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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

stmaryschurchtreasurer@gmail.com

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

marymaskell@sys3internet.net

Carole Allington

carole@pncallington.co.uk

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, 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, dial 101 email: louise.cox@essex.pnn.police.uk

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: egog@btinternet.com

GOOD NEIGHBOURS TRANSPORT: Barbara Fookes - 01206 250431

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: Richard Nowak - 01206 250204

MEDICAL AIDS: Barbara Fookes - 01206 250431

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

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

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: suegibson_63@hotmail.com

VILLAGE CARETAKER: Bobby McWilliams, Boblyn, St Mary’s Rd, Aingers Green 01206 250732

Village Information

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2016

CONTENTS

Editorial .. .. .. 1

Monthly Letter.. .. .. 2

Church Services .. .. 3

Church Rotas .. .. 4

Thank You .. 5

Deadline .. .. .. 6

Coast to Coast .. .. 12

Letters to the Editor .. .. 13

Travelling the Kimberley .. 14

Peter’s Potterings .. .. 15

Carnival News .. .. 15

Surgery News .. .. .. 16

Wildlives .. .. .. 17

Running Club .. .. .. 18

Quiz .. .. .. .. 20

School .. .. .. .. 21

Clubs & Organisations .. 22

Pet Notes .. .. .. 23

Farming Diaries .. .. 24

Pre-School .. .. 25

Children’s Page .. .. 28

Protect Great Bentley .. 29

Parish Council .. .. 31/32

History Society .. .. 33

District Councillor Notes.. .. 34

Football Notes .. .. 36

FRONT COVER

DISCLAIMER The statements, opinions and data contained in these publications are solely those of the individual authors and

contributors and not of the Churchwardens, Parochial Church Council, the Editor nor the publisher. The appearance of advertisements in the Great Bentley Parish News or the website is not a warranty, endorsement, or

approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety.

Great Bentley

Pre-School

World Book Day

EDITORIAL

I was invited to attend a meeting in Clacton to speak about the grant we were awarded for our new printing machine. This event had been organised by Community Voluntary Services Tendring and was attended by a large number of people, I would estimate well over forty. One of the main speakers was from the North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group Big Care Debate which was to be held at two nearby locations, Clacton and Colchester. As you can imagine this gentleman was inundated with questions and it has to be said that the major problem highlighted repeatedly from delegates from the whole of the Tendring area was, “how are you going to overcome the problem of having to wait for three or four weeks to get an appointment at your local surgery?” On a positive note I was totally overwhelmed by the amazing people from this area who were there to represent the voluntary groups/organisations that they were involved in. These ranged from organising meetings and outings for handicapped people, handicapped youth football team, support for families who had lost a child, and a group of engineers who made custom built equipment for people with disabilities, the list seemed endless. I gave a brief resumé of the magazine and the community involvement and copies of the Parish News were quickly taken. As an example of other “printing jobs” I had taken a few spare copies of the Good Neighbours Booklet and explained how this amazing project worked. People were really impressed with this project. So well done Great Bentley and thank you to CVST. Well done Bonnie Beard for masterminding the idea to deliver a van load of supplies to Calais. I know Bonnie was worried she would not have enough goods to fill one van. Well done to residents of Great Bentley and the surrounding villages for their immediate and generous response. Bonnie has now filled TWO vans. Thanks Bonnie for your response to this humanitarian crisis. See full report on page 27. We seem to have a good selection of articles and features again this month and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed in any way. Please note that the youth football teams desperately need volunteers to help them keep the teams going. It’s great to see the youngsters out on the green so please consider giving them a helping hand. I do hope that many of you as individuals or as groups/organisations will join in the Clean for the Queen project organised by our Parish Councillor, Pippa Drew. Full details on page 26. On 21st April a beacon will be lit on the Green in honour of the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth. Full details on page 35. We deliberately left printing the information about the Post Office until the very last minute for the March edition. Overnight the closure notice was extended from 3rd March to the 18th. Apologies if we caused more inconvenience to customers. I am pleased to report that the Post Office is now open again. Let’s hope that spring is now on its way, a wonderful season to be fully enjoyed. Mary Maskell

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The Monthly Letters April 2016

This is the month for April fools! This day does in fact have something to do with the early Christian Church. It was part of the Good Friday and Easter activities. People were sent on useless, false errands to commemorate the time Jesus was sent back and forth between Pilate and Herod. However, as time went on a lot of inappropriate tricks were introduced, so after some years the Church fathers dropped it from the Christian ritual as they felt it had become profane. But, because people always love fun, the day's pranks have continued through the ages. Jesus enjoyed fun. He went to parties, a wedding at Cana. His enemies said he was a winebibber. Certainly he was no kill joy, the common people thronged to him, Mary sat at Jesus' feet because he was fascinating to be with. He was fun because he loved life. He spoke of lilies, birds in nests, told tales of the work-a-day world, farming and building. He was fun because he loved little children - said 'suffer them to come unto me.' Took one of them on his knee to teach the lesson of simplicity.

On the other hand he had no time for senseless ritual or critical people. He laughed at the Pharisees with their long faces and their parading of their prayers. He could use irony. Sometimes his irony was so subtle that people didn't understand him. In trying to tell his disciples that there would come a time when they would be persecuted, he talked of the need, if they did not possess a sword, they had better buy one! When the disciples said they had two swords, Jesus was laconic, 'It is enough,' he said, meaning 'Oh forget it.' He was exasperated at their lack of understanding. By this means he sorted out his disciples. 'Why do you speak in parables?' the disciples once asked him, and he replied it was to find out those who really wanted to hear. 'He that hath ears, let him hear. '

Jesus could use laughter because the laughter was in his soul. 'Pleasure is happiness around oneself; joy is happiness within oneself. These things I have spoken to you that my joy might remain within you and that your joy might be full.' John 15 : 11.

Some people laugh because they have a grudge and they snigger at life. The Christian can laugh because he is sure of life. The joy Jesus gives remains even when life is hard.

May God richly bless you

Rev'd Crawford James Logan

Happy Easter!

I would like to thank the many people who surrounded me with prayer and sent cards and good wishes following my recent bereavement.

Unsurprisingly my family situation made me look at the events of Holy Week in a different way this year - especially Good Friday and Easter day. My heart went out even more to the disciples who had Jesus with them one minute and within days he was arrested and killed. How confusing it must have been for them all. I know that Jesus told them he was going to die but like so many of us who hear that kind of bad news, they didn’t really believe it until it happened.

The time between Friday and Sunday must have felt like a week; with their disbelief and shock while they were trying to retrace their steps and work out if the events that happened were what Jesus had been trying to prepare them for. Then of course the even bigger shock when Mary came back on that Sunday morning and said that Jesus was not in the tomb!

They received blow after blow but were still ready to begin the work that Jesus had prepared them for. We must not forget the many occasions when the risen Jesus spent time with the disciples strengthening and encouraging them for the task ahead.

The disciples were just like you and me in so many ways – all of us are called to know Jesus, and after spending time with him in prayer and reflection we will also be ready to take on and succeed in any task we are called to.

Every Blessing

Revd Sharon

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CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS IN

GREAT BENTLEY DURING APRIL

METHODIST

CHURCH NEWS

ST MARY’S CHURCH

Sunday 3rd April - 2nd Sunday of Easter 9.30am Sung Eucharist & Sunday School

3.00pm Baptism

Mon 4th Support in Loss 10am in the Vestry Room Sunday 10th April - 3rd Sunday of Easter 9.30am All Age Worship with Communion Sunday 17th April - 4th Sunday of Easter 9.30am Sung Eucharist & Sunday School Sunday 24th April - 5th Sunday of Easter 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am All Age Communion After the service Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting followed by a shared lunch Fri 29th Magazine collating, Vestry Room 9am

FOUND

Silver bracelet Found opposite the Plough Inn

Please ring 01206 252322

See more detail on:- www.facebook.com/pages/Great-Bentley-Methodist-Church/776699562367528 We welcome you to worship with us during April. Morning worship will be held at 10.00am unless otherwise stated. The leaders of worship are set out below:-

April 3rd The Church Leaders

April 10th Barbara Fookes

April 17th Gill Bavister

April 24th Rev Crawford Logan - Sacrament

Events in April Coffee morning 1

st April. 10am to 12 noon

Last month we raised £173 for the Traidcraft Big Brew appeal. The money goes to poor farmers in East Africa to help them improve their farming methods. This month we are raising money for our Church funds. Messy Church 19

th April

After school for parents, carers and their children. A time of fun with crafts and cooking based on a Christian theme followed by a meal. CAMEO 4

th April 6.30pm

A simple meal followed by a social time together. Each week the following events are held at our Church. Ring these numbers for more information Luncheon Club Alternate Tuesdays 12 Noon 251330

Parent & Toddlers Group Thursdays 9-15 a.m. 250431. Closed in school holidays

Adventurers Fridays 7 p.m. 250087. For children in school year 3 and older. Closed in school holidays

Village Teen Youth Club alternate Thursdays at 7pm

FUNERAL

22nd March

Jode Jose

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ST MARY’S CHURCH

SIDESPERSONS ROTA

Sunday 3rd April - 2nd Sunday of Easter Acts 5. 27-32: Revelation 1.4-8: John 20.19-end:

Sidespersons Peter & Carole Allington

Intercessions George Wright

Sunday 10th April - 3rd Sunday of Easter Acts 9. 1-6: Revelation 5. 11-14: John 21.1-19:

Sidespersons Pat Nunn & Eve Hickley

Intercessions Sally Day

Sunday 17th April - 4th Sunday of Easter Acts 9. 36-end: Revelation 7.9-end: John 10.22-30:

Sidespersons David & Rosemary Branch

Intercessions Yvonne Gibson

Sunday 24th April - 5th Sunday of Easter Acts 11.1-18: Revelation 21.1-6: John 13.31-35:

Sidespersons Ben & Angela Wright

Intercessions Wright girls

COFFEE ROTA

3rd David & Rosemary Branch

10th Hilary Harris & Wendy Smith

17th Edna Black

24th Bev Adams

CLEANING ROTA

2nd Maria Pagram

9th John & Jennie Moss

16th David & Rosemary Branch

23rd Edna Black

30th Nicky Justice

APRIL 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.

VILLAGE DIARY

May 8th St Mary’s Church, fundraising event 7th Gardening Club Plant Sale 12/13/14th Who Dies Wins - Bentley Players June 25th Carnival July 1st Running Club Friday 5 race 2/3rd Methodist Church Flower Festival 24th - 31st Circus on the green September 3rd Village Show 17th/18th St Mary’s Church Flower Festival & Art Exhibition November 5th Methodist Church Autumn Fair 13th Remembrance Service, Methodist Church December 3rd/4th St Mary’s Church Christmas Tree Festival

1 Doctors Air Ambulance 2 Hill Cottages Hamilton Lodge 3 Family Church District Nurses 4 South Heath Road Beaver Cubs 5 The Lonely Salvation Army 6 Chapel Terrace Primary School 7 Messy Church Beacon House 8 Cedar Way Alzheimer Society 9 Housebound Macmillan Nurses 10 Birch Avenue EMMAUS 11 St Helena’s Hospice Cub Scouts 12 Cherrywoods Teen Talk 13 The Vicar Samaritans 14 Finch Drive Joseph Court 15 The grieving Alcoholics Anonymous 16 De Vere Estate Brownies 17 Churchwardens Children’s Hospice 18 Goodwyn’s Mews Childline 19 Methodist Minister Headsmart 20 Plough Road Blood Donors 21 The sick Premature babies 22 Sycamore Close Rainbow Guides 23 Church Sunday School Women’s Refuge 24 The Path Epilepsy Support Group 25 The homeless First Responders 26 Pine Close Relate 27 Church Stewards Gt Bentley Youth Group 28 New Cut Essex Carers 29 Adventurer’s Club Local food bank 30 The abused The refugees

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WELCOME We welcome our new residents to the village. Mr and Mrs Sullivan to Hazelea, Weeley Road New residents to The Old Coal Yard and Charreg in Station Road, new residents to 5 Thorrington Road, and Cassie and Dominic at number 20 and Janet and Dave at 24 Abrey Close.

ANIMAL BEDDING We are very pleased to report that we have a healthy stock of all the necessary assorted bedding and towels that will allow us to make a journey to Jane and Emma at Hacheston where doubtless they will be relieved to see us! We have popped in on several occasions to The National Animal Welfare Trust in Little Clacton with supplies and of course not forgetting the products of our wonderful ladies who knit and crochet. Both these rescue centres are overwhelmed with animals needing to come into care. It seems that every day we hear reports of animal cruelty and wanton neglect. Horses in particular, as we have mentioned before suffer terrible neglect and abandonment. Animal welfare organisations have a hard task in not only finding places of safety for these unfortunate creatures where they are able to be given the medical attention and care to restore them to good health and then find a new home. Sadly for too many help will have come too late. However they often have to bring about criminal prosecutions which regrettably can prove to be extremely difficult and costly. Criticism is often apportioned to these organisations whose task it is to deal with such issues but we are ever mindful of how emotionally strong one must have to be to witness at first hand such scenes of abject suffering in the course of their duties. Our friend Brenda in Alresford has thankfully kept clear of the germs that are doing the rounds at the moment. She continues in her efforts to accommodate cats/kittens as best she can to follow endless requests for help. In order to do this Brenda needs to successfully re-home cats to create space for those coming in. Regrettably there are always older cats which tend to get overlooked because they are shy and timid and therefore do not show themselves well when visitors come to view and this leads to them being there for what can be many months, which is very sad. If any of you are looking to share your life with a feline friend and feel you have the time and patience required to rebuild their confidence please contact us and we can put you in touch with Brenda. Be assured it will be a very worthwhile and rewarding experience! At this time of year people’s thoughts turn to a bit of Spring cleaning and some sorting out and it would be our pleasure to receive suitable items of bedding (not Duvets, Cushions or Pillows) blankets, sheets, throws, duvet covers, pillow cases, flannels, towels of all sizes and tea towels which can all be put to good use and we will make sure they get to where they are most needed. Our grateful thanks. Judy & Alan Bishop, 5 Morella Close, 251702

ALEX TO JOIN NORTHAMPTON SAINTS.

Congratulations to our Grandson, Alex Rayment, on achieving a Profess iona l Cont rac t wi th Premiership Northampton Saints Rugby Union Club; one of only five contracts handed out this year. On leaving The Royal Hospital School in July Alex will go to Northampton and begin his career in rugby. We are very proud of you Alex as we know how hard you have worked and trained for this. Nan and Grandad (Jean and John Hopkins)

JEAN ALLINGTON

Frank, Carol and family would like to thank all their family, friends and neighbours for the many cards and messages of sympathy they received following the sad loss of Jean. Thank you everyone who attended Jean’s funeral, and for all the donations received for British Heart Foundation. Our special thanks to Rev. Crawford Logan for the lovely personal service, and also thank you to Titford’s Funeral Service for their care and attention at all times. Frank and Carol

I am sorry to announce that my brother David John King, aged 79, has died in Luton where he has lived for many years. He was born in Aingers Green and lived there until his marriage to Hilary. Geoffrey King

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DEADLINE FOR THE MAY MAGAZINE

FRIDAY 15th APRIL

Material to Mary Maskell, Caldew Cottage, The Green, 250524 AND Carole Allington, Poplar House, Station Road, 251086.

Please mark all material - “Parish Magazine”

email: carole@pncallington.co.uk AND marymaskell@sys3internet.net

IMPORTANT - PLEASE SEND ALL INFORMATION TO BOTH OF US

Great Bentley Website: www.greatbentleyparishcouncil.co.uk

GOSH!

We are having a Quiz Plough Inn Monday 11

h April

8.00pm start. Back by popular demand

Teams of up to six players at £3.00 per player. All proceeds to

Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Raffle prize donations will be appreciated

Tom (Quiz master)

NEW! The Good Citizen Award Scam

Action Fraud has been receiving reports of an advanced fee fraud whereby suspects phone a member of the public and claim to be calling on behalf of the UK (or British) Government Grant Department. They go on to state that the individual has won a Good Citizen Award – of typically £8,000 – and that the grant can be released for a fee (of around £210). Fortunately, very few members of the public have lost any money as a result of this scam but have reported to Action Fraud in order to help build a picture of this fraud and protect others from falling victim to it.

Protect yourself:

• There is no genuine ‘Good Citizen Award’ scheme in the UK that operates by cold calling “winners” and asking for an upfront fee to release a grant.

• If you receive a call that claims to represent such a scheme, it is a scam. End the phone call – do not give out any personal or financial data.

If you, or anyone you know, has been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

NATURE NOTES

Due to the mild winter birds have been less dependent on garden feeders. Certainly fieldfares and redwings have tended to stay in the wider countryside. However long-tailed tits using feeders is now widespread, an adaptation of really only the past decade. Similarly goldfinches and siskins are more often seen, especially where nyger seed is dispensed. Goldfinches have been reported to be on the increase, bucking the general picture of decline in many species. Recently I had some of my best views of siskins that seem less wary of humans nowadays. Black-throated yellow males could almost be taken for canaries with females having distinct white wing bars and delicate streaking. In good early March light with spring nuptials under way their plumage is at its most vivid. Recently there has been early spring passage moving north supplementing winter residents that probably are mostly Scots bred. Conifer plantations are their favoured breeding habitat but in autumn some siskins migrate south favouring river valleys, often feeding on the miniature conifer-like cones of deciduous alders. Redpolls, a close relative that also favour winter alder are also occasionally seen at garden feeders. They have dramatic fluctuations in population. In the 1980s they became quite common breeding locally before mysteriously retreating back to their northern strongholds and appearing only in winter, mostly on passage. The third member of the finch family seen very occasionally in winter gardens is the brambling, the chaffinch’s northern cousin. Attracting them offers a challenge for the dedicated bird feeder. Boreal conifer forests interspersed with birch are the favoured summer homeland of these three finches. It is notable that two other small birds: the goldcrest and coal tit can be attracted into our gardens by the mere presence of a conifer or two, both having ecological links with those winter visiting finches. Some coal tits and Goldcrests are locally resident, breeding in small numbers while others are passing through or winter visitors. When human migration and renewal of national boundaries is topical the age-old avian superhighway’s traffic continues to flow back and forth regardless of borders, almost without notice.

DRB

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MAGAZINE ADVERTISING

All spaces are now filled and we now have a waiting list. The first advertisers on the waiting list are:

Total Foot Care

Great Bentley Foot Health Clinic A9 Plough Road Business Centre, Plough Road, Great Bentley, CO7 8LG. Corns and Callus, Fungal Nail Infections: Ingrown and Involuted Nails: Care of the Diabetic and High Risk Foot: Specialised Nail Cutting: General Foot Care. To book an appointment please call Jessica on

01206 615700

Angus Dewar - Electrician

New Installations: Rewires: Extra Sockets and Lights: PAT testing: Garage & Garden Power Lighting: Landlords inspections: LED Lighting etc. etc. NICEIC registered Domestic Installer 01206 252432 (Thorrington) Mobile: 07939 158683

Female Painter & Decorator

Curtain Maker & Blind Supplier

Tel: 07769 202560

* * *

Slimming World

Due to demand we will be holding extra groups at 3.30pm Wednesdays, Village Hall, Great Bentley

11.00am Saturdays, Great Clacton Community Centre, Valley Road Please see full advert on Page S.

New evening and weekend hours

at Josephs Court

For people with multiple sclerosis, finding the right exercise is important. MS affects people differently, and the specialised equipment at Josephs Court enables people with limited mobility to take part in exercise. Above all, Josephs Court is a community hub, offering a positive atmosphere to connect with other people and really make the most of today. MS-UK supports people through their Wellness Centre, Josephs Court. Based in Hythe Quay, Colchester, the centre opened in 2012 to support local people affected by multiple sclerosis. Since then, the centre has grown and developed new services for people experiencing a range of neurological conditions. To keep up with rising demand and to ensure MS-UK can meet the needs of all people in the community affected by MS, they have extended their opening hours. The Wellness Centre is now open 10am to 8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am to 5pm on Fridays and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. By extending services to include evenings and weekends, Josephs Court is able to support more people affected by MS, including those that may be in full-time employment or would prefer to come along later in the day. Mike Kinton Centre Manager, MS-UK Josephs Court 01206 867222 Mike@ms-uk.org

About MS-UK MS-UK was established in 1993, and is a national charity dedicated to empowering people with multiple sclerosis to make the most of today, and live life to the full. MS-UK puts people affected by MS at the heart of our work. We recognise that each one is an individual who has needs, rights and choices. We provide information, we listen, we are caring and compassionate and we offer professional and high quality services.

NARROWBOAT SHARE FOR SALE

We have a sixth share for sale on ‘Tess’ a 55 ft narrowboat.

As we only have 6 owners you can have at least 4 flexible weeks cruising a year. Will sleep up to 6 people.

The reason for selling our share is because of ill health.

‘Tess’ is moored at Calcutt Marina, Southam, Warwickshire.

If you would like further details as to how this

share operates please give me a ring.

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EDUCATION

Taken from ‘How Green is our Village’ Great Bentley Through the Ages by Carl Morton

Some mention of schools in Great Bentley has already been made from which it will have been gathered that education in the village was somewhat piecemeal. The first, a church school, opened in 1824, was short-lived and dame schools looked after the children for some time. In 1839 the London Diocesan Board made a survey of education in the village in the form of a questionnaire. The answers are enlightening: What schools are connected with the Church? Sunday only. Is any difficulty experienced in getting support? Yes What number of schools exist and of what description? There is one Methodist Day School and Sunday School. What is your estimate of attendance at Dames’ Schools, Middle Schools and others? About 100. What are the obstacles which impede the establishment of a National School? The greatest obstacle is the lack of support from the principal farmers, most of whom are dissenters, some independents, some Wesleyans, all equally hostile to the idea. There would be no difficulty in procuring scholars, could funds be raised for holding a school and paying a master. By 1848 there were four ‘Academies’; Miss Amy Balls and her sister Amelia took in boarders; Mrs Mary Hawkins had five boarders at Pond House, while Miss Lugar and Mr John Thompson took day pupils only. Five years later the Wesleyans reported ‘The Great Bentley School recently opened in the room originally designed for a Sunday School has a roll of 47. The scholars pay 4d a week except such as obtain subscribers tickets which admit at half price. In 1849 the Church reopened a school which lasted only a few years, and once again the Wesleyans and others took their pupils and for a while education in Great Bentley followed this uncertain course. In 1872 the authorities ordered a school board to take over the National School until 1890 when it was returned to the Church. The Board took over again in 1894 and three years later built the present school where all the children of the parish could be under one roof. In the first school register a note is made of children being punished for running behind carts and that only one child attended on the day of a tremendous snowstorm, a poor attendance in September 1879 when gleaning was not over, and that in 1893 many boys were away acting as caddies. It is interesting to note that at the AGM of the Great Bentley Green Golf Club in 1892 it was noted to make a donation of two guineas to the Village Coal Fund, one guinea to each of the two schools and to thank the parishioners for allowing the Club to play on the Green. The donations to the schools no doubt salved their conscience! Adult education was provided on occasions but was not always appreciated. In 1858 a Literary Institute was formed in the National School reading room. Five years later this was given over to Penny Readings which remained popular until 1870. In 1885 the Anglicans reopened the Room but although various lectures etc. were given and classes started, none of them were well supported. This lack of interest did not extend to a series of ambulance classes, for men only, given by Dr Atthill in 1893, and reported in the Essex County Standard on 28th February. These classes were repeated from time to time in the 1900’s, especially when war threatened the country. The same paper records that there was no School Board contest that year as the Rev. Trousdale, Mrs Delf, Messrs Geo. Newman, A.S. Went and J.J. Arthey were unopposed. The report concludes ‘the schools are under the voluntary system with ample accommodation and therefore Great Bentley is still in the unusual position of a Board without a school!’ As already stated, this anomaly was ended when the present school opened in 1897. Since 1948 adult education has been available in the village through the W.E.A., the local branch of which was started in that year through the initiative of Mrs E.M. Atthill and Mr L.G. Newman. Subjects studied have included English Social History, Astronomy, Archaeology, Law and the Citizen, and Local History. In 1953 the branch held an exhibition of the village’s history, which was visited by a large part of the population. There have been several years when no classes were held, but, at the time of writing, a vigorous group has completed a programme of two twelve week courses, and more have been arranged.

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Open your hidden treasures in aid of the hospice

St Helena Hospice is inviting local people to showcase their gardens from March to August in order to raise money in support of its patients and their families.

The hospice recognises that lots of its supporters have beautiful gardens nestled away which have had a lot of hard work, time and effort put in, and it would love supporters to share their masterpieces in aid of its work. Whether the garden is a large estate or just a few pots and planters the hospice wants to give people a chance to show off their hidden treasures!

The community fundraising team will provide fundraising materials for anyone opening their garden as well as helping with advertising to the local community. An event raising just £25 could pay for a chaplaincy visit to provide a ‘listening ear’ to a patient, regardless of any religious beliefs. A small donation can make a large difference.

Find out more information about the event and how to get involved at

sthelenahospice.org.uk/opengardens16 or by calling the community team on 01206 931468.

Brightlingsea Foodbank affiliated to Colchester Foodbank

The Brightlingsea Foodbank came into being on December 2

nd 2015. It is run as a satellite of the

Colchester FB. Following a meeting of potentially interested parties last September, it was decided to go ahead and open a Foodbank in Brightlingsea. We have the support of local schools, churches and other relevant organisations, who also hold food vouchers for issue to clients. Our weekly sessions are held in the Parish Hall, Brightlingsea, on a Wednesday from 10.30 to 12.30. There is a welcome cup of tea and the inevitable biscuit or cake! It’s not just a case of handing over a food parcel, we try to help clients by either putting them in touch with organisations, or agencies that may be able to help them out of whatever is causing their present crisis. There has been an uptake of our service in Brightlingsea and we would now like to make it available to the communities of Gt. Bentley, Alresford and hopefully, Thorrington. It would mean that anyone needing food would not have to travel to Colchester or Clacton, but could come to Brightlingsea instead. We have approached the Town Clerks and they are encouraging in their response. (Gt Bentley Parish Council Clerk has already added it to their website!). Look out for our posters and flyers around your village. Feel free to ‘phone either phone number for more information or for help. Remember, it is there for anyone in need to use, we never turn any genuine client away, voucher or no voucher. It could be any one of us at any time, we never know what is going to happen in our lives. Win Pomroy, Coordinator, Colchester Foodbank at Brightlingsea 01206 303902 / 07970480968

GREAT BENTLEY YOUTH CLUB Dates for Youth club for 2016 for the summer term. They are as follows all at 7pm to 9pm:- 21

st April, 5

th May and 19

th May

We then close until September This summer one of our Senior Leaders is leaving us so extra volunteers are needed if the Club is to continue from September. Please ring me to discuss if you could help. 250087 Robert Taylor

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12

PLANTS FROM THE PAST - THE TULIPA

(Tulip - Family Liliaceae)

The history of the tulip is quite interesting and has been with us since the 16th century although the flower itself

has been admired since the 12th century. It all began in a garden in Turkey and the plant was prized as garden

flowers for centuries. The Turks liked their tulips to be one colour and to resemble a dagger or needle whereas Europe preferred their petals to be rounded. Ambassador Ogier Ghiselin de Busbecq brought back to Vienna the first tulips after visiting the court of Suleiman the Magnificent. From there the bulbs were taken to Holland by Clusius where he became Professor of Botany at Leiden. The bulbs were precious and expensive and “an enterprising villain (must have been something of a gardener) stole them and grew them on for the seeds”. Like most gardeners (past and present) as soon as something new comes to their notice and ‘it is a must have’ then a craze starts. This happened in Holland and at that time it was known as Tulipomania. Speculation and gambling in the bulbs escalated – fortunes were made and lost very quickly and due to this the government brought in legislation that no bulb should cost more that £400. This took place in 1637 and in 1984 it was estimated that the price of that one bulb was £16,323! It is recorded that one bulb ‘Semper Augustus’ - a very beautiful red and white flower with rose-coloured flamings and pointed petals sold for nearly 5,000 florins plus a carriage and pair! Price was not a deterrent as the Turks approved the shape but not the colouration. This bulb only lasted until the 18

th century.

The tulip craze ended in 1637 and when the bubble burst it did so quickly and disastrously but again, in 1754 there was ‘craze’ for huge flowers, something you do not see today, and one particular tulip Baguet Rigaude had flowers so large it was capable of holding “an English pint of wine” (I prefer mine in a glass!). There were still revivals in both Turkey and Holland in the 18

th century and even in 1836 a bulb called

‘Citadel of Antwerp’ fetched £650 sterling. Fortunately, when the bottom finally fell out of the market people started to grow tulips for their beauty. In the 19

th century, tulips became popular with our Northern weavers who loved them as much as their

pinks and auriculas and this was mainly due to the ‘breaking’ (or flaming) as it was then called. This effect was caused by a virus transmitted by aphids (although it is considered that Parkinson (1567-1650) first discovered this problem) and soon these were known as ‘Florists’ Tulips’ and were very popular from about 1830 until 1870 with shows and a fancier’s language all to themselves. They were also suited for Victorian garden schemes with their opulent symmetry styles. Tulip growing soon became the preserve of the ‘artisan’ florists of the Midlands and North in the 19

th

century but today only one society is left - The Wakefield and North of England Tulip Society, originally established in 1836 by local tulip fanciers enthusiasts. In those days they were known as a ‘Florists Society’ and were “dedicated to growing and showing tulips, particularly the English Florists’ Tulip”. They still grow tulips dating back to the 1800s and “maintain the traditional strict standards of Form, Purity and Colour set down by the early florists”. When I lived in Ware I use to grow a lot of the ‘Rembrandt’ tulips which were ideal for Dutch flower pieces. There was only one company well known for these and that is *Jacques Armand who has a collection of bulbs you would not see in garden centres. The bulbs were not cheap and some varieties were of the 19th century but worth growing if only to show-off to friends. Here in Holland the soil is not the same and not having much success, I have stopped planting them. I might try ‘pots’! *Catalogue on the ‘web’ After the end of World War II, Holland sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to Canada as a ‘gift of gratitude’ for looking after their Royal Family. Since then, the Dutch still sends 20,000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa for their annual tulip show. Gardeners everywhere are fanatics about certain plants and those who grow tulips should take heed of a very old story “A poor fellow in Dulwich had a few prized tulips that he was cherishing and on a frosty night covered the flowers with thin blankets from his own bed. He caught pneumonia and died - a poor reward for such selfless devotion”. My husband does the same with some of our precious plants but not our duvets I am glad to say!! Sylvia Steed Bibliography: “Manual of Old-Fashioned Flowers” by Lys de Bray (1984) “Plants from the Past” by David Stuart & James Sutherland (1987) Wakefield and North of England Tulip Society - website (worth looking at) “Fifty Plants that Change the Course of History” by Bill Laws (2010)

Note - Florist Clubs’ have nothing to do with florists - they were created by the ‘working class’ who left the large estates to work in the factories etc. As they could not afford the exotic flowers and shrubs which they were used to, they turned to old-fashioned favourites of the cottage garden. Like all lovers of plants they could not stop comparing their flowers with others and they met in the local pub. The first Florist Club was a gardening club and they held shows in church halls and public houses and were judged accordingly. Unfortunately they began to cease in 1860 as their plants were no longer considered ‘working class’. From 1840 horticultural societies were formed and held annual shows and by the end of the century not only were flowers on show but vegetables and fruit. There were no classes for tulips, auriculas, pinks and other florist flowers grown by the ‘working class’. (Extract taken from ‘Gardens through the Centuries’ by Sylvia Steed)

13

News of the Green The Parish Council has given permission for 9 new trees to be planted adjacent to the Chapel. These trees will replace the poplars that have gradually died or have had to be cut down for safety reasons. The original trees were given to the village by TDC who at the time had their own nurseries. They were planted by four parish councillors in 1989/90 and the choice of trees was not an option at the time, resulting with the loss of several after 25 years. The new trees have been sponsored at £100 each by various village residents and should all be planted by the time the April magazine comes out. If not, very soon after. The trees have been chosen for their spring flowering or autumn colouring. The planting of the trees is the first step in attempting to encourage people to not drive onto the green near the chapel. Further work may follow! Following the curbing on the south side the parish council is to seek quotes for infill kerbing opposite the chapel entrance again to try and save the green from damage and erosion. A survey of soil on various well used areas of the green has taken place and we are grateful to Vicki Groom for this service. Following this report the application of the necessary fertilisers will take place in the near future. The main areas are the football pitch – either side of Weeley Road -and the distribution of the fertilisers will be undertaken by George Wright Farms – this is again free of charge. This work is considered necessary to maintain a healthy grass growth on these well used areas. The village pond is to undergo the usual annual clearout around September/October. This time is considered by conservationists and Defra the right time of the year. This year a machine is to be hired to remove a metre or so of growth that has encroached around the outside edge of the pond. This is causing a rapid decrease in the size of the pond. The spoil from this operation will be removed by tractors/trailers supplied by George Wright Farms, again, free of charge. Advice will be taken nearer the time regarding the fish during this operation. Finally this work on the green and help with other village operations by a number of people, draws attention to the amount of costs saved to the parish council and in turn village rates. The aforementioned work to be carried out by George Wright Farms amounts to several hundred pounds alone. Also the village has the fuel supplied to the grass cutting tractors by Alan Gosling at South Heath Farm which again saves the parish hundreds of pounds over the years. He has done this for about 10 years. The Black family at Hall farm assists the village in numerous ways – the grass cutting tractors and mowers and water bowsers are often stored there. Many people in the village benefit from the time and effort given for churchyard work and during carnival and village show days by this family. I am sure there are others that contribute to the village but these are the ones that come to mind when commenting on the green. I am sure that most people don’t give much thought to the costs involved with work on the green or with the money saved by much work being done free of charge. There is still space for sponsors for three more trees (part of the nine adjacent to the chapel). Michael Dorling Chairman of Friends of the Green

BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION 2016

It is that time of year again when we start preparing and completing the entry forms to take part in the Best Kept Village Competition organised through the Rural Community Council of Essex. This year the Parish Council, with Cllr Pippa Drew leading, is preparing for the “Clean for the Queen” event. You can see on page 27 how Pippa has been busy encouraging village organisations to take part with the event, with a view to also ensuring that we all try to keep the village litter free and tidy throughout the coming months in preparation for when the judges come to judge the Best Kept Village during May and June. Previously, the Shops, Doctors Surgery, Pharmacy, School and Businesses have all taken up the challenge and played their part in making the village successful. If you could please help again this year, it would be greatly appreciated. We know the dog walkers are always very helpful with picking up litter all year round which is also greatly appreciated. It would be great if we could once again win the Best Kept Village in our group. If you do see large amounts of litter and/or fly tipping, could you please contact the Village Caretaker,

Bobby McWilliams Tel No 250732.

Many thanks

Lynda

My contact details Tel No. 250732 e-mail lynda@boblyn.co.uk On behalf of the Best Kept Village Committee

14

Coast to Coast continuedTTTT

Nine Standards Rigg or not?

Leaving the thriving market town of Kirkby Stephen I was again joined by Annie who was waiting near the church on Market Street. We began the rather tedious road climb, referred to by Stedman as ‘a strenuous start to the day’, past the quarry, heading for the grid reference where the three colour coded routes diverge. I was undecided as to which route to take but desperate to tackle the high route over Nine Standards Rigg. Already trudging through reed beds and swampy bogs, I was reminded of the young RAF lad whom I had met the previous evening, he who had sunk to his waist in these conditions.

On arrival at the waypoint, Sean waved a greeting and asked if I would join him on the trek over Nine Standards, adding with a big smile that we would “tread lightly” and “take the weight off our shoulders”, a reference to the young RAF lad. With much regret I declined his offer as did Annie so we went our separate ways. The remainder of the day was much the same, very wet as we climbed through Ravenseat and on to Keld Lodge, my hotel. After my nap, I approached the bar. Sean rose from his seat, walked towards me ordering a pint for us both whilst nodding towards the mountains saying, “Nine Standards? I don’t know what all the fuss is about!” We picked up our beers and retired to the lounge to join Paul and his son Matt, both still complaining, one of sore knees whilst the other of blisters whereas Sean was more concerned about a bubble in his compass. The cockiness stopped when a Mountain Rescue Landrover sped past the window, coloured lights flashing in the darkness. In the porch of the hotel the following morning, Sean and I strapped on our boots, my target for the day being Reeth whereas Sean was booked into Richmond, more than twice the distance. I set out in good spirits heading for the roller-coaster Swaledale route to Reeth. Annie again was waiting for me. We had walked only a mile or so when we came upon Dave from east London standing alone. He greeted us politely as he turned to walk alongside Annie, explaining to her that he had completed the C2C two years earlier and that this crossing he was doing for charity. The trail, now more clearly marked, follows mostly the river Swale into Reeth and then on to Richmond on day 9. Annie had a rest day planned in Richmond, whereas for me it was an opportunity to have my laundry done. At around 11 or 12 miles per day, the previous couple of stages had charged the batteries in preparation for day 10, the 23 mile stage to Ingleby Cross. The scarps of the dales, although still beautiful, are less physically demanding than the steep crags of the Lake District so speed over ground was increasing, also my toenails on my left foot were much less painful (descent of Dent) and those wonderful ‘compeed’ plasters had cured my blisters. The long, mainly flat trek to Ingleby Cross was made lighter by the meeting of Richard and Barbara, a very handsome couple who were clearly mad about each other. For obvious reasons (obvious to me, at least) we did not walk together but met on several occasions during the day. By chance, we arrived at Ingleby Cross together but my billet was outside the village some distance away, whereas Dave, Richard and Barbara were in the centre. Having decided, owing to the distance, not to walk to the Bluebell pub for dinner (I had plenty of packed lunches left over) I stayed in bed and studied the map for the following day, the challenging day 11 stage to Clay Bank Top. My phone rang. It was Dave kindly asking where I was adding that he was with Richard and Barbara and that “we” were all leaving in the morning from the village centre at 8.30am. Totally as expected, when I arrived at the Bluebell the following morning, Dave was alone. Richard and Barbara had already left! I smiled.

Following the route southward to join the Cleveland Way, the path then ‘continues steeply up through Arncliffe

Wood (get used to it, there’s plenty more of it on this stage!)’ writes Stedman in his trailblazer guide, which

rather sums up this challenging trek, a 14 mile climb of Live Moor, past the gliding club at Faceby Bank,

Cringle Moor with a glimpse of the North Sea to Clay Bank. A super day. I woke the following morning to find

dark skies with light rainfall and as described in the December issue, indeed, day 12 was the day that nature

decided to show its ferocity. In appalling conditions Dave and I battled the elements on the high plateau to the

Lion Inn at High Blakey Moor where he was to stay the night whilst I had an extra 9 plus miles to Glaisdale.

With a shake of the hand, I left Dave at the inn, stepping out into heavy rain, wind and zero visibility but happy

to be alone al last in that uninviting eerie yellowish daylight with thunder crashing and strange flashes of

lightning around me, walking blindly for long periods. Finally and inevitably the conditions eased as I knocked

on the door of Laneside, a very modern bungalow, my B&B. Tracey immediately took my coat, gaiters and

rucksack to the dryer and stuffed newspaper in my boots. Then, tucked up in bed and served with a pot of tea,

a big slice of lemon sponge and a navvy’s portion of Dundee cake, there was time to reflect upon the day. I

laid back on my crisp pillow, grinning with deep satisfaction! “What time would you like Rob to take you to the

pub?” Tracey called from the hallway. Wonderful people. However, I was not expecting the happening at the

pub! To be continuedT.

15

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor This morning 2nd March, I was at the railway crossing on my way to the Doctors when I spotted two men waiting for the gates to open. One was around 20 to 25 the other older with a flat cap on. The idiots could not wait, they jumped over the crossing gates ran across the lines and jumped the other set of gates and then ran onto the platform. Seconds later an express train went through and two other trains followed. It was 10.20am and very busy on the road. Are there any cameras at the crossing? Perhaps they caught these idiots. I bet they didn't even think about the horror we, and all the other car drivers/passengers/pedestrians, could have witnessed, or the sorrow and devastation to their families. Whoever you are, stop and think and leave home a few minutes earlier to get your train. Valerie Brett

Dear Editor, We write following Michael Dorling’s article regarding the Village Traffic Survey and Janice Porter’s response raising her concerns about the constant problem of vehicles parking on double yellow lines outside Tesco and The China Palace. We should like to further highlight another issue, that of motorists pulling up opposite Tesco with just two wheels on the road and the rest of their vehicle on the pavement! This action effectively blocks safe access for mobility scooters, wheelchair users and anyone with a pram. It is a frequent occurrence which we witness at all times of the day particularly when walking our dogs and have to squeeze through a narrow gap. It is not unusual for the driver to be sat in the vehicle whereby they can quite clearly see the inconvenience caused. On one memorable occasion Alan pointed out this fact to one such driver to which the reply was “Why don’t you die!” There is no doubt the volume of traffic passing through the village is on the increase, speed limits widely ignored and parking restrictions abused with impunity. It was said at the last Parish Council meeting that parking tickets have been handed out and that locals are often the culprits. Let us be clear we have a serious, and not to put too finer point on it, dangerous situation developing in our village with the potential for a tragedy. We must let our concerns be known and we urge you to attend our Parish Council meetings where there is the opportunity to do so. Our Parish Council are working very hard to protect our village and it’s residents in regard to many issues and are anxious to engage with us. Unless we go to meetings how can they be expected to be aware of the things that trouble us? Our voices and personal input are of great importance if we are to stand any chance of bringing about a mind change whereby it is NOT thought to be okay to do just as you please with no regard for the effects that such inconsiderate and unacceptable actions have on others. Judy & Alan Bishop

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APRIL FOOL

“April Fools Day”! Oh how my children love to play

Catch me out on a joke Laugh, “April Fool”, as I spoke.

Fields of blue Bluebells waving in fields anew.

Baby chicks, new born, lambs frolicking seen

Trees dressed now in green, Makes me forget I am old

Enjoy April’s sun I am told Sitting on my chair, this morn

On my newly mown lawn.

D. Gibbs

16

TRAVELLING THE KIMBERLEY - ContdL. by Mirain Evans

Kununurra and Wyndham (a further 100k north) are the two most easterly towns of any size in the Kimberley. Kununurra is situated on the Ord river, surrounded by beautiful hills and ranges, and takes its name from a local indigenous word meaning “big water”. The town itself came into existence in 1962 to service the Ord River Irrigation Scheme, with firstly the construction of the Ord River Diversion dam which we passed as we entered the town, and later the much larger main Ord River Dam which resulted in the formation of Lake Argyle, to the east. This irrigation scheme enabled large areas of bush to be farmed; the latest allocation of farms being granted in 1965. Of course this was originally land used by Aboriginal tribes for generations, but the apology from the Australian government was issued as recently as early 2000. There are many plaques in Kununurra and near Lake Argyle explaining the historical heritage of the area before and after the dams. Tropical crops like melons have changed over the years, and more recently the most profitable crop is Indian Sandalwood. Tourism is a major industry, and the town has many different types of hotels, hostels and campsites, and can easily be reached by plane. It is a pretty, laid back place with wide streets, plenty of grassy areas shaded by large palms, bamboo and gum trees, while bougainvillea and mimosa bushes provide lots of colour. The weather was overcast and very humid, and the van was no longer an attractive proposition. We had no trouble booking into a hotel, and thoroughly appreciated the air conditioning. During our stay we again found that very few Aboriginals were employed in the hotels and shops, and that many foreigners had found work here, a large percentage being young people from Europe. However, the majority of the population is Aboriginal, many of whom live in the mangroves and forests until the wet season. Some, especially older people, looked thin and poor and rather vacant, spending a lot of their time sitting under the trees on the streets, often drinking, whereas there were also many well dressed, mainly younger Aboriginal families driving new cars and enjoying the shopping malls. One of the places we visited was Mirima National Park (hidden valley) which is sacred to the local tribe and often called the “mini Purnululu” (Bungle bungles) and is a beautiful valley a few miles out of town. The path through is flanked by towering convoluted rock formations, about 36 million years old, the sandstone colours ranging from delicate peach to lurid orange, and we were lucky enough to have this all to ourselves that afternoon. Another nearby walk was along the edge of Lily Creek trying to spot freshwater crocs, but we did not even see the “tame” one we had heard about. The heat and humidity increased, and any serious attempts at exercise were out of the question, so we often repaired to a hotel pool or bar where we invariably met unfailingly friendly people , some travelling or holidaying and many working in the area. Robert and Antony were burly Aussies who laid tarmac on the roads, which seemed to us to be the least attractive of jobs, let alone in the relentless heat of Kununurra! The middle aged barmaid and her husband had arrived from their native New Zealand two weeks previously, and were planning to save their wages for a European tour. A group of youngsters from Limerick who had broken down on the Gibb River Road had waited for eleven hours on the roadside before being rescued and towed the 100k to Kununurra ..... no comment! The day before the Melbourne Cup was spent admiring balloons and streamers as all the bars and hotels were decorated for the national holiday when Australians really let their hair down. By 9pm everywhere was shut and the streets silent. The next day ladies donned their best frocks and everyone was happily quaffing champagne and betting on the horses, although the Cup itself is only won on one of the many races. That year the Cup was being presented by the Duchess of Cornwall, although by the time that was shown on the TV, most of the customers in our bar were not too interested! A friend back in Fremantle had put a bet on for us and we were very excited to discover that his tip had won, only to realise later that he had changed his mind at the last minute and we should not have ordered drinks all round! .... to be continued

Needed

Volunteer Receptionists / Flower Arrangers at St. Helena Hospice

If you are able to spare a morning, afternoon or evening to volunteer on the main reception desk either weekly, fortnightly or monthly please contact Bev Adams on the number below for details. Training is given by lovely

ladies – volunteers themselves - and the Hospice would be so grateful. This is an area that they are particularly short in at the moment along with flower arrangers.

Bev Adams Tel: 01206 250724

17

Peter’s

Potterings

As I sit here putting pen to paper I wonder what weather is coming next. Cold snaps, a bit of snow forecast again, so what are we going to do in the garden? Earlier the warmer weather had pushed the daffodils and similar flowers forward and it will not be long before the flower heads are dying off. When they get to this stage cut off the flower head and leave as much stalk as possible. I always sprinkle a small amount of Growmore fertiliser around the base of the bulb clumps so that the leaves can soak in the goodness and get nice and fat before they gradually wither and all that energy is taken back to the bulb ready for next year’s flowers. Please do not tie the leaves into a knot as this stops the flow of goodness from the whole length of the leaves. Also do not trim the leaves until they all go brown and wilt and die. As the weather improves you can carry out the last little bit of pruning on roses, assuming you cut them back at the end of last year to reduce any problem from winds etc. Just cut back to a suitable bud and wait for the flowers. Lots of the other spring flowering shrubs should not be pruned until after they have flowered. This is because they flower on last year’s growth, and if you prune them now before they flower you cut off all the flower buds. This applies to varieties such as forsythia, where the prunings make excellent pea sticks (but be prepared for the occasional stick sprouting leaves and growing into another bush if you allow it to). This month as we go into April and then May is, I always think, the best time to start growing some of the seeds in the greenhouse. Now can be a good time to sow tomatoes, lettuces, salad leaves, leeks etc. Sow them in fresh compost and either sow thinly in a tray or, if you are very careful, sow one or two seeds in a multi tray and this will give you a few plants to plant on or even pot directly once they get established. I usually use this method for tomatoes and early lettuce. I find that as the weather warms up they soon start to grow. Peter Allington

GREAT BENTLEY CARNIVAL

COMMITTEE

I’m really pleased to announce Great Bentley’s new Carnival Court for 2016; Ruby Pearson was chosen as our Junior Queen, and our princesses are Molly Jose and Grace Pearson. A special thank you to our friends from Clacton Carnival Committee, who attended to carry out the hard task of judging all the applicants. It was decided this year to have a Junior Queen as there were no actual entries for Queen. The judges were more than happy that Ruby is suitably confident to fulfil her new role. All the applicants were great and did really well. Thank you so much to everyone involved for all your help, and another special thank you to all the girls who participated. I hope that those who were not successful on this occasion will apply again next year. Please put the 25th June in your diaries, and if you would like to be involved in the carnival this year then please get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you. Also please contact me if you would like a procession entry form or information regarding having a pitch on the day Many Thanks Sara Maunton Chairperson – Great Bentley Carnival Committee Sara.maunton@gmail.com Tel 07503164260

18

SURGERY NEWSLETTER I’m writing this on the morning that we’ve received our notice of a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection on March 23

rd and as you can imagine, my brain is working overtime at the moment thinking about all the

things I need to do! By the time you read this however, it’ll all be over and I’m sure that we will have made a good impression on them. IMPORTANT: I need to remind patients that we do not offer a ‘walk in’ service here at Great Bentley Surgery. Unfortunately we are getting more and more patients turning up in person wanting to see a doctor which is causing them to have to wait for long periods in the waiting room when they’re ill and impacts adversely on other patients. We will always see patients when there is a clinical need for an on the day urgent appointment, but patients MUST telephone us first. When an urgent appointment is requested, patients will get a call back from the on call doctor who will assess them over the phone. If they agree on the need to be seen that day, they will book the next available urgent appointment. Call backs are usually made between 20 to 30 minutes and any resulting appointment is usually booked for within two hours of that call. This month’s meeting of the Great Bentley Surgery Patient Participation Group will be on Thursday 21

st

April at 6.30pm at the Great Bentley Village Hall Richard Miller (Practice Manager) This part of our newsletter publishes suggestions from this 102 year old book called “Hints to Mothers” on the health and wellbeing of children prior to the NHS existing. We hope you find this interesting and in many instances still useful even today. Please bear in mind this was written a long time ago! Broken Limbs – If the child has his leg or arm broken do not attempt to undress him. Send for the doctor at once, and until his arrival let the child lie on his back, either on a hard mattress or on the floor, and cover him over with a couple of blankets. If it is absolutely necessary that he should be moved, let one person carry him, and another take charge of the broken limb, holding it in such a manner, that it is not in the least jarred. Remember that the medical man is the only person who can be of any real service in such cases. Do not attempt to manipulate or bandage the broken limb in any way yourself. – Of course these days we have 999, ambulances and hospitals! Bronchitis – is one of the most common diseases of children. When the malady is approaching, the child suffers with a heavy cold and is very fretful. The cold becomes more confirmed, he has a loud, hard, dry cough, while his breathing is hurried, oppressed and wheezy, and the malady is worse during the night. Keep the child in one room which should be well warmed – over 65F; and if it is a severe case, keep him in bed, and have a bronchitis kettle always boiling, so to moisten the atmosphere. A teaspoon of ipecacuanha wine, mixed with a little sugar and water, should be administered every four hours. Give the child a warm bath at night, and, in a stubborn case, put linseed and mustard poultice on his chest. Do not physic the child with paregorics, which are apt to stop the cough without curing the disease. The cough being the best means of relieving the chest of the phlegm, should not be prevented. – There are many unusual words by today’s standards here which like us, you may want to look up the meaning of!

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We will be offering an introductory rate of £89 per night for the first couple of months, and each stay includes a luxury breakfast with local produce and sausages, bacon and black pudding from Danny Spence’s butchers. Please call/email Alicia or Robin for availability and bookings on 01206 257350 or 07841 352638 robsyd1@aol.com The Jasmine Room, Jasmine Place, The Green, Great Bentley, CO7 8LY Please spread the word to your friends and family who need to stay over in the heart of the village in a 17th century cottage with bags of charm and history.

19

Registered Charity 1104167 Copyright Wildlives © 2016

Wildlives

Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre ‘Catkins’, Frating Road, Thorrington, Colchester CO7 8HT

www.facebook.com/Wildlives-Rescue-and-Rehabilitation-Centre-319226511587244/ Opening hours: October – March 9:00 – 5:30 01206 251174 / 07802 767016

Outside of Wildlives’ hours, please call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 or log on to our website for advice on what to do with a

sick animal until we are open again in the morning. See the web site for extra pictures too!

Wildlives unseasonably busy April 2016

Usually February and March are the quietest time of the year at Wildlives; the hibernators are still tucked up in their winter nests, and the spring surge of babies is yet to begin. This year, however, probably due to the mild winter and early spring, the hospital is already packed full with patients. Two separate litters of rabbit kittens arrived on the same day, both having inadvertently been disturbed by gardeners. All eight are being hand-reared at Wildlives and are doing well. If you accidentally disturb the nest of any wild animal, be sure not to handle anything with bare hands, as the scent will cause the mother to abandon them. Using gloves, cover the nest back up, then leave the nest quietly and observe from a distance. Normally the mother will return, but if she has not done so after a few hours call Wildlives for advice.

Grey seal pup on the way to recovery

A grey seal pup, only a couple of months old, was reported as having been on a busy beach for several days running. On investigation the seal proved to be extremely dehydrated and sick, with sunken and crusted eyes, multiple wounds, a swollen tail flipper, and a very high temperature. Brought back to Wildlives, she was rehydrated and her temperature reduced. At this point she felt better enough to display her gratitude by biting the hand that fed her, or rather the arm! Rosie has a very nasty wound. Although seals look like the cutest thing in the world, they have very sharp teeth, and a bite requires numerous injections for all the bacteria that inhabit their mouths. If you find a sick seal, don’t try to do anything yourself but phone Wildlives as soon as possible for assistance. This seal has now been transferred to the RSPCA at East Wynch, where they have the facilities to rear her until she can be released.

Bumblebee the Muntjac doing well after shaky start

Bumblebee came to Wildlives from another centre, and for the first three weeks suffered such serious diarrhoea that it was questionable whether he would survive. Faecal samples were collected and sent off for diagnosis, but in the meantime poor Bumblebee was weakening fast, and needed to be bathed constantly to try to keep him clean. In consultation with the vet, it was decided to treat him for coccidia. Within a remarkably short space of time he responded to the treatment and started producing normal stools. Ironically the tests came back with no problem found, but with diarrhoea of this severity the samples are highly dlute and may not show the problem. Bumblebee is now doing well and a firm favourite with all the volunteers.

Swans rescued

Nobby the swan was brought in after crashlanding on a road having mistaken wet tarmac for a river. He had an injury to his beak, but this was treated with antibiotics and healed well. After being ringed by Simon for the BTO, he was released successfully. Another male swan was found at the bottom of East Hill in Colchester, collapsed. Nothing specifically could be found wrong with him, and after feeding up at Wildlives he was ready to be released. He, too, was ringed by Simon from the BTO, then he was released, together with Nobby, at Abberton Reservoir. Immediately on release he spotted a female swan he liked the look of, and was last seen displaying to her enthusiastically.

Water rail recovers from cat attack

A water rail was an unusual patient at Wildlives; these small brown birds spend their lives among the reeds and are very shy and fast, so rarely seen. This one wasn’t fast enough, but recovered well with antibiotics. After being ringed, he was successfully released.

20

GREAT BENTLEY RUNNING CLUB GBRC

On Sunday 28th February 49 Gt Bentley runners made the journey to Wherstead for the finale of this winter’s cross-country season. The event was hosted by league champions Ipswich Jaffa. The undulating course was mostly dry, but strong, cold cross-winds made the going tough. The Bentley team finished 4th in the event and secured an excellent overall 4th place in the league for the season. The men’s race numbered 158, with Bentley bringing out all their big hitters to ensure a strong finish to the cross-country season. As always there were several outstanding individual performances. The club’s top four runners all ran strong races with Chris Warren crossing the line in 19th, followed in quick succession by Russ Sharpe (21st) (who also improved by 13 places on the previous fixture at Chelmsford), Dave Wright (23rd) and Ben Ficken (25th) who improved a massive 20 places on

his previous race. Mark Jasper (40th) also had a great run, improving 17 places and just ahead of Charlie Keitch (41st). The scoring team of eight was completed by Matt Knowles (64th) and Michael Simmons (73rd) returning in good form after a long injury lay-off. The men were bolstered by a number of other strong runs with several promising debuts. Among them Richard Moor (83rd) in his first 53-12 race and Rob Thorpe (86th), improving by 16 places, with Patrick Reynolds (102nd) 22 places up. The performance of the day came from Andy Fuller (107th) who made up an incredible 70 places on his last cross-country outing at Halstead in December. He was quickly followed by Graham Clarke (109th), improving 16 places and Barry Jarvis (115th), another encouraging debutant. Derek Greenham (122nd) had a great finish to the season, improving a huge 53 places on his last outing in December as did Brian Telford (141st), 38 places up on his last outing early in the season. Encouraging season debuts also came from Scott Young (139th), Darren Willey (143rd), Harvey Lyon (153rd) and Luke Groves (156th). The men’s race was won by Chris Sellens of Springfield Striders. In the ladies’ race Gt Bentley fielded a team of 14 in a field of 69 runners, finishing 4th for the fixture. Ladies captain, Vicky Presland topped a great season with 4th place, making it six out of six races as first club scorer. She was followed by further strong runs from Meera Rajoo-Oakley (17th) and Eileen Shadford (27th). Rachel Giles (31st) also topped a promising season, completing the scoring team of four, and was amongst the scorers for the first time. A number of other strong performances followed: Tricia Stacey (39th), Lorna Sharpe (48th), Marion Simmons (49th) and Anthea Colsell (52nd) all made six to seven place improvements on their previous races, with Anna Lyon (55th) and Rita Page (69th) both having encouraging season debuts. Helene Tyler (61st) showed she is one to watch for the future having moved steadily up the placings this season and with a leap 14 places in the finale. Other strong runs came from Barbara Law (64th), Sandra James (67th) and Linzi Iddon (68th) with both making double figure place improvements on their previous outings. The ladies’ race was won by Sara Bird of Ipswich Jaffa with the club also winning the fixture and taking the league title. The junior race numbered a large field of 129 with 9 Gt Bentley runners taking part. The team finished 9th for the event and have finished 8th in the final league standings. Cai Telford (40th) led the team home, followed by Katie Presland (56th) and Harrison Leek (70th). Hallie Booty (95th) and Megan Hughes (104th) completed the scoring five. Good supporting runs came from Daniel Day (113th), Ben Iyon (119th) with a season debut, Tommy Colsell (121st) and Harry Booty (125th). The race was once again won by Tom Rehal of Tiptree. With the senior team finishing only one point behind third placed Springfield Striders, Gt Bentley have had a very good winter. The club will now look to continue their success in the approaching spring road racing season, commencing with the Essex Road Relay Championships at Harwich on 19th March. At Colchester Castle Parkrun on Saturday 5th March six GBRC men braved the cold. Led home by Richard Moor, who bagged a top 10 finish in 20:02, were Jamie Beadle (21:33); Phil Presland, enjoying his first Parkrun in months following an achilles injury (25:07); Paul Hollidge (28:23); Scott Young (29:45); and John Ferdinand with a personal best time of 38:31. The ladies were also represented: Meera Rajoo-Oakley finished in 23:35; followed by Deborah Cubberley (28:16); Claudia Keitch (29:43); and Ruth Metcalfe (37:20). At Harwich Parkrun Matthew Knowles was the second runner home overall with a personal best time for the course of 20:04. Matthew Jones was the next GBRC member home, also bagging a personal best, in 22:05. Malcolm Jarvis (22:28); Kevin James (23:19) and Sandra James (33:40) completed the GBRC line-up. Sunday 6th of March saw Paul Blackwell in action once again, wading through mud to complete another marathon in and around the infamous Box Hill in Surrey. Sunday 6th March was also the day of popular local event the Essex 20. The 20 mile road race comprises three laps of North East Essex, which means runners get to experience all of those ‘undulations’ in triplicate. The race forms part of the Essex Road Running Championships where Essex-based runners can compete throughout the year over various distances. Great Bentley Running Club had eight runners taking on the challenging course on a chilly but dry morning: First home in a blue vest was Vicky Presland. Stopping the clock at 2:23:23, Vicky knocked 7 minutes off of her previous personal best for the distance and becomes the fastest female member of GBRC over the 20 mile distance of all time. Vicky placed 107th overall, and was the 16th lady across the line. Dave Goldsmith led the way for the GBRC men, finishing in 2:25:36, placing 116th overall and slipping into the top 100 male finishers at 99th. Despite a bout of cramp in mile 17, Charlie Keitch finished within sight of Goldsmith in 2:26:40; in 120th overall (103rd male) and looks to be on form for Manchester marathon next month. Eileen Shadford finished as 30th lady in a time of 2:39:41, a personal best run that took the Essex Bronze for the F45 category. Shadford is now the 5th fastest female member of GBRC for the distance. Lee Clarkson finished the course in 2:57:34, five minutes faster than his 2015 attempt. Placing 266th overall, Clarkson was the 202nd male finisher. Having run much of the course with Clarkson, Chusa Bautista Fructuoso finished hot on his heels in 2:58:47. As the 273rd person to cross the line overall and 67th female, Fructuoso took 7 minutes off of her time set for the course in 2015. Jennifer Aylen put in a strong performance in advance of her London Marathon in April. Finishing in 2:59:22, Aylen placed 277th overall and was the 69th lady across the line. Rounding off the GBRC finishers was Karen Skene. With a goal time of three hours, Skene paced her run to

perfection, placing 279th overall (71st female) and stopping the clock at 2:59:58.

Paul Carlisle

21

JOTTINGS FROM THE ALLOTMENT

I have to be honest by admitting that I am a fair weather gardener. Some hardy souls have been busy during the winter months clearing their plots, spreading compost etc. However the dry weather at the end of February prompted many allotmenteers of a less hardy nature to emerge from hibernation to tend their land. These early months of the year are rather an in between phase that promises much to come but highlights the need for cautionTT Spurred on by sunshine and by the drying out of the soil I decided to dig over a patch at the end of the plot. In the autumn I had a Baldrick moment and hatched a cunning plan. I spread some leaf litter on the weed free soil and covered this with well rotted manure and left the worms to drag the goodness down into the soil. Approaching this area in February I realised that there could well be a major problem here as the leaves were from a sycamore tree and hidden amongst them were lots of seeds. As the weather warmed the soil a little, something akin to Epping Forest had started to germinate and thorough weeding has now hopefully sorted the problem. An easterly wind prompted bonfires galore as the detritus left to rot over winter was despatched promptly with the smoke heading in the right direction of course, away from the nearby properties. Guy Fawkes would have been impressed. One job off the list. Now the problem is going to be whether to try for some early crops or wait until the weather warms up. With the unseasonable weather we have experienced in recent months the instructions on the seed packets may need to be viewed with caution. A few people have planted their onion sets hoping to get a better crop from an early start others err on the side of caution. One thing is for certain and that is the maxim, “you win some you lose some,” will prevail. A crop which does really well one year will no doubt suffer the opposite fate another and there is no room for complacency. Digging is well underway now and virtually all plots on the present site are occupied and looking under control. Sadly the rabbit population has been highly active over winter months with holes dug and vegetable tops nibbled. A beautiful pair of pheasants are highly visible strutting around and a song thrush calls from a nearby tree. This is a truly wonderful place at all times of year and feeds the soul, gives good exercise and allows you to grow healthy food which has not been sprayed. (Some plot holders do indulge in using chemicals, but not me!!). The allotments are a relaxing place, and camaraderie prevails. Why not join us? Plots come in varying sizes. All details from the Parish Clerk. Russ T Hinge

A STORY TO GLADDEN THE HEART

Whilst working away on my allotment last summer, I took time to wander over and speak to a lady on a neighbouring plot. She had no means of transport and needed to get to Dean’s Nursery at Elmstead. So we returned to our respective homes to spruce ourselves up and find some money, then off we went. Plant purchasing expedition over I quickly decided to go to the village shop but could not find my purse anywhere. Suddenly I remembered placing it on the car roof whilst loading the boot. I needed to retrace my steps and knew that if I had any chance of being reunited with cash and credit card I needed to phone the nursery to see if it had been found. No luck there. My friend sat by my side and we slowly kerb crawled along as safely as possible on both sides of the road. Having lost hope and returning home having one last look, we were overtaken by a white van which pulled up in front of us. Stopping swiftly and winding my window down the young gentleman asked if we were “looking for a purse”. I replied in the affirmative and gave him my name and he handed me my purse. What were the chances of that happening? A miracle in my view as some time had lapsed. The young man had been driving towards Colchester to take the purse to Colchester police station but they had informed him that they did not have time to deal with it and I found this a very sad statement but I suppose a sign of the times. I quickly took a £20 note out and asked if this knight in shining armour would at least treat himself but he firmly declined. “You must be a good person and have done a good deed to help someone else, now it’s your turn to be helped”, he said as he turned on his heels got back in his van and carried on with his working day. I can’t tell you how moved and grateful I was. Such kind words and no thought for personal gain from this very polite, kind and honest man. Ed

22

1. Which national rugby team are known as the 'Pumas'?

2. What is the collective name for a group of owls....rhinos....crows?

3. Who wrote 'My Family and Other Animals'?

4. Which UK zoo did he establish?

5. What sort of creature is a 'sidewinder’?

6. Which breed of dog is named after a 19th century clergyman?

7. What sort of birds are 'Polynesia' and 'Captain Flint'?

8. In the Bible which insect was described as the eighth plague of

Egypt?

9. Which British mammals live in a holt…… a drey……a sett?

10. Which British mammal has the scientific name 'Lepus'?

11. What sort of animal was 'Guy', one of the most famous residents of

London Zoo? (1947-1978)

12. Name the now extinct bird which was found on the island of Mauritius.

13. What sort of animal is a 'Rhodesian Ridgeback'?

14. What is special about a Manx cat?

15. Apart from a punctuation mark, what is a 'comma'?

16. Which bird is the emblem of the RSPB?

17. What do Goldie, Bonnie and Petra have in common?

18. What sort of animal was Rikki-Tikki-Tavi in The Jungle Book?

19. What sort of birds are 'pouters' and 'rollers'?

20. How many humps has a Bactrian camel?

The animals went in two by two….

1. Argentina 2. parliament, crash, murder 3. Gerald Durrell 4. Jersey 5. snake 6.

Jack Russell 7. parrots 8. locusts 9. otter, squirrel, badger 10. hare 11. gorilla 12.

dodo 13. dog 14. no tail 15. butterfly 16. avocet 17. Blue Peter dogs 18. mongoose

19. pigeons 20 .2

23

hands-on “please touch” displays, experiments to watch and light-diffusing camera making. After lunch the class listened intently to Michael Faraday, as he told us how he came to invent electricity! Time ran out and we had to return to the coach to return home. Here are some quotes from the pupils:...”I made a spoon mend, in an exciting e x p e r i m e n t . . . ” O s c a r Crampton..... ”I saw the 1st car ever invented....” Adian Cooke. .....”There was a model of the first spaceship that went to Mars!” Edward Kerridge. ______________________ We have a very smart new School Sign and Notice Board at the front of the school, reflecting the designs from our website, take a look next time you pass.

London for Science

Mr Hitchin, took Year 5 to the Science Museum in London on a crisp and sunny Wednesday in February. We were held up on the way due to traffic and the roadworks which seemed to be at every turn. This led to a n i m p r o m p t u “sight-spotting” commentary by one of the parent-helpers. Arriving at the museum the groups explored all the museum had to offer;

Learning Near and Far

Football News: The Boy’s football team recently won at home against St.Andrew’s, Weeley, which takes them through to the semi-finals. Good luck for the next round.

World Book Day Fun! The pupils enjoyed a day packed with book fun. From horror to the comedy genre, all children had a book to immerse in. Furthermore, each class got involved and some parents too. They were welcomed into the classroom to read and share their favourite books. Overall, it was a fun-filled day without the dressing-up, packed with books. By Tommy Marns.

Colchester Castle visited by Great Bentley pupils

On our Bikes with Bikeability This term, Year 6 has been able to take part in a fun bike course. There are two courses one is currently happening and the other has happened. The first one had roughly twelve children and the one currently happening has seven children (as these people missed out on the first part). The courses are led by two instructors and help us learn how to ride safely on the road. By Aoife McNicholl.

Snapshot News: • On our Bikes for

Bikability • London for the Science Museum • World Book Day

Fun • Boy’s Football

through to the semis

• Colchester Castle

visited by Great Bentley pupils

April 2016

Year 5 excitedly headed to Colchester on the train for the start of their day trip to the Castle. The children immersed themselves in the different ages and really felt part of the time by dressing up, building a model stone arch, riding a roman chariot. They braved it outside for lunch and a quick play on the newly-finished playground, led the way by Miss Lloyd who showed the children how the

zip-wire should be ridden! Back to the Castle we took a tour of the basement and then up onto the roof. Many a m a z i n g s n i p p e t s o f Colchester’s past were told and the children represented the school with excellent behaviour. Up on the roof we were able to see the roof tops and a bird’s eye view of St.Helena on top of the Town Hall! Return train journey home and back to school on time.

24

CLUBS &

ORGANISATIONS

BENTLEY GREEN LADIES CLUB

Paulene opened the evening with a welcome to members and birthday cards were handed out. We took two teams (members and partners) to the quiz night at St Osyth in February. The hall was packed with 34 teams. Over £900.00 was raised for the Clacton lifeboat. We gained a respectable 4th and 6th place. 24 Members have signed up for our trip to Southwold on Monday 9th May. There are still a few places available so please speak to Paulene (01255823414). This is open to partners/friends. We are also planning a trip to Frinton Summer Theatre in July. Stephanie spoke about the plans for the Murder Mystery night for October. She explained this will be a fund raising event for the Club in conjunction with the Drama Group. This event will be open to the public. Paulene introduced our speaker, Gary Egerton who gave a very interesting and humorous talk on London history. We learnt that the expression "one for the road" comes from the fact that prisoners on their way to be hung at Tyburn were handed a last drink from the local Taverners, and that "pulling your leg" meant you paid someone to pull on your legs for a quick hanging!!! We also learnt some very interesting facts about the customs of parliament. Refreshments were enjoyed and the raffle drawn. Membership is now full but if you would like to be added to our waiting list please call Billie or Anne 01206 251605. At our next meeting on Tuesday 5th April we are having a cheese and wine evening with a quiz organised by Edna.

HISTORY SOCIETY

Thursday 14th April

“A Brightlingsea Epidemic”

Visitors welcome

Entrance £3. including tea & biscuits

GREAT BENTLEY GARDENING CLUB

Our April meeting is our spring show, on Tuesday 19th. Schedules may be obtained from me or Billie. During the judging we enjoy a social evening with ‘nibbles’, but please bring your own drinks. I hope to see you there for an evening of fun and friendship. Bob Newman Chairman

ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST

Sunday 3rd April

Plant Sale & Open Day at Barnes Spinney Nature Reserve

Hall Lane, Walton 11am - 4pm

Organised by the Tendring EWT group

THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB

There was a change to our advertised programme at the meeting in February when we welcomed Reg Allington as our speaker. Reg gave a very interesting and informative talk about the Greyhound - a dog whose history goes back to Bible times and obviously a favourite breed with Reg. Our meeting on Wednesday 27th April will be our 56th AGM and will be followed by our guest speaker, Margaret Behaut, who will be telling us about her time as a Mayor. Annual subscriptions for full membership remain at £10. Those who only wish to come occasionally, their first visit is free, the second £2 and subsequent visits £3. Joye

Great Bentley Village Hall AGM

We will be holding our Annual General Meeting on

Thursday 28th April at 8 pm

At Great Bentley Village Hall Everyone welcome to attend

25

PET NOTES

Microchipping Deadline Fast Approaching! I hope everyone had an enjoyable Easter with none of you requiring a trip to the vet following a chocolate mishap as discussed in the last issue.

Some of you may have seen this advertisement by the British Veterinary Association, however many dog owners I meet are unaware that a law has been passed making microchipping of dogs compulsory. There is very little time left to avoid breaking this law as it comes into effect on 6

th

April. If you break it you run the risk of being fined £500. A dog will be legally exempt from being microchipped only when a vet certifies that it cannot be microchipped for health reasons. There are no exemptions regarding age.

A microchip is only slightly larger than a grain of rice and implantation is quick and virtually painless when performed by an appropriately trained person. Please contact your vet if you have any questions regarding this law. And now for something completely differentT

Tales of a Naughty Tabby Cat – Part One Sometimes I don’t think my human truly understands me. She is forever yelling “No!” and “Get down now!” with an expression that suggests she knows what is best for me. Of course she doesn’t. For you see I am no ordinary cat with an IQ considerably higher than your average domestic shorthair. I try to put my intelligence to good use but somehow my human misinterprets my clever behaviour as being “naughty”. I do feel she only has herself to blame. I spent my first weeks at a rescue centre in Somerset where the staff named me “Crumpet”. As Crumpet I was a sweet kitten; timid and gentle. Honestly, how else could I behave with a name like that? No cat named after a delicious food could ever develop a wild streak. That was my human’s first mistake. She could have kept that name going when she adopted me but oh no, she and her fiancé decided to call me “Hunter”. Now that’s a name I could work with. It’s masculine, fearless and powerful. During my transition from kitten to cat I embraced my new name growing both physically and mentally to live up to all the potential it gave me. I became sleek, fast and destined to hunt. In the early days my human and I shared a flat with my ever so slightly older adoptive brother “James”. He’s a ridiculous brother to have with his silky smooth long black fur and “Puss In Boots” eyes. Every visitor we’ve ever had has exclaimed “Oh, he’s far too pretty to be a boy!” So I’m not pretty? Well good, no gladiator has ever worried about such things. He was never much good at fighting and didn’t appear willing to learn. I warned him that our human had promised one day we’d live somewhere bigger and be allowed outside where there are a million dangers we should be prepared for. The only occasions on which he seemed to care about the outside world were when a weird looking creature with wings and feathers would sit outside our living room window or when the two humans in reflective jackets would get very close to the glass panels. He’d sit there in silent awe, leaving it solely to me to let out my warrior cry and defend our home from the humans as they sprayed water and attacked the glass with cloths and other implements. The humans laughed and tapped the glass but I know they were afraid of me. If only my human knew how many times I saved our home from that duo. To be continuedT Hunter (under supervision of Dr April Mahoney MRCVS)

“No need to give me your number, I’ll just scan your

microchipT”

26

Cereal crops such as wheat and barley, at the time of drilling, have 100% yield potential. From the moment they are planted in the ground different factors such as

the weather, soil type, the availability of nutrients, pests, weeds and diseases will begin to rapidly decrease the crop’s potential yield. In order for farmers to produce the highest yielding crops they can they need to protect the crop from the impact of the factors just mentioned. In the autumn (for a winter grown cereal) farmers will apply a pre-emergence weed control spray – this is the first port of call after drilling to prevent the growth of weeds which would otherwise compete with the crop for light, nutrients and moisture. More weeds may appear later in the autumn but due to the weather they may not be able to travel with their sprayer on the land due to it being too wet, so a further spray application in the spring when the weather improves would follow. Fertiliser, as mentioned in last month’s column would be applied to the crop to give it a kick start to get it growing away as soon as the temperatures warm up. As the temperatures do warm up disease pressure increases due to the warmer and damper conditions as a result of spring showers. This would exacerbate any disease which may have appeared in the crop over the winter months and/or may encourage the spread of disease in the crop. Photosynthesis is the way in which a plant uses energy from the sun light which is absorbed by chlorophyll in the plant to convert carbon dioxide and water to make energy. The presence of chlorophyll in a plant gives its green colour.

When a plant, be it in the field or in your garden at home, has a disease on it you will notice that the leaves lose their green colour meaning that they are not producing energy used for growth and development to their maximum capacity. If farmers can prevent and control any disease coming into their crop they will help maintain the potential yield of a crop. You may wonder how farmers optimising yield affects our day to day lives. If yields are dramatically reduced due to diseases, pests, lack of the correct nutrition and the weather there would be a shortage of wheat and barley to make into bread or beer which would result in the cost of these items increasing due to the shortage in supply of the product used to make them. In the arable farming year the next two months are the most important with regards to diseases to ensure the crop stays greener for longer, thus helping farmers achieve as near to their 100% yield potential. In recent weeks you may have seen many farmers drilling spring crops such as peas, beans, barley and sugar beet. These crops have been bred to have a much shorter growing period but still to be harvested at as similar time to many winter drilled crops (with the exception of sugar beet). These crops will be treated in a similar way to winter crops with every application/management being tailored to help maintain the potential yield of the crop. Vicki Brooks

FARMING NEWS

Great Bentley Wine Tasting Group For further details please contact Colin and Roni on 01206 252157 or e mail zindhum@hotmail.com

The wine tasting group established in August 2012 continues to hold enjoyable and informative evenings. For

details please contact the above. Free advise available too, so please do contact me.

The following wines come highly recommended for you to try and are perfect for drinking now;

Riesling late harvest, Paul Clever, Elgin, South Africa 2013. £14.99 Marks and Spencer

Every now and again there comes a wine that creates a lasting memory and this is such a wine. It is rich,

perfumed, intense and full of sweet juicy flavours and a finish that lasts and lasts. Perfect

with apple strudel or other citrus puddings.

Saint Amour, domain de la Pirolette 2014 Aldi £8.99

This is a bargain for such a prestigious wine. It is round, soft and dry, but with gently ripe fruit.

A bite of acidity and tannin stops you glugging it too fast. Great now but better in 2 years.

Buy now and drink over the next 3-5 years. Very French and very delicious.

Next wine tasting is Friday 29th April at 8pm

27

Great Bentley Pre-school

www.greatbentleypreschool.co.uk

information@greatbentleypreschool.co.uk

We are on our Easter break the first week of this month and return back on Monday 11

th April where we will

welcome Nixon to our setting. We hope you have a wonderful and enjoyable experience within our Pre-school and we look forward to working with you and your family within your Early Years Education. Theme Our theme for this term will be ‘Summertime’. This will be a great topic to work on and with so many ideas already it will take us through till the end of July when we break up for the summer. World Book Day Thank you to all the parents that supported World Book Day and obviously to all the children who just love an excuse to dress up anyway. As you can see from the front cover they all looked wonderful. Fundraiser Thank you to all those that supported the Pre-school fundraiser in February, we raised £534 which will go towards new resources and equipment for the children. Good Beginnings Early Years Autism Friendly Setting Bronze Award Presentation On Thursday 25

th February we were officially presented with our award. This was presented by a representative

from the Good Beginnings team and our area SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). Not many Early Years settings hold this award so is a great achievement which we are all very proud of. The achievement was published in the local newspaper too. St Mary’s Farm Trip I would once again like to thank Diana Irwin from St Mary’s Farm for accommodating us on another visit. We normally go over in the summer months but thought it would be nice to give the children a different experience and go over in another season instead. Diana Irwin has some great experiences to offer the children which are all within the local environment and she loves sharing these with the children. They involved a walk on the working farm to look at the crops that were growing. We viewed the herd of beef cattle in their indoor facilities which had just had calves and also the chickens which were laying. Diana also has a bombproof horse and tiny pony which she put in her cart for the children to see. There were different varieties of daffodils which the children harvested into baskets and put on the pony’s low cart. Diana also opened up her conservatory so the children could have a snack in the warmth and also have a little sing song along with her guitar. I would also like to thank all the parents and grandparents that came along and helped, without your support we would not be able offer this to the children so it is very much appreciated Easter Assembly At the end of term we held our annual Easter Assembly; which also included our Easter Hat parade. Some of the creations were absolutely fantastic and I would just like to say thank you to all the parents/carers/grandparents that attended. It was lovely to see so many of you and I would like to thank you all for the effort that was made into making all the wonderful Easter hats. They really were lovely. I would also like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Janet and Robert Taylor from the Methodist Church for coming and putting on this little assembly for us. It was lovely that you took the time to put this together for the children and you are very welcome to come and see us again at any time. Primary School Transition On Tuesday 19

th April we start our transition visits on Tuesday afternoons to Great Bentley Primary School. We

had a meeting with parents and Miss Hull last month to discuss with them the benefits in this transition which in the past has seen an extremely positive effect in helping the children to become confident, independent and familiar within what will be their new environment. We thank Mrs Caffull, Miss Hull and the rest of the staff for enabling us to support our children through this next stage of their education. Autism Coffee Morning Has your child been diagnosed on the Autistic Spectrum? Have you got concerns about your child or are currently going through the assessment process? If so please come along to our Coffee morning designed to support parents and families of Autistic children. This will take place on Thursday 28

th April at 9.30 in the Village Hall. We

hope that this will help families to share ideas and make new friends over a hot drink and a slice of cake. No need to book – just come along. Thanks for reading - Julie Wiles

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Great Bentley Parish Council in conjunction with Friends of the Green

and Great Bentley Conservation Group invite the Great Bentley

Community to……

….and Great Bentley!

Clean for the Queen is an initiative being run this year by Keep Britain Tidy in celebration of Her

Majesty the Queen’s 90th Birthday. We are combining this with the preparation for this year’s Best

Kept Village competition, where areas of the village are tidied by community volunteers.

Saturday 16th April 2016. From 9.30am

Meet at the Village Hall

We are looking for groups, families and individuals to join in with the event on 16th April. There are many ways to join in and all input is welcome – big and small!

Of course there are major projects such as the verges on the entrances to the village which need to be cleared of litter, but there are also much smaller projects which might include helping an elderly neighbour with their front garden, or putting a few bedding plants in pots to brighten up a view, or making sure the sign for your road is clean. Maybe you know of somewhere in particular which could do with a bit of a tidy up. Perhaps your strengths lie in baking a cake or two to keep people going on the 16thApril.

However you’d like to join in, please let us know. If you’re not sure what needs doing, we’ve got a long list of projects to choose from!

We’d like people to take ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos and one project group or individual will be drawn from a hat and invited to light the Queen’s Birthday Beacon in a special ceremony on the Green on 21st April at 7.30 p.m. This will be timed to coincide with beacons being lit simultaneously across the UK including on each of the highest mountain peaks in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland & Wales in celebration of the Queen’s 90th Birthday.

Call Pippa on 07841995934 or email

pippa.drew@hotmail.co.uk to join in

29

NEW! Totally Mozart with Clacton Choral Society - Saturday 16th April

An evening of sheer musical indulgence awaits you on 16th April at St Paul’s Church, Church Road Clacton-on-Sea at 7.30 pm. The popular brilliance of Mozart’s sacred works has long formed an important part of Clacton Choral’s repertoire, and this performance is no exception, including solos from much-loved soprano Claire Coleman as well as introducing exciting young clarinettist, Charlie Price, who is in his fourth year at Colchester Royal Grammar School studying Music alongside Latin, Triple science and History – a 14-year-old who knows where he is going and plays with great aplomb and sensitivity. Altogether, it will be a programme which combines the well-loved with some new delights, and will be an evening to enjoy and remember. Tickets are £8 including programme from 01255 221511 or debbieccs@gmail.com Limited tickets will be available on the door. Further information can be downloaded from the CVST website http://www.cvstendring.org.uk/support-for-groups/e-bulletin.html

Thank you!!!

I would like to say a ‘huge thank’ you to everyone who made it possible for 2 large van loads of donations of clothing, bedding, food, toiletries and medical items to be sent to the warehouse at Calais which supplies the refugee camps at Dunkirk and Calais. Earlier in the year I was given the proceeds of an evening meeting and a coffee morning at Great Bentley Methodist Church to be used to assist refugees. The original intention were for the funds to be used to assist those we would be helping on a second medical trip to Lesbos. Some of the members of our medical team had already raised a considerable sum of money to be used in Lesbos, and I knew there was an ever increasing need for basic items for those living in the most appalling conditions in the camps at Calais and Dunkirk. I had also had offers from many people who knew I was going to Lesbos of clothing and sleeping bags. As we were flying via a certain budget airline of Irish descent with a very strict luggage allowance this was not possible. Therefore I came to the conclusion that the money would best be used to try and get much needed items out to the warehouse at Calais. The first thing that was required was a ‘man with a van’. A fellow Christian motorcyclist from Suffolk offered his services of a transit van and offered to drive to Calais. The next thing I needed were donations to fill the van. I had 4 weeks to collect as much as I possibly could. Appeals went out in the parish magazine, the school newsletter, and via Facebook. The van was huge and I really was not certain that I could actually fill this huge van to make the trip worthwhile. I prayed that the van would be filled to overflowing, and soon the donations came flowing in faster than I could find boxes to pack them in. I am extremely grateful to my colleagues at the Hollies surgery for their assistance and patience in accepting donations and putting them in our staff room which on a daily basis filled with bags of various shapes and sizes. There are too many people to thank individually, but to everyone who did, whether from Great Bentley or beyond, I would like to say a huge thank you – from individuals who cleared out their wardrobes, to those who bought brand new items of food and clothing, to churches who collected and brought carloads of items to my home, and to Tesco’s and the pharmacy for providing boxes so that items could be sorted and packed. Some evenings I was up until midnight packing and sealing boxes up, such was the response. It was incredible to experience such generosity. My biggest thanks, of course, goes to our wonderful Methodist church that made it possible with the initial donation. As I said, I prayed for the van to be filled to overflowing – well, God answered my prayer, and the answer to my prayer was enough to fill not one, but 2 vans! One van has already made its delivery, by the time you read this, the second delivery will be taking place. I must remember to be careful for what I pray for! When we arrived at Calais to make our delivery, I saw for myself how what seemed like a huge amount of boxes which had filled the van to overflowing seem to be lost in the vast warehouse. Some might say the problems caused by evil forces in this world are so big, and what we can do as individuals may be insignificant, so why worth bothering at all? But I believe this is not the case. Edmund Burke (1729-1797) said ‘all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing’. I was recently told the story of the starfish by a medical colleague in Lesbos when I felt overwhelmed by the scale of the humanitarian suffering we witnessed. Once there was an old man walking along the coast after a big storm. He saw thousands of starfish littering the beach as far as the eye could see. In the distance he noticed a small boy bending down to pick up an object and throw it back into the sea. The man approached the boy and asked what he was doing. The young boy paused, looked up and replied ‘throwing starfish into the sea – the storm has washed them up onto the beach and they can’t return to the sea by themselves. If I don’t throw them back in the water, they will die’. The man replied ‘but there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach, I’m afraid you won’t make much of a difference’. The boy bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea. Then he turned and smiled and said ‘it made a difference to that one’. I am so glad I live in such a generous community that has ‘made a difference to ‘that one’. God bless, Bonnie

30

The Children’s Page

Make your own daffodils...

You will need:

• Ice lolly sticks

• Yellow card

• A cupcake case

• Scissors and Glue

• An adult helper

What to do:

1 Cut a flower shape from the Yellow card. (You may need to ask your adult helper for this bit).

2 Glue to bottom of the cupcake case to the

middle of your Yellow flower...

3 ...and stick your lolly stick to the back of the

flower.

4 Repeat until you have a whole bouquet of

beautiful daffodils!

‘...and then my heart with pleasure fills,

and dances with the daffodils...’

Do you know who wrote these famous words? (Answer below)

The Easter holidays are a time when you might be tempted to watch lots of TV

or sit on Instagram, but there is so much more you can do with your time...

Grow your own food...

April is a great time of year to start sowing seeds ready for the summer. Some examples of plants to start off inside are:

• Sunflowers

• Tomatoes

• Lettuces

These can be planted outside straight away:

• Carrots

• Broad beans

• Radishes

If you look after these seeds now, you will be able to have delicious salads that you’ve grown yourself in a few weeks!

Write a story...

Have you ever read a book that you thought you would have liked to end differently? Why not write that other ending...

Or have a go at finishing these stories;

‘I just can’t believe it, James. I thought you said you’d got him?’ I whispered in fear. Everyone else urged me to be careful, and now I think I know why... (Hint: Who is he? Is he human? Why are they so worried about him? Is it ok in the end?)

The sun smiled down on the calm ocean, just as the next boat came in. It brought boxes of tools, grain, barrels...and me, hidden under the ropes. I had to escape. (Hint: Why is he there? What did he leave behind? Where is he going? To what is the boat going into?)

Send your finished story into the magazine; we’d love to read them!

Make a scrapbook...

Think of all the amazing things you’ve done with your friends recently and write about them. Try to include pictures and any souvenirs you might have (like a train/bus ticket). Then, when you’re bored or feeling upset, you can look back at the fun you’ve had and begin to feel better.

Or start to plan some fantastic adventures for you and your friends to do over the summer! You can think about where to go and what to do, such as:

• A sunny day at the beach

• A trip to the Zoo

• A picnic in the garden

• A championship football match at the

park

Work out these anagrams...

EUFWRONSL SBOLSMO

ESONAS ODYLIAH

The poet’s name is William Wordsworth.

31

Protect Great Bentley Property Development News Update

Heckfords Road West – Planning Committee meeting 22nd

March Disappointingly, the TDC Planning Committee decided to defer their decision on this development. It was a long debate, with (at different times) proposals to approve, refuse and defer the application. The issues of the schools, doctors and roads were discussed, along with the urbanisation and impact on the conservation area. Unfortunately the Planning Committee couldn’t find a strong reason to refuse it, even though they were all unhappy about the footpath along Heckfords Road. By deferring their decision, they have created a situation whereby the developer can go to the Planning Inspector and ask for the development to be decided without further input from TDC. Unless the Planning Inspector has a good reason to refuse they will have to approve.

Admirals Farm – Awaiting Planning Committee meeting date

The Parish Council voted unanimously to object to this new application on the basis that it is no different to the original one, so the same reasons still stand. Also the objection is given weight by the refusal reasons given by TDC Planning Committee when they refused it first time round. There is now an indicative site plan on the TDC website, so have a look at that when you register your objection. The application reference for this site is 16/00133/OUT. If you objected to this application when it was 75 houses, please object again – your previous objection will NOT count towards this application.

Plough Road / Station Fields – Appeal underway As expected, we finally received appeal details for this application from the Planning Inspectorate. By the time you read this, we would have submitted further comments to the Planning Inspectorate and will be awaiting the outcome. We understand there will not be a public meeting, but that the Inspector will visit the site and then provide the outcome in writing. It’s now a question of waitingTT.

Don’t forget – it’s not just what happens within the parish which affects usL.. Last month we highlighted that there are 190 houses approved for building at St Osyth, which will be in our catchment area for their medical provision. Since then, a further 49 have been approved at Frating, which we understand will be in our catchment area for their primary schooling. Of course we also appreciate that it won’t be solely the surgery and school which will be affected by these developments, as the whole village will have to cope with the extra traffic impact which naturally goes with it.

So what can you do?

• Register your objection for the Admirals Farm application on the TDC

website – www.tendringdc.gov.uk, or write to them at Planning Reception

Tendring District Council

Thorpe Road

Weeley

CO16 9AJ

• Keep informed. Register on our website to receive news updates.

• Get involved. We are an inclusive group. We need and would welcome new members.

• Attend your Parish Council Meetings on the first Thursday of every month

www.protectgreatbentley.com email: protectgreatbentley@outlook.com

Write to: Pippa Drew, Cedarwood, Moors Lane, Gt Bentley

32

Meet the Parish Council –

Luke Edwards

As part of an ongoing ‘getting to know your council’ feature in the Parish Magazine, I have courageously offered (drawn the short straw) to go first. I have lived in Great Bentley almost 30 years (I am desperately trying to cling on to what remains of my 20’s), with the exception of a stint at the University of Southampton studying for my degree. I now work just down the road as the Digital and Rights Manager for the publishing firm Penguin Random House at their TBS distribution site in Frating. I have tried to immerse myself within community life, and have active roles within various Village clubs and societies. Some of you will recognise me from my acting début as Hugo Horton in Bentley Green Players rendition of The Vicar of Dibley and subsequently, The Vicar of Dibley: The Second Coming (a part my Friends all say I was born to play!) I am also a Governor at the ‘Ofsted Outstanding’ Great Bentley Primary school, a school I once attended more than a little while ago! I joined Great Bentley Parish Council around 6 years ago. I have always tried to give a balanced opinion and particularly stand up for the views of the younger generation. I am passionate about our village and ensuring it remains a viable and great place to live for future generations. Having grown up in and around Great Bentley, I guess you could say it is within my blood. I often hear people talking about what a fantastic place Great Bentley is to live, and they are absolutely right, so as part of this ‘tome’ I thought I would outline what to me, makes Great Bentley a truly great place to live. There are numerous aspects to our village which I think contribute to making Great Bentley such a top-notch place to live, like our rural location with uninterrupted aspects of beautiful rolling countryside, the fantastic local amenities and businesses and the acres of space we have to enjoy. However what makes Great Bentley great to me is our community. Great Bentley has a community which makes me proud to be a part of it. We have a community which truly rallies together in the face of adversity, which celebrates together and which morns together. This sense of community is a rare thing these days, we must embrace ours, support it and nurture it. So many villages and towns have lost their sense of community; they become just empty shells, they become just collections of houses where people reside. So here is my rallying call to you: Let’s protect our community so Great Bentley continues to be the Great village we all love to live in. With that in mind I would urge you to not take our surroundings for granted, to support our village amenities and businesses and to get actively involved in our village community. Join a club or society; support village events and engage with your Parish Council. We are here to listen and serve you. Ultimately, without

you, our community is nothing.

Bulletin from the Belfry

The church bells are rung every Sunday morning prior the morning service. Traditionally, this was done as a way to announce a church service or celebrate a wedding. During the Second

World War, all church bells were silent as they were only to be rung to warn of an invasion. However, the government of the time requested that all church bells in Great Britain be rung to celebrate the first major victory at El Alamein. Church bells are also rung to celebrate or perhaps note a particular occasion, such as a royal birth or an event such as the Olympics in 2012. The bells will be silent during the week leading to Good Friday. Sometimes we ring the bells and dedicate the performance to a particular person. On Saturday 12

th March a quarter peal of plain bob minor was

rung in 45 minutes to celebrate the birth of the great grandchild of one of the ringers. You will also hear the bells being rung on Friday 8

th April when the Essex ringing course visit the village

to make use of the bells for tuition, and on Saturday 9th April when a visiting band from the West Country will

be ringing a ¼ peal. We continue to welcome and actively seek new members for our Band. We also encourage those who can already ring to join us on practice nights and Sunday mornings. If you are interested in learning to ring church bells or would perhaps just like to come and watch us ringing, then please come to one of our practices on a Monday evening from 7.30.pm Please contact me by phone or text if you intend to visit us, as we occasionally have to cancel practices due to work commitments.

Roger Carey-Smith - 07974 711909

33

The following are some of the items discussed at the Parish Council meeting on 4 March. For further information, please see the minutes of the meeting published on the Parish Council website. PCSO Update: It was reported that the PCSO Cox remains on leave and that the village will continue to be policed by Essex Police in the same manner as other villages in the District. Transport: Mr Harry reported that the station works have overrun further. The estimated completion date is now end of March. Confirmation has been received that the 77 bus service will continue for next four years. Village Events: Requests to hold the Great Bentley Carnival on the Green on 25 June 2016 and the Village Show and Dog Show on the Green on 3 September on the Green were agreed. Complaint about vehicles driving on the grassed amenity space on Larkfield Road: The Council agreed to write to residents in the vicinity requesting them not to drive on the grassed area. Fund raising on the Green: A complaint about the appointment of mobile caterers by Friends of the Green received from Mr Hamilton was noted. Traffic Management in the Village: The Council noted a complaint about interference in traffic management in the village from Mr Irwin. Forge Lane: Further to unsuccessful attempts to suitably maintain the area of the Green in front of the Methodist Church, the Council agreed to explore an option to extend a line of kerbstones to attempt to keep vehicles off the Green in this location. It was agreed also, to accept a donation of a bench and locate it in that area. Highways Issues: It was reported that the large pothole in front of the entrance to St Mary’s church continues to worsen. It has not been possible to identify when the repair work will be completed. Village Pond: It was resolved to undertake work to clear the overgrown pond plants at end of September/October 2016. Atthill Trust: The Council agreed to reappoint Cllr Robert Taylor and Miss Barbara Fookes as Parish Council appointed trustees. The Queen’s Birthday Beacons: It was agreed in principal to participate on 21st April and to seek donations to fund the event. Cllr Drew volunteered to lead on the initiative. Housing Needs Survey: The Clerk reported that the anticipated survey timetable should see the survey forms printed by 8th April. The forms will then be delivered to every household in the village Audio Minutes: It was agreed to accept the offer of a one year (free of charge) trial period to broadcast audio-only webcasts of meetings and make the necessary £350 investment in the hardware to facilitate this initiative. Planning Applications: The planning applications shown in the table on the next page were considered by the Planning Committee at its monthly meeting.

GREAT BENTLEY PARISH COUNCIL Community Resource Centre, Village Hall

Plough Road CO7 8LG

Contact the Clerk on clerk@greatbentleyparishcouncil.co.uk or tel. 01206 256410. www.greatbentleyparishcouncil.co.uk

34

Community Resource Centre Opening Times: The Resource Centre is staffed on a part time basis. The times vary from month to month. The office is normally staffed Mondays and Tuesdays 9-5 pm and Thursdays 9-12 pm and 2.30-5.30 pm Council Meetings: The Planning Committee and Parish Council meets on the first Thursday of every month. The meetings are open to the public to attend. The meeting agendas are posted on village noticeboards and on the Council website five days in advance of the meeting. Next meeting Thursday 7th April.

16/00070/FUL Alteration to planning approval to create managers

flat and seating area.

Restaurant 43, The

Green, Gt Bentley

16/00199/TCA 1 x Cherry – Reduce by 30% Mariners, Moors Close,

Gt Bentley

16/00133/OUT Proposed erection of 50 dwellings.

Land at Admirals Farm,

Heckfords Road, Gt

Bentley

16/00120/OUT Residential development of 3 dwellings upon 0.3ha

of land.

Land adjacent to Gable

Farm, Aingers Green, Gt

Bentley

16/00239/TPO 1 x Oak – Remove epicormic growth on trunk. Oaklea, The Green, Gt

Bentley

16/00251/TCA 1 x Cherry Tree – Fell. Northview House, The

Green, Gt Bentley

BENTLEY GREEN PLAYERS

We have needed to make a change to our planned production of “Abigails Party”, we are instead underway now with rehearsals for the;

Comedy Thriller

“WHO DIES WINS” by

Seymour Matthews

We have a fantastic cast and are heading toward the planned production dates of

Thursday 12th, Friday 13

th

and Saturday 14th May

Performances are being held at

The Methodist Church Hall Starting at 7.45 pm

Tickets will be available from Deli-licious

from Monday 25th April or ring Peter Harry on 07503153960

Ticket prices are £7 each

Many thanks Lynda McWilliams Chairman on behalf of Bentley Green Players Tel No 01206 250732 e-mail lynda@boblyn.co.uk

GREAT BENTLEY CRICKET CLUB

At the AGM held on Friday 26th February 2016, the new committee was voted in for the year and we are pleased to welcome many new faces on board. As mentioned last month the clubhouse has undergone a complete refurbishment and there are also some smart new benches for the sunny evenings to come. We are marking the Grand Re-opening of GBCC Bar on Friday 25 March (Good Friday), the bar will be open from 5.00pm and our President has been invited to cut the ribbon and welcome everyone at 8.00pm. Membership forms will be available on the night to join up for the 2016 season. As the evenings draw lighter, here are the details of coaching on offer this season. Thursdays: All Club 1 to 1 Coaching (Nets, Batting, Bowling machine) 5.30pm onwards. 15mins sessions. Free of charge to Club members, open to others at small charge. All welcome. Pre-booking available via Danny Hunt. M: 07791 739614. E: dannyhunt43@hotmail.co.uk Fridays: U10 Kwik Cricket Training 6.30-7.30pm. £2.00 per week Admin: Carol Kerridge M: 07748 802690. E: kerridgecarol@gmail.com U11 Colts Training 6.30pm £3.00 per week. Contact: Rod Fowler. M: 07974 675511. E: rodfowler@btinternet.com

The first T20 Fixture: Sunday 17 April, home v Clacton 11am start.

If you require any further information please pop by the Cricket Club or contact us:

Peter Giles, Chairman T: 01206 250716. M: 07592 069976. E:peter.giles@uwclub.net

35

History Society

The Story of Cook’s Shipyard, Wivenhoe How local history becomes preserved is an interesting topic in itself and is often the result of a fairly arbitrary decision. Such was the case of how Barry Crickmore from

Wivenhoe’s Nottage Institute was able to give a vivid pictorial record of the Cook Shipyard at the society’s March presentation. Brought up in Rowhedge across the river from Wivenhoe, Barry acquired a keen interest in photography in his earlier years, which in turn led to the idea that local riverside shipbuilding was a fruitful area on which to hone his camera skills. He set himself to photograph any ships being built, launched or otherwise handled at Cook’s Yard. He even discovered a spot on the riverside that offered a particularly good vantage point from which to take his pictures. The range of images he thus had to show us was wide and detailed, outlining the company’s whole history. The site at which Cook’s developed their enterprise had a long history of shipbuilding, having been the home of the Husk Company since the 1880s. It was then used by Vospers during the war for production of the important MTB craft (motor torpedo boats). Vacant following the war, it was taken over as Cook’s Shipyard in 1947, whereafter they produced large numbers of general craft such as tugs, particularly for use on the Thames. Here Barry made the observation of how, in general, boats were poorly cared for and, when looking around, one found many in a neglected condition after a relatively short life. This led him into his first picture – “Showery” by name, which he had spotted at a jetty in Brightlingsea in a shabby condition; but a significant boat in that it was one of a set of four boats, the first built at Cook’s after settling at Wivenhoe. From here Barry moved on to pictures and descriptions of increasingly sizeable craft of appreciable tonnage, the latter, he explained, calculated not on the weight of the ship but on the cubic area of the hold and related to the tonnage it could carry. The first he showed was “Moler Venture”, a coaster and their first really significantly large vessel. Typically it had been rather neglected when he saw it. He then showed an aerial picture, an important acquisition because it showed the site of the yard during its MTB production era. He would go on later to the change that would now be observed at this part of Wivenhoe. It was good that local resident Bob Partis was able to come to our meeting for he was one of probably now a small number of former employees still around to recall the company’s heyday. Despite difficulties in the national economy from the 70s on, Cook’s took on large contracts, producing two particularly large ships in this period. These were for a Dutch cattle shipping company with world-wide interests and it was somewhat unusual that they were to be built in England. Barry’s comprehensive range of pictures of the building of the first of these, “Buffalo Express”, took us through the whole construction process – in this case a vast array of jigsaw pieces to be welded together at the final stage. The size of this ship can be gauged by the fact that it was not only to carry 700 cattle but to be entirely self- sufficient carrying a full supply of fodder and water for the animals. It carried a crew of about a dozen and a stockman for the cattle. Pictures then showed us how this multiplicity of parts was put together, the exact lining up of the screw being done by feeding a piano wire through to ensure that it was aligned exactly. Yellow lines painted along all the joined parts indicated where the welding was to take place. We learnt of the massive preparation for launching - large numbers of wooden chocks built in two sloping rows down to the water. On these were laid the long sloping “ways” as the launching slides were called. Having taken 13 months to build, the ship was launched and trialled in June 1983. Barry then revealed an amazing fact: as soon as it was built, it sailed to a shipyard in Holland, where it was cut in half and a further long section inserted in between the two halves to lengthen the ship considerably. It seems that the required length of the ship had not been able to be constructed at Wivenhoe, the width of the river being insufficient for the launching a boat of such length. Notwithstanding, a sister ship was built, the “Zebu”. In the ensuing years smaller boats were built, coasters, and a pair of boats for the Solomon Islands, one of which was still in service in 2006. Work in conjunction with a Glasgow shipyard and allied to the oil rig industry extended the company’s life but financial difficulties in 1986 saw the last boat to be built at Cook’s “Lord Nelson”, a training ship for the Jubilee Sailing Trust. Sadly, the company then went into receivership. A theme that runs concurrently with the history of local companies like the above is the vital part they play in the community, providing work and prosperity. Barry gave a clear picture of the difficulties of maintaining a profitable enterprise in the competitive world of shipbuilding, ending with its closure and its effect on local employment. Barry added that recently talking to someone living in Wivenhoe’s waterside development, he had wondered if they realised the history of the site that had once existed where these houses now stood. We thanked Barry appropriately for a vivid recreation of an important era in local history.

********************* Next month’s talk on Thursday April 14

th will be given by popular local historian and author Roy Birnie and

entitled “A Brightlingsea Epidemic”. Visitors welcome. Entrance £3 incl. tea & biscuits.

36

A FEW NOTES FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR

Easter Refuse and Recycling Collections Just a reminder that the above collections will be collected a day later over the Easter Bank Holiday period, those whose collection is normally on a Friday shall be collected on Saturday, and Monday’s collection shall be on Tuesday and so on throughout the next week. Local recycling centres willl be open from 9am to 5pm as normal on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Dog Fouling Recently four irresponsible dog owners were caught and fined £50 each for not clearing up after their dogs. One incident was recorded on a car owner’s dashboard camera in Clacton; the dog owner was traced after photos were published on Facebook. Another incident was when the council received some footage of a woman opening her door to allow her dog outside her home where it fouled on the pavement. The other two incidents were reported with one being outside a school in St Osyth and another in a street in Brightlingsea. It is fortunately only a small minority of dog owners cause a problem, and we in Great Bentley are very fortunate that the vast majority of dog owners here are very responsible. But the Council, and especially the Dog Wardens, really do appreciate the co-operation of residents in identifying those owners who do not clear up after their dogs. A Reminder to Register to Vote The Police and Crime Commissioners election is to take place on Thursday 5

th May. To vote at this election

you need to be registered. You can register by either going on line to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact Electoral Services on 01255 686566 at Tendring District Council. If you are not registered and want to vote, you need to be registered by 18

th April.

Cllr. Lynda McWilliams email address: lynda@boblyn.co.uk Tendring District Council Cabinet Member Telephone Number: 01206 250732 for the Wellbeing and Partnerships Portfolio

Tendring District Councillor to the Ward of Gt Bentley

SESAW NEWS I was feeling a bit sorry for myself after having four teeth out but felt better after a walk in the garden. The birds were singing, the flowers looked bright and cheerful in the Spring sunshine and Mum has her first fledgling casualty of the season. Whilst languishing in my sick bed I overheard plans for the Spring Sale at The Old School in Long Melford, 10am Sunday 10

th April. There

will be blue/white and yellow/green goodies, travel, pet and disability items, crafts, collectables - even the Teddy Bears picnic! After that is a joint fundraising Quiz Evening, 14

th May at Leavenheath Village Hall to

support SESAW and the Cricket Club. There will be a licensed bar and big raffle, tickets £8 per person including a hot supper. Phone 01206 263269 to book up to eight team members. You probably know that as from 6

th April, all dogs over 8 weeks old

in England must wear a collar and tag when in a public place, with the owner’s name and address, preferably including phone number. Dogs must also be microchipped and the details must be kept up to date. Apart from risking a £500 fine, non-compliance could cause you much heartache if your pooch was lost. I’m so glad I was “chipped” when I went missing a few years ago or I might never have returned home. I’m back on form now but Mum wants me to chew on sensible things to keep my teeth clean. Little does she know about her missing specs waiting under the desk for me, Kenny the Boss, Chihuahua. Suffolk and Essex Small Animal Welfare, Reg.Charity No:1124029, Open 10-1pm Thurs-Sun, Stoke Road, Leavenheath, CO6 4PP. Tel: 01787 210888. www.sesaw.co.uk email: info@sesaw.co.uk

SESAW SPRING SALE

Old School The Green

Long Melford, CO109DX

Sunday 10th April

Huge selection of gifts, china, glass, plants and more

plus tombola, big raffle, refreshments,

free parking

50p admission

37

Join your Parish Council to celebrate the 90th

Birthday of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth.

On Thursday 21st April 2016 we will be holding a special event on the Village Green

to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 90th Birthday with a Birthday Beacon.

At 7.30 p.m. beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands,

Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s

Birthday that day.

For the first time in history, members of the Army Cadet Force, representing the youth

of our nation, will be taking gas-fuelled beacons to the top of the four highest peaks in

the United Kingdom - Ben Nevis, Scotland; Mount Snowdon, Wales; Scafell Pike,

England, and Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland.

In Great Bentley we will be lighting our own gas beacon on the village green and the

Cricket Club will be opening up their newly refurbished bar to provide refreshments.

Our event has been organised by the Great Bentley Parish Council, and the Great

Bentley beacon has also been very kindly sponsored by local businesses. We would

like to thank the following for supporting the beacon, and to remind everyone of the

importance of supporting our local businesses.

Great Bentley Garage

Happy Birthday Your Majesty!

38

FOOTBALL CLUB NOTES

YOUTH FOOTBALL

We have made plenty of requests for people to help run our football club and I’m afraid I’m back again asking for your help. We have key positions at the club that need to be filled including Chairperson, Secretary and Fixtures Secretary. We have had people in these roles for some years now and they have done a great job in making sure that the club continues to grow and most of all ensure that there is a great place in the village for kids to play football. So now the plea is that we need you to help fill these roles, not only that but we also need people who are prepared to coach to come forward as we have some teams now that need coaches to enable them to continue. So, if you think you can help in any way, even if its not in any of these roles, please let us know as without our volunteers giving up their time we wouldn’t have a football club. So over the last couple of months I have been updating you all on the progress on Neil’s under 16 blues who have won their last 6 league matches which was a run that took them to the top of the league. Local rivals Brightlingsea had one match left to play and needed a win to knock Neil’s boys off the top, credit to them they did just that so the Under 16 Blues will have to settle for the runners up spot in the B league – no mean feat in itself and having seen most of their games they have played some great attacking football scoring plenty of goals along the way. They have a cup quarter final against A League side Halstead to look forward to with a cup final appearance not out of their grasp. The under 6’s who are under my tutorage at the moment played their second game against FC Clacton on the Green, there were some very good performances in the team notably from George Nash and Matthew Whyte. We have a squad of about 10 players and they are really starting to get to grips with playing together as a team which is really encouraging. Hopefully with a few more friendlies and a tournament planned they will be in a very good position to go into playing in the league next season. Elsewhere, Matt’s under 14’s continue to win games on a regular basis, with only one loss in the league all season, they are having another excellent campaign in the A league. The fact that the boys continue to get results against other much larger clubs, such as Stanway Villa and Colchester Athletic, is an achievement in itself. They play some nice football and are a match for not only the best in our league but also against teams from across the county. Charlie’s under 18’s are also having a good campaign in the B league, when the boys play in this age group they actually span 2 years under 17 and under 18. The league try to ensure that teams who are in their second year of playing are in the top 2 leagues so the fact that our under 18’s are holding their own in the second of three leagues is a very good sign. We are looking to add a second under 18 team next season as our current under 16 teams move up to that age bracket. That’s it for now, if you are interested in getting involved with our club please email me at scott.young1969@btinternet.com and we’ll take it from there. Many thanks,

Scott

Results and Fixtures 2015-16: 1st Team (Essex & Suffolk Border League Division Two):

27th Feb, away Cressing United, 2-8;

5th March, home Team Brantham, 2-2; 12th March, away Brightlingsea Regent A, 3-6; 19th March, home Lawford Lads Res, 7-0; 26th March, away Kelvedon Social Res; 2nd April, away Bradfield Rovers Res; 9th April, home F.C. Clacton Res; 16th April, home Kelvedon Social Res; 30th April, away Boxted Lodgers Res.. All games are league and kick-off 3-00 p.m. Veterans (North Essex Veterans League): 27th Feb, home Marks Tey, 16-0; 12th March home Harwich & Parkeston, 0-2; 19th March, away Lawford Lads, 0-2; 26th March, away Halstead; 2nd April, home Beacon Hill Rovers; 9th April, away Marks Tey; 23rd April home Holland F.C.; 30th April away Harwich & Parkeston. All games are league and kick-off 2 p.m. unless stated.

First Team: Although our ten-game unbeaten run came to a shuddering halt at Cressing, we still gave a fair account of ourselves, but were undone by the hosts’ five-goal salvo in the ten minutes either side of the break. As is often the case with Bentley, we were well below strength for the toughest game of the season, but were able to field a considerably stronger team, complete with substitutes, for the visit of a very poor Lawford second string a few weeks later. This may simply be a coincidence, but that coincidence used to strike with alarming regularity in our Premier Division days – full strength for Earls Colne, but struggling to find eleven to travel to Gas. Having said that, we do have a nucleus of good players who turn out week in, week out, and we now need to enlarge that to a squad of players with the ambition to compete against the best in our division and move this club forward in the football sense. There are clear signs that we will have a strong input from next season’s Under 18’s, and a couple of these lads have already shown up well in recent games. It is imperative that we develop a sound football structure at both match days and training to give all our players the encouragement they need to stick with our club, and take pride in representing Great Bentley. The Veterans take us back to an era when club loyalty was taken for granted, and its great to see that bunch of mates continuing to enjoy their football and a drink or two in the clubhouse afterwards. There is no doubt that the support the club has received from the Vets has also played a big part in keeping us on a sound financial footing, for which G.B.F.C. are extremely grateful. On the playing side, the old boys chalked up a record 16-0 win against the game, but outclassed Marks Tey. In a world where post-match football changing-rooms generally look like an Indian landfill site, the Marks Tey room bore the surreal appearance of one that nobody had entered. I believe that the Marks Tey Veterans team could form the basis of a Yuletide ghost story, in which they only exist as a series of double figure defeats in a football table.

Lucky Team Winner March: J. Watson (Stoke City) £25.

Stoner.

39

DIARY FOR APRIL

Sun 3rd ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST, Plant Sale & Open Day, Barnes

Spinney, Hall Lane, Walton, 11-4pm

Tues 5th BENTLEY GREEN LADIES CLUB, Cheese & Wine.

Thurs 7th PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS, Planning 7.15pm, and

Parish Council 7.30pm, Village Hall

Sun 10th SESAW SPRING SALE, Old School, Long Melford,

CO10 9DX 10-3pm

Mon 11th GOSH QUIZ, Plough Inn, 8pm

Thurs 14th HISTORY SOCIETY, Village Hall.

Fri 15th MAGAZINE DEADLINE

Sat 16th CLEAN FOR THE QUEEN, Meet at Village Hall 9.30am

Sat 16th TOTALLY MOZART, St Paul’s Church, Clacton, 7.30pm

Tues 19th GARDENING CLUB Spring Sale and social evening

Thurs 21st PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP, Village Hall, 6.30pm

Thurs 21st GT BENTLEY YOUTH CLUB, Methodist Church

Thurs 21st LIGHTING OF THE BEACON, The Green, 7.30pm

Wed 27th THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB, Village Hall

Thurs 28th AUTISM COFFEE MORNING, Village Hall, 9.30am

Thurs28th GREAT BENTLEY VILLAGE HALL AGM, 8pm,

Village Hall

Fri 29th MAGAZINE COLLATING, Vestry Room, 9am

Fri 29th WINE TASTING GROUP, 8pm