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Welcome to this website which has a strong local flavour. It focuses on the villages of Birch, Layer Breton, Layer Marney and Layer de la Haye just to the south of Colchester in Essex (UK), the surrounding rural area which has much of interest to offer, and the historic town of Colchester itself.

Below are brief details of what you can find here, including a link to my Paxman History Pages which have moved to a new domain.

Residential Development in Birch
and the future of Birch Church

A property development company has put forward proposals for converting St Peter's Church into six residential units and for two further residential developments in Birch. Although the developer had been engaged on this project for at least two or three years beforehand, the village was kept in the dark about it until mid-May 2006.

To advertise to Birch residents the developers' proposals, to highlight the issues raised, and to encourage local residents to express their views, the Birch Church section of this website was created. Although things might appear to have gone quiet, we continue to monitor the situation closely and are ready to vigorously oppose any application for planning permission for this unwelcome and inappropriate development.
Local Amenities, Services, and Places of Interest
in Birch, Layer Breton, Layer Marney, Layer de la Haye and the surrounding area. Some of it may be helpful to those moving into the locality, some of it to visitors, and some perhaps to long-established residents. 		The Layer Churches

C of E logoOur villages come within
The United Benefice of
Layer de la Haye,
Layer Breton with Birch,
and Layer Marney.

The Churches section of this site is the parishes' website. Here you will find details of our three churches, their locations and histories, our services of worship, forthcoming events and so on.
2008/09 Recycling Collection Calendar
- for Birch

 The 2008/09 Recycling Calendar has been distributed with Council Tax demands. If you have not received a copy, or have mislaid it, visit our page giving key details for Birch and other local villages. 		Domestic Heating Oil

 Most of our area is without mains gas so many of us rely on oil central heating. Oil prices are constantly fluctuating and there are significant variations in the prices quoted by different suppliers. See our tips on Getting a Good Deal.
The page includes tips and information for anyone new to an oil-fired heating system.
Paxman History Pages

If engineering interests you, particularly steam engines, large diesel engines and local industrial history, do have a look at my Paxman History Pages which can now be found at www.paxmanhistory.org.uk.

 Paxman was founded in Colchester in 1865 and has a long history of innovative engineering. The Paxman History Pages provide the most comprehensive coverage of the Company's history to be found anywhere on the internet.		 Creating Your Own Website

 Thinking about building your own website? Here are two pages I have put together with advice, tips, and encouragement for those with no previous experience.
  • Web Page Do-It-Yourself
    Among other things here are recommendations on useful free software available on the internet and a couple of books to get you started.

  • Web Page Design
    A few basic design considerations for the beginner.

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Page updated: 29 MAR 2008