Nelmes Home Page

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 :

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.

Villages Information
a guide to local amenities and services.
Places to Go, Things to See
some suggestions for 'time out' just south and west of Colchester.
Colchester
a brief (and very rough) guide
Local Links
links to a selection of local websites.

The Layer Churches

C of E logo

Our 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.

2009/10 Recycling Collection Calendar
- for Birch

The 2010/11 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.

Disclaimer

Contact

Page updated: 14 MAR 2009