July 2015 magazine - Web - Great · PDF fileS. Rokkam, B. Muir and G. Pontikis. The Hollies,...

2

St Mary’s Church

VICAR:

Rev Sharon Miles

The Vicarage, The Bury, St Osyth,

CO16 8NY 01255 822055

CHURCHWARDEN

Wendy King

17 Larkfield Road - 01206 250852

CHURCHWARDEN:

Wendy Smith

Burnside, The Green - 01206 250098

TREASURER:

Penny Evans Jones The Old Rectory, The Green - 01206 250541

[email protected]

CHURCH VERGER:

Rita Baverstock

Stonybroke, Station Road - 01206 251271

LAY READER:

Wendy King

17 Larkfield Road - 01206 250852

PCC SECRETARY:

Chris Aplin

Newmay House, The Green - 01206 250385

STEWARDSHIP SECRETARY:

Rosemary Branch

4 Wents Close - 01206 250137

TOWER CAPTAIN:

Roger Carey-Smith - 01206 250521

SUNDAY SCHOOL:

Linda Hayes

Ivy Lodge, Frating - 01206 250207

Maria Pagram

The Burrow, Plough Road - 01206 250280

VESTRY ROOM BOOKING SECRETARY:

Carole Allington

Poplar House, Station Road - 01206 251086

or ring Church Verger

PARISH MAGAZINE EDITOR/ADVERTISING/

DISTRIBUTOR:

Mary Maskell

Caldew Cottage, The Green

01206 250524

[email protected]

Carole Allington

[email protected]

METHODIST MINISTER Rev Crawford Logan 37 Southcliff Park, Clacton on Sea, CO15 6HH - 01255 423640

DOCTOR’S SURGERY: Drs F. Bhatti, R.S. O’Reilly, A. Nambi, K. Chumbley, S. Rokkam, B. Muir and G. Pontikis. The Hollies, The Green - 01206 250691

CHIROPODIST: Terry St George - 01255 861387: Mobile: 07775 833200

POLICE: Clacton 0300 333 4444 24 hour Non emergency number 101

In an emergency ring 999

PCSO Louise Cox, Community mobile 07801 316876 or 101 ext. 487703. email: [email protected]

PARISH COUNCIL: Chairman - Jonathan Hills,Grange Farm, Heckfords Rd, CO78RR - 01206 798666

Clerk to the Council - Kevin Harkin Correspondence to: The Clerk, Community Resource Centre, Village Hall, Plough Road, Great Bentley, CO7 8LD Telephone - 01206 256410

TENDRING DISTRICT COUNCILLOR: Lynda McWilliams, Boblyn, St Mary’s Road, Aingers Green - 01206 250732

COUNTY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE: Alan Goggin, Freshfields, Church Road, Brightlingsea, CO7 OQT 01206 308023 Mobile: 07860 519117 email: [email protected]

GOOD NEIGHBOURS TRANSPORT: Barbara Fookes - 01206 250431

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: Richard Nowak - 01206 250204

MEDICAL AIDS: Sylvia Adams 01206 250160

TENDRING FURNITURE SCHEME: Rocket House, Gorse Lane Industrial Estate, Clacton: 01255 476068

VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS: Shelley Pizzey, 5 Keeble Court – 01206 252385

VILLAGE HALL DAYTIME KEYHOLDER: Bob Newman 001206 251433

METHODIST HALL BOOKINGS: Robert & Janet Taylor, Dominica, Moors Close - 01206 250087

GT BENTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL: - 01206 250331

COLNE COMMUNITY SCHOOL: - 01206 303511

VILLAGE HISTORY RECORDER: Heather Taylor, Granville, Plough Road - 01206 251004

COLCHESTER HOSPITALS: 01206 747474

CLACTON & DISTRICT HOSPITAL: 01255 201717

FOOTPATH REP: David Gollifer 01206 250309

DONATIONS FOR ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE: Judy & Alan Bishop - 5 Morella Close, 01206 251702

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

Village Information

3

2015

CONTENTS

Editorial .. .. .. 1

Monthly Letters.. .. .. 2

Church Services .. .. 3

Church Rotas .. .. 4

Thank You/Congratulations. .. 5

Deadline .. .. .. 6

Police News .. .. .. 9

Good Neighbours report .. 11

Friends of the Green .. .. 12

Peter’s Potterings .. .. 13

Surgery News .. .. .. 14

Pet’s Corner .. .. .. 15

Wildlives .. .. .. 16

Running Club .. .. .. 17

History Society .. .. 18

Quiz .. .. .. .. 20

Clubs & Organisations .. 21

Children’s Page .. .. 22

Farming Diaries .. .. 23

Pre-School .. .. .. 24

District Councillor Notes .. 26

School .. .. .. .. 28

Chairman’s Report .. .. 29/30.

Cricket .. .. .. .. 32

Parish Council .. .. 35

Football .. .. .. 38

FRONT COVER

Aviva Women’s Cycle Tour

passing through Great Bentley

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.

EDITORIAL

First of all an apology which may or may not be applicable to your magazine. Our colour printer has been playing up and there could be poor quality reproduction of Peter Allington’s action shot. The new part for the printer will not arrive in time to reprint the covers but normal service will be resumed as soon as possible FF we hope. We have new advertisers (including a painter who does exteriors) this month, on page U. Please if you are using any of our excellent businesses/tradesmen, tell them that you have seen their advert in Great Bentley Parish News. Thank you. Just 1 spaces left now for 2015. Lots going on and we do so hope that some real summer weather will arrive to help events proceed. (Yes, of course I realise that we need some rain overnight, too). Many of you will receive this edition on the eve of Carnival Day which we hope is blessed with some warm sunshine and a distinct lack of rain. There will be road closures, see page 5. Running Club will be hosting a race on Friday 3rd July in the early evening which again will involve a short closure on Plough Road in the early evening. On 8th July a small group of villagers will be heading to Writtle (hoping not to get lost for the third year in succession) to hear how we have fared in this years Best Kept Village Competition. Fingers crossed. We have a very interesting article from Wildlives this month highlighting the desperate plight of our beloved hedgehogs. Maybe you can help in a small way by supplying relevant food or small gaps to neighbours gardens to let our faithful mammal expand its foraging range. It truly is the gardeners friend devouring slugs and bugs. Thank you to everyone for the information and write-ups featured but we can always do with some more, please. David Bain’s Nature Notes highlight the importance of flora and we of course are blessed with our “heather patch” on the green. An almost unique area of heathy acid grassland with its itinerant flora. It is situated between the Methodist church and Wents Close/The Path. Definitely worth a look. Planning issues feature highly at this moment in time. There will be an important PUBLIC MEETING on 29th June at the Village Hall, see page 27. We are certainly facing difficult times ahead if we wish to remain a village and not a suburb of the nearest town. HELP IS REQUIRED with collating and stapling the magazine and details are included in the diary on the back inside cover. PLEASE can you help us? Don’t be shy. The Great Bentley Bake Off takes place on 4th July. Lizzie Bodmer, aged 16 has organised this event to repay the kindness bestowed on her when she was recovering from leukaemia. Entry form and full details on page 19 and 25. She deserves our support. Just think of it as a practice run for the Village Show. In the afternoon you can take a look and sample the entries. Monetary donations can also be made and there will be a raffle and handmade cards etc on sale. You can read just how much one of these “wishes” can make on page 19. Mary Maskell

4

The Monthly Letter July 2015

CHURCH REPAIRS ST MARY’S CHURCH

St Mary’s Church will be CLOSED from Monday 6th July

until further notice for repair work on the walls inside.

Church services will be held as usual in the Vestry Room during this period.

We have just been lucky enough to have some warm sunny weather and it has made me start to think about summer. I have in my head the idea of hot sunny days followed by warm evenings sitting out in the garden relaxing! A lovely image but as we all know, things (especially the weather) do not always go the way we hope. However, whether it’s hot or not summer does usually mean a change in pace and often the opportunity to take some time out. Whether it is a few days where you are able to set your own timetable or a couple of weeks away with the family – do make sure that you get some space to charge up the batteries and be re-energized. I know that for some people it may not include slowing down but simply doing something different. Whatever it is for you – Enjoy! I do also want to wish all those who are moving on from year 6, a great last few weeks at school. Make the most of all that you will be doing with your classmates and be ready to have a fantastic time in year 7 wherever that may be. Every Blessing Revd Sharon From the Parish Registers

Baptisms

24th May Mitchell Gardiner 31st May Faith Grace Greenfield

Weddings

19th June Stephen Palmer and Danielle Shaw

Funerals

17th June Rosemary Pegg 18th June Irene Bennett

5

CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS IN

GREAT BENTLEY DURING JULY

METHODIST

CHURCH NEWS

ST MARY’S CHURCH

Mon 6th 10am Support in Loss Session, Vestry Room SUNDAY 5th July - Trinity 5 9.30am Sung Eucharist & Sunday School 3pm Baptism Mon 6th CHURCH REPAIRS START Tues 7th 2pm Bible Study in the Vestry Room SUNDAY 12th July - Trinity 6 9.30am Family Eucharist SUNDAY 19th July - Trinity 7 9.30am Sung Eucharist Fri 24th 9am Magazine collating Tues 21st 2pm Bible Study in the Vestry Room SUNDAY 26th July - Trinity 8 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Family Service

We welcome you to worship with us during July. Morning worship will be held at 10.00am unless otherwise stated. The leaders of worship are set out below:- July 5

th Rev Crawford Logan - Flower Festival

July 12th

Rev Charles Martin July 19

th Nick Scott

July 26th Rev John Allison - Sacrament

Membership service Four new members were welcomed into our Church by Rev Crawford Logan during a special service in June.

Events in July

Flower Festival This will be held on the 4th and 5

th July

we look forward to welcoming you during the weekend. See other advert on page 23 in this magazine. Firebike Training this will be held on Wednesday 1

st

July at 8pm (repeated 5th August). All bikers and drivers

welcome. Talk with supporting films given by Fire Service Safety Officer. Coffee morning No coffee morning this month due to Flower Festival. Our next Coffee morning will be in September. Adventurers Club. On holiday. Cameo 6

th July 6.30pm our annual outing to Johnny

Mac’s Plaice for a fish and chip supper. Luncheon Club 7

th and 21

st July

If you would like to come along to the Luncheon Club please ring 251330 and talk to Brenda. Come and see if you enjoy the meal and company before you commit yourself to coming each time. Transport can be arranged to help those unable to get to the Methodist Church. Messy Church Our next Messy Church will be in September Each week the following events are held at our Church. Ring these numbers for more information Luncheon Club Alternate Tuesdays 12 Noon 251330 Parent & Toddlers Group Thursdays 9-15 a.m. 250431 Closed in school holidays Adventurers Fridays 7 p.m. 250087. For children in school year 3 and older. Closed in school holidays. Village Teen Youth Club restarts in September.

PLEASE NOTE

ALL CHURCH SERVICES

WILL BE HELD IN THE VESTRY ROOM

FROM SUNDAY 12th JULY AND DURING AUGUST WHILST MAINTENANCE

WORK IS BEING CARRIED OUT IN THE CHURCH

6

ST MARY’S CHURCH

SIDESPERSONS ROTA

Sunday 5th July - Trinity 5 2 Samuel 5.1-5,9-10: 2 Cor. 12.2-10: Mark 6.1-13:

Sidespersons & Readers - Zonia Wood & Hilary Harris Intercessions - Jackie Thimbleby Sunday 12th July - Trinity 6 2 Samuel 6.1-5:,12b-19: Eph. 1.3-14: Mark 6.14-29:

Sidespersons - Pat Nunn & Eve Hickley Intercessions - Sally Day Sunday 19th July - Trinity 7 2 Samuel 7.1-14a: Eph. 1.11-end: Mark t6.30-34,53-end:

Sidespersons & Readers - Carole & Peter Allington Intercessions - Wendy King Sunday 26th July - Trinity 8 2 Samuel 11.1-15: Eph. 3.14-end: John 6.1-21:

Sidespersons - Nicky Justice Intercessions - Yvonne Gibson

JULY PRAYER LIST Each day we will be praying for those that need help, those who give help and all the people who live in each road. That’s a lot of praying to be done. 1 Doctors Air Ambulance 2 Woodgreen Estate Blind & Partially

Sighted 3 Children injured on Beacon House The rollercoaster ride 4 The lonely St John Ambulance 5 St Mary’s Road Salvation Army 6 Messy Church Hamilton Lodge 7 Flagship Park Farmers 8 Housebound Explorer Scouts 9 Station Road Macmillan Nurses 10 St Helena’s Hospice Action for Children 11 George Mitchell Close R.A.D. for the deaf 12 The vicar Wildlives 13 Hill Cottages Samaritans 14 The grieving 1st Gt Bentley Scouts 15 South Heath Road Parent Line 16 Churchwardens Clacton Soup Run 17 Chapel Terrace Children’s Hospice 18 Methodist Minister Luncheon Club 19 Cedar Way Girl Guides 20 The sick Parent & Toddlers 21 Birch Avenue Premature babies 22 Church Sunday School Essex Voluntary Association for the Blind 23 Cherrywoods Fair Trade 24 The homeless Trefoil Guild 25 Finch Drive First Responders 26 Church Stewards Victim Support 27 De Vere Estate Open Road 28 Adventurer’s Club District Nurses 29 Goodwyn’s Mews Local Food Bank 30 The abused Beaver Club 31 British Heart Foundation Primary School

COFFEE ROTA

5th Nadine & David McKinlay

12th Pat Nunn & Eve Hickley

19th Janet Strutt

26th Stephanie Sadler & Maria Pagram

St Mary’s Churchyard Would you like to help maintain our lovely Churchyard by making a donation towards its upkeep? It costs over £2,000 a year for mowing, strimming, tree work etc. Some people just like to sit in the peace and quiet, or walk through with their dogs or visit the graves and cremation stones of their loved ones. Others may be researching family history or watching the wildlife. We all enjoy this wonderful green space for many diverse reasons. We would be grateful for your help. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Gt Bentley PCC’ or you can donate cash. Cheques and cash can be put through my door, or you can ring me if you wish to know more. Thank you Rita Baverstock (Verger) Stonybroke Station Road Gt Bentley CO7 8LH Tel: 01206 251271

7

Firstly we must make mention of two separate donations of dog food, sundries and bedding thoughtfully brought to us following the sadness of saying goodbye to a beloved pet. That we were thought of so quickly is a testament as to how kind people are in our village ensuring other dogs not so fortunate as those they have lost will benefit. We understand the void it leaves in your life and empathise with your feelings of loss. Our dear ladies who knit continue in earnest to create all manner of colourful intricate handiwork and also we must include those who crochet. They are particularly welcome at this time of year when the kitten population explodes. We took some to Brenda where evidence of the aforesaid explosion was abundant! Brenda was trying to eat a late breakfast of porridge on ‘the hoof’ in between providing 2 hourly feeds for some very young and sickly kitties rescued from under a shed, born of a feral mother they were surprisingly not too ‘spitty’ when we handled themFlittle darlings. Brenda will endeavour to trap their mother and get her spayed. If anyone has facilities to accommodate feral cats i.e. out buildings, barns etc., there is a great need, they will just require access to some shelter and food on a regular basis, please contact us. The National Animal Welfare Trust in Little Clacton is similarly inundated with mother and kittens or pregnant cats who will all need good new homes. They had their Open Day and Fun Dog Show on Sunday 7

th June and this helped to raise

some much needed funds. They were thrilled with the knitted blankets which we took along with other bedding and towels, they really are a lovely well organised group of staff and volunteers. We will be grateful for donations of pet food, blankets, sheets, fleeces, throws, towels, tea towels but we are unable to accept duvets, pillows or cushions. We will ensure they get to where they are most needed and spread some cheer as we do so. Our sincere thanks as ever for your continued support. Judy & Alan Bishop, 5 Morella Close. 251702

CHRISTIAN AID

A total of £165.00 has been donated to Christian Aid this year made up of donations and £64.40 was raised at the Grand Garage Sale. Many thanks to anyone who has contributed in any way towards this worth cause. Maria Pagram

MOONWALK BREAST CANCER

We would like to thank everyone who has supported us so generously with our fund raising at The Plough Inn. £1,1105.50 was raised at the Quiz Night and £60.16 was donated via the Pink Pot. We have raised a further £1,312.84 making a grand total of £2,478.50. Thank you to everyone. Sam, Kelly, Deborah and Nicola The Bentley Girls

GREAT BENTLEY CARNIVAL SATURDAY 27th JUNE PROCESSION STARTS 12.30 ROAD CLOSURES

Reminder that the road will be closed between approximately 12.15 and 1.30pm

Apologies for omitting this birthday greeting in the June edition

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 21st June

A very happy 50th Birthday

to

CLARE WHITE

Have a lovely day.

All our love, Mum and Dad

Sharon and Phil Kyle and Lauren

Dale, Laura and Frankie

8

DEADLINE FOR THE

AUGUST

2015 magazine

Monday 13th July 2015

Material to Mary Maskell, Caldew Cottage, The Green, 250524

Please mark all material - “Parish Magazine”

email: [email protected] AND [email protected]

IMPORTANT - PLEASE SEND ALL INFORMATION TO BOTH OF US

Buy tickets At Carpenter’s Farm

THE GREAT BENTLEY RETREAT

We have moved to new premises which are on the ground floor and are much bigger, with disabled access. We’re so lucky to have such a wonderful client base who have been so supportive over the years since we started out in a little bungalow! We will soon be offering an over 70’s discount day once a month too. Our new address is 5,6 and 7 Beaver House, Plough Road, Great Bentley, CO7 8LG. Emma at the Great Bentley Retreat.

FOR SALE

Free standing galvanised Scaffold Tower

2 levels with scaffold boards Height approximately 9 feet

Any reasonable offer accepted

Julia Cottee

01255 830345

BADMINTON PLAYERS WANTED

Come and join us on Tuesday evenings between 8pm and 10pm in Great Bentley Village Hall, Plough Road. (Next to the railway station). We do have spare racquets if required and if it is a while since you have played come and give it a go, however no beginners please. For further information please contact Jo Day on 01206 250452.

9

KENNY’S SESAW NEWS

Important announcement! This is your official invitation to the SESAW Open Day, Fete and Fun Dog Show at midday on 26

th July. We look forward

to meeting old and new friends – particularly ex-SESAW dogs! There will be displays by ACE Agility, doggy games and 13 classes including a special one for our re-homed canines. Our volunteers love to see how the dogs are progressing, what better time for a get-together and photos? Mum says I must also mention the stalls, games, competitions, wildlife corner, BBQ, homemade food, ice cream van, bouncy castle and music from “Jazz Galore”. Visitors will also see the animals awaiting homes and view entries to our Facebook Photo Competition. All this in just four hours, whatever the weather as most of it will be under marquees and gazeboes. Over £450 was raised at our Bank Holiday Garage Sale which was more like a social occasion, thanks to all the lovely people who attended. More events are planned for the Autumn including a big sale at Great Bentley Village Hall on 25th October. I’ll tell you about them next month and about the animals for re-homing. Currently Mum is busy feeding the annual influx of wildlife casualties and last week two litters of kittens were born. After all the painting, repairing and hammering in the garden it is time for me to inspect the Open Day preparations. They have made a good job of the fencing but I know there is still a space that a few can get through, including me, Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua! Stoke Road, Leavenheath, CO6 4PP. Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare, Reg.Charity No.1124029. Tel: 01787 210888 www.sesaw.co.uk

A Few Facts about the Church Bells and their Maintenance

Churches are historical buildings, many dating back hundreds of years, and require a lot of maintenance and TLC, both inside and out. The bells are no exception requiring monthly inspections and have their own programme of regular maintenance. The age of the bells varies, the oldest one being manufactured in 1697 & the newest being manufactured and installed in 1897. The original ring of 5 bells was upgraded to 6 in 1890 and then to 8 in 1897. The bells were re-installed as a ring of 8 on their current wooden frame in 1938. Such ancient artefacts require respect and must be carefully looked after. Traditionally, church bell ringing groups carry out their own maintenance, and sometimes appoint a ‘Steeple Keeper’ from amongst their members. In our case, it is Mandy Miles who has this role. As Steeple Keeper, Mandy oils the bearings, which allow the bells to swing when being rung, using castor oil. Castor oil is used as it is the purest type available to the general public, and, because the bearings are oiled once a month is less likely to damage or corrode the metal than perhaps motor oil. By oiling the moving parts, it ensures that the bells will rotate freely and ensure that no damage happens to the bearings. The pulleys and clappers also need to be regularly oiled. The ropes we use are either made of hemp or, as in the case of the newer ones, made of a combination of hemp with the top part being nylon. Like a lot of natural products, seasonal changes can occur to the ropes, which in the case of hemp ones, causes a slight lengthening in summer and contraction as the weather becomes damp and colder in the autumn. When this happens, the ropes need to be adjusted slightly, another job which Mandy carries out twice a year. We cherish the bells and are keen to ensure that they are looked after and maintained correctly so that they can continue to call out to the village for hundreds more years. If you are interested in church bell ringing, would like more information or would like to learn or just ‘have a go’, then please either come to one of our practice nights on a Monday from 19.30 – 21.00, or contact me on the number below.

Roger Carey-Smith 01206 250521

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Congratulations to Sylvia Young who was 103 on 22nd June.

Sylvia now lives at ‘Cheviots’ in Colchester

after moving from Moors Close.

She receives the magazine each month and enjoys reading this and keeping up with all the village news.

10

ISABELLE’S TRIP TO LAPLAND On December 2nd I got up as usual to go to school. When I arrived downstairs daddy was still at home! On the dining table was some sparkling Christmas lights, and two sheets of paper with a lot of writing. I was then told I would not be going to school that day instead Make a Wish charity, had granted me a wish to go to Lapland to see Father Christmas! I was so excited and really could not believe it was true. Yes, mummy, daddy and I were going to fly to Lapland for five days. We flew from Gatwick, the whole plane was full of mummies, daddies and children all very noisy and very excited. We were entertained on the journey by the crew, even the pilot dressed up as Father Christmas and came to see us all! When we arrived at Lapland we had to go into a large barn to collect our cold weather clothes. We went by coach to our hotel, we could not believe how beautiful it was. Sparkling lights everywhere, Christmas trees decorated and so much snow. After a good nights’ sleep we were ready for activities arranged for us, everyday was fun, fun, fun. We met Father Christmas’ elves, Speedy, Tricky Dickey, Jelly Bean, Gertie to name a few. During our stay we rode in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer, a fast ride in another sleigh pulled by six huskies, tobogganing, snow mobiles. Another day we had to search for Santa, we all had clues to go into the woods to find his house. We eventually found it! Mrs Claus was in the house, she said Father Christmas has been expecting me! The bookcase moved back, we went down the wooden stairs and into a room, there sat Father Christmas!!! I could hardly speak, he said he had been expecting me and had my letter in his hand! We had a chat with him, he knew I had been poorly and gave me a gift, all the boys and girls had presents. Soon it was time to leave Lapland, after a wonderful time, a dream come true. As we were travelling in the coach Mrs Claus and Father Christmas came out of the woods to wave us goodbye. This was a trip I will never forget. Daddy and his friends had raised money doing a sponsored walk for Make a Wish to help other boys and girls who have been poorly. Starlight, is another such charity, Lizzie Bodmer is fundraising for this charity. Like me, Lizzie had leukaemia and now wants to help others. Please help her ....... I am giving her my saved pocket money. GOOD LUCK LIZZIE. Isabelle Franklin

Spare a thought I was reminded recently just how hard it must be at times to sit as a Parish Councillor. A target for criticism, someone to blame for problems within the village, someone else to take responsibility while we choose not to, someone to point the finger at when things go pear-shaped, someone to take up an issue on our behalfFFF..the list could go on. And all that hassle for no pay, the only reward being the knowledge that they are doing the very best possible for Great Bentley and all who live here. And my word, how difficult it is trying to be all things to all people! So spare a thought for the parish councillors who are, don’t forget, just ordinary folks like you and I but folks doing a time consuming and difficult job on behalf of us all. For who would do this work if they didn’t?

Ken Drew

Great Bentley Wine Tasting Group

For further details please contact Colin and Roni on 01206 252157 or e mail [email protected]

The wine tasting group established in August 2012 continues to hold enjoyable and informative evenings. For details please contact the above. The following wine comes highly recommended for you to try and is perfect for drinking now; Touraine Puzelet 2014 Available from Buon Vino Settle at £12.95 (you can order this on line) Forget your supermarket Sauvignon Blanc this is by far the most delicious and gorgeous Sauvignon you could hope to find and its organic as well. Dessert Semillon Riverina de Bartoli 2009 Tesco £6.79 This is generous, rich and fruity and is a real bargain. It has flavours of ripe apricot and peaches, with a lick of fragrant honey and lemon acidity. Each month we taste between 6 and 10 wines from £3.99 to £40 a bottle and it is a chance to taste a number of wines in comfort before you rush out and commit. Do call for more details. The next wine tasting is on Friday 31st July

11

Great Bentley Neighbourhood Policing Team

Neighbourhood Constable: Pc Dan Heard: Police Community Support officer: Louise Cox:

Below is a breakdown of reported incidents for the month of May.

Theft /Theft from - 5

• Report of an in house theft in private residence

• All other reports were of vehicles that had been left insecure and persons unknown have gained entry and removed

various small items including loose cash and sat navs

• A report was also received of motor vehicle Interference whereby persons had tried to gain entry to a secure vehicle Burglary Dwelling Attempted - 1 Attempted entry was tried at a property by trying to gain access via an open small window – entry was not gained and no items stolen. Concern for Welfare – 1 This was a report of concern for a person’s welfare Nuisance Communications – 1 Report was received of a person being mentioned over a social media site Road related – 1 This was a report of a fail to stop RTC Suspicious Circumstances – 2

• Report of a delivery driver asleep in his van on the Plough Road Industrial Estate

• A suspicious male was seen to enter the driveway of a private property and show interest in items that

• were in the garden area.

Crime Prevention advice You will see that Great Bentley has been hit recently with a number of thefts from vehicles. It would appear that a number of these vehicles were left insecure by the owners making it very easy for the opportunist thieves to gain access. DO NOT LEAVE VEHICLES, OUTDOOR BUILDINGS AND PROPERTIES INSECURE!! Water safety Whether you’re planning to soak up the sun abroad or stay at home and make the most of the beaches in Essex this summer, it’s important to think about safety. Every summer the Essex Police Marine Unit deals with families putting themselves in danger in the sea and county’s rivers. Dip into our advice below to help keep you and your family safe, and remember, if you do ever find yourself in difficulty in the water, shouting for help or raising your hand in the air will help attract attention. If you see someone in trouble in the sea, DON'T attempt a rescue. Look for a lifeguard or call 999 and ask for the coastguard. At the beach

• Where possible, swim at a beach with a resident lifeguard and avoid swimming alone.

• If you or your children can’t swim or are learning to swim always wear a life jacket or arm bands.

• If you can swim, know your limits and stay at a depth that is safe for you. Currents can be deceptively strong so keep an eye on the beach to make sure you don’t drift out too far.

• Tomb stoning or jumping into the sea from piers or high rocks is VERY dangerous and can kill. There's no way of telling how deep the water below is or what rocks lie beneath so don’t take the risk.

• If you’re taking a trip to the beach, plan your day. Find out what time the tide comes in so you don’t find yourself cut off by high water. Don’t ruin a fun day out by finding yourself stranded!

• Lilos and inflatables can be great fun for children but are easily pulled out to sea by the lightest of currents. Keep control of your inflatable by tethering it to something solid on the beach like a parents’ wrist. This will help you pull the lilo back in when you need to.

• If you plan to ride a jet ski, do so safely by steering clear of swimmers. Jet skis being ridden within 200 metres of the shoreline should not exceed 10 mph.

Lakes and rivers

• Swimming inland in deep water lakes has its dangers too. Taking a dip to cool off on a warm summer’s day may be tempting but the water may be deceptively cold. Plunging into cold water can shock your muscles into cramp, making it difficult for you to swim to safety so be sensible and test the water first.

• Swimming in locks and weirs may look fun but beware of strong currents beneath.

• Water can look inviting on a hot day but beware of possible hidden dangers beneath like jagged rocks, broken bottles and weeds. Wear something to protect your feet and watch out for weeds that can trap the strongest of swimmers. If you become trapped, stay calm and slowly work yourself loose or call for help. Raising your hand in the air will help attract attention if you are in need of help.

Calls to ‘101’ will cost 15p for the entire call This applies to both landlines and mobile phones. For the first time ever, everyone calling the police for non-emergency matters will know exactly how much it will cost them and will be assured of equal access whether they are on a pay-as-you-go mobile or a home landline Essex Community Messaging Sign up for free to receive information, crime prevention advice and notifications from Essex Police and other key partners, such as Neighbourhood Watch - please see the link http://www.essex.police.uk/ecm

12

Village Veggies

Meat the Alternatives

Vegetarian cuisine has always tended to include a few meat comparative or meat representative dishes and recipes. The nut cutlet is a prime example of this and many vegetarians feel that they are still trying to shake off the image of mass consumers of this said item. Something that has helped in this process is the wide use of meat alternative products such as soya protein and Quorn. The first of these to become widely available was a soya product known as TVP (texturised vegetable protein). It was developed in the sixties by the giant American company Archer Daniels Midland. The method of processing soya beans for this purpose leaves a puffy solid, which when rehydrated for use forms a very meat-like texture. It is a very low cost protein and is about a third of the cost of beef. Quorn, which is a registered product name by a UK company Marlow Foods, came much later in 1985. It is actually a fungus, which is grown by fermentation in a process similar to the production of beer and yoghurt. Strangely enough during its early years of production it wasn’t suitable for vegetarians due to the fact that it contained egg albumen derived from battery eggs. Free range eggs are now used and even a non-egg vegan version will soon be available. The carbon footprint of Quorn frozen mince is claimed to be 70% less than that of beef. Both these items are available in their designed form to use as ingredients in cooking and are widely used in frozen oven ready products. There has always been some debate about the exact market for these foods. It has been said that they are too much like meat for vegetarians and not as good as the ‘real thing’ to appeal to meat eaters. In spite of this rather questionable buyer profile sales of these food items continue to grow. The Linda McCartney factory in Fakenham, Norfolk, which produces many meat alternative products, has recently expanded to keep up with demand. Surges in sales of these meat alternative foods have been noticeable during health scares within the meat industry, although a more steady and sustained increase in the future could be for entirely different reasons. Without wishing to cast too much doom and gloom, several studies have concluded that in a few more decades’ time there will be real challenges to feed the increasing world population. High meat consumption in the Western world and more recently in China and some developing countries will put extreme demands on world food supplies. Currently around 90% of the world soya bean harvest is grown to feed livestock. Of the remaining 10% most gets used by food manufactures for ingredients in processed food and only a tiny amount is processed as soya protein for human consumption.

The use of these meat alternative products in catering seems to be mainly for providing vegetarian options in fast food outlets and cafes. I feel there is scope for them to be used much more widely in restaurant menus. A pub restaurant near to where my cousin lives in Derbyshire has an extensive choice for vegetarians. Half of the eight or nine options are simply vegetarian versions of items from their main menu substituting things like Quorn for the meat. That simple! These meat-like products do suffer rejection by those who really like tucking into a real meat based meal. Sampling a vegetarian sausage for example, in place of a pork one in a cooked breakfast will usually receive a disappointing response in this situation. Include them sliced up in a risotto or with pasta then they might be more appealing. Quorn is particularly good when added to recipes as it absorbs the juices of other ingredients adding flavour to it. There are some other non-meat protein foods that are becoming more popular in the fast food industry. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) has its origins in Columbia, South America and is a pseudo grain related to Amaranth. Falafel is made from chick peas or fava beans which are formed into balls as fritters. It is one of the main fast food protein foods in many Middle Eastern countries, Israel in particular. Both Quinoa and Falafel are now becoming established as popular choices in fast or street food in major cities across the world. On a recent visit to New York City I was pleasantly surprised by the number of food outlets serving this type of food. They are commonly accompanied by a salad mixture in a pita bread wrap, pocket or sandwich or can be the filling for a veggie burger. I think this is one of the reasons I enjoy visiting cities, you can always rely on getting some good vegetarian food. Linda and I do have these meat alternative foods at home but we don’t live on them. When I do eat a veggie sausage or burger I never make the connection or comparison to the meat equivalent, if I did I wouldn’t enjoy eating them. For those who couldn’t imagine a situation where they wouldn’t eat some form of animal derived food there are two other possibilities. Some experts believe that protein needs could be met by the mass production and consumption of insects. In around ten years it is thought that a substance called In Vitro meat will be commercially available. This is meat that is grown in a lab that has the appearance, texture and taste of animal flesh. I think I will pass on both of these items. Roy Parker

13

Annual Meeting of Great Bentley Good Neighbours The Great Bentley Good Neighbours held their annual meeting on the 8

th June. The

Chairman Robert Taylor reported as follows:- 1) As you know I represent you on the Older Peoples Forum and following one of

these session I invited ‘Community Agent’ Mel Wakeford to one of our Committee meetings. She works for the Rural Community Council in Essex. Mel travels around the local villages visiting people who have asked for advice or who have been recommended to them by Doctors, Social Services and others, giving advice from entitlement to benefits; handrail/stairway rails and information on local clubs to counteract social isolation. The team promote independent living enabling people to stay in their own homes. She is dementia and O/T trained and can link up with the Essex Equipment Services. There are 36 ‘Community Agents’ across Essex and they are funded for the next 5 years. It is a job that keeps her very busy even though she is only part time. She is readily available to be contacted with regards to anybody that we think may fit into the above categories on 07711 556757 or on email [email protected] It was very interesting to hear from her and together work through with her how her work has synergy with ours.

2) Speedwatch. We have tried very hard to make up a Speedwatch team to help keep our roads safe in Gt Bentley. We have sufficient volunteers however we cannot get the co-operation from the police to get them trained. One volunteer went on a course last December but no further courses have been arranged since then despite requests to the officer concerned. We start to lose heart after a while.

3) The annual booklet delivered to every house in Great Bentley is possibly the one area where all villagers

can make use of our services. This years and past years booklets are also on the parish web site at http://www.greatbentleyparishcouncil.co.uk/ Look under “Village” and “Good Neighbours”. Make it one of

your Favourites. We are grateful to our advertisers for supporting us in producing this Booklet. Brenda Gourley, Yvonne Oxford and Bev Adams do most of the research for this and we thank them for this work.

4) Neighbourhood Watch. Still an important part of our work and Richard Novak is keeping up the publicity regarding this. These days the police are much more proactive in letting people know what is going on. It is good to see that we have a part time PCSO again and would encourage people to let the Parish Council know if they feel this is being effective since future funding depends upon this.

5) Carers Relief service. Maureen Johnson makes this available to all in the village and we thank her

for this. 6) Transport scheme. This is still the busiest part of our work making great demands on Coordinator Barbara Fookes. Thanks to Barbara and all the drivers who give their time. We are pleased to pay each driver’s costs although very few claim and we are grateful to them for that contribution. New volunteers for this essential driving work are always needed. The contribution made by users of this service to the cost is very welcome. 7) We have always felt that the Road Stewards do a most important task for their neighbours and thank

them all for their work. Yvonne Oxford co-ordinates this work. 8) We thank Alan Bishop for providing the Pets to Vets service which he has done for many years. 9) Medical Aids The items we lend are intended to be for emergency or short term use since for long term

use the health authorities or social services make the provision. We have many items out on loan at any one time such as Wheelchairs, Commodes, Walking Aids and Bathing Aids. We hope that those who are able to use this service will be able to contribute to the costs involved although we do not make a specific charge.

10) All the work the Good Neighbours does depends upon its volunteers. We thank them now on behalf of the village

Robert Taylor Chairman

14

The Great Colchester Earthquake – a couple of rumbles!

May’s edition of the magazine can hardly have been through most people’s letterboxes when pleasingly I received a call from Barbara Fookes providing me with exactly the kind of response to my Colchester earthquake article that I had hoped for. A family story centred on her great grandfather who ran the forge on the Green in 1884. The story that had remained in the family’s oral archive ever since was that when the quake came the forge building began to shake so much that all the horseshoes hanging there started to vibrate against each other, so much so that (to quote) “they rang out like church bells”. Reading the book I have on the subject gives credence to the above for one of

the most remembered experiences at the time was also of how the bells in local churches were set ringing. Sadly, church steeples seem to have been some of the most vulnerable edifices: Langenhoe’s being almost completely destroyed, and the Lion Walk church in Colchester also lost its steeple. I wonder if our church was affected in any way? It was sad that this topic should have arisen at the time of the horrors suffered by the people of Nepal, but while not on the same scale, it is a fact that much hardship was apparently caused by the Colchester incident. This was particularly so for the less well-off, whose often quite unstable houses collapsed, leaving inhabitants homeless. Mick Dorling’s response in the June magazine was likewise very interesting with his suggestion that the undulating surface of the green might well have been one of the shake’s long-term effects. If we see your tractor disappear down a hole some time Mick we’ll come and see if you were right! He can barely have written his contribution when news came of the quake in Kent, felt in Essex too. My sister-in-law tells me their roof in Wickford was noticeably shaken The serious issue that Mick makes when he refers to its not having been recorded bears out the point I originally raised: that the quake was brushed from memory because powers that be felt it somehow put the country in a poor light. Hence our knowledge of it is so sketchy. If you read the two local histories - Carl Morton’s “How Green Is Our Village” and L Newman’s “History of Great Bentley” - you will find no mention of the quake whatsoever, and when I inquired of Carl’s son Peter, he said that although he had heard of it, it was not something he could remember Carl had ever referred to. That is one reason I am keen to see if we can find further evidence of the event. This leads finally on to the one other local story that has been passed on to me. I was told that a local family, the head of which ran various local brickworks, had at one time (indeed may still have) a letter which the man was writing at the very moment of the sudden earthquake. The vibration of the quake caused the writer’s hand to jerk violently, thus leaving a great scrawl across the page. How interesting if that document still exists! Hopefully more such wonderful local stories will come to light. Reg Allington.

FRIENDS OF THE GREEN

The Grand Garage Sale was successfully organised and from the point of view of our Friends of the Green was successful. Advertising reached far and wide with early visitors from Witham, Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Woodbridge. These were probably traders but who cares. Some garage owners seem to have done okay but some not at all well! The biggest let down was the weather, with the threat of rain people didn’t turn out in large numbers. We hope it will be better next year. We had an entry of over 40 garages. Thanks to all who took part. Special thanks to Donald and Peter for contributing the contents of their greenhouse (plants) which were sold by Lynda from her front garden and made £46. We also appreciate sponsors from Restaurant 43 and MD Tyres for donating amounts that covered all our costs. A total of around £400 was raised. Thanks to the Richers who allowed us to plug into their electric supply and to anyone else who helped or contributed to the day.

The Friends of the Green are trying to organise a vintage tractor show on the Green as part of the Great Bentley Show. If anyone has or knows of people who own old tractors etc. would they please contact me on 01206 250799 to let me have a rough idea or how many to make space for. This is the first time for such an event and I would like it to be successful to set the trend for the future.

Michael Dorling - 01206 250799

Chairman - Friends of the Green

15

Peter’s

Potterings

How were your various vegetables this year? My new potatoes were a bit late (mid June) but that is because I planted them later this year. The crop was good, just enough on each plant for a couple of days’ eating, and the thing I always like is that, presumably it was due to lower rainfall, the size of the crop has been no more than a couple of inches across which means they scrape nice and easy and they tasted like new potatoes should do. I am now on to my second earlies - never so nice as the first crop but still pretty good. The asparagus was very tasty this year but started later, and the crop was not so good as in previous years. I stopped cutting them early in June to try to bulk them up ready for next year. I must also mention that my parsnips this year germinated much better than in previous years, and I am looking forward to a good crop this autumn (which is more than I usually get). Getting back to jobs for July, here are just a few. Keep an eye on your shallots and onions. When the tops start to go slightly brown and fold over it is time to start the drying process ready for winter storage. I use a fork to gently lift the root and an area of soil just a couple of inches and leave them in the row for about a week before lifting the roots completely away from the soil. Lay them on their sides, on the soil or on a raised platform of say chicken wire to allow the sun and the wind to dry the tops nice and evenly. There are three easy ways to store onions. The first, and I think the best, is the traditional way of making onion strings. My last year’s onions stored until June strung up and hung in the garden shed. Do this before the foliage gets totally dry, otherwise the tops will not wind around the string without breaking. The next method is to dry them a bit more and place them into a string bag (similar to the ones used for oranges etc. at the supermarket) and hang them up in the shed. The last method is to lay them in cardboard or wooden trays and stack them in a cool, dry and airy place, eg garden shed. The shallots can be stored by using method 2 or 3 but the best method is to peel them and put them in vinegar to produce some pickled onions for Christmas. Talking of Christmas, I know it seems a long way off, but now is the time to think about hyacinths for Christmas. Soon you will be able to buy specially prepared bulbs for planting. They need 4-5 months from planting to flowering compared to the normal or unprepared ones you plant outside. (Plant outside September and you get flowers 6 months later - March/April). I plant one bulb in one pot. I know you usually buy a large pot with 3 or 4 bulbs in, but these are grown under carefully controlled temperatures and light levels. At home you usually find one bulb is slower than the next so you get flowers at different times. If you plant in individual 3 inch pots you can choose, say 3, that are the same just before flowering and plant them into a larger container to give a better display.

Another job that will need doing soon is harvesting/summer pruning. Lavender can be cut when the seed spikes have partially dried, tied up in bunches then stored under cover to fully dry right out. Then you can remove the lavender seeds and place them in loose weave cotton bags, or you can use them as a culinary addition. I have eaten them as a flavouring in ice cream and scones. I must say my personal preference is not to eat them but to smell them. Trim the whole bush so all the new growth is about an inch from last year’s old growth, and the plant will sprout out and give you a good show for next year. You can also do this later in the year but I find the results are not so good. If you don’t prune at all the bush will quickly go straggly and if you cut too far into the old wood that branch may not shoot out again. PS. Don’t forget to save the seed from any dry seed pods from those plants that you particularly like. If they come from hybrids you may not get the same plant next year, but lots of new varieties come from people saving their own seeds. PETER ALLINGTON

BENTLEY IN BLOOM

All the baskets (39 of them) are up and settling themselves in. John Glover is watering them as and when necessary which is usually twice a week. We try to get the plants when they are small so that they can grow larger and look better for the summer season. The beds have now all been planted. If you have the time and inclination we would be extremely happy for anyone to weed and deadhead any of the arrangements. It may only be one of the beds just near you, but every little helps. If you have a car with a tow bar and are willing to take our water bowser round the village watering the plants, we would be very grateful for a bit of help. There are several of us who help now so it will not be all the time. If you are willing please give me a ring. At the moment we have one hanging basket that still needs a sponsor for this year. If you would like to sponsor a basket in memory of someone or for your company etc. please give me a ring. We have been able to maintain the cost at £55 which covers the plants, the watering and the fertiliser. Thank you

Peter Allington - 01206 251086

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Clacton and District Canine Society desperately needs a few more committee members or helpers to enable us to run our shows. We organise 2-3 shows a year. If you have an interest in dogs or want to get involved with dogs in any way, please contact our secretary John Carter on 01206 272755 or email [email protected]

16

SURGERY NEWS

This month I have some unexpected news to pass on. As you know we have had many changes occur over the last few years with doctors leaving/retiring and of course welcoming many new faces into our team, along with a new registrar every year of course! I need to announce that Dr Chumbley, who has only been with us for just under two years, will be leaving us at the end of August. As you may know, Dr Chumbley has been a leading light in end of life care working part time for our local hospice. Having helped transform end of life care for the better across North East Essex, Dr Chumbley has been offered and has accepted the position of Medical Director for St Helena Hospice. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a move that I know will be of huge benefit to the charity and all families across this part of Essex. Dr Chumbley has brought a wealth of valuable knowledge, experience and skills to Great Bentley Surgery and I’m certain that her influence will endure well into the future. Thank you for being part of our team Karen, you will be missed, but we wish you all the very best in your new role. Of course that begs the question of who will replace Dr Chumbley6.. Unlike many other practices, we have again been extremely fortunate in having more than one excellent GP interested in joining us as a partner and as ever, the decision was extremely hard to make. However, I’m pleased to announce a decision that I’m 100% certain will be very popular with patients. On 1

st September

2015 we will be welcoming Dr George Pontikis back to the surgery as our new full time partner. Dr Pontikis finished his GP training just last year and after having a taste of life as a GP elsewhere decided he would like to settle here. Great news I’m sure you’ll agree! Finally the Patient Participation Group is meeting as every month on the third Thursday which this month is 16th July at 6.30pm in the Great Bentley Village Hall. Richard P Miller – Practice Manager

__________________________________________________________________ WALK THIS WAY....something some of us have forgotten how to do. It is so easy to jump in the car and go,

but walking is an excellent exercise which can be fun and is good for you. It is also free! All you need are a good pair of comfortable shoes, trainers or boots and maybe a lightweight jacket. Getting together with some friends and going for a walk can be fun. You can talk and share stories of life with each other, both past and present. You can share your worries and woes and most importantly you can laugh. Several members of staff have trained for The Moonwalk for breast cancer and it really makes you love walking! It is surprising how you can quickly build up a good pace and distance. Before you know it you will be walking 5 miles without thinking about it. You can enjoy where

you live, see and find areas you didn't even know about. Local footpaths can be easily found on websites. So find those trainers at the back of your wardrobe and ask a friend to go for a walk.....if you only do it once a week it's better than not going at all, but try to go out two or three times. Go out at lunch time with someone for 30 minutes .You will feel better for it! You never know you may lose a few pounds and even feel a little healthier. Walking for 40 minutes burns about 150 calories.....better than sitting having a coffee and a piece of cake.......although I must admit I know some excellent walks that always seem to finish at a rather lovely pub. Well you deserve it after all that walking don’t you?

Patient Participation Group Guest Speaker: Dr Barbara Stuttle CBE

Dr Barbara Stuttle CBE Director of Nursing for Colchester General Hospital will be our guest speaker for our meeting at 6.30 pm on Thursday 16

th July in the Mitchell Room of our Village Hall. We are privileged that our

PPG is to be the first that Dr Stuttle has visited. She has a wealth of experience both as a Nurse for many years and working within the NHS in other capacities. Dr Stuttle will speak and then be happy to receive your questions. This really is a golden opportunity to voice any problems or concerns regarding Colchester General Hospital or the Trust who run it. Please take advantage and come along. Refreshments will be provided and a warm welcome awaits you. We are sure it will prove to be a very interesting meeting! Judy & Alan Bishop

17

Pet’s

Corner

Following on from last month, a few general comments about pets in general. HAMSTERS Have you ever wondered why hamsters love running for hours on end in their wheels? Well, it’s all down to instinct. In the wild hamsters run for up to 10 km every night, searching for food and to escape hungry predators. And they’re incredibly fast - scientists have recorded them covering 600 strides a minute - imagine trying to do that yourself! Special chemicals called endorphins are released by their brains when they run, and these chemicals make them feel happy. No wonder they run and run! They’re addicted to their wheels. In the wild hamsters hide in underground burrows to protect themselves from predators and to keep cool in the baking desert heat. They cram their huge throat pouches with food and hurry back to the safety of their burrow. This explains why our pet rodents love tunnels and assault courses around the house, and can often be spotted stuffing food or objects into their mouths before sneaking them back to their cage!

AFRICAN GREY PARROTS Now I know most of you will not have one of these at home but you may be interested in a few notes about these birds. In the wild these beautiful parrots fly around in large noisy groups, searching for trees that have fruit on them. But because these parrots come and go throughout the day, the birds need to call to each other to keep the overall group together. They remember the squawk and feathers of every other member of their flock, and

it’s this tremendous memory that enables pet parrots to say hundreds of words and make sounds from around the house. The human home has become an adopted flock, so they can mimic door bells, microwave oven ‘dings’ and even barking dogs!

Researchers who studied one captive African grey parrot said it could remember the names of 50 objects, identify colours, shapes and even count quantities up to six. They believed it had the same intelligence as a young human child. Other parrots have vocabularies crammed with more than 150 words. Talking is how a parrot expresses wild behaviour in the home. (Escapee parrots can be seen/heard at Little Bentley). DOGS All dog owners love the sight of their pet pooch rolling onto its back, exposing its warm belly for a rub. That’s a sign of surrender, a submissive behaviour found in wolves and all wild dogs. Dogs descended from wolves 14,000 years ago and, just as wolves will lick another wolf’s nose and mouth dogs do this, too. Licking is a bonding thing. It’s a behaviour that glues the pack together. So when your pet dog licks you, it’s telling you that you’re the boss, saying I appreciate the way you’re looking after me and I’d like you to continue. Border collie sheepdogs use classic bits of wild dog behaviour when they’re working - circling around the sheep, like they would prey, singling out individuals, psyching out the sheep by staring at them, dropping to the ground when the prey is moving in the wrong direction. Retrieving is also a classic wild canine behaviour, following a scent trail, bringing food back to the den. When your dog runs after a ball, it’s playing a game, doing it for fun. But it’s also harking back to that instinct of chasing after prey.

CLOUDS

In drifting clouds in the sky

The sun plays a peek a boo with you In the garden, rolled up sleeves

Fanned by a gentle breeze. Enjoy the warmth of the day

Whatever comes to you, what may. A letter. A Problem be O nothing bothers thee!

Garden colours, gloom driven away With your neighbour, “A good day”.

The sun’s brought out the best in you You are one of the special few.

D. Gibbs

18

‘Catkins’, Frating Road, Thorrington, Colchester CO7 8HT www.wildlives.org.uk Opening hours: April-September 10.00-6.00 01206 251174 / 07802 767016

Outside of Wildlives’ hours, please contact the RSPCA 0300 1234999 or log on to our website for Advice on what to do with a sick animal until we are open again in the morning.

See the website for extra pictures too!

WILDLIVES Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre

Hedgehog Emergency Special Edition July 2015

All our regular readers will know that the newsletter usually features some of the animals and birds treated at Wildlives over the past month. However this month we have devoted our newsletter to the desperate plight of one of our most familiar and loved mammals – the hedgehog. Hedgehogs are survivors – they were around at the time of the dinosaurs, 150 million years ago, and have thrived until very recently. But now hedgehogs are facing a crisis which could mean that the next generation of children reading about Mrs. Tiggywinkle or playing games with Sonic the hedgehog will never have the pleasure of seeing the real live animal bustling around their garden. While Wildlives used to treat about 500 hedgehogs a year, this year only 250 have passed the doors. Recently Springwatch featured the appalling finding that our hedgehogs could be doomed in only ten years.

Why are hedgehog numbers falling so dramatically?

Lack of habitat: Many houses now do not have gardens, and those that do have large areas of decking or concrete. Where plants are found, tidy gardeners clear away the dead leaves and long grass where hedgehogs can make safe nests and where they can find food. Garden fencing: A male hedgehog can wander over several kilometres while searching for food and female hedgehogs. Often now gardens are securely fenced, and hedgehogs can’t wander between them. In order to get enough to eat and find a mate they must stray into the dangerous territory of roads. To stay healthy and well-fed, a hedgehog will visit 30-40 gardens a night, causing no harm and eating a massive number of slugs and garden pests. Poisoning: The gardener’s friend, hedgehogs love to eat slugs and the pests you don’t want. But when gardeners put down slug pellets containing metaldehyde, the hedgehogs eat the dead slugs and are poisoned. Metaldehyde poisoning is cumulative – one slug might not hurt, but the poison stays in the body, and each poisoned slug eaten adds to it. Eventually the hedgehog will accumulate a fatal load, leading to convulsions, nerve damage, and an agonising death.

Isolation: In some places where hedgehogs are welcome, there are thriving numbers of hedgehogs. However, when that population is unable to join with other populations, either because there are no others within a reachable distance or because of a physical barrier like a fence or motorway, eventually all the hedgehogs in that place are very closely related. This lack of genetic diversity eventually leads to birth defects, reduced numbers of births, and eventually the failure of the isolated community.

Free passage: Talk to your neighbours, and make some holes in your fences to allow the hedgehogs to roam in safety. They don’t have to be big holes; about 5” diameter will be enough for a adult hedgehog to pass. Leave some wild space: Don’t clean up all the leaves from the garden; leave a pile for the hedgehogs in a corner. Leave an area of long grass for them; you could sow wildflower seeds in it and make it a feature. Ultra-tidy gardens are not welcoming to hogs. You could make or buy a hedgehog house, but if you have a wild area hogs are good at making their own homes. Make your pond safe: Make some steps with bricks or a ramp of stones. Hedgehogs love to swim, but often can’t climb the slippery sides of pond liners to get out again and drown. Don’t use soft netting – hedgehogs can get caught in it.

Don’t use slug pellets with metaldehyde: Check the ingredients of your slug pellets and don’t buy these. Even better, complain to the shop or sign an online petition to get them banned. Metaldehyde isn’t just poisonous to hedgehogs – there is no cure once it is eaten, and it is deadly to dogs, cats, birds and children too. Furthermore, it is now starting to enter river water. Help sick hedgehogs: If you find a hog out in daylight, or a small hog late in the autumn when they should be big enough to hibernate, call Wildlives for advice. A hedgehog covered in fleas is sick, and needs help; healthy hogs don’t have large numbers of fleas. Feed hedgehogs: Hogs love reasonable quality cat or dog food. If you put it under a slab held up with bricks, the hogs will be able to reach it and the neighbourhood cats won’t all get a free meal. You can also offer hedgehog food from your pet shop, or dried pellet food. However, don’t ever give them bread or milk – that will make them very ill and probably kill them! A dish of clean water is always welcome to all wildlife. Tell your friends: Tell other people about the hedgehogs too! Spread the word and get all your friends to try to help as well. Visit http://www.hedgehogstreet.org and join other people in the fight to save our hedgehogs.

How can you help?

19

Great Bentley Running Club GBRC

This time Jo McKay kicked things off on the Monday with The Ed Burton Memorial 5. This five mile race held by Wymondham Athletic Club is the first in a series of three and was set up in recognition of an ex club member. A time of 38 minutes 44 seconds saw Jo achieve a Great Bentley silver standard. Moving along the week to Thursday, and Tiptree Road Runners hosted the second race in their summer 5k series. Once again Sam Godden taking part and improving on her previous time with a new personal best of 20m 17s, giving her a gold club standard. Alison Day racing at the 5k distance for the first time earned herself a bronze

standard with a PB of 23m 25s. Friday saw the third race of the popular Friday Five series, this time organised by the St Edmund’s Pacers. Seven members from the club turned out with Mark Ross leading the way home for Bentley in 36m 49s. Louise Reeve took just under two minutes off her previous time to PB with 47m 13s and John Bush finished in 48m 27s. Other runners were husband and wife Claire and Luke Groves, Peter Reeve and Dave Nugent. Chris Warren pointed his running shoes northwest and headed up to Lancashire. Having entered the flat and fast coastal route of the Blackpool 10k, the men’s Captain duly won his category with a time of 38m 34s placing him fourth overall. Taking on yet another event this weekend was John Bush. Staying with the coastal theme, Bush chose to stay closer to home this time and run the well-established Southend Half Marathon in 2hours 31minutes 31 seconds. Alison Day travelled to Southampton during April to take part in a 10k event. A mixture of coastal, city and parkland saw 896 runners pass by local iconic landmarks. The route also takes in the unique ascent and descent of the city’s Itchen Bridge, which spans a total of 800 metres and climbs to a height of 795 metres. Day achieved her first 10k PB and a bronze standard in a time of 48m 49s. Returning for its fourth year at the beginning of the month was the fast and flat Clacton 5k. A series of four out and back races along the promenade starting from Marine Parade West. Linzi Iddon being Great Bentley’s representative completed the event in 33m 1s. E is for ENDURE For some the countdown began the moment they pulled away from the campsite. For others it was a horrendous nightmare of torrential rain, a mud fest and extreme exhaustion hopefully never to be repeated. This is Endure 24 and it’s not for the fainthearted. Organised and sponsored by Mizuno and Racesolutions among others, this annual 24 hour individual and team relay event takes part in the woods of Wasing Park near Aldermaston, Berkshire. From midday on the Saturday the race begins and it doesn’t stop until midday Sunday. Without doubt the course is extremely beautiful. Reasonably gentle undulations of multi terrain glide their way around the first half, lulling runners into a false sense of security on a pleasant tranquil trail. Just after 5 kilometres you are hit with a long drag uphill, one which you cannot see the top of in daylight let alone the darkness. It is also just the right mix of length and gradient to make it for many the most difficult part of the course. What goes up must come down. And at approximately 6.5k you descend over soft, twisting ground covered with exposed tree roots, whilst ducking under small branches before dropping down a fairly steep bank to take on the final kilometre. This last section returns runners to the open and passes through the campsite allowing fellow competitors to bathe others in enthusiastic and at times much needed support. The course was slightly longer this year 4.95 miles instead of 4.70 and many stated it was more “technically challenging”. The weather this year was definitely kinder to participants. Arriving on the Saturday morning, cloudy and cool conditions were present which were ideal. Within the woods though, the environment was very much warmer and quite humid. Although, a totally different story in the early hours of the morning albeit in June. Twenty members from Bentley journeyed toward Reading, many on Saturday morning. Making up a total of four teams with Rodger Alexander and Ben Ficken choosing to go solo! Essentially it is a relay, each team member out on the five mile course at a time, handing the band of bravery onto the next. Thus it continues until the virtual noon day gun fires bringing the proceedings to a very welcome close. The teams were Bentley Blue Belles: Vicky Presland, Lara Townsend, Davina Swindell, Tonie Wilson and Steph Horner. Malcolm’s Machines: Russ Sharp, Charlie Keitch, Darren Horner and Malcolm Jarvis. Only way is Bentley: Kevin Stevens, Sam Godden, Janine Simpson, Jamie Neill and Shawn Leek. Pauls Pals: Paul Carlisle, Gary Hill, Phil Presland and Frank Gardiner. Leading off for Bentley were Carlisle, Sharp, Stevens, and Presland. With Alexander and Ficken starting steadily in the midst of the pack, their race plans a mix of run/walk. Chusa Batista and Lee Clarkson chose to run with a branch of The Commandoes, electing to call themselves Team Weiner?! Batista completed a total of thirty miles, Clarkson twenty five. Helene Tyler, this year running with Team Awesome Ladies finished on twenty five miles. By 19.30 hours most of the Bentley crews had completed their second lap and were getting ready to don their head torch, a compulsory requirement from 20.00 until 06.00 which would see them continue through the night. Nocturnal activity had Bentley teams changing over anywhere between thirty five and fifty minutes. Alexander found himself in the medical tent, blisters had struck and his feet were bathed and dressed accordingly on more than one occasion. It’s possible they were now on first name terms. Ficken was putting in a considerably strong performance. So much so that he took himself off the course at some stage to attempt some proper rest. Midnight washed over everyone to a mantra of run, eat, sleep. Returning after each tour to take on a little food and a hot beverage, then shuffling off to attempt some shuteye. By the early hours of the morning some had completed their fifth lap with about ten hours still to go. All night running, creates a peculiar individual. An infusion of sleep deprivation, cold and exhaustion can become your enemy and no matter what your experience, being able to stay grounded during times of disorientation and high emotions plays a major part in completing these types of experiences. Simply being able to run in daylight is an enormous relief. As the timing clock showed one hour left the sun broke through the clouds to douse one and all in glory. I am sure as I type this report someone, somewhere is compiling overall statistics on miles, steps, massages and peanut butter bagels eaten. For GBRC the provisional results stand at: Ben Ficken 14 laps, 70 miles. Rodger Alexander 9 laps, 45 miles. Ladies category 3-5 (participants) Bentley Blue Belles 4th, Men’s category (3-5) Pauls Pals 16th, mixed category (3-5) Only way is Bentley 14th and Malcolm’s Machines (3-5) 16th. Our website at GBRC.org gives details of our weekly routine and there is something for everyone no matter what their ability.

Paul Carlisle

STOP PRESSF.. Friday 5 Race 3rd July - brief road closure on Plough Road early evening.

20

HISTORY SOCIETY

Visit to the East Essex Aviation Museum – Point Clear

Having enjoyed a talk by John Moss at our previous meeting about this fine example of local initiative, we were pleased as our June activity to make a visit to the Martello Tower at Point Clear, which houses the collection of aircraft remains and other wartime memorabilia that enthusiasts have amassed over the last three decades. It goes without saying that we all recognise the horror of the two World Wars, but it is for respect that such collections are mounted, and the East Essex Aviation Association have created an exhibition which pays due respect to those who fought in those wars. Entering the tower, one is immediately confronted with the remains of the very aircraft that is central to origins of the exhibition. It consists of the cabin, front fuselage and propeller of an American P51 Mustang dredged up from the sea off Clacton in 1987. It is accompanied by the tragic story of the young US Air Force pilot, Raymond King, who was flying this plane when engine failure brought it down into the sea just 800 yards from Clacton. Although surviving the crash, he sadly died of hypothermia as a result of time spent in the freezing sea of January 1945 before being picked up. That he was accompanying another pilot in trouble at the time makes the tragedy that much more poignant. He was buried at the American Cemetery at Madingley. The photographs of the young pilot, obtained subsequently from his family and mounted in a tribute to him, I have to confess I found very humbling. Shown around the exhibition by John Moss and two further volunteers, Stephen and John, we were able to examine the exhibits closely. At close quarters to such a plane one also becomes aware of just how seemingly delicate and flimsy the reality of such aircraft appears. The covering bodywork of the Mustang is unbelievably thin. The rest of this first floor is devoted to a wide range of parts, large and small, of other planes both Allied and German that crashed in this locality. The actual recovery of such relics is occasionally tinged with humour as in the example of a plane dug from under a garden shed in Frinton. Permission for the association to remove it was given by the householder on the proviso that they replaced his shed. From the evidence of the photographs, he got a good deal. Moving to the first floor, one sees at the head of the staircase a display of the remarkable career of a New Zealand Air Force Officer, who later settled locally. He was Flight Lieutenant Frank Brewster (Bruce) Lawless, DFC; DFC (American). As the letters after his name indicate, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross from both the New Zealand and American air forces. Additionally he received the equivalent from the French War Dept. The simple letters of congratulation from the respective government departments that accompanied these awards have an understated tone that is somehow appropriate to the bravery of such men. His many medals are displayed alongside. This floor is devoted to a broader range of memorabilia and includes also that of WW I. Again the manner of the displays is a reminder that this is not about glorification but about admiration and respect for those who fought and in many cases died in defence of their country. Finally one is able to go up on to the roof of the Martello and appreciate the defensive reason for its construction in the Napoleonic War era; although it was never called in to use at that time. That it was able to be used, albeit in a small capacity, in subsequent hostilities has its own irony. Details of the many exhibits would be inappropriate here; they should best be visited by those interested. Our group all agreed that the Museum was of great interest and a fine and worthwhile use of the aged building. The East Essex Aviation Association has done a remarkable job in creating it. It is really well worth a visit and local support. We thanked the two Johns and Stephen our guides for a very well spent afternoon.

************************ For next month’s activity we return to the Village Hall for a talk by Karen Moss. She is one of the proprietors of the prize winning Primrose Pork Farm enterprise and, like previous talks on the growth of local family businesses, should interest a wide range of people. The talk is at 8p.m. on Thursday 10

th July and visitors are

most welcome. Entrance - £2 incl. tea & biscuits.

21

10 years ago I was granted a wish by Starlight whilst receiving treatment for Leukaemia, and the Bake Off is one of a series of fundraising events I’m doing to repay the favour, with the aim of raising £1000. The categories are;

• Victoria Sandwich cake

• Tray bake

• Cake involving fruit and/or

veg

• Savoury bake

• 6 biscuits

• 6 decorated cupcakes (Adults)

• 6 decorated cupcakes (Children)

• Rice krispie cakes (Children)

• ‘Starlight’ showstopper – an open themed

class designed to impress!

NB: All entries must be prepared (no live cooking) £1 per category, 50p for Children’s classes. All entries will be ranked and prizes given for 1

st, 2

nd,

3rd

in each category and guaranteed prizes for every child entrant.

Entry Forms available from the Bentley Butchers and featured on page 25. Closing day for entries is Wednesday 1

st

July. For more information please contact Lizzie Bodmer,

01206 251321 or to donate at

justgiving.com/LizzieBodmer

Raffle prizes gratefully received.

NATURE NOTES

Interest and general goodwill towards wildlife has probably never been higher. The realisation that without help much in nature could be lost is more widely accepted. The contending pressures on land-use with growing human population however make this less easy to put into practice. Similarly to make up-to-date assessment of species skills in recognition need to be encouraged. Unlike birds, knowledge of wildflowers has lagged behind but a national survey is underway led by the Botanical Society of the British Isles. On 29

th May at Colne

Point, St Osyth a group from across Essex met on what proved a very squally, wet day. It was intended to initiate efforts in our area to update plant records. “Wildflowers of NE Essex” by Tarpey & Heath published in 1990 methodically recorded all wildflowers found in a grid of one kilometre squares resulting in a staggering 24,000 entries, that built on Jermyn’s 1974 “Flora of Essex”. The intervening years between these two studies showed dramatic changes, mostly - but not all - losses. Another quarter of a century on the status of many plants will now be different again. Small relic populations can easily die out with even subtle changes in land management such as drainage, let alone wholesale habitat destruction. Climate change is showing some gains as well as losses. The place of so-called aliens or introduced plants, like human immigration stirs up debate and included in this is the place of wildflower seed mixtures. An updated national plant atlas is planned for 2020 and it is hoped a new county flora will eventuate from this. Botany can seem an arcane topic and plant identification daunting beyond the commonest species. That does not have to be the case and there are a circle of naturalists willing to assist those starting to get to grips with their flowers. Digital photography allows a collaborative record that can be confirmed and help avoid the fraught issue of picking. Certainly over the coming few years wildflowers need all the friends they can get to champion their long-term protection.

DRB

FEEDING THE BIRDS

Please does anyone have any bright ideas on

how to feed the birds without encouraging

Jackdaws? The final straw was when I found a

Jackdaw attacking and killing a baby blackbird.

ED

GREAT BENTLEY

BAKE OFF

Saturday 4th July

Vestry Room (Behind St Mary’s Church)

Come and Sample the Goodies

from 1pm - 4pm

Prizes awarded at 4.30pm

22

Beastly Logos! 1. bat 2.badger 3.beaver 4.donkey 5.elephant 6.prancing horse 7.kiwi

8. black horse 9.polo pony 10.eagle 11.Pegasus 12.elephant 13.dodo 14.sheep

15. avocet 16.panda 17.rhinoceros 18.lion 19.crocodile 20.Nipper the dog

21. condor 22.tiger 23.leaping deer 24.bull 25.lion 26.emu 27.bald eagle 28.raccoon

dodo polo pony emu Pegasus lion lion elephant elephant crocodile

rhinoceros condor bat black horse badger raccoon sheep

prancing horse avocet panda eagle bald eagle Nipper the dog

leaping deer donkey tiger beaver bull kiwi

1.Bacardi 15.RSPB

2.British Wildlife Trust 16.World Wildlife Fund

3.Canada 17.Suzuki

4.Democratic Party (USA) 18.Peugeot

5.Republican Party (USA) 19.Lacoste

6.Ferrari 20.HMV

7.New Zealand 21.Chile

8.Lloyds TSB 22.Esso

9.Ralph Lauren 23.John Deere

10.Barclays Bank 24.Lamborghini

11.Readers’ Digest 25.MGM

12.Zoo on a road sign/map 26.Australia

13.Mauritius 27.USA

14.Chinese zodiac 2015 28.Tennessee

??????????????????????????????????????????????????????

23

CLUBS &

ORGANISATIONS

BENTLEY GREEN LADIES CLUB Paulene, our chairperson, welcomed all members and visitors to our June meeting and thanked those who had donated cakes to St Helena Hospice. Rabbit urine is particularly beneficial to which tree? Why do we call potatoes spuds? Who connects broccoli, corsets and high heeled shoes? Well, these and many other questions were answered during a fascinating talk entitled ‘Croissants aren’t French’, delivered by our guest speaker Frances Boardman. Her knowledge appeared endless as she explained the derivations of many now commonplace items and foodstuffs, and also introduced us to historical figures who have contributed to both our language and culture. We enjoyed a whistle stop journey through the past, pausing to learn about famous names along the way. Frances told us of Queen Eleanor of Castile to whom the Eleanor Crosses were dedicated, William the Conqueror, whom we must thank for introducing rabbits and rheumatoid arthritis and Catherine of Braganza who brought us tea. And by the way, the answers to the opening questions areFlemon treesFspud is derived from the spade which was used to dig them up andF Catherine de Medici! On behalf of us all, Rosemary thanked our speaker for a fact filled and entertaining presentation. This enjoyable evening was rounded off with refreshments and our monthly raffle. Dates for your diary

July 6th Visit to the Suffolk Cheese Farm

August 4

th BBQ please sign up and pay at July’s

meeting September 5

th Items of produce/handicraft needed

for our stall at the Village Show

Our next meeting is on Tuesday July 7th at 7.30pm for

a 7.45pm start. The speaker will be the ever popular Mr Melvyn Prentice who will be presiding over ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’. All new members are welcome so do come along. Your first visit is free and you are guaranteed a warm welcome and a chance to make new friends.

GREAT BENTLEY GARDENING CLUB

Our July meeting is at the home of Claire Evans on Tuesday 21st. PLEASE NOTE START TIME IS 7.00pm. This is a ‘Chip Supper’ evening. To book your meal please contact Anne Griffiths. Bob Newman Chairman 251433

ART CLUB

Tuesday 14th July

Green Island Gardens, Gt Bromley

(All day)

Tuesday 28th July

Dedham,

Meet at car park near the river

EVERGREEN FRIENDSHIP CLUB

Our May meeting saw us in Party mood. As we entered the hall we were met by the sight of tables laid out and decorated most tastefully, ready for the excellent and filling buffet which was organised by Billie. When we were seated, members of the committee became waitresses and kitchen staff for the afternoon and at the end of the meal there were empty plates all round. Our entertainer was Frankie Coulter who played the piano throughout the proceedings. Our next meeting will be on July 22nd which is the 4th Wednesday but not the last one, and our special guest will be Ken Drew giving us a musical afternoon. Please come along if you are interested and a lift can be arranged for you if you have no transport. Joye 250808

24

CHILDREN’S PAGE

25

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY FOR 2015 . September

5th Village Show

15th Gardening Club Autumn Show to be judged.

19/20th St Mary’s Church Flower Festival & Art Exhibition November

27th St Mary’s Church ‘A Touch of Sparkle’ A Flower arranging Demonstration by Brenda Eyers.

28th Christmas Light Switch on. December

5th/6th St Mary’s Church Christmas Tree Festival

Farming Diaries

Harvest of the combinable crops such as oilseed rape, wheat and barley is just around the corner. For the root crops - potatoes have already begun to be lifted as discussed in the last article and sugar beet will remain in the ground growing until late autumn. You will have noticed the oilseed rape fields which were once bright yellow in April, turning back to green in recent months have now turned a light tan colour. Where the pollinators (including bees) have pollinated the flowers these flowers have then developed into long pods approximately 6-7cm in length and 0.5cm wide. Inside these pods are the seeds which the farmer will be harvesting when they travel through the crop with the combine. When they are ready to be harvested the seed will have turned from a green to a brown-red colour and then to black as it ripens. It is very important that the farmer harvests the crop and the correct timing as too many brown-red seeds can lead to penalisations from the buyer and the farmer receiving less money for his crop. The harvested crop can then go on to be made into oil which you can easily find in local farm shops and good supermarkets or may be exported for use in biodiesel. Crops of barley are normally one of the first to be harvested in the year with the harvested grain generally going for animal feed or malting and brewing. Both wheat and barley need to be harvested at a set moisture level. If the moisture level is too high farmers will need to dry the grain in grain stores before selling. This drying process involves a very gradual warming of the grain using industrial heaters. This is an additional cost to crop production so farmers try their hardest to get the grain into their stores at the correct moisture levels. They sample the grain as they harvest using moisture meters which are calibrated at the beginning of the harvest season to ensure the readings are accurate. Moisture readings are carried out throughout the day but especially in the evenings when, due to the dampness in the air the moisture levels will often rise. If levels are too high this may halt the harvest for the day. The start of barley harvest normally coincides with the Tendring Hundred Show which this year celebrates its Centenary Show on Saturday 11

th July. The Theme area is ‘Then and Now’ showing the

development in technology over the past 100 years and the changes in workforce which in such a relatively small time frame have changed dramatically. There will also be a display in the Presidents’ ring demonstrating the machinery involved in growing a crop of winter wheat from the cultivation equipment and drills used in the autumn right through to the combine harvester in the summer months. It will be a great insight in to the machinery you see in fields throughout the year. For more information on the Show go to the website: www.tendringshow.co.uk. Tickets can be bought in advance from Carpenters Farm Shop.

Vicki Brooks

26

Great Bentley Pre-school

www.greatbentleypreschool.co.uk

[email protected]

Well the last month of the academic year is upon us already and it is that time again when we have to say goodbye to lots of our children as they start the next step in their educational journey. This is the hardest part of our job and can be quite emotional as we bid farewell, it is always an absolute pleasure though to see how they have all developed, progressed and matured within their time at Pre-school and to know we have been a part of that. We hope you have all enjoyed the challenges and experiences we have shared in your time with us and that you all will take away lots of happy memories. The whole team at Great Bentley Pre-school would like to wish every one of them good luck in their next step and hope they enjoy and have lots of fun at their new ‘big school’. Summer Trip Well we had a fantastic time on our summer trip to Jimmy’s Farm. Lots of children that had not experienced it before even enjoyed the ride on the double decker buses to get there, on the way home it was a little quieter as some were so worn out they fell asleep. The weather was kind to us all day as we observed some beautiful, tropical butterflies, walked around the animal enclosures being able to feed some alpacas, goats and reindeer and then went bug hunting, den building and exploring for a Gruffalo in the woods. We would like to thank all the parents and grandparents that came along too and hope you enjoyed it just as much as we did. We still have our sponsored walk, picnic, sports events and trip to St Mary’s Farm all at the beginning of this month. I will let you know how we get on in August. I will also let you know about Carnival Day as this will have happened after this has gone to print. Aviva Women’s Cycle Tour On Thursday 18

th June stage two of the Women’s Tour was being hosted in parts of Tendring with Great

Bentley being lucky enough to be part of the course. We decided to take some of the older children over to the green to watch them come through our village and cheer them on, we are so glad we did. We made flags with them in the morning which I must say not all of them survived their vigorous waving so we are very grateful for Lynda McWilliams bringing the children some more flags. We had a picnic first and then we watched as the tour came a little closer with a rolling road block in operation. This was an amazing experience for the children to witness, umpteen police bikes passed the children as they were closing the road off, the children were so excited by this especially when most of the bikes that went past took the time to wave to the children and sound their sirens for them. Then came the actual ladies on their cycles which happened all very quickly but was still wonderful for the children to see, the rest of the entourage behind the ladies which included ambulances, police cars, etc. continued to wave and toot at the children which was brilliant. The squeals of happiness and excitement from the children were wonderful to hear with some saying ‘wow, I can’t believe my eyes’ and ‘amazing, this is better than fireworks’. We had a fabulous time with them and before we headed back to Pre-school with some very excited children we ran off some of their energy and excitement around our fabulous village green. Leavers Assembly As I mentioned earlier we will be saying goodbye to lots of our children and their families this month so they can begin the next stage of their education. With this in mind we are planning to do a little show for parents, carers, grandparents, etc. on the last day of term which is Friday 17

th July. We hope to see many of their

extended family there as we wish our little stars farewell and good luck for their continued journey. September Term Registers Registers for September are already looking quite full. We have had lots of new interest and present children increasing their sessions but it is not too late if you would still like to become part of this ‘outstanding’ Pre-school. Contact me through our email address at the top of this article. Allison and I would like to thank all the staff and parents for their hard work and continued support over the last academic year and we wish you all a happy and healthy sun filled summer. Best wishes Julie Wiles

27

The Great Bentley Show

1.30pm Saturday 5th September

Another great traditional event for all ages to enjoy on our 43 acre village green. Building on the success of last year’s Show, we are proud to present Great Bentley

and typical rural England at its best. We have lots of entertainment and activities for you to see again this year.

A marquee full of competitions, exhibits, flowers & plants, fruit & vegetables & homemade produce. Artwork and other skilled displays of handicraft will impress you.

Outside is the Companion Dog Show - a tractor display try the popular hog roast with real local ale & wine - scout & guide catering tent - face painting -

many quality stalls - donkey rides - raffle draw - lots of free parking.

To entertain you we have The Harmonettes singing group along with The Shanty Singers who will be wandering amongst you.

Why not visit our website at

www.greatbentleyshow.co.uk/index.html See you there!!!

Saturday 4th July

THE GREAT BENTLEY BAKE OFF 2015

Please ensure this form is returned to The Bentley Butchers or sent to The Field House, Thorrington Road, CO7 8QR by Wednesday 1st July. Entry costs £1 per class (50p for children’s class). Please pay on the day. All entries must be entered ready to be judged. By submitting your bakes, you are agreeing for a sample of them to be sold after judging in the Café. The vestry will be open from 10am to 11.15am to bring entries, with doors opening for viewing at 1pm, and prizes will be awarded at 3.30pm. Entries must be in the Church Vestry by 11.15am. Name FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF. Age (children only) FFFFF.. Address FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF.. Post Code FFFFFFFFF Contact number Please indicate which class(es) you would like to enter:

* Judging for the showstopper will be based on creativity, interpretation of the theme and taste (of course)!

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Lizzie Bodmer, 01206 251321 or [email protected]

Victoria Sandwich 6 Decorated cupcakes (adult) Tray Bake 6 decorated cupcakes (children) Cake involving fruit and/or veg Rice Krispie cakes (children) Savoury Bake Starlight Showstopper* 6 Biscuits

GREAT BENTLEY BAKE OFF

28

A FEW NOTES FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR

Housing Development Proposals I have received many emails and phone calls from residents regarding the planning applications that have been submitted to Tendring District Council (TDC) for proposed housing developments in Great Bentley.

I have, for your information, briefly outlined below the current situation.

TDC was preparing a new Local Development Plan to take over from the previously adopted 2007 plan which expired in 2011. Policies were covered for a period of time whilst preparation work was being carried out for the new plan, and the Government more recently produced a new policy document the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The NPPF introduced by the government in 2013 proposes “a presumption in favour of sustainable development” and planning permission can only be refused “if the harm to its surrounds are greater than the benefits that a development will bring”; other requirements of the NPPF are that all Planning Authorities must demonstrate that their Local Plan has five years land supply and most importantly that they have fully consulted and co-operated with their neighbouring Authorities under the new and now legal requirement of Duty of Co-operation. When the plan that TDC had been working on was nearing its completion, a draft was given to a Government Inspector last year for comment; the comment that came back was, that the land provided for an approximate number of 6000 houses, to be built in the District over the next ten years was insufficient; it was said that the evidence required an allocation of land to build approximately 12,100 houses, which would take the housing allocation for the district through to 2032. Effectively it meant that the plan that had been worked on had to be revisited; and in May 2014 the Council set up a Local Plan Committee to progress this work. The immediate implication of this enforced delay of not having a plan in place is that we, like many other councils in the country, are vulnerable to unwanted developments. When residents have contacted me regarding these planning applications, some have said they would like to look at all information to understand in more detail the process that has been taken, I have suggested they download the National Planning Policy Framework; through this link; - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2 and refer to TDC’s website to look at the minutes of the Local Plan Committee; the link is; - http://democracy.tendringdc.gov.uk/akstendring/users/public/admin/kab71.pl?cmte=LPC this should give an insight into the work that has taken place to date. Now the elections are over the Local Plan Committee will shortly meet to continue the work needed on the Local Plan; consultations will be starting with residents and others in the near future. Once these are underway and the results start to come in and are processed, more and more weight can be given, using the emerging Local Plan, when making decisions regarding planning applications. When looking at the minutes you will notice that in July 2014 the committee made the decision that the five key rural service areas, Great Bentley being one of them, would not require any more than 50 houses each during the time the new plan is in operation. At present there have been two outline planning applications submitted to TDC, one for 150 houses on the site known as Station Field, Plough Road; application number 14/01750/OUT and another for 75 houses at Admirals Farm; located behind the properties in Moors Close and Weeley Road and in front of the old Waterworks; application number 15/00682/OUT. All documents, information and comments referring to these applications are on TDC’s website under planning. It is known that another application is due to be submitted for the land from the new development at Sturricks Lane through to Heckford Road. There is a presentation expected to take place before the next Parish Council meeting starts in July; please check the Clerk to the Parish Council’s notes for this one. It is said there are another two applications due, one for the land behind Pine Close, from Weeley Road across to the railway, and another to the west of the village. Other villages have been selected by developers with Lawford being hit the hardest with over 750 houses being proposed. TDC’s Planning Committee recently refused the outline planning application for Alresford, but the developers have now taken this one to appeal for a decision.

I hope this helps to answer some of your concerns.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns; I am always very pleased to help and hear from you.

Cllr. Lynda McWilliams, Tendring Council Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Partnerships,

Tendring District Councillor and Parish Councillor to the Ward of Gt Bentley.

Email: [email protected] Telephone Number: 01206 250732

29

Protect Great Bentley From mass development

At the Parish Council Meeting on 4th June, the Chairman let us know that in

addition to the Sturricks Lane Development, they are now aware of 5 new

potential housing developments, surrounding the village on all sides:

1.Sturricks Lane, under development, 2. Plough Road, outline application submitted and still live

3. Heckfords Road, outline application submitted and still live, 4.Heckfords Road West, application

expected, 5.Thorrington Road, since the meeting, the landowner has said that they have no

knowledge of development here so we have asked the Parish Council to clarify 6. Pine Close /

Weeley Road, application expected.

This could mean an increase of 50% in the size of the village:

Another 500-600 houses in a village of only 1200 houses

Another 1200 – 1500 cars to add to the congestion

Hundreds more children for our schools, which are already oversubscribed

Another 2,400 patients for the Doctors

Loss of large areas of our countryside & damage to our conservation area

Village meeting – Monday 29th June, 7.30, Village Hall

This is a public meeting and all are welcome

Visit our website: www.protectgreatbentley.com

or email [email protected] for more information.

30

Wednesday 17 June, had a variety of track events: relay, 80m dash, sprint and long run. Brielle Bird, Y6 said “my first sports day at Great Bentley was great, I like having a break in between so we don’t get too exhausted.” By Lizzie Sparling.

Zoo Trip for Reception Animals were the delight of the day when Reception headed to the Zoo for their trip. Seeing the animals close up at play was a wonderful experience.

Sports Day Ready, set, go! Sports day at Great Bentley Primary was done differently this year; it was stretched across two days. The first day, Wednesday 10 June, was

field events – the classic long jump, won overall by Edward Kerridge and new ones like the hammer throw, tennis ball throw, speed bounce, (for Y3 & 4 , where you jump over a small bump as many times as possible in 30 seconds) and triple jump, won overall by Jasmine Morton. The second day,

Summer action

A Tropical Tale Y4 treated pupils and parents to an assembly telling the story of the changes in rainforest habitation followed by a human made sound performance of a tropical storm together with thunder. So realistic the audience thought they were at the epi-centre of the storm!

Y6 Learning in action The saying goes “actions speak louder than words” and after all the hard work of the SATS, Y6 have been continuing their studies but not just with pen and paper. Pictured here is a group baking making sure their ingredients were weighed ou t and conve r s io n s calculated correctly. Others made tasty smoothies,

example of how their use of Maths translates into everyday life.

Film Night

Exciting, enjoyable and brilliant, the film night was a success again. As usual, the PTA worked hard to make it an enjoyable time for everyone. “It was amazing!” a Y5 pupil said. “The films are always enjoyable”, another pupil added. We were given popcorn, o p t i o n a l s we e t s a nd refreshments. The films were “ B IG H ERO 6 ” a n d “MALEIICENT” which are both great family films. Overall it was a great evening and we all look forward to our next film night! By Tommy Marns.

Snapshot News: • Film Night • Sport Day • Zoo trip • A Tropical Tale • Y6 Learning in Action • Up, Up and Away

Coming Next Month: Y6 PGL Trip Magna Carta Day Gt.Bentley’s Got Talent

July 2015

Up, up and away Y5 have been designing their own hot air balloons. They thought carefully about the most appropriate materials and used them in their designs. The balloons were made of paper mache and the baskets from a range of recycling containers – then the test flights started and the pupils could see the effect of weight drag and also (with the use of a

hairdryer to simulate the balloon heaters) the effect and speed increase in flight when hot air applied. Fascinating to see!

31

Edited Version of Chairman’s Report June 2015

I am happy to say yet again that we have had another year of stability within the Parish Council, finishing with the same Councilors as we started with. We are very lucky to call upon Parish Councillors who have such a level of experience in dealing with the day to day issues inherent with running our small public body. We have also been lucky over the past year to have two District Councillors sitting on our Parish Council, Lynda McWilliams and Peter Balbirnie. Peter has always been, together with Lynda, a useful insight into the workings of Tendring District Council. I thank him for his guidance, and for his helpful influence in particular with various highways and planning matters that he has diligently dealt with over the years. Peter continues as a Parish councillor and we welcome his future contributions. Lynda is our District Councillor and has been a particular help to all of us this year with regard to not only the wind turbines, but also with commentary and advice regarding past and future planning applications. We have also this year had a new County Councillor in the form of Alan Goggin who is on hand to deliver advice and counselling on what is going on with the County scene. Although Alan has not been in the post long, he has already helped us on a number of issues and gathered together support whilst tackling the problem of congestion within the village caused by the railway crossing gates. So thank you Alan. In the normal way with this report, I shall start with Allotments. Allotment Site Our allotment site continues to flourish, and is being used for the benefit of all those that wish to participate. We are lucky that we have a surplus allotment capacity at the present time, and considerable availability going forward depending on what the future holds. Car Parking The Parish Council continue to encourage people to park in the station car park, especially the long term parkers, and people working in the centre of the village. We generally believe the message is getting through as I regularly see the butchers van parking in this area, as well as a number of other people who work in the village. The car park seems to be well used and, although I do believe that we are getting some people using the car park from outside the parish, this is not proving to be a massive problem at the moment. The Green The green continues to thrive. We are lucky to have this wonderful open space that we all benefit from and use for sports, playing, walking and as a general thoroughfare across the village. We have introduced a diary system and this is soon to go online so that people can see what is going on on the green at any given time so this should keep “use conflicts” to a minimum. I recently attended a Local Authority Greens and Commons Management Seminar and listened to some of the problems that other parishes and districts experience with their village greens. The feedback that I got, was that we have much fewer problems, and occasions of anti-social behaviour than the majority, and I put this down to the way we manage our green as a community. The green is precious but it is also there to serve us as a community. We are very fortunate that we can walk across it, and use it as one large footpath/ play area/ sports pitch with little interference from anyone. It is not plagued with lots of footpaths running through it which seemed to be the blight of other authorities. The openness is the advantage. As always, I am certainly encouraged by the extent of the use of the green by all sorts of different people for all sorts of different reasons. Again this year we have had several events on the green from Football Camps to Keep Fit Fans from Weddings, to Circus, to Fun Runs, to Cricket, and with hard work, great communication, and a little common sense, everybody has had successful events without any major or long lasting damage to the green’s surface. Street Lighting Through Robert Taylor’s continued vigilance, repairs to our street lights are always carried out quickly and efficiently. As I always say, we ask members of the public to remain vigilant and report to us when lights are out so Robert and the Parish Clerk can take appropriate actions. There is an ongoing desire to change the lights for more efficient LED versions and, subject to funds, we are hoping to roll this out when we can.

Parish Community Resource Centre This Centre continues to thrive and is not just a place where our Parish Clerk can carry out day to day functions of the Parish, but can also be a modal point where people can pick up things, such as bins and notices that perhaps otherwise they could not. First Responders We are still lucky enough to have First Responders in our village and this is due to the hard work and determination of a few individuals. We continue to support them and thank them for their most useful contribution. Young People Activities and Clubs Fit Clubs, Youth Clubs, Gym Clubs, Nurseries and pre-school - all of these activities happen within our village. We are lucky enough that we do not have to go to other villages to partake of these facilities. The Parish Council encourages young people in particular, to participate in all forms of socially acceptable behavior. We encourage all types of sport and outdoor activity and by doing this; the amount of trouble in the village continues to be low. Support for these clubs is most important, as it promotes not only social responsibility and team building, but also brings the family unit together, as well as creating a greater village spirit. I always ask the clubs, particularly when it is wet, to treat the green with respect on days when damage could occur.

32

Police As you will all be aware, we locally fund a PCSO with Alresford Parish Council and this partnership seems to be working well. We have a strong Police presence in the village and we are keen to see our PCSO’s building a strong relationship with the community in general. We work closely with our great PCSO to try and get the best from her, and have her in the most appropriate places. This is an ongoing dialogue and seems to be working successfully. Pond The pond continues to look healthy and ecologically thrives.

Surgery/Pharmacy Our Surgery thrives and again we are lucky to have this and the Pharmacy as a facility. This means that we don’t have to hop in the car and go to town or a different village. However, I am told that a great many others do, and that the Surgery and Pharmacy looks after more than 8000 people from not only our village but the surrounding villages as well, so when we hear criticism of having to wait for an appointment, for a specific Doctor, people should perhaps be more understanding. The doctors do a fantastic job and we are lucky to have them based in our village. General Facilities We are lucky to have restaurants, shops, pubs, cafes, sandwich shops, garages and a thriving business centre. We must use them, we must support them or we may lose them. I urge you all to support localism where you can.

Highways Highways are a constant source of frustration to the Parish Council, the County Council, and pretty much anyone who drives up and down our village roads. Unfortunately, it seems that budgets, being what they are, are still very tight and despite our continual, and I must emphasise the word ‘continual’ logging of all potholes and problems, the whole process seems to be a very sorry and unsatisfactory way of dealing with highway repairs. The highway verges continue to be cut by us the Parish Council as this allows the work to be carried out more often and at more appropriate times of the year. License for use of green for entertainment Anyone wishing to use the green for organised functions must have written permission and sign up to the conditions that the Council has to apply. Once again, I would like to remind members of the public that if you would like to erect signage on the green for a limited amount of time for any reason, you must have written permission. Housing It will not have escaped anyone’s notice that we have a serious national problem with regard to housing. However not only do we have this national crisis, but we also have a much more serious local crisisF. in the form of a District Council that simply doesn’t have an up to date Local Development Plan. This is not the forum to discuss why after so many years our District Council have been unable to agree and formulate an up to date Plan. ButF., it doesn’t have one. As a Parish Council and a community we have to suffer the fallout of this. My view as the Chairman is that we cannot bury our heads in the sand. We are seeing on an almost weekly basis, applications or consultations arriving. The major challenge over the next 2 years for Great Bentley will be deciding in my view, not if, but where we want the development to go. Now the recent development in the village, off Sturrick Lane /Abrey Close is a case in point. Despite the objections of the Parish Council, and the Non Determination by Tendring District Council, because the development was “Govt Policy compliant” the Planning Inspector at appeal gave the scheme approval. All our objections to that scheme did, was delay the homes coming FF. by just a few months, and the approx. £80,000 worth of community benefits allocated by the developer, were given directly to TDC of which we have not seen anything to date. Therefore your Parish Council’s biggest challenge of this year will be trying to influence that land is allocated into the appropriate places, and where it affects the fewest number of families. Some may consider that families that are on the Bird Estate for example, around Finch Drive, and Larkfield Road area, should not suffer further development because they have already had disruption, with the Sturrick Lane/Abrey Close scheme. However this would occur if the remainder of the Heckford Field is developed, which is a current proposal. A further proposal received recently, for the land east of Pine Close and Birch Avenue on the Tree estate, if successful, would mean that those families, together with the others that lived on Cedar Way, could have development on two sides of where they live,F. if the current application for 150 homes off Plough Road, and the Weeley Road scheme are approved. I am unable to mention the Admirals Farm application as this is being discussed later and I have declared an interest. Now, there are a great number of people in the village, especially the young, that want to own their own home, and we must listen, and take their concerns into consideration equally. It has come as no surprise to me that many people WANT development in the village and they don’t really care where it goesF.. they just want a house. As a community we need to look after these people as well. Now I have heard about conflicts of interests, where a land owner may gain an advantage because he or she is a past or resent Councillor. I had hoped sincerely that the previous allotment site disagreement; and the Wind Turbine situation; which both involved past Councillors, had shown that having been on the PC does not give an advantage. However, nor must it be a disadvantage, or be used by opponents of a scheme as a weapon, to discredit that member. When looking at sites we need to be considerate to all parties, and consider all aspects and what is right for the whole village. We lost control of the Sturrick Lane/Abrey Close siteFF completely to the Planning Inspector, and it has cost this village significantly. We have a problem, we need to deal with it, and we need to deal with it with fair consideration to all.

Jonathan Hills - Chairman of the Parish Council

33

PLANTS FROM THE PASTPLANTS FROM THE PASTPLANTS FROM THE PASTPLANTS FROM THE PAST

‘‘‘‘BeautyBeautyBeautyBeauty and and and and the Beast’the Beast’the Beast’the Beast’

Poppies Poppies Poppies Poppies (Family name (Family name (Family name (Family name –––– Papaveraceae) Papaveraceae) Papaveraceae) Papaveraceae)

Strange as it may seem, the correct name for poppy is Papaver and is part of the family name although there is

one other plant we all love (and some cannot grow like me) is the exquisite ‘Blue Poppy’ - Meconopis

betonicifolia discovered by Frank Kingdom-Ward (1885-1958) in 1924. However, the story of this plant does

not start there – it was first seen in 1886 by Jean Marie Delavay, a French missionary, sent back to France and

named M.betonicifolia by the botanist Franchet. In 1913 it was seen in bloom by Lt. Colonel F.M Bailey who

was so overcome with its beauty that he preserved some specimens in his pocket book. It was not until

Kingdom-Ward in 1924 who not only rediscovered this plant but it was the right time for seed collecting and

he gathered one pound from which all Meconopis have come from.

Gardeners may still be able to purchase some of the following, M. cambrica (Welsh Poppy) 12in high with

yellow flowers from June to September. Not fussy and is suitable for shady rock gardens, dry walls and moist

places or in full sun. M. grandis (1895) grows to 24ins with blue or purple flowers in May and June. This is

a perennial from Nepal, Sikkim and Tibet for a semi-shaded place.

One plant I am not allowed to grow is Papaver somniferum (Opium Poppy) for no other reason than the roots

go down so far it is difficult to remove them and when you do succeed, roots left at the previous spot become

another plant and the life-cycle starts all over again. Every year I tried to rescue those that have survived but I

am afraid I am always too late. However, the seed is abundant, delicious, yields oil and contains a small

amount of narcotic substances and when eaten fresh gives a pleasant relaxation.

Opium has been with us since before Christ, was sold on the street markets of Ancient Rome and by the 8th

century had spread to Arabia, India and China. Queen Elizabeth 1 instructed her merchants to purchase and

send back to England the finest Indian opium. It has been with us ever since but unfortunately we need it for

the morphine it provides which was in short supply only a few years ago. Worldwide many have been glad to

have morphine to help with pain.

P. nudicaule (Iceland Poppy (1759) grows to 12in with white or yellow flowers but today modern varieties

are all colours. P. orientale (Oriental Poppy (1714) grows to 3ft with red flowers in May and June –

unfortunately this plant dies back after flowering leaving an empty space which rather annoys my husband.

Papavers of all varieties are beautiful because of their creased-taffeta petals, like butterfly wings and give great

joy along the roadside. The poppy is a historical plant and according to mythology was created by Somnus

(god of Sleep) to give to Ceres (the Corn Goddess) exhausted with her labours for she was neglecting the corn.

After her poppy induced sleep, refreshed she could once again look after her crops, hence statues and pictures

of Ceres always show a chaplet with corn intermixed with poppies. However there is superstition that after the

battle of Waterloo red poppies grew from the blood of the men who died there. After the Battle of Neerwinden

the meadows were scarlet with poppies and, later in history, the fields of Flanders.

Sylvia

Bibliography: “Manual of Old Fashioned Flowers” by Lys de Bray

“The Plant Hunters” by Toby Musgrave, Chris Gardner

and Will Musgrave

“The Secret Lore of Plants and Flowers” by Eric Maple

34

GREAT BENTLEY CRICKET CLUB It was a case of third time lucky as Great Bentley broke their North Essex League Division One duck with victory against Halstead at Star Stile in mid-May. Beaten by Colchester and Wivenhoe in their opening top flight assignments, Bentley travelled to Halstead with Imran Sheikh, Rupert Haxell and Jamie Ivory coming into their line-up for Michael Giles, Pete Bodily and Gary Brooker. But they saw the home side’s openers put on 90 in 17 overs before Matt Fowler and Brad Turner combined for a run out to break the deadlock. Fowler struck again soon after to remove the other opener, then trapped a new batsman leg before wicket before Bart Wilkinson completed a stumping off his bowling to dismiss Halstead’s dangerous South African left-hander. That left the home side 133-4 and Fowler with 3-14 before Sheikh (3-20) began to make inroads at the other end. Halstead lost their last six wickets for just eight runs, with Haxell (2-17) striking twice in an over to help dismiss them for 157 in the 34

th over. Bentley lost Sheikh and Matt Fowler cheaply in reply to find themselves

29-2 after seven overs. But captain Joe Fowler and dad Rod steadied the ship to put them firmly back on course for success. Rod dropped anchor to score 27 from 70 balls, including a six and a four, during a 95-run partnership that spanned 20 overs. Joe also cleared the rope once and hit 10 other boundaries before falling for 89, off just 73 deliveries, with his side 16 runs short of their target. Jason Edwards followed for a third-ball duck, but Brad Turner and Reuben Hunter quickly completed the task, sealing a five-wicket win in 31 overs. Bentley made it back-to-back wins with success over Division Two side Witham in the cup three weeks later on The Green. They could only field a team of 10, with Gary Sargent, Len Clayden and Ian Johnson coming into the side for Turner, Hunter, Edwards and Ivory. But a superb century from Sheikh helped Bentley to a challenging 234-5 from their 40 overs. Sheikh dominated the total with an innings of 126, with Joe Fowler (37), Rod Fowler (36) and Danny Hunt (16 not out) also contributing. Matt Fowler (2-38) made the breakthrough with the ball in Witham’s reply, with Joe Fowler and Johnson adding further scalps. Batting hero Sheikh also got in on the act with the wicket of Michael Glynn, for 62, and pouched a pair of catches in a fine all-round performance. Haxell (2-27) maintained his good form with the ball, with Matt Fowler producing another run out as the visitors came up well short on 201-8. Victory set up a home quarter-final meeting with Great Horkesley & Lexden, scheduled for Sunday July 5. All support is welcome. Bentley were brought back down to earth as they returned to league action in mid-June when High Easter visited the village. Captain Joe Fowler fell one run short of another half-century as his side were held to 147-9, with the visitors reaching their target with five wickets in hand. *Great Bentley holds colts cricket on Friday evenings for youngsters under the age of 11. The sessions start at 6.15pm and are open to any children who are interested in playing. Great Bentley CC Season 2015 April 19: Colchester lost by 137 runs

April 26: FRINTON PP

May 10: WIVENHOE lost by 8 wickets

May 17: Halstead won by 5 wickets

May 31: Springfield PP

June 7: WITHAM (Cup) won by 33 runs

June 14: HIGH EASTER lost by 5 wickets

July 5: GT HORKESLEY & LEXDEN (Cup)

July 19: Mistley

Aug 2: COLCHESTER

Aug 9: High Easter

Aug 16: Wivenhoe

Aug 23: SPRINGFIELD PP

Sep 6: HALSTEAD

Sep 13: Frinton

Sep 20: MISTLEY

NON ALCHOLIC COCKTAIL

This tangy cocktail is the ideal booze-free refresher.

Shake 150ml lemon juice

and 150 ml elderflower cordial with ice in a shaker.

Strain over fresh ice into a jug.

Top with ginger beer and garnish with slices of lemon before serving in tall glasses.

Serves 6.

35

EULOGY FOR CHRIS CAMERON We are here today to remember, to give thanks for and to celebrate the life of Violet Christine Cameron although known to all of us as Chris. Chris was born in Frating, she had 2 younger half-sisters Anne and Betty. There is not a great deal known about Chris’ early years but we do know that she worked in the Creche looking after the babies at the Kodak Company in Harrow, and was remembered as being Deputy Matron at the Colchester High School for boys. After the war Chris had lived in the Old School House in Frating, Admirals Farm and latterly in a bungalow at De Vere. I am not sure where or when Chris and Grant first met but I do know that they had many good and happy years together. They both liked to laugh and had a good sense of humour, it was through Grant that Chris looked on Scotland as her second home and they regularly enjoyed 6 weeks camping at Loch Eil and St Cyrus Beach. Chris loved the scenery and would often paint it. The two of them were members of the local Caledonian Society; Chris had a great love of Scottish country dancing and in fact all things Scottish and of course the Cameron Clan. She even loved West Highland Terriers and I know many of you will remember her walking her dog around the village. Chris enjoyed get togethers with her cousins and Ann and all who wanted to visit. Both Chris and Grant were keen to give back to the community and involved with the uniformed organisations, Chris was a Girl Guide leader, she was very popular with the girls and was always encouraging and enthusiastic about their achievements and enjoyed teaching them new skills on the many camping trips they shared. Chris was a good home-maker and would add her creativity to the interior decoration and the layout and content of the garden. She had a fantastic eye and impeccable taste. Chris was a founder member of the Great Bentley Art Club with Harold Lambert and Grant was the Club’s treasurer. She was a very talented artist – landscapes mainly but she did love to paint flowers and birds; I expect that most of you here have a piece of her work hanging up in your home. Chris had so many interests; poetry, reading, classical music. She was a faithful member of Saint Mary’s Church Family, and a very good cook and would provide her Scotch pancakes for Church fundraisers and I am told that at Art Club events it was her meringues that took centre stage. Chris even took meals into hospital for Grant for them to microwave when he was hungry because hospital food was not a patch on home cooked. Chris had a long term friend, who moved to Devon and she enjoyed a number of great holidays there when she was widowed. Chris knew the art of being a good friend, she was wise and gave good advice when asked and had many good friends in return. Her friends proved invaluable with regular trips to the shops and to Art Club and they were greatly appreciated. It wasn’t too long ago that Chris’ health deteriorated and she moved into ‘The Oaks’ where she received great care. Chris was a fun loving, happy, caring, wise, faithful lady with a generous spirit. May she rest in peace and rise in Glory. Rev. Sharon Miles

HELLO AND GOODBYE

We welcome new residents to Jasmine Cottage and Anaheim. Welcome to your new home Lynn, Michael, Sam and Esme who have migrated east and Liz who has migrated west, all on the south side of the green. Farewell and good luck in your new home to Barbara and Norman Ryan who have left the village for pastures new. Goodbye and thank you to the Rev Canon Pat Prestney who has moved away and welcome to Charlotte and Daniel who have moved into their new home.

36

CHERRY, MOZZARELLA, ROCKET AND PARMA HAM

Serves 4 (or 6 as a starter) Prepare 10 minutes

• 150g cherries, pitted

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 small orange, zest and 1 tbsp juice

• 90g pack Parma ham (or other cured ham) roughly torn

• 2 x 125g balls buffalo mozzarella torn into large pieces

• 4 large handfuls wild rocket 1 For the dressing, roughly crush the cherries in

a large bowl with a fork (or use a pestle and mortar). Stir through the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, orange zest and orange juice; season.

2 Arrange the ham, mozzarella and rocket leaves on plates (or a large platter), then drizzle over the cherry dressing before serving.

CHERRY CHEESECAKE

This is really easy

Base: small packet digestive biscuits crushed 75g melted butter 75g caster sugar Combine crushed biscuits with sugar and butter and press into 20cm spring form tin or 6 individual tins, make sure you take the base up the sides of the tin. Chill until firm. Filling: 300g soft cheese 2 eggs 50g caster sugar 300g pitted cherries Combine cheese eggs and sugar until smooth, fold in cherries and bake at 80c/160/fan/gas 4 for about 30 minutes until set. Cool for about 30 minutes and serve with cherry cream. Cherry Cream: Whip a tub of double cream until thick, blitz 100g pitted cherries with 25g icing sugar and mix into the cream.

RECIPES WITH CHERRIES

DEEP-DISH CHERRY PIE

Serves 8-10 Prepare 25 minutes, plus chilling Cook 1 hour 25 minutes

• 1.2kg cherries, pitted

• 200g golden caster sugar, plus 1 tbsp extra to sprinkle

• 1 lemon, zest and juice

• 2 tbsp cornflour

• 2 x 250g frozen shortcrust pastry sheets, defrosted

• Egg white, to glaze

1 Simmer the cherries with sugar, lemon zest and ½ the juice for 15-20 minutes, until reduced by half. Mix the cornflour with the remaining lemon juice and stir into the cherries. Cook for 3-4 minutes more, until thick and jammy; cool, then chill completely.

2 Preheat the oven to 220ºC, gas mark 7; place a baking tray on the bottom shelf. Roll out 1 pastry sheet until large enough to line a deep, 21cm pie dish, with plenty of overhang. Lay the pastry in the dish and press into the corners. Trim the excess and chill for 10 minutes.

3 Fill the chilled base with cherries. Roll out the remaining pastry sheet until large enough to cover the pie. Brush the rim with the egg white, lay the pastry on top and crimp the edges to seal. Brush the top with egg white and sprinkle over the extra 1 tbsp sugar. Cut a cross in the top to let the steam escape; freeze for 20 minutes.

4 Bake the pie on the hot tray for 30 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 180ºC, gas mark 4; cook for 25-30 minutes more, until golden (cover any areas that brown too quickly with foil).

Cool for 30 minutes, then serve with ice cream, if liked.

37

GREAT BENTLEY PARISH COUNCIL

Community Resource Centre, Village Hall Plough Road CO7 8LG

Tel. 01206 256410

Email [email protected] Website www.greatbentleyparishcouncil.co.uk

Proposed residential development on land south of Weeley Road: The Parish Council has agreed to a request from Star Planning and Development (SPD), for an informal meeting. SPD is preparing a planning application for a residential development on land west of Heckford’s Road. The 30 minute meeting will take place immediately prior to the Planning Committee meeting at 6.45pm on Thursday 2 July 2015. The Parish Council has received criticism in the past from local residents for meeting with other potential developers on this type of basis. Therefore, it has agreed to this meeting on the basis of residents being allowed to attend albeit with a listening brief on the understanding that members of the public will not be able to contribute to the meeting or ask questions of the developer’s representatives or council members. Annual Parish Meeting: The meeting was held on 4 June. Most of the local organisations that received financial grants from the Parish Council sent a representative to the meeting to provide a brief outline of their activities PCSO; In Cllr Wright’s absence, Cllr Hills reported the outcome of the review of the PCSO service. The members involved in the review indicated that they are satisfied that the PCSO service is benefiting the village. Members take the view that it is important that PCSO Cox is seen by residents going about her business. While she needs to spend time on the housing estates, it is important she is seen in other parts of the village in particular the village centre. Councillors agreed to make an effort to make more contact with PCSO Cox in the course of her duties. Annual Internal Audit Inspection: The Parish Council’s annual accounts were closed prior to the recent annual audit inspection. The inspection was undertaken by Heelis and Lodge on 29 May 2015. The report prepared includes a number of relatively minor recommendations’ that need to be acted upon. Forge Lane Drainage: A meeting on site at Forge lane with an ECC Highways engineer has been scheduled. The aim will be to explain to Highways the problems that are experienced with rainwater sitting on Forge Lane. It is hoped that a suitable resolution will be identified. Housing Development Application at Admirals Farm: In the region of 35 members of public attended the Planning Committee meeting to listen to proceedings with eight people taking the opportunity to speak and ask questions. The Council agreed to seek additional information about the application and deferred a decision until the next meeting on 2 July 2015. Planning Applications: The planning applications shown in the table below were considered by the Planning Committee at its monthly meeting. The Council’s determination can be seen in the minutes of the meeting published on the Parish Council’s website or on the TDC website.

Parish Council Meetings: The date and times of the monthly meetings on July 2nd are as set out below.

Proposed Residential Development on land South of Weeley Road - Presentation by Star Planning and Development - 6.45pm

Planning Committee meeting,7.15pm Thursday 2 July,

Monthly Parish Council meeting,7.30pm on Thursday 2 July

The Community Resource Centre is staffed on a part time basis only. The opening times are displayed on the office door and published on the Parish Council website. Kevin Harkin - Clerk to Great Bentley Parish Council

Planning Reference No.

& Email Link Application Details Address

15/00682/OUT Mr G Wright

Proposed erection of 75 dwellings, garages, roads and associated works.

Land at Admirals Farm Heckfords Road Great Bentley

15/00791/FUL Mr & Mrs Chaplin

Proposed two storey side extension to form garage & two bedrooms.

Hill View Thorrington Road Great Bentley

15/00794/TCA Kier Services - Ms K Heaton

1 No. Yew - reduce in height to approximately 3.5 m above ground level

Great Bentley C P School Plough Road Great Bentley

38

FOOTBALL CLUB NOTES

There is a gap between football seasons, but a very small one, and we are already making preparations for 2015-16. Our remaining Border League team, which I will, henceforth, refer to as the 1

st Team, will continue to

play in Division Two, and the Veterans will be one of ten teams in the North Essex Veterans League. Training: The 1

st Team have already begun training and will meet on the Green on Tuesdays and Thursdays

at 7 p.m. All players, new and old, are welcome to these sessions, and anyone wanting further information should contact the club secretary, Clive French, on 01206 251000. Friendlies: A series of pre-season friendlies have been organised as follows: Thurs 16

th July home West Bergholt Res (7 p.m.);

Sat 18th July home Clacton F.C. Res (3 p.m.);

Sat 25th July home Cinque Port (3 p.m.);

Sat 1st Aug home Alresford Colne Rangers Res (3 p.m.);

Sat 8th Aug home Mersea Island (3 p.m.);

Tues 11th Aug away Bradfield Rovers (6-30 p.m.) The Border League season begins on Sat 15

th Aug.

The Veterans will commence friendlies in August, with a league start date of Sat 5

th Sept.

Awards Night: The annual presentation evening went with a swing following a day of Youth Team awards and exhibition matches. We had a disco on the trailer and the food and drink outlets did good business at this well attended event. The winners of the adult awards were: 1st Team:

Manager’s Player of the Year – Trevor Kirk Players’ Player of the Year – Gavin Newcombe Leading Scorer – Julian Buda Veterans: Manager’s Player of the Year – Jimmy Morton Players’ Player of the Year – Keith Young Leading Scorer – Keith Young

The Club Person of the Year Award went to our indefatigable bar lady, Mary Amy, with a massive show of thanks for all her efforts on the club’s behalf. Five-a-Side: Come and give us a look at our annual Five-a-Side competition on Carnival Day, Saturday 27

th June, starting

at 10 a.m. Burgers, hot dogs, bacon rolls, coffees and teas will be on sale at our famous BBQ outside the clubhouse, and the bar will be open from 12 midday. For anyone interested in football, the games will be played on the main pitch near the Mill House. A.G.M. The football club’s A.G.M. will be held on Friday 3

rd July at 8 p.m. in the clubhouse, and is open to everyone. If

there is anyone who’s interested in helping to run, or play for, our renowned village club, please don’t hesitate to give us a look, either at the A.G.M., or at any of our matches. Lucky Team Winner May: N. Kirtland (Cardiff City) £25. Stoner.

39

Monday 29th June - PUBLIC MEETING RE POTENTIAL HOUSING

DEVELOPMENTS, Village Hall, 7.30pm. p.27

DIARY FOR JULY

Wed 1st FIREBIKE TRAINING, Methodist Church, p.3

Thurs 2nd PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING, 7.15pm,

Village Hall

Thurs 2nd PARISH COUNCIL MEETING, 7.30pm, Village Hall

Fri 3rd FRIDAY 5 RUNNING CLUB EVENT

Fri 3rd FOOTBALL CLUB AGM Clubhouse, 8pm

Sat 4th GREAT BENTLEY BAKE OFF, Vestry Room, see p. 19 & 25

Sat 4th METHODIST FLOWER FESTIVAL, 10-7pm

Sun 5th METHODIST FLOWER FESTIVAL, 11-5pm

Mon 6th ST MARY’S CHURCH CLOSED FOR REPAIRS,

Services will be held in the Vestry Room

Mon 6th BENTLEY GREEN LADIES CLUB, Visit to the Suffolk

Cheese Farm

Tues 7th BENTLEY GREEN LADIES CLUB, Village Hall, 7.30pm

Thurs 10th HISTORY SOCIETY, Village Hall, 8pm

Mon 13th MAGAZINE DEADLINE

Tues 14th ART CLUB, Green Island Gardens, Gt Bromley (all day)

Thurs 16th PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP, Mitchell Room,

Village Hall, 6.30pm

Tues 21st GARDENING CLUB ‘Chip supper’, 7pm

Wed 22nd EVERGREEN FRIENDSHIP CLUB, Village Hall

Fri 24th MAGAZINE COLLATING, 9am Vestry Room

Sun 26th SESAW OPEN DAY, Leavenheath, CO6 4PP

Tues 28th ART CLUB, Dedham, meet at car park near river

Fri 31st WINE TASTING, Contact 01206 252157 for details

July 2015 magazine - Web - Great · PDF fileS. Rokkam, B. Muir and G. Pontikis. The Hollies,...

Documents

Transcript of July 2015 magazine - Web - Great · PDF fileS. Rokkam, B. Muir and G. Pontikis. The Hollies,...