Get ready to gamble

High Woods is to get a casino.

But the gambling will be for one night only and will not be for money.

The go-ahead for an evening of betting was given by St John's and High Woods Community Association and it is hoped the unusual event on October 9 at the community centre will attract a big crowd.

A company from Mersea Island which specialises in casino nights will move into the community centre and games such as black jack and roulette will be set up with croupiers provided.

Punters will not be playing for cash but for prizes and the first prize will be a £300 weekend cruise for two to France.

Association chairman Cyril Coppin said there would be many other prizes and he hoped as many people as possible would support the unique evening.

Care adviser

For the first time, a care adviser will be working at the Bluebell Centre at High Woods.

Ann Oughton will take referrals from GPs at the Mill Road surgery, from health visitors and from community nurses to help anyone who has problems with benefits.

Makeover

The upstairs room at St John's Church has been given a makeover.

The room is used by the group Revel8n - for those aged between 15 and 18. Money to buy items was raised through a well supported car wash.

The group meets on Thursday nights from 8pm to 10pm.

Boot sale

Car boot sales are the backbone of fundraising for St John's and High Woods Community Association and the next one will be held at the community centre on July 24.

Important meeting

Residents on St John's estate are being given several weeks prior notice of an important meeting.

As many people as possible are being encouraged to turn up for the meeting organised by the residents' association at St John's Church on September 27.

The association wants householders to have their say in the way the estate is run.

Flip needed

A flip chart stand is needed by St John's Church. Contact Rita Johnson on 01206 843232 if you can help.

What's on 2000?

What would you like to see organised as a millennium event next summer?

Write or telephone your suggestions to St John's and High Woods Community Centre where members of the committee and centre manager Julie Baker would love to hear from you.

The centre number is 01206 853111.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.