May to Jul 2024 Issue 99 Funded by Myland Community Council FREE The Mylander KEEPING THE COMMUNITY INFORMED Myland Community Council - How It Began The Changing Landscape of Myland Over 25 Years Wishing Reverend Ray Gibbs a Happy Retirement Hayfever Advice from Mill Road Surgery
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, 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 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 5. Council reports 16. Churches 22. From inside the community 33. Learning and growing
Chair’s Report On April 1st, we were able to celebrate 25 years of Myland Community Council, which was given official recognition on April 1st 1999. For those who attended it was a reminder of how much over the years we have been able to achieve for our growing community, thanks to the time and enthusiasm of fellow residents. We are pleased to say the future looks just as promising, with a community centre to come and village green space, as well as a new but thriving sport and leisure committee, full of ideas for how we can support the development of activity for all ages and offer financial assistance. My thanks to those who worked hard to get the event up and running and those who made the time to come and speak to us on the day. A chance to reflect on how far we have come and what there remains we can do and you would like us to do (fully accessible playgrounds were mentioned and connected green access). Over the last few months we have seen good things happen with tidying up of overgrown pathways and changes, which haven’t been easy with the starting of the Rapid Transit Route on Northern Approach Road causing disruption, noise and dust to many, as well as obvious concern to those living closest. I am pleased we have been able to represent those with concerns and push for better from the contractors. Thanks also to those raising questions over plastic around small trees on roadside verges and hedgerow cutting along Mill Road in front of the old rugby club. We have been able to confirm replacement hedgerow whips on Mill Road and ask if trees can be left unrestrained and plastic removed. Please come to us with anything you think we can help with, no matter how small the problem seems to be. We have good relationships with City Council and are usually in a position to get an answer and action. We were delighted to welcome new Councillor Lindsey in February. It was greatly encouraging to see three residents step forward for selection and good to see many of our local residents have a voice which wants to be heard, to help us continue the hard work for another 25 years! Cllr Alison Jay Chair of Myland Council 4
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. Meetings: 1st May, 5th June and 3rd July - 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: 15th May, 19th June and 18th July - 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. 4. Full Council Meetings Full council meetings take place at The Well Methodist Church Hall. Meetings: 29th May (Annual meeting) All meeting dates are subject to change. Agendas are posted on the council website the week prior.
6 Council Reports Myland Access Committee The recent celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Myland Community Council got me thinking about other significant anniversaries in the world of access; access to work, access to education, access to leisure. Public Rights of Way were not created on any specific date but were thought to have always existed since people had first walked along them. However, the Rights of Way Act of 1932 declared that any way which had been walked unhindered for over twenty years could be officially made a Public Right of Way. It wasn’t a simple task getting this through parliament— it was first introduced in 1906, and again in 1907, and in fact it was introduced in the House of Commons TWELVE times before it gained Royal Assent. In fact, it could be viewed as having taking much longer, as the Public Rights of Way Act was in fact based on the much earlier Prescription Act of 1832. This Act didn’t come into force until 1934 so this year could be the 90th anniversary of Public Rights of Way! The next milestone was the creation of the Definitive Map and Statement. This was as a result of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949. County councils were given the task of surveying their areas and recording and mapping rights of public access. The current Definitive Map in Essex is dated 01/07/2002 and is supposed to be continually updated to reflect modifications such as footpath creations, extinguishments and upgrading. It is held at County Hall in Chelmsford and in each of the districts in Essex, as well the relevant parts of this map being held by every single parish council. This map, (several huge maps actually), will probably be the last “on paper” Definitive Map, as the next issue will be a digital map and held online. (Perhaps not in my lifetime as previous experience indicates!) You can see a copy of this map at the MCC offices at 101 Nayland Road. Coming slightly more up to date, it has been 43 years since the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 came into being, and Myland Parish Council used this Act to create Public Footpath 233 along Tower Lane in 2011. It was upgraded to a Bridleway five years later in 2016. Tower Lane goes from Mill Road by the old water tower to Boxted Road just to the north of the former Severalls Hospital site and just to the south of the Community Stadium.
Council Reports 7 And finally, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act of 2000 was created, which led to the setting up of a Local Access Forum in each county representing walkers, cyclists, horse riders and carriage drivers. In May the festival of walking, “Jane’s Walk 2024” will be on us again. As I write the programme is still being finalised but I will definitely be leading one on Fri 10 May, starting from the Northern Sports Park at 6pm. I’ve called it From the Cradle to the Grave! More information HERE very soon If you would like to see the return of monthly walks around Myland, please give me a ring or drop me an email. Robert Johnstone Chair, Myland Access Committee
8 Council Reports Planning & Highways Committee The Planning and Highways Committee is pleased that we have been joined by Cllr Ellora Roy. Ellora will be a great assistance with the running of the committee and we look forward to her participation in the future. The MCC is aware of the difficulties residents are encountering with the noise, actions and traffic disruption caused by the Rapid Transit works on the Northern Approach. The contractor lays out their plan of works each week. Contacts are available should residents wish to make an observation about the contractor’s activities. You can find out more information about this work HERE At the recent 25 anniversary celebration of the formation of MCC at St Michael’s Church Hall on 1st April there were a lot of photographs showing the changing face and expansion of Myland. The foresight of the residents then enables the residents now to view planning applications at the earliest possible moment, ensuring oversight and input. The committee is responsible for providing funding for contractors to manage hedgerow overgrowth so that access via footpaths is maintained. Please contact Myland Community Council if you are aware of an area that needs attention. If the overgrowth is not from private property an assessment can be made to see if it is in the remit of the council and if it is, then the request will be discussed at one of the Planning & Highways meetings. If agreed, a quote will be obtained and processed. We look forward to having more resident participation in the activities of the Planning & Highways Committee. Cllr Gary Braddy
Council Reports 9 Sport & Leisure in Myland Severalls Bowls Club has been in existence for over 100 years and is located in Kirby Drive just off Mill Road, in Mile End (few local residents know of it’s existence) with free parking. It was originally part of the sports facilities for Severalls Hospital and had catering and hospitality up until the hospital closed in 1997. The actual bowls green has a covenant on it, which means it cannot be used for anything other than sporting purposes i.e. bowls. In 2018, members clubbed together and purchased the site from developers and formed a charitable trust. The bowls green and buildings are all maintained by volunteers, which allows for a full season of friendlies and competitions. This year, with some generous support from Myland Community Council, the club has been able to update its toilet facilities, as part of plans for improvements to the whole site. Bowling is from mid-April to mid-September. The club is always open for new members - just turn up in flat-soled shoes at any time that the club is open. Bowls equipment and tuition can be provided and you will be made most welcome at a small but friendly local club. For more details: Click HERE or call John Ford on 07979 798238. Cllr Phil Coleman
10 Council Reports 25th Anniversary of Myland Community Council Easter Monday, 1st April, was the 25th Anniversary of the formation of Myland Community Council. To commemorate this an event was held in the St Michael Church Halls. In 1999 a small band of local residents, concerned with the proposed extent of development in Myland, decided to examine the possibility of forming a Parish Council to give the community a local voice. A Steering Group was formed to address the stringent rules and requirements demanded by the process to form the Council. The event was provided with a brief overview of those challenging days by Mrs Jackie Lester and Mr Patrick Mills, two members of that determined Group. The MCC Heritage Group produced some display boards to exhibit some examples of how the Myland environment has changed in the last 25 years, some changes still to come and how today’s Council works on behalf of our expanding community. Recently the Myland Local History Society decided to donate much of its material to the MCC Heritage Group for safe keeping and enhancement, for which we thank them. Some of that material, in the form of photo albums of past and present Myland was also on display. Collectively there was much to look at and talk about.
11 Council Reports Visitors continuously popped in and out, and many others stayed to enjoy the afternoon refreshments with tea and cake. There is a general feeling that although there can be no denying that Myland has significantly changed over those 25 years, it has remained a place where people enjoy living. Myland has a rich heritage in both cultural and natural senses and this will continue to evolve, as does Myland itself, after all the records suggest its history as an identifiable settlement of its own goes back to at least 1254. The debate goes on today as to whether the correct term for the Parish is Myland or Mile End and history books themselves fluctuate on that matter. The formation of the Council in 1999 was as Myland Parish Council and this was later changed to Community Council. It was a pleasure to welcome and chat with visitors and we look forward to adding to and sharing our knowledge and experience of where we live. Pete Hewitt MCC Heritage Group Community Grants 25th Anniversary Myland Community Council I was delighted to be asked to attend the 25th Anniversary event for Myland Community Council. I was able to use this time to give details of how the grant monies that MCC have given to two fantastic volunteer groups in Myland that I have bene involved with for many years now; Colchester Countryside Volunteer Rangers (CCVR), and; Together We Grow
Council Reports Colchester Countryside Volunteer Rangers The volunteers contribute a lot of time and effort in assisting the Colchester City Council Rangers maintain the various sites in Colchester and without their help this would not be possible. Part of the volunteers’ work involves the use of high powered tools and machinery, for which they need training in order to obtain a safety certificate. Myland Community Council has recently been kind enough to give us a grant, in order for four of these volunteers to receive this training and gain their certificates. We are, of course, truly grateful for the Council’s generosity. Together We Grow Various grants have been received over the last five years which have been spent to maintain the running of our wonderful garden: • £2000 - new accessible raised beds • £150 - donation • £2500 - contributions towards mini bus, insurance, sign writing, and adaptations • £5000 - contributions towards the general running of the group and the range of services we provide The Council have always been very supportive of the many and varied organisations that exist in Myland. Having lived in the area for almost 50 years the changes that have taken place are extensive but Myland remains a wonderful place to live and it is the people that make this possible. Paul Horwood 12
Council Reports Resources, Policy & Strategy Committee Did you know that Myland Community Council provides small grants? Each financial year, we make a portion of our budget available as a useful source of funding. Over the years, the council has provided many grants to local groups, charities and organisations. Our grants have supported projects such as Together We Grow CIC, a social enterprise improving the lives of communities and individuals through encouraging engagement with nature. We have helped to fund a Lego club and some outdoor play equipment for local primary schools. Other recent beneficiaries of our grants include: Colchester Countryside Volunteer Rangers, Cuckoo Farm Studios and the Well Methodist Church. Grants tend to range between £500 to £1,000. If you are interested in applying to the council for a grant, please request an application pack by emailing: [email protected] The application form is short and easy to fill out. Grants will not be awarded to individuals; therefore, you will need to provide bank account details for your organisation or charity on the application form. The council must satisfy itself that the grant will benefit the area and a significant number of residents. Ideally, there should be clear evidence of local need or demand for the proposed project or activity. We enjoy receiving photographs of the projects once they have been funded. It is lovely to see the difference that grant funding can make. Cllr Clare Williams Chair of Resources, Policy & Strategy Committee 13
14 Council Reports Myland Community Council - How It Began Our Community Council was set up almost twenty-five years ago, with effect from 1st April 1999. Then it was called Myland Parish Council. It was set up to give local people much more say in what went on in Mile End (or Myland). The campaign to set it up was led by Peter Mecklenburgh and me, with strong moral support from Pam Nicole, Jackie Lester, Mick Fryer and John Blore. There were various statutory requirements to be satisfied, the most onerous of which was a very large petition in support of the project. We visited every home in Mile End and easily obtained the number of signatures needed. Despite this, the Borough Council decided to hold a referendum among Mile End’s residents. There was a great response and Mile End’s voters voted two to one in favour of forming a Parish Council. The Government issued a Statutory Instrument creating the Council and our first election of Councillors was held on 6th May 1999. Top of the poll was Jackie Lester but the full list of thirteen Councillors was: The first meeting of Myland Parish Council was held on Wednesday, 12th May 1999 at 7pm in St Michael’s Church Hall. The opening session was presided over by the Mayor of Colchester, Jackie Lester Mick Fryer Kim Naish Bill Evans Anne Turrell Richard Blake Iain Hull John Parker Brian Lawrence Pam Nicole Peter Mecklenburgh Keith Thompson Peter George
15 Council Reports Cllr. David Cannon. Peter Mecklenburgh was elected Chairman unopposed and Bill Evans was appointed his deputy. Patrick Mills Rainy Day Thoughts Less rain in Colchester than in Jerusalem! With Colchester United having its third home game of the season postponed because of a waterlogged pitch, it is worth observing that each year more rain falls in Jerusalem than in Colchester! Colchester is the driest part of England which has a Football League side! The problem is that the Mile End area of Colchester – where the Community Stadium is located – has heavy clay…….which means that the ground prevents rain from dispersing as quickly as it would if it was soil. Great for roses and blackcurrants, which this part of Colchester was once famed for, but not so good for a football pitch! Bob Russell (who grew up in Mile End)
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) May Saturday 11th May , 11am - 12.30pm: Plant Sale Saturday 11th May, 10am - 12noon: Coffee & Cake in Church 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. If you would like to speak to any of us, our staff can be contacted, as follows: Sarah King Church Office Administrator Rev’d Hazel Greenland 07707 894526 [email protected] Sarah King, Church Office Admin. 01206 855040 [email protected] Lesley Hindle, Churchwarden 07708 954990 [email protected] 16
Churches 17 Our Priest in Charge – Reverend Ray Gibbs, retired from St. Michael’s Church, Myland on 7th April 2024. Reverend Ray Gibbs first came to us in 2005 as a part-time vicar and took on the role of Priest in Charge in 2008. Since then he has served the church and the community of Myland and has made many friends. We were all very sad to see Ray retire, but we didn’t let him leave quietly. The Church was full of friends and colleagues, both past and present. The Churchwarden, Lesley, who has worked alongside Ray for over 14 years couldn’t let his final walk down the aisle go quietly and distributed party poppers for the occasion. Reverend Hazel Greenland, our Associate Priest, delivered a spectacular sermon and talked about our wonderful Ray. Her words, some of which had been sent in by members of the congregation, were very humbling and moving. The festivities did not end there, the congregation moved across to Myland Parish Halls where there was a spectacular lunch, provided by Drury’s Kitchen. Reverend Ray cut his cake, was presented with some beautiful gifts and made a lovely speech. With heartfelt thanks for his time, love, friendship and energy we at St. Michael’s wish Reverend Ray Gibbs a very long and happy retirement. Sarah King Office Administrator St. Michael’s, Myland
Churches The Well Methodist Church A reminder that the Community Pantry and Warm Welcome continue during the school term on Tuesdays between 12noon and 4.00pm. These two activities are open to everyone, but we would particularly like to encourage young parents to come along and support each other, as well as anyone who may be feeling a bit lonely. Please check our website or Facebook for more details and exact dates. During the February half-term, MakeLunch Myland provided a hot meal on our premises for qualifying families. We have a monthly charity Coffee Morning from 10 - 11.30, on the third Saturday of the month, throughout the year, apart from August and December. There are books and cakes for sale. Watch out for the posters or look on our website to see which charity is being supported. As in previous years, on Palm Sunday the churches in Myland met at St Joseph’s to share in the blessing of palm crosses and a short service. We had a service of reflection to remember the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday and then celebrated His resurrection on Easter Sunday. It isn’t possible to give up-to-date information about all our activities in this article, but you can find out more by visiting our website: CLICK HERE Or if you are passing our premises, there is a weekly notice sheet displayed outside. We pray regularly for places where readers of this magazine live. If you have a particular prayer request, please let us know. Keith and Di Thompson Tel: Col 844252 [email protected] 19
From inside the community 20 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 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
Learning and growing 21 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
22 From inside the community Mill Road Surgery Hopefully as you read this the weather is warming up and you are all getting some nice sunshine after the very wet winter we’ve had! With the wet winter there is a higher chance that we may get higher pollen levels in the spring, so for those who normally suffer with hay fever make sure you’re well prepared. Our local pharmacies and supermarkets should be well stocked with a variety of anti-histamines that come in both tablet and liquid form, as well as eye drops and nasal sprays, all of which can be very beneficial in easing symptoms you may have. Symptoms can include: • coughing and sneezing • nasal congestion and/or runny nose • itchy throat, nose and ears • headaches • itchy, red or watery eyes • tiredness While some people get very mild symptoms, others can suffer badly over the warmer months and symptoms can be quite debilitating at times. There are a number of self-help ideas you can try to reduce symptoms such as: • put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen • wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes • shower and change your clothes after you have been outside • nasal rinsing is very effective at rinsing out pollen (please use a proper kit from the chemist though!) • try not to dry your clothes outside on days with a high pollen count • vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth • buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
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24 Have a chat with your local pharmacist and they can advise what medications may work best for you depending on your symptoms. We regularly get asked if the NHS still provide the hay fever steroid injection - just to confirm it is no longer approved for use due to the potential side effects outweighing the benefits, however it is available privately and there is plenty of information out there to decide yourself, if you are considering it. In other news we have a new GP now at the surgery too, Dr Nicholas Stubbings will be here two days a week to increase access to a GP here at Mill Road. Enjoy your Spring and Summer! Ashley Moore Paramedic Practitioner/Nurse Manager Mill Road Surgery From inside the community 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
25 From inside the community Nature Notes Life is full of surprises. I received a call from a friend of mine, Patricia, who some of you may know through her delightful book of short stories and poems, The Wisterious Notebook. Patricia had discovered a rather large wasp nest in her loft that the Council pest control team would be removing. She wondered if I would like to see it, if it could be successfully removed undamaged. It was removed largely unscathed and as you can see was lowered into a white refuse sack, the type we all use for our paper and plastic waste. It was, in my experience huge, about three times bigger than any I had seen before. It has been suggested it may in fact be a hornet nest. Research suggests both wasps and hornets build nests to a size to accommodate the colony involved. Both use chewed wood in layers for the casing, but the internal structure of the cells is different. It will not be cut open to look. We did try to find a display home for the nest but none has been found to-date. However, thanks to Patricia, some young school pupils have had the chance to see this clever piece of insect engineering at first hand whether wasp or hornet. We would be pleased to hear if a home for it could be found. I welcome the arrival of the new year of colour in the garden and our natural surroundings. Snowdrops, cherry plum blossom and some cyclamen bring delicate white. Crocus, daffodil and primrose bring vibrant yellow and other crocus and wood violet are deep purple. Shades of pink arrive with other cyclamen and the camelia. There is also a beautifully coloured early clematis, seen on the next page, that has adopted the behaviour of the cyclamen , i.e. having a mind of its own. Where the cyclamens’ tip-toeing slyly from the rockery to the lawn has become a bold stroll, the clematis has decided to spread its wings and not only grow up
26 the support provided, it now cascades down and across to adorn the tops of neighbouring shrubs. Cheeky but delightfully pretty. Forsythia is blossoming beautifully this year and soon the bluebells that are on the way and will be laying their carpets of woodland blue and that faint suggestion of a bluey haze just above the flowerheads. Apple and cherry blossom will be cheering us with canopies of colour and other clematis bell-flowers will intermingle. In the wider countryside hedgerows, the delicate white flowers of the blackthorn will be replaced by the hawthorn flowers, also white but with some spots of pink to add a subtle difference. I look forward to seeing pink and white campion, scarlet pimpernel and birds eye, dog rose and honeysuckle. All these flashes of colour catch the eye as they take it in turn to grace our landscape. They are a pleasure wherever they appear and I hope they give you a gentle boost as they do me. Pete Hewitt From inside the community PIANO TUITION & MUSIC THEORY ALL AGES AND STANDARDS STUDENTS ENTERED FOR RSM IF REQUIRED TREVOR CORDWELL 01206 844087
27 From inside the community Women’s Institute At last, we can look forward to Spring/Summer! However, just a quick look back recalling some of earlier evenings that have taken place. In February John Jones gave us another very interesting Film Show evening. Always very popular he did not disappoint and in the programme, it was of extra interest to see a film of the King’s visit to our city. March was theatre time! Dawn and David King kept us entertained as they gave a very detailed talk and slides of the history of the Headgate Theatre. It has really gone from strength to strength over the years and is a valued part of our Colchester Community. Our original planned speaker was unable to come along to our April meeting, so Sue Morgan a retired air hostess kindly stepped in and gave an amazing talk called ‘Up, Up and Away’. She not only told us about her time as an air hostess but also about her many travels as a child and during her teenage years. Her talk was very entertaining, delivered with a great sense of humour! Looking forward, May is our Annual Meeting and will include a Beetle Drive and Bingo night. June will be time for a ‘cuppa’ when Ann Latchford will give us a talk on the Colne Valley Tea Company. The July evening will be ‘Walking on the Wild Side’- Brazil and will be given by Graham and Mary Brace. The W.I. is a national organisation and the big event each year is the National Federation’s Annual Meeting which takes place at the Royal Albert Hall in London. June 5th is the date for the 2024 meeting and the speakers will be Spice Girl, Mel Brown (aka Scary Spice), actor Timothy Watson and Nazir Afzal OBE. Included in the event will be a discussion of a resolution re Dental Health matters. The occasion will be live-screened by the W.I. Centre. The evenings will be much lighter now so there is no excuse for not coming along to the W.I. meetings! These are held on the first Friday of each month in Highwoods Community Centre at 7.15pm. PLEASE do come along and try an evening - there is a place waiting for YOU! Sandra Jones
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From inside the community Myland Mother’s Union At the A.G.M. in February we all saw Ivy Dix step down as branch leader of St. Michael’s Mothers’ Union. A very sad day as Ivy stepped down after such stalwart leadership. As I start a new chapter for this branch I would like to thank the members for their very warm welcome as the new branch leader. I have a very hard act to follow. We have had six Lent Lunches. All went quite well. Thank you to ALL who contributed and those who attended. A good team effort, particularly those who helped set up and clear away afterwards. All money raised will be divided between St. Michael’s Church and Christian Aid. We have a speaker in June coming from the Age Well organisation, which should be of benefit to anyone who might need that little extra help with getting around with their day-to-day lives and getting the best out of their lives as well. In July we have our annual cream tea. If anyone wishes to join us for this lovely afternoon then please contact me two weeks in advance. That way we know how many to cater for. This is usually a very popular event so booking in advance for your ticket is thoroughly recommended. Anyone is very welcome to join us. Tickets are £5. We meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm (apart from May, as this is our Annual Lunch outing). New members, women as well as men, are always very warmly welcomed. We have a very full calendar for the coming year. We would love to see you! God Bless. Maria-Antoinette Brown Branch Leader 29
31 From inside the community Northern Gateway Leisure Park Bowling fans in Essex can look forward to exciting ten pin action after Hollywood Bowl Group started work on its new £5.5 million family entertainment centre in Colchester. Set to bring affordable fun and healthy competition to the city, Hollywood Bowl Colchester will offer family and friends a taste of modern LA when it opens its doors for the first time in June. With work now underway on the new centre at Northern Gateway Leisure Park, no pin will be left standing as it is set to feature 27 ten pin bowling lanes split over two floors, including 4 luxurious VIP lanes, state-of-the-art amusements, a fabulous bar and diner and even a dedicated party zone. Plus there will be two courses of mini golf, making the perfect leisure destination for a fun day or evening out. The centre will also create up to 55 new, local jobs, offering Colchester residents the opportunity to benefit from Hollywood Bowl’s brilliant training and development programmes, opening the door to exciting careers within the leisure and hospitality industry. On top of ten pin bowling fun, guests who visit the centre will also get to enjoy its American style bar and diner featuring a selection of delicious food and drinks, including American classics such as hot dogs, burgers, shakes and signature cocktails, making it the perfect destination for nights out with friends or colleagues. To help guests keep the competitive spirit going, Hollywood Bowl’s famous amusements area will offer leading games, such as Mario Kart as well as all time family favourites including air hockey and racing games. Hollywood Bowl Colchester will open towards the end of June 2024. Guests are encouraged to sign up to the VIP mailing list for updates and exclusive offers by clicking HERE Sarah Macnab, Centre Manager of Hollywood Bowl Colchester and Tim Deacon, Director of Turnstone Estates.
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33 Learning & Growing 1st Myland Guides It’s been a busy term here at 1st Myland Guides! The really exciting stuff is that Bracken and Isabella have both received Jack Petchey awards. Isabella’s award went towards an Escape room evening in January. Bracken’s is going towards an evening of fun at Mersea Boating Lake next term. We have also awarded a bronze award to Bethany & Aimee and a Silver award to Amelia. Well done girls! We are currently running capacity with 24 girls; two new girls started this term, but we’ve had two leavers this term too, so we’ll be welcoming some new girls in April. As the nights are darker in the Spring term, we take the opportunity to do quite a lot of work on the guiding programme. This has involved penguin races, comparing DNA, healthy cooking, science experiments, coping with peer pressure and much more. The girls have worked on lots of interest badges too, which all helps them achieve their theme awards and work towards their bronze, silver and gold awards. We spent two weeks learning cross-stitch too, which many girls have continued at home now they know what to do. We had help from Esther from Trefoil Guild too, as with 24 girls there’s a lot of helping with needle threading and getting started. It was lovely seeing them busying themselves learning a new skill whilst chatting to friends.
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35 Learning & Growing In February, we attended a District Thinking Day at Orpen Hall where our girls tried out different crafts from all over the world. We finished the term with the chocolate game (always a favourite), making Easter bunnies from flannels and learning about toads on the roads in conjunction with Froglife. We are about to meet to plan the term ahead which hopefully should involve lots more outdoor activities if the weather decides to play ball. Lizzy Steward
36 Learning & Growing 1st and 2nd Myland Rainbows The summer term gives us plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore. We are looking forward to a visit to Wyvernwood with some of our girls in June, for a day of activities arranged by our great Essex North East County Team. The teams are also hosting a joint rainbow sleepover in May for our older girls. Fingers crossed the weather stays fine when the Rainbows spend an evening exploring the beach at Mersea in June and July. Through fun, friendship and adventure, the girls are encouraged to always try their best. Both 1st and 2nd Myland Rainbows are full with waiting lists, but if anyone is considering Rainbows in Myland, please go to the Girlguiding website and register your interest early. Lorraine 1st Myland Scout Group The group have had a busy time in Scouting over the last few months. Beavers The Beavers have been cooking pizzas, they celebrated Burns night, which included trying shortbread and Iron Bru. They have planted a bulb and some cress and have shared their collections and hobbies. Some of the Beavers also attended the District Christmas party. Cubs The Cubs have had a visit from Guide Dogs for the Blind, taken photos, made bridges using spaghetti and marshmallows, and have made and painted Air-Fix Spitfires. They attended the District Christmas party, went to Chelmsford ice skating, then had a sleepover at Lawford Headquarters.
37 Learning & Growing Scouts The Scouts have done fire building, visited Colchester fire station, and have been looking at compass points. They have also attended the district winter camp, making shelters, lighting and cooking on fires, making paracord woggles and box knot keyrings. They enjoyed a Jungle-themed spring camp at Thorrington too; doing fire-lighting, making art, building catapults, crafting bug hotels and building shelters.
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39 Learning & Growing They enjoyed a yummy Christmas dinner. They have also had a visit from the Community Police Officers and been on a night hike. I would like to say a big thank you to all my volunteers who give up their time each week to deliver an amazing programme to the young people in Myland. Michelle King, Group Scout Leader. www.1stmylandscoutgroup.org.uk [email protected]
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