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 (Secretary) Tel: 331481
Jimmy Bancroft (Treasurer) Tel: 330067
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
TVCA Summer Fete on 28th August
Our Summer Fete in the meadow behind The Hare & Hounds at Layer Breton attracted a good crowd of people.
Photo courtesy of Geoff Russell Grant.
The weather forecast threatened 'showers' but thankfully the worst of the rain held off until after we had finished. Colchester United's mascot, Eddie the Eagle, opened the fete. As well as the various stalls we had a tank, a police car, and dancing displays. The youngsters had great fun sounding the police car's siren and climbing on and in the tracked armoured vehicle.
Photo courtesy of Geoff Russell Grant.
It is estimated the fete made a profit of around £1,200 - final figures and an analysis will follow in due course. A big thank you to all who worked so hard to make the event a great success.
Colchester United's mascot, Eddie the Eagle, takes a carriage ride.
TVCA Family Ramble on 18th July
Perfect weather and perfect company.
Sue Smith, TVCA's Secretary, writes: What a lovely morning for a ramble. 25 adults and children enjoyed the sunshine and our beautiful countryside, whilst walking roughly 5 miles around the footpaths of Birch. A few went the distance and strolled up to the TVCA bench for a photo opportunity.
At the TVCA bench.
The rest went to order the drinks at the Hare and Hounds! A picnic on the Heath, and those much needed drinks, ended a wonderful day. Thanks to all who attended.
The full complement of our ramblers.
Forthcoming Events
Wednesday 8th September 2010
7-30pm TVCA Meeting
at The Hare & Hounds, Layer Breton.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Sunday 12th September 2010
1-00pm Family Picnic & Games
at Cudmore Grove, East Mersea.
Friday 24th September 2010
am Macmillan Coffee Morning
at Birch Memorial Hall.
Time to be confirmed. To raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
7-30 for 8-00pm Bingo Night
at Birch Memorial Hall.
Admission £1. 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.
Wednesday 6th October 2010
7-30pm TVCA Meeting
at The Hare & Hounds, Layer Breton.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Friday 15th October 2010
7-30 for 8-00pm Casino Night
at Birch Memorial Hall.
Admission: £15 to include food and gaming chips. Dress: smart casual.
Friday 29th October 2010
7-30 for 8-00pm Bingo Night
at Birch Memorial Hall.
Admission £1. 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.
Friday 26th November 2010
7-30 for 8-00pm Bingo Night
at Birch Memorial Hall.
Admission £1. 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.
Sunday 19th December 2010
Children's Christmas Bingo
at Birch Memorial Hall.
More details in due course.
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.