Weekly Newsletters

12th March 2022

Lisa

Village News and Events

in Boxted and Langham

Welcome to the latest newsletter.

If you wish to have an item included in this newsletter, please email us at  newsandevents@boxted.org.uk  by Thursday 5pm at the latest. Thank you.

Faces of the Village

Ian Raymant

Ian, seen above-right with co-runner and friend Jim Spurgeon, is taking up the challenge to support those living with Motor Neurone Disease. Ian writes:

“At the age of 63 and in the middle of the Covid crisis I decided to get active and embarked on the Couch to 5K initiative. Now almost 18 months later I am preparing to take part in the Colchester Half Marathon on 22 May 2022.

“I will be accompanied by a friend, Jim Spurgeon, a more experienced and seasoned runner, as well as running alongside many of my fellow Boxted Runners club members.

“A friend of ours, fellow Colchester Creative Shots Camera Club member and Boxted resident, Mrs Alison Phillips has, as some may know, been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease [MND], the onset of which has, to me at least, been shockingly fast.

“Both deeply moved by this, Jim and I have decided to put our efforts to good use and will be raising funds for MND Association Colchester and North Essex Group.

“Donations will be gratefully received and to simplify the process there is a JustGiving page for all to use. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ian-raymant1  Thank you all so much.”

Church services

Sunday 13 March

9.30 am Eucharist at St Peter’s Boxted

Temporary Role for a Church Office Administrator to cover Adoption Leave

We are looking for an administrator to provide adoption cover for up to one year supporting the six parishes.

You will be based in St Mary’s Church office in West Bergholt.

The successful applicant will …

  • Have current computer skills.
  • Be able to work independently.
  • Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be able to handle difficult situations
  • with sensitivity and confidentiality.
  • Will also need to be sympathetic to the beliefs and procedures of the Church of England.

Hours are 22 per week – typically Monday 9am -12.30pm; Tuesday-Friday 9am-1pm plus 2.5 flexible hours.

Hourly Rate of Pay TBA.

Jobshare arrangements will be considered.

To request a full job description and application form please email Jo at lwb.wb.gh.parishes@gmail.com
Closing date for applications: Friday 18 March.

Boxted History Group

Wednesday 16 March, 7.30pm
Boxted Village Hall

Well known local historian, writer and character Charlie Haylock will be giving a talk on his involvement in the recent film “The Dig” (at Sutton Hoo) advising members of the cast how to speak Suffolk. This will be followed by the usual complimentary refreshments .

Visitors always welcome. (£3)

Further information call 01206 272774

Protect your home from burglary

Last month National Neighbourhood Watch launched their Think WIDE(N) burglary prevention campaign (1st-31st March), highlighting the simple, evidence-based WIDE measures which can be taken in any home on a variety of budgets.

Police and Neighbourhood Watch, also believe neighbours keeping an eye out for each other is key to reducing burglary, so Neighbourhood Watch extended the WIDE acronym to WIDE(N):

  • W : WINDOWS: Keep your windows locked
  • I : INTERIOR: Put inside lights on a timer/smart bulb
  • D : DOORS: Double or deadlock your doors
  • E : EXTERIOR: Put outside lights on a sensor
  • (N) : NEIGHBOURS: Keep an eye out for your neighbours

To learn more about WIDE(N) and burglary prevention measures, visit:  https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/thinkwiden .

Some additional features that you can consider to keep your home secure are:

  • If overlooked or the chance of being seen burglars will prefer to go elsewhere, so lighting on your house is a good deterrent. Dusk till dawn on the front, not only can you and others see who is at your door, but also when you come home you have a welcoming light. At the rear fit a motion activated lamp, but ensure you set and site it so that animals and plants don’t keep turning it on as that only creates more alarm.
  • Is there clear unobstructed access to the rear? Burglars will prefer to gain access out of sight at the rear. Where possible fence and gate access to rear gardens, top this with some trellis or spiky toppings (Max height without planning permission 2m or 1m next to a highway used by vehicles and the spiky topping requires a warning notice). How about some defensive planting, what’s this you ask……something like Berberus, Pyracantha or Hawthorn around perimeter fencing or anything else you wish to protect i.e., domestic fuel tank (some garden centres sell more established plants) the RHS can help with further guidance.
  • Bins: – Secure bins and other objects away from buildings and walls so that they cannot be used as a climbing aid.
  • Consider a doorbell that you can answer remotely on your smartphone. A lot of these you can add further CCTV cameras that you listen and speak through too.
  • Create the illusion of occupancy: A radio on, a chair that looks like you have just got up, book or magazine open with a pair of spectacles and a mug next to it, a vacuum cleaner with the lead trailing out of sight (not plugged in), the usual signs of habitation and don’t leave it too tidy.

Further crime prevention advice can be found on the NHW website above or the following websites:

Boxted phonebox library

The Community Phone Box Library is situated in Boxted on Dedham Road close to Songers Cottages.

There are books, records and puzzles available for all ages. If you wish to donate items, there is a deposit box under the shelves.

Please come and have a browse. Maximum of 5 items.

Keep up to date with Boxted Phonebox Library on Facebook .

Boxted Parish Council

Parish Council Vacancy

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 criteria, why not consider standing for co-option onto Boxted Parish Council?

We currently have a vacancy and are looking a Councillor to join.

Information is available on

https://boxtedparishcouncil.org.uk/vacancies/

Written applications need to be made by 28th March 2022 

Regulars at Boxted Village Hall

Boxted Village Bingo

Tuesdays 3 – 5 pm Alternate weeks.

Bingo sessions will be moving to Boxted Community Hub from April.

Day and times to follow.

Boxted History Group

3rd Wednesday of each month, 7 – 10 pm.
For further information call 01206 272774

Boxted WI

2nd Tuesday of each month 7.30 – 9,30

You can find us on Facebook

Art and Craft Club

1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month 2 – 4 pm

Open Door Cafe

Fridays in term time.

Bowls club

Every Friday 2 – 4 pm

Monthly Pencil Art

Saturday 12 March, 2-5pm

Contact willowsofdedham@gmail.com for more info

Future dates for pencil art at the village hall are as follows.Saturdays are 2-5pm and Mondays are 6-9pm.

  • Monday March 21st
  • Saturday April 9th
  • Monday April 25th
  • Saturday May 14th
  • Monday May 23rd
  • Saturday June 4th
  • Monday June 20th
  • Saturday July 9th
  • Monday July 25th
  • Saturday August 13th
  • Monday August 22nd
  • Saturday September 10th
  • Monday September 26th
  • Saturday October 8th
  • Monday October 24th
  • Saturday November 12th
  • Monday November 21st

Mobile library

10.10am to 10.40am (car park)

  • 31 March 2022
  • 21 April 2022
  • 12 May 2022
  • 02 June 2022

For all mobile library dates go to  https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/mobile-library-service/boxted/boxted-village-hall/

Regulars in the Community

Langham Community Centre

The Langham Community Centre hosts a wide range of regular clubs and unique activities. Many of these groups would welcome new members, so don’t hesitate to browse the ‘Activities’ page  on the website or see the Facebook page to find out more.

If you have an idea for a new club or event, please contact Sue Armstrong by calling 07741 284132 or emailing LanghamCC@gmail.com to further discuss your idea.

7.30 pm every second Thursday in the month.

The Edge & The Zone

The Zone for 6-11 year olds 5.30pm-7pm and the Edge for 12-18 year olds 7.30pm-9.00pm. Fortnightly during term time. Contact Dominic Sheil 01206 273324

Crafty Ladies

Meet on the first Wednesday of each month throughout the year, 10.00 am to 3.00 pm at Langham Community Centre; subscription £26 due March and September. Contact Chrissy Todd on 07742 131454

2nd Langham Scout Group

Meetings are held each Wednesday evening at Langham Community Centre. Beavers, 5.00 to 6.15 pm; Cubs, 6.15 to 7.30 pm; Scouts, 7.30 to 9.00 pm. Further details from Group Scout Leader Denise Hobday on 01206 230918.

Jubilee celebrations

.Both Boxted and Langham are organising Platinum Jubilee celebrations this year.

Langham Celebrates is a four–day event from Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 June marking the occasion.

Boxted will celebrate on 5 June from 2pm at King George V Playing Field.

Updates will follow nearer the time.

St Peter’s Markets plants

Early Spring Special Offers:

  • Primroses, Snowdrops and Sweet Rocket Plants – 3 for £4
  • Mature Asparagus Plants in pots – 3 for £5
  • Jerusalem Artichokes for planting – 10 for £4

Online village plant sale raising funds for our local churches. Go to  https://stpetersmarketplace.org/

Digital help at home

This service is 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.

Beer and the Bible

The Shepherd and Dog, Langham
Second Monday of the month, 8pm

Useful links:

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

Boxted WI on Facebook
Boxted WI on Twitter
Boxted Airfield Historical Group
Langham Community Centre
Langham Community Shop
Langham Village Website
Langham Parish Council
2nd Langham Scouts
Dedham Vale & Stour Valley ANOB
Essex County Council’s PROW Interactive map
Colchester District Neighbourhood Watch

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Our mailing address is:
newsandevents@boxted.org.uk

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