Nov to Jan 2024 Issue 97 Funded by Myland Community Council FREE The Mylander KEEPING THE COMMUNITY INFORMED Churches Together - Christmas Events in Myland Improvements to Services at Mill Road Surgery Taster Days at Cuckoo Farm Studios
Same values New look Our experienced and friendly team will continue under the TC banner to deliver a range of skills enabling us to meet the financial needs of business and tax payers. From accounting and auditing through business management, to retirement and succession planning, we have the expertise to support you all the way. Baker Chapman Bussey has become an Accountancy Age ‘Top 30’ firm of chartered accountants and tax advisers Baker Chapmen Bussey will be joining us at our offices: 01206 841143 tc-group.com
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 5. Chair’s report 6. Council reports 16. Churches 21. From inside the community 33. Learning and growing
4 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, Rev. Ray Gibbs 843926 Myland Parish Halls Hire (Sarah King) 855040 / 07518 437488 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 Ellora Roy c/o 853400 Vanessa Moffat 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
Chair’s Report We were delighted to co-opt and welcome Ellora Roy as a new member of Council at our September meeting and we look forward to the active and positive contribution we know she will make and are very pleased to have her as part of our team. I am delighted to say we are no longer have any vacancies and are a full council of 17 members. As we head towards the end of the year the focus of Myland Community Council moves to our budget and plans for 24/25, where we are looking to continue to bring more of what we have been able to do in the Parish, balanced against increasing costs and the desire not to add to the financial burden of local residents. We are always interested to hear from residents on their views of pressing needs and our priorities in our community, so please let one of our councillors or myself know. One of our aims is to actively support local organisations benefiting the Myland area. We have recently agreed to another year of support to YMCA youth workers and their Friday youth club activities where numbers are growing and have provided grants for Art workshops and have recently agreed £5,305 on playground equipment at Rosewood and accepted a quote to provide wheelchair access at the Braiswick Lane / Fords Lane recreation ground. Huge thanks to Cllr Marina De Smith for all her effort with the recent very successful bulb giveaway. This has been running a number of years now and makes a positive impact to our community and to Cllr Pete Hewitt for the work behind the new interpretation board at Rectory Close. These small things all add up to keeping a good sense of history and pride of place in our community. We continue to receive regular reports from our local Ward Councillors and Essex County Council so we stay in touch with wider matters. As always please come along to our meetings and see how we work, otherwise any comments, positive or not, feel free to ring or Clerk on 01026 853400 or email [email protected] Cllr Alison Jay Chair of Myland Council 5
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. Upcoming meetings: 1st November, 6th December, 3rd January 2024 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. Upcoming meetings: 22nd November, 17th January 2024 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. 4. Full Council Meetings Full council meetings take place at Mile End Methodist Church. Upcoming meetings: 29th November, 20th December, 31st January 2024 Agendas are posted on the council website the week prior. 6
7 Council Reports Myland and Braiswick Neighbourhood Plan As you will have read the Neighbourhood Plan (NP), which was first adopted in 2016, has been undergoing a formal review. This was to consider whether the NP objectives and policies originally made remain relevant to Myland and Braiswick today. This is important because the NP has equal status to the Colchester City Council (CCC) Local Plan. NP Reviews have to meet stringent processes and regulations equal to those set by the Government for the initial NP. We carefully reviewed the results of our survey of all Myland and Braiswick households. This reassured us that the NP objectives and policies remain relevant during the ongoing developments of our neighbourhoods. We also took the opportunity, at CCC’s suggestion, to strengthen some of our policies and the rationale for them, by merging in recommendations from a previously published MCC document, called the Myland Design Statement, which CCC had adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document. The Review process is now complete. The statutory consultations have all been completed and the NP has been subject to independent scrutiny by a Government Examiner. I am delighted to report that the Examiner has declared that the Review was performed in accordance with the regulations, that he believes it will meet its purpose for the future, and recommends that CCC again formally adopts it. It remains therefore for me, and on behalf of my NP Group colleagues Cllr David Clouston of MCC and David Mehigan of Braiswick Residents Association, to thank CCC Officers for their help and support and especially all those residents who took the time to respond to our survey. Pete Hewitt Myland Neighbourhood Plan Group MYLAND AND BRAISWICK NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN: 2016-2032 REVIEWED 2022-23 SUPPORTING COMMUNITY QUALITY OF LIFE
Council Reports 8 Myland Heritage Group In the last issue, we had a very interesting report from Pete Hewitt on the new heritage interpretation panel at St Michael’s Church, which explains the significance of the church as the oldest known building in Myland. A church is first mentioned on this site in 1254. Cllr Pete Hewitt said: “This interpretation panel is part of Myland Community Council’s aim to share the history of Myland (or Mile End) with our community and the wider population. The original St Michael’s Church stood here from the 13th century until the mid-19th century when it was replaced by the attractive church enjoyed today. It has been a pleasure to work closely with the Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service in the funding and design process.” The panel was funded by Myland Community Council and erected by the museum service of Colchester City Council. It was unveiled by Rev Ray Gibbs in the presence of invited guests. More on St Michael’s Church at Rectory Close and School It is interesting how delving into history can begin to open up other avenues of interest. Following the successful installation of the interpretation panel at Rectory Close, at the site of the original St Michaels Church, a discussion began on the first Myland / Mile End School, as this was clearly linked to the Church. The Victoria History of Essex tells us that in 1833 there was a Church day school with 24 children and a Sunday school with 50, both partly maintained by the rector, Philip Strong. At this time there was no system of education and there was much opposition to educating the working classes. A typical statement was: (Left to right) Rev Ray Gibbs, Cllr Pete Hewitt, Cllr Michelle Burrows and Philip Wise, Heritage Manager CCC
Council Reports “That education … would teach them to despise their lot in life, instead of making them good servants in agriculture and other laborious employments to which their rank in society had destined them.” There was also opposition from parents because their children would not be working. This school would have come about as a result of the Church, in 1811, setting up “national” schools, with the aim of providing a school in every parish to educate the working classes. Figures show about only half of children (5-11 year olds) attended school, often for only two hours a day. Nationally, the average duration of school attendance was just one year. Sunday school was better attended, as the children would not be working and the Church wanted them to learn to read the Bible, but writing and arithmetic were not taught. Often children were taught by their older sisters and teachers were only one step ahead of their pupils—in the Mile End census for 1841 there was just one person whose occupation is given as “schoolmistress” and she is aged 13. The school had failed by 1844 when, because the population was increasing rapidly, Strong invited subscriptions for a new school which was soon established in premises opposite the rectory. It is thought the cottages, or perhaps parts of them, were used for that purpose and later reverted back to cottages. They existed on the west side of Mile End Road south of the footpath through to Hugh Dickson Road. By 1851, the national average duration of school attendance had risen to two years. In 1846, the school had 35 children with 15 more attending on Sundays and by 1861 the day school had c. 100 children. In 1871, a purpose-built school for 137 pupils was constructed with materials from the Rectory Close church. This was today’s Church Halls. (The cottages originally used were demolished in 1927 according to an old photograph from the Laver Collection.) The school received a 9
Council Reports 10 government building grant and annual grants from 1872. It was enlarged in 1884 for 170 children, but by 1891 more than 200 attended. Recording school attendance also became compulsory in the 1870’s and an Act of 1876 imposed a legal duty on parents to ensure that their children were educated. Another, in 1880 required school boards to enforce compulsory attendance from 5 to 10 years of age, but there was still no secondary education for the working classes. Overcrowding was relieved by the opening of North Street board school in 1894. In 1907 Mile End School was replaced by a new council school for 350 children in Mill Road which flourishes today. Cllr Pete Hewitt / Mike Howell Myland Heritage Group ECC Ward Report A round up of Essex County Council, Colchester City Council & Ward Headlines. Strategic Issues: Government has agreed to the principle of a level 2 Devolution deal. This would create a new Greater Essex Combined Authority. The Combined Authority would be a new institution in which the three authorities alongside the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner will take collective decisions on the powers and budgets that Government devolves down to Greater Essex under the deal. Each authority would remain independent. The deal would see city, district and borough councils continue as before with ‘prominent roles’ within the new Combined Authority, which would also incorporate the Local Enterprise Partnership functions. Potential benefits include improved local skills provision, strategic transport planning and public service delivery. And additional funding. The detail and the new Combined Authority’s Board, governance and voting arrangements have yet to be agreed. County’s Cabinet recently signed off a Waste Management Consultation, for greater consistency, efficiency and effectiveness across Essex and new targets. To reuse, recycle, or compost 65% of waste by 2035; aim to reuse, recycle or compost at least 70% of waste by 2030; and send no more than 10% of waste to landfill by 2035.
11 Council Reports Colchester City Council and County relationships are in good shape through a one ‘Team Colchester’ approach cross-party that sees us working together on a range of issues. Consultations have closed on our joint work on the city centre master plan and the St Botolph’s junction, and the Tendring Colchester Garden Community. The draft Development Plan for the latter has now gone to the Planning Inspectorate. The results from the other consultations are in review. The Local Highways Panel like much of highway work remains cumbersome and slow. Our last bigger scheme was for the Brinkley Grove crossing recently completed (10 years on from first being raised). We have several small schemes successfully validated. From Myland Primary School Street to the Footpath 70 surface upgrade, to the bus stop at Mill Road, Maximus Drive. Highways priorities have been mostly into Highwoods around Tesco with resurfacing and repair. NAR potholes have been nominated for priority repair. RAAC is a national disgrace and a big issue across Colchester. David King has been liaising with the Gilberd School and County and as Leader of the City Council and have asked for an overview, district wide, so we can understand the range of issues and pressures arising and can support as needed. At a city level the focus is on anti-social behaviour in the city centre, involving close work with Essex Police, a review of capital programmes and maintaining a balanced budget, in a period when increasing costs and reduced funding are applying huge pressure, as well as a review of waste strategy and work on the usage of sports and leisure facilities to inform future plans and decisions. Ward issues: Mile End (Cllr Martin Goss) is dealing with an uptick in anti-social behaviour issues and has spoken to people at Mill Road Green after complaints received from residents. Other issues being addressed are problems with management companies responsible for many of the new housing areas in Myland and drivers using the wrong way round the North Station roundabout. Good news soon on the opening of Highwoods Country Park play space after a much-needed update. In Highwoods (Cllr Alison Jay) is handling similar anti-social behaviour issues related to the school summer break and return to school part time due to RAAC issues. Graffiti, litter, abandoned trolleys, overgrown hedges, the state of pavements, the proposed garden waste collection, as well as inconsiderate parking remain common complaints. Your County and Ward councillors can be contacted on email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
12 Council Reports Myland Access Committee Now that the holiday season is over – (for me anyway!) - it’s time for the Myland Access Committee to get on with what it was set up to do. As a reminder, our objectives are basically the promotion of all sustainable travel – by bus, walking or cycling. The first issue that has raised its head above the parapet was a planning application, or rather the decision to allow permission, for five new houses just off Braiswick Lane. Five new houses is hardly a contentious issue at the moment in Myland, but what makes this application so contentious is the fact that all five houses, each with garages – have only one way of accessing the main road and that is by driving along a Public Right of Way (Public Footpath 42 - Braiswick Lane). I attended the Planning Committee at Colchester City Council on June 15th this year and spoke against the wisdom of allowing this application. Not only does it go against Essex County 9 www.mylandcommunitycouncil.gov.uk Myland Community Council MYLAND BOXING DAY WALK 10AM, 26TH DECEMBER MEET AT ST MICHAEL’S PARISH HALLS IN AID OF LOCAL CAUSES RAFFLE • REFRESHMENTS MINCE PIES • DOGS WELCOME Council Reports Each walk will be less than one and a half hours long, and will visit some of the lovely green spaces we have around Myland – including High Woods Country Park, Chesterwell Woods, Tower Lane and much more! As mentioned above, (and probably elsewhere in this issue), the Boxing Day walk will be on Saturday 26th December starting at 10am at the Myland Parish Halls – just across the road from the War Memorial. This is a fundraising event which has been held every year for the last twenty years or so, rasing money for local good causes. The route that we take follows the parish boundary (give or take the odd obstruction like the A12!), and is approximately six and half miles long – and takes around two and a half hours. It is free to come on the walk, although donations would be most gratefully received on behalf of Young at Heart! There will be also a raffle (with the usual fantastic prizes!), dogs and children welcome! If you’ve never been on this walk, it is a great way to meet your neighbours, discover shortcuts and different walking routes as well as getting rid of some of the excesses of Christmas! Cllr Robert Johnstone
Council Reports Council’s policy, as stated on the ECC website - “A footpath is a highway over which the public has a right of way on foot only.” It also appears to contradict the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which states at paragraph 100; “Planning policies and decisions should protect and enhance public rights of way...” As Colchester City Council says it follows the NPPF, it struck me as strange that no mention was made of paragraph 100. Myland Community Council has nothing against these five houses – just a desire to see government guidance followed about protecting and enhancing our Public Right of Way network, whilst there is still some of it left. Just how does allowing a further five households, as well as delivery and waste collection vehicles to drive on a public right of way actually “protect and enhance” it? We have seen much reduction in the Public Rights of Way in Myland for the last twenty years – Footpath 46 (Fords Lane), Footpath 79 (off Turner Road) and Footpath 224 from North Station roundabout to Turner Rd, are just some examples. Do Colchester City Council and Essex County Council really want to further harm our Public Rights of Way in this manner? We may well appeal to the Secretary of State - watch this space! We are also preparing for the Boxing Day Walk on Monday 26th December – a wonderful six and a half mile stroll around the parish boundaries of Myland, including Highwoods Country Park, Tower Lane and Colchester Golf course. Everyone is welcome, including dogs and children! We usually ask for a donation towards a local charity and provide a hot cuppa and mince pies afterwards. Highway issues are uppermost in our minds at the moment, what with the “new” shared pavement at North Station bus stops and the ongoing work on the Rapid Transit Route beside the Northern Approach Road. Robert Johnstone Chair, Myland Access Committee 13
14 Council Reports Roy (Lofty) Tolhurst Well-known local figure, Roy (Lofty) Tolhurst, has died, aged 79. At six feet seven, or just over two metres, he was hard to miss. He was a true gentleman, unfailingly kind and extraordinarily talented. He seemed to be able to turn his hand to anything, and master it. Before his retirement, as a motor engineer, he kept large numbers of Mile End’s and neighbouring communities’ vehicles on the road and in good condition. He was known for his fair dealing. For a long time he was interested in restoring classic vehicles. He was especially proud of a photograph taken when he won ‘Best in Show’, (out of hundreds of other Minis) for his restored Mini-Cooper. Many residents will recall the wartime ambulance (an Austin K2, identical to the one in the film Ice Cold in Alex, starring John Mills and Sylvia Sims) he restored from rusting wreckage to pristine condition. His death took place a few days before his customary annual visit to Oosterbeek in the Netherlands to take part in the commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944. Every year he attended the annual service at the Arnhem Osterbeek War Cemetery for glider pilots. He always occupied the same place, which became known by Dutch and British alike as Lofty’s Spot. He made good friends in the Oosterbeek area, notably Paul and Esther Hendricks, who own and manage the Glider Museum in nearby Wolfheze. His commitment to Oosterbeek and the Cemetery began when he took the ambulance to The Netherlands in September 1994, to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the battle.
15 Council Reports He found he was part of a mighty convoy of some 800 vehicles driving from Leopoldsburg in Belgium to Nijmegen in The Netherlands. The 63 mile journey took eleven hours. Around two million people turned out to welcome the Arnhem veterans accompanying the convoy. Some of the older Dutch people held placards saying “Thank you”. For Lofty this was an intensely moving, life-changing experience. Ever since then, he visited Arnhem often and did his best to let surviving veterans know how much they were valued. He helped old comrades meet, encouraged others to join commemorations and helped family members find the graves of their loved ones. His regular visits to Oosterbeek War Cemetery brought home to him that while the Cemetery contained the graves of those whose bodies had been found and identified, there was no locally accessible memorial to those pilots who had died who had no known grave. He set about remedying this, first for members of the Glider Pilot Regiment and later for members of the 7th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers (KOSBs), who the pilots had flown to Arnhem in their gliders. The gliders were Horsas and the pilots’ memorial takes the form of a representation of a Horsa’s tailfin. That for the KOSB’s is rectangular with a design based on the KOSB tartan. As intended, each memorial shows the names of those regiment members who died but have no known grave. Both memorials are displayed at the Glider Museum in Wolfheze. They are beautiful, as befits items of such sensitivity and importance. Some years ago Lofty created a friendship group called SOGs (don’t bother) which met in a caravan in Great Horkesley. Lofty was Sogmeister. The group continues to meet although membership has varied over the years. Lofty was a wonderful man, full of consideration, kindness and wit. A natural leader. Irreplaceable. Patrick Mills
Churches The Well Methodist Church The Community Pantry (fortnightly) and the Warm Welcome (weekly) re-commenced in September and will continue during the school term on Tuesdays from 12 noon to 4pm. These two activities are open to everyone. We celebrated Harvest with a service at the end of September, which was led by our Worship Leaders with Mike Beckett, Chief Officer of Colchester Foodbank, our guest speaker. Donations of goods for the Foodbank were received at the service which was followed by a Buffet Lunch. There is a Coffee Morning and Bring & Buy Stall on Saturday 18th November from 10 -11.30am to support Samaritan’s Purse. Filled Shoe Boxes can also be brought to this event. As in times past, we invite members of the community to join us, as Christmas approaches, in supporting local charities. We are collecting tins of food and other non-perishable goods such as cereals, biscuits, tea and coffee, as well as toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, razors and sanitary products. Donations may be brought on any Tuesday (12 noon to 4pm) or to our Caring Service on Sunday 26th November at 10.30am, when Rev Lynsey Walsh, representing the Community Pantry, will be our guest speaker. Details of our Christmas celebrations will be found on the following page on the Churches Together Christmas Greetings poster. Our own Candlelit Carol Service is on Sunday 17th December at 4pm led by Rev Chris Preece and followed by light refreshments. We pray regularly for places where readers of this magazine live. If you have a particular prayer request, please let us know. More information about our church is available on our website: CLICK HERE Keith and Di Thompson Tel: Col 844252 Email: [email protected] 16
17 Churches St Michael’s Church, Mile End We welcome you all to St Michael’s Church. Our Weekday Services are: • Tuesday 9.15am for Morning Prayer • Wednesday 10.15am for Morning Prayer • Friday 9.15am for Holy Communion Please note that as the weather turns colder, the above services will be held at Myland Parish Halls. 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) All Saints & All Souls Service (light a candle service): Sunday 5th November, 10.15am. 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 12th November, 10.15am: followed by an Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial at 11am. Thank You Service for all the family: 10.15am Sunday 19th November. We will also be collecting in our Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes at this service. Lighting of the Christmas Trees & 1st Carols of Christmas Service: Sunday 3rd December, 4pm. Christmas Coffee & Cake: Saturday 9th December, 10am – 12. We draw the winners of the Christmas Prize Draw at 11.30am in Myland Parish Halls. Christingle Service: Sunday 10th December, 10.15am 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. Please visit our website or email us: [email protected] for all Church and Hall enquiries.
18
19
24 HOUR CALL OUT Daytime Emergency No: 07930 149046 Evening No: 01206 766771 www.adv-mpplumbing.co.uk 77903 Full central heating installations Repairs and upgrades Boiler breakdowns
From inside the community Mill Road Surgery Hello autumn and hello to DB! (It would seem I’ve started something last issue with the name dropping/shout out). Exciting news this issue is that by the time you read this, there should be two new clinical rooms built and in use at Mill Road. This will further increase our clinical capacity and allows us to continue to support our local community well, while being capable of serving the continuing house building on the Chesterwell estate by more appointments with clinicians being available. More exciting news, that should make accessing our services easier for you all, is that our phone system has had a major upgrade over the last few months. We have now got a ‘callback’ function whereby those who are waiting longer than number 10 in the queue are offered a call back, to allow them to put the phone down and receive a call when their spot in the queue becomes number 1. Whilst it’s only been a few weeks the feedback we have had has been exceptional, which is great to see from both staff and patients. Please note the callback function does not lose you your place in the queue, and our team are only able to call back once so please ensure you’re by your phone if you are expecting a callback. Please note if you have a block on withheld numbers on your phone then this function may also not work. We’re now also fully into the latest round of flu vaccines and covid boosters which are being delivered again on the same days. Invitations have already gone out to those in the selected ‘at risk’ groups, however, should you think you are in one of the appropriate groups and not been contacted or booked a slot then please contact the surgery. As usual, we strongly advise our patients to take up the vaccination offers to make sure you are all as well protected as possible over the winter months. Last winter there was significant pressure on the NHS with an increase in hospitalisation of patients with Covid and research has shown that our immunity drops in the months between Covid boosters, so well worth having them done when offered! Ashley Moore, Paramedic Practitioner / Nurse Manager 21
From inside the community 22 Art Group Alternate Fridays 7.00pm -9.00pm Myland Parish Hall (British Summer Time only) Michael Pinnock - 01206 842289 Morris Dancing Fridays 8.00pm The Well Methodist Church Hall Robin Tavener [email protected] Mothers’ Union First Wednesday monthly Ivy Dix - 01206 851743 Myland Foodbank Tuesday & Friday 8.30am to midday 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 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
Learning and growing 23 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
24 From inside the community Nature Notes I said in earlier Nature Notes this year, it would soon be time for the buddleia (the butterfly bush) to flower and we would hopefully see more butterfly species to add to the many holly blues we had already seen. Well, that certainly happened this year, not only in our garden but many others, as some of you have been pleased to tell me when out and about. Thank you for talking to me about your experiences; it is a pleasure to hear them. In harmony with national results, the big numbers were the red admirals and the gatekeepers, although peacocks made a good late showing. The sight of so many colourful wildlife species is a real boost to our well-being, but there are other numerous occasions when this can happen. Many of you will have seen the horses that graze in the fields west of Mile End Road and north of Bergholt Road and here is a new addition posing for my camera. I often refer to the importance of the connection between ’green’ areas for the benefit of wildlife movement, foraging and nesting. It is also important for our connection that it is not broken or interrupted too often by developments. Myland is blessed with the access we have to Highwoods Country Park and I am delighted to tell you, if you don’t already know, that Colchester City Council has declared that the Cymbeline Meadows areas in its ownership will become a nature reserve. Bordering our Parish boundary we already have good access to the Meadows, but to know it will become enhanced for wildlife and boost our mindfulness and well-being is great news and I congratulate the City Council for this. This is especially good news because equally important to connectivity are water courses, especially rivers. A good example is the River Colne that flows by the Meadows.
25 There are different wildlife species that inhabit the rivers, their banks and the accompanying green margins. Diversity in nature, if we look for it, enhances our outdoor experience. Next summer look out for the dragonflies close to the river and you may be lucky as I was to see one of these which I think may be an emperor dragonfly but I am happy to be corrected. Others report regularly seeing kingfishers but I have not been so lucky. As I write there is a hint of autumn in the air and the squirrel has already stripped our hazel hedge of the nut harvest, some of which are now in holes in the lawn. Pete Hewitt Women’s Institute The days are getting shorter now and thoughts are beginning to turn to warm, cozy evenings indoors. However, The Women’s Institute can offer you an enjoyable evening out with a warm, friendly welcome assured. In August, an afternoon Tea Party was held in Isobel’s garden and was much enjoyed by us all – especially as the sun appeared. Evenings enjoyed over the last three months were a talk given by Alison Davey on how she became involved with selling her chutney and cheese at local markets. A bonus were the samples we were given to taste which were delicious. In September our numbers increased as other local ‘WI’s’ were invited to join us for an evening of flower arranging given by Angelikka Mead. She encouraged us to use flowers and herbs from the hedgerows and our gardens to make some delightful posies which smelt wonderful, followed by innovative ways to use sunflowers and her finale was a giant rose ball. Our October speaker was Simon Gallop, a local Historian who gave a comprehensive talk and slide show on Flatford. The Autumn programme starts in November with a Fashion show by Edinburgh Woollen Mills, with some of our ladies acting as models! The December meeting will be at lunch time and will be a Christmas Meal at The Cricketers. In January Liz Huxley will give a talk on the Essex coastal marshes in winter. As well as our meetings, which are held on the first Friday of the month in Highwoods Community Centre at 7.15pm, there is also a Book Club which meet quite regularly. As another New Year approaches, why not make your Resolution for 2024 to come along and make some new friends? A WARM welcome is waiting for YOU! Sandra Jones From inside the community
26
From inside the community 27 Colchester Countryside Volunteer Rangers The volunteers continue to do their wonderful work throughout the various sites in and around Colchester. We are slowly recruiting new people to join us. A big thank you to Myland Community Council for a grant towards the training costs, which include courses to operate the various tools and machinery. The process is in motion to establish the courses needed and then the bookings can be made. Our usual Xmas buffet will be held in December for the volunteers and their partners and also the Together We Grow Staff and volunteers who manage the Big Garden. The New Year’s Day walk should also take place which is a wonderful way to start the New Year. The walk is free and refreshments are available afterwards in the Visitors Centre for a small cost. The Visitors Centre has been refurbished and contains many items that can be purchased including our bird/bug/bat boxes and many other wonderful items. To find out more about the Colchester Countryside Volunteer Rangers (CCVR) please CLICK HERE Paul Horwood PIANO TUITION & MUSIC THEORY ALL AGES AND STANDARDS STUDENTS ENTERED FOR RSM IF REQUIRED TREVOR CORDWELL 01206 844087
28 From inside the community Cuckoo Farm Studios Set up in 1992 in former farm buildings, Cuckoo Farm Studios (CFS) is a long-standing artists’ organisation based in Myland. With advice from two Myland councillors, CFS Ltd applied for funding to MCC to run a series of workshops for Myland residents. The project also benefited from the 2021/22 Colchester City Council grant. The aim of the free workshops was for Cuckoo Farm Studio artists to introduce a range of different craft media, glass, textiles and print, to local residents. The sessions, funded by grants, were led by three professional artists to small groups of 6—8 adults per session. Places were initially limited to one per person. Following successful promotion in the local area and on social media, there were 55 applicants and 37 places were successfully filled across the series. One participant stated “I really enjoyed the day. I think it was a great opportunity to meet new people and to learn different skills.” Another said, “The colour with glass taster day I attended was amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and learnt a new skill. It was lovely to meet the tutor, (who was very patient!), and the other ‘Mylanders’ on the day.” Several of the participants returned to Cuckoo Farm over the Open Studios weekend, (9th/10th September) along with other family members and friends. The financial support from both Myland CC and Colchester CC has been essential to the success of the taster sessions, enabling them to be offered free of charge and indicating local enthusiasm for further courses.
From inside the community 29 The feedback indicated that participants would be willing to pay a modest fee for classes. CFS is committed to attracting funding to be able to offer affordable events to both local residents and the wider public, and to employ artists at a professional rate. CFS plans to apply to CCC (Cultural fund) and ECC (Arts and Cultural Fund) for the 2024 programme and MCC for future projects that enable a larger audience of Myland residents to take part. Subject to this funding, there may be discounted, or free places available to local residents in the future.
From inside the community Myland Mother’s Union Mary Sumner, our founder, first invited young mothers to the Rectory of her home parish in 1876, as she felt there was a need for them to socialise being alone, at home with young babies/children. This was the beginning of the Mother’s Union, which has grown into a worldwide organisation giving vital assistance to families all over the world. Now there are more than 4 million members in over 80 countries continuing her work, supporting family life and communities. In September this year, Myland Mother’s Union celebrated 110 years sine the formation of their branch (1913). We commenced with a service of celebration let by Rev Ray Gibbs and Rev Rod Reid, Diocesan Chaplain gave the address. Sincere thanks to everyone who attended or helped in any way. Refreshments, including a celebration cake, took place in the Parish Hall afterwards. Despite the name “Mother’s Union” anyone can join, married, divorced, single, male, female provided they have been baptised, however you can still join us and become a friend of MU. We would love to see you at any of our meetings. Our October meeting took the form of Harvest and members donated items for the Food Bank. In November we welcome a speaker from Age Well. Most meetings commence at 2.30pm in the hall on the first Wednesday of the month. However on 6 December we commence with our Carol Service 2.30pm in the Church as we prepare for Christmas, visitors welcome. After the service everyone is invited to join us for refreshments in the hall. Look forward to seeing you. 2024 – we don’t meet in January but resume on 7 February with our AGM. All good wishes for Christmas and 2024. Ivy Dix Branch Leader 31
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
33 Learning & Growing 1st Myland Guides When I wrote my last report, we had just had our penultimate meeting of the term and finished the summer with a trip to a beach hut at Mersea, where we made kites and flew them along the shore. So far this term we’ve only had two meetings, but we have welcomed six new girls to our unit, so are back to capacity again. We have chosen to work on the ‘Be Well’ theme this term, which does exactly what it describes. This covers exercise, eating healthily, sports and mindfulness activities. Last week we had the girls choose their favourite meal, take away an ingredient for it and add something healthy. Then then chose their favourite ‘new dish’ and created a menu in preparation for a few weeks’ time where they are going to put these into practice and actually cook them. Tomorrow night we are going to go to a CrossFit session at a Colchester gym to get the girls to try a new type of sport. They’re keeping it open just for Guides so I’m sure they’ll all come home tired.
34 34 KEEPING THE COMMUNITY INFORMED Quarter, half and full page spaces available at competitive rates. To find out more information and rates, please email [email protected] Would you like to advertise here in the next issue of We deliver to over 6000 addresses across North Colchester, from Bergholt Road right across to the end of Mill Road. 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 Visit www.wash2o.co.uk or email [email protected]! COLCHESTER PRESSURE WASHING COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC Specialists in all exterior low-level, eco-friendly power washing in Colchester and surrounding areas. For a FREE, no-obligation quote, give us a call on 01206 912468! A QUALITY SERVICE AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE BLOCK PAVING & BRICKWORK DECKING & GARDEN FURNITURE SLABS, TILES & CONCRETE TARMAC DRIVEWAYS Highly experienced plumbing and heating engineer for all your domestic plumbing needs in Colchester and its surrounding areas. Call or text Tom on: 07801595692 Or e-mail: [email protected] “Tom was reliable, professional and made sure our new bathroom was just what we wanted!” R. Andrews, satisfied customer
Learning & Growing 35 Next week we were lucky enough for one of our Guides, Holly, to be awarded a Jack Petchey award, which means we get to take out the whole unit for dinner and bowling – it must always benefit all our girls. In addition to our usual weekly meetings, we also had the chance to attend the Colchester Carnival at the end of August where we processed through Colchester and into lower castle park with lots of other groups from all the diverse cultures in our City. We’ve already been invited back again next year! Lizzy Steward Leader at 1st Myland Guides Contact Lizzy: 07308 306416 or [email protected]
Highly experienced plumbing and heating engineer for all your domestic plumbing needs in Colchester and its surrounding areas. Call or text Tom on: 07801595692 Or e-mail: [email protected] “Tom was reliable, professional and made sure our new bathroom was just what we wanted!” R. Andrews, satisfied customer Visit www.wash2o.co.uk or email [email protected]! COLCHESTER PRESSURE WASHING COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC Specialists in all exterior low-level, eco-friendly power washing in Colchester and surrounding areas. For a FREE, no-obligation quote, give us a call on 01206 912468! A QUALITY SERVICE AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE BLOCK PAVING & BRICKWORK DECKING & GARDEN FURNITURE SLABS, TILES & CONCRETE TARMAC DRIVEWAYS
37 Learning & Growing Queen Boudica Primary School At the time of writing, we’ve all settled really well into our new school year, and the summer holidays are a distant memory! We’re particularly proud of how well our new Reception pupils have settled into their new routines - well done Ash and Oak lasses! Starting school is such a major event for the whole family, and we’re very grateful to all our parents and family members who have helped the children settle into school this term. It’s been such a pleasure seeing children across school enjoying new learning opportunities, and we’re delighted to have welcomed a number of new families to school this term. We’re really proud of how kind and welcoming our school community is - thank you for being a part of that. Last week we all greatly enjoyed a Macmillan Cake Sale, raising a total of £311.42: well done and thank you everyone! We know how important the work of the Macmillan charity is, and are grateful for the support that they bring at a time of great need. Thank you to everyone who donated or purchased a cake - they were delicious! Pupils in Year 1 and Year 4 are enjoying Forest School this term, and we’ve been particularly fortunate with the weather so far. October has started on a very warm note, which has been an added bonus. Children across school really love their Forest School sessions, (both on our school site and at Highwoods Country Park), which offer such a wonderful additional opportunity to strengthen friendships and build self esteem. Thank you Mrs. Parry for leading this very popular initiative once again.
39 Learning & Growing We are currently taking bookings for tours for children who will start school next September, 2024. If you have a family member whose child is due to start school next year and who would be interested in coming to visit, please do get in touch on 01206 844654: the office team will be only too pleased to find a convenient date for a visit. The time flies past and next year is already on the horizon. Although it’s still a few weeks away, we will shortly be celebrating the festive season once again. We’re already looking forward to our annual visit to St. Michael’s Church for our Year 4 Carol Concert, and know that the Revd. Gibbs and team will extend their usual warm welcome to our children and families. We are greatly looking forward to seeing you in December! Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and much happiness in 2024. Clare Woodward Headteacher
ar gar e gar e We stock a wide range of store cupboard essentials, fresh local produce and frozen meals, ensuring you can pop in and have something tasty ready for dinner. All food served at Fillpots is cooked and baked on the premises by our team of dedicated chefs. Meet up for breakfast, lunch or tea. Come to Fillpots and whip your garden into shape this Spring. We have a wide selection of plants and bulbs and all the tools needed to get the job done 52 Straight Road, Boxted, Colchester CO4 5RB Telephone: 01206 273 834 www.fillpots.co.uk gar e gar e We stock a wide range of store cupboard essentials, fresh local produce and frozen meals, ensuring you can pop in and have something tasty ready for dinner. All food served at Fillpots is cooked and baked on the premises by our team of dedicated chefs. Meet up for breakfast, lunch or tea. Come to Fillpots and whip your garden into shape this Spring. We have a wide selection of plants and bulbs and all the tools needed to get the job done 52 Straight Road, Boxted, Colchester CO4 5RB Telephone: 01206 273 834 www.fillpots.co.uk gar e gar e We stock a wide range of store cupboard essentials, fresh local produce and frozen meals, ensuring you can pop in and have something tasty ready for dinner. All food served at Fillpots is cooked and baked on the premises by our team of dedicated chefs. Meet up for breakfast, lunch or tea. Come to Fillpots and whip your garden into shape this Spring. We have a wide selection of plants and bulbs and all the tools needed to get the job done 52 Straight Road, Boxted, Colchester CO4 5RB Telephone: 01206 273 834 www.fillpots.co.uk gar e gar e We stock a wide range of store cupboard essentials, fresh local produce and frozen meals, ensuring you can pop in and have something tasty ready for dinner. All food served at Fillpots is cooked and baked on the premises by our team of dedicated chefs. Meet up for breakfast, lunch or tea. Come to Fillpots and whip your garden into shape this Spring. We have a wide selection of plants and bulbs and all the tools needed to get the job done 52 Straight Road, Boxted, Colchester CO4 5RB Telephone: 01206 273 834 www.fillpots.co.uk gar e gar e We stock a wide range of store cupboard essentials, fresh local produce and frozen meals, ensuring you can pop in and have something tasty ready for dinner. All food served at Fillpots is cooked and baked on the premises by our team of dedicated chefs. Meet up for breakfast, lunch or tea. Come to Fillpots and whip your garden into shape this Spring. We have a wide selection of plants and bulbs and all the tools needed to get the job done 52 Straight Road, Boxted, Colchester CO4 5RB Telephone: 01206 273 834 www.fillpots.co.uk
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA4ODM=