Village News and Events

in Boxted and Langham

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Community recognition award for The Larder

A recognition certificate has been given to to the local churches for the work done to help families in need during the pandemic. The main initiator of the project, JoJeffrey (the church families worker) explains how the project got underway:

“We set up a system for delivering ingredients to families adversely affected by the pandemic over half term because of the withdrawal of funding for free school meals during holidays and also because families can have difficulty through redundancy, furlough and ill health through the pandemic.

“Thanks to the generous donations of food and finance from the churches and Langham shop we now have enough support to continue until the end of December and we hope to raise more funds to continue after that.

“If people would like to donate then we would gratefully receive a cheque made payable to St Mary’s PCC and sent to the church admin office.”

Have you been adversely affected by the pandemic through redundancy, furlough, ill health etc? This could happen to any of us. If you would like some support then please contact St Peter’s Boxted and St Mary’s Langham church office . We are able to deliver ingredients for hot meals every Monday. We also have a prayer team who are happy to cover any prayer needs. Contact: lwb.wb.gh.parishes@gmail.com or phone 01206 243683.

Thank you very much to all who have donated to make this possible.

Below: Jo Jeffreys, pictured right, with some of the produce donated to the project

Pictured below: Rev Anne Mason, Curate to Langham, Boxted, Gt Horkesley and West Bergholt Churches setting off to deliver some meals.

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From the archive …
Has anyone any memories of working at the garage?

Then and now. Geaters Garage 1977, on the corner of Straight Road./ Mill Road.

The development, Windmill Close, replaced the garage. Photo taken November 2020:

*Photos courtesy of Peter Gant, one time village resident and village archivist.

A mill was originally sited on this corner. More details can be found in the book: Boxted, Portrait of an English Village, written by Douglas Carter, past resident. This book, and others chronicling Boxted history can be purchased from The Old Vicarage, Boxted, Colchester, CO4 5ST Landline tel. 01206 272773 Mobile 07801 749575 https://boxted.org.uk/community/books/

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Operation Christmas Child

Following the national lockdown there will be a further opportunity for Operation Christmas Child boxes to be donated between Saturday 5th and Sunday 13th December, these can then be sent out to children across Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Africa.

Boxes can be dropped off at our stall at both the Langham and Boxted local markets, (Langham Sunday 6th 10 to 3, Boxted Sunday 13th December 2 to 5), or Wednesday 9th 1.15 to 2.15 at Langham Community Centre, 2.45 to 3.45 at Boxted Village Hall, Monday 14th December 10 to 12 at Langham Community Centre. Alternatively they can be left at 1 Pegasus Way on St Johns Estate Colchester CO4 0QG each day between 10 and 4.

At both fairs there will be an opportunity to support by helping to pack community boxes, sections for each box can be purchased for £1 and then be made into full boxes, alternatively a complete box can be sent on your behalf for £10.

Thank you again for the support shown to this year’s appeal. You truly are helping to spread great joy in a year when it’s needed more than ever.

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Be a community champion
Colchester Borough Council and Community360 are working together to support residents impacted by Covid during Winter.

We are inviting residents to volunteer as Community Champions to help support local communities by offering advice and support, along with Covid PPE.

Training and PPE is provided to every volunteer.

Follow the link for a full description of the role and to register your interest.
https://www.volunteeressex.org/opportunities/covid-19-community-champion-12351/

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Langham Community Shop

During the current lockdown the Community Shop remains open for customers and telephone orders tel. 01206 272431.

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Church services

In brief …
Your quick reference guide to newsletter regulars.

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Councillor wanted

Are you interested in getting involved in grass roots decisions and making a real difference to your community? If so, and you meet the eligibility criteria1, why not consider standing for co-option onto Boxted Parish Council? We currently have a vacancy and are looking a Councillor that will work to improve the Parish.

If you are interested please write (no more than 250 words) explaining who you are, why you would like to join the council, aspects of the community that are of particular interest and what qualities, skills and expertise would you bring.

Applications should be emailed to boxtedparishcouncil@gmail.com

The position is not paid but full training is provided.

It will take a few hours of your time each month and you need to commit to being available for Parish Council meeting which take place on the second Wednesday evening of each month.

Closing Date for applications is Wednesday 6th January 2021.

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Call for Sites for Local Needs Homes

In December 2019, Boxted Parish Council supported a parish wide housing needs survey (posted to every household) by an independent Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) from the Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE). This survey identified that there is a need for a small number of homes for local people in Boxted and the Parish Council and RCCE are exploring how a small scheme of around seven affordable homes for local people could be brought forward. This may include a range and combination of one-bedroom flats to 3-bedroom homes, depending on the needs of local people.

‘Local’ generally means a person who is;

• Currently resident in the parish
• Was previously resident in the parish
• Is permanently employed in the parish
• Is connected by close family still living in the parish

As a result of the evidence gathered, the Parish Council are keen to pursue a ‘Rural Exception Site’. These schemes are built on land which would not usually be allocated by the planning authority for housing but can be considered for affordable housing to meet a proven local need. These must be sites that are contiguous with or adjacent to existing village settlement boundaries.

The aim of affordable housing is to provide homes for people who cannot afford to buy or rent a home on the open market. The term includes rented and affordable home ownership. New affordable homes help sustain communities by offering local families, couples and single people the chance to stay living in the place where they have strong connections. This can be those who aspire to their first / independent home or those who wish to downsize.

The proposed homes will be for rent and shared ownership sale and can never be sold on the open market, remaining as homes only for locals forever. The Parish Council is currently looking at possible suitable sites in the Parish and there will be full Consultation on any proposals.

We would also like to hear from Landowners who might have a suitable site for an affordable housing proposal. Ideally, it would be a site of around one acre in size. As this is an exception site for local people, the land does not hold the same value as ‘normal’ or open market development. It is often put forward to support local needs would be at an exception site rate or in some cases, land is gifted as a legacy to the Community by landowners who wish to support such projects.

Please submit details of your site to the Parish Council Clerk (boxtedparishcouncil@gmail.com) – Deadline Wednesday 6th January 2021.

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From 4 November, Thursday opening times for the Post Office at the Langham Community Shop will change to the afternoon, from 12.30 to 4.00 pm.

Monday opening times remain the same at 9.00 am to 12.30 pm.

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Remember that this service is still available online. Michael Smith at Colchester Borough Council is still offering digital support via a remote service. See the Council’s webpage or, for further information.

• Colchester 01206 282 452/ Clacton 01255 686497
• Email: Digitalaccesssupport@colchester.gov.uk

Useful links:
Boxted Parish Council
Boxted Village Hall
Boxted Village Website
Boxted Neighbourhood Plan
Boxted Primary School
Boxted British Legion

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Copyright © 2020 Boxted Village Website, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
boxtedvillagenews@gmail.com

Newsletter editor: Angela McLauchlan : Design and layout: Shirley Szymanek

Village News and Events

in Boxted and Langham

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Boxted in pictures

PROW 125-38 off Old House Lane, Boxted.

Oak trees may be seen throughout Boxted but are most numerous in the southern part around Straight Road, Langham Road, Horkesley Road and Boxted Road, where they form an important part of the landscape character. It is believed they are a remnant of the heath which once covered the area and even now, wherever a hedge is left uncut, the oaks spring up.

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Save Boxted Bridge!

As many of you may already know, Boxted Bridge needs repairing. One of Essex County Council’s options is to replace it with a larger bridge. Help to preserve the integrity of the bridge and protect the Dedham Vale AONB by signing the petition https://www.change.org/saveboxtedbridge

A video has been produced which gives all the details of the plight of the bridge. Click on the picture below to watch it on YouTube now!

To keep up to date with developments, please visit Essex Highways webpage: https://www.essexhighways.org/highway-schemes-and-developments/highway-schemes/boxted-bridge-wick-road-boxted-colchester.aspx

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Langham Community Shop

During the current lockdown the Community Shop remains open for customers and telephone orders tel. 01206 272431.

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Vacancy for Councillor

Are you interested in getting involved in grass roots decisions and making a real difference to your community? If so, and you meet the eligibility criteria1, why not consider standing for co-option onto Boxted Parish Council? We currently have a vacancy and are looking a Councillor that will work to improve the Parish.

If you are interested please write (no more than 250 words) explaining who you are, why you would like to join the council, aspects of the community that are of particular interest and what qualities, skills and expertise would you bring.

Applications should be emailed to boxtedparishcouncil@gmail.com

The position is not paid but full training is provided.

It will take a few hours of your time each month and you need to commit to being available for Parish Council meeting which take place on the second Wednesday evening of each month.

Closing Date for applications is Wednesday 6th January 2021.

(See Co-option Policy for eligibility criteria – See Policy Documents on https://boxtedparishcouncil.org.uk/policy-documents/)

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Call for Sites for Local Needs Homes

In December 2019, Boxted Parish Council supported a parish wide housing needs survey (posted to every household) by an independent Rural Housing Enabler (RHE) from the Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE). This survey identified that there is a need for a small number of homes for local people in Boxted and the Parish Council and RCCE are exploring how a small scheme of around seven affordable homes for local people could be brought forward. This may include a range and combination of one-bedroom flats to 3-bedroom homes, depending on the needs of local people.

‘Local’ generally means a person who is;

• Currently resident in the parish
• Was previously resident in the parish
• Is permanently employed in the parish
• Is connected by close family still living in the parish

As a result of the evidence gathered, the Parish Council are keen to pursue a ‘Rural Exception Site’. These schemes are built on land which would not usually be allocated by the planning authority for housing but can be considered for affordable housing to meet a proven local need. These must be sites that are contiguous with or adjacent to existing village settlement boundaries.

The aim of affordable housing is to provide homes for people who cannot afford to buy or rent a home on the open market. The term includes rented and affordable home ownership. New affordable homes help sustain communities by offering local families, couples and single people the chance to stay living in the place where they have strong connections. This can be those who aspire to their first / independent home or those who wish to downsize.

The proposed homes will be for rent and shared ownership sale and can never be sold on the open market, remaining as homes only for locals forever. The Parish Council is currently looking at possible suitable sites in the Parish and there will be full Consultation on any proposals.

We would also like to hear from Landowners who might have a suitable site for an affordable housing proposal. Ideally, it would be a site of around one acre in size. As this is an exception site for local people, the land does not hold the same value as ‘normal’ or open market development. It is often put forward to support local needs would be at an exception site rate or in some cases, land is gifted as a legacy to the Community by landowners who wish to support such projects.

Please submit details of your site to the Parish Council Clerk (boxtedparishcouncil@gmail.com) – Deadline Wednesday 6th January 2021.

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Buy Christmas cards and wrapping paper at the Blossom Appeal
Buy Christmas cards and wrapping paper at the Children’s Appeal Ipswich Hospital
Buy Christmas cards and wrapping paper at Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity

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Straight Road, Boxted

06/11/2020

Overnight Theft of a motor vehicle. Suspect unknown has stolen victim’s silver Ford Transit AV53 WME by means unknown.

School Road. Langham

Criminal Damage

Suspects unidentified have climbed over the fencing to the rear of the centre and have caused damage to two security cameras by pulling one from the wall and throwing it to the floor and turning the other the wrong way.

Action Fraud

is warning people selling items online to be on the lookout for criminals sending fake PayPal emails.

• Between January 2020 and September 2020, 21,349 crime reports were made to Action Fraud about fake PayPal emails.
• Victims reported losing a total of £7,891,077.44 during this time.
• Those targeted included people selling jewellery, furniture and electronics via online marketplaces.
• Reports of fake PayPal emails to Action Fraud made up a third of all reports of online shopping and auction fraud during this period.

How does it happen?

Criminals have been targeting people selling items online, by sending them emails purporting to be from PayPal. The emails trick victims into believing they have received payment for the items they’re selling on the platform. Typically, after receiving these emails, victims will ship the item to the criminal. This leaves them at a further disadvantage having not received any payment for the item and also no longer being in possession of it.

How can you protect yourself?

• Sellers beware: If you’re selling items on an online marketplace, be aware of the warning signs that your buyer is a scammer. Scammers may have negative feedback history, or may have recently set up a new account to avoid getting poor feedback. Don’t be persuaded into sending anything until you can verify you’ve received the payment.
• Scam messages: Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details.
• How to spot the difference: A PayPal email will address you by your first and last name, or your business name, and will never ask you for your full password, bank account, or credit card details in a message.

If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

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A look back at Remembrance Sunday

Boxted Methodist Silver Band

Members of Boxted Methodist Silver Band played the Last Post and Reveille at three Remembrance Services in villages near Colchester – at Boxted, Great Horkesley and Rowhedge.

Anne Ruddock played at St Peter’s Church, Boxted; Yo Burgess at All Saints’ Church, Great Horkesley; and Jill Ivey at Rowhedge War Memorial on the bank of the River Colne.

At Boxted a poppy wreath from the Band was laid on the grave of First World War soldier by Band Vice-President Mark Kettle.

The grave in Boxted churchyard was that of Private Walter William Sparkes who died on 9th March 1916, aged 22. He was in the 5th Battalion of the Essex Regiment. A Boxted man buried in his home village, the only fatality of 16 men from Boxted who died in The Great War (First World War 1914-18) who was not buried in overseas Battle Fields. He died from injuries sustained during training in Norfolk.

Boxted Methodist Silver Band has traditionally played at Remembrance Day Services at Boxted for many years, with the service alternating between the Anglican Church and the Methodist Church. However, with the closure of the Methodist Church in July last year the annual service will now always be held at St Peter’s.
Covid-19 restrictions meant that the Band could not perform this year, but individuals were able to play Last Post and Reveille at three villages.

Boxted Methodist Silver Band is the only surviving Methodist silver band in England. It was formed in 1898. It has 30 members ranging in age from 14 to 87,

Below: Anne Ruddock of Boxted Methodist Silver Band played Last Post and Reveille at the Remembrance Sunday commemoration at St Peter’s Church, Boxted. A poppy wreath was laid by Band Vice-President Mark Kettle (left) on the grave of Boxted soldier Private Walter Sparkes who lost his life in the First World War. Also in the photograph is Mr Barry Took of The Royal British Legion, Boxted.

Below: Yo Burgess plays Last Post at All Saints’ Church, Great Horkesley.

Below: Jill Ivey plays Reveille at the picturesque setting of the War Memorial at Rowhedge, on the bank of the River Colne.

There was a good attendance at the outdoor service at St Peter’s Church for Remembrance Day. Dominic Shiels took the service. The restrictions of an outdoor service only, the limit of one hymn to be sung and the measuring tape in Dominic’s pocket (see below) will all define this service historically as relating to the Covid pandemic.

Does anyone have any photos of the congregation who were wearing masks? if so please submit them to us so they can be added to the village history archives.

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The Dance Network Association is running online dance classes for both various age groups and those suffering with Parkinsons which may be of some benefit to people at home.

For YouTube Classes CLICK HERE and don’t forget to subscribe!
Classes via zoom require booking entry via our website CLICK HERE
All our Classes are free but support DNA now and beyond Lockdown 2.0
You can donate a small fee by CLICKING HERE

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Community Response Pack

Version 12 of Colchester Borough Councils Community Response pack has been published. The updates include:

• The new national lockdown restrictions
• New Shielding information
• Advice for students
• How to report a breach in coronavirus restrictions
• Updated info on staying well
• Updated CBC services info
• Updated Coronavirus and faith
• Updated business support

The Community Response pack for residents has been produced to guide residents through the continuing COVID-19 crisis. For further information, please visit the Council’s website at
https://www.colchester.gov.uk/info/cbc-article/?catid=latest-news-march-2020&id=KA-03136

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Church services

In brief …

Your quick reference guide to newsletter regulars.

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From 4 November, Thursday opening times for the Post Office at the Langham Community Shop will change to the afternoon, from 12.30 to 4.00 pm.

Monday opening times remain the same at 9.00 am to 12.30 pm.

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Digital help at home

Remember that this service is still available online. Michael Smith at Colchester Borough Council is still offering digital support via a remote service. See the Council’s webpage or, for further information.

• Colchester 01206 282 452/ Clacton 01255 686497
• Email: Digitalaccesssupport@colchester.gov.uk

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Useful links:

Boxted Parish Council
Boxted Village Hall
Boxted Village Website
Boxted Neighbourhood Plan
Boxted Primary School
Boxted British Legion

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Copyright © 2020 Boxted Village Website, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
boxtedvillagenews@gmail.com

Newsletter editor: Angela McLauchlan : Design and layout: Shirley Szymanek