Village News and Events

in Boxted and Langham

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Boxted Parish Council

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 9 September at 7.30 pm via Zoom technology.

Download the agenda here

Any member of the public who wishes to join the meeting can find the link on the agenda above or email the Clerk, Karen Thompson boxtedparishcouncil@gmmail.com who will be able to provide a link.

It is envisaged that Parish Council meetings will carry on via Zoom technology for the foreseeable future.

• Click here to read minutes of past meetings
• Click here to read the Covid-19 risk assessment for the re-opening of Boxted village hall

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Schools are back!

As teachers welcome back pupils, life starts to look ‘normal’ again. We thought you might like to read the last newsletter from Boxted St Peter’s primary school, published at the end of last term.

Click here to view the newsletter

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The school bus in 1978

Photo courtesy of Peter Gant, past resident and village archivist,

The Great British September Clean

Pledge to pick for the Great British September Clean

Make a difference to the environment in your local area by joining the national campaign, 11-27 September 2020.

1. Organise a private clean-up with up to five other family and friends.
2. Pledge to do your own individual clean-up, you can give as little as 15 minutes to the campaign.

Click here to find out more

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Langham with Boxted monthly newsletter

During the current Coronavirus lockdown, there will be no printed copy of this newsletter. If you have friends or neighbours who use email, but may not be aware of this electronic newsletter distribution, please mention it to them. (At present we have 145 registered email subscribers, so many villagers will not be receiving a Parish Newsletter at the moment).

Download the September issue of the newsletter here

Subscribe to receive monthly newsletter here

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Church services

Heating oil and the illusion of occupancy

Stephen Armson-Smith
Crime Prevention Tactical Officer
Essex Police

Heating Oil

As it comes to the time when you are thinking about topping up your heating oil tank for winter, with the value of fuel it is worth considering its security.

In the more isolated parts of the countryside it is primarily domestic properties that have been targeted by the heating oil thieves, but we have also seen such thefts at farms and other businesses.

There are several security devices available that will protect your fuel supplies – details of which can be found via your fuel supplier or local plumber’s merchant. One such system is Tank Commander which has “Secured by Design” accreditation . Products like this will detect a dramatic drop in fuel and notify you by phone and/or audible alarm. There are also other similar security products that can add onto an existing intruder alarm system, whilst others may protect the filler cap and there are of course the conventional locks.

Another consideration would be concealing it with landscaping and spiky planting around the tank, restricting access to it with gates or fencing, and where possible locating the tank under lighting in view of lived in rooms within the house.

The Illusion of occupancy

As the nights draw in earlier don’t forget to use table lamps on timers, and there are TV simulators such as “Fake TV” that produces lighting that resembles a television switched on within a room. Consider installing external “Dusk till dawn” lighting and remember to ensure gates are in good condition, closed and locked.

Other products available to make it appear that you are home are a movement sensor that activates an appliance plugged into a plug socket and doorbells that you can answer remotely after viewing the caller; an internet search will find these and other security products.

If you would like further advice regarding security please look at the Essex Police website www.essex.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/ and https://www.securedbydesign.com/ .

Naturally we also ask locals to report any unusual activity to police in an emergency on 999 or after the event on 101 or “Do it online” www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online/report-a-crime/or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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In brief …

Your quick reference guide to newsletter regulars.

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Mobile library

Every three weeks on a Thursday 10.10am to 10.40am at Boxted Village Hall car park.

• 10 September
• 1 October
• 22 October

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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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Coronavirus updates

Useful links:

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

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boxtedvillagenews@gmail.com

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