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Murray Harlow – RIP May 1951 – May 2021

Remembering Murray Harlow – sadly missed

A typical public event with Murray Harlow towering over the others
Pictured in 2017, Murray Harlow, the gentle giant, towering over others as usual!

As was announced on social media at the end of last week, a much respected and loved Parish Councillor passed away on Friday 21st May. Cllr Murray Harlow passed away suddenly after being admitted to hospital only at the start of the week.

Larger than life

Murray was well known in the village, not just as a Cllr but as a genuinely larger than life character.  He was never happier when discussing village matters with the many friends and acquaintances he had in the village.

Murray was a member of the West Bergholt Parish Council for over 10 years where he served as a Vice-Chair of the former Premises Committee.  He was also a member of the Environment and Planning Committees and for several years the Council’s Communications Officer.

Many dimensions in his life

There cannot be many people locally who had not met Murray, either through:

  • his work with the Parish Council
  • the 5Ts ‘Tea, Cake & Chat’ club at St Mary’s,
  • volunteering with the Care Network both as a driver and member of the committee, and
  • his exhortations to save money via his work with Utility Warehouse. Indeed the PC and many PC Cllrs benefitted from the latter opportunities!

Murray was at his best speaking directly to members of the community. He was especially helpful when the Parish Plan was launched in 2008; again, with the Neighbourhood Plan exhibitions and consultations that took place in the period 2013 to 2019. I have vivid memories of him drawing people’s attention to our plans at the exhibitions in the Orpen Hall, and, when people were sceptical, warning them of the implications if we left things to chance or didn’t endorse the plan as a community.

Condolences

Murray leaves behind him two daughters Amber and Ciara and their young families. On behalf of the PC I extend our heartfelt condolences on their loss, a loss shared by the whole community for this very likeable “gentle giant”. RIP Murray we will miss you enormously.

Chris Stevenson
Chairman
WBPC

RIP Murray Harlow
11th May 1951 –
21st May 2021

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Election Results 2021

Election Results for 6th May 2021 Elections

Summaries first, official declarations are embedded at the bottom.

Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner for Essex

  1. Roger Hirst – Conservative (235,348) – ELECTED.
  2. Christopher Vince – Labour & Co-operative (99,712).
  3. Jon Whitehouse – Liberal Democrat (58,131).
  4. Robin Tilbrook – English Democrats (42,831).

County Councillor for Constable Division

  1. Lewis Barber – Conservative (3.965) – ELECTED.
  2. Pauline Bacon – Labour & Co-operative (707).
  3. Roger Bamforth – Green (613).
  4. William Brown – Liberal Democrats (491).
  5. Andrew Phillips – Reform UK (135).

Borough Councillor for Lexden & Braiswick Ward

  1. Dennis Willetts – Conservative (1949) – ELECTED.
  2. Martin Leatherdale – Conservative (1597) – ELECTED.
  3. Sandra Culham – Liberal Democrats (594).
  4. Roger Bamforth – Green (532).
  5. Luke Hayes – Labour (396).
  6. Kayleigh Rippingale-Shaw – Labour (333).

The Official Declarations

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Heathlands Primary – Site Manager Vacancy

Site Manager vacancy advert online

Full Time Site Manager Required

Heathlands Primary School would like to appoint a full-time School Site Manager to start in
August 2021.

They are seeking a friendly, enthusiastic, pro-active individual who possesses
the skills, experience and confidence to manage the upkeep, maintenance and development of the school site to meet the School’s high standards.

Their staff are friendly and approachable and take a pride in their environment.

Continue reading “Heathlands Primary – Site Manager Vacancy”
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Heathlands Calls for Your Help

Your Help is Needed to Raise Funds

Like most schools today, fundraising is essential to Heathlands. Whilst they have done well despite COVID-19 (see their end-of-year update), the PTA needs your help once again and it couldn’t be at a more convenient time.

Perfect Time for a Clear Out

As we are easing out of Lockdown the time is perfect for you to be checking your wardrobe to make sure you are ready to be set free. Heathlands PTA have arranged for a Bag2School collection on Thursday 13th May. So, with rain forecast this weekend, why not get out your plastic sacks and fill them with:

Continue reading “Heathlands Calls for Your Help”
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Urgent Need for Volunteers

Your village needs you - call for open gardens
Your village needs you - call for vaccine marshals

Volunteers Needed to Support the Local Vaccine Programme

The vaccine programme at the West Bergholt Surgery has so far been highly successful. This is as a result of the NHS staff and the many volunteers and Marshalls who have assisted with traffic flow duties and parking during vaccination sessions. The Marshalls fulfil an important task in minimising inconvenience to the local residences and ensuring those visiting the local surgery are assisted according to their need, particularly those with underlying health issues.

Continue reading “Urgent Need for Volunteers”
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2021 Elections – Who’s Standing

Nominations have now closed for the 2021 Elections

Logos of parties with candidates in this election

6th May 2021 Elections will take place for:

  • Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner for the Essex Police Area;
  • One County Councillor to represent the Constable Division; and
  • One Borough Councillor to represent the Lexden & Braiswick ward.

Candidates for each of these are listed below. If you haven’t already checked out the COVID-Safe arrangements you can read about those further down. It is still not too late to register to vote – details also below.

Continue reading “2021 Elections – Who’s Standing”
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West Bergholt Responds to the sad loss of Prince Philip

HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh - RIP
Prince Phili

Message from the Chairman of the Parish Council

HRH the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

It was with great collective sadness that the news of the death of the Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh has been received today. I am sure the whole community of West Bergholt Parish will join with me, fellow Parish Councillors, the Clerk and our team in sending its condolences and best wishes to the Queen and the whole royal household.

Clearly as I write this the Palace, like many other organisations, is digesting the news. The collective atmosphere is one of great sorrow, but we will also shortly be able to reflect and indeed marvel on the extraordinary life the Duke has led. He joined and supported the Queen in modernizing the Royal Family for an ever changing world. In particular, he led life-changing initiatives for many such as:

  • his work to establish the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme  and
  • his patronage of the World Wildlife Fund to name but only two of his many interests and passions.

Character

We will remember the Duke for his character and many qualities and, for all of, us an ever-present presence due to his extraordinarily long period as a consort and life of service to our country.

The Parish Council will play its part in the official response to the news. We will shortly publicise the tangible ways we can pay our respect and take part in commemorative activities once these have been confirmed by the Royal Household.

Take a Moment

For today, we ask all in the community to take a moment to pay our individual respects on a day of national sadness. Due to current restrictions, an online condolence book is available below. The flagpole outside the Orpen Memorial Hall will remain at half mast until 8 am on the day after the Ceremonial Royal Funeral, and an area has been set aside underneath for any floral tributes that residents may wish to leave.

Chris Stevenson

Chairman
West Bergholt Parish Council

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