1

�������������� ������� �� �����

�

� �������� �� ��������

� ������������������ �������

����������

Published on behalf of Eight Ash Green Parish Council

����������� ����������������������� ���������

2

�����������������

�� ���� �������� ���������� ��������������������

����������������������� !����������

"����������#���������������� ������������$���

%&'%(�)*%*(+�

3

County Cars --------------------O F C O L C H E S T E R L I M I T E D--------------------

T e l : 0 1 2 0 6 5 7 6 0 4 4

w w w. c o u n t y c a r s - c o l c h e s t e r . c o . u k

We are an independent, prestige used car specialist. We specialize in BMW, Mercedes and Audi. You will

also find other makes of prestige used cars within our stock.

Our stock is carefully hand selected, so that it allows

us to offer all of our used cars for sale with a 12 month AA dealer guarantee.

Once you have made your selection, we then service

and MOT your new vehicle prior to your collection.

Please visit us or call us for any help or advice you may need.

Kevin, Jonathan or Symon will be only too pleased to

help you.

tive prestige vehicles within our range. T e l : 0 1 2 0 6 5 7 6 0 4 4

w w w. c o u n t y c a r s - c o l c h e s t e r . c o . u k

4

�������������� ����� ������! �

Dennis Willetts, Publicity Officer This is the third edition of the Village Newsletter pro-duced by the Parish Plan Team. We have held sev-eral successful consultation events, including the May Fayre on Seven Star Green. In our opinion poll, over 80% of the residents of the Village know about the importance of the July Questionnaire and have something to say on the future development of the Village. We look forward to receiving your input.

Martin Wright, Chairman We meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 8pm at the Cricketers. We report to the Parish Council on the 2nd Wednesday. There are never enough people to do all the work in this complex project. Additional volunteers are always welcome, even just to deliver the literature. We welcome new members John Allcock and Keith.Winterbourne to the EAGPP committee.

Richard Brown, Treasurer: The Parish Plan Group’s bank account has been opened. We have applied for grants to several funding bodies including ITV, the Rural Development Council and the Lottery Community Fund. Our first applications have been approved and we should shortly be in funds. Meanwhile the Parish Council is covering the Groups expenditure.

Andrew Cook, Secretary The coming months will be a busy time for the Parish Plan Group. Work has been progressing at pace on finalisation of the questionnaire and we are now all looking forward to the big launch at the Village Festival on 18th July. Some of our members will also be attending workshops held by the Rural Community Council of Essex to show other villages how to do a Parish Plan.

Tel 01206 240314

Tel 07894 789107

Tel 07977 075761

5

KEITH WINTERBOURNE: As a recent recruit to the EAGPP Committee, I have been impressed with the dedication to detail that

has been given so far to prepare a Plan that will truly reflect the wishes of villag-ers. I would urge everyone to fill in and return the Parish Plan questionnaire so that your views and anxieties are represented in the future shape of the village.

"��� ����� ����# �������������

July Festival edition of Quarterly Village Newsletter Official launch of Parish Plan Questionnaire at the Village Festival (Saturday 18th July). Questionnaire delivered to all homes

August House-to-House visits to those who have not returned their questionnaire.

September Initial analysis of results. Produce the “Village Needs” statements.

October Further detailed analysis of results

November Publication of Key Issues identified in the Questionnaire. Issue the first draft of the Design Statement Issue Autumn Quarterly Village Newsletter

December Produce summary document of progress for 2009

January 2010

Results presented at a General Village meeting. Final polish of the Parish Plan.

February Presentation of the Parish Plan to EAG Parish Council for adoption.

March Well earned rest for the EAGPP team.

JOHN ALLCOCK: I am drawing up the questionnaires that will support the development of the Parish Plan. It will cover the 5 key issues with separate question-naires for young people aged between 11 and 17 as well as busi-nesses. All three ques-tionnaires will be deliv-ered to every house/business in the village.

New Members of the Parish Plan Group

6

EAGPP QUESTIONNAIRE By John Allcock, Leader of the EAGPP Questionnaire Drafting Team

Parish Councils are required to produce a written plan setting out how people would like their community to develop and to provide an opportunity to comment on any local issues that affect the Village. This plan will be based on the responses to a questionnaire which will be sent to everyone in the Village.

Purpose

The purpose of the questionnaire is to seek your views about the village and how it should develop over the next 10 years.

The questionnaire

The questionnaire will cover 5 major sets of issues. But if there are other matters that you think we have missed out, it gives you the opportunity to tell us of these concerns.

If there is a question you prefer not to answer, please cross it out and move on the next question.

Timetable

The questionnaire will be launched at the Village Festival on 18th July 2009. During the following week, we will deliver copies to all houses in the village. We ask you to complete and return the questionnaire no later than Friday 7th August please.

Timing is important as we have to use the results to produce the “Village Needs” statement during September. This leaves us very little time to undertake a full and detailed analysis of all the questionnaires. Your cooperation in helping us to keep to this time table, would be most appreciated.

7

Confidentiality

All the information that you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence. It will be held in accordance with UK Data Protection Act Registration Z952925X. We will keep a record of who has returned their questionnaires (so that we can send reminders to those who have not) but your answers will not be stored against your name.

Completion of the questionnaire If you choose to complete the paper copy of the questionnaire, we ask that you use BLOCK CAPITALS please. Alternatively you can go to our web site at www.eightashgreen.com and complete it electronically.

It should only take you about 20 minutes to fill it in and will give the Parish Council invaluable information about the future needs of the village

Returning your questionnaire At the back of your paper questionnaire you will find a list of addresses in the village to which you may return completed questionnaires.

If for any reason you are unable to return it to one of these addresses, you can post it to the “EAG Parish Plan Office, Floor 3, Communications House, 9 St Johns Street, Colchester, CO2 7NN”.

If you spoil your questionnaire and want a replacement, please leave a message on 01206 248628 Ext 1001.

Summary I do hope you will take the time and trouble to complete the questionnaire. We look forward to reading what you have to say. If you have any questions, please contact the EAG Parish Plan Group on 01206 248628 Ext 1124 and we will be glad to assist. Thank you in anticipation of your help.

8

LITTLE MALTINGS

Feline Lodge (Cattery) Fully approved

Abbotts Lane Eight Ash Green

Colchester CO6 3QL

01206 564401 07956 429102

Prop. Brenda Eagland

BRICK KILN FARM

FRESH FREE RANGE EGGS &

LOCAL PRODUCE Open 7 days a week 8am to 1pm

Tele 01206 213509 For free local delivery

W & DT Ralph Brick Kiln Farm Turkey Cock Lane Stanway CO3 8ND

9

Eight Ash Green Village Festival Committee

Eight Ash Green Festival Saturday 18th July 2009 The Village festival is nearly here, so fingers crossed for a hot sunny day so we can all have a wonderful day out. Over the winter and spring months the committee has been working hard preparing this year’s festival.

The aim of the festival committee is to continue to hold a free event for everyone to enjoy. This is made possible by fund raising, massive sponsoring by our local surrounding businesses and the backing of our Parish Council.

This year’s Festival will be bigger and better than last. We have live bands playing throughout the afternoon alongside many events and displays.

The festival will open with marching Pipers to get us off to a good start. This year we aim to keep our young folk amused, such as Kids races, donkey rides, Punch and Judy shows, Clowns, Bouncy Castles and many more stalls to keep them busy, while Mums and Dads can have a relaxing drink at the bar or a visit to the barbeque.

During the afternoon we have many events in the arena to keep everyone occupied or you may wish to wander among the side and trade stalls.

Towards the end of the afternoon we hold our Grand Raffle, followed by the Tug O War, so find a team and enter in the fun. The evening will kick off with more live bands, so stay on and dance the evening away.

At the end of the evening we will finish in great style, with a Firework display.

Saturday 18th July 2009 from 1pm until 11.00pm

Fordham Heath

10

PROPOSAL FOR NEW SPEED LIMITS: A12 to Holiday Inn roundabout Comments to EAG’s County Councillor, Anne Brown, 01206 321241

11

SATURN MOTOR SERVICES

WYVERN FARM LONDON ROAD

STANWAY COLCHESTER

TEL 01206 213323

MOBILE: 07725 321033

SERVICING, MOT’S, REPAIRS

ALL MECHANICAL

WORK UNDERTAKEN 30+ YEARS

EXPERIENCE

REASONABLE RATES

QUALITY LOCAL

SERVICE

J R FISHER Plumbing & Heating Engineer —————————————————————————————————

Gas Safe Register (formerly Corgi)

Complete Bathroom & Ensuite Installations, including tiling

Central Heating Installations/Alterations/Power-Flushing Boiler Changes & Breakdown Repairs

Gas Boiler Servicing – gas safety certificates issued to homeowners, landlords & tenants

Tel/Fax 01206 243334 / Mobile 07771 646590 Email fisherpenberry@aol.com

12

WALKING IN EIGHT ASH GREEN By Peter Jones We are always being told to get plenty of regular exercise and walking is one of the best ways to do this. One of the advantages of living in Eight Ash Green is that we are on the edge of some great countryside and the best way to see this is to use the public footpaths.

EVAS, the village history society, (which is itself now unfortunately history!) published the accompanying map in February 1989 It was part of a leaflet about local footpaths that EVAS produced in conjunction with the Parish council as part of the celebrations to mark 40 years of EAG as an independent parish.

England and Wales are unique in that they have more public footpaths than anywhere else, over 120,000 miles of which around 6 miles are in our village. Most of us are possibly unaware of the extent of paths in our area even though they have been in existence for a great many years. Before the age of the motorcar the only way most country people could get about was on foot and the paths linked communities and centres of population.

Public footpaths are “rights of way” and are subject to complicated laws and statutes. Landowners have “rights” as well as the public. Some of the basic points are as follows:

1. A public path is either a Footpath or a Bridleway. On footpaths the public has the right of way on foot only. On a bridleway you may walk as well as ride a horse or a pedal cycle. Anyone who drives a vehicle along a path without permission is committing an offence.

2. A public right of way is a recognised official route along which you may walk or ride. It does not give you unlimited access to the surrounding countryside. If you enter land that does not belong to you against the wishes of the owner you are trespassing. If asked to leave you must do so or you can be ejected and/or sued for damages.

3. A landowner cannot close a path. Only the local authority or central government can carry out closure or diversion. If a path is obstructed you may, as a genuine traveller, remove the obstruction or go around it. Any unresolved difficulties should be reported to the Borough Council.

Hopefully you will be able to enjoy walking our footpaths without any problems with landowners but walkers too have responsibilities. We are very lucky to be surrounded by some excellent countryside and it is up to us to help keep it that way. Following the Country Code is the way to do this.

13

14

For a happy and peaceful Eight Ash Green, try a

Fully Qualified Reflexologist For relaxation, ailment, or just for

sheer pleasure. Treat yourself to a well deserved, wonderful foot massage in

the comfort of your own home. Treatments start at £10.

For more information contact Sarah on: 01206 797152

For a fit and healthy Eight Ash Green, try

ABT Blast Keep Fit Get rid of those calories at your local

community keep fit class for all ages and abilities, aerobic routine followed by toning.

8pm on Mondays at Holy Trinity Primary School. £3.50 / £4.00

Contact Emma on 01206 213443 Have Fun. Lose Weight. Get Fit.

James Barker M: 07882 320 549

Plastering, Rendering, Plaster Board Fixing,

Coving, Floor Screeding,

Re-skims & Repair Work See Samples for Venetian Marble Plastering

Free Quotation

The Country Code ♦Enjoy the countryside and respect

its life and work

♦Fasten all gates

♦Leave livestock, crops and farm machinery alone

♦Take your litter home

♦Use stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls

♦Keep dogs under control

♦Keep to public paths across farmland

♦Guard against all risks of fire

♦Take special care on country roads

♦Do not pollute water supplies

♦Protect wildlife, plants and trees

♦Do not make any unnecessary noise

Planning & Development Consultants

The Mount, Fordham Heath Colchester, CO3 9TJ

Planning Applications Planning & Enforcement Appeals

Development Potential Surveys

������������

� � ��� � ��� ��

Planning & Development Consultants

15

‘Sunday at 6’

Our new weekly service for the Eight Ash Green & Fordham parish has now been running for two months, and I thought I’d give a quick update. It runs from 6 to 7.15 pm every Sunday evening in the John Owen Barn at Fordham Church.

Compared to our morning services, it has a much more informal feel – we sit round tables, have time for discussion and interviews, our music is lead by a band with guitars and drums, and we finish off with food – including bacon rolls and pizza.

We’ve averaged around 50 people each week, of all ages – including teenagers and students, and people who have to work on a Sunday mornings. Why not come and try it out?

Further details are on the service website www.sundayat6.org.uk.

Holiday Club

This year’s Holiday Club is called ‘God’s Zoo’, and will be the usual fantastic mix of fun, games, craft, sport, and learning about God’s wonderful plan in the Bible. ‘God’s Zoo’ will run from Monday, 24th August to Thursday, 27th August, with a celebration service on the Sunday, for 5 – 11 year olds from 10 am – 12:30 pm.

If you would like to find out more, or to book a place for your child, please contact AJ, our Youth and Children’s worker, on 01206 243266. There are only 60 places available, and completed application forms need to be received by early July. The cost is £15 for the first child and £10 for siblings, and includes a ‘God’s Zoo’ T Shirt.

Rev Andy Saville (01206 243265)

Revd Mike Neville leading Sunday @ Six

16

$ % & �� '( �)� ( ")"* "�� 2009 has continued to be filled with fun and laughter with lots of visitors and some new members joining us. We welcome them all.

We had a fantastic evening in April when we were treated to a flower arranging display by Penny Stone, an Area NAFAS Demonstrator. Everyone wanted to win one of these works of art in the raffle, but then the ecstatic winners had the problem of transporting them home It was reminiscent of the Chelsea Flower Show sell-off when the bell rings on the last day!!!

May brought us an exercise and nutrition evening with Susie Bradshaw where the highlight was the appearance of large plastic balls on which we all took turns to sit and balance, pulling in all of those muscles as we did so. Having absolutely no sense of balance whatsoever, this magazine contributor ended up in a heap on the floor amidst gales of laughter from those who made it look very easy. But the ball (no pun intended!) was on the other foot next day when other members had aches in places they never knew existed! (Serves them right for showing off!!!)

We were amazed in June when we watched an evening of Optical Illusions with Colin Hopper, a member of the Magic Circle. He made pictures of rabbits appear and disappear before our eyes, and used drawings which were cut in half and could be moved independently to trick our brains into believing what we could see when things were not actually there.

He explained how our brains are wired to believe what we already know and have previously experienced. Truly fascinating, and we all learned a lot.

First Tuesday in the month - 7.30 pm - Fordham Village Hall

New members and visitors always welcome. Phone our secretary, Audrey Crees, for more information, (01206 241293) or just turn up on the night. You can be sure of a warm welcome.

August 4th ‘Yesterday Once More’ The 50’s and 60’s. (Mini skirts optional !!!!!)

September 1st An evening of Comic Verse

October 6th The work of the Citizens Advice Bureau

17

Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP Solicitors on your doorstep!

We are a Legal 500 recommended law firm based in Colchester just a short drive down the A12.

Our out-of-town offices at Colchester Business Park offer FREE client parking and can help you resolve legal problems in the

following areas: Conveyancing, Employment, Family Law, Immigration, Mediation, Personal Injury and Wills and Probate.

Our large Commercial Team is skilled in all aspects of Commercial Law, including Agriculture and Rural, Employment, Litigation and

Property. We also have a town centre office located at Southway.

Call us to make an appointment to visit our out of town offices on 01206 835300 or our town centre offices on 01206 578282.

For our full range of services and awarding winning Podcasts, please visit our web site at www.fjg.co.uk.

Remap is a national charity, where voluntary members give their time and skills to undertake the challenge of adapting aids and making one-off inventions. These inventions are all designed to assist individual disabled people to gain more self s u f f i c i e n c y a n d g r e a t e r independence. We need more help at our Colchester branch; so if you have the time, we would value having your sk i l ls , t e c h n i c i a n s / e n g in e e r s / designers/ craftspeople/some one to take the minutes. The final delivery of a piece of equipment, which the client receives, is free of c h a r g e . L o c a l c o n t a c t s ; Chairperson Lynne Ashkham 07906 256118 or Sue Tye 01206 792182. www.remap.org.uk

18

19

� � � �� � � �� � � �� � �� � �� � � � �� �� �� � ��

� � � �! � �� � � � " �� ####�

! � �$ � � �� � � �� % � � &��

� � � % � �� � � � � " �� � �� � % � �� � �

�� � � � � � � �� �! � �� �� �� �' � � .

� � � � �� � � � �� �! � �

! � �� �� �� �� �% �� �� �

� �! � �� � � � (�

� ! �� �) ���

� �� � � �� � �� � % ��

���" � � � " ��� ��! �

� � � � " �� � �� �

� � * �+ � � �

� �� �� " � ! ���

, - . , / �. ) - . 0 + �

� �� " � � ��

� � �� � � ! �

�! � � � ! � ��' � � �

' �� � � % �� &�

� � ���� � � � �� � �� ! � ! � �

� �� �1 �� � &�

� � % � �� �� �1 ��� � �� �� &�

� � � �� � � �� � �' � � % ! � " �� �

� � �! �% � ! 2� � ������

3 &, , % �24 &* , � % �

! � �� � � � � � 5� �

3 &, , % �2- . ! � � ! �

20

The Home Front Company Est. 1999

Ironing To Your Door

PROFESSIONAL* RELIABLE *

DOOR-TO-DOOR 24 HOUR OR 48 HOURS SERVICE

£25 for 25 standard sized items £5.00 each for outsize items (e.g. duvet covers, sheets)

£5.00 delivery charge for 24 hour service £3.50 delivery charge for 48 hours service 10% off your first order with this advert 01206 247095 0781 54446084

,�����������-��.�/�-#��0�"��/�1-�

Come and see one of the best displays in the area

2��-31�"���-���4�1��1"�

25 YEAR GUARANTEE

3#�1�

5�/�0-�

��1"�1"���-��-�#���11���-�-��6�-�

#���3�#��1�-���7�33-�����-

���1#��1�-���1#��1�-���1#��1�-���1#��1�-����"��/�1"��/�1"��/�1"��/�1������1�����1�����1�����1�������Turkey Cock Lane

Stanway, 01206 213380

�1"���8-�

�344���

-�3#�

��1/-��#��/�-�"1�

�#��1��1"��#��1-�

��1"�1"�

��-���

�31���1��-�

21

HOLY TRINITY PRIMARY SCHOOL Joint Headteachers: Mrs H Craig & Ms S Wilson Fiddlers Folley, Fordham Heath, 01206 240880

This year we have been focusing on improving attainment in English and mathematics. We have a fantastic team of teaching and support staff and have seen great progress in the children’s progress and attainment this year.

We are proud to have achieved the intermediate International Schools award this term. This is as a result of our modern foreign languages and multicultural awareness. This term sees all children having swimming lessons in our heated outdoor pool and we feel very lucky to have this resource.

We are always keen to be involved with the local community including the local churches in the area. We were pleased to be a part of the maypole dancing at the Eight Ash Green May Fayre.

We run many clubs in school, including a community windband, aerobics, dancing and Brownies which are open to members of the community.

We would like to invite members of the community to support our summer term events and activities. Some dates for your diaries are:

Saturday 4th July 12-3pm School Summer Fair

Tuesday 7th July 2pm School play

Thursday 9th July 6pm School play

Friday 17th July Last day of term and leaver’s assembly in the school hall

RESPECT OUR DUCKS. Tina Ralph writes: I live in Seven Star Green, opposite the pond. At the moment there is a mother duck with 10 babies and a family of moorhens with 6 babies. The ducks cross the road to our gardens several times a day. The Moorhens also wander about in the road. We are doing their best to see them safely back to the pond. Many obliging drivers have stopped to let them cross. However there are still lots of cars and tractors that race up and down Seven Star Green at high speed. I witnessed a car smash one of the adult moorhens to pieces, whilst it sat in the road, without making any attempt to slow or stop. Please slow down and just keep an eye out for the birds. It would be wonderful if they all survived.

22

"����� ���'��!����Several people have accosted The Editor in the street over the matter of Anthony Robin’s article in the April edition on speed limits in the village. Most strongly supported Anthony's call for lower speed limits and better enforcement. But a few were equally strongly against, so I expect to get a further ear-bending on the proposals shown on page 10 for lower speed limits between the A12 junction and the Holiday Inn roundabout.

The Editor’s wife returned from the fantastic Aldham Gardens Open Day and asked why we do not have an EAG open gardens event. The Editor, being a fairly honest chap by his own opinion, replied that the houses are prettier in Aldham and the gardens better maintained (a reply which resulted in the Editor getting no dinner that evening). We need a volunteer to be chairman of a steering group to consider the planning of a EAG Open Gardens competition in spring 2010. Nothing as grand as Aldham. Contact The Editor if you are interested.

James Cant of Cranbourne, Halstead Road, believes he has lived in the village longer than anyone else (Editor’s note: time in the armed forces also counts as qualifying years). James has 84 years of residency. Does anyone else have a better claim. The longest resident will be interviewed in the next edition of the Newsletter.

Many thanks to all those who enable the Village Newsletter to continue, particularly the correspondents who provide articles, and the advertisers who contribute half the production cost to the Parish Council. Finally may I thank the stalwart band of deliverers who distribute the Newsletter throughout the village: Ray & Mary Crane, Geoff Tye, Katie Frewer, Linda Butcher, Rose Prince, Therese & Robin Baylie, John Allcock, Keith Winterbourne, Bob & Mavis Fortune, Carol & Steve Brown, Jenny Jones, Daphne Youngs, Dave Silverton and Colin Fairweather.

The next edition will be distributed in November 2009. Topical articles, letters and news should be sent to The Editor by 20th October.

Dennis Willetts, Newsletter Editor, Tel 01206 240314, dennis.willetts@btinternet.com The Retreat, Wood Lane, Fordham Heath.

23

Eight Ash Green May Fayre by Richard Brown

May Day Bank Holiday saw a village tradition revived, dancing around the May Pole. The event was held on Seven Star Green, amongst the eight ash trees or are there nine now?. The Fayre was organised by EAG Parish Plan Committee for all the village to enjoy, and opened by Derek Franklin, Chairman of Eight Ash Green Parish Council. The May Pole dancing was performed by the children of Holy Trinity Primary School and what a great display they gave. A big thank you to everyone, for all there hard work and to Mirran from Bows and Bells for the kind tuition on May Pole dancing given to the children beforehand. Another event we all enjoyed was the Clog Dancing display, by local dance group Bows and Bells, This display was very much enjoyed so a big ‘thank you' to you all. Local farmers William & Debbie Ralph kindly displayed a selection of tractors from 1942 to present day. William’s father Derek has driven all of these models from the start of his farming life to present day. This was a great success with the children, A big thank you' to you both. Our local Scout Group, held a barbeque while The Wednesday Ladies Group supplied us all with tea and coffee. The new village Youth Group attended giving out information about themselves while holding a White Elephant stall to raise funds. Eight Ash Green can be proud, that it has a growing community spirit by supporting new events and should look forward to another May Fayre next year.

24

ASHCROFT REST HOME Family-run home Established 25 years CSCI Registered– Dementia Care Specialists in caring for clients with Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Our objective is to provide for the health and social needs of each of our r e s i d e n t s w i t h professionalism, compassion and experience. We will care for them as an individual through understanding, respect and dignity.

Please contact Andrea or Barbara for further information

Telephone 01206 767367

Visit our website at www.ashcroftresthome.co.uk

25

VILLAGE THESPIANS

The Orpen Players amateur dramatic society in West Bergholt this year celebrates their 40th birthday. Formed in 1969 by local residents, the group has presented three productions a year at the Orpen Memorial Hall ever since. To celebrate in style, a Music Hall is planned for their Autumn Production. It is to be written and directed by their very own David Wenden, who will fill the show with songs, melodrama, and a variety of different acts suitable for the period. Wanting to encourage as many people as possible to take part, auditions are being held at the Orpen Hall in West Bergholt on Friday 31st July, and Friday 7th August 2009 at 8pm. The “Orp’s” hope to encourage any budding thespians, singers, etc that might interested to join them on these fun filled evenings, so make a date in your diary. They always welcome new members Ian and Katie Frewer, well-known thespians from Eight Ash Green, recently joined the Orp’s. Ian took part in their spring production of “84 Charring Cross Road”. Rehearsals for the Music Hall will commence on Monday 7th September at 8pm at the Orpen Hall, and will be held weekly on Mondays and Fridays up to the Show dates of 29th, 30th & 31st

October 2009. If you are interested in finding out more, or wish to be put on a mailing list for future productions, please telephone Colin Downer on 01206 242265 or visit the website:

www.orpenplayers.co.uk

ATTENDED REFUSE FREIGHTER SCHEME 15th August 11:00—11-25 Fiddlers Folly, School Access 15th August 11:30— noon Top of the Heath

26

+�, )�( �& % � , �- �# +* . �

When our club was first formed, we were known as “Young Wives”. But time went by and, not wishing to fall foul of the Trades Descriptions Act, we are now the Ladies Monday Club. However, any young wives and other ladies wishing to join would be most welcome.

Our meetings are held in the Methodist Church (the brick building opposite County Cars Sales on the Halstead Road). Meetings start at at 7.30 pm and are usually held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. This can vary as we try to compensate for meetings missed-out because of bank holidays.

We have our own Harvest Service and Carol Service, which are both taken bu the Methodist Minister, Ruth Ridge. However, our meetings are social and we try to have as varied a program as possible

Over the past few months we have had: the memoirs of a long time auctioneer; an illustrated talk on “Castro’s Cuba”; all the gen on Wallis Simpson (the lady who caused the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936); and a look at the discoveries of a man who has wielded a metal detector for over 20 years.

We take a break during August, but dates of meetings from September to December 2009 will be posted on the Church Notice Board during the break. Further information from Audrey Flutter.

By Audrey Flutter 01206 542757

PICK YOUR OWN BULLBANKS FARM HALSTEAD ROAD, EIGHT ASH GREEN, CO6 3PT

Mid-June onwards Gooseberries Raspberries Loganberries Blackcurrants

Cut Flowers all summer. Sweet Corn late summer

Tel 01206 212288 On A1124 2 miles towards Halstead

From Tollgate (Sainsbury’s)

27

28

As everyone knows, when you look good, you feel good. So imagine how fantastic you’ll feel after a visit to Spirit Health &

Beauty. From soothing massages to the perfect manicure, spa days to invigorating facials, you’ll find a delicious range of

beauty treatments at our Spirit Health Club Colchester!

Male and female clients welcome Evening appointments available Treatments available include: �

♦ ��������� �����

♦ �����

♦ �� ��� �����

♦ ������������

♦ ��������

♦ � ��������

♦ ����������

♦ � ������������ ����������������� �������������������������������������������������� �������

����������������� !��� � ��������!����!���� ���� ���������"#���

������������#����"�����$ �"�#�� �% % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % %

Receive £5.00 off!! When you book any treatment over the value of £10.00

receive £5.00 off with this coupon! (Expires September 2009)

Spirit Health Club Holiday Inn, Eight Ash Green,

Colchester, CO6 3QL 01206 363 490

29

Sunday Lunch 12:30pm - 4:30pm

3 course £9.95 (Inc free dessert)

Drinks 25% off 12:30pm - 4:30pm

2 x Free Coffee with this voucher This voucher entitles the bearer to two free standard

Cups of coffee for two people after 2 main courses in the restaurant Expires 2nd November 2009

Valid at Holiday Inn Colchester Only

(Expires 2nd November 2009) Not to be use against any promotions

Festive Season Throughout December every day (call for availability)

Festive lunches from £12.95 Festive dinners from £14.95

Party Nights from 23.95

New Year’s Eve 2010 Our New Years celebrations are the perfect way to see out

the old and bring in the new. Whether you’re a couple or with family and friends, we have a great party planned for you.

From £59.95 per person

Holiday Inn Colchester, Abbotts Lane, Eight Ash Green, Colchester, CO6 3Q Tel: 0871 942 9020

30

��� �/ )( � �# % * � # )+�Chairman’s Report to the Annual Parish Meeting

A review of Parish Council matters dealt with over the last year

New Members on the Council Richard Brown, Chris Gray, Andrew Cook and myself, are all new members of the council. With the existing members we hope to continue building on the Community Spirit, generated by the Village Action Group.

I welcome a new name to the council, Mrs. Harness, the first meeting since her big day and extend the council’s congratulations to Amy and Daniel. Abbotts Lane Pond A satisfactory conclusion, on the transfer of the pond to the village and the transformation of the area by the Abbotts Lane residents with the help of Richard Parmee. Youth Group The formation of a village youth group with the help of Julia and Ben Knowles, Richard Brown, Chris Gray, Hannah Powney of the Essex Youth Service and the Essex Association of Boys Clubs and we hope to be joined soon by Elaine Verrinder. These are still early days but the prospect is promising.

We were involved in three events of the Essex Association of Boys Club and did well considering the size of the group. Our future plans are for more equipment through grants applied for and the formation of a youth football team with the assistance of Robin Cant. We still need support from the Parish Council and urgently need volunteers to assist us. David Brumstead will be coming back to help when he has completed his exams. We have obtained one CRB check and others are applied for.

New subcommittees Youth, Play Area and Highways have been added to the existing Planning, Footpaths, Heaths and Greens committees. They are all working well for the benefit of the village.

31

Creation of Parish Plan Working Group The Parish Plan group of volunteers was formed and has been active with presentations, although attendance has not been as high as they would like. Response and interest is growing from the residents through. The group has also worked hard on the re-introduction of the Parish Magazine and events, such as the recent May Fayre. Events: Festival and, May Fayre Two very successful occasions in our calendar, particular item to be noted was the re-introduction of the village school Maypole Dancers and I was pleased to issue certificates to all the dancers at a School Assembly. Although these events are supported by the Parish Council as an important part of community building, a special thank you must go to all the individuals and village groups which make them possible. We hope to improve on these events without losing the village aspect, by becoming too commercial. There are suggestions of an autumn event, to get residents together before the winter hibernation. Continuous work undertaken We are nearing conclusion, in registering land on village greens. We are working with Football and Cricket Club to improve facilities within the village.

We have continued our role commenting on planning applications within the village throughout the year and our input in the Local Development Framework and Core Strategy. We have seen an improvement in relations with - School, Police, Residents (Fiddlers Folly in Particular), Scouts, and the numerous other groups in the village, We have also been having our say and trying to improve problems with potholes, dog bins, rubbish bins within the village as well as keeping the heaths and greens in good repair, cutting grass verges, ponds, and keeping the village tidy with our hardworking Handyman Geoff Tye in addition to dealing with residents inquiries. Derek Franklin Chairman Parish Council

32

HEATHS AND GREENS, AN ASSET OR LIABILITY? By Keen Ref Eight Ash Green has more public open space than almost any other village in Essex. Fordham Heath, still called after the village it was associated with for centuries before Eight Ash Green was created as a separate parish in 1948, is reputed to be the second largest village green in the county with 14.3 ha. of common land. In addition we have Seven Star Green and Daisy Green, a remarkably shaped continuous area including the verges (and technically the roads) linking the two main greens. Last but not least we have the Village Field, actually two fields north of the Heath, recently opened up for public access.

However all this comes at a cost. The Parish Council has to maintain all this space, and the cost is paid through the EAG Parish rate. This means that Eight Ash Green has one of the higher (but not the highest) Council Taxes of any area within Colchester Borough. We pay for the upkeep of our greens even though people from miles around can come and enjoy them.

The important issues are: firstly do we get value from these areas, and secondly can we make better use of the facilities?. There are considerable restrictions on what anyone - including the Parish Council who own these lands - can do on the heath and greens. We have facilities for both cricket and football. But we lost the childrens’ play area because current regulations required it to have a safety surface to minimise the risk of accidents to the children. Complying with the safety standards would have meant the loss of that area for grass and wild flowers! What else should we have in the village and can any of them be accommodated on the Heath and Greens?

Maintenance is a topic that always opens up differences of opinions. Should grass be cut in the spring or the summer (depends on which wild flowers you want to encourage)?. Should it be cut to provide rough grass or a lawn (the Council try to strike a balance bearing in mind the cost)?. Should trees and undergrowth be allowed to grow to maturity or kept cut back (the wooded areas of the heath were grazing areas not all that long ago)?. How far do we go to make trees and fields “safe” for children to play in?.

These are issues that the Parish Council has to tackle at many of it’s monthly meetings. Over the next few issues some of these will be enlarged upon, but in the meantime, tell us what YOU think we should be doing. Silent folk rarely get their own way!.

33

Cllr Ken Free, 01206 210598,

kenfree@tiscali.co.uk.

Cllr John Fisher, 01206 213717,

fishers@fordham-heath.org.uk.

Cllr Richard Brown, 07894789107,

richard.e.brown@hotmail.co.uk.

Cllr Derek Franklin (Chairman) 210959

derekfranklin @btinternet.com.

�������������� �����# ���0����

Cllr Andrew Cook, 07977 075761,

handacook @yahoo.co.uk.

Cllr Katie Guilfoyle-Smith, 01206 247095, Kate_guilfoyle_smith

@hotmail.co.uk

Cllr Chris Gray, 07909 926811,

har-old.c.gray@btinternet

Cllr Christine Willetts 01206

240314 ,christine.willetts

Cllr Will Ralph, 01206 213509,

debwillralph@aol.com

34

� �������# ����0���Essex County Council 0845 743 0430

Colchester Borough Council 282222

Eight Ash Green Parish Council 729200

Holy Trinity Primary School 240880

Stanway School 575488

Village Hall booking 562860

Police Sergeant Mike Lee 07966 197134

Revd Dr Andy Saville (Church of England) 242112

Revd Ruth Ridge (Methodist) 210141

Monsignor Arthur Barrow (Catholic) 576898

Zen Clinic (Dental & Cosmetic) Tollgate 762417

Tollgate Heath Centre 710030

The Brick & Tile 540468

The Cricketers 240666

Bernard Jenkin. MP 01376 564292

Cllr Anne Brown, County Councillor 321241

Cllr Jill Tod, Borough Councillor 366454

Cllr Dennis Willetts, Borough Councillor 240314

Derek Franklin, Chairman, EAG Parish Council 210959

Richard Brown, Parish Councillor 07894 789107

John Fisher, Parish Councillor 213717

Ken Free, Parish Councillor 210598

Chris Gray, Parish Councillor 07909 926811

Katie Guilfoyle-Smith, Parish Councillor 247095

Will Ralph, Parish Councillor 213509

Christine Willetts, Parish Councillor 240314

35

36

Monday Scouts (ring 0844 414 2746 for time and venue) 19.00 Carpet Bowls Club, Village Hall 19.30 Ladies Monday Club, Methodist Church 20.00 ABT Blast, Keep Fit, Holy Trinity Primary School

Tuesday Explorer Scouts (ring 0845-0946-208 for details) 16.00 French lessons, Village Hall, (term-time only) 19.30 Line Dancing, Village Hall 19.30 WI, (1st Tuesday) Fordham Village Hall 20.00 Harley Davidson Club (1st Tuesday), The Cricketers

Wednesday 18.30 Up Beat Wind Band, Holy Trinity Primary School Village Youth Club (except 1st Wed) Village Hall 19.00 Wednesday Club (1st Wednesday) Village Hall 19.30 Parish Council (2nd Wednesday) Village Hall 20.00 Quiz night (alternate Wednesdays) The Cricketers 20.00 Mini Club (1st Wednesday) The Cricketers 20.00 VW club (alternate Wednesdays) The Cricketers

Thursday 10.00 Daisy Beaders, (2nd Thursday) The Cricketers Cubs (ring 0844 414 2746 for time and venue) 11.00 Holy Communion, (2nd Thursday) All Saints Church 19.30 Christadelphians Bible Class, Village Hall

Friday 10.00 Little Pickles, Village Hall 16.30 Karate Club, Village Hall Beavers (ring 0844 414 2746 for time and venue) 19.30 Mens’ Club, Village Hall

Saturday 09.30 King Fu, Village Hall

Sunday 10.00 Worship, EAG Methodist Church 10.00 Worship, Fordham (EAG and Fordham congregations) 11.15 Morning Prayer, All Saints EAG (1st Sunday in month) 14.15 Christadelphians Memorial meeting, Village Hall 16.15 Christadelphians Bible Talk, Village Hall

Published by EAG Parish Plan Group for Eight Ash Green Parish Council Printed by Mid Essex Printers, 66a London Road, Lexden, CO3 4DF

Opinions appearing in this newsletter are those of the individual contributors and are not necessarily those of the Editor, the Parish Plan Group or Eight Ash Green Parish Council.

���� )++���, )�/ - �