The new blue structure that has recently appeared on the village recreation ground is the result of some well-placed lobbying carried out by a group of young people in the village together with the financial backing of the Essex County Council Children & Young People's Service.

The Youth Capital Fund encourages bids from the county's youngsters for funds to purchase much-needed equipment and facilities.

In this instance the fund recognised the problems young people face with regards to rural isolation and awarded almost £9,000 towards the cost of the youth shelter, supplied and constructed by Wicksteed Leisure.

With backing from Tolleshunt D'Arcy parish council and the local community, the young people of the village now have something they can be justly proud of.

MACMILLAN MORNING

The coffee morning held in the village hall on Saturday September 29 was, again, well supported by the village and raised approximately £350 on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The home-made cakes, as always, went like hot cakes to the delight of Dawn Pitt, who again worked tirelessly to organise the event.

Dawn would like to thank everyone who turned up for coffee, Richard Smoker at the village shop, all those who baked cakes, bought tickets, donated raffle prizes and ran stalls for their much-appreciated help and assistance.

D'ARCY SPICES

After the August break, the D'Arcy Spices were pleased to meet again and enjoyed a quiz while some members browsed amongst the display of clothes brought by Moneyspinners.

The following week, members joined the Tollesbury Silver Threads for a most enjoyable mystery tour in north Essex and parts of Suffolk, calling at Sudbury for tea and hearing interesting information given by the driver about the places visited.

On the next meeting day, four car loads of members spent an afternoon at Wilkins tea room, museum and jam shop.

There is always something new and fascinating to discover in the museum about the history of the firm and also about the variety of machinery which has been used over the years.

The refreshments were delicious and the shop held many attractions.

Most members went home with a little, red bag full of goodies.

Some members are still on the sick list and get well cards have been sent.

Those in hospital or residential care were remembered.

On Monday October 15 there will be another outing with the Silver Threads, this time to Dunwich.

This follows the D'Arcy Spices' next meeting in the Village Hall on Wednesday October 10.

D'ARCY WI

At the October meeting, members of Tolleshunt D'Arcy WI welcomed Melvyn Prentice, who demonstrated how to plant winter hanging baskets, with unfamiliar fibrous material as lining for the basket and some unusual plants, used to striking effect.

The central feature was a Cordyline, with Oregano and small variegated ivy as well as the usual winter pansies.

Melvyn also displayed many other plants which would be suitable for winter containers, including some interesting grasses.

The plants were for sale and the basket was donated to the raffle, so, once again, members went home carrying plants and one person had a special raffle prize.

Melvyn, who is gardener at Braxted Park, was able to answer many questions from his audience and gave useful advice about fertilisers and how to cope with garden pests, so the evening proved very instructive as well as entertaining.

Many birthday posies were distributed at this meeting, all having looked decorative in the new cut glass basket, now completed with a silver plaque to commemorate Elizabeth.

Plans are afoot for another visit to the Mercury Theatre early next year, as some members had very much enjoyed Dangerous Corner in August.

President Sue Clark stressed that unless a new president is found at the AGM in November, D'Arcy WI would have to close, which would be a great pity, as membership numbers and financial affairs are better now than for some time and everyone enjoys the activities.

A new member, Tracey Hodgson, was welcomed at this meeting.

In the competition for a Flower painting, Freda Wyatt was the winner and Nancy Seabrook won the flower of the month competition.

HALLOWEEN

The village hall is holding its popular children's Halloween Disco on Sunday October 28 from 4pm to 6pm.

The disco is for children from 5 to 15 years of age. There is a £3 entrance fee payable at the door and both food and drink are provided.

For further information, please call Julie Smith on 01621 868926.

D'ARCY QUIZ EVENING

The ever popular and always wellattended annual quiz evening, in aid of Cancer Research and the village hall, will take place on Saturday November 10.

The doors to the village hall open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start with a maximum of six people on each team. Please bring your own drink and glasses, although a ploughman's supper will be provided during the interval.

Ticket prices are just £3 each for a very enjoyable evening, held for a very worthwhile cause. To book a table or to donate a muchappreciated raffle prize, please call Ray on 860390, and bear in mind that places are limited.