What’s on in Wicken
WICKEN NEWS AND EVENTS – JULY 2026
Wicken News and Events is compiled by C. Entwisle, Clerk/Chair of the Parish Meeting, Wicken Bonhunt. If you wish to comment on any of the contents or would like additional information please contact, Claire Entwisle 
entwisleclaire@gmail.com Tel 07519878458
Digital copy, as always, is available on the Wicken Bonhunt Community Centre Facebook Page. With Pictures! Events unless otherwise stated take place in Wicken Bonhunt Community Centre, St. Margaret’s church, Wicken Bonhunt. CB113UG All Welcome!!
COMMUNITY CENTRE (WBCC)–To book the centre or check events. Go to https://hallbookingonline.com/wickenbonhunt, alternatively, email bookingswbcc@gmail.com or speak directly to a committee member who can make the booking for you.
NEWS FROM THE WBCC COMMITTEE- I am sure you have been wondering how well our solar panels have been doing! “The array came on line mid 2024. Taking the previous year (2023) as a baseline, we saw a 22% decrease in energy costs in 2024 (even though the installation was completed at the mid point of the year). In the first complete year of operation we saw a 33% decrease and we predict this will continue for 2026. We have also experienced an overall increase in the use of the community centre. So it is win win for the WICKEN BONHUNT residents”
We continue to pursue an agreement with the church authorities to secure the future of the community centre. A draft of the partnership agreement has been finalised and is now with the ecclesiastical legal team.
SUSTAINABLE UTTLESFORD- Wild flowers are often neglected. The verge on the right hand side, as you enter Wicken Bonhunt from Newport is ‘a protected verge’. This small area of species rich ‘chalk’ grassland has a good variety of specialist flowering plants, including the rare CRESTED COW WHEAT. You can also see BEE and PURPLE SPOTTED ORCHIDS, SULPHUR CLOVER and the diminutive COWSLIPS. IF you do decide to have a look at this area. PLEASE TAKE CARE and beware of vehicles.
Why not sign up the ESSEX BIOBLTZE. This is a great way to see what other ‘botanists’ have seen in your local area and help citizen science. The Essex BioBlitz | Essex Wildlife Trust.
PARISH MEETING- Essex Highways have agreed to the installation of vehicle activated speed signs in Wicken Bonhunt, however, they have provided no time line. We will keep pushing…. A meeting of the parish committee was held on the 11th of June. The annual 2024-25 accounts were approved signed off prior to submission. A copy will be posted on the village notice board and the website. wickenbonhunt.org.uk
Other Business: Annual village litter pick and The village meeting DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED. Promotion of the village website (and updates), community centre WiFi contract renewal.
WICKEN LADIES- WICKEN FAIR FROM THE COMMITTEE
“A huge thank you to everyone who helped out at or came along to support the Summer Fair last Sunday. The sun shone on us and the afternoon raised an amazing £1900 which will be used for the benefit of the village, its residence and the Wicken Bonhunt Community Centre. So thank you all for your generosity and support.
With the funds raised up until now we have been able to contribute to the Toddler Group Christmas Party and give a donation to the Addenbrookes Cancer Treatment Centre. We now plan to help with equipment for the Bowls Club, support the renovation of the village notice boards, purchase a projector and screen for village use and fund an outside tap and water butt for the Community Centre”.
Not to be outdone, WICKEN MEN meet first Thursday of the month in The Coach and Horses, Ananta, for a pint and a chat. All welcome.
A GOOD READ-JUNE Our next book selection, set locally, will be Murder at the Book Club by Betsy Reavley. There were other really interesting suggestions. Cousins by Sally Vickers, Cambridge Blue by Alison Bruce, Case Histories by Kate Atkinson, An Elegant Solution by Anne Atkins, Station 43 by Ian Valentine. Looking forward to hearing your feedback.
BOWLS CLUB- 9th JULY 7:30 just come along and give it a try.
BREAKFAST CLUB- Saturday 4th JULY 10:00 till 12:00 Come and exchange views and find out the latest news from the village.
LINE DANCING CLASS- Every Wednesday 17:30 to 18:30, a fun dance class for all ages, no experience needed…. ‘Helen is a really accomplished teacher, she keeps the music current and has endless patience’ ALL WELCOME.
SALSA CLASS- Tuesday from 6:30 pm. Contact Helga 07988124290 First session is free,. Just come along and give it a try. Helga has great enthusiasm and passion for Latin American dance. Great for keeping fit and much more fun than going to the gym. £7.00/session.
WICKEN BABIES AND TODDLERS GROUP- Sadly we are taking a break. Thank you to Sarah for running the club for two busy years. We hope you have a good summer…and you and Ben are successful in your new ventures. I am going to miss all the tiny people.
100 CLUB DRAW Congratulations to Peter Murray and Georgia Dudley winners of the June 100 club draw.
TEA AND CHAT- JULY 16th in Wicken Church/Community Centre at 2pm. There will be tea and cake. All welcome for a jolly afternoon. Just turn up.
ART GROUP- The art group meet every Wednesday morning from 10am to noon. please contact viv.mclennan@gmail.com.
WICKEN GAMES NIGHT - Come and join in the fun and games - playing cards, board games, word games, £2.50 each. Get on the mailing list for dates and to confirm location. anthonycarolyn@outlook.com
GONG BATH MEDITATION- WEDS 8th JULY 18:30 till 22:00 Please email to book melanie.nadler@outlook.com
CHAIR YOGA AND YOGA- 9:30-10:30 Friday Weekly Jenny yogawithjenny1@gmail.com