St Mary’s Church VICAR:

Rev’d. Canon Bernard Metcalfe The Vicarage, Moors Close - 250476 CHURCHWARDEN: Rosemary Branch 4 Wents Close - 250137

CHURCHWARDEN Linda Hayes Ivy Lodge, Frating - 250207

TREASURER: Tim Carney Tudor House, The Green - 01206 251006 (business): 01206 250194 (home)

CHURCH VERGER: Rita Baverstock Stonybroke, Station Road - 251271

ORGANIST Penny Metcalfe The Vicarage, Great Bentley - 250476

LAY READER: Wendy King 17 Larkfield Road - 250852

PCC SECRETARY: Rita Coles 3 Wents Close - 251506

STEWARDSHIP SECRETARY: Rosemary Branch 4 Wents Close - 250137

TOWER CAPTAIN: Roger Carey-Smith - 250521

SUNDAY SCHOOL: Linda Hayes Ivy Lodge, Frating - 250207

BENTLEY BEARS: Carole Allington Poplar House, Station Road - 251086

SEEKERS: Wendy King 17 Larkfield Road - 250852

MOTHERS’ UNION: Jill Earwaker 01206 824328

VESTRY ROOM BOOKING SECRETARY: Carole Allington Poplar House, Station Road - 251086 or ring Church Verger

PARISH MAGAZINE EDITOR/ADVERTISING/ DISTRIBUTOR: Mary Maskell Caldew Cottage, The Green - 250524 marymaskell@sys3internet.net

METHODIST LAY WORKER: David Bavister, 2 Richmond Drive, Clacton-on-Sea 01255 427874

DOCTOR’S SURGERY: Drs N.F. Cavenagh, M.J.N. Hunt, D.J. Letton, F. Bhatti, & R.S. O’Reilly The Hollies, The Green - 250691

FOOT HEALTH PROFESSIONAL: Terry St George - 01255 861387: Mobile: 0775 833200

POLICE: Clacton 0300 333 4444 PCSO Barnes 07967 466876 or 101 ex. 487607 24 hour Non emergency number 101 PARISH COUNCIL: Chairman - Cliff Warder, Will Tree House, Thorrington Road, Great Bentley - 250713

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

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

COUNTY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE: Derek Robinson, Brentor, Brightlingsea Road, Thorrington, CO7 8JH - 01206 250557

GOOD NEIGHBOURS TRANSPORT: Barbara Fookes - 250431 or if unavailable Deputy: Anne Griffiths - 251605 (evenings & weekends only)

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: Richard Nowak - 250204

MEDICAL AIDS: Sylvia Adams 250160

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

VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS: Shelley Pizzey, 5 Keeble Court - 252385

VILLAGE HALL DAYTIME KEYHOLDER: Sharon Smith 07758 012487

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

GT BENTLEY PRIMARY SCHOOL: - 250331

COLNE COMMUNITY SCHOOL: - 303511

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

COLCHESTER HOSPITALS: 01206 747474

CLACTON & DISTRICT HOSPITAL: 01255 201717

FOOTPATH REP: David Gollifer 250309

DONATIONS FOR ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE: Judy & Alan Bishop - 23 Cedar Way, 251702

VILLAGE TRANSPORT REP: Peter Harry - 250511

VILLAGE CORRESPONDENT: Sue Gibson, 1 Cedar Way, e-mail: suegibson_63@hotmail.com

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

Village Information

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EDITORIAL 2012

CONTENTS

Editorial .. .. .. 1

Vicar’s Letter .. .. .. 2

Church Services/Easter Services 3

Church Rotas .. .. 4

Thank You .. .. .. 5

Police News .. .. .. 7/30

Peter’s Potterings .. .. 8

DEADLINE .. .. .. 9

Surgery News .. .. 12

Pet’s Corner .. .. .. 13

Wildlives .. .. .. 14

Running Club .. .. .. 15

Jubilee Celebrations .. .. 16/29

Cookery .. .. .. 20

Quiz .. .. .. .. 21

Clubs & Organisations .. 23

Children’s Page .. .. 24

Parish Council .. .. 25

District Council Notes.. .. 30

Pre-School .. .. .. 31

Football .. .. .. 34

Adverts .. .. .. 35/36

FRONT COVER Hare

By Kevin Saunders

See article on page 33

DISCLAIMER Neither the Vicar, Church Wardens, Parochial Church Council, nor the Editor take responsibility for the information given or

views expressed in the Great Bentley Parish News. Nor is any culpability accepted in work undertaken by advertisers.

Where have the first three months of the year disappeared to? After the comparatively mild winter spring arrived on time and beautifully sunny and warm. Over night the blossom appeared, leaves slowly began to unfurl and the daffodils flowered. “The sun is out, the sky is blue, there’s not a cloud to spoil the view”……...and then the allotments were invaded by rabbits! Certainly not fussy eaters various allotmenteers have been complaining that to date they have consumed; garlic, (french bunnies?), tulips, chrysanthemums, strawberries plus the usual lettuces, carrots etc. Entries for the village show could be hampered if a prompt remedy is not found! Spring is such a wonderful time bringing great hope and expectancy. Already the first migrant, a Chiff Chaff has been heard on a private tract of land in the village on 22nd March and subsequently three days later from the green. Please let me know if you have any exciting sightings as I still try to update the Conservation Group’s Wildlife Appraisal. One thing I can definitely add and that is Redpoll as a pair appeared on the Nyger seed feeder one lunchtime. Thankfully I managed to get a quick photograph as I had no idea what they were. We have another full magazine again this month. Thanks everyone. Just three small advertising spaces left for the rest of the year so please let me know if you wish to reserve one for your business. Tickets for the Jubilee lunch for the seniors and tea party for the youngsters will be on sale from 1st May. Details are included and will be repeated next month. Only 100 of each available but there will be plenty going on, on the green for everyone and a great free evening event as well. As Lynda reminds us it will soon be time for the judges to arrive as we have once again entered the Best Kept Village Competition. Please dispose of any litter you find. Mick Dorling has repeated the hilarious story of the transportation of the winning trophy, ie. the special sign! Poor Peter Bond. Just when he was trying to help everything went horribly pear shaped. Best wishes for a happy retirement to Diana Cleaver as she hands over her position as headmistress of the school to Tracey Caffull. Hope you are all enjoying the wonderful weather. Mary Maskell P.S. Please does anyone have a photograph of the “Apple Bus”?

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The Monthly Letter - April 2012

‘Music the food of love’ As you all know I have a love for music. I think I can say that I love most kinds of music. From Boxted Methodist Silver Band to orchestra, from opera to singing in a choir, from modern hymns to sixteenth century. There is a language in music that crosses boundaries of language. At the end of October I had the pleasure to visit the Mosel region of Germany with the Tendring Caprice Orchestra. We gave three concerts. We let the music speak for us, not being able to speak German, but through the music we were able to bring joy and converse with one another. There is also healing in music. One of the concerts given was in a Spa town, where people come to take the waters and hear music to heal body, mind and spirit. You can relax listening to good music. You can unwind at the end of a stressful day, or you can be inspired and roused to stride out with a good march. Composers have inspired others by their music, composers such as Handel and Beethoven etc. Through their music, composers have painted pictures for us to imagine. Vivaldi and ‘The Four Seasons’ is a good example or Sibeluis ‘Finlandia’ of the storm and the waves crashing on the rocks. Plato wrote “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and joy to life and to everything.” Where would be without our fine traditions of hymns and singing in church. Charles Wesley wrote over twelve thousand hymns and his beliefs and theology were greatly expressed in them. Psalms have been sung since the Old Testament days. It was David who sang to King Saul to calm Saul down. Trumpets brought down the walls of Jericho ( I better be careful when I play mine). “If music could be translated into human speech it would no longer need to exist” quoted Ned Rorem. Let us thank God for the gift of music in all our lives and may we continue to express His love in our music. With music it tells the picture and Spring features a lot in all kinds of music. It is as if the earth has been waiting for the Easter period to arrive and burst forth into Spring with new life. The birds and animals are busy in preparation of new nests. A variety of birds come to the bird table to feed, on a mission it seems. Spring flowers are bursting into bloom. A little sunshine and we start to feel better and we start to do those jobs in the garden or around the house which we have put off all winter. A spring clean throughout. In the Christian church the period leading up to Easter called Lent is perhaps the time when we need that spiritual spring clean. Some people give up things in Lent, perhaps the food we have eaten and the lack of exercise through the winter months we may have put on a few pounds, so we say ‘I am giving up chocolate etc. for Lent’. A story that I came across may be you. ‘An overweight businessman decided it was time to shed some excess pounds. He took his new diet seriously, even changing his driving route to avoid his favourite bakery. One morning, however, he showed up at work with a gigantic coffee cake. Everyone in the office scolded him, but his smile remained nonetheless. "This is a special coffee cake," he explained. "I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning and there in the window was a host of goodies. I felt it was no accident, so I prayed, 'Lord, if you want me to have one of those delicious coffee cakes, let there be a parking spot open right in front. ' And sure enough, the eighth time around the block, there it was!" I leave you with a thought for Easter of new life. ‘Someone said to Joseph of Arimathea, “That was such a beautiful, costly, hand hewn tomb. Why did you give it to someone else to be interred in?” “ Oh,” said Joseph, “he only needed it for the weekend. “ Happy Easter. Pastor David

MOTHERS’ UNION The Rev'd Tony Pugsley led us for our Lent Meditation at our March meeting and certainly made us think about our own faith. On Thursday April 5th we are welcoming Vivian Chapman who will be updating us on the Buy Bye Children project. We meet at 2.00pm in the vestry room at St Mary's church. On March 22nd St Mary's hosted the Deanery Quiet Day, which was led by Rev'd Mary West. Jill Earwaker - 01206 824328

CHURCH SERVICES AND EVENTS IN GREAT BENTLEY DURING APRIL 2012

GREAT BENTLEY METHODIST CHURCH NEWS

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SEEKERS - 3.30pm - 4.30pm on Monday during term time. BELLRINGING PRACTICE - Every Monday 7.30pm

CHOIR PRACTICE - Thursdays 7.15pm

SUN. 1st PALM SUNDAY 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Sung Eucharist with the Procession of Palms and dramatic reading of the Passion 11.00am Annual Parochial Church Meeting in the Vestry Room followed by a Bring & Share Lunch

Tue 3rd 7.30pm Stations of the Cross Wed 4th 10.00am Holy Communion 2.15pm Bentley Bears (All Ages welcome during the School Holidays)

THUR 5th MAUNDY THURSDAY 2.00pm Mothers’ Union in the Vestry Room 7.30pm Solemn Sung Eucharist

FRI 6th GOOD FRIDAY 10.15am-12.00 Children’s Good Friday Workshop 2.00pm-3.00pm A Service of Meditation at the Foot of the Cross

SUN. 8th EASTER SUNDAY 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Sung Easter Eucharist with Easter Egg Hunt Mon. 9th No Seekers in School Holidays Wed. 11th 10.00am Morning Prayer

SUN. 15th SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Sung Eucharist 12.00noon Public Baptism

Wed 18th 10.00am Holy Communion

SUN. 22nd THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am All Age Word & Worship Service 12.00noon Public Baptism

Wed 25th 10.00am Holy Communion

SUN. 29th FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Sung Eucharist and Sunday School

We welcome you to worship with us during April. Morning worship will be held at 11.00 am. unless otherwise stated. The leaders of worship are set out below:- April 1st V. Carter April 8th Barbara Fookes April 15th 3pm Pastor David Bavister April 22nd The Church Stewards will lead the worship April 29th Rev Alex Potter Sacrament Special services in April on 4th 3pm at Wix , 8th 6.30 Upper Dovercourt, 15th 6.30pm Holland on Sea, 22nd 5pm Great Clacton & 29th 6.30pm Dovercourt Central Events in April CAMEO - Monday 2nd April 6.30pm. Competition to decorate an egg, an Easter card or an Easter bonnet. Pastor David will lead this evening. Coffee Morning - 9th April raising funds for Church Funds

Messy Church 27th April. After school for Parents & young children. Activities based on a Christian theme followed by a simple meal. Finishes at Approx 5pm

Adventurers Club April 20th and 27th

Luncheon Club 3rd and 17th April If you would like to come along to the Luncheon Club please ring 251330 and talk to Brenda. Come and see if you enjoy the meal and company before you commit yourself to coming each time. Transport can be arranged to help those unable to get to the Methodist Church. 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 Adventurers Fridays 7 p.m. 250087. For children in school year 3 and older. We host the Village Teen Youth Club on alternate Thursdays. Leader Sue Warder 250713.

ST MARY’S CHURCH ROTAS FOR

APRIL 2012

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SIDESPERSONS’S ROTA

Sunday 1st April - Palm Sunday Sidesperson - Donald Walker Thursday 5th April - Maundy Thursday Sidesperson - Linda Hayes Sunday 8th April - Easter Day Sidespersons - Maria Pagram & Stephanie Sadler Sunday 15th April - 2nd Sunday of Easter Sidespersons - Ben & Hilary Harris Intercessions - Jackie Thimbleby Sunday 22nd April - 3rd Sunday of Easter Sidesperson - Nicky Justice

Sunday 29th April - 4th Sunday of Easter Sidespersons - Eve Hickley & Beryl Gilbert

CLEANING ROTA

7th Sylvia Adams

14th Vacant

21st Penny Metcalfe

28th Bev Adams

COFFEE ROTA 1st Rita Coles & Audrey Meaden

8th Jean Twyman & Mandy Miles

15th Carole & Peter Allington

22nd Ben & Hilary Harris

29th Sybil & Dennis Curry

BAPTISMS 25th March - Kacey Charlie Rayner

15th April - Stanley Albert Pearson

22nd April - William Lucas James Self

FUNERALS

20th March - Brian James O’Mara

26th March - Cissie Iris Austerberry

Holy Week and Easter Services at St Mary’s, Great Bentley

PALM SUNDAY – 1st APRIL 8.00am Holy Communion

9.30am Sung Eucharist with a Procession of Palms

and the Dramatic Reading of The Passion

HOLY TUESDAY – 3rd APRIL 7.30pm Stations of The Cross

HOLY WEDNESDAY – 4th APRIL

10.00am Holy Communion

2.15pm Bentley Bears

MAUNDY THURSDAY 5th APRIL

7.30pm Solemn Eucharist

GOOD FRIDAY – 6th APRIL 10.15am - noon:

Children’s Good Friday Workshop

2.00 pm An hour at the Foot of the Cross

EASTER SUNDAY 8th APRIL

8.00am Holy Communion

9.30am

Easter Sung Eucharist & Easter Egg Hunt

.

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We have been very gratified and encouraged at how much bedding has arrived at ‘Bishop Towers’ since our last article. We do get concerned when we see our stocks very depleted and worry what we will do should the supply dry up. However we should know better after all these years during which time you have never let us down, and most importantly the animals we endeavour to help. We had a bumper pile of towels which allowed us to take a good quantity to the Greyhound Rescue at Clarks Farm in Little Totham. The lady who greeted us on a sunny dry day was thrilled. With up to 90 dogs at any one time awaiting re-homing and requiring regular bathing you can imagine how many towels are needed, bath towels and bath sheets especially. We took fresh supplies of bedding too and we can not emphasise enough how grateful they are because being situated well off the beaten track donations of bedding are few and far between but they know that with your continued support they can count on us. We purchased a quantity of dog and cat food to take with us to Clacton Animal Aid along with a supply of bedding. Doubtless our ‘Ladies who Knit’ will be pleased to know that many rescued cats and kittens have benefited from their lovely handiwork so a special ‘thank you’ to them. Sadly the plight of unwanted and abandoned pets is on the increase. This comes as no surprise to us for we see it at first hand as we visit the various rescue centres and hear it from the many people we know who are involved in animal welfare. The situation is beyond crisis point and out of control with all the rescues full to overflowing. With cats this is largely due to peoples irresponsibility in not having them neutered or spayed. If owners are on a low income there are schemes by which the operation can be carried out at a reduced cost and indeed in certain cases it will be free. In the case of dogs there is an epidemic of Staffies or Staffie crosses bred indiscriminately, sold cheaply perhaps in a pub or on a street corner as a ‘Status Symbol’ to attain ‘Street Cred’ whereby they suffer brutal treatment to make them become aggressive and we all know what happens then. Take our word for it the situation is dire. In many cases the outcome is euthanasia which is a very controversial subject frequently criticised and deemed extreme. However we are not aware of any well researched, workable recommendations or solutions to bring about change. We have our views on the subject and discuss them, we get angry, frustrated, emotional and genuinely feel despair at what we see and hear. Our solace is that as a couple we must continue to do what we can to help and we can only do that with your support. We take comfort from the fact that we are doing something positive to improve the lot of those animals who are caught up in an overwhelming, unacceptable situation brought about by thoughtless, uncaring people with no sense of citizenship or concern for their fellow human beings and least of all their animals. We are so very grateful for your continued support. Judy & Alan Bishop, 23 Cedar Way, tel: 251702

Clacton Lions would like to thank everyone who supported the recent Pig Race Night, also many thanks to the Race Sponsors. They are very pleased to report that £1,070 was raised on the night for Lions charities. Lion John Walters. A big thank you to everyone who sent me a card, flowers and best wishes for my 70th birthday. I had a very special day and an even more special surprise party. I would like to thank everyone involved in making my party extra special. I had the most loveliest time catching up with all my precious family and friends. I got some lovely gifts and cards, so thank you all very much. I must also say a massive thank you to my children Michael, Sharline, Anthony and Carol, Clark and Tracey and also Grace for making it happen. My grandchildren Benjamin, Lucy, Mark, Zoe, Lee, Hattie and Edward for a night full of surprises. A little extra special thank you to my daughter Sharline for going that extra mile putting it all together and making it all happen, plus her two little helpers Lucy and Zoe. Thank you all again. I am one very lucky 70 year old. Lots of love Betty Kerridge Thank you David Gibbon for leveling out the man-eating pot holes on the Southside track. Greatly appreciated by both residents and visitors.

WE WELCOME Roni and Colin who have moved to the green. We hope you enjoy living in Great Bentley, also Jesse, Katherine and Miles to Station Road.

CONGRATULATIONS to

Amy White and Justin Greenfield

on the birth of Leon Philip

Saturday 10th March. A wonderful little brother for Kane.

All our love, Mum, Dad, Andrew, Sam, Beth, Fay and Aidan

NEW HEADTEACHER We welcome Tracey Caffull as the new Headteacher at

Great Bentley Primary School.

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HELP NEEDED FOR THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB PLEASE

We meet on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 2.00pm till 4.00pm. Is there anyone who would be willing to come to the Village Hall before the meeting to set up a few tables for us and return after the meeting to put them away? Sadly we no longer have anyone strong enough to do this for us. If you could help would you please ring 250808. Thank you in anticipation. Joye

Dear Grandad I'M GLAD you got home all right from your holiday with us. I enjoyed the walks and the stories you told me about when you were a boy. Mrs Brown next door hasn't spoken to Mum and Dad since you fell over on her hedge and lay there singing Roll Out The Barrel when you came home from the pub. She hasn't cleaned the sick off her patio either. I think she left the job for Mum, but she says it can stay there till the cows come home. Why do the cows have to clean it up, Grandad? The cat's fur is growing again where you dropped the teapot on it and Mum has had the carpet cleaned like she did after you came last year. I think she is going to send your shirt and things by post. She has washed them but said she couldn't put them on the line in case the rag-and-bone man called. You never told me you used to work in a pub, Grandad, and I wouldn't have known if I hadn't heard Dad say you had been a bar steward every since he had known you. You must have collected a lot of money and done a lot for the poor, hungry children over the sea because Dad said you are the best advertisement for youth-in-Asia, he knows. I have to go now Grandad, but I will see you when you come again. Bye for now William xxx PS: We all love you Grandad

Carol Addison

St. Mary’s Church Fayre This year’s May Fayre will be on May 19th in the church and grounds of St. Mary’s Church in Great Bentley, at 2 p.m. We would be grateful for donations for the fayre. Any books, nearly new items or items suitable for the tombola. If possible, we would like to have these at least a week before the event, please. They can be left at the back of the church on a Sunday morning or at any event in the church. We can also collect. Nearer the time, we would also like cakes and biscuits to sell with the teas. Anything homemade, including cakes, preserves and sweets, for the produce stall, and any surplus vegtables or cut flowers from your allotment or garden. All these items can be brought to the church anytime on the morning of the 19th. Please contact us if you want further information or have a donation that needs collecting.

Thank you

Nicky Justice Maria Pagram

01255 821334 01206 250280

BREAKFAST

in aid of Jubilee Celebrations for the village

Saturday 28th April St Mary’s Church Vestry Room

9am to 11am Full English £4.00

Tea, Toast and Conserve £2.00 Please telephone

Stephanie

01206 250544 to book your table

St Mary Magdalen Frating with Thorrington

The Welsummer Singers Invite you to

Music for a Spring Evening

Saturday 12th May, 7.30pm Thorrington Village Hall

Tickets £8 (Includes light refreshments) Raffle

Contact Rita 250805 In aid of church repair funds.

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POLICE NEWS Residents are being reminded to check the identity of anyone calling at their home after two bogus police officers stole a four figure sum of money from an elderly couple in Waltham Abbey. Two men posing as police officers investigating a recent theft tricked their way into the couple's flat on the Ninefields Estate just before 5pm on Friday, February 24, 2012. Investigating Officer, Dc James Proctor, said: "The couple had been watching television when they were interrupted by these two men who produced, what transpired to be, false police badges which had a four-pointed silver metal star on a black background. "The male victim thought they were genuine so let the two men inside. They then disclosed information about a recent theft and that they had a suspect in their car which was parked outside. "After pointing out where the couple keep their money, one of the men took the husband outside to show him security advice relating to his windows. It is then thought that the man’s accomplice stole the money from inside.” The bogus police officers are described as white, in their 30s, smartly dressed and well-mannered. One is about six foot tall, of medium build and was wearing a suit while his accomplice is approximately 5ft 9ins tall, of stocky build and was wearing dark trousers and a jacket. It is not known whether the men did have a vehicle. Dc Proctor added: "We would urge people to check the identification of anyone calling unexpectedly at their door to ensure they are valid by contacting their parent company, including the police force, to check to see they are who they purport to be. If they are genuine, then they will not mind being challenged.” Police are looking at the possibility that this incident is linked to a similar one in Buckhurst Hill earlier this month on February 8. Anyone with information in connection with this burglary is urged to contact detectives at Harlow police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Message from Trading Standards Rogue Traders Essex County Council Trading Standards are warning all residents to be aware of doorstep / rogue traders operating in the county . These traders often will knock on your door offering to do work straight away or suggesting that you may have a problem with your house or garden which they can help with. We would advise you never to deal with doorstep traders as the work they carry out is often unnecessary with the price rising considerably as work continues. Doorstep traders do not just offer maintenance on your property; they can also be buying or selling anything such as unwanted gold, furniture, antiques, pictures, carpets or even fish. If you live near a vulnerable neighbour or relative help them to avoid being caught out by these traders by discussing the issues raised in this advice.

If you need work carried out on your property you can ask family, friends or neighbours for recommendations or use one of our Buy with Confidence businesses that have been audited and approved by Trading Standards. You can find these businesses via www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 040506. Scams Scams are being targeted at residents via phone, letter, email or text on a daily basis, costing UK residents around £3.5 million a year. Scams cover a wide range of topics from fake lotteries, tickets and holiday clubs to providing information that you have won a prize or if you purchase goods you will be entered in a prize draw. If you receive a cold call, letter, email, phone call or text that seems too good to be true then it is likely that it is a scam. The calls or mailings are often made to try to gain access to your personal information. Your bank or building society will not call you asking for personal details over the telephone and you should never give these out unless you are absolutely sure of the identity of the caller. Please don’t get caught out by the scammers. For advice and guidance call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 040506 or you can report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or log the scam online via www.actionfraud.org.uk Anti Social Behaviour We are asking for your assistance to tell us where young people are accessing age restricted goods, such as alcohol or cigarettes, in the county . We are also interested where proxy sales are taking place. A proxy sale is where an older person is buying for under age young people. Please call on 08454 040506 to provide us with information to assist our officers and Essex Police in reducing anti social behaviour. The Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline, 08454 040506, works in partnership with Trading Standards and is open from Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. If you need to talk to me for any Police Community Problems you can contact me on 07967 466876 or 101 ex. 487607 or email me leslie.barnes@essex.pnn.police. PCSO Barnes 71909

INCIDENTS IN FEBRUARY

Suspicious Circumstances - 2 incidents Heckfords Road (male seen in a car) Theft Other - Flag Hill (Outboard engine taken from yard). Fly Tipping - Plough Road Nuisance Youth - Plough Road (Youth given a banning letter from Tesco) RTC - Birch Avenue: Flag Hill: Dead Lane.

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Peter’s

Potterings

I don’t know how your lawn is looking at the moment but mine looks like it can do with some TLC. I don’t expect to see a brilliant green carpet but the winter has not done it too much good despite the spells of warmer weather earlier in the year. Anyway I have got quite a few brown areas in my lawn, that is brown at the bottom of the stalk and green at the top. No one seems to have any good suggestions on how to improve it so I will carry on with my usual routine. I will run my scarifier over it (but I honestly cannot see much moss) and then feed with a spring lawn feed to encourage new growth, and then regular mowing with the blades set for high cut to start with. Deadhead daffodils and narcissi, do not cut off the leaves as they will feed goodness into the bulbs ready for next year’s display. Give them some fertiliser such as quick acting liquid feed, or the one that I prefer, bone meal. A sprinkling of this around the base will slowly go into the soil and will give them a good start for next year. Only remove the leaves when they have withered and gone brown. Keep the borders clean and tidy - run a hoe through just below the surface on a nice dry day. You should be able to dodge around the tulips that are a bit later to flower, but mind the emerging shoots from perennials such as delphiniums. Hoeing will reduce the weed population and aerate the soil getting it ready for its next round of duty. It is also time to declare war on our pet hate the slugs and snails. They love to nibble the young shoots and also the tulip leaves. How do you stop them? There are numerous suggestions but as well as looking carefully and removing them when you see them I must admit to using pet friendly slug pellets. Sorry but I hate to see nice young shoots nibbled off. Summer bedding plants will soon be appearing in the garden centres for you to grow on. They must be protected from frost and cold weather, particularly at night. They should be kept inside a greenhouse for at least the next four weeks. Do not be tempted by a few days of sunshine and plant them outside. You can if you want sow some of the more hardy annuals such as nasturtium or calendula into the beds. If you keep them in small clumps they will show up better than just sprinkled around. Whilst the purists may prefer to get the correct colour sequence, it really does not seem to matter which colours go where. The main point is to see that the taller ones go at the back and the shorter ones at the front. It is also a

good time to sow sweet peas outside. Some experts advise soaking the seeds overnight, or chipping the hard skin before planting out. I tend to plant them in the soil and make sure that they get a good watering and they usually come up okay. However do make sure you keep the slugs and snails away, and get them growing up some sticks or canes as quickly as possible as this makes it more difficult for the little blighters. Lastly what about the vegetables? Many vegetable crops can be sown now although there will still be time next month. Check the instructions on the seed packet but generally broad beans, carrots, lettuces, salad leaves, leeks and onion sets and shallots can be planted now. Nature has a way of getting everything to grow. If you sow a bit later, the end product may be a bit smaller, but it will still taste good. Traditionally the first planting of potatoes was on Good Friday. With the newer varieties your first earlies may already be in the ground, but I usually plant first earlies, little and often. This means that I have new potatoes for a longer period of time and I often plant the last row of earlies in late May. Finally if your greenhouse is frost free you can start planting some of the summer crops, tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce etc. Some will remain in the greenhouse all summer but others will be in pots to grow on and be ready to plant out late May or early June when all chances of frost have passed. This year I have decided that I will grow some of the tomatoes that have been grafted. This means that a hardy variety that is highly resistant to soil borne diseases is used as the root and then grafted onto a variety with a superior flavoured fruit. The grafted stems are held together until the two plants knit together and you have a strong disease resistant plant. This is a similar situation to lots of roses, fruit trees etc. that have a different root stock to fruiting/flowering stock. The advantage of this for tomatoes is they have better resistance to pests and diseases, give higher yields and produce stronger and more vigorous plants. The disadvantage is they are more expensive than normal tomatoes. If it is good enough for commercial growers it must be worth a try. PETER ALLINGTON

Plant Sale for St Helena Hospice

Please plant a few extra seeds or pot up some plants for our annual sale. Raffle and tombola prizes gratefully accepted. Thank you. Barbara Tricker, Windybrow, The Green 250145

9

DEADLINE FOR THE MAY 2012 MAGAZINE

Sunday 15th April 2012

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

Please mark all material - “Parish Magazine”

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

Great Bentley Websites: www.greatbentleyparishcouncil.co.uk www.aboutgreatbentley.co.uk

PLEASE NOTE…….. The date of the Garage Sales Trail has been changed to 7th July. This will allow for any holiday makers to raise some spending money before the school holidays begin. Also the Tabletop 8th September has been cancelled due to lack of helpers for the day.

TRACTOR TED IS COMING TO CARPENTERS

FARM!

Thursday 12th April 2012 10.30am – 3.30pm

Come & see him for real, sit inside

and take a picture!

Win Tractor Ted goodies in our raffle

See other farm vehicles close-up

Browse our shop with Tractor Ted merchandise, regional food tastings and more

Colouring/craft corner and

refreshments available

St. Mary’s Road, Aingers Green, Gt.Bentley, Essex CO7 8NJ. 01206 250221. www.carpentersfarmshop.co.uk

Open 7 days a week

Tractor Ted QUIZ NIGHT

21st April  

7pm start, doors open 6.45pm 

at the Scout Guide HQ, Devere Estate

Fundraising for the Guides Jamboree Camp in August.

£2 a head, maximum 6 in a team.

There will be a raffle.  

Please bring your own refreshments

To book your table, please contact:   

Crystal 07871‐649727or 01206‐822324

We raised just over £200 at the Quiz night in January. Thank you for the support.

GARAGE SALE TRAIL

St Osyth Methodist Church is having a

Garage Sale Trail on Sat 28th April from 10 to 4pm

For more details please phone Rita 01255 822063

10

The pupils and staff all joined in the fun day we had at school to celebrate World Book Day. Certificates and awards were given out to the best dressed boy and girl book characters in each class. A certificate was also given to the office staff for all dressing up as characters from the Wizard of Oz. Where's Wally was a popular character this year too, with a least 10 including two members of staff dressing up as him!

FAREWELL TO OUR HEADTEACHER As the day of my retirement approaches I would like to reflect on my years as Headteacher of Great Bentley Primary School. I walked through the front gate of our school in 2001 with more than a little trepidation. The school was struggling in special measures and a big building programme which would transform the old building was about to begin. I was new to Headship and very worried about the scale of the challenge ahead. Nearly 11 years on we have a new building, good teachers, dedicated staff, wonderful pupils, excellent facilities and good results – so good, in fact that we were acknowledged this year as being the best performing school in our part of Essex. I am so, so proud of all the pupils and staff of the school - without their hard work and dedication none of this would have been possible. For myself, personally, Great Bentley School, and indeed the village, have become a hugely important part of my life, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the village, staff, parents, governors, past and present pupils and members of the village community who have supported me and the school. I will miss you all. Diana Cleaver

The Friends Of Great Bentley Primary School

QUIZ NIGHT Friday 27th April at 7.30pm

By popular demand “The Friends” have arranged another Quiz Night for all you budding Mastermind contestants. Tickets are £5 each and will be on sale before and after school (at gate) week beginning 16th April. Alternatively please contact Donna (07946 850029). Tickets are sold on a first come first served basis, please purchase early to avoid disappointment. Nibbles will be provided on the night, please bring your own drink and snacks.

BRIGHTLINGSEA FARMERS’ MARKET

Thursday 26th April

9am - 12 noon Brightlingsea Community

Centre

11

GREAT BENTLEY COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS

THANK YOU I would like to say a big thank you on behalf of Gt Bentley Community First Responders. Firstly to Mr George Wright of Admirals Farm for a donation of £200 which bought for us a Resus Anne, signs for our cars and also slides to go into our high visibility jackets. Secondly to the Clacton Lions who have given me a £300 donation which will purchase a pulse oximeter. This will be very useful. We are grateful to The Fusiliers for running a Quiz Night (£39) The Plough (£140) and the Kings Arms (£56). Please remember we hold a Pub Quiz Night at the Kings Arms at Frating on the first Thursday evening of the month. If you wish to find out more about our group please contact me; Elliott Darlow, Coordinator on 252387 or Mob 07768181 911 GREAT NEWS As of 19th March we will be “live”, up and running so to speak and responding to 999 calls.

FRIENDS OF GREAT BENTLEY SCHOOL

CLOTHING COLLECTION

CLOTHES/SHOES/BAGS BEDDING/TOWELS/

CURTAINS SOFT TOYS

We sell these to a reliable company who specialise in recyling and we use the money to enrich the children’s learning experience.

If you have any unwanted items but have no storage facilities please contact

Donna (07946 850029) who will arrange to collect them.

We can supply bags.

Thank you for helping the environment and supporting your local school.

Alternatively, please bring items to the school by

9am on the day of our next collection Thursday 5th July.

Quiz Night

Kings Arms Frating

Thursday 5th April 8pm

£3 per person

(team of up to 6)

in aid

of First Responders

HAPPY AND GLORIOUS Celebrating 60 years of

song for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

A series of concerts with

COLCHESTER OPERATIC SOCIETY in aid of Colchester Samaritans

Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th June at Kingsland Church, Lexden at 8.00pm

Adults £12.50 (16 or under £10)

Saturday 9th June

in the grounds of Castle House, Dedham

gates open 6pm

Concert starts 7.30pm

Adults £15 (16 or under £10)

Tickets available 01206 383172

12

SURGERY NEWS

I understand that a few people have had problems recently ordering medication, making appointments etc using the EMIS Access system, and I have just learned that at least part of this is because the name and layout of the website have changed. The site is still accessed via www.patient.co.uk but this particular function is now called "Patient Access". When you get to the first page of the website, the tag which you click to sign in is coloured bright orange and can be found about a third of the way down on the right hand side. Everything else works just the same. I am sorry that you didn't get prior warning of this change, but we didn't know about it until after the event. Apologies to anyone who experienced difficulties, and thanks to Dr Steiner (he's still going strong) for telling me about the problem.

As you know, we are always looking for ways to make your visit to the surgery as pleasant and comfortable as possible. The water cooler was installed a couple of years ago and more recently we bought some new armchairs for the waiting room to make things a little easier for our less mobile patients. Both these improvements were suggested by patients responding to our regular surveys. An interesting suggestion in the latest survey was that anyone coming for an appointment, especially around lunch time, should have somewhere to buy refreshments. This seems like a really sensible idea, especially for older patients and anyone bringing in young children, so from the beginning of the month there will be a burger van open in the surgery car park between 10.00am and 2.30pm on our busiest days – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It will normally serve burgers, hot-dogs and chips, with the option of fish and chips on Fridays. Tea and coffee will also be available, together with fizzy drinks for the kids. The couple who own the burger van, Mr and Mrs Hale from Wivenhoe, have a really good reputation around the local car boot sales. I know from personal experience that they do brilliant doughnuts which are freshly cooked on demand. They are laying on this service for a trial period of six months and provided it doesn't lose them money, it will become a permanent feature – possibly every weekday – so please support them. We need everyone to co-operate in making sure that litter from the new facility doesn't become a problem, so we are going to position four large litter bins on the Green around the surgery, and this is a plea for everyone to make sure that they use them properly. If the area becomes too messy, I'm sure that the Parish Council and our neighbours will be on our backs very quickly, not to mention the possibility of attracting rats and mice. After a false start or two, the automatic blood pressure monitor and scales in the waiting room are now working. They give anyone who hasn't had their blood pressure and weight checked for a while an ideal do-it-yourself opportunity. The BP monitor produces a small printed report to hand to the clinician you are seeing and we have some slips at reception on which weight and a few other details can be written to bring your records up to date. Please make use of them, as the more information we have about you, the better we can look after you. (Perhaps it's better to weigh yourself before trying the burgers, chips and doughnuts.) I have a new member of staff to introduce again this month. He (yes, we've balanced out the sexes a little) is Steve Osborne and he has joined us on a six month contract to provide cover for a long-term sickness absence. He will help out with reception and a variety of administrative tasks as well as strengthening the select band of us who do "man" things like clearing rubbish, changing light bulbs and washing up. He also gives us an extra person who can carry out basic maintenance on our computer systems as, before the recession, he had spent many years working with them as a career. When he has free time, Steve, who lives in Frinton with his partner Sue, is a keen follower of sport, especially football (his team is Brentford). Despite his advanced age, (I'm sure he's over forty) he is about to make a come-back, playing in local leagues. He hasn't got a team yet, so if you are looking for a (veteran) goal-keeper, why not give him a ring? Whether he bounces as well as he used to, I don't know. Meanwhile, he tells me, he keeps fit by working out at the gym and walking his dog on the beach. Hugh Cronin Practice Manager, Great Bentley Surgery

13

THE HARWICH ROYAL BRITISH LEGION BRASS BAND

Presents

on behalf of the Rotary Club of Clacton

A CHARITY CONCERT in aid of

Rotary International Projects on Sunday 15th April

at 3.00pm at the West Cliff Theatre

Clacton on Sea

Tickets £7.00 (£6.00 concessions) Available from the Theatre Booking Office

01255 474000

Taken from Essex County Standard October 1999 (exactly as it was written)

LEGION

The Annual General Meeting of the Great Bentley and Thorrington Branch was held at the Football Club on Thursday October 7. All officers were elected to stand for a further year. Thanks were extended to David Taylor in his capacity as Vice Chairman and Standard Beaver. Also to Gordon Hesketh, Reg Scott and Alan Woods for their invaluable support and help during the past year, and to Alan Bishop for volunteering to be the burglar. Willing helpers are needed for the Poppy Appeal Coffee Morning on October 30 in the Village Hall. Members were invited to provide items for sale on the stalls. Any offers of help gratefully accepted on 262275 or 250029.

Pet’s Corner

Perhaps one of the best things about micro chipping and pet trackers is that it provides peace of mind to the owner and that they stand a reasonable chance of being reunited with their pet. Note: It should be remembered that by law your dog must wear a collar whenever it is in a public place. This collar must contain details of your contact address. MARK ALLINGTON B.Sc (Hons) BVM & S, MRCVS

Last month I mentioned special dog collars that enabled dogs to be continually tracked using GPS systems. These are a little too comprehensive for most people but if your pet gets lost how do you find where he or she is? One excellent way is to get your pet micro chipped. It is amazing to think that about 1,000 pets, cats, dogs, rabbits, tortoises etc. go missing in the UK each and every day. It is even more depressing that of these only a small proportion are found or make their way back home. Obviously it is not possible to eliminate the risks entirely but now owners can help to prevent their pets vanishing permanently, or at least make it much easier to find them if they are lost. These days the wonder of micro chipping pets is making a great contribution to finding them quickly when they do go missing. For those who are not familiar with micro chipping, it involves inserting a tiny chip just under the skin of almost any animal. This provides a lifetime ID that cannot be lost or removed. This information can be read using a scanner so if a stray is picked up by the police, a dog warden or vet or rescue organisation, they can obtain its unique number and then trace it back to its owner. This is good for stray lost animals but it also gives a degree of security because if the pet is stolen and resold the new owner can ask anyone with a handheld scanner to check their new animal. If it has been previously tagged the original owner will soon be found. It is important to do a bit of research before going ahead with micro chipping as there is more than one database and the chips vary in price (and usually quality) so some are more reliable and generally easier to read. If chipping does eventually become mandatory for some animals, there will probably be a central database which would make tracing even easier. It is thought that only about half of all the dogs in the UK have been chipped and registered and less than one in eight of all cats have been chipped. As for rabbits, which are the third most popular pet in Britain, very few have been chipped. While chipping reveals who the owners are, it does not tell you where your pet is. For this you need a tracking device similar to the one described last month. These are available in varying degrees of precision and can cost from about £50 upwards. These are not as good as the much more expensive tracker systems but can be very valuable in helping to find your pet. They are small and fit neatly on the collar and generally do not worry the pet. It is easy to use because when you press the button on your half of the equipment and when you hear a bleep you know your pet is nearby.

14

Wildlives Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre

‘Catkins’. Frating Road, Thorrington, Colchester CO7 8HT   www.wildlives.org.uk Opening hours: October – March  9.30 – 5.30       01206 251174 / 07802  767016 

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

Registered Charity 1104167 Copyright Wildlives © 2011

The busy season has started! The centre has been incredibly busy over the past month with a real influx of admissions. Wildlives’ role is not to change the balance of nature, but rather to help out where animals have got into trouble as a result of humans and their environment. 90% of the animals brought to the centre are the innocent victims of the modern world in which we live. The animals this month are a prime example of this fact with netting, power cables, cars, strimmers and wire all responsible for the injuries suffered.

Feather transplant. As far as I know this is a definite first for the centre! A sparrow hawk, caught in netting, came to Wildlives with her flight feathers irreparably damaged. If a sparrow hawk cannot fly perfectly it cannot hunt and will ultimately starve. The hawks moult annually, but not until late summer, early autumn, so without new feathers the sparrow hawk would have been forced to stay at the centre for a number of months. To avoid this, Rosie decided to give the feather transplant a go. The feathers, taken from another sparrow hawk, a victim of a road traffic accident, were carefully placed into the shafts of the damaged feathers and secured into place. This may sound straightforward, but each wing has feathers of different shapes and lengths and these had to be matched perfectly to ensure that the balance was correct. Following the intricate procedure, the sparrow hawk was moved into the new (and very large) bird of prey flight pen to try things out. She flew beautifully with no side effects from the procedure and has since been released back into the wild. I think the centre deserves enormous praise for its imagination and determination!

More birds getting into bother. The centre has seen quite a few of our feathered friends this month. A short-eared owl, hit by a car, which has a broken clavicle. He has been immobilised and we will know in a month’s time whether that has healed. A buzzard has also been brought in after flying into power cables. He has burns across the top of his bill and eyes and along the front of his wings, causing trauma to the bone. Again, he has just arrived so it is early days, but hopefully we can bring positive reports on both of these birds next month. By far the most dramatic incidents were caused by two swans in separate events. One gentleman, driving along in his van, was somewhat surprised (and I imagine quite terrified) to have an enormous swan land on his bonnet. The police shut the road and a volunteer from the centre was sent to rescue the swan, which had clearly quite frightened the local constabulary! Amazingly, the swan had just a few grazes and bruises and has been released, but as for the bonnet of the van……could be another matter entirely! A second swan, a juvenile from last year, decided to crash land on the A12 and was clipped by a car causing a large wound across the shoulder. This swan also had luck on its side because the wound had exposed an air sac, which, with just the tiniest of pin pricks could have punctured. The wound was sutured up and healed well so the swan was successfully released. Fox release Horatio fox, who got his leg caught in wire and suffered multiple breaks trying to free himself, has recovered from a rear leg amputation and is being released as I write.

Feather transplant, short-eared owl, buzzard with burns and the swan who mistook a van bonnet

for water!

15

In February a team from the club went up to London to run in the English Cross Country A s s o c i a t i o n ' s n a t i o n a l competition at Parliament Hill. Races were run throughout the day for the different categories of entrant; Junior Girls, Junior Boys, Senior Women and Senior Men. (In this context

Senior means over twenty years old and not, as I had hoped, in the form of senior citizen). At the conclusion of the mens run, the final race of the day, all were given lapel pins with the association's logo and the wording '125th Anniversary National Finisher'. The girls did not get anything and there were some inquries as to the reasons for this. It transpired when an official was duly grilled, that it was only men who had been running for 125 years (in some cases it looked like it). Women, of course, would not have been expected to participate in anything as energetic as cross country running. Shows that not all change is bad! The event, as you may have gathered from the name, was a cross country race. Given that it was held in late February the weather gods were incredibly kind and allowed the sun to shine. As mentioned, the runs were split into various categories, unlike our local 53-12 league where only the juniors get segregated. And, unlike our league, there was a good turn out of seniors. For those who don't follow racing to any extent men become veterans at forty and women at thirty-five. (Who knows why there should be this difference imposed; women seem to live longer than men!). Best to draw something of a veil over the results but it was a great course and it was something to have competed in a national race. We consoled ourselves with the thought that it is the competing which counts. There was a large turn out of Bentley runners at the recently resurrected Colchester Half Marathon on Sunday 11th March. On this occasion, the second year it has been staged, the course came through the town centre. Runners from more distant parts were heard to gasp when they saw that they had to scale the giddy heights of North Hill. Try running in Scotland is all I can say. Again, the weather was kind and the race took place in sunshine. Despite the hills most of the Bentley runners achieved personal bests by way of finishing times for this 13.1 mile run. Perhaps they just rise to the challenge. To continue the good weather theme many will be aware that we managed to get our own half marathon off in sunshine on Sunday 18th March. A few of us went out and ran the course on the day before and it proved a rather damp and chilly experience! However, the morning of the run dawned fair and it remained so for the duration of the race. Not only were we able put the event on at last but runners and marshalls were not out in rain or freezing conditions. There was much positive feedback about the race: it is a flat course and it is

RUNNING CLUB reckoned to be a good one for runners who want to improve their times. Once again many thanks to all in Great Bentley for your patience. We do all in our power to minimise any impact on the village and hope that many of you enjoy the sight of hundreds of runners from far and wide charging around the area. Many of you turn out to cheer the competitors on and from the comments at the finish the runners greatly appreciate your vocal efforts. No records were broken on this occasion but it was great to see Helen Decker, a previous winner and a potential Olympian, charging about the course to shout support for her partner. It seemed to help as he came in towards the front of the field! In a few months time he could be cheering her as she runs for Great Britain! Paul Carlisle

BEST KEPT VILLAGE COMPETITION 2012

Last year the Village won yet again its much coveted Andrew Lewis Trophy when winning the Best Kept Village Competition in its category. We have again taken on the responsibility of looking to, hopefully, win the trophy again this year, and we would be very grateful if you could help us by keeping the village litter free and clean to give the judges the wow factor when first entering the village, as has been the case in previous years. One judge commented that he had never given the maximum10 points to any village, but he did to ours last year. Previously organisations and groups, 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 all please help again this year it would be greatly appreciated. The challenge is to keep the village clean and litter free with special emphasis from the end of April through to the end of June. We know the dog walkers are always very helpful all year round and we greatly appreciate their help. Meanwhile if you do see large amounts of litter and/or fly tipping that have occurred, could you please either contact the Village Caretaker, Bobby McWilliams Tel No 250732, or Bill Herbert Tel No.250115. Many thanks Lynda My contact details Tel No. 250732 e-mail lynda@boblyn.co.uk On behalf of the Best Kept Village Organising Committee Mick Dorling – Bill Herbert – Mary Maskell – Lynda McWilliams

QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION

Monday 4th June

“An afternoon and evening of entertainment for all residents of Great Bentley”

We are now at the stage where we would like to know how many residents wish to attend the seniors and childrens parties in the marquee. Seniors Party – 60 years and over

This will commence at approximately 1.45 pm after the official opening, and will end at approximately 3.00 pm. Entertainment will also be provided. Entry to the marquee is by ticket only with a nominal fee of £2; there will be 100 places available and tickets are available on a first come first served basis from the 1st May. The 28th May is the closing date as we need to know numbers for catering. Please ring Bev Adams; Telephone number 250724 for your tickets. Children’s Party – Age 3 up to Primary School year 6 This will start at approximately 3.30 pm and finish at approximately 5.00 pm. Entertainment will also be provided. Entry to the marquee is by ticket only with a nominal fee of £1; there will be 100 places available and tickets are available on a first come first served basis from 1st May. The 28th May is the closing date as we need to know numbers for catering. Please ring Bev Adams; Telephone number 250724 for your tickets. (Please note each child must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian) Book a Stall for your Village Organisation or Group Great Bentley History Society, Conservation Group and the Great Bentley Branch of the Conservative Association have already booked places for a stall on the Village Green to showcase their organisations on the afternoon of the Jubilee celebrations. If there are any other groups or organisations who wish to book a place could you please contact Bev Adams Tel No 250724 We would be really very grateful for more offers of help with setting up for the Jubilee on Sunday 3rd June, once the marquee is in place, and on Monday 4th June. If you are able to help could you please contact me, Lynda, contact details below. My apologies to Billie Soar; I mentioned last month that Chris Aplin was taking the lead with the WI for the senior’s party arrangements when in fact it is Billie; sorry Billie and thank you so much for your help. Many thanks Lynda McWilliams On behalf of the Parish Councils Queens Diamond Jubilee Working Party Contact details Tel No 01206 250732 or e-mail address lynda@boblyn.co.uk

16

Restaurant 43 Thank you to all of you who entered our competition to name the village restaurant. We were truly overwhelmed by the response after receiving over 300 competition entries. After much deliberation we are happy to announce that the winner is Mr David Evans with Restaurant 43. The reasoning behind the name is that the restaurant is situated on approximately 43 acres of village green which makes it the largest in Great Britain and

something which the village is famous for. We feel that this is an ingenious idea of incorporating the most important aspect of the village into our restaurant name. We also received suggestions from some of the children in our village which was a lovely surprise. These children have won our runners-up places and their prize can be collected from the restaurant between 09:00-16.00, Monday to Saturday. Prize winners are as follows: Archie Herbert, Oscar Herbert, William Black, Elizabeth Carter and Amelia Aplin. The Moorcroft Family

17

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN WINE? I have recently moved into Great Bentley and am keen to contribute to life in the village. How about a glass of wine? Are you intrigued? One of my personal passions is wine. As we all know many of us enjoy a glass of wine and I would like to have the opportunity to try to help you unravel the tidal wave of wine that appears on the shelves of our local wine shops and supermarkets. Having been involved one way or another with wine for almost 30 years I would like to share some of my wine experiences and knowledge in a fun and informative way. I thought in order to gauge interest and the direction to go in, it would be helpful if you could drop me an email. Then with a bit of luck we could form a wine tasting group that suits the majority. There are some gorgeous wines out there and I would like the opportunity to share them with you, pass on some knowledge, and learn some more together as a group. I hope to arrange a series of wine tastings for small or large groups. I am happy to put on a wine tasting event to raise money for local organisations and charities and can also advise on wines for special occasions. If you're interested please email me at zindhum@hotmail.com by the end of April: Your first name Email address Your favourite wine Just one thing (or more) you would like to know, understand or learn about wine In the meantime 2 very reasonably priced wines you may like to try..... Cypress White available from the Co-op. A lovely crisp and fresh wine at £4.99 Castillo d'Abilo Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon a Chilean wine available from Sainsbury's at £5.79. A soft spicy wine with juicy fruit. Superb value and very classy. This will impress your friends. Enjoy! I look forward to hearing from you. Colin

HOME WANTED

Two sisters, Fidget and Thumper are at war. They have to be separated as they

no longer live happily together. If anybody would like to give either of them a good, loving

home please call Donna 07946 850029.

By the way they are rabbits!!

CLACTON INDOOR 5 A SIDE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

Many congratulations to the girls of Great Bentley Primary School; Danielle Knappett, Libby Conway, Emily

Gibbs, Leah Bass, Georgina Murray and Brooke Buxton for getting through to the FINAL of the Clacton Indoor 5 a side Football Tournament. You all played superbly and held your nerve particularly in the semi-final, which saw you all having to take part in a penalty shoot out against Alton Park School. Thankfully, we saw Leah poised in goal, making a great save and all of you managed to score your penalty shot, taking you through to the final. Unfortunately, we lost out to Holland Park who made the final score 1-0 in their favour. However, we came away with the Runner-Up trophy, which is a great achievement and you should all feel very proud of yourselves.

WORDS Slates, chalk and pen Words written then In ink a flowing line Copper plate style, oh so fine Upright, formal, to be seen. Characteristic style now hidden Except to my love, hand written. Ink blots no more Computer typed, perfect can be sure Copies no longer by hand Copying machined now throughout the land Power with my finger, I control Words, I am the Editor, personal. D. Gibbs

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WE NEED TWO/THREE YOUTH CLUB VOLUNTEERS TO TAKE OVER THE SUCCESSFUL GREAT BENTLEY YOUTH CLUB

Both Sue Lee and myself have enjoyed running the Great Bentley Youth Club on Thursday evenings for over 4 years now, however it is time for us to pass this over to another couple of dedicated mums OR dads. Robert Taylor will continue as Treasurer for the club. Everything is set up for the club to continue running as smoothly as it has done for the last few years so all it entails is two and a half hours every fortnight to be in the kitchen to serve tuck and ensure the safety of the students who are enjoying a game of table tennis, table football, pool or soft ball…simple! Sue and I will be stepping down at the end of April as we have now taken over Wednesday night Badminton Club and joined the Cricket Committee, so please, please consider taking over from us as the students really enjoy themselves and new members will be joining from September when they commence Secondary School. Please contact Sue Warder 250713 for further details as soon as possible, thank you. Youth Club meets on Thursday 19th April.

….there’s carpet bowls too! There is a group of people in Great Bentley who have, it is calculated, over the past ten years or so, raised in excess of £35,000 for charitable good causes: the Essex Air Ambulance; wildlife organisations; cancer charities; and other causes which benefit the community as a whole. Devised and organised for most of this time by Great Bentley native, Harold Wagstaff, the means by which this has been achieved is the organising and playing of carpet bowls’ matches, usually comprising at least twenty competing teams, playing on five mats, along with bowls and all necessary equipment supplied by the village team, at Great Bentley Village Hall. These matches normally take place on Sundays, between 10 am - 4.45pm, and food and refreshments are available for purchase, at very modest prices, during the entire day. Trophies or prizes, are awarded to the winners and runners-up, together with a groaning table of some very attractive raffle prizes. Raising so much money for charity is essentially a very welcome by-product of the main activity – playing carpet bowls. Each Friday evening, between 7.00 - 7.30pm, club members gather at Great Bentley Village Hall. The ages range from 13 to the late eighties, roughly split equally between male and female. Some are very fit, most not so fit and some not fit at all. Not all come from Great Bentley; they also hail from Wivenhoe, Weeley, St Osyth, Brightlingsea, Thorrington, Dovercourt and Colchester joining the locals from Great Bentley. During the winter season they regularly play matches against other village teams, both at home and away, after which much delicious food is consumed with copious amounts of tea and coffee. It’s an unrivalled way to get to know other people in surrounding villages in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Carpet bowls requires no previous or special bowling experience. Expertise is acquired over time and by actually playing at the weekly gathering. All equipment, bar team shirts, is supplied and maintained by the club free of charge. Weekly subscriptions, principally to meet the costs of hiring the hall, are a modest £2.50, which also entitle members to mid evening tea and bickies. The emphasis is on friendship and companionship and a week never goes by without uproarious laughter during some stage of the proceedings. We are happy people who enjoy each others’ company. The club currently has vacancies for several more members. Why not come along and give it a try? You might be surprised at how enjoyable it is. Contact David, on 01206 250 504, or Teresa, on 01255 821 297. Or, just come along.

FOR FREE

I have a quantity of plastic flower pots of various sizes for any eager gardeners. Please ring 250 808

We wish Mr & Mrs Cheung from the

China Palace a very Happy Retirement

and welcome the new family who have taken over

Menu the same, Meals delicious.

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BRIGHTLINGSEA/POINT CLEAR/EAST MERSEA FOOT FERRY

GREAT BENTLEY SHOW. The rain came and came again and again………but it would be a brave soul who said we did not need it! This is the time for rain, great for the farming community, great for the gardeners and the horticulturists, a relief for the water companies and good for the show! We need the rain to help grow all those magnificent flowers, plants and garden produce which are the centerpiece attraction in the Show Marquee. The Show Committee meeting in February confirmed that everything was well in hand for this year’s show. A few innovations were discussed and will be considered at the next meeting. The one which caught my attention was an idea to involve the Great Bentley allotment gardeners, but more of that at a later date. The schedules are out and about, well done Wyn! The early bird does catch the worm ! ….Wyn has confirmed this for year after year resulting in consistently high entries for all sections of the show. However there is still plenty of time to get a schedule and enter so get with it! Our village show is well respected and sets a high standard envied by many other organisations .The committee strive to maintain and perhaps improve on this to ensure a good Show, however new ideas and are always welcome so why not let the committee hear about your idea. Ben Harris. Hon.Press officer.

GREAT BENTLEY CONSERVATIVES

Revellers in various shades of green were to be seen at our St. Patrick’s Day Party on Saturday 17th March and even a couple of (giant) leprechauns in enormous hats and a ginger beard made an appearance! After a meal of beef in Guinness and treacle sponge and custard followed by coffee and mints with a tot, we were well-entertained by Sue and Tracey, two members of local band Traxz, and Luke Edwards followed the family tradition to host an Irish-themed quiz. Our MP Bernard Jenkin joined Traxz to give us a rendition of Danny Boy and we’re pleased to report that accession to the Lords has not gone to the head of his wife Anne - now Baroness Jenkin of Kennington - as she still managed to find her way to the kitchen to help with a bit of washing up. Thanks to all who attended - especially members of the Drama Group who really entered into the “spirit” of the occasion…. As sometimes happens, we were over-subscribed; apologies to those who failed to get tickets. We’re pleased to confirm that the venue for our forthcoming Garden Party on Sunday 10th June has now been confirmed. It will take place at Poplars on the Green adjacent to the Surgery, courtesy of Michael and Sally Hicks. It’s going to be a busy summer in the village so keep the date free. Don’t forget also to mark up your diary with another important social date: the Country Barn Dance on Saturday 21st July at Coppice Farm. More details later – but you need to start contacting friends now to get your party together for this big village event. We look forward to seeing you. Pam Stephens - Secretary, Great Bentley Conservatives Coppice Farm, Wick Road, Great Bentley, CO7 8QZ Tel: 01255-831567 E-mail: coppice_farm@hotmail.com

The Brightlingsea/Point Clear/East Mersea Foot Ferry starts its ninth season on 31st March 2012, providing ease of access between the three communities for both local people and visitors to the area. The Ferry provides not only a means of crossing the creek, but opens up opportunities to explore the vast number of attractions and facilities the area has to offer. You can visit the historic town of Brightlingsea and discover its long heritage, friendly town centre shops and eating places, or enjoy the busy waterfront and ‘Blue Flag’ beach. Alternatively you can visit Cudmore Grove Country Park and beyond at East Mersea, or visit the Aviation Museum, housed in a Martello Tower at Point Clear, which is approximately two miles from the historic village of St Osyth. Ferry trip timetables are available from local shops, Tourist Information Centres, Libraries and various other outlets in the region. Further details are available on the Brightlingsea Ferry Website wwwbrightlingseaharbour.org or the Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners on 01206 302200.

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 Chicken Casserole with tasty dumplings April is a busy month with Easter coming up and what you need is a really easy one pot wonder. It can be prepared in advance and then popped in the oven an hour before it is required. It will give you four generous portions or can easily be doubled, It uses supermarket ingredients and is a really cheap way to feed a family it also freezes well for use later so all ways round it’s a winner

Ingredients A whole chicken, jointed Olive Oil, 1 onion, chopped 2 carrots, sliced 2 sticks celery, chopped 1 parsnip, sliced 1 leek, chopped 2 rashers bacon, chopped 1 tin butter beans 2 bay leaves 2 tomatoes cut into chunks 1 pint chicken stock (knorr chicken stock from the supermarket works well) To make the dumplings 50 g suet 75g self raising flour 50g sage and onion stuffing mix Cold water to bind Method To make the dumplings: Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl, and then just add enough cold water to bind it all together. Form into golf ball size balls and set aside. To prepare the casserole: In a large frying pan, gently cook the onion, celery, leek, parsnip, carrot and bacon in a little olive oil, you are looking to soften the vegetables without colouring them and it should take about 5 minutes While the veg is cooking prepare the chicken pieces, cut the legs into two, and cut the breasts into two crossways, remove all the skin from the pieces. The vegetables and bacon will now be ready to be tipped into a large casserole dish. Without wiping the frying pan add a little more oil and fry the chicken pieces four at a time on a medium high heat until they are brown all over, finally add them to the casserole dish. Make up the chicken stock, add this to the casserole with the butter beans, bay leaves, and tomato and stir together. Cover with the lid and cook in the oven for 1 hour at 160C or gas 6, add the dumplings to the dish after 30 minutes. Goes well with mash, roast or rice Dates for your diary 4th April The Pudding Club Choice of three mains and as many desserts as you can eat only £15.00

18th April Gourmet Dinner and Wine tasting A chance to indulge the taste buds, with a Spanish themed three course dinner and wine chosen to match each course. Our wine expert, from Grape Passions, will be on hand to explain the wines and Philip will give tips and inside knowledge to the dishes he has selected. £35.00 inclusive of dinner and a glass of wine with each course

COOKERY CORNER

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ANSWERS TO MARCH QUIZ 1. Portsmouth: 2. Westminster Abbey in Poets’ Corner: 3. Our Mutual Friend: 4. Wilkins: 5. W.C.Fields 6. Paris and London: 7. David Copperfield: 8. Beadle, Blacksmith, Barrister, Headmaster, Theatrical Manager 9. Oliver Twist. Great Expectations. A Tale of Two Cities. Nicholas Nickleby. 10. Four: 11. Charles Dickens’ own pen name: 12. Coketown: 13. Magwitch: 14. Oliver Twist (Bill Sikes’ dog): 15. Prince Charles: 16. A Christmas Carol: 17. Aunt: 18. Gordon Riots: 19. Gillian Anderson: 20. 1870:

The Easter Chocolate Hunt!

To help get you in the mood for eating all those Easter Eggs, here are clues to some well- known chocolate treats. Brackets indicate number of letters, e.g. 10 cents (4)………DIME  1. Fun in Istanbul (7,7)…………………………………………………. 2. 100% precious metal (3,4)………………………………………… 3. Clever sweets (8)………………………………………………………… 4. Edible fasteners (9,7)………………………………………………… 5. A shock for German children (6,8)…………………………. 6. A dairy path (5,3)………………………………………………………… 7. Nine onwards (5,5)……………………………………………………… 8. Big bus (6,6)…………………………………………………………………. 9. High-class thoroughfare (7,6)…………………………………. 10. Short break in play (4,3)…………………………………………. 11. Laid by a tiny bird (4,4)…………………………………………… 12. Could be a cattle crate (5,3)…………………………………… 13. Mother’s local (4,3)…………………………………………………… 14. Current subject (5)……………………………………………………. 15. Beats a nut (6,4)…………………………………………………………. 16. Lots of parties (12)…………………………………………………… 17. Dating service (11)…………………………………………………….. 18. Small dog (6)………………………………………………………………. 19. No need to shout (5)…………………………………………………. 20. Give us a ………? (5)……………………………………………………..

THE WINNER OF LAST

MONTH’S QUIZ IS

Rita & Ken Sharpe

Clacton Road Thorrington

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NIGHTINGALE SURVEY

Nightingales should be returning to their haunts in SE England from mid-April onwards and this year a national survey is to be carried out by the British Trust for Ornithology. Their records suggest that there has been a 50% decline in numbers in recent years so the aim is to carry out a comprehensive survey which will enable a comparison to be made with the 1999 survey when 402 singing males were recorded in Essex, representing 9% of the national total in that year. Many of these were in the north-east of the county. I am hoping to get as many of the local sites that have recently held Nightingales checked is possible but would appreciate it if any readers who hear one during April and May could supply me with details. Simon Cox simonandpat.cox@btinternet.com or 01255 820749

CALENDAR GIRLS

You will all be aware of the extraordinary group of women, members of a very ordinary Yorkshire WI, who in 1999 sparked a global phenomenon by persuading one another to pose for a charity calendar with a difference. In 2003 the film was released and was an instant box office smash hit followed by the hugely successful professional stage play in 2008, selling out at every theatre across the country as well as a year in the London West End. Now it’s the amateur’s chance to shine; it’s your turn, have you got the bare faced cheek or should that be the bare cheek face!! Bentley Amateur Repertoire Ensemble in conjunction with the Broadcasting in Tendring Society is considering a production of Calendar Girls in September 2012. As there is a large cast of 10 female and 4 male characters, we will be short of some, to put it delicately, assets!! We will need some budding actors who can cast off their inhibitions, amongst other things and perform on the stage as Miss September – or pick your own month!! We are looking for ladies who can sing Jerusalem and knit or make jam or bake large buns, acting experience is desirable but not essential, it is taking the brave move for a part that is important. Similarly, if you have seen the show you will know any age and/or any shape will fill the roles required. Men should be able to operate a camera. Now it is your chance to be part of this phenomenal success story. J.T.

HOSPICE CAKES

Date for your diary

The WI will be collecting cakes for St Helena’s Hospice on two dates in May as follows: Monday 14th May at New May House (Chris) between 09.00 and 12.00 and Thursday 17th May at 68 Birch Avenue, (Sylvia) between 09.00 and 12.00. Thanking you all in anticipation – you’re wonderful!!

BENTLEY GREEN PLAYERS

Present the comedy

“WIFE AFTER DEATH”

by Eric Chappell

Directed by Michael Poole

to be held at The Methodist Church Hall

Great Bentley

on Thursday 17th Friday 18th and

Saturday 19th May 2012

Tickets available from the 24th April at the Post Office priced £6 each

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd

CLUBS & ORGANISATIONS

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GARDENING CLUB SPRING SHOW

& SOCIAL EVENING

Tuesday 17th April

Staging entries 7pm to be

completed by 7.45pm

No entries accepted after 7.45pm

EVERGREEN FRIENDSHIP CLUB

On a rainy afternoon in February we welcomed Ann, Eileen and Margaret as new members to our club, whom we hope will be very happy joining our band of Friends. Our guest presenter was Mr Barry Kauffmann-Wright who is not only a very entertaining and knowledgeable speaker but also an accomplished photographer. We were therefore treated to a most interesting and enjoyable slide show called Wildlife in the Garden. We saw a variety of pictures of flora and fauna whom are welcome in our gardens, but one or two we would rather not have as visitors. At the end of the presentation Barry made one request, that we encourage butterflies to our gardens by growing some nettles. These can be planted in pots to avoid them taking over our land. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday April 25th and will be the AGM when our annual subscription of £10.00 will be due. This will be followed by a presentation called “Sea life through a lens” given by Lydia Vulliamy. Our competition will be 'An article made from shells'

HISTORY SOCIETY

Thursday 12th April

Dorothy Howe

The River Stour Trust

Village Hall, 8pm

WI Our speaker in March was Ian Kirby, a City of London Guide who re-trained as an Olympic Guide. Ian gave us an interesting and informative account using a powerpoint presentation of the history of the Olympic Games which he starting off by telling us that the first Olympics in 1623 was called Cotswold Olimpicks (spelling correct) and taking us right up to 2012 Games here in London. He explained the mascots’ origins – Much “Wenlock” in Shropshire which was the town which sparked the revival of the modern Olympics and “Mandeville” was named after Stoke Mandeville Hospital in honour of the Para Olympics. He also told us about the failures and successes of the Games over the years and that this Olympics is the third one in England as we hosted others in 1908 and in 1948. The 1948 games was nicknamed the ‘Austerity Games’ as the people of Britain were still rationed. Consequently, the athletes were allowed more rations but what a great achievement to pull off so close to the end of the war!! He showed pictures of the site of 2012 and all the arenas in the Olympic city and included other views around Stratford which has had enormous changes in land development, transport services and tourism. Our next meeting on 3rd April is entitled Wildlife in the Garden by Barry Kaufmann-Wright. This will commence at 7.30pm in the Village Hall and visitors are most welcome to attend. Reminder to Members: Please don’t forget Hospice cakes on 14th and 17th May – see advertisement on page 22. Thanks – LH.

ART CLUB Tues 10th April

Demonstration. Geoff Thorpe

Tues 24th

April Paint along with Cliff

ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST

Sunday 15th April 11am to 4pm

Open Day & Plant Sale Barnes Spinney

Hall Lane, Walton

Sunday 29th April Bluebell Day

11am to 4pm Weeleyhall Wood, Weeley

CHILDREN’S PAGE

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GREAT BENTLEY PARISH COUNCIL Highways We have received a response from the MP Bernard Jenkin regards the A133 Heckfords Road/Shair Lane junctions. He has had a response from Highways that unfortunately states the junctions are not in need of alteration as the accidents that have occurred do not form a pattern that identifies a specific need. This is very disappointing and although not unexpected we had hoped for more. We will continue to pursue this matter as best as we can. Car Park It has now been confirmed that the Parish Council were not successful in securing funds for the car park from the Big Society Fund application we made last year. This is disappointing but it does mean we are now in a position to move forward with an action plan to get the car park up and running. We are looking for any support we can get and would welcome input from the public in how best to make the car park work for the village. Please do get in touch with me if you have any ideas or suggestions!! The purpose of the car park is to alleviate the congestion in Plough Road which affects everyone, so hopefully everyone will have their say!! Southside Football Pitch Repairs – Please Respond! Nothing received yet!  The Football Club presented the following report at February’s Parish Council Meeting for Members to consider. Great Bentley Football Club have engaged 2 experts to review and recommend a course of action to address the need to make the area of the Southside of the green a safe useable pitch for adult and youth football. The experts consulted include: LJR Edwards Sportsturf Management Mumby Turf Management (based in Peterborough) The recommendations are: · The whole of the playing surface is addressed · Top surface is burnt off using suitable chemicals · The turf is then removed · The surface is rotovated · In one case the recommendation is for stones to be buried · Surface levelled (both consultants indicated that no additional top soil would be needed) · Raked · Rolled · Seeded. This approach has been proved to be effective and, with the advancement in grass seed technology, it has been proven at Brightlingsea Regent Football Club’s ground that it is possible for the ground to be suitable for use within 2 – 3 months. However whilst the plan was to propose starting the work in March, the football club are sensitive to the timing of village events. Given the Jubilee celebrations are at the beginning of June and that no contractor is willing to guarantee the grass will be to the high standard expected by then, it is proposed the work is delayed until Spring 2013. If anyone has any comments on this proposal – which is at the consultation stage and has NOT been approved – then please send IN WRITING via EMAIL if possible to the Clerk who will collate all responses for discussion at a future Parish Council. The deadline for responses is 1st August 2012. The full cost of these works is to be met by the Football Club and their intention is that it will create a level playing and walking area for everyone in the village to enjoy as well as the visitors to the Carnival and Bentley Show. Skate Ramp The Council has been approached by several of the youngsters in the village with a request for a Skate Ramp for scooters and skateboards etc. The problem with this has always been finding land. The village Green is common land and we cannot put any permanent structures on it so, I would be very pleased to hear from the youngsters as to what sort of equipment they would like to have in the village and then I can look at costings, grant funding and most importantly, what land is available!! There must be a need for it to warrant all the planning and preparation so please ask your youngster to get involved and get in touch!! Green Boxes Still some in stock at the moment! The recycling collections are changing so please keep an eye on notice boards and of course the Parish Magazine for further details. Parking on Public Areas of Green Residents are asked NOT to park their vehicles on areas of Green intended for pedestrian use only. On the estates we have received complaints that where children usually play cars are now parked. This is not acceptable and the Parish Council will report any further parking on these areas to the Police with photos. Forthcoming Meetings Thursday 5th April 7.00pm – Village Hall – Planning Committee and Full Council Resource Centre Opening Times Thursday 5th April 3.00pm – 5.00pm: Tuesday 10th April 10.30am – 12.30pm w/c Monday 16th CLOSED ALL WEEK Wednesday 25th April 9.30am – 11.30am Thursday 3rd May 9.30am – 11.30am Other times leave a message on the answer-phone at the resource centre (01206 256410). Email clerk@greatbentleyparishcouncil.co.uk (both checked regularly). I will contact you as soon as possible. It can also be arranged to view plans, collect green bins etc by appointment with the Clerk. Kate Mayhew Clerk to Great Bentley Parish Council

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VILLAGE EVENTS IN 2012 May 12th Plant Sale in Aid of St Helena Hospice 19th St Mary’s Church May Fayre

June 4th Village Celebration for Diamond Jubilee 10th Garden Party at the Poplars 23rd Football Club Casino Night 30th Great Bentley Carnival July 7th Garage Sale 21st Country Barn Dance

August 4th Grand Garage Sale Trail, phone 01255 820374 for details

September 1st Village Show 8th/9th St Mary’s Church Flower Festival Art Exhibition

October 13th RBL Tabletop Sale, 01255 820374

December 8th/9th St Mary’s Church Christmas Tree Festival

BUS SERVICES

We are asked to point out that Go Ride Bus Services ARE STILL PROVIDING A BUS SERVICE TO CLACTON. Times for Great Bentley Tuesdays and Thursdays only (except Public Holidays) To Clacton De Vere Estate 11.11 Station 11.15 Aingers Green 11.17 Bentley Country Park 11.21 From Clacton Pier Avenue 14.30 Request stop for Great Bentley Saturdays only (except Public Holidays) To Clacton De Vere Estate 9.20 Station 9.24 Aingers Green 9.27 From Clacton Pier Avenue 12.10 and 15.10 Request stop for Great Bentley

St Helena Hospice Midnight Walk

Ladies… walk this way! St Helena Hospice is delighted to announce that their fourth Midnight Walk will take place on Saturday 9 June. The ladies-only event will commence at midnight when 2,000 ladies will start their walk through Colchester. The Midnight Walk will start and finish at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, the home of Colchester United and walkers will follow a circular route of 12km (7.5 miles). This year, the walk will be slightly different as the route will be reversed! Registration for the walk is just £15 and each lady will receive an official Midnight Walk t-shirt, along with an event pack containing helpful information and fundraising tips. Whilst this is a ladies-only walk there is definitely a part for men to play. The Midnight Walk team needs lots of men to volunteer their support to come along on the night and help in as many ways as possible. There’s of course no exclusion of female volunteers, so those who don’t want to walk on the night but would like to volunteer are welcome too! The event is set to be a sell out and places are limited, so we would certainly recommend getting your place reserved as soon as possible. For more information about the Midnight Walk: Call: 01206 791740 Email: midnightwalk@sthelenahospice.org.uk Visit: www.colchestermidnightwalk.co.uk

LETTER TO THE EDITOR As previously reported the No 79 service run by Horizon Travel from Great Bentley to Clacton has ceased and this is still the case. It would appear that a subsidised service is now being run by GO Ride. However I had not been informed and neither do I have a Timetable; if a regular Clacton user has a timetable please can I have a copy, then we can all benefit from the information. Petrol prices have gone up again and we are now paying approximately £6.30 a gallon. If you do the sums for a car that averages 32 miles to the gallon, a round trip to Colchester would cost about £3.15, plus the car parking fee of say £3.50 a total of £6.65. By using the No 77 service even at £2.50 return it is still cheaper for two than it is by car!! I am also trying to find out why the Railway Barriers didn’t open for 21 minutes on Tuesday 13th March in the evening, having allowed one train to pass through. I am not having a great deal of success, ‘trying to nail jelly to the wall’ and ‘stirring treacle’ spring to mind!! But if you have had a similar experience of a lengthy delay please let me know. Peter Harry Your wish is granted, thanks to Jill Finbow. Bus users may like to cut out the timetable printed below.

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GREAT BENTLEY CRICKET CLUB

OPEN DAY SATURDAY 14TH APRIL

Great Bentley Cricket Club is hosting an Open Day for membership renewal on Saturday 14th April. The day will commence with a Dads versus Lads cricket match starting at 2.00pm followed by the outstanding Award Presentations for the 2011 Season with the Colts U15’s presentations at 6.00pm with the Men’s presentations starting at 7.30pm. The bar will be open throughout from 2.00pm. together with an all day Bar-B-Que. In the evening there will be a ‘Happy Hour’ from 8.00 – 9.00pm at the Bar followed by a Karaoke. NEW MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME. Even if you do not play cricket there is a very welcoming social side to the club, so please come along and support your local Cricket Club. Membership’s subscriptions for this year are: - Player member £25.00, Social Member £5.00, Family Social membership £10.00 and Colts £2.00 per child For more information please contact Lillian on 01206 250958 The Cricket Club is also organising weekly Kwik Cricket Training for the younger boys and girls up to the age of 10. This will commence on Friday 20th April at 6.30pm and will finish at 7.45pm. Please note numbers will be restricted, full details available at the Open Day.

GREEN WASTE RECYCLING & COLLECTION SERVICE

“Do you have a lot of garden waste that

you want to recycle?”

EWD Ltd has the solution. Try our new GREEN waste collection service. All you have to do is follow these simple steps and we will make recylcing your waste simple, quick and problem free. We’ll supply you with biodegradable green waste bags for you to fill up. Green waste is 100% recyclable and even the bags will decompose to form part of the final product! To purchase green waste bags visit our website at www.easternwastedisposal.co.uk. Click on BUY BAGS NOW which will take you to our easy to use online booking system where you can purchase bags in packs of 10 or 20. The bags will be delivered to your address, arriving within 7 to 10 days. You can put all GREEN waste into the bags such as grass cuttings, leaves, prunings, trimmings, small branches, flowers, bark, weeds, straw, small shrubs, real Christmas trees or just about any ‘green’ garden waste. Once you have filled your bags with green waste contact us to arrange a collection. We will tell you when to put your bags out for our collection vehicle. The bags will need tying in the same way that you tie your black bag household refuse, by crossing the top of the bag over to form a knot. Never use string, wire or tape to tie the bags as this will not decompose. The full bags will need to be placed outside your property so we have easy access for collection. When you run out of bags, simply re-visit our website to place your next order. Please see our full terms and conditions on our website. Tel: 01206 30 70 70. Morses Lane Industrial Estate, Brightlingsea. email: info@ewdmail.co.uk website: www.easternwastedisposal.co.uk

STUDENT WHO OBTAINED 0% ON AN EXAM!

Q. In which year did Napoleon die? A. His last battle. Q. Where was the Declaration of

Independence signed? A. At the bottom of the page. Q. River Ravi flows in which state? A. Liquid. Q. What is the main reason for divorce? A. Marriage. Q. What is the main reason for failure? A. Exams. Q. What can you never eat for breakfast? A. Lunch and dinner. Q. What looks like half an apple? A. The other half. Q. If you throw a red stone into the blue sea what will it become? A. It will simply become wet.

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Seeing the imposing front of the British Museum on our advertisement for the society’s March presentation reminded me of my first visit there as a 12 year old. Its austere style was rather a disappointment to a youngster after the visitor friendly Science and Natural History Museums of South Kensington. How different it was last year when our local WEA and History groups visited. It proved, therefore, of great interest that local Clacton historian, Norman Jacobs, was able to give us a behind the scenes picture of the renowned establishment, and the way it has developed over the many years since its inception. Norman is clearly someone exceptionally qualified to give such a portrait as he spent his whole working career of 37 years in a wide range of positions at the museum. Having retired now, he has published a book which is on the one hand a history of the world renowned museum, but also, more unusually, a personalised recollection of his life there and the wide variety of people with whom he came into contact. Strangely, there was a common strand to these two aspects of his talk for both sides seemed to be characterised by the eccentricity of so many of those involved. An Act of Parliament had set up the notion of the museum based on the will of Sir Hans Sloane a naturalist with a huge collection of objects that he bequeathed to the nation. The building purchased in 1753 to house the newly conceived museum was Montagu House in Bloomsbury, though an interesting alternative that was considered was the building now called Buckingham Palace (but that, Norman remarked, had instead found a somewhat different use). After a fire in the early 1700s Montagu House and Gardens had been rebuilt in the magnificent manner of the palace of Versailles; but by the 1740s had suffered such neglect that it was abandoned and remained empty for some years. At first, in 1757, the museum consisted simply of tickets to walk in the improved grounds. It was two years before entrants were allowed into the museum house itself, which had begun building its collection of interesting objects. Its first principal librarian was Gowin Knight, a successful physicist, who held the post until 1772. The rivalry between those to follow illustrates the strong element of eccentricity. For example, Sir Matthew Maty, the next principal, referred to his rival Charles Morton as “a … dog. I’d throw him in the Thames”. Passions clearly ran high. The museum was open at this time to anyone “of a curious and enquiring mind”. Huge changes were gradually made to the collection, and indeed complaints were received from neighbours about the burning of disposed items. By 1810 it had 120 visitors a day, which contrasts hugely with the 10,000 sometimes achieved now. Looked upon as its most successful principal, was an Italian, Sir Anthony Panizzi, who developed all aspects of the place. Much objection arose to the idea of allowing entrance to “the working classes”; but this battle was ultimately won. The next great innovation was the round reading room for which the B.M. is so renowned. This is an appropriate point at which to move to our speaker’s career. In 1967 Norman began work there as a humble assistant to the Clerk of Stationery. But his next step was to the Readers’ Ticket office and thus the connection with the Reading Room, where so many famous writers and thinkers have carried out their research. Here Norman took us among his varied colleagues, many of them very long

HISTORY SOCIETY “Behind the Colonnade”

Thirty-seven years at the British Museum

serving. One eccentric he introduced was an Elizabeth Macdonald who had started there in 1929 and was still there when he came in 1967. She was famous for always being in red shorts and plimsolls, and always first there every morning. When suffering ill-health she was visited by colleagues; her home fridge was found to be loaded with great quantities of sausages: she had apparently made a study that convinced her that sausages represented the ultimate perfection as nutritious food. His two immediate colleagues at this time represented the absolute opposites in their approach to work: the one, Jack, was very matter of fact and commonplace in attitude; the other, Bernard, aloof and self-important, allowing himself to be thought of much higher status than was true – even to the extent of letting people believe he was the Principal. The “Banned Readers” record book was an interesting revelation in this office. Reasons for banning included lunacy, criminal record, imprisonment for conspiracy, uncleanliness, and the most interestingly mysterious – “strange behaviour at Kings Lynn”. In relation to well-known people, Norman remembered particularly Terence Stamp and Bamber Gascoigne, but more memorably he recalls, after a particularly fraught meeting one suspects, the Archbishop of Canterbury burst out, tugging at doors and exclaiming “How do I get out of here!” One especially noteworthy secret, too, that Norman revealed here occurred on the occasion of a visit by the Prince of Wales. He was issued with a reader’s ticket but failed to initial for its receipt. So that the record be kept straight, Norman confesses that he “forged” the required initial! Norman’s career was wide and successful, particularly his work in the Dept of Mediaeval & Late Antiquities. He remembers the huge crowds for the Tutankhamun exhibition, with early morning queues all round the building, and the irony of people being able to walk straight in in the afternoon. The detailed life of the museum and the foibles of the personnel who worked there are too wide for this article but they made most amusing material for the talk and later discussion. The levels of security with helicopters and armed guards for the visit of President G W Bush showed how varied the work was. Norman confessed that the later years became less attractive when financial considerations forced the need for concentration on fund raising and sponsorship rather than the academic work of the departments. Marketing had become the key. Notwithstanding these later reservations, one could not do other than conclude that Norman had conveyed an over-riding sense of pleasure, indeed privilege, at having had such an enjoyable career in such a famous and rewarding place.

******************** Next month’s meeting is on Thursday April 12th when our speaker will be Dorothy Howe. Her subject will be “The River Stour Trust”. Visitors are most welcome and free tea and biscuits will be served at the interval.

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History Society Jubilee Exhibition Can you provide any memories?

In a review I was asked to write of a book of the war memories of people now living in Gt. Dunmow, I made the point that it did not matter that the writers were not all living in that town during the war. Local history, I suggested, consists of the totality of experience of all the inhabitants of a town or village at any one moment in time. So my experience of the death of George VI, the accession to the throne of Elizabeth II and her subsequent Coronation seen from the perspective of where I was at the time, will be different from that of others who lived elsewhere. Among other things that the Gt. Bentley History Society would like to do in this Jubilee Year is to gather the recollections of the events of 1952/3 from any of you living here now. We would hope to be able to create a book of such memories which will give a snapshot of that moment in time viewed from all our different perspectives. In order to help people interested, I have written below a short piece that describes what I recall of one aspect of the time. You may wish to use it as an example of the type of thing you might write. Alternatively, you may wish to do it in a totally different way – a poem perhaps? It is funny how a story runs around a school grapevine. You don’t know where it starts, it spreads so quickly and you’ve no idea if it’s true. Therefore, when the news that “the King has died” went round my east London secondary school playground, there was for a short while the thought that it was just a rumour. For that reason probably, one of the more adventurous pupils skipped out of school and went down to the news vendor at the nearby Mile End Station to get an evening paper. It confirmed the story, as did the Headmaster when we were called to an assembly later that afternoon before being sent home. I have recently been able to acquire an original copy of the London “Evening News for that afternoon - Wednesday 6th February, 1952 - where the stark headline is exactly as I recall it:

THE KING DIES IN HIS SLEEP AT SANDRINGHAM

A recollection of this length, highlighting just a single aspect of the time will be very acceptable; though you may, of course, write at any length you wish. The important thing is that we have your contribution, typed or handwritten. You may e-mail them to me at: Rallington08@aol.com or contact Barbara Tricker on 250145 or me, Reg Allington, on 250773, so that we can arrange to pick them up.

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A FEW NOTES FROM YOUR DISTRICT COUNCILLOR Activities for Youngsters over Easter Tendring District Council has planned many activities for young people across the District over the Easter Holiday period, from 2nd April until 13th April. Colchester United will again be running Mini Kickers and Strikers Camp at Clacton Leisure Centre and the Colne Football Academy will be hosting sessions at Brightlingsea Sports Centre. Harwich Sports Centre will be providing mini squash, crazy cricket, trampolining and Olympic fun; Manningtree Sports Centre is the venue providing amongst other activities roller disco, wall climbing, fun cycle skills and mini tennis. Clacton, Frinton and Walton and Dovercourt swimming pools will provide their own activity lists. You can just go along to the facility to register, although in some cases you may need to book. For more information please go to TDC’s website www.tendringdc.gov.uk Foster Carers for Unwanted Dogs

I mentioned at the last Parish Council meeting how there had been a large increase in the number of dogs that had been abandoned in the District and how sadly 13 dogs had needed to be put down, one for welfare reasons, two due to their aggressive nature, but the other 10 were unwanted with no facilities available to temporarily home them. Due to this fact and that the vast number of dogs have nothing wrong with them, the TDC Dog Wardens put out a plea for help asking if members of the public would be prepared to foster the abandoned dogs until homes could be found for them.

Since the press release asking for help volunteers have come forward, but I am sure more people are needed and if you are interested and able to help please contact TDC’s Dog Warden Service on 01255 686766 Helping Youngsters to a Positive Future Tendring District Council is taking part in a new pilot project aimed at helping primary school children to focus on a positive future. TDC, Essex County Council and Coast-ed (which interestingly is a company based at Northgate House on the Plough Road Centre) are working jointly on the scheme. Coast-ed has secured funding for people to become role models and to go into the schools for four half day sessions in the summer term. They will work with teachers on the basic numeracy and literacy curriculum as well as talk about their job and explain what skills they need in their employment. The pilot is involving three primary schools within Tendring and the idea is to expand to other schools in the future. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns; I am always very pleased to help and hear from you. Cllr. Lynda McWilliams e-mail address Great Bentley Ward Councillor lynda@boblyn.co.uk TDC Cabinet Member for Telephone Number Customer and Central Services 01206 250732

CHANGES IN ESSEX POLICING

Essex police have bought in some changes about how your local policing works. Thankfully your neighbourhood policing teams remain. If you have any issues/queries then please speak to one of your local officers. Visit the Essex police website and click on your local area. You will find us there. If you have any issues then all we ask is for you to inform us of them. This way we can work with you and the rest of the community to ensure your area is a safe place to live. Your local team is now stationed at Brightlingsea and the team has increased in number so that we can always help you. We are dedicated to tackling anti social behaviour in whatever form it takes and reducing crime, or better still preventing it. With the community’s help, this can be achieved. Hopefully you will start to see a visible presence more often in your area, if you don’t then please let us know. Also, if you know of any areas that are suffering from any form of anti social behaviour please let us know. PC 2176 Dan Heard (Dedicated Neighbourhood Constable) 07967 466876

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Great Bentley Pre-school www.greatbentleyschool.co.uk

Firstly we would like to welcome Esme to our setting. We hope you have a wonderful and enjoyable experience within our Pre-school and look forward to working with you and your family. When we return this month after the Easter break our theme will continue with ‘Nursery Rhymes’. This will also include classic stories like ‘The Three Little Pigs’ and ‘The Gingerbread Man’. Easter Bonnet Parade and Service As this is going to be published we will have just held our Easter Bonnet Parade and Service. I will let you know in next month’s edition how this went. Photos We have again booked our resident photographer Julie from Oakhouse Photography for Thursday 17th May from 9 am. If your child is in session they will automatically be taken through to have their picture taken, however if you would like to book a slot for your child who does not attend on a Thursday please see the form on the notice board/foyer and add your child’s name and preferred time . Basketball Fitness Session These have started and have appeared to be a great success. All children within the Thursday morning session are involved and are really enjoying the experience and challenge of learning new skills. Chris and his approach to the children is a great addition to the setting and it is wonderful to see the children thriving on this and developing on so many new skills. 2 Year Old Funding I would like to inform parents that the government is still providing opportunities to fund 2 year olds. We are a registered provider of this scheme and parents/families need to reach certain criteria’s to enable funding to take place. The criteria for the length of terms your child is 2 has slightly changed now. In the past your child needed to be eligible to access two full terms, your child can now be eligible for up to 3 terms, so if you have a child who is turning 2 between 1/4/2012 and 31/3/2013 and you feel that you may need help to pay Pre-school fees then please speak to Allison or Julie in confidence who will talk you through the criteria. This process does take time to initiate and is given out on a first come first served basis, so please act now to avoid disappointment in the future. Parent Consultations Meetings Just to remind parents that we are looking to hold these consultations on 18th + 19th April, the week we return after the Easter break. These will be during the day and your key person will contact you soon to arrange a suitable time. Over the last few years these Parent consultation meetings have proven really popular and a good way to see what your children have been doing and to ensure that we work together to support your children over the coming terms. Haven Fun and Fitness We entered the Pre-school a few weeks ago into an extremely easy fundraising event to help us receive a free sports pack for our children. I am so pleased to tell you all that we reached the target of 70% so will receive the free sports equipment. I would like to thank everyone who showed their support and made this possible and would also plea to anyone that it is not too late to still show your support. If we manage to reach 100% we will get a bonus package. It’s really simple; all you have to do is log on to The Haven Website – wwhavenfunfitness.com, type in the Pre-school postcode: CO7 8LG, find Great Bentley Pre-school on the list and register your support. The more support we get – the bigger the pack we receive. Please pledge your support – anything we can receive free is so worthwhile for our children to grow and develop. Please note this scheme is only open to parents of children who use our group. For those who have already pledged – thank you for your support. Update: We are now up to 73% - please keep going!! Pampered Chef Fundraiser We are holding a Pampered Chef morning within Pre-school on Wednesday 9th May which will start at 9.30. There will be a cookery demonstration within the event and a chance to see, try and buy the products within the range. This is open to anyone but so we have a rough idea on numbers we are selling tickets for £1 per person which will include a hot drink and the chance to try the food that is being made. There will also be a raffle on the morning. If you are not able to make the morning there are brochures to look at, or you could even book your own party. To purchase your ticket for this event please come in and speak to a member of staff. Easter Holidays – 2nd April – 13th April. Return on Monday 16th April Carpenters Farm Easter Event – Thursday 12th April - 10:30 till 3:30 Parent Consultations – 18th & 19th April Pampered Chef Fundraiser – Wednesday 9th May at 9:30 Photos – Thursday 17th May Best Wishes Julie

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With the registration for this year’s ‘Best Kept Village’ competition upon us I was reminded of a story concerning the winning sign and a village resident named Peter Bond. It was in 1991 and the sign was to be picked up from near Chelmsford. I asked several people if they could help but everyone was either working or busy. Finally I asked the late Peter Bond if he was able to do the village a service and pick the sign up in his truck. He eventually agreed - after consulting his former business partner the late Doug Baker - to make his journey for ‘petrol money’ as he called the fee. He set off early the next morning with his dog and found that the sign was over 10 foot tall and concreted into the ground. After some choice words and enlisting the help of another elderly gentleman he broke away the concrete, laid the sign on top of his truck, tied it on and left for Great Bentley. On the journey back all was well until Peter turned right at Frating Kings Arms, ran into a bumpy piece of road where the sign bounced a couple of times, broke the rope and fell off the back of the truck hitting a following car and disappearing into an overgrown ditch. After dealing with the irate driver Peter hunted along the ditch until he found the now damaged sign and came along to find me and relay the sad story. The sign was quietly mended by Ivan Maskell, touched up with paint and erected on the Green. The outcome of the incident with the car was that the man concerned thought Peter was abrupt (an under statement) and may not have been insured, so he reported it to the police. The outcome was that Peter was charged with an insecure load, went to court and was fined £130. Peter came to see me and expressed his thoughts about ‘doing favours’, ‘car drivers’, ‘Best Kept Village Signs’ and the ‘Police’ all in one breath and then asked who was going to pay his fine. The following day I spoke to Doug Baker and Barry Haithwaite from the Plough and suggested a fund raising night to raise the £130 needed to pay Peter’s fine. It was decided to keep it a secret from Peter and be handed over as a surprise. He was told the fund raising was for play equipment and that he was invited to take part - in fact he sold raffle tickets and won 1st prize! On the evening of fund raising he waylaid Doug Baker once again asking what was happening about his fine. Doug, not wishing to give the game away told him “not to worry it was being taken care of”. The evening was a success and surprisingly exactly £130 was raised. At the end of the evening Barry called for hush, related the story of Peter and his ‘community’ work and the misfortune that had befallen him. At this time Barry let Peter into the secret, that the fund raising was to pay his fine and not for play equipment and put the money into his hand to a round of applause. Peter was looking far from pleased, in fact he looked slightly embarrassed - most unusual for Peter with money in his hand. Remembering that Doug Baker had told him the fine was taken care of Peter put all the money into the pub charity bottle and said “thank you very much everyone but my fine has been taken care of so I donate it all to the charity bottle (the Hospice).” This hilarious situation involving Peter must be one of the funniest of many.

HAPPY MEMORIES FROM THE PAST

Those gathered in the Plough that night will never forget the look on Peter’s face as it dawned on him what he had done. For the people who knew Peter I am sure this will revive some of the many stories involving him. The money was of course retrieved from the bottle and the fine paid. I still think of Peter as I drive past the ‘Best Kept Village’ sign. For those who did not know Peter, he was a Lancashire man who worked on many large building projects up and down the country. His last two projects were on Harwich Quay and the Sewerage works in Haven Road, Colchester. On his retirement he settled in a bungalow on De Vere Estate and became one of the best known men in the village. He addressed everyone as either ‘lass’ or ‘fella’ and was very well known in the licenced premises in the village (there were 5 at that time!). Many stories are repeated regularly by people who knew him so perhaps any other ones that are suitable for the parish magazine can be relayed to me for future publication. I have one already for next month. You will find a seat in memory of Peter near the memorial. Mick Dorling

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

A branch meeting took place on Friday 16th March at which the current vice chairman Eric Green took the chair. He announced that the current secretary had resigned after only 4 months therefore he was now taking on secretarial duties as well as chairman’s duties. These two posts are currently vacant. The future of the branch was entirely with members and it was decided to continue with this year’s plans and the AGM in October would decide the future of the branch. The fund raising arrangements for this year will go ahead under the supervision of Eunice Payne and myself. We are grateful to the businesses and individual people who have pledged support for our Autumn raffle and those who have booked in for the table top. All monies raised this year will be added to the Poppy Appeal. Watch future magazine adverts for dates for the ‘Grand Garage Sale’. Going back to committee vacancies, if you can help in any way to keep the branch going please let me know. It only takes about four committed members to run our branch there are others that are always willing to help. Currently we need a chairman and a secretary urgently! Also retiring this year from the office of Poppy Appeal organisers are Sybil and Dennis Curry. This year the appeal raised £3434.00 from the Great Bentley area. Dennis and Sybil have been Poppy Appeal organisers for approximately 15 years and through their efforts and those of collectors thousands have been added to the annual collection for ex-servicemen and women who need help and support. Anyone who cares to help or take on the Poppy Appeal should contact our secretary cum vice chairman who will forward details to the appropriate person. Many collectors and helpers are in place, just an organiser is required. Bookings are currently being taken for the Grand Garage Sale in July. Clear your garage and make some holiday cash. A £5 donation to the RBL will secure your inclusion in the map. Bookings to Eunice on 01255 820374 or to me on 01206 250799.

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NATURE NOTES If you have been watching brown hares, you will know why at this time of year they are proverbially mad. Three or four hares will be quietly grazing and, without any obvious signal, the whole party will start to lollop in procession around the field. Or a chase will start when two of the hares career in a wide arc, one in hot pursuit of the other. Suddenly, there is the full display of “madness” as two hares rear up, face to face, and one boxes the other with flailing forepaws. It is one of the craziest sights in the countryside. The boxing bouts were once thought to be two males, or bucks, fighting over a female, or doe, but it is now known that the aggressive hare may be an unreceptive female rebuffing an over-eager male. The procession consists of several males following one female. The chase is a dominant male seeing off a rival. Although seen most often in March, these exhibitions can be witnessed throughout the breeding season, from the turn of the year through to the end of summer. The leverets are born fully furred, eyes open and almost immediately capable of running. Within a few days, each one moves to its own resting place or form, where it snuggles down against the ground, part-hidden by rank vegetation, and relies on absolute stillness for safety. Thus it will be less likely that a fox or other predator will find the whole family. The leverets meet up once a day, an hour after sunset, when their mother returns to suckle them. It takes only five minutes and the leverets quickly return to the safety of their forms. When they are about two weeks old, they start to leave the forms and graze, but they will not be weaned until they are more than three weeks old. Although usually considered solitary animals, hares often feed in loose gatherings, apparently on the principle that several pairs of eyes and ears working together stand a better chance of detecting danger. Airfields and airports, for some reason, attract large numbers of hares. As the sun rises, the hares that have been feeding through the night seem to melt into the ground as they settle into their forms. They lie with their ears flat, their bulging eyes giving an all-round view. They are read to sprint - their second line of defence - if disturbed. In winter, especially, some hares prefer the dense cover of woods and hedgerows and they may commute half a mile to their feeding grounds in the fields. Brown hares were probably introduced to Britain in Roman times, perhaps earlier, and they may have progressively colonised the land as it was opened up to the plough. They are most abundant on old-fashioned mixed farmland, where a patchwork of crops and pastures provides a good year-round supply of food. Modern specialised arable farms are less suitable because the hares are short of grazing when the cereals turn to straw and there are no weeds or pasture to provide alternatives.

Both rabbits and hares were introduced to Britain - rabbits by the Normans, brown hares probably by the Romans - which means that hares have been a feature of the British landscape for about 1,500 years longer than rabbits. Rabbits were brought in for food, and were first kept in commercial warrens. It was only from about 1750 onwards that substantial wild populations became established. The brown hare was introduced as a game animal, coursing having long been a popular sport. Hares have a varied diet that changes with the season. Generally, herbaceous plants are most important in the summer, and grasses are most important in the winter. Young winter cereals are also eaten, as are root crops, such as sugar beet and carrots. It is this need for a varied and high-quality diet that makes the hare susceptible to landscape changes: if there is not enough diversity of habitats, it cannot find enough varied food sources at all times of the year. The number of litters produced by a female is related to her size and body weight, and so habitat richness can have a major impact on hare numbers by affecting breeding success. But though hares are abundant in a few favoured localities, over much of Britain they are becoming an increasingly rare sight. There have been many explanations offered for this reduction in hare numbers, and most of them implicate changes in countryside management (in particular, the reduced range of crops grown and the loss of field boundaries) as the main factor. And it may be that hares are suffering from increased losses of leverets to foxes in some areas. Folklore is closely associated with the hare. Caesar tells us that it was sacred to the ancient Britains who would not eat it’s flesh which they considered valuable for divination. Boadicea released a hare before leading her men into battle against the Romans. In time the animal was associated with witches and witchcraft. A hare’s foot or any other part of its body found on board a fisherman’s boat would be enough to cancel any trip and it’s name would never be mentioned on board. This was probably reinforced by the belief that witches could invoke a storm. As hares breed quickly they were seen as a symbol of fertility. They are associated with spring, revival and Easter. In many European countries coloured eggs are brought by the Easter hare. They can often be seen in various parts of the parish. Happy Easter, everyone.

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YOUTH FOOTBALL Good news first up we have a new fixture secretary to fill the (large) void that will be left at the end of the season when Frank steps down. I am glad to confirm that Philip Carpenter is going to step into this role which is great news for us and I’d like to thank Philip for coming forward so quickly, he’s now getting to grips with what Frank has to do before the end of this season. The FA has confirmed that they are looking to introduce various small sided games into children’s football to aid their learning. They have been running a few conferences around and about and Cliff has attended on our behalf to find out what the plans are. We need to look at these plans and assess what we’ll be doing which we’ll be looking at closely in our next few committee meetings. It’s great to see the under 6’s playing their games, Richie and the guys there are getting some good feedback on their work with these young kids which is great all round. All the kids look like they are really enjoying the games and their enthusiasm in training sessions is boundless. We have had some good news on the sponsorship front with Talk Talk sponsoring next years under 12’s and also next years under 8’s. We have the new kit now and I know that all the kids are thrilled with this. We have also had sponsorship for Richie’s team as well from BKT Motors which is brilliant. I would like to thank these new and all our existing sponsors we wouldn’t be able to continue as a club without their help. Finally, by the time you read this the Sports Relief mile would have been run and I’d like to thank Julia and Neil French who have organised a mile to be run and sponsored on behalf of the club, hopefully, we’ll have raised a good sum to be able to add to the cause. Thanks for reading, Scott

FOOTBALL CLUB Results & Fixtures: All League, all Saturdays, 3 p.m. unless stated. First Team: 25 Feb, away Newbury Forest 1-3; 3 Mar, away Wormingford Wanderers 2-4; 10 Mar, home White Notley 3-1; 17 Mar, away Lawford Lads 1-3; 24 Mar, away Alresford Colne Rangers 3-3; 31 Mar, away Rowhedge; 7 April, home Dedham Old Boys; 21 April, home Gas Recreation; 28 April, home West Bergholt.

Reserves: 25 Feb away Tiptree Jobserve Res. 2-2; 3 Mar, home Colne Engaine & Bell United Res. (Tommy Thompson Cup quarter-final) 5-0; 17 Mar, away Alresford Colne Rangers Res. 2-5; 24 Mar, home West Bergholt Res.1-3; 31 Mar, home Earls Colne Res.; 14 April home Boxted Lodgers Res. (Reserve K.O.Cup semi-final) 2-30 p.m.; Wed. 18 April home Hatfield Peverel Res. 6-30 p.m.

A Team: 25 Feb, home Kelvedon Social, 1-9; 3 Mar, away Harwich Rangers 2-3; 10 Mar, home Feering Utd 2-3; 17 Mar, home Brightlingsea Regent A 2-2; 24 Mar, home New Field 1-6; 31 Mar home Kelvedon Social Res. (Friendly); 7 April, away Feering United. The first team are only one win (8 games remaining) away from their now 28-point safety target with another win and a draw in amongst the defeats. The big result of the month was the crucial win against bottom team, White Notley, which leaves them needing to win all of their remaining 6 games to overtake us, if we lose all ours. Trailing by a comedy capers goal at half-time, the introduction of T.J., during the second half, sparked the necessary revival. Tom was similarly inspirational at Alresford, where only a 92nd minute equaliser denied us all three points. The reserves have reached the semi-finals of both their cups following another 5-goal haul against Colne Engaine, but their league form is suffering. They still need a few points to ensure their own safety in the Reserve Premier Division. The date (see above) is now set for the first of their semi-finals, and a big home crowd would give them a massive lift towards that final. The A team management has been disappointed with the team’s showing over the last month, but their difficulties have been tempered by the fact that (a) they are safe from the drop, and (b) several players, that began in the A team, are turning in good performances in the other teams. The two Jakes (Bell and Vaughan) impressed in the 3-3 draw at Alresford, and gave the manager plenty of food for thought. Events: Upcoming fundraisers, towards the levelling of the southside pitch, include the Bowlathon, on Tuesday 3rd April, starting at 10 a.m. This always proves a great day out for the youngsters on Walton Pier in the Easter holiday. One for the adults, and back by public demand: Vegas Comes To Bentley. A chance to look your most sophisticated (I’m not allowed in) at our second Casino Night on Saturday 23rd June in the Village Hall, from 7 p.m. Tickets are £10 in advance, or £12-50 on the door. Further details to come.

February Lucky Team Winner: C. Payne (Coventry City) £25.

DIARY FOR APRIL Sun 1st ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING, p. 3

Tues 3rd W.I. p. 23

Wed 4th BENTLEY BEARS, St Mary’s Church, 2.15pm

Thurs 5th RESOURCE CENTRE OPEN, 3-5pm

Thurs 5th MOTHERS’ UNION, 2pm, Vestry Room

Thurs 5th PARISH COUNCIL MEETING, Village Hall, p. 25

Thurs 5th QUIZ NIGHT, King’s Arms, Fating, p. 11

Fri 6th GOOD FRIDAY CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP, p. 4

Mon 9th COFFEE MORNING, Methodist Church

Tues 10th RESOURCE CENTRE OPEN, 10.30-12.30

Tues 10th ART CLUB, p. 23

Thurs 12th TRACTOR TED at Carpenters Farm, p. 9

Thurs 12th HISTORY SOCIETY, p. 28 & p. 23

Sat 14th CRICKET CLUB OPEN DAY, p. 27

Sun 15th ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST, Open Day & Plant Sale, p. 23

Sun 15th CHARITY CONCERT, West Cliff Theatre, Clacton, p. 13

Sun 15th MAGAZINE DEADLINE

Tues 17th GARDENING CLUB, Spring Show & Social Evening, p. 23

Wed 18th/Thurs 19th PRE-SCHOOL PARENTS Consulation meetings, p. 31

Thurs 19th YOUTH CLUB, Methodist Church, p. 18

Sat 21st QUIZ NIGHT, Scout Guide HQ, p. 9

Tues 24th ART CLUB, p. 23

Wed 25th RESOURCE CENTRE OPEN, 9.30-11.30am

Wed 25th EVERGREEN FRIENDSHIP CLUB, p. 23

Thurs 26th BRIGHTLINGSEA FARMERS’ MARKET, p. 11

Fri 27th QUIZ NIGHT, Gt Bentley School, p. 10

Sat 28th BREAKFAST in aid of Jubilee Celebrations, p. 6

Sat 28th GARAGE SALE TRAIL, St Osyth, p. 9

Sun 29th BLUEBELL DAY, Weeleyhall Wood, p. 23