Last autumn the Parish Council agreed a severe weather policy in the event of the winter conditions we experienced last year. Until the first week of February we thought this had done the trick as it seemed to keep the snow away.

No such luck.

Last Sunday (5th February) about twelve volunteers swung into action with the aim of clearing pathways in some of the key areas of the village. In a short time they made an impact by removing the loose snow before it became hard packed and then spreading salt and grit which had been supplied by Essex County Council.

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

Come along to the next meeting of West Bergholt Gardeners’ Association on Monday 20th February in the Orpen Memorial Hall at 7.30 pm. And meet Ric Staines, HND, Cert.Ed, professional horticulturalist who will talk on ‘To Prune or not Prune’. He’s had a book published on both sides of the Atlantic, has a regular gardening column, and features as a long standing gardening expert on BBC Radio.

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

Our Under 9s were at home to Gt Bradfords but despite a good performance they lost 4-2. Jonah Murray and Matthew Sanderson scoring the Bergholt goals. Just a quick mention re one of Bergholt's Under 9s - Alexander Hopkins - who unfortunately broke his leg in last Sunday's game vs Reed Hall: Get well soon Alex, we hope to see you playing again soon!

The only other match this weekend was the Under 13s who were away to Frinton & Walton with the managers words still stinging from last week's poor performance! A much improved effort saw Bergholt comfortably win the game 6-1 and if the home 'keeper had not been on top form the final result would have been in double figures! Bergholt goal scorers: Aaron Marley, Gianni Sabini, Antonio Sabini, Owen Bernhardt, James Holden and Mickey Whittle. Bergholt 'man of the match': Gianni Sabini.

Next weeks' fixtures - Sunday 5th February:

Just the one match as the season starts it's final leg: Under 13s Vs Great Bentley in the 2nd round of the Colchester Open Cup (kick off 11am on the Poors Field).

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

The Under 9s played really well, but eventually lost 3-1 away to Reed Hall. Jonah Murray scoring the Bergholt goal.

In contrast, our Under 13s did not play at all well. In what should have been a game of 2 halves due to the wind blowing straight down the pitch, Bergholt never got going and were still looking for their first serious attempt on goal with 5 minutes of the match to play! In what the Bergholt manager described as the worst performance of the season, visitors Heybridge ran out 2-0 winners at the Poors field in a game that was mainly the Bergholt defence Vs the Heybridge team!

The Under 14s also lost, 4-0 away to Halstead Blues.

Our Under 16s completed a miserable weekend for Bergholt, losing to Broomfield youth 18-1 at home. Matthew Pitts scoring the solitary Bergholt goal.

The Under 18s stopped the run of losses - their game away to Little Oakley was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch!

Next weeks' fixtures - Sunday 29th January:

• Under 9 v Gt Bradfords KO 10.30am
• Frinton & Walton v Under 13
• Under 14 - No game
• Under 16 - No game
• Under 18 - No game

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

• 27th January - 8pm
• 28th January - 2pm & 6pm
• 3rd February - 8pm
• 4th February - 2pm & 6pm

• from Ash's Store, Colchester Road, West Bergholt 
• by calling Roger Milne on 01206 241048, or
• you can also pay on the door.

• Fairy Queen    - Chrissie Wenden
• Harmony         - Izzy Slater
• Discord            - Debra Hornigold
• Clarence Creep  -  Micheal Poole
• Jill Goose         - Emily Hilson
• Colin                 - Ellis Benjamin
• Billy Goose      - Ben Maytham
• Sage                 - Anne Sexton
• Onions              - Norma Knighton
• Mother Goose - Scott Sophos
• Priscilla the goose  -  Holly Snowling

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

The Under 9s were at home to top of the table Colchester Athletic, but despite Bergholt turning in a good performance that pleased the manager - and holding Colchester Atheletic to 0-0 at half time, the visitors finished the game with a 2-0 win - one of the goals being a rocket from the half way line.

Our Under 13s were away to "B" league Little Oakley in the 1st round of Colchester Open Cup. The game started slowly, and Bergholt even slower, but after 10 minutes a clearance by the home team was intercepted by Aaron Marley and the ball fell kindly to James Holden to lob the keeper who was still out of his goal from taking the kick. Goal number 2 came midway through the half when Gianni Sabini brought the ball out of defence, exchanged passes with his brother and coolly slotted the ball beyond the keeper. Before half time it was 3-0 when James Hirst hit a speculative shot from distance after a corner was cleared to him - the ball being pushed into the roof of the net by the home keeper. Early in the second half Aaran Marley got on the score sheet, heading in at the far post after good work and a cross from Antonio Sabini. Midway through the half Little Oakley got their solitary goal after Bergholt conceded a free kick on the edge of the "D" - not that anyone could tell why a free kick had been given. Some strange wall / goalkeeping positioning saw the Little Oakley striker blast the ball in direct from the kick. However Bergholt were still comfortably in control despite never hitting some of the heights seen in other games, and Jake Adams completed the scoring advancing on the left to loop a shot over the keeper which bounced into the net with Owen Bernhardt on hand to ensure no defender could stop it. Final score: Little Oakley 1 - 5 Bergholt Heath. Bergholt Heath 'man of the match': James Holden.

The Under 14s match was postponed as Bergholt could not a raise a team due to injury and illness.

Our Under 16s were away to Halstead Town and put in a really good performance, only losing 6-0.

The Under 18s were at home to Lawford Juniors, winning an entertaining match 4-1. The Bergholt goal scorers were Ryan Fox, Callum Drage, Alex Enright and Tom Hodder.

Next weeks fixtures, Sunday 22nd January:

• Reed Hall Sentinels v Under 9
• Under 13 v Heybridge Swifts KO 11am
• Halstead Town Blues v Under 14
• Under 16 v Broomfield Youth KO 2pm
• Lt Oakley Reds v Under 18

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

Our Under 9s were back in action for the first time since the end of November following their mid-winter break. The break obviously did them good as they won away at Long Melford - having lost the home fixture 2-1 - and scored 6 goals as well! The final result: Long Melford 2-6 Bergholt Heath.  Bergholt Heath goal scorers: Matthew Sanderson x 2, Jonah Murray x 2, Richard Frost x 1 plus 1 x own goal.

The Under 13s were also away at Long Melford, in "A" league action.  Bergholt started the game brightly and took the game to Melford, James Holden hitting the bar with a header from Bergholt's first corner. Begholt continued to press into the Melford half and the home sides goal was leading a charmed life. Mid way through the half James Holden was put through clear on goal and, with the goalkeeper hesitating, he coolly side footed into the net. Half time saw the teams come off the pitch without Connor Welfare in the Bergholt goal having had to make a save. The second half continued in the same way and a few more goal mouth scrambles and a header off the line meant Melford kept the game at 1-0. With 10 minutes to go an error in the Bergholt midfield left them exposed and the fast Melford striker was put though on goal and slotted past the Bergholt 'keeper. One-all with Melfords first shot on target! Bergholt continued to pile forward and they were rewarded with the winning goal in the final minute, Jake Adams getting onto the end of a through ball at the end a good passing move. Final result: Long Melford 1-2 Bergholt Heath. Bergholt Heath 'man of the match': James Hirst.

The Under 14s were in Colchester Open Cup action, away to Torquespeed. Unfortunately they lost 2-0.

The Under 16s had the weekend off as no match was scheduled.

Finally, our Under 18s were at home in league action, to Little Oakley Reds, but lost a close match 3-2. Bergholt Heath goal scorers: Alex Bartlett and Ryan Fox.

Next weeks' fixtures - Sunday 15th January:

• Under 9 v Colchester Athletic KO 10.30am
• Little Oakley v Under 13 Open Cup R1
• Holland FC Blues v Under 14
• Halstead Town Reds v Under 16
• Under 18: awaiting confirmation

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

• All sites will open at 9am rather than the current 8am.
• Winter opening times (from 9th January 2012– 29th February 2012) for all centres will be 9am to 4pm.
• Summer opening times (1st March – 15th October) will be 9am to 5pm.
• Late night opening on Tuesdays during a limited period over the summer will no longer take place.
• Some recycling centres in the county will be closed on certain days of the week from the 9th January 2012.

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

Our under 9s are still on their winter break and the under 13s match at home to Stanway rovers was postponed - a 50/50 decision re a frozen but thawing pitch, but the referee came down on the side of Stanway Rovers who were desperate to have the game called off as they arrived with only 10 players!

We therefore start with the under 14s who also played at home but the later kick off allowed the pitch to thaw more and the (same) referee was happy to allow this one to go ahead. Unfortunately the visitors, Holland FC, ran out 5-3 winners. The Bergholt goals were scored by Liam Donnelly, Fawaz Olaboye and Adam Levinson.

The under 16s, yet again only fielding 9 players, lost 14-1 at home to Long Melford Reds. the Bergholt goal was scored by T Buckley.

Finally, the under 18s were also at home but lost 3-0 to Colchester Athletic.

First games in the new year - Sunday 8th January, are:

• Under 9 - No game
• Long Melford v Under 13
• Torquespeed v Under 14 Open Cup R1
• Under 16 No game
• Under 18 v Lt Oakley Reds KO 2pm

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

Just 3 teams playing this weekend as our Under 9s are on their mid-winter break, and the under 16's did not play as they didn't have enough players available.

Our Under 13s, currently sitting in 5th position in the "A" league, were away to Gt Bentley.  A bright start saw Bergholt camped inside the Gt Bentley half and take the lead in the 5th minute via a header from Antonio Sabini from a corner whipped in by his brother.  Unfortunately such an early goal had a negative affect and the midfield in particular stopped working.  The last action before half time saw midfielders yet again not going with their runners and a Gt Bentley player broke through to score the equaliser.  Following half time words from the manager, Bergholt came out for the second half in much more determined style and a more combative performance saw Bergholt comfortably win the match with goals from Mickey Whittle, Antonio Sabini's second, James Holden and Jake Adams.  Final result; Gt Bentley 1 - 5 Bergholt Heath.  The win pushes Bergholt up to 3rd in the league, still with games in hand on the 2 teams above them.  Bergholt Heath ' man of the match': James Hirst.

The Under 14s were also away, to Brooklands. Unfortunately they lost the game 2-1.

Finally, our Under 18s were at home to Wivenhoe Youth, but despite taking the lead in the first half through Alex Enright, they lost the game 2-1 with Wivenhoe's winning goal coming 10 minutes before full time.

Next weeks fixtures, Sunday 18th December:

• Under 9 No game
• Under 13 v Stanway Rovers KO 10am
• Under 14 v Holland Blues KO 12 noon
• Under 16 v Long Melford KO 2pm
• Under 18 v Colchester Athletic Reds KO 2pm (Orpen Field)

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

Our Under 9s are now on their mid-season break, due to resume in January (so we know when the snow will arrive!).

The Under 13s were away to Bures - currently top of the A league - in round 3 of the League Cup. Diversion signs that went round in circles - for a road closure that did not exist! - meant that many of the Bergholt team arrived late. In fact it was only 1 minute before kick off that the 11th player arrived, and nearly 10 minutes into the game that our goalkeeper turned up! Starting with Jamie Bowden in goal, Bergholt still looked fairly comfortable, and he can claim a clean sheet in his career as a goalkeeper! Mid way into the half and Bergholt's remaining players had arrived and the manager could switch things around a little. However,whilst having more possession than Bures, chances were at a premium and, had the game been a league rather than cup game, it would have petered out into a tame 0-0 draw. Moving into extra time (5 minutes each way), Bergholt continued to take the game to the home team and were rewarded with a goal 3 minutes into the first half. Jake Adams providing some skill on the left to beat 2 players and cut in and shoot with his right foot. The ball hit a defender and fell kindly to Mickey Whittle to rifle the ball into the roof of the net. The remainder of the game saw Bures huff and puff, but at the final whistle the Bergholt 'keeper had only had one shot to save all match - and that was after the flag had gone up for offside! Final Result: Bures 0 - 1 Bergholt Heath (AET). Bergholt Heath 'man of the match': Antonio Sabini.

The Under 14s were also in League Cup action, away to Halstead Town Blues. Unfortunately they lost 3-1.

Our Under 16s were in league action, at home to Brightlingsea Regents. Again only being able to field 10 players, Bergholt lost the match 11-1.  Matthew Pitts scoring the Bergholt goal.

Finally, the Under 18s were at home in the league, also to Halstead Town Blues. The visitors won 4-2 with the Bergholt goals coming from an own goal and Alex Bartlett.

Next weeks fixtures, Sunday 11th December:

• Under 9 - No Game (mid season break)
• Gt Bentley v Under 13
• Brooklands v Under 14
• Alresford Colne Rangers v Under 16 has been postponed as our Under 16s cannot raise a team
• Under 18 v Wivenhoe Yth KO 2pm

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

Our under 9's played Bures at home, and completed their first ever league 'double', winning 2-0. Matthew Sanderson and Richard Frost scoring the Bergholt goals.

The under 13's were also at home, to Silver End, in a game dominated by a strong wind blowing straight down the pitch. Bergholt played with the wind in the first half, and took the lead mid-way through with a headed goal by Mickey Whittle from a free kick swung in from the right by Gianni Sabini. It was 2-0 to Bergholt just before half time with Antonio Sabini reacting quickest to the rebound after the 'keeper could only parry away his brother's free kick. The second half started with obvious instructions from the Silver End manager to forget about passing and hit long balls with the wind for their strikers to run onto. This meant that Bergholt were under pressure for long periods, although it was only 5 minutes into the half when Bergholt went 3-0 up with a goal from Leo Tiffney after a swift passing move opened up the visitors defence. Silver End continued to pump long balls into the Bergholt box and finally they got a goal back with a high shot from outside the box with 5 minutes to go. Final result: Bergholt Heath 3 - 1 Silver End.  Bergholt 'man of the match'; Mickey Whittle.

The under 14's, only fielding 10 players this week, put up a gallant effort at home to Halstead, but despite only being 1-0 down at half time, eventually lost 4-1. Ronnie Heather scored the Bergholt goal.

Our under 16's were away to St Edmunds and lost 17-1. Again they could only field 10 players. Scot King scored the Bergholt goal.

Finally, our under 18's were also at home, to Broomfield Youth, and ran out 3-2 winners to follow up their win last week against the league favourites! Callum Drage x 2 and Alex Bartlett scored the Bergholt goals.

Next weeks fixtures Sunday 4th December:

• Under 9 - No game
• Bures United v Under 13 League Cup round 3
• Halstead Town Blues v Under 14 League Cup round 3
• Under 16 v Brightlingsea Regent KO 2pm (Poors field)
• Under 18 v Halstead Town Blues KO 2pm (Orpen field

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

Our Under 9s were at home to Clare Town. An improvement on their first away fixture at the beginning of the season saw Clare end up with a 5-0 victory.

The Under 13s also played the 'reverse' fixture to the first game of the season, away to Cornard Dynamos Blues. Cornard were out for revenge having been beaten 4-1 on the Poors Field, and took the game to Bergholt from the first whistle with a high tempo game played in thick fog! Bergholt struggled to get any time on the ball to get their passing going, but on the few occasions it happened, they looked dangerous. From one of these few moments mid way through the first half, Bergholt took the lead through a penalty from Antonio Sabini after Mickey Whittle was pushed in the back by a Cornard defender. After this it remained a backs to the wall battle for the rest of the match in which Cornard got more desperate - in truth generated more by the supporters than the players with the referee taking the name of one of the parents who sounded off about a decision by the referee and didn't head the warning by the referee to be quiet! Despite a few close shaves, the Bergholt defence held firm and there was a sigh of relief by all connected with Bergholt Heath when the final whistle went. Unfortunately after the final whistle a Cornard player was sent off after swearing at the referee! Bergholt Heath 'man of the match': Connor Welfare.

The Under 14s lost a close match at home 3-2 to Tourqespeed. Ed Quilty and Liam Donnelly scoring the Bergholt goals.

Our Under 16s - playing with only 10 players at home to Clacton Community - put up a brave fight only losing 2-0. A full compliment of players may have seen their first win of the season!!

The Under 18s were away to Stanway Villa and goals from Callum Drage and Ryan Fox saw them win 2-0.

• Under 9 v Bures United KO 10.30am
• Under 13 v Silver End KO 10am
• Under 14 v Halstead Town Blues KO 12 noon
• St Edmunds v Under 16
• Under 18 v Broomfield Youth KO 2pm

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

Detail on Rialto Bridge

The subject of the WEA's 10-week spring course is 'Architecture of Venice' .  The name is enough to conjure up thoughts of romance, intrigue and nostalgia.   Standing at the crosssroads of Eastand West, its buildings reflect the diverse and many influences which have effected itsdevelopment.  We will explore its architecture and art from early Christian times to the present day.


The tutor is Brian Adams and the course starts on Tuesday 17th January at 8.00pm in theMethodist Hall.   All are welcome and you may attend the first evening before deciding to enrolon the course.  The cost is £45 for the ten weeks.

Further information can be obtained from the WEA Secretaryon 01206 240791 or e-mail hurbal@tiscali.co.uk Hope to see you there.

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

Our Under 9s were back in league action after a break, away to Layer Colts. a superb performance was capped by a goal from Matthew Sanderson in a creditable 1-1 draw.

The Under 13s, at home in the third round of the FA Essex Cup to East Thurrock United - an Alliance League team who lost in the final last year (beating the "A" league champions Lexden Saints on the way), put up a really good fight to make it a competitive match, but eventually lost 3-0 to the Alliance team who were much bigger and stronger. Bergholt Heath 'man of the match': Gianni Sabini.

The Under 14s also lost this weekend, 5-0 away to Stanway Villa in the "A" league.

Our Under 16s did not play due to Maths GCSE revision sessions held by Stanway School.

Our Under 18s were in league action at home to St Edmunds, losing a bad tempered match 4-0. The visitors had at least 6 players booked and one sent off - nearly all of these for either dissent or retaliation. Unfortunately this constant verbal barrage wore Bergholt down with some of the players going into their shells a little.

Next week's fixtures - Sunday 20th November:

• Under 9 v Clare Town Lions KO 10.30am
• Cornard Dynamo Blues v Under 13
• Under 14 v Torquespeed KO 12 noon
• Under 16 v Clacton Community KO 2pm
• Stanway Villa v Under 18

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net

Our under 9s did not have a game this weekend.

The under 13s were in League Cup action, away to Elmden Rovers in Clacton. A much better performance this week resulted in a very comfortable 7-1 win for Bergholt, which really should have been 7-0 but for a lapse in concentration by the Bergholt goal keeper who had been a spectator for the first 25 minutes - by which time Bergholt were 2-0 up - but was then caught out failing to deal with a long through ball. However the team soon got over this setback and, despite missing an open goal from almost on the goal line (TV blooper time!), finished the first half 3-1 up. The second half saw the manager make his usual cup tie changes to give everyone a run out. By the time the 5th goal went in, the Elmden heads had dropped and the last few minutes saw the ball almost continuously inside the Elmden box. Final result: Elmden Rovers 1 - 7 Bergholt Heath. Bergholt goal scorers: Antonio Sabini, Owen Bernhardt, Mickey Whittle x 2, Aaron Marley x 2, Ciaran Donnallan. Bergholt 'man of the match' Gianni Sabini.

The under 14s were in league action at home to Stanway Rovers but lost 3-1. Ed Quilty scored the Bergholt goal.

Our under 16s completed the matches this week, but lost 17-1 away to Long Melford. Unfortunately Bergholt could only field 10 players this week. Joshua Wren scored the Bergholt goal.

The under 18s did not play this weekend.

Next weeks fixtures, Sunday 13th November:

• Layer Colts v Under 9
• U13 v East Thurrock United EEC R3, KO 10.00am
• Stanway Villa v Under 14
• AFC Sudbury v Under 16 is postponed
• Under 18 v St. Edmunds (TBC)

This material has been developed for the West Bergholt Village Website at http://www.westbergholt.net