SCOUT POST OFF

This is mainly due to having so few Scouts and leaders involved at the moment, particularly in Goldhanger and Tolleshunt D'Arcy.

First Blackwater would like to thank everyone who has supported their efforts in previous years.

PARISH COUNCIL

The parish council met in the village hall on November 27. The first item on the agenda following the usual formalities was the existing vacancy on the council subsequent to the resignation of Denise Scott. The council considered three applicants in closed session, after discussion and by the required absolute majority, resolving to co-opt Mr Barry Dorman to fill the vacancy.

Mr Dorman was invited to take his place on the council and duly completed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

The council then considered a planning application for a conservatory at Brick House, Maldon Road. On being put to the vote, councillors resolved to support the proposal by six votes to nil with one abstention.

Various items of correspondence were then discussed including confirmation from the Ministry of Defence that the free post scheme for forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will continue indefinitely and up to Christmas for all other areas. A weight limit of two kilos per parcel has been imposed. The Royal Mail has agreed to change the Saturday collection time to midday at the village post office.

The financial statement was circulated and approved.

There were no reports of any vandalism and the burial ground working group reported that it is discussing how to accommodate future ashes plots amongst several other considerations.

With regard to the village hall it was reported that two representatives from Goldhanger Parish Council have recently visited the hall to view and discuss the recent painting of the hall by Community Service offenders working under the supervision of the Probation Service. It was hoped that the scheme could be used by Goldhanger PC to redecorate their own hall.

It was confirmed that a replacement seat has been ordered for the recreation ground and that Wicksteed Leisure have been instructed to carry out a safety inspection of the play area. Other items discussed included the warning by local police officers that bogus callers continue to pose a threat in the village.

It was confirmed that the Neighbourhood Watch scheme was now in full operation. It was decided to allow time for public comment on items not on the agenda before the formal start of future meetings. It was confirmed that the clerk to the parish council would receive payment at an hourly rate when attending local council courses.

There being no other business, the chairman closed the meeting at 9.24pm. Due to Christmas there will be no meeting in December, with the next date being January 8 2008.

WI

Tolleshunt D'Arcy WI enjoyed a wonderfully Christmassy week in early December.

The party, at which members from Goldhanger, Tollesbury and Tiptree Heath were also present, took place in D'Arcy Village Hall, newly repainted and sparkling with Christmas decorations.

The delicious meal prepared by committee and members, was served as ever by a cheery band of husbands who always add to the festive spirit. Afterwards, cups were presented for Flowers of the Months throughout the year to Pat Hudson and for the most competition points over the year to Doris Gilvray.

Thank-you gifts were given to Freda Wyatt who plays the piano for Jerusalem, to Norma Burmby who arranges the popular Norwich trip and of course there was a present for the retiring president, Sue Clark, who has made the last three years so enjoyable.

Entertainment followed, provided by Richard Elsey, who sang a lively selection of songs which even induced some members to dance along while everyone joined in with White Christmas. A splendid raffle brought the happy evening to a close.

Later in the same week, many D'Arcy members joined the rest of the Blackwater Group for a Carol Service hosted by Tollesbury WI in St Mary's church which looked beautiful with flowers and candles.

This was a lovely event, introduced by Angela Nixon, with well chosen carols and a solo carol, Mary's Boy Child sung by Angela Legerton. Christine Gorringe led the prayers and gave some moving Christmas Reflections, meditations on the life of Mary, Mother of Jesus.

After the service many members lit candles in memory of those who are no longer with us and before setting off for home everyone enjoyed the tasty home made seasonal refreshments along with a glass of sherry or fruit juice.

BINGO

Thanks to the efforts of Dawn Pitt and her band of helpers, £183 was raised at the special Christmas Bingo evening held on Friday December 7.

The event was well-attended with all ages present. Due to the success of the evening another one is being planned for Easter time 2008.

Dawn would like to thank Julie Smith and family for setting out the tables, prizes etc (and for helping tidy up at the end), Dorothy, James and Bryon Gallant for doing the teas and washing up, Gary for helping tidy up at the end of the evening and Trish for helping to sell tickets and for reminding Dawn what do to.

Details of the Easter evening will be posted up around the village nearer the time. All the monies raised will go towards running the village hall.