Three Villages Community Association (TVCA)
(Please note that the TVCA is a voluntary association totally independent of Birch Parish Council which is not responsible for its activities – see the website Disclaimer.)
Who we are and what we do
The Association is a group of people who arrange community activities in the three villages of Birch, Layer Breton and Layer Marney. Social events are organised with the aims of bringing local people together for enjoyment and fun, to foster a greater sense of community in our villages and to raise funds to enhance local facilities for people of all ages living in our catchment area.
All the activities of the Association are organised and run by a group of unpaid volunteers. Everyone living in our villages is warmly invited to attend and join in our events. We also welcome any who would like to help - there are various ways in which you can assist - even basic tasks like setting up or clearing away things in the Hall, cooking, washing up, gardening and litter picking. If you would like to know more, or to offer your services, please contact any of the following:
Sue Smith (Chair & Secretary) Tel: 331481
Carol Ninnim (Treasurer) Tel: 331477
Elaine Bowtle Tel: 330388
John Harrison at Birch Gallery, Pudding Green. Tel: 331363
Information about TVCA events is regularly published in Parish News which is delivered each month to every house in our three villages.
News
Carol Singing around Birch - Saturday 10th December.
Sue Smith, TVCA Chairperson, thanks all those who turned out on a cold winter's evening to raise funds for the Children's Ward at Colchester General Hospital. She says we had an enjoyable evening carol singing around the village and raised £171-66. Thank you to everyone who donated and stood in their doorways supporting the singers.
Many thanks also to John and Sue Harrison, of Birch Gallery and Tea Room, for supplying drinks and nibbles to set the singers on their merry way.
Horse Racing Evening - October 28th.
Over fifty people attended the TVCA's Horse Racing Evening held on Friday 28th October in Birch Memorial Hall. The event raised the sum of £168 for TVCA funds. Thanks to all those who attended and especially to those who helped with the organisation and arrangements.
Forthcoming Events
Friday 10th February 2012
Another Evening of Magic with Michael J Fitch
at Birch Memorial Hall.
By popular demand, the TVCA has arranged for Michael Fitch to return with more of his amazing magic. Tickets: Adults £15; Children under 12 £5; 12 to 15 years old £10. There will be a maximum of only 80 tickets and they will sell quickly. Tickets on sale from 1st December at Birch Gallery & Tea Room (Tel: 331363) or from the TVCA Secretary (Tel: 331481). On the night bring your own drinks and 'nibbles'.
Friday 30th March 2012
7-30 for 8-00pm Bingo Evening
at Birch Memorial Hall.
Admission £1-00. Cards £5 per strip of 6 for 5 games. Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Players must be aged 16 or over. For more information telephone 331481.
Monday 4th June 2012
Queen's Jubilee Street Party
outside the Hare & Hounds, Layer Breton.
Further details will be posted here and in 'Parish News' nearer the time of this event.
Saturday 25th August 2012
TVCA Family Fete
to be held in the paddock of the Hare & Hounds, Layer Breton.
Further details will be posted here and in 'Parish News' nearer the time of this event.
Record of Donations
The TVCA, to date, has donated a total of £12,473* to village organisations and groups and to outside charities. Details of donations are as follows:
| Birch Memorial Hall | * £2,566 |
| Birch Play Area | * £7,395 |
| Tsunami Disaster | £300 |
| Birch School P.A.F.A. | £1,000 |
| Senior Citizens | £216 |
| Birch Parent & Toddler Group | £1,145 |
| Macmillan Cancer Support | £15 |
| Cancer Research | £150 |
| Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (via "Short People") | £300 |
| Motor Neuron Disease Association | £90 |
| Layer Breton Notice Board | £39 |
| Footpaths/Recreation | £245 |
| Children's Parties, etc. | £74 |
| Colchester Hospital's Children's Heart Scanner Appeal | £140 |
| Disasters Emergency Committee's Haiti Appeal | £139 |
| TOTAL TO DATE | £13,814 |
* including grants.