Aug to Oct 2024 Issue 100 Funded by Myland Community Council FREE The Mylander KEEPING THE COMMUNITY INFORMED St Helena Hospice’s Midnight Walk returns Celebrating Volunteer Week EDITION New Councillor Appointment - Ellora Roy
2 Myland Community Council The Chair Alison Jay 07761 729054 Vice Chair David Clouston 853942 Office: 01206 853400 Email [email protected] Clerk: Katherine Kane [email protected] Editor: Katie Maddocks [email protected] Churches The Well Methodist Church, Rev. Chris Preece 545253 Church Hall hire, Keith Thompson 844252 St Michael’s Church 855040 Myland Parish Halls Hire (Sarah King) 855040 St Joseph’s Church, Mgr. Chris Brooks 866317 Schools Queen Boudica 844654 Camulos Academy 588588 Myland School 852109 Other Colchester City Council – Enquiries 282222 Colchester Police Station 101 Highwoods Country Park 853588 One Colchester Hub 505250 Phone numbers are 01206 unless otherwise stated Pauline Bacon 07929 903484 Laura Cassidy c/o 853400 Gary Braddy c/o 853400 Catherine Clouston 07785 987 734 David Clouston 07748 064 562 Marina de Smith 07791 463 080 Pete Hewitt 853942 Winston Browne c/o 853400 Lindsey Ilsley c/o 853400 Ellora Roy c/o 853400 Martin Goss 07912 396335 Phil Coleman 07808 530587 Alan Hayman c/o 853400 Alison Jay 07761 729054 Robert Johnstone 853204 Clare Williams c/o 853400 Mark Fried c/o 853400
3 Keep up to date with local news, updates and events on Facebook: facebook @Myland Community Council MYLAND COMMUNITY COUNCIL Office: 101 Nayland Road, Colchester, CO4 5EN Office Hours: 8.30 - 11.00am (Monday to Friday) Tel: 01206 853400 Website: www.mylandcommunitycouncil.gov.uk The Mylander Keeping The Community Informed The Mylander is funded by Myland Community Council as a community service. It is issued quarterly and distributed to every household in the parish. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Myland Community Council. Articles and information are reproduced in good faith. Contents 4. Chair’s report 6. Council reports 13. Churches 17. From inside the community 36. Learning and growing EDITION
4 Chair’s Report Welcome to another special issue of the Mylander. This is our 100th Edition! Over the years this has been a positive way of engaging with those we represent, letting you know what we are doing as a Community Council and what is going on in the wider community, reflecting local activities, events, groups and organisations we can all support. As we look at ways of improving the way we communicate with our residents, things may change in the future and as a first step our website will be updated to be easier to access what you are looking for, but we remain focused on letting you know what is going on locally and how we are dealing with the things that impact us in Myland. In the last few months, we have been involved in a wide variety of issues including picking up responsibility for open spaces around Myland and liaising with the City Council on our two proposed new community centres. We are also looking at things residents have asked us to consider, such as improved wheelchair and buggy-friendly access to Mile End Recreation Ground and research into the possible provision of an electric vehicle at the Parish office for public use under the City Council’s Enterprise scheme. Please let us know it there is anything you think we should be thinking about. I would love to see a Toddlers’ play space, which I have seen many ask for, so we will be looking for sites and funding. We can’t always do what we would like to, but we have a voice and the ear of City and County councils, so we need to use them. One of the things we do well as a Council is support local groups and organisations with grants for things outside their financial reach. Feedback from those who have previously received grants is welcomed and we are delighted that the YMCA Youth Club we have supported for 2 years is seeing increasing numbers of those attending, especially younger members. We are grateful to the youth workers for their hard work and commitment. Recent grants agreed include: • Queen Boudica Primary School - £300 towards a Year 3 trip to the Beth Chatto Gardens to cover transport costs. • Myland PTA - £1000 to support the extension of the Forest School.
5 • St Helena Hospice - £1250 to cover the expenses of holding the St Helena Fundraising Community Day on Saturday 3rd August on Mile End Recreation Ground. • Mill Road Surgery - £500 to Mill Road Surgery Patients’ Participation Group to provide planters for staff and patients at the surgery and helping them create an improved entranceway. If you know of a local group that is looking for financial help, please put them in touch with us. We are always happy to hear your views, so you are very welcome at our Full Council meetings which take place the last Wednesday of every month or email me or the Clerk on [email protected] Cllr Alison Jay Chair of Myland Council Chair’s Report
6 Council Reports Your guide to Myland Community Council Meetings Myland Community Council (MCC) currently has three standing committees; Planning & Highways; Resources, Policy & Strategy; Myland Access Committee. Please see below for their upcoming meetings. 1. Planning & Highways MCC has the statutory right to be consulted on all planning applications, within the boundary of the parish. The Committee will look at each application and agree the response to be submitted to Colchester Borough Council, who will make the final decision. The applications range from small household extensions, right up to larger developments. Currently the Committee is also tracking progress on the Severalls and Chesterwell developments. Meetings: 4th Sept, 2nd Oct, 7.30pm at 101 Nayland Road 2. Resources, Policy & Strategy This Committee is responsible for keeping an eye on Council finances; making sure the Council is within budget and making plans for future years. The Committee each year will make recommendation to the full Council regarding the amount of the precept, which pays for MCC services. Meetings: 18th Sept, 16th Oct, 7.30pm at Well Methodist Church Hall 3. Myland Access Committee This new Committee is responsible for all forms of travel, ensuring that both public and private modes of transport can exist together in a way that works for all, supporting environmentallyfriendly and sustainable travel within the area. It also looks at Public Rights of Way to keep these open and provides relevant and up to date information on these. Meetings: Held every 6 weeks, 2.30pm on Weds at 101 Nayland Road 4. Full Council Meetings Full council meetings take place at The Well Methodist Church Hall. Meetings: 25th Sept, 30th Oct Agendas are posted on the council website the week prior.
7 Council Reports Myland Access Committee I recently took the opportunity to re-read some of the many hundreds of articles that had been written over the last twenty or so years. Articles about footpaths, bridleways, cycling, and local bus services; planning policy and decisions; litter picks and regular monthly walks; the Boxing Day Walks, Jane’s Walks; signposts and the Definitive Map and Statement; Local Transport Notes and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and our hopes for a new bridge over the A12! One of the highlights for me was the creation of a Public Right of Way along Tower Lane’. It was in 2011 that Essex County Council declared it was a Public Footpath and about 5 years later it was upgraded to a Bridleway! This process took several years starting with Myland Parish Council organising a dozen volunteers to sign an affidavit saying that they had walked along Tower Lane, “without let or hindrance”, at some stage during the previous twenty years, and finishing with Essex County Council writing a large report containing many old title maps to show that it had in fact always been a Public Right of Way and would be added to the Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way in Essex. On a more controversial note, the creation of many “shared footway/cycleway” routes, gave us, (and Colchester Cycling Campaign), much cause for concern. At the time - 2012, central government advised that such routes, whilst not absolutely forbidden, were not recommended, saying that many such schemes created problems for both pedestrians and cyclists. By the time 2020 came along the government view was that cyclists must be physically separated from pedestrians and should not share space with pedestrians. ECC carried on with many of these schemes regardless of government advice and have no plans in place to rectify the situation, or improve the safety of cyclists in the carriageway. I have often wondered how much all those blue signs cost (e.g. “cyclists dismount”), and how many times they are enforced! Central government has quite a lot to say on how planning and Public Rights of Way are dealt with. Mainly this paragraph from the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) :- “Planning policies and decisions should protect and enhance public rights of way and access, including taking opportunities to provide better facilities for users, for example by adding links to existing rights of way networks including National Trails.”
8 Council Reports The NPPF did not exist when footpath 39 was obstructed by the re-routing of the A12 to the north of Colchester in the 1970’s. A report written by the highways authority at the time decreed that vehicular traffic was so light that pedestrians would be able to cross over the A12 without too much inconvenience! (Not true nowadays!) MCC began petitioning for a new bridge over the A12 over ten years ago and we have managed to get this desire included in Colchester’s current Local Plan. We have also obtained from the developer at Chesterwell enough land on either side of the A12 to construct the supporting infrastructure for a bridge, so it might, just might, actually happen! Finally, there are 31 Public Rights of Way in Myland, 18 of which have been partially deleted or are obstructed in some way. Most of the partial deletions are as a result of planning permissions that totally failed to even consider the existence of PRoW. ECC have never managed to add any links to the existing network or improve facilities for users, so we have a long way to go before we can say that we comply with the NPPF. Robert Johnstone Chair, Myland Access Committee
Council Reports 9 Myland Heritage Group MILE END (MYLAND) POTTERY This article is very much based on Colchester Archaeological Trust (CAT) Report 1140—Pottery Production in Mile End (Colchester) in the 12th and 16th Centuries. The report is the result of archaeological examination of part of the Chesterwell development on land between the A134 and Boxted Road and was funded by Mersea Homes. This was carried out in 2017. In 1973, an excavation on the line of the A134 uncovered pits full of broken medieval pottery, indicating there was a medieval kiln somewhere close by. There had been previous discoveries of waste and kiln material in Mile End and Great Horkesley showing that pottery was produced here from 13th century until the 15th or 16th century. The vessels made were generally described as ‘early medieval sandy ware’, ‘medieval sandy grey ware’ or ‘Colchestertype ware’. The presence of pottery production in the area is reflected in some of the local places names seen in title maps of Mile End, such as Brick Field, Potters Field, Kiln Field and Clay Pits. The recent 2017 excavation discovered over 530kg of medieval pottery and a tile-built rectangular kiln. The finds included a significant amount of waste and misfired pots. The work also provided clear evidence of the movement of pottery production within a general site that spread across the area. Production is thought to have started in the western area of this site in the 12th—13th centuries, then moving a couple of small fields to the east in 13th—14th centuries and then staying put in the 15th—16th centuries. (It is noted that a small quantity of Roman brick and tile remains were also found). Why there should be this slight movement over nearly four centuries is a little puzzling, but could be movement to new underlying clay sources.
10 Council Reports The finds identified phases of production that included the medieval sandy ware, medieval sandy grey ware and Colchester-type ware, thus confirming earlier finds on a large scale. Types of products found include; storage jars and jugs, cooking pots, dishes and bowls. There were also more ‘industrial’ types items, such as roof tiles, floor tiles and bricks. The medieval pottery industry of ‘Colchester-type ware’ was previously based in Middleborough and re-located to Mile End. It is considered that Colchester pottery production eventually became the most important pottery industry in Essex and this is of regional significance and of national interest. (Left) Coarse grey ware jug (Right) ‘Slip’ painted Colchester-type ware There is more to report on this Mile End ‘industry’. Many charcoal rich ‘fire-pits’ have been located and clearly link to local ceramic production (CAT Re-port 1219 refers) and another Chesterwell site has recently been excavated for which a report is being prepared. Thank you to Colchester Archaeological Trust and Mersea Homes for permission to use the reports. Pete Hewitt Myland Heritage Group
Council Reports New Councillor Announcement The Mylander would like to warmly welcome Ellora Roy as the latest member of the Planning and Highways Committee and councillor for Myland Community Council. Please introduce yourself. I first moved to Myland in 2018. By profession, I am a business consultant within the banking and financial services sector and work full time as a Senior Manager with a Consulting firm in London. Although, since Covid I have been largely working from home with the occasional visit to the big city. What do you love most about living here? Having moved from London, I very much enjoy the open green spaces and the history of this place. We have High Woods Country Park and the lake just at our doorstep, whilst the legendary Norman Castle nestled within the cobbled streets of the city centre is only a short drive away. Additionally, the commute to London is not too bad either, which is a bonus. I find the sense of community and the feeling of belonging massively comforting, which can be a bit elusive in a big city like London. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? My daughter and I love the outdoors and often go cycling, for long walks and horse riding. With convenient access to some of the well-known beaches, a trip to the east coast every now and then is also enjoyed very much. Furthermore, being part of the council has opened up avenues to get involved in various ways, such as learning and preserving the heritage of the place, having a say in the planning and development of the community, and participating in community services like the Patients Participation Group (PPG) at the local surgery etc. What made you want to become involved in Myland Community Council? I wanted to reach out and play a part in making a difference to our community. Being a councillor has given me the opportunity to learn more about the place, some of its current challenges and avenues to work towards finding effective solutions for these challenges. I am grateful for this opportunity and the connections I have made since joining the council. 11
Council Reports 12 What do you believe are the main issues facing residents in Myland and how do you see your involvement making a positive impact? Myland is a lovely place to live in with excellent facilities in terms of the proximity to schools, hospitals, supermarkets, gyms, green spaces etc. And it is constantly evolving with new developments. This is exciting, as well as presents us with the opportunity to actively get involved to shape up this community in the best interests of residents e.g., sustainable housing and infrastructure, pedestrian and cyclist friendly roads, amenities like restaurants, gyms, clubs, community spaces catering to the foundational needs of our society such as healthy living and mental well-being. As part of the council and as well a member of Planning & Highways, I get to have a say in how we want this community to develop. I consider this a privilege and a great responsibility which I do not take lightly. What do you hope to bring to the role? By virtue of my job, I come with a variety of skillsets, acquired through the years, such as the ability to analyse and solve complex problems, communicate effectively, design & develop creative solutions, ability to lead as well as work as a team whilst fostering strong relationships. I intend to put these to good use, coupled with a strong desire and enthusiasm to be of service to this community, which I now call home. Ellora Roy Planning & Highways Committee
13 Rev’d Hazel Greenland 07707 894526 [email protected] Sarah King, Church Office Admin. 01206 855040 [email protected] Lesley Hindle, Churchwarden 07708 954990 [email protected] Sue Smith, Churchwarden 07715 064322 [email protected] Churches St Michael’s Church Weekday services in Church are as follows: • Friday 9.15am for Morning Prayer Sunday Services in Church start at 10.15am and follow a monthly cycle: • First Sunday: Holy Communion with prayer for Wholeness and Healing • Second Sunday: Family Service currently with Baptism • Third Sunday: Holy Communion and exploration of a current Big Issue • Fourth Sunday: Baptisms and Holy Communion • When there is a fifth Sunday in the month we will have a Family Service Special Services and Activities (Meet in the church unless otherwise stated) October Harvest Thanksgiving Service with parade: Sunday 13th October, 10.15am Our Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal will be launched at this service November 10.15am Sunday 3rd November: All Saints & All Souls Service (light a candle service) - We will take the opportunity to remember our loved ones, friends and family that we have lost during the years. Remembrance Sunday with parade: Sunday 10th November, 10.15am: followed by an Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial at 11am. Please keep an eye on our website and the Church noticeboards, or call the Church Office on 01206 855040 if you would like further information. Please do check our website HERE for more information, this will be updated regularly. You can also follow us on Facebook: St. Michael’s Church & Myland Parish Halls.
Mayne Veterinary clinic is a small independent veterinary practice on Bergholt Road near North Station in Colchester. We’ve been making pets feel better since 1975, that’s just one reason why we’re such a popular family vet – we’ve looked after generation after generation of pets for local people. That special continuity of care and our famously warm personal service mean we get to know you and your pet well. We make every effort to make sure you see the same team member each time you visit, something that makes you feel even more comfortable and cared for. T: 01206 851 338 E: [email protected] A SMALL VETERINARY PRACTICE WITH A BIG HEART MV_Mylander_AD_148x105_CH.indd 1 23/04/2019 14:09 Reliable, high quality improvement, maintenance and repair in and around your home or property • Kitchen design and installation • Interior and exterior decorating • General ‘handyman’ services • No obligation quotes on request • Fully insured • References available Contact Steve Newton on 07963 753414 Email: [email protected] Take something o your ‘to do list’ by adding it to ours
Churches The Well Methodist Church Congratulations to The Mylander for reaching its 100th edition! The Community Pantry (fortnightly) and the Warm Welcome (weekly) continued during school terms on Tuesdays from 12noon to 4.00pm and will recommence in September. Over the summer holidays, MakeLunch Myland has changed from providing hot meals. After seven years, our cook, Di Thompson, has stepped down and there will now be free packed lunches and drinks for any family from 11am to 1pm on 30th July, 6th and 20th August. They can either be taken away or eaten on the premises on the day. On 22nd June we had ‘Tea at The Well’ for all our church family. This was a repeat from last year and was a very enjoyable occasion. Our main focus at present is developing our premises. Our Minister, Rev Chris Preece, is leading us in a project to alter our buildings so that we may best serve our community in the future. We are looking to make the building more accessible and improve our eco credentials. It is always a joy to welcome new people to any of our events. Maybe you used to attend a church some time ago, but have perhaps got out of the habit. If so, then you may like to come along to our Sunday Worship at 10.30am. Come and experience our welcome and friendliness! If you would like more information regarding Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals or Spiritual matters, then contact Rev Chris Preece (01206 545253). Our church web site can be found HERE Or if you are passing our premises, there is a weekly notice sheet displayed outside. Keith and Di Thompson Tel: Col 844252 [email protected] 15
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17 From inside the community Mill Road Surgery By the time you read this hopefully you are all basking in lovely sunshine, which will be well-deserved after the wet winter we suffered! Don’t forget to keep well hydrated during the summer months and you should aim for at least 6-8 glasses of fluid a day, (not including fizzy drinks, but tea and coffee do count). If you’ve been physically active or in a hot environment then you should increase this amount accordingly. Make sure, if you are working or playing out in the sun, then to wear a good level of sunscreen and try to avoid sitting in direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest. Hopefully the pollen levels from the trees and grass should have dropped by the time you read this but pollen from weeds can persist during the summer months, so don’t forget to speak to your local pharmacist if you are struggling with hay fever symptoms, as they stock a great variety of tablets, sprays and drops that can relieve most symptoms. It’s mentioned regularly here to us that it’s quite frustrating trying to call at 8am and finding you can be 50 odd in the queue; we totally understand this frustration and plans are in motion to change elements of our booking system in the near future, however don’t forget in the meantime you are more than welcome to queue outside the front door before we open at 8am to book an appointment. Some patients even get seen after a short wait if they are able to secure an early appointment there and then. We do appreciate as the weather changes that it’s not great to wait outside in the queue but there is the covered walkway for shelter too. Enjoy the rest of your summer! Ashley Moore Paramedic Practitioner/Nurse Manager Mill Road Surgery
19 From inside the community Nature Notes These articles first appeared in the Mylander Issue No. 38, February 2009. On that occasion I took the immediate opportunity to comment on the land that would be developed as Chesterwell. I had a favourite viewing point where I could look out and across towards West Bergholt and Great Horkesley and described what I saw. I also reported some of the details gathered from a wildlife, flora and fauna, survey of the site carried out by colleagues at Colchester Natural History Society. There were many, many species. The presence of flora and fauna in Myland, whether it was from our garden or further afield, such as High Woods Country Park and Cymbeline Meadows, became a frequent subject. In this way the Nature Notes became a kind of diary of change. Some changes were disappointing and others a pleasant surprise. It is inescapable that bird species once frequently seen in the garden have reduced dramatically, in particular the finches. Greenfinch, chaffinch and goldfinch used to visit in good numbers, now we are lucky to see any. On the other hand house sparrow numbers have increased and we still see robins, blue tits, great tits, coal tits, long-tailed tits and wren regularly, and there are others we often see, for example, greater spotted woodpecker, blackcap, blackbird and if we look up we often see buzzards. A significant plus point is the number and species of butterflies now seen. Holly blues, orange tips, peacocks, red admiral, small tortoise shell, (in the photo), painted ladies and now gatekeepers and others. The assumption is that bird species and numbers are greatly affected by habitat loss. The butterflies can be also be affected by habitat loss but also by spring weather conditions. Both are affected by climate change. Looking back I see that another theme that developed was the increasing focus on the need for natural green space, both for wildlife and ourselves. This we know came sharply into focus during Covid. This, coupled with a growing awareness among organisations that biodiversity
20 is critical to the planet’s survival, began to see a much sharper focus towards the need for protecting and extending sustainable green space, both for recreation and the natural world. Now we often hear of ‘wilding’, wild flower meadows, garden corridors, even protecting grass verges as ways of supporting biodiversity, and of course campaigns to protect what we have. (Charter Wood at Cymbeline Meadows is in the photo below). For some of us simply walking and enjoying the fresh air and green space is enough, but my notes often point to the added benefit of taking time to listen, see and recognise what exists in our surroundings. Mindfulness is increasingly suggested as a boost for our mental well-being. From time to time I also found myself quoting from poetry or prose commentary that I felt had a connection with my writing. I think I did this to demonstrate that there has always been, and increasingly there continues to be, publications that celebrate nature in our lives. I note that my article that coincided with the 100th Anniversary of the end of the First World War managed to combine three poets from that time with their love for the natural world, indeed one of them, Edward Thomas, joined up as he was desperate to keep the English landscape as he knew it. I have reflected on how lucky we are to have High Woods Country Park and Cymbeline Meadows so close and accessible, especially with the news that areas of the latter are to become a local nature reserve. Perhaps this will help bring back some of the bird species we no longer see. Nature does recover, as I noted with the regeneration of Chesterwell Wood. Many people were upset by the felling of trees, but that, with clearance of unmanaged undergrowth, has given the wood a new lease of life with access via broad managed pathways. I look forward to seeing when the Chesterwell Green Infrastructure Strategy is complete. The wood and three From inside the community
21 dedicated park/wildlife areas will be connected by retained hedgerows and green paths, thus supporting the natural world and our own health and well-being. I note too that now and then my notes suggest we should also “look up”. The sky can give us some delightful cloud shapes, breathtaking sunsets and views of bird-life not otherwise seen, e.g., buzzards being mobbed by gulls, a red kite, a chevron of wild geese arriving. Writing these reflections on 16 years of Nature Notes I am in our garden listening to the recent fledglings, watching some with parents still feeding them, holly blue butterflies are on the wing, honey bees are busy at flower heads, a squirrel has bounded across the lawn and most pleasing a goldfinch is drinking from the bird bath. Perhaps then if we all play our part, us in our gardens, landowners protecting hedgerows, developers and authorities respecting and boosting biodiversity, all will be well. Pete Hewitt, Myland Heritage Group From inside the community
22 From inside the community Women’s Institute As this is the 100th Mylander, it seemed appropriate to cast our minds back over the history of the Mile End W.I. It opened in 1987 and was held in the Methodist Church Hall. It met there until 2006 when it moved to St. Michael’s Church Hall and then in 2012 it moved to the current venue, Highwoods Community Centre. Four of the present members were founder members and have enjoyed many happy evenings and made some great friends over the years. As well as speakers at each meeting, outings have been arranged, small groups worked together to produce items for Essex Federation Exhibitions at Cressing Barns, supporting St Helena Hospice by providing cakes and holding Carol Services at St. Michael’s Church. Contact your local Slimming World Consultant and join a friendly and super-supportive group today! new2024 member pack! 24th Dec 2023 to 27th Jan 2024 recipe book when you commit to a Countdown course* worth £4.95* FREE slimmingworld.co.uk *At participating groups. Terms and conditions apply. Visit slimmingworld.co.uk/offers for more information. slimming-friendly spag bol Saturdays 08:00 & 09:30 am, Myland Parish Hall, CO4 5DY
23 From inside the community In more recent years a Book Club has been formed and usually meets once a month to discuss the book of the month. In May the Annual Meeting took place when election of Officers took place, followed by an evening of Bingo and Beetle, which provided an evening of fun and relaxation! In June it was ‘Time for Tea’ when Ann Latchford from Colne Valley Tea Company gave an interesting history with amusing tea related anecdotes. Tasting of teas took place and included White, Earl Grey and Green tea with Mango and lemon. Members were reminded about a Fish and Chip lunch/ Garden Party to be held on 19th July and an afternoon tea on 9th August. Obviously as these are outdoor events hopes are in hand that the sun will shine on those days! On a very wet July evening, Graham and Mary Brace took us on a Walk on the Wildside of Brazil. They shared their amazing photos of numerous birds and animals to be found on safari in this fascinating part of the world. Their absolute love of wild life shone through and everyone totally enjoyed being transported on this special journey. Future meetings planned are; • A Chocolate Tasting Evening in August; • A talk on The History and Natural History of Spices by Ian Anderson in September; • And in October, Angie Jones will give a talk on Walks in the Slow Lanes of Essex. The Committee Members work hard to ensure that each evening runs smoothly and have already got a great programme of speakers planned for 2025! If you feel lonely, then why not come along to one of the meetings where you will find a friendly bunch of ladies who would be delighted to welcome YOU! Meetings are held on the first Friday of the month at 7.15pm at Highwoods Community Centre. See you there! Sandra Jones
From inside the community 24 Art Group Alternate Fridays 7.00pm -9.00pm Myland Parish Hall (British Summer Time only) Michael Pinnock - 01206 842289 Community Pantry (twice a month) and Warm Welcome (weekly) The Well Methodist Church Hall Tuesdays during school terms Di Thompson - 01206 844252 [email protected] Morris Dancing Fridays 8.00pm The Well Methodist Church Hall Robin Tavener [email protected] Mothers’ Union First Wednesday monthly Maria-Antoinette Brown - 07772838313 [email protected] Myland Foodbank Fridays 8.30am to 12noon Myland Parish Hall Mile End Road, CO4 5DY [email protected] 01206 621998 Myland Parish Halls Sarah King 01206 855040 or 07518 437488 www.mylandchurch.org.uk [email protected] Myland Singers Wednesdays 7.30pm (term time) Katrina Brooks - 07539 321348
Learning and growing 25 Severalls Bowls Club League matches Tues afternoon/Weds eve Club Night Friday 6.00pm Mill Road Peter Weeden - 07785 114348 Women’s Institute First Friday monthly H/Woods Sandra Jones - 01206 853594 Girlguiding Myland Rainbows Myland Brownies Myland Guides www.girlguiding.org.uk/joinus Myland Pre-School (Myland Parish Halls) Monday 9.00am-3.30pm Tuesday 9.00am-3.30pm Wednesday 9.00am-12.00pm Friday 9.00am-3.30pm (Term-time only) Diane Woodrow - 07544 830780 [email protected] Rainbow Pre-School Monday 9.30am-3.00pm Wednesday 9.00am-3.00pm Thursday 9.00am-3.00pm Friday 9.00am-3.00pm The Well Methodist Church Hall Gina Oxford - 07779 349128 Scouts 1st Myland St Michaels’ Scout Group Beaver Scouts Thursday Cub Scouts Thursday Scouts Thursday 1stmylandscoutgroup.org.uk
26 From inside the community Love2sign Music is magic! Love2sign are a fun and friendly sign language choir, who aim to make music accessible to everyone. Promoting Deaf awareness, inclusivity and positivity are at the core of what we do. We are a mixed ability group based in both Colchester and Southend, where we learn and perform British Sign Language (BSL) translations of songs. Earlier this year, we were invited by David Stanley of the Music Man Project to take part in their show – Music is Magic – at the Royal Albert Hall. The Music Man Project is a fabulous music education charity for people with learning disabilities across the UK, and internationally. Our talented choir leaders, Anne and Sue, used their wealth of sign language experience to translate over 15 songs written by the Music Man Project, especially for this performance. From funny, to jazzy and incredibly moving, these songs had it all! PIANO TUITION & MUSIC THEORY ALL AGES AND STANDARDS STUDENTS ENTERED FOR RSM IF REQUIRED TREVOR CORDWELL 01206 844087
27 From inside the community Over the coming months, we practiced hard to finesse our signs, learn the lip patterns, nail our timing and sprinkle our Love2sign magic on each song. In early April, it was finally showtime! We headed to the Royal Albert Hall to join hundreds of Music Man Project students from across the country, the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, vocal choirs, musicians, actors and even Michael Ball on stage. The atmosphere was incredible! Both performers and the audience were treated to a funfilled evening of singing, signing, music, dancing, laughter and tears. It was a privilege to bring accessible music to such a prestigious venue, alongside hundreds of talented musicians. We would love for you to join our Love2sign family. You don’t need any sign language experience because we help you every step of the way. As we are not a vocal choir, you don’t need to be a good singer either! Rehearsals take place at Highwoods Community Centre most Thursdays from 19:30-21:30. Your first session is free! Please contact: [email protected] to find out more. Follow our Facebook page to see what else we’ve been up to and details of our performances: CLICK HERE Sophie Brown, Love2sign
28 From inside the community St Helena Hospice Hospice Midnight Walk returns with a neon theme St Helena Hospice’s popular Midnight Walk returns to Colchester this autumn after a five year hiatus! The night time event is set to take place on Friday 27th September and will see hundreds of people walking a four mile or nine mile route through the streets to the north of the city centre. Both routes will pass St Helena Hospice on Barncroft Close in Highwoods, where people can pause at the memory stop if they choose to. Anyone over the age of 11 can join in and participants are encouraged to dress in bright colours as the charity event has a neon theme to light up the night. Both routes start and finish at the home of Colchester United, the JobServe Community Stadium, where there will be a fun event village with a DJ, performers, glitter station, food stalls and more, plus a daring glass and Lego walk challenge. Marcus Poston, partnerships fundraising manager at St Helena Hospice, is encouraging people across north east Essex to sign up for the memorable event:
From inside the community “You don’t want to miss this chance to join in the return of the Midnight Walk in your finest neon attire! Whether you’re walking by yourself, as a group or family, with your friends or as a couple, everyone is welcome. There’s a choice of two routes which will see most participants still walking as the clock strikes 12, so prepare to party with us past bedtime! “By taking part in Midnight Walk, you can help us support more people in our local community to live their lives with compassion, dignity and choice until the very end.” Midnight Walk sets off at 10pm and participants can arrive from 7pm on the night to enjoy the event village activities. Sign up now by CLICKING HERE 29 Sam Ellis, St Helena Hospice [The routes are yet to be announced, as The Mylander went to print, but both routes pass through Myland.]
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From inside the community Myland Mother’s Union We had our Strawberry Tea on the 3rd of July. All went very well. We had a wonderful time and everyone also enjoyed a quiz that was provided for our entertainment in the afternoon. So much so we had to have a tiebreaker question as those taking part were very enthusiastic! Thank You to all those who attended. “Cannot wait till next year,” was the most popular comment of the afternoon. We have our Annual Coffee Morning on the 10th of August 2024. 10am - 11.30am. We will be having a Bring ‘n’ Buy stall. A Raffle as well as our wonderful Cake Stall. There will also be refreshments served. £3 Charge includes cake and tea/coffee with an extra top up. We look forward to seeing you there to come and raise money for the Mothers Union charity. (Also come and have a chat to find out what we actually do). Our November meeting (Weds 6th) will be the history of St. Michael’s Church. We will be having a local speaker who will tell us more of how our lovely parish evolved from being a village to how it is now being a part of Colchester City. How times have changed; where there were once fields, now we have a thriving community. We will also be finding out the history of the Mothers Union, not only in this parish, but as a nationwide charity. We do so much to help our fellow Christians in this country as well as abroad. A good excuse if you would like to know more about your local Mothers Union. To date we have over 4 million members in 83 countries. So if you are free in September please do come and join us for this special meeting. We meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm. (But not the first Wednesday in August). New members, women as well as men, are always very warmly welcomed. We would love to see you! God Bless. Maria-Antoinette Brown Branch Leader 31
33 From inside the community Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy More than ever, wildlife and their habitats are under threat for survival. The Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy provides a new vision for our natural spaces and the draft strategy is being prepared for public consultation. The primary aim of the Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy is to pinpoint the best locations for the creation and enhancement of habitats, ensuring the greatest benefits for biodiversity and the wider environment. By outlining key biodiversity priorities and proposed actions, the aim is to achieve a more connected, collaborative approach to nature recovery. The Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy draft has been developed in collaboration with farmers, landowners, environmental NGOs, local authorities, members of the public and more. The draft strategy is expected to go to public consultation later this summer. Sign up to receive updates when the public consultation is live by scanning the QR code or visiting the website HERE For more information of the Essex Local Nature Recovery Strategy: CLICK HERE
34 From inside the community Colchester Countryside Volunteer Rangers Volunteers Celebrating the Council’s 50 Years To celebrate Colchester City Council’s 50th-year anniversary, they have been sharing stories from staff, volunteers, councillors and residents who make huge and often unseen contributions to Colchester. As part of Volunteer Week (1st – 7th June) they published stories from volunteers who give up their precious free time to help care for Colchester’s award-winning parks and litter pick in our communities to keep them clean and tidy. This included Graham Womack, Volunteer Ranger at High Woods Country Park and Paul Horwood, Committee Treasurer for Colchester Countryside Volunteer Rangers (CCVR). Graham Womack has been a Volunteer Ranger for 24 years. He spoke to Colchester City Council about his desire to give something back to the community, whilst working outside, learning new skills and making new friends. Paul Horwood has held this position for CCVR since 2011, after being made redundant and searching for a volunteer role to occupy his time and meet new people. Alongside his essential financial role, he talks about the enjoyment he gets from helping to make bird boxes and the joy of recruiting new volunteers to the team. Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “The Council can do nothing without its incredible workforce, and those who voluntarily help others. It is thanks to the skill and dedication of hundreds of staff and volunteers that the Council continues to deliver much needed services for our residents. “Over the last few years, volunteers, and the work that they do has become even more important to making sure our parks and green spaces are kept at the award-winning standard that everyone is used to. This would not be possible without them – and I want to say a huge thank you.
35 From inside the community To each and every person that gives up their time to make sure that the spaces we all enjoy, and love are looked after so very well.” If you are interested in joining Graham and Paul and become a volunteer at High Woods Country Park, you can find more information by clicking HERE Jenny Spence Exercise Class For many years I have been running an over-60’s exercise class, which aims to include most parts of the body with stretching including using bands and weights, dancing and ball games. The class is a mix of sitting and standing, and lasts for one hour. The cost is £5 per session. Presently we use the Well Methodist Church Hall on Nayland Road Myland on Tuesday mornings at 10.30am and not only do we exercise, but we have a good laugh and the atmosphere is warm and friendly. Should you be interested or require further information please contact me: Home: 01206 842698 / Mobile: 07940 815665
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37 Learning & Growing Myland Pre-School CIC We have had a busy half term as we have explored themes such as pets, Dads, vegetables, summer and sunshine, America, tennis and school. We congratulated Jackie at our Mother’s Day morning as she has completed 21 years’ service to the preschool! She was presented with an Olivia Burton watch and a bouquet of flowers along with a card and certificate. Well done Jackie and thank you for all your years of service – here’s to many more! We had Rob Sambrook, photographer come into pre-school to take photos of the children on Monday 22nd April, and this raised £87.17 in commission for the preschool. On Monday 29th April, we went on our trip to Easton Farm Park with all of the children leaving us to go to school. We had a fantastic day with nice weather and the children got to hug bunnies and have a tractor and trailer ride, as well as feeding the goats and kids, sheep and lambs. Friday 14th June saw us welcoming 19 dads and grandads into preschool for our Father’s Day morning. They enjoyed joining in with our activities and we rewarded them with a bacon roll and a cup of tea or coffee! We really enjoyed having them in preschool with us. On Wednesday 19th June we took part in the Barnardo’s’ Big Toddle. This saw the children doing the toddle around the local area, raising funds for both Barnardo’s and the preschool. This was followed by a teddy bears’ picnic in our garden, where parents and younger siblings joined in as well. The current total raised is £377. So that is £282.75 for Barnardo’s and £94.25 for preschool funds. For all the children taking the next step to primary school this year we completed transition forms and sent them to the schools and had the teachers from the various schools come into preschool to see the children here.
Learning & Growing On Wednesday 26th June and Wednesday 3rd July we had our open mornings and met with the children (and their families) who will be starting with us in September, and we look forward to welcoming them into the preschool as they start their educational journey with us. We are saying goodbye to 23 children who are graduating preschool to start primary school in September. We would like to wish them all every success in the future. We will be holding our Graduation ceremony for them on Friday 19th July. We return to preschool to start the autumn term on Monday 9th September 2024, with our first theme being “All About Me”. If you are on Facebook then look out for our Facebook page - Myland Preschool CIC, where you can see all of our activities and news. We have our next collection for Bag2School booked for Monday 7th October 2024, so if you are having a sort out over the summer then please bear us in mind!! You can find details of what is collected by: CLICKING HERE On Tuesday 22nd October we have Rob Sambrook, photographer coming into pre-school to take photos of the children. We have a few sessions available for September. If you are interested in preschool sessions with us, then please email us on: [email protected] Diane Woodrow Manager 38
Myland Parish Halls, Mile End Road, Colchester, Essex, Company number 8360639 For children aged 2yrs 9mths to school age Sessional and full day care Our childcare setting provides a friendly and stimulating environment in which we nuture happy, confident and independent children. Ofsted registration EY462427 Opening times— Monday 9.00—15.30 Tuesday 9.00—15.30 Wednesday 9.00—12.00 Friday 9.00—15.30 Term time only Contact– email - [email protected] Telephone—07544830780
40 Learning & Growing 1st Myland Guides The Summer term at Guides is always my favourite as we get to be outside! The weather this summer has meant we have had to move a few things around, but thankfully our programme (and leaders) enable us to do that. We’ve been working on our ‘Have Adventures’ theme this term, completing our camp skill builder and building lots of unit meeting minutes towards this theme award. Some of these activities have included creating a camp out of sweets & chocolate, beetle drives, camp cafes, solar simulations, cosmic calculations and lava lamps. We enjoyed an evening out at Lexden Golf Club where we split into two groups. One group took turns on the driving range whilst the other group played mini golf, we then swapped over so everyone had a turn. It was still fun - even if it did pour with rain. We held a board game evening just before half term (sometimes needed when we are packing in the activities). After half term we started work on a carnival badge, as 1st Myland Guides will be attending the Colchester Cultural Carnival in July. The girls designed hats and then realised their creations the following week. Towards the end of June, we had a trip to Mersea Boating Lake for the evening to have fun on the inflatables – all paid for by Bracken’s Jack Petchey award. Such a great evening and I’d highly recommend it for anyone looking for something local to do over the holidays.
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42 Learning & Growing The following week we sited Essex Wildlife Trust’s Abberton Reservoir for moth trapping, bug hunting and pond dipping. The girls had their own ‘Love Island’ session where they found a male and female silver diving beetle and introduced them to one another. These were quite a find – they’re the UK’s second largest beetle and very lively. We finished the term with rounders and a picnic on the field. Our visits outside the meeting place have included: • St. George’s Day Parade, helping at the Colchester 10K race manning water stations, • Girlguiding takeover to the cinema to watch Inside Out 2, • A visit to RSPB Minsmere for a day of wildlife themed activities. Lizzy Steward
43 Learning & Growing Queen Boudica Primary School Congratulations on the 100th edition of The Mylander magazine - what a great achievement. We all send our congratulations and very best wishes to everyone in the community. It’s hard to believe that we’ve almost reached the end of another school year - this one has flown past. Our Year 6 pupils have already been out to visit their new secondary schools, and we’re preparing to wave them off as they finish their primary school years. We’re sure that they’ll continue to be wonderful ambassadors and responsible members of their school communities in the future, and we wish them all every possible success and happiness in their future endeavours. At the other end of school, it’s been a pleasure to welcome our new families whose children are joining us in Reception in September. It was lovely to see so many parents at our evening meeting, and last week we held our ‘Stay and Play’ sessions, whereby our new children came for an initial visit in school. Well done to everyone for having such a great time: we’re very much looking forward to seeing you again in September! There have been so many wonderful achievements over the course of this year that it’s hard to pick favourites! Of particular notes are our many sporting achievements as part of the Colchester Primary Sports League. Being part of this group enables our pupils to participate in netball and football fixtures throughout the year, as well as benefitting from additional opportunities for new sporting challenges, many of which are held at the Colchester Sports Park. We’re always so proud of our pupils who represent us so well and have a great time in the process! We are Gold Award holders for the Primary School Games award, which is a fantastic achievement. Thank you so much to all the staff whose enthusiasm and support continually throughout the year enables children to extend their skills ever further. There have been many excellent musical performances taking place throughout the year: whilst our Christmas performances seem a long time ago, they were thoroughly enjoyable and really excellent. Next week Year 6 pupils are performing their end of year show for everyone - the singing is already sounding wonderful and we’re all very much looking forward to watching the production. Choir greatly enjoyed their outing to the Charter Hall as part of the Colchester Schools Music concert: it was a great experience! Our pupils in Year 3 who all learn the guitar are tuning up and preparing to perform to their friends and families later this week, and next week our instrumental players are sharing their achievements with us. It’s so lovely to see the range of musical talent from pupils of all ages in school: well done!
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