WELCOME

The population of the parish of Great Bentley as measured in the 2001 census was 2,259.
Apart from the village itself the Parish is made up of, a hamlet known as Aingers Green, Holly Bush Hill and part of Flag Hill
Great Bentley’s closest neighbours are the villages of Frating, Thorrington, St. Osyth, Little Bentley, and Weeley.

The village is very proud of the title that it achieved in the year 2000 by being awarded: -

Great Britain Village of the Year

What facilities are there in Great Bentley
• A railway station with a local service between Clacton and Colchester
• A Primary School
• St Mary’s Church of England Church and Methodist Church
• Village Hall – for Hall Hire please contact Shelley Pizzey, 01206 252385
• Local Shops – Farm Shops – Garage - Post Office and Public Houses
• The Plough Road Industrial Centre
• Doctors Surgery and Pharmacy
• Allotments
• Community Resource Centre

The Village Green

Great Bentley is probably best known for, what is reputedly the largest Village Green in England, with approximately 43 acres.

The Village Green was purchased by the Parish Council on behalf of the residents of the Great Bentley in 1965 from the then Lord of the Manor.

The Village Green comes under Common Lands Acts, where restrictions apply to its use and byelaws are also in place.

Events held on the Village Green

The Carnival takes place each year on the last Saturday in June, which also includes Stocks Fair.
This still proves to be a popular event within the village.

The Great Bentley Village Show is also another popular annual attraction.
This show is held on the Saturday that follows the August Bank Holiday Monday.
Part of the show is held in a marquee for the flower, vegetable, cookery, art and craft exhibits.
There are many stalls outside the marquee plus a Dog Show.

The Village has its own Football club and Cricket Club with their respective matches played on the green throughout the season.

I hope this gives you a taste to find out more about Great Bentley and hopefully even more information will be made available to you as the web site begins to build.

The Great Bentley Good Neighbours is available for you to read on the site, which contains all the organisations and groups within the village and their contacts.

Lynda McWilliams