeting are as follows:
1)
How does the Parish Council view Cllr Wright's behaviour at the Protect Great Bentley public meeting
on 29th June?
The PC does not feel it is appropriate to comment on the actions of a member whilst he is not
acting on behalf of the PC, at a non-Parish Council meeting.
2)
In his Annual Speech in June, the Chairman of the Parish Council described the current housing
development problem as a 'Serious Local Crisis' and 'the Parish Council's biggest challenge of this
year'. Does the Parish Council consider they are engaging effectively with the Parish to try and
address this problem?
The PC are trying to deal with applications as effectively as they can. The recent Admirals
Farm application has been rejected by the PC.
The Plough Road application has also been rejected by the PC. The application has been
effectively stalled to date due to the intervention of the PC and the highlighting of the railways
dangers. The application will be decided by TDC after the final consultations by Network Rail.
3)
Given the 'serious local crisis' caused by the current lack of local plan and its impact on future
applications, it is obviously a major concern for the Parish. Has the Chairman provided an update for
the Parish on this, as he was in attendance at the TDC Local Plan meeting on 15th July.
The Chairman did provide an update to the Council on the meeting.
4)
The Chairman also mentioned in his annual speech that we have not yet seen any money from the
S106 payment for the Sturricks Lane development - £81,667. As we know, this money does not
become available until the building is completed, and is held by TDC until the Parish is ready to apply
for it. In this case the funding is dedicated to open spaces (presumably sports equipment, play areas
etc). How does the Parish Council plan to consult with the Parish regarding how and when this funding
should be used, once it becomes available?
This will need to be discussed further in the future.
So what can you do?
•
Keep informed. Register on our website to receive news updates.
•
If you do not have access to a computer, let us know at Cedarwood, Moors Lane, Great
Bentley, and we can add you to the growing number of people we deliver a paper update
to.
•
Get involved. We are an inclusive group. We need and would welcome new members.
•
—Write structured objection letters for all planning applications. See our website for
examples.
•
Attend your Parish Council Meetings on the first Thursday of every month
www.protectgreatbentley.com
email: [email protected]
Write to: Pippa Drew, Cedarwood, Moors Lane, Gt Bentley
28
A FEW NOTES FROM YOUR
DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
Seriously - I have not retired
I have received messages and comments from
residents asking if it is correct that I have retired. I
know some of you were really concerned to hear
this, but I can assure you I have not retired and
am still going strong working with Tendring District
Council (TDC) as your Ward Councillor and also
in the privileged position of being the Cabinet
Member responsible for Wellbeing and
Partnerships.
I think the confusion has come about
because I had resigned from the Parish Council,
this was due to the conflict I had over my position
as a TDC Planning Committee member, and the
proposed development plans there are at present
for our village.
Hopefully this has explained my present
position, but be assured I am still here as your
Ward Councillor.
Air Show
The Air Show was extremely successful again this
year with nearly 250,000 visitors attending the
event. Sadly the Vulcan will not be making an
appearance at next year’s show now as she has
been retired, but many other flights are already
being researched and booked for next year, so we
are looking forward to another fantastic Air Show
next year.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have
any concerns; I am always very pleased to help
and hear from you.
Many thanks
Cllr. Lynda McWilliams
Tendring District Council Cabinet Member for
the Wellbeing and Partnerships Portfolio
Tendring District Councillor to the Ward of
Great Bentley
email: [email protected]
Tel: 01206 250732
IDIOT SIGHTING
When my husband and I arrived at our local Ford
dealer to pick up our car, we were told the keys had
been locked in it.
We went to the Service Department and found a
mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driver's door.
As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively
tried the door-handle and discovered that it was
unlocked.
'Hey,' I announced to the fitter/mechanic, 'it's open!'
His reply: 'I know. I already did that side.'
NATURE NOTES
The number of wasps this summer
has been the subject of comment,
after appearing in recent years to be
in decline. Local beekeepers have
lost honeybee colonies due to wasps’ concerted robbing
of hives that are below full strength. Now fruit attract
them: when picking plums recently I witnessed the
rivalry between two members of the social wasp family.
Just beside me a large bright orangy-yellow object
plummeted to the ground. It proved to be a hornet
clutching a smaller wasp in deadly embrace. The term
social wasp is used to distinguish them from smaller
solitary wasps that are mainly insect feeders and
generally overlooked. Our well-known wasps are
generally one of two common species separated by
differing facial marking. Both usually nest underground
but sometimes in crevices. The exposed round hanging
nests made of wood-pulp sometimes found in bushes in
trees or sheds may be of two other slightly smaller
Norway or tree wasps. It is thought wasps inspired our
Chinese ancestors to try paper-making - with unrealised
consequences! Hornets are the most spectacular
member of the family and have slightly increased in
recent times. Their low buzz is a distinctive sound but
they are a shy species and not usually a nuisance like
their better-known cousins. News about the western
spread in mainland Europe of the Asian hornet that
preys on bees is another matter. Like bumblebees,
social wasps form colonies beginning with a young
queen, which has over-wintered. Wasp colonies
gradually build-up after midsummer and are initially
regarded as useful predators of insect pests such as
aphids. This year I have been reading about pollination
and found there are wasp flowers – including figwort,
buckthorn and certain helleborine orchids. An uncanny
relationship between the flower and insect tongue
length are key factors.
Recent plum-picking has
reinforced my appreciation of food-webs that reveal
interdependence of a wide range of wildlife. Wasps feed
on ripe plums that also attract hornets. Red admiral and
comma butterflies as well as some moths are drawn to
the ripe fruit and birds such as jays and magpies like
plum scrumping. Fallen fruit attract small snails and
slugs as well as, after dark, larger foxes and badgers.
Some years ago when up a ladder picking in early
evening I realised a badger was just below noisily eating
fallen plums. Plums may be a common denominator but
badgers often also dig out wasp nests. Such is the
complex food-web that even high-and-mighty humans
are part of: however much we artificially expand food
production the basic interchange between organisms
applies – even with pesky wasps!
DRB
For your diary: Wed 21st Oct at 7.30pm “Wildlife in
East Anglia” Liz Cutting, wildlife photographer, at
Beaumont village hall, organised by Tendring EWT
Group
This was at the Ford dealership in
St Albans, Hertfordshire.
29
30
GREAT BENTLEY SHOW CUPS AND TROPHIES 2015
Section 1
1
Allotment Holders Challenge Rosette
Best Allotment Collection
Shirley Weeks
2
Jack Wood Prize (£10)
Best Vegetable Exhibit
David Sawkins
3
Jack Wood Prize (10)
Best Flower Exhibit
David Sawkins
4
The W.G. & E. Sharp Trophy
Best Fuchsia Exhibit
Not Awarded
5
The Sturdy Trophy
Best Exhibit Section 1
David Sawkins
6
The Ruth Sharp Memorial Trophy
Most Points Section 1
Mary Maskell
Section II
7
Allotment Holders Challenge Rosette
Best Allotment Collection
Not Awarded
8
The RHS Bronze Medal
Best Exhibit Section II
Wendy Bennett
9
The John F Clark Memorial Trophy
Most Points Vegetable Classes
Barry Layzell
10
The Arthur Abrey Memorial Cup
Best Exhibit Fruit Classes
Zonia Wood
11
The National Dahlia Society Bronze Medal
Runner-up Dahlia Classes
Julie Mead
12
The National Dahlia Society Silver Medal
Best Exhibit Dahlia Classes
Not Awarded
13
The Peter Duffield Trophy
Most Points Dahlia Classes
Mary Maskell
14
The RHS Bronze Medal
Best Exhibit Chrysanthemum Classes
Heather Baxter
15
The Ray Purdy Cup
Most Points Chrysanthemum Classes
Heather Baxter
16
Royal National Rose Society Bronze Medal
Best Exhibit Rose Classes
David Sawkins
17
The Frank Atthill Memorial Trophy
Most Points Rose Classes
Gillian Thomas
18
The Alfred Harvey Memorial Trophy
Best Exhibit Fuchsia
Donald Garnham
19
The Evergreens Cup
Best Exhibit Pot Plant Classes
Jackie Pinner
20
The Bay Laurel Cup
Most Points Pot Plant Classes
Jackie Pinner
21
The Jubilee Trophy
Most Points Flower Classes excl. Dahlias Jackie Pinner
22
The Friends of the Green Cup
Most Points Flower Classes incl. Dahlias Mary Maskell
23
The Presidents Cup
Most Points Section II
Barry Layzell
24
The RHS Banksian Medal
Most Prize Money Section II
Barry Layzell
Section III
25
The Chairmans Trophy
Best Exhibit Floral Art
Mrs P Last
26
The Floral Art Trophy
Most Points Floral Art
Mrs P Last
27
The McWilliams Cup
Best Exhibit Cookery Classes
Liz Harry
28
The Great Bentley Flower Show Trophy
Most Points Cookery Classes
Liz Harry
29
The Percy & Emma Abrey Trophy
Best Exhibit Wine Classes
Joseph Debono
30
The F W Fothergil Trophy
Most Points Wine Classes
Joseph Debono
31
The Ross Cup
Best Exhibit Handicraft Classes
Barry Layzell
32
The Friends of the Green Cup
Most Points Handicraft Classes
Bronwyn Dunnett
33
Mrs Kemp Memorial Trophy
Best Exhibit Art Classes
Nina Morters
34
The Harold Lambert Cup
Most Points Art Classes
Maurice Clarke
35
London Camera Exchange Runner-up Prize
Runner-up Photo Classes Adult
Susan French
36
London Camera Exchange First Prize
Best Exhibit Photo Classes Adult
Mary Maskell
Special Awards
37
ME Gibbon Memorial Challenge Trophy Most Points in Show excluding Section I & IV - Barry Layzell
38
Kathleen & Arthur Abrey Trophy
Great Bentley Resident gaining most points in show adult - Mary Maskell
39
The Golden Jubilee Cup
Most points overall - all ages all sections - Barry Layzell
Walker Louth
Brielle Bird
Rose Howlett
Lucas Maskell
Kipp Arthey
Rose Howlett
Lola Scillitoe
Matthew Whyte
Brielle Bird
Annie Bayliss
Isaac Maskell
Lucas Maskell
Eleanor Brooke
Alex Terry
Lucas Maskell
The George Mitchell Cup
Best Exhibit Judges Choice - Art
The Alison Lingard Memorial Cup
Best Exhibit Judges Choice - Cookery
The Marjorie Mitchell Cup
Best Exhibit Judges Choice - Craft
The Friends of the Green Trophy
Best Exhibit in Classes 174-184
The Longcroft Cup
Best Photo Exhibit Class 164
The James Fookes Memorial Cup
Best Exhibit in Classes 168
The Kathleen Abrey Cup
GB Resident most points under 5 years
The Friends of the Green Youth Cup
GB Resident most points 5-7 years
The Aplin Cup
GB Resident most points 8-11 years
The Fenwick Cup
GB Resident most points 12-16 years
Great Bentley Show Children’s Award
Most points under 5 years
Great Bentley Show Children’s Award
Most points 5-7 years
Great Bentley Show Children’s Award
Most points 8-11 years
Great Bentley Show Children’s Award
Most points 12-16 years
The Great Bentley Show Cup
Most points gained in children’s classes
CHILDREN’S SECTION
Priority Services Register
ON THE BUSES
We all know that the winter weather can cause
disruption to our homes and families, particularly
during a power cut. By taking a few simple steps
now, you can be prepared to face the majority of
winter emergencies.
Put together an emergency pack, which should
include:
As most of you are now aware, Great Bentley is the
proud owner of a new bus shelter at the top of
Sturrick Lane, we have waited a long time for it to
arrive. Ironically with effect from January 2016 the
commercially run Horizon 77 bus service will cease.
In January 2016 the Public Service Vehicle
Accessibility Regulations 2000 (PSVAR) comes into
force for single deck buses over 7.5 tonnes. These
regulations bring in Disability Discrimination Act
(DDA) requirements which unfortunately Horizon
buses do not comply with. To comply Horizon would
have to purchase two new buses as it is not a simple
case of altering/updating the current vehicles. I have
had long conversation with the manager of Horizon
Travel and much as he would like to continue with
what he sees as a 'community service', purchasing
two buses is not a viable option. I have already
spoken with Essex County Council who are
investigating the option of providing a subsidised
contracted service; Horizon travel are providing the
passenger statistics. So all is not lost and I will
continue to negotiate with ECC.
* list of emergency contact numbers including NHS
Direct
* analogue phone or portable mobile phone charger
* battery operated or wind up torch and radio
* spare batteries if needed
* essential medication
* three days’ supply of bottled water and ready-to-eat
food that won’t spoil
* Winter clothes and spare blankets
* Regularly check weather forecasts
* Plan for alternative ways to keep warm if your
heating is disrupted
If you or someone you know needs extra support
during a power cut, then you may want to sign up
for our Priority Service Register.
This is a free
service we offer to customers who are dependent on
medical equipment; customers who are chronically
sick or have a disability; customers with young
babies; nursing or residential homes and elderly
customers.
On a more positive note, Great Bentley is to get a
Station upgrade, not only will the platform be raised
(after a wait of some 19 months) to make access into
the trains easier, we are also getting new seating
and updated waiting rooms, repainted bridge etc to
go with the gardens that have been planted and
maintained. This will involve I understand some 3
months work.
For more information please call us on 0800 31 63
105 (from a landline) or 0333 32 32 105 (from a
mobile) or go online at
www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority
P Harry
Transport Rep
SESAW NEWS
Oh dear! Kenny is so dog tired after a day out with his friend Pixie that he missed his deadline. Never mind,
it’s Ollie to the rescue again with our news this month.
By the time you read this, the winners of our Facebook Photo Competition will be known. Everyone is
looking forward to seeing our 2016 calendar which will feature the best entries. The judges had a difficult job,
naturally I was not entered to give the others a fair chance!
Back at the Sanctuary we have lots of black and black/white kittens this year, one poor girl had SEVEN!
Mother thinks herself quite the big game hunter. Went out trapping and guess what? Returned with more
black cats!
Nobody wants us but please do not pass by.
Look beyond our colour to discover our
personalities.
Now the bonfire season is upon us please check for hibernating hedgehogs before you light up. There
are so few of our prickly friends left to help in our gardens that each one is precious.
The fundraisers are holding an Autumn Sale with a Christmas flavour, 11-4pm on 25th October at Great
Bentley Village Hall. Our big Christmas Fair and Annual Draw will be held on 15th November, 10-3pm at The
Old School in Long Melford.
I hope my cat’s eye view has been of interest. Kenneth may well fret over my little exposés but I’ll save
them for another time. Mother is in need of my company on her evening rounds, then it will be back to a nice
warm hay barn for another 80 winks for me, Ollie (the Black) Cat!
Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare, Stoke Road, Leavenheath, CO6 4PP.
Tel: 01787 210888. www.sesaw.co.uk
Remember Sister Jayne Brown? Jayne is organizing the sale on the 25th October at our village hall so
do go along to see her. ED
31
GREAT BENTLEY
PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
Had a great day at the Great Bentley Show, enjoyed very much the images on show in the
competition.
From our observations, we believe the following points might help lift some of the images to a higher
level.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Less is more - often the subject matter is surrounded by extraneous information.
Crop to improve presentation and highlight image subject. Example - in this year’s entrants
“Reflections” both the subject and its full reflection had been shown whereas cropping the image by
approximately 40% horizontally from the image top and leaving the reflection itself as the main part,
made each of the images we saw much stronger. Don’t forget that “letterbox” presented (10:3 ratio for
example rather than the conventional 4:3 ratio) can make for very strong images.
Exposure - important to have correct exposure, no black or white areas in image unless they are
designed to be there.
Orientation - landscape or portrait depending on subject.
Composition - applying the “Rule of Thirds” can often improve dramatically an image.
Camera position - too many images are taken with the camera held at eye level. Raising or lowering
the camera can make a striking difference to the final image.
Choice of lens - Wide angle, standard or zoom, making the right choice is important.
Subject position in the frame - Subject must be balanced within the overall image.
Backgrounds - Depending on the importance within the image, the background can be defused, soft or
focused.
Horizons - Must always be straight/level and try to avoid the horizon line halfway in the image as this
tends to create two images causing the eye to move between the top and bottom repeatedly. The eye
does not settle to allow full appreciation of what you as the author are wishing to convey.
Skies - Pure white skies indicate over exposure and do not add anything to an image and are best
avoided at all costs.
Portraits - Often too small within the image or conversely, bits cut off.
Presentation - The competition rules request mounting suitable size stiff card - nothing worse than a
curled or bent image.
Subject Matter - Does the image meet the requirements of the chosen category. Will it be obvious to
the judges.
General Note - Whilst digital cameras with all their functions and gismos help in the taking of images
with computer manipulation packages allowing post adjustment, what is far more satisfying is to get it
right in camera. The foregoing points can for the main part be simply corrected by taking the time to
look around the image in the viewfinder, or rear screen, before you press the shutter button. All too
many times our reaction is to concentrate on what is the main subject without observing all that
surrounds it. Obviously the fast action grab shots don’t always allow the time. With practice looking
through your camera at what you are taking, you will be surprised at how quickly you spot the parts of an
intended image you had no desire to include.
Alec and Chris
IT’S BACK!!
Charity Quiz Night Time!
SESAW
Plough Inn
AUTUMN SALE
Monday 12th October
8.00pm start
11-4pm
Teams of up to six players at
£3 per player
25th October
All proceeds in support of
Village Hall
AIR AMBULANCE
Raffle prize donations would be much
Proceeds to Suffolk & Essex
Small Animal Welfare,
Leavenheath
appreciated
Tom (Quiz Master)
32
BENTLEY GREEN PLAYERS
North Essex Theatre Guild Awards Evening – Friday 18th September 2015
This is the Am. Dram’s equivalent of the Oscars so you can imagine how proud the group was this year to
have been nominated six awards for its January production of “The Vicar of Dibley Christmas”
The nominations were for each of the following categories; The Costume Award – Set Design/Construction/Dressing – The Lyndon Trophy for Technical Achievement for
the lighting and music tracks – The Norma Harris Award/Adjudicators Award for the characterisations of the
supporting cast – Amanda Powell (Geraldine) and Sarah White (Alice) for The Cliff Hudson Award for Comedy
– The Doris Griffith Memorial Cup for the Best Production.
To have received the above nominations is a really a great achievement in itself and to actually win an award
is really exceptional, so it is with great pleasure that we announce Amanda and Sarah won The Cliff Hudson
Award for Comedy for their parts as Geraldine and Alice. Well done and Congratulations girls you really
deserved the award.
Also congratulations to the whole group for achieving so many nominations in all the other categories, which
actually proves what great teamwork there was for this production; it was a really enjoyable and happy
production.
Many thanks
Lynda McWilliams
Chairman on behalf of Bentley Green Players
Tel No 01206 250732 e-mail [email protected]
The following letter was sent by the Secretary of the Bentley Green Players to the North Essex Theatre
Guild.
Dear Jan,
Every year you ask members to write and let you know if they think somebody from their group should be
nominated for the Jan King Award however we feel that our ‘special lady’, wouldn’t fall into this category but
wondered if she could be considered for a Life Membership aAward. We would like to nominate our Chairlady,
Lynda McWilliams, who called a meeting in our local Village Hall back in 1989 asking if anybody was
interested in forming a local drama group. Several people attended and from that we put on our first
production in October 1990 - two plays in fact called ‘Costa del Packet’ and ‘In Case the Queen looks in’.
Lynda has worked tirelessly ever since, leading Bentley Green Players from strength to strength. She has
been there to oversee every little detail in the 51 productions that we have put on since, often working well into
the night to make sure that everything is covered and this hasn’t always been easy as she is so involved in
other areas in the local community. A few major problems have occurred at the last minute over the years as I
am sure everyone involved in the ‘drama world’ will understand but she calmly worked through it all giving
advice, encouragement and praise to everyone involved.
Over the years Lynda has acted, directed, produced, organised tickets, posters and publicity; set up, cleared
up, fed set crew, washed up, worked backstage and been the make up lady; she has liaised, laughed and
cried along with past and present members and she is still there, at the helm because she truly believes in
Amateur Dramatics and what it can bring to the community as well as to the group and the individual. Due to
all of the aforementioned this year we have had 6 nominations for our last production The Vicar of Dibley Christmas; which Lynda directed.
This year is our 25th year, a special year and so we ask you to consider Lynda for this award in recognition for
all that she has done and as a way of telling her how ‘proud and grateful’ we all are of her.
Many thanks,
Bev Adams
For and on behalf of all the members of Bentley Green Players
Congratulations to Lynda McWilliams who on the night was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the
Essex Theatre Guild.
33
GREAT BENTLEY PARISH COUNCIL
Community Resource Centre, Village Hall
Plough Road CO7 8LG
Tel. 01206 256410
Email [email protected]
Website www.greatbentleyparishcouncil.co.uk
Parish Council Meeting with the developer of Station Field.
Planning App 14/01750/OUT:
At the meeting on 10 September at which in the region of 40 residents attended, the developer would not
discuss the technical issues of the development but instead wanted to listen to the views of the Council as to
what community benefits the development might deliver. It was agreed without prejudice to the Parish
Council’s position objecting to the development to prepare a list of community benefits and forward them the
developer.
PCSO:
PCSO Cox’s monthly report notified that in future the first point of contact for all matters relating to community
policing will be to call 101. Police mobile phones will no longer be available to contact. The Clerk was asked to
make representation to the Police advising that the Council wishes to be able to contact its PCSO directly.
The Old Forge:
The Clerk has reported that because of the deteriorating condition of the Old Forge and its safety implications,
this matter has been reported to TDC, the authority responsible for dangerous structures for attention.
Great Bentley Post Office Service:
Councillors were advised that the level of service provided at the village post office appears to have reduced. It
was agreed to address this matter through formal correspondence. TDC Cllr McWilliams and the Clerk agreed
to pursue independently.
Traffic Congestion:
Further to a discussion about congestion issues in the village, it was agreed to publish a brief survey in the
next edition of the Parish Magazine to canvass opinions and solicit proposed solutions.
Tree Maintenance:
On advice and a request from the Tree Warden the Parish Council agreed to fell three trees in poor condition
on the Village Green close to the Methodist Church and replace them with three suitable specimens.
Planning Applications: The planning applications shown in the table below were considered by the Planning
Committee at its monthly meeting.
Planning
Reference No. &
Email Link
15/01189/TCA
Mr P Stevens
15/01190/TPO
Mr P Stevens
Application Details
Address
T2 -self set Sycamore - fell. T3 - Cherry - reduce by
1.5 m. T4 - Willow - reduce by 2m, back to previous
points. T5 - Cedar - tip by 1.5-2m, lower branches to
reduce spread.
Timbers Weeley Road Great
Bentley
T1 Beech - reduce and re-shape by 1.5 - 2m
Timbers Weeley Road Great
Bentley
Parish Council Meetings:
The Parish Council and its Planning Committee both meeting on the first Thursday of each month. The
agendas are available three days in advance of the meeting and member’s residents are welcome and
encouraged to attend.
As we go to print we learn that there may well be another election for a Parish Councillor as Cliff Warder has
resigned. This will take place on 29th October. You will obviously be notified if indeed this becomes
necessary.
34
Farming diaries
PART TIME EDITOR
REQUIRED
With many fields having been
drilled with wheat, barley and
oilseed rape they are now
showing a green hue. Oilseed
rape crops which would have
been drilled between the end of August and early
September have grown away well with the help of
the warm temperatures (both soil and air
temperatures) and the rain showers we had at the
beginning of September. It is at this time of year
farmers can be concerned about drilling their crops
into dry-ish seedbeds. Their concern was that the
seed would start to germinate with the roots (the
radicle) emerging from the seed first followed by the
coleoptile also known as the shoot and that a lack of
moisture in the soil would mean the seed would
shrivel and die. If adequate moisture is present the
seeds will germinate and begin to establish well.
You will have seen combines rolling later this
summer and even into September this year. This
was because the heavy rain showers we had
throughout August hampered harvest progress.
When farmers harvest a crop of wheat they first take
a moisture reading from a sample of grain. The
‘ideal’ moisture reading for wheat is 15% which
means that the farmer can harvest the grain and can
store it in barns ready to be collected by a haulier
and sold to millers. Grain with a moisture content
higher than 15% can result in the farmer getting
penalised. In order to avoid this if the grain is
harvested above 15% the grain will need to be dried
until it reaches the desired moisture level. This is an
extra cost to the farmer and so they would want to
avoid having to dry grain especially when the price of
wheat is low as it is currently.
Sugar beet is a root crop, which is drilled in
March and is not harvested until October but it can
stay in the ground until January. Sugar beet is lifted
from the ground and sometimes stored temporarily in
heaps before being loaded into lorries and
transported to a factory for processing. The closest
factory which processes sugar beet is at Bury St
Edmunds and can be seen from the A14. Here the
sugar beet is analysed for its sugar content and then
processed into a wide variety of products including
granulated sugar, icing sugar and jam sugar. When
you go to the shops look out for ‘Silverspoon’ sugar
products as the sugar in these will have come from
sugar beet grown in East Anglia and in particular
some of the farmers in Great Bentley and the
surrounding area.
Carole and I have been working on the
magazine together for over 30 years
now.
We have no intention of retiring.
I have recently heard of three magazines
folding because no one would come
forward to take on the job of Editor. We
would hate this to happen to our
magazine which has always been
lovingly cared for. Even Brightlingsea
no longer has a magazine. Soooooooo..
Do you love/are interested your village?
Could you write a few articles
to fill gaps?
Can you work in Microsoft Publisher?
Would you be prepared to help typeset
this magazine occasionally?
We really need someone to back us
in times of need!!!!!
Mary 01206 250524
Carole 01206 251086
We look forward to
hearing from you!
Vicki Brooks
My daughter went to a local Kentucky Fried Chicken and ordered a taco.
She asked the person behind the counter for 'minimal lettuce.'
He said he was sorry, but they only had iceberg lettuce.
35
GREAT BENTLEY HISTORY SOCIETY
Bernard Harris fell in love instantly with Pet Wiseman at the wedding of the Rector of
Paglesham’s son in 1889, proposing only two days later. They were kept waiting by her
parents until 1894, when Pet’s mother, Rose, held a ‘Farewell At Home’ a week before the
ceremony held at 9.30 a.m. in Paglesham Church. Rose did not attend because she was
separated from her husband Fred. After a honeymoon in Paris, Bernard and Pet returned
to his practice in Hornsey.
Zillah Harris was born in 1896 , and was soon taken to Paglesham to be shown off
to all Pet’s friends. However in 1910 when she was 14, Bernard went to sea as a ship’s
doctor to help his TB and Pet and her children, Zillah and Athelstan, returned to
Paglesham, where Zillah would thereafter live.
This was the introduction to the talk given by Mark and Rosemary Roberts as a two hander, with
numerous pictures of the dramatis personae, places and events described. The talk was based on Bernard’s
experiences at sea, ending with a front seat view of Gallipoli from ‘Galeka’, sent home in 87 pages of
illustrated letters; Zillah’s own diaries, as well as Rosemary’s personal knowledge of the village. Zillah in fact
noted Rosemary’s birth in her diary!
Memories were stirred of life in the past by descriptions of Royal festivities, little changing between
Queen Victoria’s Jubilee in 1897, and Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation in 1953, with church services, sports days
and dinners for most of the population; sketches of social parties (pinning names on people’s backs to be
guessed was still going on relatively recently!); the daily routine including getting water from a communal
pump, sending washing to be laundered, walking to visit friends for afternoon tea, etc. Many of these activities
were still common in present memory, wherever one lived.
The advent of wireless, charged from accumulators, the WI, radar pylons, trench digging and evacuation
preparations preceded the second world war.
Personal memories came after Rosemary’s father met Phyllis from New Zealand and married her in
1935, starting life in a two up, two down cottage opposite Zillah, leading to “Baby born to Mrs Boardman’ in
Zillah’s diary. Her father had taken up farming at a difficult time in the 1930s and losing 12 acres of lettuce
after Dunkirk when Southend was cleared of civilians to make way for Royal Naval stations, HMS Leigh and
HMS Westcliffe. Passes were needed to move around east of Rayleigh.
Censored letters recorded the bombing around the village. Incendiaries were put out by the villagers,
High Explosives, VIs and V2s, vapour trails rising over Holland watched from Rosemary’s house, the bombs
passing overhead a few minutes later, even exploding in the village and shaking the house.
Then came Zillah’s involvement in distributing the evacuees from Chingford, she and her mother looking
after brother and sister who recalled their time in Paglesham 50 years later, supplying Territorial cyclists with
tea and food when they came to patrol the seawalls and corresponding with Reg for years afterwards.
Collecting for numerous Fund Days – Spitfire week, Aid to Russia Day and eight others in 1944 alone. Her
diary in February 1944 recorded the surprising ‘Paglesham, for its size, the most bombed place in Essex’.
After the war, when rationing tightened even further as the troops returned, Rosemary’s father started
the Village Produce Association, still going strong. Their first year’s Produce Show in 1946 was well
supported, with Zillah and Rosemary both keen exhibitors. Floods in 1897 and 1938, badly affected
Paglesham, but the 1953 were even worse elsewhere. Rosemary’s father’s fields were flooded but his
piggeries were just above flood level.
The village’s famous boathouse still made traditional timber boats until the 1950s or 60s, but now fits out
fibreglass motorboats. Native oyster cultivation ceased but others grown in bags on tables in the creek are still
grown.
Rosemary and Mark ran craft fairs and then ‘History with Flowers’ exhibitions to
raise money to restore the church tower, work which started in 1979, but Zillah
unexpectedly died that year and sadly did not see the work finished.
Copies of their book, Zillah’s Village, published in 2009, were given to some
members.
******************
The society’s next talk will take place on Thursday 8th October at 8p.m. at the Village Hall. It is entitled “The
History of the London Livery Companies - with particular reference to the Coopers’ Company”. It will be given
by Peter Allington - not the magazine Gardening Correspondent but a former Master of the Coopers’ Livery
Company from Berkshire. As always non-members are welcome, entrance £2 incl. tea & biscuits.
36
FOOTBALL NOTES
Results and Fixtures 2015-16:
YOUTH FOOTBALL
1st Team (Essex & Suffolk Border League
Division Two):
15
Aug home Hatfield Peverel Reserves, 4-1;
29
Aug home Little Oakley A, 3-1;
5
Sept, away Hatfield Peverel (Knock–Out Cup
Preliminary Round) 0-2;
12
Sept, away F.C. Clacton Reserves, 1-1;
19
Sept, home Cressing United, 1-3;
26
Sept, home Boxted Lodgers Reserves;
3
Oct away Earls Colne Reserves;
10
Oct away Tiptree Jobserve Reserves;
17
Oct home Brightlingsea Regent A;
24
Oct away Hadleigh & Thundersley
(Essex Junior Cup Round 2 kick-off 2 p.m.);
31
Oct away Colchester Athletic.
All games league, kick-off 3 p.m. unless stated.
Well I'm back! Turns out it was only a relatively short
hiatus but I would like to thank Rob for doing the
notes for the past couple of seasons.
I'll start with a request for players.....as you may
know Cliff and I have a training session on a
Saturday morning for the youngest age group of
under 7. We are looking for players in both year 2
who are in the under 7 group, this season we are
looking at getting a team together to play some
friendlies with the aim of joining a league next
season. These games are five a side and played on
a smaller pitch which makes sure the kids get a lot of
time on the ball and can have some fun playing. We
are also starting with kids in year 1 (the under 6 age
group) to start to play football and have fun kicking a
ball around. Again the aim would be to play a few
friendly games after Christmas. What we try to
achieve is to get some parents involved in the
training sessions and take on the team in the longer
term, so if you are interested in getting involved
please speak to either of us we would be delighted
to speak to you. Training is for an hour at 11am, the
kids just need to be dressed appropriately for the
weather, have some shinpads, boots or trainers and
a drink.
Veterans (North Essex Veterans League):
5
Sept away Stanway Veterans, 1-0;
12
Sept home Halstead Veterans, 1-1:
3
Oct home Oyster;
17
Oct home Westhamians
(Essex Saturday Veterans Cup);
24
Oct away Rowhedge Veterans;
7
Nov home Holland Veterans.
All games league, kick-off 2 p.m. unless stated.
The weekend of 5th September saw a number of
teams take part in a pre-season at FC Clacton. The
under 8's, 11's and 16 Blues representing the club
and putting in some fine performances. The under
14's and 18's had friendlies against Brightlingsea
and Oakley respectively.
Following the recent loss of his wife, Rita, Alan Coles
has fulfilled a longstanding ambition to move to
Yorkshire. Alan has, for many years, been one of the
mainstays at the football club, which he has served
with a dedication second to none. Always the first to
volunteer his help, he would turn his hand to any
task, be it painting, clearing up our rubbish, putting
the ropes round the pitch or whatever. Alan had a
long spell as fixtures secretary and, in his role on the
committee, could be relied upon to see that club
rules were being adhered to, and that we were being
thrifty with our spending.
We all send Alan our very best wishes for his
new life “up north”, and offer our sincere thanks for
all the support and friendship he has given us at
Great Bentley F.C.
The league season kicks off in earnest on 13th
September which will hopefully see another
successful season for the club. I'll bring you details
of how the team's are doing throughout the season.
Finally, Mark has formed a fund raising committee at
the club which has been very successful. The next
event in the calendar is a sponsored bowling at
Clacton on the 26th October for all age groups from
under 14's downwards. This is normally a great day
and is a good way to keep the kids entertained for a
day in the holidays.
Our teams have made a very promising start to the
new season, both looking more than capable in their
respective divisions. Following last season’s
traumas, a new wave of enthusiasm seems to
spread through the club, and the good numbers at
training have encouraged us to rebook the floodlit
facilities at Brightlingsea so they can continue to
train.
That's it for now, thanks for reading.
Scott
Lucky Team Winner
September: B. Soar (Sunderland) £25.
Stoner.
37
DIARY FOR OCTOBER
Thurs 1st
PARISH COUNCIL COUNCIL MEETING, Village Hall
Sat
AUTUMN SERENADE, Vocal Concert, Lawford Church, 7pm
3rd
Tues 6th
AUTUMN FAIR, Cheshire Home, Gt Bromley, 10.30am
Tues 6th
BENTLEY GREEN LADIES CLUB, 7.30pm, Village Hall
Thurs 8th
YOUTH CLUB, Methodist Church, 7pm
Thurs 8th
HISTORY SOCIETY, 8pm, Village Hall
Sat
10th
QUIZ NIGHT, Bentley Green Ladies Club, 7-7.30pm, Village Hall
Sat
10th
QUIZ NIGHT at Royal Fusilier, 7.30-8pm start.
Sun
11th
RECITAL OF CHAMBER MUSIC, St Osyth Church, 6pm
Mon 12th
CHARITY QUIZ NIGHT, The Plough Inn, 8pm
Tues 13th
ART CLUB, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Wed 14th
GT BENTLEY SCHOOL OPEN DAY, 1pm and 2pm
Thurs 15th
MAGAZINE DEADLINE
Thurs 15th CARNIVAL AGM, 8pm
Wed 21st
ESSEX WILDLIFRE TRUST, 7.30pm, Beaumont Village Hall
Thurs 22nd YOUTH CLUB, Methodist Church, 7pm
Sat
24th
COLCHESTER MILITARY WIVES,
St Botolphs Church, 7.30pm
Sun
25th
SESAW AUTUMN SALE, 11am-4pm, Village Hall
Tues 27th
ART CLUB, Village Hall, 7.30pm
Wed 28th
EVERGREEN FRIENDSHIP CLUB, Village Hall, 2pm
Thurs 29th
POLLING DAY, Village Hall
Fri
30th
MAGAZINE COLLATING, 9am Vestry Room
Fri
30th
WINE TASTING, Ring 01206 252157 for details.
38