Village News and Events
In Boxted & 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.
Saying goodbye to Faces of The Village
Tim Brentnall
Sadly Tim Brentnall died, aged 70, at home on 20th June 2025 after a year long battle with cancer.
The late Colonel Jeremy Carter press-ganged Tim into joining Boxted Parish Council, which he did so rather reluctantly. However he really got into things, and became chairman for around 8 years, helping to steer the first Boxted Neighbourhood Development plan into adoption and fighting hard to minimise the impact of the then controversial new Hill Farm housing development.
He was a very efficient Chairman in terms of getting through the meetings in good time. He had an air of natural authority and would only allow people to speak for an allotted time. He was, however, very fair and would approach people afterwards and advise them the best way of going about getting their voices heard, sometimes inviting them to put themselves forward to serve on the parish council.
Tim was a lawyer which came in useful several times. One occasion in particular was a dispute the parish council had over a bill with Anglian Water. Tim advised that because Anglian Water had accepted the payment the matter was closed.Tim and his wife Arabella moved to Boxted in August 1987. Two children were promptly produced, and years later a wonderful wedding and the two christenings of his grandchildren were held at St. Peter’s Boxted, where he is now buried.
Tim loved all the countryside around, and his passions were all country sports, sailing and gardening. Although he was not allowed much say in the borders or vegetable garden, he adored planting trees many of which have now reached maturity, his special favourite being the swamp cypress at the edge of the dangerous corner on Cooks Hill.
A daily commute to the City law firm where he was senior partner- a firm which he joined when he was 19 years old-was never too much of a chore as he usually took what was known as the “Judges” train, just after 8am. How the traffic has changed since the late 1980s: the drive to Colchester station could then be done in a Citroen 2CV in 15 minutes if in a hurry- sadly double that time now with all the extra speed restrictions, greater traffic volume and the new Northern Approach Road which is often at a standstill.
The dog of his life was the frightful Patterdale terrier Henry who killed anything with a pulse that was not a human, including visiting hedgehogs and the family chickens. Thank goodness Henry predeceased Tim by a few months.
Church Services
Sunday 20 July
St Peter’s, Boxted
9.30 Holy Communion
Boxted Airfield Museum
Special open evening and BBQ
Friday 25 July
Museum open at 4pm
Food from 5pm
All inclusive package admission to Museum and food included. (Bring your own drinks. Tea and coffee available).
Adults £15, child under 16 £10
BAHG members £10
Booking and payment in advance is essential as numbers are limited.
Secure and confidential booking line: 07503 952354
Partnership work in Dedham
Over the weekend officers from Colchester neighbourhood policing team conducted patrols in Dedham in partnership with Suffolk Constabulary and the Environment Agency. Partnership work to address concerns around anti social behaviour raised by local businesses and residents.
While there they engaged with numerous visitors to the area, local residents and businesses and engaged with those enjoying the river with some water safety advice.
You can report anti social behaviour in your area by CLICKING HERE
What’s on in August …
Sunday 3 August, 9.00 – 10.30am
Regulars in Boxted
Did you know there is an events calendar for Boxted Village Hall on the Boxted Village Website. Click here to view the calendar .
Pylons in Boxted
For all the latest information regarding the National Grid pylon project, please go to https://pylonseastanglia.co.uk/news/
Sing to beat Parkinsons
Fortnightly Wednesdays 10.30 – noon (term time). £5.00. Contact Emma Bishton at colchester.singtobeat@gmail.com for more information and check session dates at www.ejbmusic.co.uk/colchester
Boxted Royal British Legion
Check out the latest events on the RBL Facebook page.
All are welcome to all events
Email boxted.legion@gmail.com for further information
Forest Church
Fourth Saturday every month, 3pm, St Peter’s Churchyard
Boxted Bingo!
Contact Dot for more details on 01206 272676
Boxted History Group
3rd Wednesday of each month
Boxted Village Hall – 7.30 pm
For further information call 01206 272774
Planned trips
19 June: Bawdsey Radar
20 August: Electric Palace at Harwich.Dates and topics for this year
16 July: Out of Town with regular speaker to the group Roy Treloar
17 September: Tudor living and Mead Hall
15 October: History of London’s Docklands
19 November: 200 years of Railways
17 December: Christmas songs through history
For more information contact Scott on 07904 887000.
2nd Tuesday of the month 7.30pm @ Boxted Village Hall
Contact:
Geraldine Russell 07840 746953
Email Essex HQ @ admin@essexwi.org.uk
Find us on Facebook
Art and Craft Club
3rd Wednesday of each month 2 – 4 pm
Boxted Village Hall
Bowls club
Every Friday 2 – 4 pm
Boxted Village Hall
Our club meets in the village hall every fourth Thursday of the month from 2.00pm to 3.30pm. The age of our members varies but the club would suit anyone over 60, so please come along and you would be given a warm welcome. Our members are always asked for their suggestions before our yearly entertainment programme is arranged and we do try our best to cater for everyone. If you would like more information about our club please call Linda on 01206 272710 or Elaine on 01206 273183.
Monthly Pencil Art
Contact willowsofdedham@gmail.com for more info
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 at St Peter’s Church. Contact Linda Sheil 01206 273324
Regulars in Langham
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.
Langham Ladies meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month, 7:30pm – 10:00pm at Langham Community Centre. Contact Gill Brown on 01206 273286 or Tricia Gooding on 01206 230510.
Langham Community Cafe
Main Hall of the Community Centre on the last Friday of each month, from 10:30am until midday. All are welcome to join us for coffee/tea and cakes.
Beer and the Bible
Mobile Library
Moor Road, Langham, 9.35am – 10.05am
Thursdays;
13 February
6 March
27 March
17 April
8 May
29 May
19 June
10 July
31 July
21 August
11 September
2 October
23 October
13 November
4 December
You can call ourContact Centre on 0345 603 7628 Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm, to speak to an advisor, or use the 24-hour automated service (option 1) to renew your items (also at weekends).
In the Community
Join the Boxted Players for their 10th anniversary pantomime with an original take on a classic tale with Dorothy whisked off to a magical place far away from her rural roots.
For tickets search ‘Boxted’ on www.wegottickets.com or call into Harper’s Caffe at Boxted Hub
Adults £10.00, children (under 16) £5.00
Aldercar Wood is a locally run club for any of us wanting to get a good deal for heating oil. To sign up, please provide your name and email address to aldercarwood@gmail.com.
East Anglia GREEN project update
Following the name change we have also updated our project contact details which you can now use to get in touch with us here:
– contact@n-t.nationalgrid.com
– FREEPOST N TO T
– www.nationalgrid.com/norwich-to-tilbury
Langham Community Shop now has leaflets regarding National Grid’s Norwich to Tilbury pylon/cables plan. If you would like to object to their proposals, please pick up and complete the forms, which can be left at the Shop to be sent to the Secretary of State.
You can also find the petition online at: https://pylonseastanglia.co.uk/
or join the Facebook group at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/718238339216424/
North Colchester Men’s Shed
Contact Roger Newnham 07988 736571 for more details.
Food bank donations
Food bank collection points are at Boxted British Legion Club, St Peter’s Church, Boxted, St Mary’s Church Langham and Langham Community Shop
Find out what’s needed and how you can help. Go to: https://colchester.foodbank.org.uk/
Good Neighbours
For help with transport to an important appointment (hospital, dentist, flu/covid booster, collection of prescriptions or a visit for some company. Call so we can help, Monday to Friday, 8am – 7pm:
- Monday……….230525 or 272773
- Tuesday……….271813 or 273195
- Wednesday….272755 or 272013
- Thursday……..07842 034489 or 323007 or 07765 037892
- Friday………… 07510 504026
Please phone for the day on which you make your call, not the day of your appointment.
Boxted Village Website 