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.
Church Services
Sunday 2 November
St Peter’s Boxted
9.30 am Holy Communion
Severalls Lane Bridge
Statement from Cllr Lewis Barber
We have received an update on Severalls Lane Bridge from National Highways, and myself and Colchester Colleagues Thomas Rowe, Darius Laws and William Sunnucks have made the following statement.
“We are deeply frustrated to receive information from National Highways that the repair works for Severalls Lane Bridge will not take place in Autumn 2025 as we had been anticipating.
Instead, we have been told these works will not take place until May 2027. This is clearly an unacceptable timeframe, and we are informed that it has been caused by the Government’s decision to postpone the Road Investment Strategy 3 until 2026-2031 and cancel the A12 widening project. The former means National Highways’ funding has been pushed back a full year and the A12 widening cancellation means there are now additional maintenance priorities National Highways has to incur that the A12 widening would have resolved.
The bridge is the responsibility of National Highways (as it passes over the A12) rather than locally. However, we will be contacting all key stakeholders with a view to get this funded and press on with next steps. We understand that the issue is that the funding needs to be provided up front by the Government, before it can be subsequently be claimed against an insurer. This adds extra impetus to provide the funding for this”
Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Packing Party
Local Plan Documents Online
Colchester City Council Local Plan Committee are due to consider the new Local Plan at its meeting on 10th November.
The proposed site in Boxted is illustrated within the document.
DOWNLOAD THE LOCAL PLAN DOCUMENT HERE
Boxted Cricket Club Basks in a Season to Remember
There’s a special buzz around Cage Lane, Boxted this autumn. For Boxted Cricket Club, the 2025 season has been nothing short of historic — a summer of promotion, growth, and community spirit that has left players, volunteers, and supporters brimming with pride.
A Club with Deep Roots
Cricket has been played in Boxted since at least 1830, and the club itself has called Cage Lane home since 1938. But while the history runs deep, this year has felt like a new chapter.
“We’ve always been a family-friendly village club,” said Chairman, Steve Crayston. “But this season, everything seemed to come together — on the pitch and off it.”
From Two Sponsors to Twenty-Four
One of the biggest changes has been the surge in local support. Last year, the club had just two sponsors. This year, that number leapt to 24. Their backing has enabled Boxted CC to invest in much-needed equipment, keep membership affordable, and even raise the club’s profile through social media.
“It’s been transformative,” the Chairman added. “We couldn’t have achieved what we did without them.”
Promotion and Proud Moments
On the field, the 1st XI capped a memorable summer, securing promotion with a game to spare, finishing runners-up in their league. A key factor was the purchase of pitch covers — the first in the club’s 87-year history. Three matches that would have been lost to the weather were saved, and all three ended in victory, proving decisive in the promotion push.
The mid-week XI also impressed, reaching the semi-finals of their competition, while the 2nd XI and Sunday XI gave valuable opportunities for younger players to shine. Several teenagers stepped up from junior cricket, some even making appearances for the 1st XI.
Nurturing the Next Generation
Saturday mornings at Cage Lane were alive with the sound of bat on ball and children’s laughter, as the All Stars and Dynamos programmes for ages 5–12 drew record numbers.
“Our coaches were thrilled,” said the Chairman. “The children are the future of Boxted CC, and it’s wonderful to see them not only learning cricket but loving it.”
Volunteers at the Heart
Like many village clubs, Boxted CC is run entirely by volunteers. But with the long-serving groundsman no longer able to maintain the wicket, the club faced a challenge. Thanks to sponsor support, they will now be able to employ a professional groundsman next season, assisted by members, ensuring quality pitches for years to come.
A Spirit That Shines
Perhaps the most telling accolade came not from the league table, but from visiting teams. “We were told more than once that we’re one of the friendliest clubs to play against,” the Chairman said. “That means a lot to us — it reflects who we are.”
Looking Ahead
As the autumn leaves fall on Cage Lane, Boxted Cricket Club can look back on a season of milestones: promotion, growth, a warm spirit of camaraderie, and a renewed sense of community. And with momentum building, the future looks bright.
“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved,” the Chairman concluded. “But this is just the beginning.”
The club is gearing up for an exciting new 2026 season with plans to strengthen its squad and nurture the next generation of talent, seeking experienced players to join its ranks and expanding its junior section to welcome budding cricketers. Those interested in getting involved are encouraged to contact the club for further information.
For fixtures, results, contacts, and more club news, visit https://www.boxtedcricketclub.co.uk/
Operation Christmas Child
8 November 2.30 – 4.30 pm
St Peter’s Church, Saturday
There will be numerous items available to pack in the boxes and volunteers are invited to come and help fill them.
Refreshments will be served.
Boxed Bridge Update
Development and Regulation Committee meeting 24.10.2025 Boxted bridge update
The Development & Regulation Committee met 24th October 2025 to hear an update about what is happening with the Boxted bridge planning application. The committee had chosen to defer their decision at the planning hearing in April until more information was submitted on the need and justification for the bridge. However, no further information has been submitted, and, since a planning application cannot be held indefinitely, a deadline has now been set of Jan 31st 2026 to submit the information.
If none is submitted by then the committee will decide on the planning application as is at the next February meeting. If information is submitted there will be a consultation with the public and a site meeting will be arranged for the committee to see the bridge in context.
To listen to the meeting click link. Boxted bridge is discussed between 1:17 – 1:20 https://www.youtube.com/live/nnV08oSC4D0?si=_w2D7lrKdO1k2JqG
Support the Save Our Bridge Campaign
Save the date…
CLICK HERE TO BUY FRIDAY 12 DECEMBER TICKETS!
CLICK HERE TO BUY SATURDAY 13 DECEMBER MATINEE TICKETS!
CLICK HERE TO BUY SATURDAY 13 DECEMBER EVENING TICKETS!
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
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 