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Colne Engaine
Parish Magazine
for all the people who live here
February 2015
PRODUCED BY VOLUNTEERS AND DELIVERED FREE
EVERY MONTH TO THE 400 HOUSEHOLDS
IN THE PARISH OF COLNE ENGAINE
COLNE ENGAINE PARISH MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2015
THE PARISHES
EDITORIAL
Editor: Michael Estcourt
2 Brickhouse Road, CO6 2HL
Tel/Fax: 01787 220049
[email protected]
All copy should be sent to Michael.
Advertising: Terry Hawthorn
6 High Croft, CO6 2HE. T: 01787 223140
[email protected]
All advertising should be sent to Terry.
Design: Juliet Townsend
14 Oddcroft, CO6 2ET. T: 01787 222459.
[email protected]
PARISH COUNCIL
Parish Clerk: Terry Rootsey
Buntings Green Cottage, Halstead Road,
Colne Engaine CO6 2JG.
T: 01787 220200
[email protected]
Earls Colne, White Colne and Colne
Engaine parishes are under the care of
our Team Vicar and arrangements for
Baptisms / Weddings / Funerals and
other services or use of the Church
should be made with;
Team Vicar: The Reverend Peter Allen
St Andrew’s Rectory, 5 Shut Lane,
Earls Colne
T: 01787 220347
[email protected]
Church Warden: Mr Desmond Shine
4 Brickhouse Road CO6 2HL
T: 01787 223378
[email protected]
PCC Secretary: Mrs Rita Prior
21 Church Street, Colne Engaine CO6 2EX
T: 01787 223867
[email protected]
ADVERTISING
Our monthly magazine (double issues
in July/August and December/January)
is delivered free of charge to all 400
households in Colne Engaine
and Countess Cross.
1/4 Page 62 x 88mm £10 / £50 pa
1/2 Page 128 x 88mm £17 / £75 pa
Full Page 128 x 180mm £20 or £100 pa
Cheques payable to Colne Engaine PCC.
TO OUR READERS
Please remember to mention this magazine if you answer any of the advertisements.
We welcome advertising in our magazine, the income from which helps to cover
production costs. This does not imply any endorsement or approval of the
products and services mentioned in the advertising.
FOR THE MARCH ISSUE PLEASE PROVIDE SUBMISSIONS BY
4TH FEBRUARY 2015
Please provide Editorial in Word and Advertising as .jpg file
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 3
WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR
Comings and Goings
As we stood on the top of the church tower at 8 o’clock on the morning
of Christmas Day, with the sun breaking through the light cloud over
Earls Colne, Nigel Warwick and I reflected on the pleasure – for him
relatively recent; for me for over 30 years (with time off in Dorset for
good behaviour!) – of living in the peace and beauty of the Colne Valley.
I’m writing this on the day of the terrorist attack in Paris, which seems a very long way
from our small corner of eastern England. Nevertheless, we cannot afford to be insular
about our relationship with the world about us.
Colne Engaine has always been – in my experience – a vibrant and caring community,
containing a broad mix of people who work both locally and in London; an equally broad
range of ages and backgrounds; and a mixture of locally-born and in-coming residents.
It is this variety that makes the village such an interesting place in which to live.
In this issue Hannah Elkington writes about the English Oak tree. She composed her
contribution immediately before giving birth to our youngest resident, Martha Rose,
who arrived in the early hours of New Year’s Eve. We offer our congratulations to both
Hannah and Dan. Joe Barnes, who died in early December, was the longest resident of
the village, as you will gather from Cate Gunn’s article, having been born here 87 years
ago. ‘Nobby’ Clarke, who died just before
Christmas, was, at 100, our oldest resident:
more of him in next month’s magazine.
This is the first issue for many years not
to contain an ad from Bone-Dry Carpets.
Stephen Simper is retiring, and he and
Sara will be moving to Bergerac in the near
future. We wish them well in the sunshine
of southern France, and thank them for
their steadfast support of this magazine.
On the other hand, new advertisers keep
popping up, and Suzanne Giera is hoping to
capitalise on her sinuous dancing at the
Colne Review by starting classes shortly.
It has been a real pleasure to step into
Michael Estcourt’s shoes for a month whilst
he enjoys a well-earned rest with his family
in Barbados. The village is clearly going
strong, as is this publication. Roll on 2015!
Terry Hawthorn, Acting Editor
4 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
LETTER FROM THE REVEREND PETER ALLEN
I well remember as a child attending services on Ash Wednesday.
and the impact the ceremony of ashing had on me as the large and
mysterious Catholic priest solemnly advanced towards me with the
bowl of ashes, and proceeded to mumble some words over me as he
made a sign of the cross on my forehead in ashes. It was a ceremony
that brought home to me my own mortality. Some may question such
heavy burden being placed upon children so young, but on reflection
even as a small child I can remember I had an awareness that life as I knew it would one
day would come to end and I would be no more. Recognising and coming to terms with
our own mortality is I suspect something we may begin to do at quite an early age and
continue to do throughout the years of our life if we get the years to do that.
Recognition of our mortality and that we return to dust is only one part of the message
of the ashing ceremony which also includes the need to accept the sin that lurks within
us which needs acknowledging. Traditionally what follows throughout Lent, the
beginning of which is marked by Ash Wednesday and the imposition of ashes, is a
season which in part is designed to give us space to reflect on our human frailties and
our need of help with the problem of our sin and shortcomings before God. This may all
sound very dark and to some outdated and just the kind of thing that turns people off
the church, the thought that it keeps going on about sin all
the time. However Lent does not encourage self-inspection in
order to bring us to despair but is more about encouraging us
to set aside time to recognise darkness in order that we may
rejoice even more in the gift of light which dispels it. The selfinspection of Lent is not a destination but rather a passage on
a journey that is heading towards the light of Easter which reveals to us God’s answer
to our darkness, the risen Christ. Easter, our destination throughout Lent, offers us
forgiveness, acceptance, renewal, security, opportunity of change and it shines like a
beacon on a hill as we journey throughout Lent inviting us to walk towards it in humility
and faith. It is partly because of our familiarity with the Easter message that it can
sometimes lose its power to be as truly transforming and life changing as it ought to be.
Journeying well through Lent can help us reclaim, or discover for the first time, the truly
life transforming good news that is Easter is.
The Church of England keeps these seasonal journeys and passages
of time within its calendar as reminders of the foundations of the
Christian faith which we do well to bring to mind again and again.
However whilst we are communally reminded through the
liturgical calendar we can also take the principles and message of
Lent and Easter and make them part of our daily walk with God.
We should carry within us something of the message of Lent and
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 5
Easter making a daily recognition of our own darkness and God’s glorious light. As with
Lent itself such an awareness shouldn’t be seen as something that drives us to despair,
but as a daily reminder of the goodness of God found in Christ who sets us free each
day to walk in the Light of life.
Every best wish, Peter
PS We offer Rev Hugh Mothersole a warm welcome as he returns to his role as Team
Curate in the Halstead Team Ministry after serving in North Hinkford as part of his curacy.
Lent Groups: Magnificent Jesus
In this Lent study guide, Wendy Virgo explores the rich images in John's Gospel which
reveal Jesus as the magnificent Saviour who meets all our needs. We follow Jesus'
ministry as His encounters with ordinary people unfold new aspects of His character:
Evening Group: Mondays 7.30–9pm at Earls Colne Baptist Church, Halstead Road.
Feb 23rd, March 2nd, March 9th March 16th, March 23rd
If you wish to attend the daytime group contact Rev Peter Allen
01787 220347 or [email protected].
Each book will cost £5 and can be obtained from Peter or Hugh.
Prayers for the Parishes
Bible Reading Fellowship
9-9.30am Thursdays
Group with Bible Study
th
February 5
Church Hall, Brook St, Colne Engaine
th
February 12
The Rectory, Shut Lane, Earls Colne
February 19th
Church Hall, Brook St, Colne Engaine
February 26th
The Rectory, Shut Lane, Earls Colne
All Welcome
Thursday, 19th February at
20 Hayhouse Road, Earls Colne
We would be delighted to welcome new faces.
Do give this friendly discussion group a try!
Discussion is often triggered by the
readings from our Bible Reading Notes
but it is not necessary to read these to
join in and enjoy the discussions.
We find these meetings help us to clarify what
we believe (or don’t!), to discover that others
have the same doubts, problems etc. as we do
and to grow in our faith, as we see what the
Bible has to say on a wide variety of subjects
and how that affects our daily lives.
Finally, don’t be intimidated at the thought
of ‘discussion’ – no one has to say anything
if they would prefer just to listen!
6 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 7
SERVICES & READINGS IN FEBRUARY 2015
Sunday 1st February
Colne Engaine
Earls Colne
White Colne
Readings
Sunday 8th February
Colne Engaine
Earls Colne
Readings
Sunday 15th February
Colne Engaine
8 am
Holy Communion BCP
10 am
All Age Service & Junior Church
10 am
Morning Worship
4 pm
Service of Light inc. Christingle
10.30 am
Holy Communion CW
Deuteronomy 18: 15-20 Mark 1: 21-28
10 am
Morning Worship
8 am
Holy Communion CW
10 am
All Age Service
Proverbs 8: 1, 22-31 John 1: 1-14
8 am
Holy Communion BCP
10 am
Mattins BCP
Earls Colne
10 am
Holy Communion CW
White Colne
10.30 am
Morning Worship
Readings
2 Kings 2: 1-12 Mark 9: 2-9
th
Wednesday 18 February
Earls Colne
9.30 am
Holy Communion & Imposition of Ashes
Colne Engaine
7.30 pm
Holy Communion & Imposition of Ashes
Sunday 22nd February
Colne Engaine
10 am
Family Communion CW
Earls Colne
8 am
Holy Communion CW
10 am
Morning Worship
White Colne
10.30 am
Morning Worship
Readings
Genesis 9: 8-17 Mark 1: 9-15
FROM THE REGISTERS
Funerals
23rd December 2014, Colne Engaine
Sidney Charles “Joe” Barnes
We commend him to the Lord’s keeping
PASTORAL CARE
Would you or a friend like a visit from a
member of our pastoral care team?
Mrs. Ann Norris
01787 222015
Mr. Terry Hawthorn 01787 223140
Mrs. Beryl Amy
01787 223486
8 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
PEWS FOR SALE
About 10 years ago, the church removed
some pews in order to install a new
organ. They have lain in dry storage ever
since, but the PCC have no use for them,
so we are offering them to villagers first,
before sending them off to auction.
There are four pews, constructed in pine
(just like the remaining ones). Their
dimensions are (in “old money”!) 34”
high x 14” deep and of varying lengths:
1 x 90”
1 x 100”
2 x 116”
They need to be dusted down and
cleaned up for viewing, so they will not
be available until the first week of March.
To register your interest, please contact
Des Shine, the Churchwarden, on 01787
223378 or [email protected]
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 9
LENT QUIET DAY 2015
Lent is a time of reflection as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter and as part of that
preparation a Quiet Day is being organised to allow a few hours of quiet space for
personal reflection.
The date is Tuesday, February 24th at the Annexe at Assington Hall, CO10 5LQ, and the
day will run from 10 am to 3pm with short worship, reflection and prayers offered.
It will be a day to bring your own lunch that we eat around a table and talk.
The morning and afternoon times will be quiet for each to use as they wish: reading
and walking are often favoured. The choice is yours.
Do please consider joining the day, or part of the
day only if that is all the time you have.
Hugh Mothersole has offered to co-ordinate and
he can let you have more details as they become
available so please contact Hugh to register your
interest on
01787 222211 [email protected]
Barry Thompson
The Garage Door Man
from Earls Colne

Electric conversions

New springs, locks
and cables

Replacement gear sets
High standards, prompt attention
and all work guaranteed
Tel: 01787 223264
Mob: 07973 754935
TUTOR
GCSE KS4 MATHS
BOOKKEEPING/
ACCOUNTANCY
Tuition in your own home
on a one-to-one basis.
Many years experience. Reasonable
rates.
Accounting/Bookkeeping
Service also offered.
Contact Tony 01787 224589
10 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 11
JUNIOR CHURCH
December was very busy for Junior Church with lots of children taking part in our
brilliant nativity play. The excitement was too much for some of our stars, with Joseph
falling off his chair, the star refusing to go very far up the aisle, the stubborn donkey
and the shepherd on a hopper making it a memorable event for everyone!
The travelling crib was also very busy going around to lots of houses in the village
(find out more on page 13). We hope those of you who had this enjoyed it: for those
who didn’t participate this year, we will be doing it again next year so be sure to get
your reservation in early in the autumn!
The February service is on the 1st,
so we hope you will join us for
more exciting activities, including a
craft option.
Alison McKeown and Ginny Jeggo
12 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 13
THE TRAVELLING CHRISTMAS CRIB
During the month of December, a portable stable was used by the Junior Church as a
means of taking the Christmas story into the homes of the families whose children
attend our All Age Service and Junior Church on the first Sunday in each month.
Made by Alison McKeown and Margaret Hill, it is aimed at toddlers and small children.
It is covered in child-friendly fabrics and the major figures from the Nativity story are all
fashioned in knitted style. The aim is that parents can use it to tell the Christmas Story
at home, thus extending and amplifying what their children have learnt in church.
A candle and a pack of angels were included, so that each family could put an angel
on its own Christmas tree.
The Travelling Crib started its journey round
the parish at the beginning of Advent (30th
November last year), and by the time that it
returned to the church for the Crib Service on
Christmas Eve it had visited 16 families. It will
be out on its travels again next Advent, so if
you have young children, look out for details
in the November edition of this magazine!
14 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 15
SPANISH GROUP
The Colne Engaine Spanish Group is now
in its third year. Since starting as
complete beginners, the students have
made good progress, and have said that
they have found that a knowledge of the
language has really added something
extra to their holidays in Spain.
Recently there have been requests for a
new beginners class to start up in the
village, so if you, or someone you know,
is interested in learning the Spanish for
how to buy drinks, tapas and meals, how
to shop, make your way to the best
places, find accommodation, and more
besides, then...
Ring the course tutor, Tony Greaves on
01787 472576 for more details.
MARQUIS
ESTATES
Property Sales and Lettings in
Halstead and surrounding villages.
All types of property continually
sought for buyers and tenants.
Competitive rates.
A personal, professional,
reliable service.
Established 1990.
Contact Jonathan White on
01787 476888
St Andrews Cottage, rear of 21,
Head Street, Halstead CO9 2AU
Alan and Kate Barnard, Diane Myhill and
Terry Hawthorn can all vouch for what is
a very enjoyable evening once a week in
the Village Hall Annexe, and can give you
more information.
QUIZ NIGHT
You are invited to a quiz night on the
14th March at 7.30pm at the Colne
Engaine Village Hall, in aid of The
Children’s Society. Tickets cost £6
each, teams of 6. Please bring your
own drinks and nibbles.
Tickets are available from
Rita Prior on 01787 223867.
16 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 17
OUR PARISH COUNCILLORS
Members of the Council work hard to make sure that Colne Engaine remains a beautiful and
tranquil place to live. So if you have any comments or suggestions please feel free to contact them.
Members of the Council
Chairman:
Cllr. Darran Lingley
Vice-Chair:
Cllr. Patricia Taylor
Members:
Cllr. Alan Barnard
Cllr. Richard Jones
Cllr. Stuart Rust
Cllr. Tim Everitt
Cllr. Lucy Orrow
01787 224166
01787 224876
01787 224709
01787 220163
01787 224434
01787 223612
01787 224786
Roles & Responsibilities for the Members & Clerk
ESSEX ASSOC OF LOCAL COUNCILS: CLLR TAYLOR & THE CLERK
FESTIVAL COMMITTEE LIAISON: CLLR BARNARD
FINANCIAL CONTROL: CLLRs BARNARD & EVERITT
FOOTBALL CLUB LIAISON: CLLRs LINGLEY & RUST
FOOTPATHS & TREE WARDEN: CLLRs TAYLOR & LINGLEY
TOWNLAND TRUST: CLLRs LINGLEY & EVERITT
FUNDING FOR VILLAGE PROJECTS: CLLR LINGLEY & THE CLERK
RECREATION GROUND: CLLR LINGLEY
PLANNING LIAISON: CLLRs TAYLOR & RUST
VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE LIAISON: CLLR JONES
VILLAGE SCHOOL COUNCIL LIAISON : CLLRs LINGLEY & JONES
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
lucy@@colne-engaine.org.uk
Clerk (part-time): Terry Rootsey
3 Box Mill Cottages, Box Mill Lane,
Halstead CO9 2DR
t: 07946 096331
[email protected]
www.colne-engaine.org.uk
ALLOTMENTS: CLLRs BARNARD & EVERITT
YOUTH CLUB: CLLR JONES
WEBSITE: CLLRs JONES & ORROW
Colne Engaine Parish Council meets at 8pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month, except
August, in the Jubilee Annexe of the Village Hall. Public and press are welcome to attend and at
the beginning of each meeting a 15 minute Public Session is held for non-members to address
Council on items specified on the agenda. Please feel free to e-mail, telephone or post a note
through the Parish Office post box about any items you would like added to the Agenda and/
or noticeboard, or anything you would like to report to the Parish Council.
18 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 19
NOTES FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL
I hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas and wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous
New Year. Since my last notes there have been two Parish Council meetings, both of
which had unusually light agendas. The full minutes for those meetings can be seen on
the website www.colne-engaine.org.uk. Some of the matters discussed were:
Planning Application:
Erection of extension to garage to form double garage at 2 Shellcroft CO6 2JE.
Members of the Council had no objections or comments.
Parish Council dedicated phone line.
Following the Clerk’s house move, it was decided that the most cost effective method of
rearranging the Council’s phone line would be to have a dedicated mobile phone. The
new phone number is 07946 096331.
2015/2016 Budget
As you may be aware central government has cut its funding to local Councils with
Braintree’s funding being reduced by 15.4%. In turn the Parish Council’s Localism Grant
has been reduced by the same amount. With this in mind the Parish Council has
managed to keep its projected expenditure at the same level as last year which was
actually reduced from the year before. We clearly will not have any figures until the
Council Tax bills are published but it is likely that there will be a small increase to cover
the reduction in the Localism grant.
Highways
Various street lights not working, large pot hole in Mill Lane, lump in middle of road on
Halsted Road: Clerk to report. Resident expressed concerns about speed of traffic in
Brook Street. A residents’ speed watch has previously been considered but faltered due
to lack of sufficient volunteers.
Regards to all, Terry, Clerk to Colne Engaine Parish Council
Spring WOW Event
Saturday 7th February 2015 at 9.30am
Continental Breakfast at Earls Colne Baptist Church
with Guest Speaker Reverend Liz Paxton
Contact Sharon 01787 220347 or 07879 119255
or Janie on 01787 220049
20 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 21
CAROLS ON THE GREEN
Hark! What was this celestial procession floating to the village green on the 12 th
December?
A host of angels you say? A heavenly choir? Or was it Nick Chapman leading a torchlight
parade of happy carollers from the church to our village Christmas Tree?
Yes it was our annual ‘Carols on the Green’ event and a wonderful time was had by all.
We were kept warm by the mulled wine and a burning brazier and the warm glow of
singing so delightfully together!
Thanks to Nick for leading the singing and to everyone else for joining in (when will we
learn all the words to The Twelve Days of Christmas?) Thanks also to Ginny Jeggo for
organising the torchlight parade, the 5 Bells for mince pies, Pat Taylor for the electricity,
Sam Blackwell for the logs and all the other volunteers who always turn up and just
‘make stuff happen’.
£124 was raised for the Children’s Society.
We look forward to seeing you again in December 2015!
By village correspondent Scoop McPencil, of the Festival
FOOD BANK
Hunger is an issue in both developing and developed countries, as many who support
the Food Bank movement well know. Started some 3 years ago, the Halstead Food Bank
is open every Monday from 11am to 3 pm, and during December it was very busy
indeed. Since April, it has helped 340 people in the Halstead area, including 132
children (as reported in the Halstead Gazette on the 12th
December). If anyone would like to donate tinned or package
food, please leave it in the back of the church, but remember,
it must have a 6-month sell by date!
Please contact Jane Lambert on 224220 if you can help
or have any items that need collection.
NSPCC
If anyone is doing a New Year turn out, don't forget that the NSPCC would love any
second-hand books in good condition. I am very happy to take them over to the store in
West Bergholt for their annual sale which is held in October. They start sorting in The
New Year!
Please contact Jane Lambert on 224220 if you can help or
have any items that need collection.
22 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 23
THE MIGHTY OAK
This is my favourite tree and I should think that I share this with many other people! It
is often said that the country’s success was built on Oak – we have used the
wonderfully strong wood for so many different purposes. It is in the frames of our
older houses, and built many ships used for trade (and war). The Latin name of the
English, or pedunculate, Oak is Quercus robur which means “strength”. In case you are
wondering what on earth is meant by pedunculate it means that the acorns hang down
on little stalks.
The Oak is also a magnificent tree for other wildlife. They support more other species
than any other tree, with some studies claiming they can support around 400
invertebrate species. The acorns are food for many birds and animals, such as Jays and
squirrels, and in the past, before commercial wheat production, people would grind
acorns to make flour for a type of bread. The leaves break down easily and produce
excellent soil conditions around the trees. Many creatures also find homes in the tree
– Oaks are common places to find woodpecker holes, and the smaller species of bats
can be found roosting under loose bark. They are also a host to many types of fungi.
Not all fungi are harmful to trees, much of it actually helps with nutrient exchange in
the roots and therefore assists the tree in growing.
Acorns are not generally produced until the tree is at least 40 years old; but this is still
the childhood of an Oak. One of my favourite sayings about the tree is about its
longevity: “300 years growing, 300 years resting and 300 years gracefully declining”.
There is a register of ancient trees at www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk so if you want to
search out some really old examples this will help. Marks Hall has quite a few listed.
Ancient trees tend to have a huge girth, with possibly the oldest Oak in Britain, the
Bowthorpe Oak in Bourne, Lincolnshire at around 1000 years, having a girth of 12m
30cm.
I think that often trees are one of the things in the landscape we take for granted, a
backdrop to our lives. When I lived in central Scotland one of the things that I missed
most about England was the trees, there just aren’t as many large trees dotted about.
Essex is one of Britain’s least wooded counties
but we are still able to see plenty of Oaks, and
other lovely species, at field edges and in small
areas of woodland themselves. Next time
you’re out for a walk look up and take some
time to appreciate them!
Hannah Elkington
(pictured with her new baby Martha Rose)
24 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
OPEN ALL WEEK 7am-7pm
Plus late night opening on Fridays & Saturdays until 10pm
Providing everything you need right here in the village
NATIONAL
LOTTER Y
TICKETS
NO W O N
SALE
FRESHLY BAKED BREAD EVERY DAY
FRESH FRUIT & VEGETABLES
FRESH MILK, EGGS & DAIRY
FRESH MEATS from The Rare Breed Meat Co.
HOMEMADE CAKES
BEERS, WINES, SPIRITS,
INCLUDING LOCAL SPECIALITIES
TINNED & FROZEN FOODS
NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES
CLEANING PRODUCTS, TOILETRIES, NAPPIES
& OTHER HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS
PLUS WE OFFER A DRY CLEANING SERVICE & LOCAL
EVENTS & SERVICES NOTICE BOARD
We’re a friendly, family business
so just drop in and say hello to
Richard and Wendy.
Want to know if we’ve got something?
Ring, email or tweet ahead and we’ll let you know...
t: 01787 220163 m: 07977 636624
[email protected]
www.colneengainevillageshop.co.uk
39 Church Street, Colne Engaine CO6 2EY
Colne Engaine Village Shop
@shopkeeperjones
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 25
‘JOE’ SIDNEY CHARLES BARNES: 12TH JANUARY 1927—12TH DECEMBER 2014
Joe may have been christened as Sidney Charles, but he was always called Joe, and it
was as Joe that he was remembered at his funeral, on 23rd December. Joe Barnes’
christening, marriage and funeral all took place in the church of Colne Engaine, the
village where he lived his whole life. Not many of the people living in Colne Engaine
now, and contributing to its community life, were also born here, but we should pay
tribute to someone who was so much a part of the village, albeit in an unassuming way.
As his daughter Jennifer said in her tribute to her father, ‘he was a familiar figure
around the village and so many people have mentioned to us that they will miss his
easy going personality and happy smiling face’. Joe lived his whole life in Colne Engaine
apart from his national service; he joined the army when he turned 18 in the final year
of the Second World War and served in Italy, Egypt and Palestine.
Joe Barnes was born in a cottage on Green Farm Road, the youngest of nine children,
before the family moved to Brick House Road. He went to the village school and then
school in Halstead until he was 14. When he left school he started working for Hunt’s,
at the Atlas Works, but couldn’t stand being shut inside all day, and soon left to work
for Bone’s, one of the two builders then based in Colne Engaine.
It was at about this time that he noticed the daughter of the landlord of the Five Bells,
Benita Goodwin. Once she had caught his eye, he knew she was the girl for him; Benita
was also the Secretary of the Colne Engaine Football Supporters club. Joe played centre
for the Engines and Dickie Page, ‘the Alex Ferguson of the Engines’ always said Joe
could have played professionally. As Jennifer said in her tribute, her parents ‘became
the Posh and Becks of their time’! Joe and Benita were married in 1951 and lived for
two years with her parents in the Five Bells before moving into one of the two new
council houses built on Pebmarsh Road. There they brought up two children, Jennifer
and Graham, and lived happily together for over 60 years. They celebrated their
Diamond wedding anniversary – with a party in the Five Bells
where it all started! – in 2011. Benita told me that through
out their marriage they talked everything over, and (almost!)
always agreed on everything.
There is no better way to finish this than with a comment
made by his daughter Jennifer:
“It is said that “A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it
may be, not wishing for what he has not”. Then that must
make Dad a very wise man as he was content with his lot –
although his lot was not a lot in material terms but in the
things that mattered most – a long and happy marriage, two
wonderful children, four beloved grandchildren, friendship
and respect of his peers, and good health.’
Cate Gunn
26 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
POPPY BOOK CLUB
The Poppy Book Club has been
running for a number of years
and meets approximately once
every six weeks on a
Wednesday evening, generally
at the Five Bells. We all bring a
choice of a book and vote as to
which one we read then review
at the next meeting. It is all
very informal and we generally
have a meal (optional), chat
over the book and have a
general gossip!
If you would like to join us, the next meeting will be on 4th March at 7pm (for meal) or
7.45pm for book review at The Five Bells. If you want to come prepared, we haven’t yet
chosen our book for the month (post-Christmas hangover comments are not required!),
but if you would like to join us we always look forward to welcoming new members.
For further information please contact Rita on 01787 223867.
COLNES FOOTPATH ASSOCIATION
February Walk: Pebmarsh Area
Date/Time: Sunday 1st February at 2pm
Meet at: Pebmarsh Village Hall Car Park
Details: Elizabeth on 01787 224278
EARLS COLNE LIBRARY
Opens on Tuesday & Friday, 1-5pm and
Thursday & Saturday: 9am-1pm.
38 High Street, Earls Colne. 01787 223565
MOBILE LIBRARY
Thursdays: Feb 12th & 26th at the Primary
School at 11am for half an hour.
Fridays: Feb 13th & 27th on The Green
at 11.55 then on Brook Street from
12.30-12.45pm.
Don’t be caught without a good book!
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 27
Earls Colne
Tandoori Restaurant
& Takeaway
We welcome holders of the Gourmet Society Card and The Taste Card
Free bottle of wine
for a table of 4
(please mention when ordering)
Free home delivery on take-away orders over £15
110 High Street, Earls Colne
Tel: 01787 223380 / 222983
www.earlscolnetandoorirestaurant.co.uk
A.Birkin & Sons
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
In excess of 100 years of a caring service
for bereaved families.
Arrangements can be made in your own home,
independent family firm, 24 hour service.
Private Chapel of Rest
Memorials & Pre-payment plans, Woodland Burials
Market End, Coggeshall CO6 1NH
Telephone: (01376) 561316 or 561779 Fax: (01376) 561011
28 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
DECK THE HALLS… SOME POST-CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS
It’s now the afternoon of Monday 5th January
2015 and I’ve just started to take down my own
Christmas decorations. I always feel a little sad
when all the greetings cards come off their
strings and all the tiny glass and wooden
ornaments are carefully wrapped and put
back in the various boxes in which they will
reside for the next 50 weeks.
A lot of these baubles have some happy memory
attached to them - like the very first tree decorations my husband and I bought for our
very first Christmas together in our new home. There’s the little wooden nativity scene
- it’s always hung at the top of the tree surrounded by various angels acquired over the
years - and the Bavarian-style rocking horse given by a friend.
Our tree is always topped by a star. This year it’s been a bit on the skew as it’s a little
too heavy for the topmost branch but, heigh ho, it’s bravely hung on and done it’s job as did the star that led the Wise Men to Jesus in the stable.
Liz Pottinger
PEARTREE
BED & BREAKFAST
Jill & Chris warmly welcome you to
their 17th Century cottage in Colne
Engaine.
2 double bedrooms plus cosy sitting
room and private facilities.
Countryside views & walks.
English or
Continental
breakfast.
COURTAULD
MEMORIAL HALL
1 Station Road, Colne Engaine
FOR ALL YOUR
SOCIAL NEEDS
Receptions, Discos & Dances,
Children’s Parties,
Auctions, Exhibitions, Meetings
AMPLE CAR PARKING
T: 01787 223348
M: 07919 200646
www.peartreebedandbreakfast.co.uk
For full details telephone
01787 223668
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 29
COURTAULD MEMORIAL HALL & JUBILEE ANNEXE www.courtauldmemorialhall.co.uk
The Revue held in November was very enjoyable and made us £460. Our Events
Co-ordinator, Lucy Orrow, was instrumental in getting the show on the road. A big
thank you to her and to those of you who participated or supported. Hopefully we can
do it again perhaps later in the year The Colne Engaine Drama Society whilst not
participating this year were very helpful in allowing us to use their equipment and stage
lighting. We do appreciate the help and donations we get from users and from all of
you who recognise the value of our Village Hall. Thank you to Rachel for decking the
hall with so many beautiful homemade creations.
We hope you enjoyed the Pantomine this year, always a popular event in the hall.
A new Egyptian Dance class will have started on Monday evenings from 7.30pm so do
join in for some fun and to keep fit and please contact Alistair or Rachel if you wish to
start something new. The Annexe is also available for hire.
We wish you a Happy New Year and we will continue to modernise and maintain the
hall and grounds as best we can. We are all volunteers keen to see the community
continue to have this facility to be used by the people of the village. It is nearly 100
years old, having been built in 1921 initially for the men of the village or those who
managed to return from the Great War. We always need help, support and funds so
please ”keep spending“ in 2015 and do try to come to the two events below.
TRUSTEES: Chairman: Stuart Rust 01787 224434
Treasurer: Ron Steele
Lindsay Lane
Geoff Marcoolyn
Alistair McMillan
Secretary: Valerie Trew
Hall Manager: Rachel Owen
01787 223852
01787 223073
01787 222334
07720 847883
01787 222956
07969 354393
HALL TIDYING MORNING
Saturday 21st February 9am-12noon
An opportunity for villagers to join the
Trustees to help with minor maintenance
inside and out and for all Groups that use the
Hall to have help to spring clean their sheds.
Please come and help!
STEAM CLEANER NEEDED
Donation(s) welcome (money or equipment!)
Please contact Rachel.
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
HALL FUNDRAISER:
OVER 30s NIGHT
Saturday 28th February 8pm-midnight
Do you wish that you could re-live your
youth with a dance to your favourite
tunes and a few drinks?
Then post your song requests on the
Hall Facebook page, get your gladrags
on and come and party like you used to!
Tickets £5 from the Village Shop.
Hot dogs will be on sale but
please bring your own drinks.
For more information contact Rachel.
30 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
CHRIS HAZELL
CAR CARE
PATIOS
BRICKWORK
FENCING
DRIVEWAYS
DRAINAGE
FOUNDATIONS
ALL DIGGER WORK
WATER SERVICE POINT
INSTALLATION
& REPAIRS
All aspects of groundworks and hard
landscaping carried out to a very high
standard with all work guaranteed.
CONTACT: PAUL WHITTLE
01787829396 / 07773474325
[email protected]
ALL MECHANICAL WORK TO
ALL VEHICLES UNDERTAKEN
30 years experience
Servicing
MOT preparation and testing
General Vehicle Repairs
Collection and Delivery Service
07814 559583 / 01787 223348
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 31
DID YOU KNOW?... A SHORT HISTORY OF THE SEXTON’S FIELD TRUST
Historically, in this and many other parishes throughout the Church of England,
a Sexton was employed by the Parish to look after its graveyard and to dig graves.
As time passed by, the cost of these duties became more onerous than most parishes
could afford, and the duties of the Sexton were taken up by voluntary labour in the case
of maintenance, and undertakers as regards grave digging.
In Colne Engaine we employed a Sexton until the mid-1930s. His payment was the rent
from an allotment field in Brook Street known as the Sexton’s Field and held by the
parish in the Sexton’s Field Trust, which was created in December 1914. After the
demise of the role of Sexton, the Sexton’s Field was managed as part of the Parochial
Church Council’s Churchyard Fund. This arrangement continued until 1981, when the
Charity Commissioners insisted that the finances of the Churchyard Fund be separated
from those of the PCC in order to have clarity of purpose and a level of independence
from both of the original sponsoring bodies. The Sexton’s Field Trust was modified
accordingly. The Trustees were named as two representatives from the PCC (normally
the Churchwardens) and two from the Parish Council (normally the Chairman plus one
other). The Trust was, and still is, responsible to both bodies for the management,
maintenance and development as necessary of the allotment field in the interests of
the village as a whole. The rent from the allotment holders was used for the upkeep of
the allotments and the graveyard was cut and maintained wholly by parishioners.
In the late 1980s, the equipment used by volunteers who cut the graveyard came up
for replacement, and the PCC decided that it could not justify the cost of replacement.
The voluntary cutting rota was replaced by a commercial contract to cut the grass
during the summer, and this arrangement continues today. The Trust funded the
contract from the allotment rental income and the interest on its capital deposits.
Then, in the early 1990s, about half of the Sexton’s Field was sold to provide affordable
housing for the village, and the Trust received a significant sum of money from the sale
to supplement its small capital base.
Over the period from the mid-1990s to 2007 the Trust continued to fund the graveyard
grass cutting contract, despite its allotment rental income having been very much
reduced. The shortfall was made up from the capital balance of the Trust. At the end
of this period the capital account of the Trust had reduced to about £3,500, and at
this point the then Trustees decided that no further erosion could be allowed.
They therefore notified the PCC that each year they would pay for those cuts which
could be funded without affecting their capital base, but thereafter the PCC would
have to pick up the balance of the contract costs.
The Trustees currently pay for the first 4 cuts out of the 10-12 required each year.
The remainder of their income is used for maintaining and developing the allotment
site. This year the Trustees have cleared an overgrown area at the bottom end of the
allotments, levelled the ground and are about to remove the accumulated rubbish from
it. It will then be offered to those people on the current waiting list for allotment sites.
The current Trustees, under the chairmanship of Rev. Pete Allen, our Team Vicar, are:
For the Parochial Church Council: Nick Orbell and Terry Hawthorn.
For the Parish Council: Alan Barnard and Tim Everitt.
32 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 33
CEWM: COLNE ENGAINE WAR MEMORIAL: UPDATE
The arrival of 2015 brings with it a number of significant events. The 100 th anniversary’s
of the Gallipoli Campaign, the Battle of Loos and the 2nd Battle of Ypres. Colne Engaine
men were involved in all of these events at various stages.
As for CEWM, we have two major events planned. The first will be our support again
for the Essex Girls and Boys Clubs Charity Jailbreak on the 18th April. We will putting in
two teams again this year. The EBGC support our village youth club. The main effort will
be a real challenge – to get to the Helles Memorial in Gallipoli (Southern Turkey) in 15
hours. We will be doing this in WW1 Uniform. One of our war dead died there and is
commemorated on the memorial. This coincides with the 100th Anniversary of the
initial Allied landings that occurred on April 25th 1915. The Jailbreak rules state that we
must not spend any of our own money achieving this. We believe we have secured
sponsorship for the flights, but are seeking sponsorship to hire a car from Istanbul for
the 5 hour road trip to the remote memorial and for the uniform hire. If you know any
business or individual that would like to help us with this please do get in touch.
SAVE THE DATE 20thJune 2015
Colne Engaine
Independence Day
We are hoping to hold a 24 hour Independence Day in the village and hope that lots of
you will be involved. All households will be issued their own passports (in the June
edition of this magazine) so you can travel freely. We may even have our own currency!
Would you be willing to make your house an Embassy for the day and hold a related
country themed event? Even invite an “official representative” from the country!
The Royal Anglian Regt have already said that they are
coming, and we hope to have some WW1 reenactors.
In the evening we will hold a large 1940’s Dinner Dance
and we may even have a celebrity or two!! The more we You can make a permanent
can do, the more we can all raise. Please let us know what
investment in the new
War Memorial.
you can or would like to do.
Buy A Brick
Lastly we would like to thank all of you who purchased
our CEWM Christmas cards. We made over £250 profit
to go to the cause.
Spike Townsend, CEWM Chairman
07782 105287 [email protected]
£5 will purchase a brick
at The Village Shop,
The Five Bells or contact
Spike Townsend on
07782 105287 or
[email protected]
34 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
GREENLAND – WALKING THE ARCTIC CIRCLE TRAIL (WELL, SOME OF IT)
I’ve learnt that when you plan some sort of a trip away, you have to do
the following:
1.
set a date
2.
discuss it well in advance with the family
3.
have a vague idea about what to do when you get there.
Don’t do the first two and I guarantee you will not go.
After a short walk on the Arctic Ocean in 2012 a friend and I hatched a plan to get out
into the wild again and see somewhere different, relying on ourselves to get through. I
knew it was going to be hard as Greenland is vast; the size of Western Europe with a
population the size of Torquay. It’s a big and lonely place if things go wrong and our
start date in September meant we may well feel the bite of the Arctic winter.
The plan meant carrying 30lbs of kit each for 8 days over 102 miles from Kangerlussuaq
to Sisimiut on the coast and I was looking forward to the freedom of thought that
comes from being in wild places. Plans do have to adapt though and unfortunately John
had to make the painful decision that, for health reasons, he would not be able to do
the full trek. We’ve known each other long enough to be honest and also that you
cannot “bluff and hope”. Add to it all that we are not 21 anymore and it helped us
decide we should carry on, get as far out on the trail as we could in 2 days and then
work our way back. We had a plan!
The scenery is huge; rolling hills and nameless lakes covered with low scrub of dwarf
birch and willow, beautiful in Autumn colours. There is no real path as such and marked
cairns form the route. Fine when it’s clear but I was glad we didn’t get any of the sea
fog that is common there; not whilst relying on 1:100,000 maps.
In three days we saw no one and our only company were Arctic Hare and Reindeer. The
first night saw us camped by a lake making hot drinks and freeze dried chicken curry
which is delicious when you are shivering and tired. Later I asked John what was on his
mind as we stared down the lake and his response was “This view. It hasn’t changed
since the last ice age and I’m pretty clear I need to look after myself, as it will not”.
The weather set to rain for the return trip and the temperature dropped to zero with
ice on the inside of the windows of the reindeer hunters hut we used on the last night.
It is a stunning place to be and even though we were only away a few days I relaxed
into the steady pace and the knowledge we only had to walk, eat and sleep. It’s a
massive privilege to see places like this where there is literally no-one around, the
silence is endless and the air so fresh you smell “civilisation” long before you eventually
reach it.
Inevitably there is a conflict between making the trip and knowing you are contributing
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 35
to the warming that is impacting the balance of things. Change is evident and the people
I spoke to in Kangerlussuaq notice the difference in the seasons, the ice and the animals.
Going brings you closer to it though and with that comes confirmation that we are all
directly linked to its future. There are plenty of facts and figures flying about in
the debate but the one that struck me was that Greenland holds 20% of the world’s
fresh water in its 1.7 million square km ice cap. Enough to raise sea levels by almost 7m.
I end up convincing myself it’s ok to go on the basis that I always take something away
from seeing different places and meeting people whose culture and experience is so
different to mine. It opens my eyes and I’m grateful so I’d encourage anyone who has
them to take thoughts of seeing different things and turn them into a reality, whatever
that might be. It will be good, I can guarantee that.
For me, I have a hankering for cold places again and the Finnish/Russian border is in my
mind. Er, Mrs W, can we have a chat!
Nigel Warwick
36 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 37
WHIST DRIVES
In the Village Hall - 6.30 for a 7pm start on Friday February 27th.
A light hearted game of whist, coffee interval & raffle.
Everyone is welcome - we’re always looking for new faces.
Profits to the Village Hall Improvements Fund.
DO COME AND JOIN US
Ring Frances Simmons on 222872 for more information.
Future dates: March 27th & April 24th.
School hall available
for evening or weekend lettings
If there are any local groups looking for somewhere to meet our school hall is available
from 4.30pm to 10pm each evening and also at weekends, term time only.
Mon - Fri before 6:00pm £13 per hour (plus 5% if heating required)
after 6:00pm £15.50 per hour (plus 5% if heating required)
Sat & Sun £15.50 per hour (plus 5% if heating required)
For more information please call Bev Coltart on 01787 222717
38 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
Luxury top of the range mobile toilet trailers for hire.
We cater for any wedding, party or event from 50 to 500 people
Bespoke toilet trailers handmade to a superior finish with white porcelain
sinks, oak trimmings, chrome fittings, hot water, flowers and music.
They arrive sparkling clean and fully equipped with soft toilet tissue, hand
towels, luxury soap, hand cream and a range of toiletries. All we need is a
standard 13amp power supply.
Call Ginny Jeggo now on 01787 220358 or 07792 424061
www.colnevalleyluxurytoilets.co.uk or [email protected]
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 39
MOTHERS UNION
February Meeting
This month we are meeting at the
Earls Colne Village Hall on Tuesday
10th February at 2pm. We are pleased
to welcome Mrs Blatch from one of our favourite shops in Sudbury, Winch & Blatch.
She will talk to us about the history of the shop. All are welcome.
Praying Together
We will meet at 10.30am on Tuesday 17th February for prayer and fellowship in Earls
Colne Church. Please join us if you are able. This year, you will see in our Families
Worldwide, all our Link Dioceses have been changed, and many new ones added, and
the MU Theme for the year is “United in Prayer”. So please take a special look at
Families Worldwide. Our link dioceses are found on page 73, the week 18 th to 20th June,
when we will remember them with our Wave of Prayer. ‘Jesus promises to be with all
who join together in prayer’.
Lunch and Fellowship
We will get together at the Castle in Earls Colne for ‘food and fellowship’
on Wednesday 25th February, 12.15pm for 12.30pm.
Dates for February
National Marriage Week is celebrated 7th to 14th February,
and Fairtrade Fortnight begins on 23rd February.
Beryl Amy
COLNE ENGAINE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
Next meeting: Thursday 19th February at 7.30pm
Topic: 'The History of Butlins - Clacton' by Mr Norman Jacobs.
Competition: Something Holiday Related.
Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month
at 7.30pm in Colne Engaine Village Hall.
The WI offers opportunities for all women to enjoy friendship, to learn, to widen their
horizons and together influence local, national and international affairs.
Visitors welcome. Olive Green 01787 222150
40 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 41
VISIT TO HOLLAND—SEPTEMBER 2014
My daughter, Felicity, and I went with a group from Norwich for the commemoration of
the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Holland. This time we had four Veterans with
us, aged 89-93 years. We were based in Venray, not far from Arnhem and the river
Maas. We had five full days there, staying in a lovely hotel where we have been several
times before. On the Sunday we took part in an annual Remembrance service in Venray
War Cemetery where 700 British soldiers are buried. A lovely hot day - our Standard
Bearer stood for about 80 minutes while many wreathes and flowers were carried up to
the Cross of Sacrifice interspersed with speeches and translations. Uniformed Scouts
and Guides and children carried up armfuls of long-stemmed red roses and laid one
beside each grave.
Next day we drove to the Reichswald Forest cemetery on the German border where
there are 9000 graves. We put one of the small poppy crosses beside the headstones of
43 Norfolk soldiers there. Just into Germany we went to the scene of a battle where
two of the veterans had been wounded, having our picnic lunch there while the stories
were retold. Then to the village of Kervenheim where our wreaths were laid at the two
memorials: one is for the Norfolks, the other for the German civilians. Many people
shared our ceremonies and the short service in the church when The Lord’s Prayer was
said in English, Dutch and German. Tea and huge slices of delicious cakes were served
afterwards.
One day we had our own ceremony at a Norfolk Memorial previously built by our
veterans using Norfolk flints. The main purpose of our visit was to go to Helmond, the
town which was liberated by the 1st Battalion of the Royal Norfolks on September 25th
1944. The Chairman of our group, now aged 90, was only 20 years old when he led his
platoon into Helmond expecting to meet a German reception. Instead they were all
overwhelmed by the thousands of welcoming Dutch people who crowded the streets.
After laying our poppy wreath at our Norfolk Memorial in the town we went to a
reception at the Castle, then lunch and a special service in the Liberation Park.
Our four veterans were given 2014 medals and the widows had beautiful flowers.
This was our last official visit, and it was sad to say good-bye to so many
dear Dutch friends who have been so kind to us for many years.
EARLS COLNE HERITAGE MUSEUM
Neville Bird
www.echm.org.uk
Current Exhibition: 1914 Centenary
An exhibition to commemorate the start of World War 1 which
includes the village as it was, recruitment, village hall hospital,
losses, celebrating peace and the war memorial.
Opening Times: Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays, 2-4pm.
Admission free. The Old Water Tower, Massingham Drive, Earls Colne CO6 2SZ
42 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
FOUR COLNES SHOW 2015, BY FOUR COLNES HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
This year, the Four Colnes’ Show will be on 8th August and, as usual, will be at the Earls
Colne Recreation Club. The schedule is being prepared and will be available shortly.
The photographic and handicraft classes have already been set and are as follows:
Photography:
Class Subject
Number
90
Patterns
(set of 3 photographs)
91
Young and Old
(set of 2 photographs)
92
Dawn and Sunset (set of 2 photographs)
93
Wild Weather
(1 photograph)
94
Delicious
(1 photograph)
95
People at Work
(1 photograph)
96
Digitally Enhanced Picture: Andy Warhol Style Portrait (1 photograph)
Photography for Children aged 8 - 12:
162 My Favourite Thing (1 photograph)
Art and Craft:
Class
77
Reindeer made from scrap
78
Bookmark
79
Jewellery organiser, any medium
80
An item made from wood
81
Any other craft not covered by other classes
82, 83 Art, traditional and modern, as previous years
Max. Size
Notify if over 40 cm wide
Notify if over 40 cm wide
60 cm x 60 cm
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 43
COLNE ENGAINE PRIMARY SCHOOL
We have settled back into the new term and we are enjoying our theme of exploring
the skills and knowledge needed to be historians and archaeologists. Key Stage One
children are learning all about Kings and Queens; real ones and those in fairy tales! Key
Stage Two classes are exploring Ancient Egypt, which will undoubtedly include some
gory fact-finding about mummies!
Our new School Council was busy last term, working hard to ensure that our children
take an active role in decision making in our school. They have already managed to
persuade us that we should have school ties to mark the transition into Class 4 and after
several designs were developed, the children voted for a very grown up striped tie in
red, yellow, grey and black. Almost every child in Class 4 now wears a tie and they look
very smart.
Our new FACES committee has made a great start in supporting our school. Their first
big event was the Christmas Fair and after much frenzied activity to get the stalls up and
the magical grotto created, it was a huge success. The new committee was delighted
with the level of support received from parents, carers, staff, children and the village
community for this event and, with your help, raised over £2,000! This is an amazing
achievement and I would like to thank everyone involved
We have been revisiting and refining strategies in school to support children in
developing a ‘growth mindset’ approach to their learning and it is rewarding to see this
really taking off with our learners. Mindset is a simple idea based on the theory that
people either have a ‘fixed mindset’ or a ‘growth mindset’.
In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talents,
are simply fixed traits that we are born with and that can’t really be changed. In a
growth mindset, people believe that their basic abilities can be developed through
dedication and hard work. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is
essential for great accomplishment. Although people differ in their initial talents and
aptitudes, interests and temperaments, everyone can change and grow through
application and experience.
We encourage children to have a positive view of making mistakes, as this is the first
step to new learning. If mistakes are never made, then we think that the learning is not
challenging enough! We support children to aim high and set challenging aspirations. By
using feedback and teaching to help children to recognise exactly what they need to do
to refine their skills or develop their thinking further, they are surprising themselves at
what they can achieve! We value and praise effort and resilience in learning - which in
turn lead to outcomes which make our children justifiably proud.
Julie Sarti
44 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 45
I'm very pleased to report that we had a great Autumn term at Youth Club, now with
35 members. When we add young leaders and guests, our club was attended by a total
of 57 young people over 8 different club nights. We played lots of football, pool and
table tennis, tried out some African drumming, found out about foraging, danced and
sang, made a poppy wreath (which was laid at the church on Remembrance Sunday by
members Josh Lingley and Sam Jones), played chess, raised £162 for Children in Need
with a night of mocktails and games, enjoyed a gig from founding club member
Cameron Scorer’s band ‘The Rising’, went on a night walk, played muddy manhunt,
decorated cupcakes, took the whole club to Rollerworld, ate LOTS of sweets and all
stayed friends!
Thank you unreservedly to the volunteers who provide help and support. My personal
thanks go to the Committee, without whom the club would not run, and to Lisa Brady
and Young Leader Lily Knightley who volunteered at every session. Lisa, mother of club
member Mason, has very kindly stepped forward to be Club Leader and parents will
see her each week at the club where she will manage the sessions with the support of
the Committee. We are very pleased as she is a great asset to the club.
We are looking for a new Volunteer Treasurer as unfortunately
Jane Lewis, our Treasurer since Summer 2013 , is not able to
continue in the role. If you can use a spreadsheet you can do
this job, which involves about 20 minutes a week to manage
the club funds and report at 4 meetings a year. Jane is very
happy to support the new volunteer until they’re comfortable
and the club will pay for some training if desired. Please contact me if you can help.
Remaining Club Nights this term are 7-9pm on these Fridays:
6th & 13th Feb, 6th, 13th & 20th March.
Juliet Townsend, Acting Chairman 07984 794004 [email protected]
46 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
MOTHER, BABY &
TODDLER GROUP
in the Village Hall every
Wednesday morning 10 – 12noon
(term time only). £2 per family.
Drinks and biscuits
for the littlies.
Fun, play, art and
craft projects and
friendly chatter.
Tea, coffee, biscuits
and the occasional
cake for grown-ups.
Contact: Grace Carey, 6 The Green
SENIOR CITIZEN’S LUNCHES
WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO
OUT TO LUNCH EVERY
FORTNIGHT?
Three ladies from
Crossways Church
Fellowship cook a 2-course meal
for up to 40 people at Earls Colne
Village Hall every other Tuesday
at 12.30pm. Sometimes a
professional pianist serenades
the diners! Cost £3.50.
Free transport is available.
Next lunches:
February: 3rd and 17th
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 47
Reg & Elsie’s Playmates of the Month
Reg & Elsie are a bouncy ginger
lurcher and a speedy slate greyhound
who look after our designer.
Nominate your pet as their playmate
by sending a photo and details to
[email protected]
This month, our playmate
doubles up as Elsie’s favourite
Lunch of the Month…
FUDGE
Fudge is a Syrian hamster.
She is 18 months old. Fudge loves
to chew on things like her cage!
She also loves to go in her ball
for a run around.
Bethany Salmon from Oddcroft
is the cleaner of the cage!
Dog Grooming Services
All breeds of dog welcome
Free Puppy Introductory Visits
Collection and Delivery Service available
Easy Free Parking
Caring, Friendly and Professional
Fully Insured
Bathing, clipping, hand stripping, nails
Loyalty scheme with discount offers available
01787 267888
www.k9cuts.eu
Cooks Cottage, Twinstead Road, Pebmarsh CO9 2PB
***MICROCHIPPING NOW AVAILABLE***
48 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 49
HERD AT THE BAR
Characters
I've harked on about this before but we've got a crisis approaching and I don't know
how to fix it. Our village is running out of characters! What prompted this line of
thought was a quick chat with Doreen Wood (widow of the late great John Wood) while
she was in having a lunch with her lovely family. Twelve years ago John was an active
member of the Monday Night Club; they were very hospitable to me as a new landlord
of the Bells and told me the rules of the Monday Club which were very similar to rules
of "fight club" - primarily there was no Monday Club if anyone asked! They also told me
a lot of other things that I should do as the custodian of the Bells but that's another
story. Anyway, getting back to John, who would attempt many times to finish a joke but
mostly spent the time laughing at it before he delivered the punch-line. John and his
jokes were legendary, and 12 years after his passing we still bring up a particular joke
about an anagram of solicitors that can't be mentioned here. But here's the problem.
How do you classify a 'character' and if you planned to be one, not that this is an option,
what would you need to do? So ‘help!’ before our village becomes sterile and barren of
characters. We need to encourage them out into the open, making the village a richer
place to live.
O.C.E or C.C.E
This summer Colne Engaine War Memorial Committee plan to have an Independence
Day for Colne Engaine on 20th June. This gives us many opportunities for having a bit of
fun, but I also think it would be a good opportunity to recognise people in the Village
who work so hard to keep it flourishing with its plethora of clubs and societies. They
also protect its culture and help guide its future.
I know it's a bit brash of me but I want to put forward a couple of nominations for the
honour Companion of Colne Engaine in no particular order. Cllr Pat Taylor for her
unceasing dedication to the village and its future, and Terry Hawthorn (I know he will
blush at this) for his empathy and compassion for the residents of the village. These two
characters (see previous paragraph) deserve recognition far more than some of those
on the Queen's New Year's Honours List.
So remember life is so short it can't be measured in the light of the sun.
Quite often snuffed out, deleted before its begun.
We spend so much of it in worry we lose sight of the realness of it all.
Our problems seem to dwarf us with dark shadows but in essence are all pitifully small.
The only legacy that we leave behind is the feelings that the sound of your name makes
on others hearts and minds.
Live long and prosper
The Landlord
50 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 51
Have you got
an idea for a
2015 cover for
this magazine?
Send your design to the Editor
and you may find yourself
a cover star!
The magazine is produced
in Microsoft Publisher,
so please submit designs
or ideas as .jpg, .png or
.pub format.
?
52 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 53
THE NORTH HINCKFORD BENEFICE SINGERS
Singing in St. Andrew’s, Earls Colne Choir is not without its opportunities - whether it’s
singing at Bury Cathedral or Chelmsford Cathedral or going to sing at Colne Engaine or
White Colne, they are all enjoyable experiences.
In September, another exciting opportunity arose in the form of a pink A4 letter that
appeared on the Earls Colne Vestry noticeboard. It was asking for singers to help form a
new group to mark the end of North Hinckford Benefice’s year-long centenary
celebrations. Margaret Hill and I discussed whether we should go along but,
unfortunately, the rehearsal dates were not convenient for her so I decided to go it
alone.
There were six rehearsals in all - three at Foxearth Church and three at Belchamp St.
Paul’s Church - with concerts taking place at Belchamp St. Paul’s, Foxearth and Great
Henny Churches. Ian McMillan, the Liston Church organist and Choirmaster, was our
conductor. He proved to be very enthusiastic, inspirational and fun.
The choral music Ian chose for ‘Our Year in Song’ reflected the church calendar. The
programme allowed us to sing works by Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Mozart and Rutter,
with excerpts from Stainer’s ‘Crucifixion’, Fauré’s ‘Requiem’ and ending with Handel’s
‘Hallelujah Chorus - a truly inspirational opportunity.
Joining the Benefice Singers enabled me to
meet new people and to explore the
intricate highways and byways of North
Essex, as well as discovering beautiful little
churches I didn’t know existed. I also met
Margaret King, the North Hinckford Team
Rector, as well as Sally Womersley, the new
Team Vicar. The choir members were all
staunch supporters of their local churches
brought together not only by their beliefs
but also by their love of music.
Ian McMillan is planning a performance of
Stainer’s ‘Crucifixion’ for Easter - so watch
this space!
Registered child minder
in Colne Engaine
Contact Jayne on 01787 221864
Email: [email protected]
Member of NCMA - CRB checked
Insured - Paediatric first aid trained
Liz Pottinger
54 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 55
CHRISTMAS GONE—AND YOU HAVE SOME NEW GOODIES
Following Christmas a lot of us would have been lucky to have received some rather
nice gifts...
What did you do with the packaging?
Left it by the roadside for the recycling collection?
What better advert to the thief of where to find some new things to steal.
Where possible fold the boxes inside out, or tear the box up, or package
it in something else, or take it to the recycling centre yourself.
How many of us have thought about recording the serial numbers of,
or property marking, our gifts?
Be they cycles, electrical goods, garden equipment or mobile phones,
they may have a serial number. You can record your serial numbers
free of charge at www.immobolise.com/index.php
There are also a number of property marking products available like indelible pens,
SelectaDNA, SmartWater, CRE mark by CRE products, to name but a few.
Mobile phone and personal music devices:
Don’t forget to make a note of the IME number of a mobile phone (to find it key in
*#06#). With this, if it’s stolen you can block it. Many mobile phones and computers
come pre-loaded with security and tracking software - make sure that it is activated.
You can download an “App” on mobile phones to find your phone and,
more importantly, wipe that data stored on it.
Check your “App store” or mobile phone provider.
When texting or talking on phones, or listening to music,
remain “in touch” with your surroundings: a number of road
accidents, thefts and assaults occur when we fail to
note what’s going on around us. Don’t forget to pass
this on to the children.
If you would like further crime prevention advice
contact your local Crime Prevention Advisor by using
the Police Non-Emergency Telephone Number of 101.
Stephen Armson-Smith
Essex Police, Braintree District
Crime Prevention Advisor
56 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
PUBLIC BUS
COLNE VALLEY COMMUNITY BUS
Colne Engaine to Colchester
No.83
Mon, Weds, Thurs & Sat.
From The Green.
9.17am arrives at Colchester Bus Station
at 10.10am
1.22pm arrives at Colchester Bus Station
at 2.15pm
EVERY MONDAY TO BRAINTREE
Colchester to Colne Engaine
No. 83
Mon, Weds, Thurs & Sat
From Town Centre, Head Street
12.18pm arrives at the Green at 1.20pm
Saturdays
4.20pm arrives at the Green at 5.15pm.
Colne Engaine to Halstead
No. 329
Fridays only. From the Green;
11.03am arrives on High St at 11.23am
and Butler Rd Car Park at 11.25am.
Halstead to Colne Engaine
No. 329
Fridays only.
2pm From Butler Rd Car Park and 2.02pm
High St; Arrives at the Green at 2.22pm.
Colne Engaine to Sudbury
No. 323
Thursdays only.
From Shellcroft or The Green;
9.35am (Shellcroft) or 9.36am (Green)
arrives at Sudbury Bus Station 10.24am
Sudbury to Colne Engaine
No. 323
Thursdays only from Sudbury Bus Station;
1.30pm arrives at the Green at 2.18pm and
Shellcroft at 2.19pm
Full details of all the above timetables,
including all stops, are available from
www.travelineeastanglia.org.uk
The service stops in the villages and in
Halstead and as long as it is safe to do so,
the bus will stop along the route within
the village when hailed.
For help boarding or leaving the vehicle,
or with shopping bags, just speak to the
driver. The service is fully accessible, but
please would passengers in wheelchairs
phone ahead on 01376 557896.
FARES, payable on the bus
Adult
£2 (single or return)
5-16yrs
£1 (single or return)
Under 5s
Free
Concessionary bus passes must be shown
to receive free transport. Concessionary
bus passes are available from Braintree
District Council on 01376 551414.
Timetable
11.10 White Colne, Heatin’ & Eatin’,
Colchester Rd
11.13 White Colne, Village Green
11.14 Earls Colne, Tey Road, Lowefields
11.20 Earls Colne, Hillie Bunnies
11.23 Earls Colne, De Vere Road
11.26 Colne Engaine, The Green
11.31 Halstead, Market Hill
11.32 Halstead, Bridge Street
11.55 Braintree, Sainsburys
14.00 Braintree, Sainsburys
14.18 Halstead, Bridge Street
14.19 Halstead, Market Hill
14.24 Colne Engaine, The Green
14 27 Earls Colne, De Vere Road
14.30 Earls Colne, Hillie Bunnies
14.36 Earls Colne, Tey Road, Lowefields
14.37 White Colne, Village Green
14.40 White Colne, Heatin’ & Eatin’,
Colchester Rd
Does not operate on Bank Holidays.
Colne Engaine Parish Magazine February 2015 / 57
LIST OF DEFIBRILLATOR OPERATIVES
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A HEART ATTACK
Should you suspect that a person you are with is suffering from a heart attack
or they have stopped breathing for whatever reason,
Call the Ambulance Service first on 999.
When, and only when you have taken this step, you may call any of the trained
defibrillator volunteers on this list who will attend with the AED (Automated
External Defibrillator) and assist you until the Ambulance Service arrive.
Name
First phone
Second phone
Darran Lingley
01787 224166 (5 Bells) 07715 991221 (Mob)
Richard Jones
07813 746717 (Mob)
01787 220163 (Shop)
01787 223666 (Home)
Brian Fleming
07967 949808 (Mob)
01787 224166 (5 Bells)
01787 222080 (Home)
Barbara & Geoffery Marcoolyn 01787 222334 (Home) 07771 950735 (Mob)
Jo Davidson
01787 223163 (Home) 07815 140568 (Mob)
Suzie & Adrian Gasser
01787 224983 (Home) 07714 647696 (Mobile)
PLEASE NOTE WE CAN ONLY ATTEND INCIDENTS WITHIN THE PARISH OF COLNE ENGAINE
24 Hour Call Out / All Work Guaranteed / Free Estimates & Advice
OFFICE: 01787 462990
The Workshop, Wethersfield Road, Sible Hedingham, Halstead, Essex CO9 3LB
58 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
EGYPTIAN DANCING
With SUZANNA
(As seen at the Colne Engaine Review.)
Kick start your New Year Fitness Campaign by coming along to the
Colne Engaine Village Hall, Station Road.
If you missed the taster session then why not come along to my weekly
classes that start on Monday 19th January at 8pm.
The emphasis will be on Having Fun whilst learning the art of Egyptian
Dancing in a Supportive and Friendly atmosphere.
Wear loose comfortable clothing and a smile.
For further information call Suzanna on: 07919 220807
59 www.colne-engaine.org.uk
USEFUL NUMBERS
Church
St Andrews Church, Colne Engaine
01787 220347
Councils
Colne Engaine Parish Council 01787 220200
Braintree District Council 01376 552525
Colchester Borough Council 01206 282222
Doctors
The Elizabeth Courtauld Surgery, Halstead
01787 475944
The Pump House Surgery, Earls Colne
01787 222022
Schools
Colne Engaine C of E (Aided) Primary School
01787 222717
Honywood Community Science School,
Coggeshall 01376 561231
The Ramsey School, Halstead 01787 472481
Police
Halstead Police Station 0300 333 4444
Village Amenities
Colne Engaine Village Hall 01787 223668
Colne Engaine Village Shop 01787 220163
Earls Colne Post Office 01787 222258
Village Groups
Colne Engaine Village Archive 01787 222080
Youth Groups
Colne Engaine Youth Club 07984 794004
1st Earls Colne Brownies 01787 224175
1st Earls Colne Girl Guides 01787 220065
1st Earls Colne Rainbows 01787 224913
If you are an officer of a club or group in
Colne Engaine and would like to place
information about the group’s activities
and events in the magazine for free, please
contact the Editor (p3).
If you would like to advertise your business
in the magazine please see the inside front
cover for advertising rates.
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
Accountancy
Bed & Breakfast
Bookkeeping
Builder
Car Care
Carpet & Floor Fitting
Carpet Cleaning
Chartered Surveyor
Childminder
Chimney Specialist
Computer Services
Dog Grooming Services
Dancing
Double Glazing
Electrician
Estate Agent
Fencing
Financial Services
Fireplaces
Funeral Directors
Garage Door Man
Garden Services
Groundworks
Gas Fitter
Groceries
Insurance
Landscaping
Luxury Toilets
Newspapers
Osteopathy
Oven Cleaning
Painting and Decorating
Physiotherapy
Plumber
Property Services
Pub
Removals
Restaurant
School Hall
Soft Furnishings
Solicitors
Swimming Pool
Tutor
Village Hall
Wood Burners
12, 26
28
26
36
30
8
28
21
53
38
17, 44, 46
47
58
44
48
13, 15, 21
40
18, 30
50
27, 52, 54
9
12, 16, 30
30
31
24, 42, 43
20
30
38
24, 42, 43
30
14
37
10, 14
3, 30
57
22, 32
6
27
37
18
8, 16, 18
15
9
28
50
COLNE ENG AINE VILLAGE DIARY: FEBRU ARY 2015
1
Sun
Colnes Footpath Association Walk (p26)
8am + 10am
2
Mon Bellringing Practice, Egyptian Dancing (p58)
3
Tue
4
Wed Mother, Baby & Toddler Group (p46)
5
Thu
Thursday Prayers (p5)
6
Fri
Youth Club (p45)
7
Sat
Spring WOW Breakfast (p19)
8
Sun
9
Mon Bellringing Practice, Egyptian Dancing (p58)
10
Tue
11
Wed Mother, Baby & Toddler Group (p46)
12
Thu
Thursday Prayers (p5), Mobile Library (p26)
13
Fri
Youth Club (p45), Mobile Library (p26)
14
Sat
15
Sun
16
Mon Bellringing Practice, Egyptian Dancing (p58)
17
Tue
18
Wed
19
Thu
20
Fri
21
Sat
22
Sun
23
Mon Bellringing Practice, Lent Group (p5), Egyptian Dancing (p58)
24
Tue
25
Wed Mother, Baby & Toddler Group (p46), MU Lunch (p39)
26
Thu
Thursday Prayers (p5), Mobile Library (p26), Lent Quite Day (p9)
27
Fri
Whist Drive (p37), Mobile Library (p26)
28
Sat
Over 30s Night (p29)
Senior Citizens Lunch (p46)
10am
MU Meeting (p39)
Valentines Nights at
The Five Bells (p22)
MU Praying Together (p39), Senior Citizens Lunch (p46)
Thursday Prayers (p5), Bible Reading Group (p5),
WI Meeting (p39)
8am + 10am
School
Half 7.30pm
Term
Village Hall Tidying Morning (p29)
10am
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Wednesday 4th March
Poppy Book Club (p26)
Thursday 12th March
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Saturday 14th March
Quiz Night (p15)
Saturday 20th June
Colne Engaine Independence Day (p33)