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MEALS ON WHEELS |
| If you feel that either you or a family member would
benefit from this service then please call us at
West Mersea Town Council on 01206 382128 or call into
the office at 10 Melrose Road, West Mersea between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mon - Fri |
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VETS Blackwater Veterinary Surgery Mrs.Sarah Doyle B.V.Sc. M.R.V.C.S. Queens Corner 2 Mill Road West Mersea Tel 01206 384999 Opening hours Monday to Friday 8.15am to 6.45pm Saturdays 8.15 to 12 noon - Consultations by Appointment 24 hour Emergency Service 01206 384999 Colne Valley Veterinary Practice Ltd Off Maudlyn Road (The Hythe) Colchester - Essex Tel 01206 794695 Opening times - Weekdays 8.30 am to 7 pm Saturdays 9am to 1pm All Consultations by Appointment 24 hour emergency appointment service available |
| LIFEBOAT RNLI - The Mersea Lifeboat is manned by local volunteers - the Lifeboat Station on the foreshore at the end of Coast Road houses an Atlantic 75 lifeboat. The first Lifeboat Station was built next to the Yacht Club on the corner of Firs Road in 1963 - a D class Lifeboat was placed on service - one of the first of ten lifeboats established in the country. In 1972 the D class was replaced with a B class Atlantic 21 Lifeboat. A new Boathouse and slipway was built in 1992 plus a new launching and recovery winch - it was opened in September by the Duke of Kent. The building has room for not only the Lifeboat but also a crew room and souvenir outlet. In 2001 a B Clas Atlantic 75 Lifeboat B-761 Dignity was placed on service. Dignity is named after Dignity Caring Funeral Services, whose employees raised the funds Main Contact Lifeboat Operations Manager - Roger Paramor West Mersea Lifeboat Station Coast Road - West Mersea Tel: 01206 382914 Website: www.rnli.org.uk This years Open Days 13 - 18th August. Back to top of page |
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West Mersea Lifeboat Shed |
| THE MERSEA ISLAND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (otherwise known as the MICA) The Mersea Centre is Mersea's only sports and social centre and where a host of local events are staged - Christmas Pantomimes - Plays - Concerts - as well as providing sports facilities for Badminton, Squash, Carpet Bowls etc.etc. The Mersea Centre 38A High Street - West Mersea CO58QA Centre Manager - Ken Bennett 01206 384656 Opening Times Monday to Friday 9am to 10pm Saturday 9am to 3pm Sunday 10am to 2 pm Licensed Bar open weekday evenings 7pm to 10.30pm subject to staff availability Function Hall and Meeting Rooms available for hire Bingo every Tuesday 8pm in the small hall Fitness classes and adult activity sessions available The Fitness Gym is for Adult Members holding a MICA authorised user card Volunteers always needed for the Charity Shop and Centre The Mersea Centre was built out of a derelict bus station with the help of grant funding and fund raising by the local community. It was opened in 1981 by Liz Clements. The MICA Charity Shop is staffed entirely by volunteers and underwrites the centres income |
| HALLS FOR HIRE Many groups in Mersea hire out their premises to organisations other than their own below is a brief list of them - Click on Clubs and Organisations tab for details of who to contact for hire. St. John Ambulance Hall - Melrose Road WI Hall - Kingsland Road British Legion Hall - Barfield Road Scout Hall - Melrose Road The Mersea Centre - Small Hall - Large Hall - High Street Council Chamber - Melrose Road Shutes Hall at the Methodist Church - Mill Road The Mersea Museum - High Street (October to March) East Mersea Village Hall - East Mersea The Packing Shed East Mersea Youth Camp - winter only St Peter and St Paul Parish Church Hall Glebe Pavilion The Glebe - West Mersea |
| BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP The East of England Co-operative Society would like to invite you to their Bereavement Support Group You don't need to be alone. By attending our Support Group you will meet people who know something of what you are going through. A place to share your feelings with people who truly understand Meetings at Harrison Court West Mersea 1st Friday in every month 1.15pm to 3.15pm For further information - Evelyn Rutter - Support Services Freephone 0800 074 4362. Back to top |
| WEST MERSEA LIBRARY West Mersea Library 13 High Street - West Mersea - CO5 8AQ Tel: 01206 383321 Fax: 01206 386130 Opening Times Tuesday 9. 30am - 12.30 pm ~ 2pm to 7pm Thursday 9.30am to 12.30pm ~ 2pm to 5pm Friday 9. 30am to 12.30pm Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm ~ 2pm - 5pm Answers Direct Enquiry Service Telephone: 012445 438438 Website: - www.answersdirect.info Call Library Direct If you can't get to us, we can come to you, if age, disability or caring prevents you visting the library Library Direct will deliver all the latest best sellers, blockbuster movies and great music direct to your door. Trained volunteers will bring the library to you in your own home. A neighbour, friend or relative can be given a ticket to collect books etc on your behalf. To find out more contact your local library or phone 01245 438438 |
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Why not join a Book Club Mersea has several meeting at pubs restaurants or people's homes or why not start one yourself! |
| MERSEA ISLAND MUSEUM The Museum opens for the summer season Wednesday to Sunday plus Bank Holiday Mondays 2pm to 5pm The Hall itself is available for hire by local organisations during the winter months Contact Mary Sparkes on 01206 383372 School parties may visit outside normal hours by arrangement Contact Pat Kirby - schools@merseamuseum.org.uk The Museum was opened in 1976 by well known pianist Semprini - who then lived on the island. It was a gift to the community by local builder Stanley Hills. The building was made from recycled materials - old bricks were used, the front doors came from Almshouses in Wivenhoe,the back doors from a Malting House at the Hythe. Exhibitions of bygones include much of Mersea's maritime history including a replica of a Victorian Fisherman's cottage This year's (2007) main theme is The Romans in Mersea The Museum is run by a dedicated team of volunteers. website. www. merseamuseum.org.uk |
| OSTEOPATHS Karen E Farrant - Osteopath 86 Coast Road - West Mersea - CO5 8LS Tel: 01206 385362 |
| NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING IN MERSEA - ABBERTON AND FINGRINGHOE www.essex.police.uk West Mersea Police Station East Road - West Mersea Tel: 01206 762212 The Police Station is closed Monday to Friday manned Saturdays 2.15pm to 4.15pm - Sunday closed Your local neighbourhood Policing Team is Sgt Jon Butcher and Neighbourhood Specialist Officer PC Lawrie Parker Working alongside them are three PCSO's (Police Community Support Officers) covering this area are - Adam Ryder and Sarah Duke and Jason Kyte Your neighbourhood Inspector is Andy Fusher Colchester District Commander is Chief Inspector Steve Johnson e mail - Steve-Johnson Call the team when you have a non urgent local issue you would like them to deal with 07955 197265 To report non emergency crime and incidents call 0300 333 4444 MOBILE POLICE STATION The Mobile Police Unit visits both East and West Mersea at regular times throughout the year Residents are welcome to come along and discuss any concerns NAP You may also raise comments or concerns at the Neighbourhood Action Panel Meetings |
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Policing the old fashioned way |
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TAXI SERVICES IJK Taxi Services Local - Train station - hospital etc 01206 385984 All UK Airports and Seaports 24 hour bookings taken 4 and 6 seater available Lady Drivers available Prompt reliable service competitive rates family run business RWS Private Hire long distance - airports and cruise terminal specialist air conditoned 7 seater vehicle 01206 382950 Mersea Island Taxis (Tooleys Taxis) 01206 384666 or 07850 750326 oldest established taxi company on the island offering 6 seater people carriers London black cab knowledge a female driver We travel to airports - seaports - London as well as short local trips around Mersea and surrounding area no journey too long or too short |
| WEST MERSEA DENTAL SURGERY 32a Kingsland Road - West Mersea - CO5 8RA The Dental Surgery opened in 1981 has four Dental Surgeons - a hygenist - several assistants and about 10,000 patients - 60% of whom live on the island Opening Hours - Monday to Thursday 8.30 - 5.30 Friday 8.30 - 5pm P.N.Elmes B.D.S. (Lond) L.D.S. R.C.S. (Eng) M.F.G. D.P. (UK) A.J. Elmes - B.D.S. (Lond) L.D.S. R.C.S. (Eng) M.F.G. D.P. (UK) S. Rashid B.D.S. (Dundee) G.L.Eckstein B.D.S. (Glasgow) 01206 384504 Back to top |
| FUNERAL SERVICES J.K. May - Funeral Directors 51 High Street - West Mersea Tel: 01206 382235 Co-Operative Funeral Services 44 Kingsland Road - West Mersea Tel: 01206 382120 Monumental Masons John J Smith - St Mary's Works - Mersea Road - Colchester Tel: 01206 574669 |
| CHIROPODY Karen Parr Chiropodist and Podiatrist 54 High Street - West Mersea Tel: 01206 384862 |
THE MERSEA COURIER 46 High Street - West Mersea - CO5 8QA Tel: 01206 382935 Fax: 01206 384190 editorial e mail address - editorialmic@btconnect.com advertising e mail address - advertisingmic@btconnect.com enquiries e mail address - merseacourier@btconnect.com Contributions welcome but no guarantee Look Magazine 39 Finchingfield Way Colchester CO2 OAU 01206 564621 e mail - tony@lookmagazine.co.uk website - www.lookmagazine.co.uk MERSEA LIFE is an Estuary Life Group Publication and is published monthly - free 110 Coast Road West Mersea Tel. 01206 386666 enquiry@estuarylife.co.uk sales - karen@estuarylife.co.uk design enquiries Karen Fisher (Cast Your Eye) Tel 01621 855689 e mail -design@estuarylife.co.uk Estuary Life magazine group distributes door to door in Mersea - Maldon - Heybridge - Tollesbury and drops at locations in Birch, Bradwell, Cold Norton, Goldhanger, Great Totham, Heybridge Basin, Inworth, Latchingdon, Layer Breton, Layer de la Haye, Little Totham< Messing, Peldon, Purleigh, Smythes Green, Tiptree, Tolleshunt D'arcy, Tolleshunt Knights, Tolleshunt Major and Wickham Bishops. The Mistral The Mistral The Journal of the Mersea Island Society is produced annually by the Mersea Island Society |
| HER MAJESTY'S COASTGUARD - MERSEA Mersea's Coastguard consists of 6 volunteer auxillaries They are linked to 20 other Coastguard Centres around the county responsible for maritime research and rescue operations, working with Lifeboats, Sea King Helicopters from RAF Wattisham as well as Police and Ambulance Helicopters, Police vessells afloat as well as land based emergency services There Coastguard base is at Walton on Naze Our local Coastguards cover an area from Heybridge to Colchester Hythe Quay and there is a four wheel drive vehicle stationed on the island. Mersea's Coastguard was formed in 1987 - today their role is total dedication to saving lives at sea - but it wasn't always so... The Coastguard Service was founded in 1822 to prevent Smuggling - they were known at that time as The Revenue Men and they were not very popular - sometimes referred to by the derogatory term "Monkeys". A Lookout Hut for Mersea coastguards was built in the grounds of Orleans House near the beach reached by a sloping path - later laid with steps. Local legend claims that the hut was known as the Monkey's House - the steps then became the Monkey Steps and the beach below the Monkey Beach - and the names have stuck to this day. |
| Coastguard ~ What Happens to Effect a Rescue The primary task of the 18 Coastguard Co-Ordination teams around the country is to receive a distress message by 999 call. VHF voice or Digital Selective Call -DSC, visual report and to respond instantly by formulating a search and rescue plan and mobilising service. This may involve co-ordinating one of the 396 Coastguard Response Teams in Sectors, These teams are strategically placed around the coast and are made up from Auxillary Coastguard volunteers of whom there are some 3500 The districts are divided into sectors. Here at Mersea they operate under Thames District Co-ordination Sub Centre and the Bradwell and Southend sector, which runs from the Hythe Quay in Colchester to Queen Elizabeth 2 Bridge/Thames crossing for the M25. They have one full time Sector Manager and 31 Auxillary Coastguards stationed in teams at Canvey 3, Southend 11, Bradwell and Burnham 7, Maldon2 and Mersea 8, which includes one at Tollesbury. The Mersea Guard runs from the Hythe to Heybridge. It operates under a Sector Manager of which there are some 64 around the coast. Teams train on a regular basis and carry out exercises with other Rescue services. There are routine patrols of their guard keeping personnel familiar with their local area. They normally have a vehicle and equipment suitable for rescue in their area, which could include cliff rescue gear and mud rescue gear. Also available to the Coastguard are other resources and organisations that have put themselves available as Rescue services, such as the RNLI, Beach Lifeguard units, military SAR Helicopters and fixed wing craft and Fire Service The Coastguard had 4 Sikorsky S61N helicopters on permanent charter and available 24 hours a day at Portland, Stornaway and at Sumburg for the Shetlands. In fact they have the most advanced and sophisticated Helicopter Search and Rescue system in the world, and government is looking at increasing the numbers and dispositions. This is mainly being done because of the cost of military service helicopters is almost tenfold the Coastguard costs for equivalent numbers, as always the accountants rule the system There is also a Tug on standby all the year round at Dover and a Tug at both the South Western and North Western approaches to the UK from October to March Other facilities available include Auxillary Coastguards afloat, age limit is 60 for all Auxillaries now, Police launches local authority launches and beach patrols, air ambulances, harbour authority services, HM Customs and Excise, offshore oil operators, helicopters and so on. Regular consultation meetings and exercises do take place and with these facilities test systems and lines as communication. More locally our role is to respond to incidents and for that we have pagers activated from our centre Thames at Walton on the Naze. When paged we telephone in to get instructions and proceed to our unit at Rushmere Close were we have a vehicle and support gear above information courtesy of Mr. Cooper |
| COLCHESTER BOROUGH COUNCIL - CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE The Customer Service Centre is situated in High Street - Colchester It is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.20pm - you are welcome to call in The Customer Service Centre handles all enquiries for Council Tax - Benefits and Revenues - Street Services - Planning and Environmental Proection Main Switchboard Tel: 01206 282222 - opening hours 9am to 5pm Emergency out of hours. Tel: 01206 548444 Back to top |
| THE FIRE BRIGADE - WEST MERSEA Barfield Road - West Mersea West Mersea Firemen are a part time force under the control of Essex County Council Mersea Fire Brigade began in a shed on the corner of Melrose Road - it was manned by 12 part time volunteers. The first Fire Engine was a hand cart and firemen were summoned by one of them cycling round the island blowing a bugle. In 1935 they fund raised and purchased their first proper Fire Engine - a Denis - and new Headquarteres were built in Melrose Road (now the Scout HQ). The Fire Station moved in 1973 to Barfield Road when the 999 system and personal pagers came into use |
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Victory Moorings a family run business help and advice given Moorings are available at The Nothe Salcot Creek Besom Creek There are deep water and shoal water sites and Moorings range from 12 feet to 50 feet - 4m to 15m and up to 6 feet draft e mail info@VictoryMoorings.co.uk Phone 01206 383000 |
| MOORINGS There are about 1000 Yacht and Boat moorings in the fleets and creeks around Mersea For information on Moorings contact Peter French, Rosebank Road, West Mersea. Tel: 01206 382261 Alan Bird, Norfolk Avenue, West Mersea. Tel: 01206 383000 Peter Clarke, West Mersea. Tel: 01206 385905 West Mersea Marine, 110 Coast Road, West Mersea. Tel: 01206 382244 Back to top |
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| THE MERSEA MEDICAL PRACTICE P. Woodcock and Partners The Surgery - 32 Kingsland Road - West Mersea CO5 8RA Tel: 01206 382015 Fax: 01206 385 593 Dr.P.A Woodcock BSC MBBS Dr.P.A Matthes MB ChB Dr. J.A. Meanley LRCP MRCS DObs RCOG Dr. O Abdullah MB ChB MRCP The Medical Practice has four Doctors, six Receptionists and two Nurses to cater for 7 to 8000 residents. History The Doctor's Surgery opened in 1979, brainchild of Stanley Hills, who negotiated a deal with Wilf Bacon and other land owners to develope a site, with the Co-Op, to provide the present surgery at a Public Meeting. Some 64 participated in putting money into building the surgery and they became the Mersea Island Medical Syndicate The surgery was built in line with the necessary NHS requirements in record time. The Syndicate receive an income from letting the premises and the Doctors and the Family Practitioners Council reimburse the doctors rent Shortly after, in 1980, when the Medical Centre was built, Stanley Hills arranged for a Dental Surgery to be built on land belonging to the Medical Syndicate and again offered it to the Community to buy into the scheme. The Dental Surgery was first extended in 1984 when the Co-Op site was re developed and then later redeveloped by the Dentists in 1993/4 having previously purchased the site and building from the Syndicate. The late Ralph Luckham did all the day to day co-ordination of both projects |
| PHYSIOTHERAPy Tim Humphries B.Sc (Hons) MCSP AACP Chartered Physiotherapist 12 Yorick Road - West Mersea Tel: 01206 386523 Broomhills Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic 4 Broomhills Road West Mersea CO5 8AP Contact 01206 382951 Tiptree Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic 74 Church Road - Tiptree - CO5 OHB Tel: 07941 284764 |
| TRAIN SERVICES Frequent train services to London, Liverpool Street from Colchester North Station - also to Ipswich - Clacton and Harwich National Rail Enquiries. Tel: 08457 484950 Back to top |
| CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU Personal Callers - Monday to Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm Telephone Callers - 0870 121 2033 - Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm Colchester Citizens Advice Bureau Cornerstone - 5-7 Sir Isaac's Walk - Colchester CO1 1JJ Confidential - Independent - Impartial - Free |
| WEST MERSEA CLINIC Barfield Road - West Mersea CO5 8QT Tel: 01206 382590 |
| NAP - NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTION PANEL are a group of local people who meet regularly to discuss community driven priorities and actions. Mersea Neighbourhood Specialist Officer ia PC Ian Lewis The Mersea Island NEIghbourhood Action Panel meet every two months their aim is to work towards identifying and resolving community issues. Mersea NAP is chaired by Cllr Alan Mogridge |
| NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTION PANEL UPDATE Are you affected by - graffiti - anti social behaviour - speeding vehicles - vandalism - litter - etc etc - in your local community? Your Local Neighbourhood Action Panel - NAP - could help! M. I. (Mersea Island) NAP Public Consultations 2008 Wednesday 7th May @ 6.30 to 7pm Wed - 2nd July @ 9.30am to 10am Wed 3rd September @2pm - 2.30pm Wed 5th November @ 9.30 am - 10pm all held at West Mersea Town Council Offices Melrose Road - West Mersea for more info - Tel 01206 717819/8 |
| COLCHESTER NHS WALK IN CENTRE Suite B - Ground Floor - The Octagon, Middleborough - Colchester CO1 1TG Tel: 01206 744300 - No appointment is necessary The service is for all Colchester and area residents - visitors to Colchester and those commuting to and from Colchester. This is an additional service that complements current health services |
| HELPLINE PEACE OF MIND AND REASSURANCE FOR YOU WITH HELPLINE Living alone brings its own difficulties, and the worry over not being able to contact someone during an emergency in your home is a real concern. With HELPLINE you can keep your independence, but know that there is always someone there to answer your call for help To be connected you should have a modern telephone point and an electrical power socket nearby. The sensitive telephones give a direct link to Helpline control room. Calls are monitored 24 hours a day. All information held on file is treated with utmost confidentiality. Mobile support offices are trained to help in any emergency Helpline answer all calls immediately 24 hours a day 365 days a year In an emergency someone will be at your home within 20 minutes If you would like more information about HELPLINE ring 769779 at any time Or write to the address below - no stamp required The Community Alarms Manager Helpline FREEPOST CL3850 Lexden Heath Colchester CO3 5WW |
| REFLEXOLOGY Catherine Ward M.A.R. Mersea Clinic Now Open 01621 860673 Jayne Hanley IIHT MICHT NLP EFT 01206 381645 (Ladies only) |
| THE MERSEA ISLAND COMMUNITY FUND is part of the Essex Community Foundation Mersea Islanders between them run nearly 100 clubs and organisations working in the community to help local people. From time to time voluntary groups need help to fund overheads or to run projects and activities to help local people, young and old, in their community. The Mersea Island Community Fund has been set up specifically to support community groups and charities on Mersea Island Management of the Fund Living in a community gives a true understanding of local needs and therefore leads to effective grant making. A panel of Advisors made up from local people in Mersea will work with the Essex Community Fund to distribute grants from the fund. The Mersea Island Community Fund provides a channel through which individuals, families, companies or local charitable trusts can support the community in which they live. Also by using the Gift Aid Scheme individual donations can be enhanced by a further 28% if you are a taxpayer" |
| MERSEA OUTDOORS - YOUTH CAMP Centre for Outdoor Learning - Rewsalls Lane, East Mersea - CO5 8SK (funded by Essex County Council) Mersea Outdoors is set in about 62 acres of fields and can accommodate up to 350 visitors. It caters for young people from schools and youth groups over the whole of Essex including those with special needs Facilities include toilets, shower rooms, laundry room, dining rooms and a main hall equipped with music and big screen video - there is also cabin accommodation for up to 104 people Outdoor facilities include a Swimming pool and an Assault course. Outdoor activities include caving, bridge building, pioneering, plumbers nightmare (??) high ropes/low ropes, climbing and abseiling, team challenges, aerial runway, archery. mountain biking (up our little known Mersea Mountains!) orienteering, paintball. Also - First Aid Courses, Adventure Courses and Team Building Courses. There is access to the beach for water sports - speedboat - canoeing - crabbing etc Mersea Outdoors or the International Youth Camp - as it is more commonly known locally - began just after World War 11 when a Scotsman founded several International Camps in Essex to promote Anglo German relations. Tel 01206 383 226 E-mail: info@merseaoutdoors.com Website: www.Merseaoutdoors.com Back to top |
| THE MERSEA ISLAND TRUST Charity's Principal Office Akhurst Court - Melrose Road - West Mersea Chairman - Martin Dence The Mersea Island Trust - a registered charity was founded in about 1957. The prime mover of this scheme for Sheltered Housing was Dr "Jock" Llewelyn Jones. The money for the land was borrowed from the Urban District Council who also gave a plot of land. Akhurst Court in Melrose Road was the first to be built with 12 flatlets. Later came Mersea Court in High Street North with 12 flatlets and two double flats. Since that time there has been renovations and extensions - yet more flats and a lift at at Akhurst Court. The Mersea Island Trust took over the Coronation Memorial Trust and is still expanding and improving its properties. |
| PICK YOUR OWN FARM The Pick Your Own Nursery is next door to the Village Shop in East Mersea Tel: 01206 386387 Fruit and Vegetables may be hand picked or ready bought Patio Plants and Bedding Plants for sale in spring and summer The Nursery also provides the Hanging Baskets and plants for Flowering tubs for the shops and businesses of West Mersea as part of the annual "Mersea in Bloom" project organised by the Town Council. Back to top |
THE MERSEA ISLAND SOCIETY Website: www.MerseaIslandSociety.org Back to top |
| THE MERSEA ISLAND SCOUT GROUP HQ - The Old Fire Station - Melrose Road also Sea Scout Hut in the Lane Group Scout Leader - Martin Gasson - Tel: 01206 384850 President - Group Fund Raiser - Angela Gamble Tel: 0-1206 382739 BEAVER PACK 6 to 8 years Leader - Carolyn Lucas - Tel: 384180 Assistant Leaders ~David Bragg KHANHIWARA (MONDAY) CUB PACK 8 to 10 years Leader - Sarah Thorley - Tel: 01206 382109 Assistant Leaders ~ Danny Blacklock SEEONEE (TUESDAY) CUB PACK 8 to 10 years Leaders - Andy and Lisa Bacon - Tel: 01206 382927 LAND SCOUTS 10 to 14 years Leader - David Finch - Tel: 386744 SEA SCOUTS 10 to 14 years Leader - Neil Mortimer - Tel: 07812045288 |
| EAST MERSEA PARISH COUNCIL East Mersea is a small but thriving village. East Mersea Parish Council serves a rural community of some 110 residents. Parish Clerk - Vanessa Capon - 07595 820849 e mail: eastmerseaparish@yahoo.co.uk East Mersea has five Councillors Chairman - Cllr Mr. Peter Mann for more info see website - www.essexinfo.net/east-mersea-parish-council/ |
| KEEP FIT CLASSES AT THE MERSEA CENTRE
Commencing September 2007 Body Conditioning - Mondays 2pm Carol's Cardio-Kick - Mondays 7pm Circuit Training - Tuesdays 6.45pm Ladies Keep Fit - Wednesdays 10am Aerobic With Vicky - Wednesdays 7.30pm Keep Fit With Carol - Thursdays 10am Keep Fit for Men - 60+ - Friday 11am |
| Date Published: 11 February 2010 The Government is changing the date on which both men and women will become eligible to apply to the Council for a bus pass for free travel in England. The age of eligibility for the concessionary bus pass for both men and women will gradually increase from 60 to 65 between 2010 and 2020. This change is in line with the new state pension age that is coming in to play over the next few years. For example, someone born on 6 June 1950 will now be able to claim a bus pass from 6 September 2010 (instead of 6 June 2010) whilst someone born 5 October 1950 can claim a bus pass from 6 March 2011. These changes affect all people in England, and not just those in the Colchester area. If you have already reached age 60, or will have reached it by 5 April 2010, there are no changes to eligibility and if you have already claimed your pass, you are not affected by these changes. Councillor Tim Young, Portfolio Holder for Street Services, said “This is a Government initiative and we are trying to make sure that the information is available to all residents who may be affected, so that they are aware of the changes before they claim their bus passes.” Anyone born on or after 6 April 1955 will need to wait until they are 65 to claim their free bus pass. The changes to the age of eligibility will not affect anyone who has turned 60 on or before 5 April 2010 Further information is being made available to local pensioner groups and parish councils and is also available at the Customer Service Centre and on the Council’s website. These changes are part of the Government’s Pension Equalisation policy, please see the following link for further information: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/pensions-reform/. More examples of the birth dates and the dates on which you can claim your passes on are given below Born before 5 April 1950 claim a pass on your 60 birthday Between 6 April – 5 May 1950 On 6 May 2010 6 May – 5 June1950 On 6 July 2010 6 June - 5 July 1950 On 6 September 2010 6 July - 5 August 1950 On 6 November 2010 6 August - 5 September1950 On 6 January 2011 6 September to 5 October 1950 On 6 March 2011 You can contact the Customer Service Centre on 01206 282329 or call in at Angel Court or go to the Council’s website: faqs.asp?sec_id=619 |
| THE MERSEA ISLAND BEACH CLUB usually takes place during the first full week of the school summer holidays. It is held on the grassy knoll just above the beach at the end of Empress Avenue. It was begun by the Children's Special Service Mission but today the leaders and helpers come from all Mersea Churches working together (the CTIM - Churches Together In Mersea). Children of all ages are welcome to take part in singing, prayers, play, competitions and quizzes - some come for a day others all week. Many local children and their parents and grandparents have fond memories of enjoying the singing on the sand at the Beach Club. Oysterman - Peter French and his family have played a big part in running the Beach Club for many years |
POLICING IN MERSEA Mersea has two Police Community Support Officers This is Sarah one of our local Community Policewoman on duty at "Mersea Lights Up" Fortunately most of the people she has to deal with have somewhat smaller ears! |
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| ESSEX WILDLIFE TRUST Chairman - Martyn Gill (Colchester Group) Head Office The Joan Elliot Visitor Centre Abbots Hall Farm Great Wigborough Essex CO5 7RZ 01621 6862960 e mail - admin@essexwt.org.uk website - www. essexwt.org.uk |
| CONSERVATION AREA A Section of West Mersea at the far end of Coast Road is designated as a Conservation Area. On the seaward side of Coast Road the Conservation area stretches from the Monkey Steps across St Peter's Well Meadow over the mudflats where the Houseboats are moored across the oyster beds, boat yards and dinghy parks down to Mersea Hard ending at The Nothe. On the landward side of Coast Road it starts at the Victory Pub and continues down to The Lane - it does not extend beyond the boundaries of the back gardens in Coast Road and is bounded at the far end (except for one small section) by City Road. Most of The Lane comes within the area as far as the sub station. |
| BEACH HUTS IN MERSEA Colchester Borough Council has about 384 sites that are rented out on a long term basis to beach hut owners The sites are on Victoria Esplanande between Seaview Avenue and Broomhills Road Within this area there is a site known as the Spinney that is not owned by the Council Who can rent a site? Residents and non residents can rent sites but they provide and maintain their own beach huts. Colchester also rent out some sites to charities They do not have any beach huts that they rent out for short term holiday lets How can I obtain a Beach Hut? You need to find a Beach Hut owner who wants to sell their hut. Owners who want to sell will usually put a notice on their hut or advertise in the local press. When you purchase the beach hut you need to make sure that the owner completes a transfer form and pays a transfer fee, You should also make sure that there are no unpaid site fees. How much will it cost me? The beach hut owner will decide the selling price The Council charges a site rental that is payable in advance each year from 1st April The charge varies with the size and position of the site. You will pay more for a front row beach hut than for a beach hut on another row Colchester Borough residents are charged a reduced fee and there is a special rate for charities There is also a charge for National Non Domestic Rates on your beach hut Charges - May 2009 inc. VAT Colchester Borough Residents Front row small - £80.26 Front row large - £120.28 Other row small - £71.04 Other row large £106.54 Non residents Front row small - £104.24 Front row large - £156.40 Other row small £92.39 Other row large £138.54 site rental inc VAT Front row small n/a front row large £60.19 The National Non Domestic Rate Charge for all Beach huts from 1009/10 is £80.02 You will receive a separate bill for NDR and a form to apply for Small Business Rate Relief - some charities may be eligible for additional relief for more info contact 01206 282327 The transfer fee for all Beach Huts is £105.10 - transfers to a husband, wife or parent are free of charge Telephone 01206 282913 or e mail beachhuts@colchester.gove.uk |
| Beach Hut Hire Mersea Island Lions Beach Hut can be hired on a daily basis for a donation which goes back to the local community The beach hut is fully equipped - on the front row - and near to the car parks Details from Mr and Mrs Chamberlain - 07598 302656 |
| THE BRIGHTLINGSEA/POINT CLEAR/EAST MERSEA - FOOT FERRY The Ferry starts its 7th season on 2nd April 2010 The custom built ferry boat has a ramp allowing easy access for wheelchair users and cyclists as well as foot passengers In order to provide the best service Brightlingsea Foot Ferry will operate a "Dial a Ferry" service in low season - April to October Dial a Ferry can be booked by calling the Harbour Office before 1pm daily on 01206 302200 or mobile 07981 450169 during operating times Ferry timetables are available from local shops - libraries and tourist information centres further details Brightling sea Ferry Website www.brightlingseaaharbour.org or Tel 01206 302200 Fares - each way Brightlingsea to Point Clear - Adults £1 - Child 50p - Senior Citizen £1 - cycles and dogs 50p Brightlingsea or Point Clear to East Mersea - Adult £2 - Child £1 - Senior Citizen £1.50 - cycles and dogs £1 Dial a Ferry Brightlingsea to Point Clear - Adult £1.50 - Child £1 - Senior Citizen £1.50 - cycles and dogs 50p Brightling sea or Point Clear to East Mersea - Adults £2.50 - Child £1.50 - Senior Citizen £" - cycles and dogs £1 Ferry Timetable 2010 - Season Schedule 2nd April - 18th July Weekends and Bank Holiday - Scheduled Service Monday to Friday - Dial a Ferry 19th July to 5th September - Scheduled Service Weekends and Bank Holidays - Scheduled Service Monday to Friday - Dial a Ferry 27th September to 31st October - Dial a Ferry Daily Operating Times 10 - 12.30 and 1300 to 17.30 NB No service between 12.30 and 1300 daily (lunch break) Scheduled Service Brightlingsea - Point Clear - Brightlingsea On demand except when the ferry is crossing to East Mersea Brighlingsea - East Mersea - Brightlingsea Three scheduled crossing each day although additional crossings will be provided when possible Scheduled departures from Brightlingsea at 11- 13.30 - 1600 Scheduled departures from East Mersea at 11.15 - 13.45 and 1615 |
West Mersea Colchester Essex, CO5 8JD Telephone and Fax 01206 382128 E-mail: westmerseatc@aol.com Back to top |