Colne febmar2014 issuu by Sarah Banks

The

Free

Feb/March 14 Issue 56

connection magazine ‘�me for a Cuppa’

Support the charity Dementia UK and organise a tea party!

Recipes Book Reviews Gardening with Pippa Greenwood

Puzzles

60 Local events...

Opera, music, art workshops, Spring fairs, chocolate making, farmers markets and lots more! www.facebook.com/TheConnectionMagazineColchester www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

Reaching the heart of the local community Feb-March 14.indd 1

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Situated in beautiful orchards on the Suffolk/Essex border, Pippins’ bright and clean purpose-built Baby Pippins offers outstanding care, play and learning for babies and children

children’s nursery come and see us! call Lynne on 01787 228 567

Pippins children enjoy: l caring, experienced, qualified staff with a high staff to child ratio l welcoming, spacious environment designed with an abundance of natural light l beautifully crafted equipment to encourage play, learning and independence l freshly prepared, homemade meals, tasty and healthy! l purpose-built BABY PIPPINS, for babies from 3 months old l pre school Montessori learning ethos l additional cooking, yoga, dance, french and swimming sessions l optional weekly emailed reports on your child’s development l OFSTED ‘outstanding’, Montessori accredited.

Pippins, White’s Farm, Bures Road, White Colne, Colchester CO6 2QF office@pippinsnursery.co.uk www.pippinsnursery.co.uk

the baby nursery Please call Lynn on 01787 228 567

Hello

Inside

Welcome to the February/March issue! We have had lots of entries sent to us for this edition and we have a few new advertisers too - which is a great start for 2014. If you are in the mood for a tea party, why not invite some friends round and organise a fundraising event for Dementia UK . In March they are having a real push to raise funds for their Admiral Nurse Service. Anyone who has a loved one who suffers from dementia will appreciate what a worthwhile cause this is. Take a look at page 19 and see how you can help. As we are approaching Spring and soon to be departing the doldrums of Winter maybe you would like to try your hand at a new skill. Take a look in the What’s On pages as there are all sorts to inspire us. We have photography, felt making, flower arranging and even yoga. It’s so nice at this time of year when the weather is cold and miserable we start to receive emails telling us about the Spring events coming through - it feels like there’s literally light at the end of the tunnel! There’s the Spring Flower Show in Nayland and the Spring Food and Home Fair at Cressing Temple Barns. There’s also a feature on how to encourage nesting birds in your garden so you could have a chorus of birdsong to help welcome in the new season.

8 - Finance 10 and 16 - Recipes 13 - 14 - What’s On 22 - 24 - What’s On 18 - Notice Board 26 - Book Reviews 28 - Gardening 30 - Country Mutters 32 - Crossword 34 - Walk 35 - Doodle Day 36 - Codeword 38 - Sudoku 42 - Spot the difference 44 - Useful Numbers 46 - Index of Advertisers

Sarah

Editor and Publisher: Sarah Banks Editorial Assistant: Amanda Findley Contributors: Amanda Findley, Derek Keeble,Pippa Greenwood and Solange Hando. Advertising and Editorial: 01787 210701 / 07527 489847 Email: editor@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk Address: Applegarth, Whitestreet Green, Boxford, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 5JL

Please get in touch if you want to advertise your business. Call me on:

01787 210701 or email:

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical , photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior permission of the publisher.

editor@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

£25 cash sudoku winner - Sally Dickens from Kelvedon.

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Next issue: April/May 2014 Publication date 27th March

Advertise from £25 plus VAT

Competition winners

Deadline date forwww.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk new advertisers and Delivered to over 20 villages. See map on page 46. What’s On entries :13th March 2014 Feb-March 14.indd 3

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Wakes Colne, CO6 2DY

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Escape to the tranquillity of Wakes Hall Lodges located in an idyllic secluded position in the undulating countryside of the Colne Valley approached by a private estate road. Each lodge is designed to create a passive house that requires little energy for space heating or cooling in the ‘New England’ style. They are available with one bedroom or two bedrooms, fully equipped with Wi Fi for internet browsing, smart TVs, Bluetooth and Soundlink systems. The kitchens are completed with granite worktops and pale Canadian furniture. The beds benefit from 4,000 pocketed springs and each bedroom has an en suite wet room, bath and walk-in shower. The objective is to create a luxurious environment more comfortable than

being at home. Each lodge has its own veranda and private hot tub enjoying views over beautiful open countryside. The lodges are ideally suited for luxurious short breaks. Staying when visiting friends and family in the area, exploring the countryside and amenities of north Essex. Prices for a 1 Bedroom Lodge 3/4 day break start from £335 and a 2 Bedroom Lodge 3/4 day break from £425. 4 night break midweek Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 3 night weekend break Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Interested applicants are welcome to view before booking. For further information contact: 01206 563222 or visit www.wakeslodges.co.uk

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Finance All Change

By Jasmine Birtles, moneymagpie.com These days, many of us are unfaithful – to our service providers, at least; happily flitting between mobile service providers, internet providers, energy companies and insurers to get the best deal. Yet according to the Independent Commission on Banking, on average we only change bank accounts every 26 years. So why aren’t we all browsing comparison sites, checking out the best current accounts? Because we hate the hassle. How could we switch over all those outgoings and incomings? Say a direct debit gets ‘lost’ and we default on a bill? The Current Account Switch Guarantee Relax. Banks know it’s in their best interests to make it easy for you to swap your account to them; some even offer financial incentives. In September, seventeen banks joined the new Current Account Switch Guarantee scheme which should see your bank account transferred within seven days.

It means once you’ve chosen a new bank, they take responsibility for the switch (including settling missed direct debits, incurred charges etc and informing everyone concerned). Just choose a switch date (allowing seven working days), then relax as your new bank transfers your incoming payments, outgoing payments and balance, and then closes your old account. Payments

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via your old account are automatically re-directed for 13 months to cover once-a-year payments. You don’t need to do a thing. www.simplerworld.co.uk has full details of the Switch Guarantee and the banks and building societies signed up so far. What it doesn’t have is information or comparisons on available accounts. So where can you find them? www.moneysupermarket. com/current-accounts/ Use their handy dropdown filter menu or sidebar categories to search for accounts including ones with interest, overdrafts, cashback, or rewards - or from banks signed up to the 7 day Switch Guarantee. http://www. moneysavingexpert.com/ banking/compare-best-bankaccounts This site has detailed discussions and comparisons of the best buys in a number of categories, including the best ethical banks. http://www.which.co.uk/ money/bank-accounts/ reviews-ns/bank-accounts/ Which? also advises on best bank accounts if you’re always in credit or need overdrafts. Fee-charging accounts are listed separately, so it’s worth considering them alongside other options. Sometimes paying a fee can be the best option, so before you search always: THINK LONG AND HARD ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT FROM YOUR CURRENT ACCOUNT There’s a bewildering array

of account types these days. Some modern current accounts (often described as ‘Offset Mortgages’ rather than current accounts) work in tandem with your savings or mortgage, allowing you to shift money from one to the other – reducing interest payments on your mortgage in good times, and providing a cheap ‘loan’ to cover unexpected calamities like boiler breakdowns. Then there’s cashback, airmiles, points, rewards, special deals on savings and mortgages from the same provider, breakdown cover, travel insurance... so think about which deal saves you the most in real terms, and how you want to operate your account (online, post, branch or all three?). Some great deals can be found outside the Big Four (Lloyds Banking Group, Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland and HSBC), so keep an open mind. Clydesdale Bank and Nationwide both offer good interest rates if you pay in a minimum of £1000 per month. First Direct isn’t currently offering in-credit interest, but does offer financial incentives for switching and a high interest linked savings account, plus a small free overdraft facility. It’s also won both Money Saving Expert and Which? customer service polls. So why not take a look? These deals probably won’t be around in 26 years...

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What’s On

Cake and Bake Apricot and Apple Strudel

Layers of light and crispy filo pastry wrapped around a sweet fruit filling makes a delicious pud that tastes just as good warm as cold. Serve with tangy crème fraiche, thick Greek yogurt or vanilla custard

Ingredients:

Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas Mark 5. Peel, core and finely chop the apples and place in a bowl with the lemon zest, apricots, breadcrumbs, mixed spice and 3 tbsp of the Demerara sugar. Mix well.

Place 2 sheets of the filo pastry, slightly overlapping, on a large greased baking tray. Brush them liberally with some of the melted butter then arrange 2 more sheets on top. Brush with more butter and top with the last 2 sheets.

Spoon the apple mixture along one long pastry edge, leaving a 3cm border. Sprinkle over another 3 tbsp of Demerara sugar. Fold in the two short ends of the pastry then roll up loosely from one long side to enclose the filling, making sure the seal is underneath. Brush the pastry all over with any remaining melted butter and sprinkle over the rest of the Demerara sugar.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes or until the pastry is crisp and golden. Check after 25 minutes and cover loosely with foil if the pastry begins to go too brown. Serve warm or cold dusted with icing sugar.

• 2 large cooking apples • Finely grated zest of 1 lemon • 85g no-need-tosoak dried apricots, chopped • 50g fresh white breadcrumbs • 1 tsp ground mixed spice • 7 tbsp Demerara sugar • 6 large sheets filo pastry (approx 200g) • 50g unsalted butter, melted • Icing sugar, for dusting

Serves 4 - 6 10

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TIP

Adding breadcrumbs to the fruit mixture helps to soak up any juices and stop the pastry from becoming soggy. You can replace them with ground almonds, if liked.

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The Russian State Ballet and Opera House After a series of successful performances of Madame Butterfly and La Boheme in 2013, The Russian State Ballet and Opera House is back with another world-class Opera, Carmen - a powerful and passionate drama of love and rejection. The Russian State Ballet and Opera House is renowned across Europe for their faithful, intimate and powerful performances, and this new opera production will be no exception.They have been featured regularly in local and national media, including an appearance on BBC Television’s The One Show. Carmen is a perfect introduction to opera for the uninitiated as it is a good story with many memorable tunes and, for the opera-goers, this production will resonate with the particular energy delivered by the Company.

Carmen (Sung in French with English surtitles) By French composer, Georges Bizet, it is by far one of the most powerful, enjoyable and tuneful operas and has become one of the most popular. In four acts, it tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who is seduced by Carmen, a free spirited femme fatale. ‘The Toreador Song’ is among the best known of all operatic arias. The rich and colourful vigour of the gypsies’ scenes will have you on the edge of your seat, and the vibrancy, enthusiasm and intensity of the performance will reverberate long after the final curtain. The Russian State Ballet and Opera House will be coming to Colchester, Charter Hall on Friday 7 February 2014. . Do not delay in purchasing your ticket for the greatest opera, Carmen. Visit www.opera-tickets.co.uk

Advertise in the Connection* From

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£25

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What’s On General

Bookbuster Book Sale At St Helena School, Sheepen Rd, Colchester Saturday 22nd February 10.00am - 2.00pm Quality books at bargain prices, wide range of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books. Entry 50p, all proceeds to St Helena Hospice.

Spring Flower Show At Church Hall, Bear Street, Nayland CO6 4HY Saturday 22nd March. Visitors 10.00am, Exhibits 8.15am - 9.00am. Enjoy the displays of spring flowers and relax with refreshments. Cakes on sale & raffle. Free entry for visitors. More information and schedules from 01206 262807 or www. naylandhortsoc.org.uk

Coach trip to Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Wednesday 11th June Join Nayland & District HortSoc for a visit to this renowned garden venue. Coach leaving Nayland 8.45am. Cost for coach and entry is £29 - bookings now being taken. For more information please call Lorraine on 01206 262807 or visit www. naylandhortsoc.org.uk

Annual Beer Tasting At Colchester Town Hall Friday 7th February. Doors open 7.30pm for 8.00pm start Included in the ticket price are 4 beers from a selection provided by CAMRA and a four course meal. Proceeds in aid of

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the Mayor’s Charities. £30 per ticket, available from the Mayor’s Office, Town Hall, High Street. Cheques made payable to Mayor’s Charity Fund.

The Chocolate House - Easter Chocolate Demonstration by Chocolatier Sarah Knights At Whoop Tea Do, 90 High Street, Earls Colne, CO6 2QX Wednesday 2nd April 11.00am - 1.00pm Tickets £15 to include lunch at 1.00pm sandwich and a drink. Tickets available from Christine at Whoop Tea Do on 01787 224859.

Cressing Spring Food & Home Fair At Cressing Temple Barns, Nr. Witham CM77 8PD Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd March 10.00am - 4.00pm Set in the beautiful grounds and historic barns of Cressing Temple, the fair offers a range of food, home and craft stalls and cookery demonstrations. Admission: £5, concessions £4. For further details please visit www. oakleighfairs.co.uk.

Events at Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre

telescope? Come along to Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre and let our friendly Optics Team help and advise you. Our range of binoculars, telescopes, tripods and accessories is carefully selected for quality, price and value for money and will be on display so you can try before you buy. Mainly Opticron and Hawke. Special offers and secondhand available. All profits go to EWT to support our conservation work around the county.

Friday Funday Friday 21st February 10.30am - 2.00pm An event for all the family with lots of wildlife activities. Wildlife trails to follow, art and craft or pond dipping followed by an afternoon of woodland craft and marshmallow toasting. All ages welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Bring along a packed lunch. Advanced booking essential. £5 requested donation per child. To book please call 01206 738172 or email abberton@essexwt.org.uk

Music St. Botolph’s Music Society Gala Concert

At St. Botolph’s Church, At Abberton Reservoir Colchester CO2 7EE Visitor Centre, Saturday 15th Colchester, CO2 0EU February 7.30pm Optics Day Brahms Piano Concertos Sunday 2nd February 1 in D minor, op.15 and 2 10.00am - 4.00pm in B flat, op.83 performed by international pianists. Are you just starting out Tickets £12.50 available birdwatching and don’t from Mann’s Music, High know where to begin, Street, Colchester or by looking to upgrade those www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk calling St. Botolph’s Music old binoculars or thinking Society on 01206 577905. about getting your first

For further details see www.stbotolphs.org

Stour Border Country Music Club At Nayland Village Hall Sunday 23rd February 7.30pm - 10.30pm. Doors open 7.00pm Performance by‘Steely Grey Trio.’ Admission £5. No bar, please bring your own drinks. Tea, coffee and light refreshments available.

Colchester Organ Society At Alderman Blaxhill School, Paxman Avenue, Shrub End, Colchester On the first Friday of each month 7.45pm - 10.15pm February 7th Paul Howell and March 7th Nicholas Martin. Live keyboard concerts with music to suit all tastes featuring top musicians from around the country. £4 members, £6 non members. Refreshments and raffle. Free entry for two non members to a concert of your choice upon production of this advert. Contact Alan Pilgrim on 01787 269458 or email alanwpilgrim@tiscali. co.uk) for further details.

Nayland Choir Concert - The Sacred in Song At St James’s Church, Nayland Sunday 23rd March 7.00pm Spring concert featuring church music from a wide range of countries, and spanning around five

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What’s On hundred years. Music from England (by Henry Purcell and William Croft), France (Fauré), Italy (Monteverdi, Rossini), Germany (Bach, Reger) Austria (Mozart, Bruckner), Russia (Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov), Portugal (King John IV), Spain (Victoria) and even Liechtenstein (Rheinberger). Tickets £10, under 16’s free available on the door or in advance from Nayland Post Office (afternoons only) or call 01206 262655.

Productions at the Headgate Theatre, Colchester

Theatre Box Office on 01206 366000 or www. headgatetheatre.co.uk

Halstead and District Choral Society concert At St Francis of Assisi, RC Church, 90 Colchester Road, Halstead CO9 2EW Saturday 29th March 7.30pm Mozart’s Requiem with Buxtehude’s Magnificat, Arcadelt’s Ave Maria, Mozart’s Ave Verum and the Allegri Miserere. Musical Director Philip Prior. Tickets booked prior to performance are £10 available from Sue Bennett on 01787 478759 or £12 on the door. For further information our website address is: www. halsteadchoral.co.uk.

£3.50 per adult and £2 per child. You can now reserve your seat online at www.leavenheath.org. uk or please call Lesley 01206 262505 or Ken 01206 263266 for tickets. Saturday 1st February ‘Philomena’ (12A), the incredible true story of a mothers search for her son. Saturday 1st March ‘One Chance’ (12A). The story of Paul Potts, a shy, bullied shop assistant by day and an amateur opera singer by night who became a phenomenon after being chosen for and ultimately winning “Britain’s got Talent’’.

and Scarper, and his malcontent Soothsayer, who fails miserably in her attempts to foretell the future in her crystal ball. Tickets £7 and £5.50 concessions (no concessions on 8pm performance on Saturday 1st February). Tickets from the Box Office at The Master Butcher, High Street, Kelvedon, call 07742 532192 or online at www. kelvedonplayers.co.uk

Productions at the Headgate Theatre, Colchester

Wednesday 5th - Sunday 8th February 7.45pm An evening of song with Quattro Amici Kiss Me Like You Mean Drama and Friday 28th March It By Chris Chibnall 7.30pm A funny, touching and Dance Quattro Amici is an poignant play about The Russian At The Institute, exciting quartet of the nature of love State Ballet and High Street, classical vocalists covering and life presented Opera House Kelvedon a range of musical genres by Headgate Theatre perform ‘Carmen’ from opera, operetta, Kelvedon Players Productions. Tickets musical theatre and At Colchester present ‘The Pantomime £10, £8 concessions. classical crossover. This Charter Hall Adventures of Wednesday 5th recently formed quartet Robin Hood’ Friday 7th February - Saturday 8th consists of Natasha A powerful and passionate Friday 24th March 8.00pm Bennett (soprano), January 8.00pm, drama of love and Fiona Morris (mezzoWoyzeck By George Saturday 25th rejection featuring an soprano), Howard Brooks Büchner January 2.30 pm and impressive cast and (baritone) and Gerry 6.30 pm, Sunday 26th Headgate Theatre accompanied by a large Bremner (tenor). Tickets January 4.30 pm, Friday Productions present a rare live Orchestra with over 30 £10, £8 concessions. 31st January 8.00 musicians. For information opportunity to see one of The Webber Express! pm, Saturday 1st & tickets please visit www. the most influential plays – 40 Musical Years February 2.30 pm opera-tickets.co.uk. in the classic repertory of and 8.00pm Saturday 29th world theatre. Sacrificed to March 7.30pm Cinema A little different from the powers larger than himself, traditional pantomime Come and ride the Webber Leavenheath Village the story of the soldier titles, but with more than express for a one night Hall Digital Cinema Woyzeck is a powerful its fair share of mayhem only concert by Angie drama, dealing with adult At Leavenheath Village and merriment! Follow the Diggens Productions, themes, that still resonate Hall, Wrights Way, legendary Robin Hood, as celebrating the magical with a contemporary (signposted from he battles the evil Sheriff moments of Andrew audience. Tickets £10, the High Road) of Nottingham, to free Lloyd Webber’s musical £8 concessions. Doors open 7.00pm the land from tyranny. success. With songs from Robin is aided by his merry his most loved works, from for 7.30pm start. men: Little John, Friar Refreshments (wine, ‘Phantom of the Opera’ to Tuck, Alan a Dale, Much beer, soft drinks, tea and ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, it’s et al. The evil Sheriff is coffee) will be available a night not to be missed! 14£8, £7 concessions. Please mention The when by responding to adverts before the film Connection starts and Tickets hindered his hilariously during the interval. Tickets Tickets from the Headgate idiotic henchmen, Nickit

What’s On continued on page 22

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‘The Chocolate House Party’ for kids and ‘big kids’.

Learn how to make your own chocolates. I offer tailor made parties for all age groups. I come to you and take home all the mess! All you have to do is set the date!

Bespoke Artisan Chocolates for special occasions.

If you have a special event coming up, like a wedding or birthday I would love to hear from you.

Workshops and Demonstrations.

We offer workshops and demonstrations for guide or scout troups, WI meetings and groups of friends. Also, team building for work colleagues or those just looking for inspiration for an event such as a birthday or a hen party. Just give me a call or check the website for details on rates. Contact Sarah Knights on 07787 506846, sarah@thechocolatehouse.co.uk, www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk www.thechocolatehouse.co.uk Find me on Facebook; thechocolatehouse Feb-March 14.indd 15

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Red Onion Soup with Melting Gruyere Croutons Serves 4

Ready in 1 hour 30 minutes

After all the indulgence and expense of Christmas and the New Year, this hearty soup is the perfect antidote. Ideal for a warming winter lunch or supper it’s simple to make, tastes delicious and doesn’t cost a fortune. Ingredients: • 2 tbsp olive oil • 15g butter • 650g small red onions, peeled and thinly sliced • 2 tsp brown sugar • 1 tbsp flour • 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard • 1.2litres beef or vegetable stock • Few sprigs fresh thyme, plus extra to garnish • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 8 thin slices day old French bread • 75g Gruyere cheese, grated

Tip If you use stock made up from stock cubes taste the soup before adding any seasoning as some can be quite highly seasoned.

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Heat the oil and butter in a large, deep heavy-based saucepan until the butter is sizzling. Add all the sliced onions and cook very gently over a low heat for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Sprinkle over the sugar and cover and cook for a further 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and golden. Stir in the flour and half the mustard and cook for 1 minute, then gradually stir in the stock. Add the thyme sprigs, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper (see Tip) and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Lightly toast the slices of French bread on one side. Spread the untoasted sides with the rest of the mustard and top with the grated Gruyere cheese. Pop under a hot grill for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Ladle the soup into warmed bowls and top each with two hot Gruyere croutons. Serve immediately garnished with thyme sprigs.

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Nutri�on4Life

Do you wake up tired and drag yourself through the day? Do you feel low or melancholy for no real reason? Do you eat like a bird but still put on weight? Do you wonder if what you eat is making matters worse? If so it may be time to let a Nutritional Therapist take a look at your diet. Nutritional Therapy is the application of nutritional science in the promotion of optimal health and peak performance. It aims to identify nutritional and lifestyle imbalances that may be contributing to ill health and it seeks to readdress those imbalances. In a three meeting process over a period of 3-4 months your Nutritional Therapist will make a personalized assessment of the contributing factors that may be affecting your health and will provide recommendations and advice as to changes that you can make. There are no harsh regimes or diets; you will be offered practical support with menus, shopping lists and recipes. A supplement programme exactly tailored to you may be recommended so there will be no more money spent on expensive products that just sit in the cupboard. Glynis Parker, who practises from the Bodyworks Chiropractic Clinic in Wakes Colne, qualified as a Nutritional Therapist with the British College of Nutrition and Health. She is a member of BANT and you can view her professional credentials on their website (www.bant.org.uk).

Do you suﬀer from a debilita�ng condi�on? Are you constantly �red & run down? Do you wonder if your diet & lifestyle is making it worse? Take control of your life. Personalized nutri�on planning for op�mum health.

Nutri�on4Life for a free ini�al consulta�on please call Glynis Parker Dip BCNH Nutri�on

01206 241762 and 07754 758961

Mind Designs with Leonora Brooker

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Podiatrist Podiatry & Chiropody Biomechanical gait analysis Custom made orthotics

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Hypnotherapy, NLP, Life Coaching, Counselling, Psychotherapy Helping with Anxiety, Phobias, Stress, Weight Loss, Smoking, Conﬁdence and so much more Tel: 01206 683069 leonora@minddesigns.co.uk www.minddesigns.co.uk

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Notice Board Kelvedon Women’s Institute

Meetings held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Kelvedon Institute (except August) from 8.00pm – 10.00pm, doors open from 7.30pm. We also have a number of sub-groups available to our members ranging from art, craft, cycling, walking and lunch groups. We also organise various trips and outings. Visitors and new members are always welcome. For further information visit www. kelvedonwi.org.uk, follow us on Twitter @Kelvedon_WI, email contact@kelvedonwi.org.uk or call Joanna Puczkowski on 07855 369516.

Colchester and District Fuchsia Society

We meet on the first Thursday of each month at 7.30 pm at the Tollgate Hall, behind the Stanway Village Hall, Villa Rd, Stanway. We have a variety of talks planned for the new year including ‘Looking for plants in South Africa’, by Eddie Harris on 6th February and ‘Garden Birds: Incoming and Outgoing’ on 6th March. Everyone is welcome and if you would like to join our Society it costs just £7 for a single membership and £12 for a couple. We have free refreshments plus a regular monthly raffle. From February onwards we will precede the meeting with 15 minutes of help on growing fuchsias for beginners and regular members alike. For more information please call Colin on 07952 298140 or our Secretary on 01376 322230.

Essex and Suffolk IVC

At The Woolpack, Church Street, Coggeshall CO6 1UB. IVC is a social club for singles and couples. It’s not for profit and the events

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are varied. The local Club Night is at this lovely old 15th century pub and we meet here on the 1st Tuesday of every month from 7:30 onwards. If you are interested just turn up, we are trained to recognise strangers or preferably call Brad for a chat about the club on 07587 004207, especially if you would like to book to eat !

West Bergholt Concert Band

The successful joint Christmas concert with the Cavender Singers at the West Cliff Theatre, Clacton raised over £1,200 for St Helena Hospice. A near capacity audience was treated to lively and hugely enjoyable performances ranging from Frosty the Snowman and White Christmas to the beautiful Merry Christmas Darling and energetic Rockin Robin. also traditional carols with audience participation. As if this wasn’t enough to kick start festivities, the gorgeous arrangements of traditional carols were sung with perfection by Kathryn Cavender and her superbly skilled associates.The grand finale, Irving Berlin’s Christmas, which featured both the Band and the Singers performing those songs which will forever be associated with this time of year including Happy Holidays, Snow and the aforementioned, White Christmas, was a fitting end to what one gentleman described as “the most enjoyable Christmas concert he’d been to in many, many years.” Please see www.WBCB.org/events for more details about all future concerts.

Aldham Village Hall Rebuilding Update

Despite the weather conditions experienced lately, rebuilding work is forging ahead, in spite of setbacks. Firstly it was discovered that over a number of years, water had penetrated the flat roof area, causing rot in a number of the roof rafters. This entailed new rafters, the ceiling over the kitchen to be removed and replacement of the electrical wiring before the new roof trusses could be installed. This has now increased the cost of the rebuilding by nearly £12,000 over the original sum. We are now approaching other organisations to try to obtain further grants to cover this additional expense, and we will probably have to continue with fund raising into the far distant future. Our second hiccup occurred during the night of 17th/18th December, when the high gusting winds took off the roof tarpaulins over the kitchen, meeting room and toilets allowing the torrential rain to cascade in, so we then had lots of water damage to carpets, furniture, units and ceilings. Hopefully the insurance will cover the damage. As we hope to refurbish the toilets and kitchen whilst the new build is taking place, and taking into account the schedule delay, we are now hoping to be up and running by the beginning of March. Anne Fulcher - Aldham Village Hall Fund Raising. ub

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16/1/14 11:57:40

Will you make Time for a Cuppa?

Join Dementia UK from 1st – 8th March 2014 and make Time for a Cuppa. We’re asking people around the UK to pop their kettles on and invite their (tea) drinking buddies round for a cuppa and a cake to raise funds for more vital Admiral Nurse services. Dementia UK is a national charity committed to improving quality of life for all people affected by dementia. We support Admiral Nurses who provide unique practical and emotional support to thousands of family carers.They are highly specialist mental health nurses who use a range of interventions that help people live positively with the condition and develop skills to improve communication and maintain relationships.To continue providing this lifeline, we need more Admiral Nurses. Getting involved is easy. We’ll send you a free fundraising pack with invites, posters and party games, then all you have to do is get your friends over and ply them with lovely tea and cakes in exchange for a donation to Dementia UK . We’re always excited to hear your tea-party ideas and will be happy to help you register if you call 0845 257 3320 or visit our website www.timeforacuppa.org/register. In the UK there is just a 1 in 7000 chance of families affected by dementia having access to an Admiral Nurse Service. Many more families need our help, so we need yours. Lucy Roberts, Communications Officer, Dementia UK, Second Floor, Resource for London 356 Holloway Road, London N7 6PA e: lucy.roberts@dementiauk.org t: 020 7697 4177 w: http://www.dementiauk.org t: http://www.twitter.com/dementiauk We need your help to develop Admiral Nursing. Please support Dementia UK with a donation. Wormingford Community Education Centre will be holding a Time for a Cuppa coffee morning on Monday 3rd March 9.30 - 12.00. All welcome to drop in, share a cuppa and a slice of delicious home made cake in return for a donation. All proceeds will go to support Dementia UK.

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Kula Life Yoga

Kula Life Studio, Easthorpe Colchester CO5 9HD

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16/1/14 11:57:47

Open Class PRB

Vinyasa Flow PRB

Yoga Level 1 DRI

Cross Train DRI

Wednesday

07720 285 660

PRB = Pre Book

Foundations Class DRI

Tuesday

Gentle Flow DRI

Vinyasa foundations PRB

Thursday

Kula Class (donation only)

Saturday

@KulaLifeYoga

www.facebook.com/KulaLifeYoga

tory@kulalifeyoga.com

Open Class DRI

Friday

An introduction to yoga. Building a strong foundation to support beginners and those wishing to refresh their practise. An energetic and dynamic class linking movement and breath. An introduction to the Vinyasa form of Hatha yoga, great for those new to the style. A powerful hatha yoga class exploring a specific theme through the use of breath, flow and alignment. Accessible for all. Tight hammies, hips or shoulders? A therapeutic class to serve our athletes, runners, cyclist and triathletes, but great for everyone. Gentle restoration for mind and body through breath and posture - deep relaxation. Donation only class aimed at introducing people to yoga and building a energetic and vibrant Kula (yoga community) - all welcome.

Monday

DRI = Drop in class

8.00pm

7.00pm

6.00pm

10.00am

9.30am

9.00am

Start

Gentle Flow Kula Class

Cross Train Yoga

Foundations Vinyasa Flow Vinyasa Foundations Open Class

Class Description

Why Yoga?

Kula Life Yoga

Tory Miell,200hr Certiﬁed Hatha Yoga teacher and Sam Haylett MSc.,PhD., Practicing Integrative Psychotherapist and Yoga Teacher; from Kula life Studios share their thoughts and experiences on Yoga.

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Tory: I went to my first

yoga class a few months after giving birth to twins. I was so far from having any fitness or even a regular structure in my life a friend recommended I try it as a first step. I didn’t imagine what a powerful step it would turn out to be. After the first class I felt stronger, lighter, even taller. A couple more classes and I started to sleep better (5 month old twins allowing) and started to be more mindful and attentive in the choices I made for myself. Five years on and I’m fitter and stronger than I have ever been, I have less stress and anxiety and I’m five stone lighter. I see yoga as a gateway to happier and healthier way of living.

Sam: The physical benefits of Yoga are well

20e%peeol fafcfials

documented, with improved fitness and decreased stress levels often being reported. However, as a practicing integrative psychotherapist and yoga teacher what has really captivated me is the capacity that Yoga has to bring about reflection and to provide space for profound personal growth. I lead a Vinyasa (flow) yoga practice which offers welcome sanctuary in increasingly busy lifestyles. The flow of beautiful asana (movements) work in combination with mindfulness and breathwork to bring about a sense of calm and emotional ease, so the body can relax while the minds stills. I aim to offer all my students a moment in their busy week where they can pause and re-connect with their centre. I like to work in collaboration with my students and there are options to work in a group yoga practice, in small groups or one to one. I also offer a bespoke programme of Yoga Therapy to bring relief to a wide range of issues such as anxiety and depression.

enzym ction of this with produ t adver Available until 31st March 2014 ��

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The Studio, Brickstables House Halstead Road, Colchester, CO3 0JU www.alisonbyrne.co.uk • info@alisonbyrne.co.uk

Tel: 01206 564885

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What’s On Tile 01206 241712 www. - Can’t stop drawing? Join Blue Popcorn Wednesday 19th Join our artist to try out thetrebletile.co.uk Saturday 22nd March Photography Club for a new techniques. Crafty 7.45pm and Saturday fun day of photography Things for Thursdays - Sew Creative! matinee at 2.30pm especially for any budding Have fun developing your young photographers Accrington Pals by Children crafting skills, including out there. No experience Peter Whelan Events at Firstsite experimenting with necessary, just bring Colchester Theatre Group colour and fabric. Led by yourself, a packed lunch At Firstsite, Colchester present an epic tale of Colchester Embroiderers and a digital camera. CO1 1JH the First World War and Guild. £2 per session. £25 donation requested Dollop: Creative its impact on the home per child. Please call For further details please Play for Under 2’s front, told through the 01206 738172 to book call 01206 577067, email lives of ten powerful Every Thursday your place or to find out info@firstsite.uk.net or characters. Contains 11.30am - 12.15pm more information. visit www.firstsite.uk.net one scene with male Creative fun for children nudity. Tickets £10, £8. Sunday Kids Club Talks and and their parents/carers. Tickets from the Headgate At Sudbury Library, Find a mixture of everyday Workshops Theatre Box Office on Market Hill, Sudbury and unusual materials 01206 366000 or www. Talks at the and intriguing sensory Sundays 10.30am headgatetheatre.co.uk Kelvedon Women’s activities for you and your - 12.00 noon Institute Meeting children to experiment The Orpen Players Children of all ages are with. £4 per child. of West Bergholt At Kelvedon Institute, welcome for craft & present‘Cinderella’ Kelvedon storytelling activities held Squidge: Creative every Sunday. February’s At The Orpen Memorial Play for Pre8.00pm - 10.00pm theme is Horrible Science. Hall, West Bergholt (doors open 7.30pm) School Children For further information Friday 31st January Talks with refreshments Every Thursday contact Sudbury library 8.00pm, Saturday 1st and delicious homemade 10.00am - 11.00am on 01787 296000. 2.00pm and 8.00pm, cakes. Visitors and new Weekly sessions of creative Friday 7th 8.00pm and Socks Rock! members welcome. For fun for children and their Saturday 8th February Crazy creature further information visit parents/carers. Find a 2.00pm and 8.00pm. sock puppets www.kelvedonwi.org.uk or mixture of everyday Doors open 30 minutes contact Joanna Puczkowski At the Natural History and unusual materials before performance. on 07855 369516. You Museum, Colchester and intriguing sensory With a brand new script can also follow us on activities for you and your Tuesday 18th - Friday by Peter Cox. This is Peter’s Twitter @Kelvedon_WI. children to experiment 21st February. Sessions third pantomime with the Wednesday 12th with. £4 per child. at 10.30am, 11.30am, group so the audiences February 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm Art Makers can expect the usual Different Histories of Have you ever taken your highly colourful show with Every Tuesday Lavenham and Dedham, socks for granted? Well not plenty of slapstick and 4.00pm - 5.00pm by Simon Gallup. anymore! Take a simple humour, balanced with For children aged 5 - 7. sock, and use a wide a little romance, dancing Wednesday 12th March Try out new art styles range of craft materials to and spectacle. As is Peter’s Underwear - From using fine materials, with customize to your heart’s custom, there will be a Victoria to Elizabeth II, a great artist to lead you content and create an link to a contemporary TV by Sarah Shehadah making and creating. The amazing animal or crazy show and the audience is sessions culminate with an Spring Equinox creature sock puppet! encouraged to be actively exhibition. £25 for 5 weeks. £2 per person. Book a ArtWalk Workshop involved. £7 adult £5 child. place by calling 01206 Tickets available online at Culture Drop At Wormingford 282940 or by dropping www.orpenplayers.co.uk or In: Art and Craft Community Education into Hollytrees Museum. by calling Roger Milne Centre, The Old Sessions for 7 - 11’s 01206 241048. New!! Super Photography School, Church Lane, Every Wednesday & Show in conjunction Wormingford CO6 3AZ for Children and Thursday with The Treble Tile of 4.00pm - 5.00pm. Saturday 22nd March At Abberton Reservoir West Bergholt - £20 (£10 10.30am - 1.30pm Visitor Centre, Popular after school child under11) buys you Colchester CO2 0EU drop in for children who Do you like being outside a show ticket and supper Please mention TheorConnection when responding from22 special menu - for love making creating. in nature and currently Saturday 1st February to adverts details contact The Treble Drawing Wednesdays 10.30am - 3.00pm paint or draw or would like

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What’s On to have a go? Come and join a fun and informal workshop. Small group, maximum 8 people. £15 per person. Absolute beginners to practicing artists very welcome. To book and find out more, please email heather@ heatherrachel.co.uk, call Heather Johnston on 07801 246113 or visit www.HeatherRachel.co.uk

Felsted Decorative and Fine Arts lectures At Saling Millennium Hall, Piccotts Lane, Great Saling, CM7 5DW Tickets are £6 to nonmembers. For more information please visit www.felsted-dfas.org.uk Wednesday 26th February 2.00pm for 2.30pm Art for an Afterlife: ancient Egyptian tomb scenes and funerary goods A talk by Lucia Gahlin on the elaborate burial practices and funerary beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. Wednesday 26th March 2.00pm for 2.30pm Harems, Hookahs, Odalisques & Ottomans: a passion for the Oriental in 18th and 19th century art The exotic lure of the Orient has inspired European artists for centuries. Geri Parlby takes us on an artistic journey across the Near and Middle East to see how Western artists brought the mysteries of‘The Other’to the fashionable salons of Europe throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.

School, Church Lane, Wormingford CO6 3AZ Saturday 1st February 10.30am - 3.30pm Hats, Bags and Slippers This workshop will show you how to create a resist for these items and how to lay out the fleece for the best results. These all take a lot of felting, so come prepared for a workout! Best suited to those who have done some felting before. £30 including all materials. Saturday 1st March 10.30am - 1.30pm

The Art of Seduction. Lynne Gibson explores an enduring theme of art since Adam offered Eve an apple. This lecture will celebrate the theme of love and courtship, through painting from the Age of Chivalry to the Modern Age. Thursday 20th March 11.00am Boris Anrep and the National Gallery Mosaics. Lois Oliver will explain this exuberant mosaic cycle by Boris Anrep, a larger than life character and reveal the humorous tale of the mosaic’s commission.

First steps in felt - making An introduction to the excitement of felt-making from selecting the glorious colours of fleece to the tactile process of wet felting your first piece of flat felt. This can be framed as a picture or made into a cushion. I will also be showing how to make simple felt beads. £18 including all materials. To book a place or for further information contact Clare on 01787 371654, email craftclasseswithclare@ hotmail.co.uk or www.facebook.com/ craftclasseswithclare

Drawing Celtic Designs

North East Essex Decorative and Fine Arts lectures

At Wormingford Community Education Centre, The Old School, Church Lane, Wormingford CO6 3AZ Wednesdays 2.00pm - 4.00pm Learn to draw the beautiful designs of the Celts including knotwork, animal interlace, simple and complex spirals and leaf designs. The course is suitable for beginners and does not require any type of artistic ability. The tutor, Nick Miller, has taught this subject over several years, his interest starting from the study of Celtic mythology of the British Isles. £8 per session, or £30 for 6 paid in advance. For more information or to reserve a place, please call Amanda on 01206 337338 or email wcec12@gmail.com

At Weston Homes Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester CO4 5 UP Guest places are available at £5 to non-members. To book a place please Talks at Colchester email secretary@needfas. & District Fuchsia org.ukvisit in advance of lecture. Full lecture Society information at www. Felting Workshops At the Tollgate Hall, needfas.org.uk behind the Stanway At Wormingford www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk Thursday 20th Village Hall, Villa Community Education February 11.00am Centre, The Old Rd, Stanway.

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Please see the entry on the Notice Board page for details.

Fourth Annual Raydon Lecture - The American ‘Friendly invasion’ of East Anglia in WWII, ‘Operation Bolero’ At Raydon Village Hall Saturday 1st March 7.30pm An illustrated talk by Clive Stevens. The subject will be of great interest to all aviation enthusiasts in Suffolk and East Anglia. Clive Stevens is building quite a reputation as a speaker and has been as far as the American Embassy to give his talk. He has an excellent collection of slides to illustrate the talk and will bring to life a fascinating period in local history. Tickets £6 including wartime light refreshments from 01473 312123. Proceeds in aid of St Mary’s Church Fabric Fund.

Garden Photography Talk At Church Hall, Bear Street , Nayland CO6 4HY Tuesday 18th March 7.30pm Michael Warren will be giving an illustrated talk on Through the Year with a Horticultural Photographer. Free entry. For more information please call 01206 262807 or visit www. naylandhortsoc.org.uk

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What’s On Gardening and Flower Arranging Workshops in Wormingford Round table design (beginners) £24.75 (inclusive) Thursday 20th February 10.00am - 12.30pm or Saturday 22nd February 10.00am - 12.30pm or 2.00pm - 4.30pm Carnation button hole & Double Rose corsage £21 (inclusive) Thursday 13th March 10.00am - 12.30pm or Saturday 15th March 10.00am - 12.30pm For more information and to book contact Karen on 07586 306852 or email cowslips@btinternet.com

West Bergholt Concert Band free music workshop Saturday 8th February For players of Grade 1-4 standard. Please see www. WBCB.org/events for more details about this and all future concerts.

Nursery Open Day and preschool classes Absolute Angels Montessori Nursery Open Day Christ Church Wesley Hall, 15 Stoneham Street, Coggeshall, CO6 1TT Saturday 9th February from 10am – 1pm. :

Please contact Julie to arrange an alternative time to visit if you are unable to attend the Open Day on 01376 562000.

Lavenham Farmers Market At The Village Hall, Lavenham Sunday 23rd February and Sunday 23rd March at 10.00am - 1.30pm Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973

Colchester Farmers Market Little Treasure Basket Classes For your pre-schoolers based in Coggeshall on Wednesday mornings during term time. Classes to inspire creativity, fun and development from birth to three years. Do contact Julie on 01376 562 000 for more information.

The Arts Centre, Colchester Friday 7th February and Friday 7th March at 9.30am - 1.00pm Contact Rowley Castiglione 01206 367776

Wivenhoe Farmers Market Congregational Hall, Wivenhoe Saturday 15th February and Saturday 15th March at 9.00am - 12.00 Contact Rowly Castiglione 01206 367776

Brightlingsea Farmers Market Yoga and Pilates See pages 5 and 20 for more details.

Farmers Markets Please note that some dates may be liable to change so for more information contact individual markets for details.

Feature your not for profit, village, community or charity events FREE OF CHARGE in our What’s On pages by emailing your listing to info@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

At the Community Centre, Brightlingsea Saturday 22nd February at 9.00am - 12.00 Contact 01206 302055

Sudbury Farmers Market

At St Peters Church, Sudbury Friday 28th February and Friday 28th March at 9.30am - 2.00pm Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973

Rowhedge Farmers and Crafters Market At Rowhedge Village Hall Saturday 1st February and Saturday 1st March at 9.30am - 1.00pm Contact Yvonne 07780 923688

Hedingham Farmers’ Market At The Baptist Church, Swan Street, Sible Hedingham (next to the Sugar Loaves pub) Saturday 15th February and Saturday 15th March at 10.00am - 1.30pm Contact Roy Reece 07513 464567

Nayland Farmers Market At Nayland Village Hall Saturday 8th February and Saturday 8th March at 10.00am - 1.30pm Contact Roy Reece 07513 464567

The Connection has listed all the events in What’s On in good faith. We cannot accept responsibility for inaccuracies, changes to events or cancellations. It might be advisable to check with venues before attendance.

Next issue: April/May - published 27th March

Deadline date for entries in the next issue March 13th 2014

We also of slimming groups, keep 24 welcome details Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts fit classes, language courses, farmers markets, boot sales and regular clubs, groups and societies. www.facebook.com/TheConnectionMagazineColchester Feb-March 14.indd 24

16/1/14 11:57:50

WLADYSLAW MIRECKI Watercolours Exhibition 1st to 30th March, 2014

Working in the studio as he does, Wladyslaw Mirecki is able to paint wider, bigger and in more detail than what is seen from a pin point position on the spot. Enthralled by the countryside around him, Wladyslaw has painted over thirty paintings for this solo exhibition at Chappel Galleries from 1st to 30th March, 2014, since his last show at the gallery eighteen months ago. Chappel Galleries 15 Colchester Road Chappel Essex CO6 2DE EXHIBITION OPEN EVERY DAY 10AM-5PM 01206 240326 www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk Email: info@chappelgalleries.co.uk www.chappelgalleries.co.uk

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Tying the Knot

The Wife’s Tale, Lori Lansens

It’s fair to say that fortysomething Mary Gooch is a comfort eater. She’s eaten her way through heartbreak and, on the eve of her 25th wedding anniversary, it looks like she’s going straight for the cookie dough once again. When she receives a note from Jim to say he’s come into some money and is off to find what he wants, that’s when Mary Gooch becomes motivated. She sets off cross country to find her wayward husband, but more importantly, to recover what remains of the girl who’s buried within those acres of rolling flesh.You will love Mary Gooch and you will never want to leave her.

The Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver

The wife and daughters of evangelical Baptist Nathan Price tell the story of how the family is uprooted and moved from America, deep into the Belgian Congo at the end of the 1950s. This is not just the unravelling of a marriage but of a family and though it might sound all doom and gloom, it’s also a bit of a comedy of errors as they struggle to cope with life in Africa.

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It’s widely reported that divorce rates sky-rocket in January, with more people citing irreconcilable differences in the first four weeks of the year than at any other time. We’ve put together some funny, tragic and heart-warming tales that focus on matrimony: how to get into a marriage, how to get out of one, or even, controversially, how to stay in one.

The Kitchen God’s Wife, Amy Tan

Pearl Louie Brandt has a secret she wants to keep from her mother, Winnie. But Winnie has secrets of her own and to retell her story we must travel back to Shanghai in the 1920s, unravelling the story of how Winnie came to live in America. The Kitchen God’s Wife is called ‘Lady Sorrowfree’, who has endured many things without credit or praise, but who remains strong. Here lies the message for all the generations of the family; how we live our lives and how we build our relationships affects those around us.

On Chesil Beach, Ian McEwan

It’s 1962 and newlyweds Edward and Florence are honeymooning at Chesil Beach in Dorset. They reflect on their differing backgrounds and upbringing and reveal insecurities, repression and regret ahead of their ill-fated wedding night. It’s so painfully English in a stiff-upper-lip kind of way and beautifully and tragically portrays this doomed couple at the beginning of their married life.

The Mayor of Casterbridge, Thomas Hardy

Nothing will end a marriage faster than getting drunk on rum and selling your wife. In fact, why not throw in your daughter too, for the fair price of five guineas. The trouble with wives, unless you’re a widower, is the fact that they then come back to find you some years later, and their presence threatens to sully the good name you’ve built up in their absence. Michael Henchard, hay trusser, has become the Mayor of Casterbridge, and gone tee-total in the process. Can Henchard escape the mistakes made in youth?

Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn

They say there are two sides to every story but we begin with a single narrator, Nick Dunne and his version of events after his wife suddenly disappears.The fact that his beautiful wife Amy vanishes on their fifth wedding anniversary is even more poetic. And then the questions begin. Can Nick Dunne’s version of events be trusted? Was his wife afraid of him? This is a clever thriller that not only asks ‘whodunit?’ but also,‘who done what?’

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World Book Day Writes of Passage World Book Day is a well-established campaign perhaps best known for encouraging children to read. Over 14 million £1 book tokens are distributed via schools to children in the UK and Ireland. Each child can use their token for one of ten specially commissioned books available from bookshops everywhere. This year World Book Day is also running Writes of Passage, a scheme which has invited readers to help them compile a list of ‘50 books that will change your life’. It’s aimed at young adults, which is often a time when you have to deal with many new challenges both practical and emotional. It’s not called an impressionable age for nothing - for many this is a time when many

of our beliefs and opinions take root and books can prove incredibly inspirational. Sometimes a particular book can help to articulate confusing emotions, like the classic exploration of alienation in ‘The Catcher in the Rye’. Books like ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ or ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ are powerful examples of how humans behave in society and if it all gets too much, books like ‘The Hobbit’ can transport you into a different world altogether. If you cast your mind back to your teenage years it’s not hard to remember the books that made you cry, taught you about love or changed the way you thought. And if you really can’t remember or never felt that way about a book, it could prove rewarding to take a look at the list and try one or two. We can all recall that intense period of our lives when we weren’t children any more but not quite adults. Revisiting that time may just rekindle your own love of reading or help you re-connect with teenage family members. Who knows - it may even spark some new insights into your own life! The book list will be available online at www.worldbookday.com/writes-of-passage/

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Pet Proofing Your Garden by Pippa Greenwood

There’s always a lot to say about small pests such as greenfly, caterpillars, vine-weevil and so forth, but early in the year it’s some of the bigger ‘residents’ which can really drive you around the bend. I’m talking about cats and dogs. What can you do to ensure that you continue to garden happily, successfully and safely, despite the fact the garden is visited by cats and dogs… and without harming these lovely creatures either? You may need to consider actively fencing off one part of the garden for your dog, and trying to keep another area completely dog free. If you have problems with dogs coming in from next door, then it’s essential that you make repairs to fences. Now is a good time because there’s relatively little plant foliage to hide holes, gaps or loose panels in fencing. Remember that the dog is also likely to be able to squeeze underneath or around many types of fence, so you may need to use chicken netting or similar. Don’t forget that gates as well as fences need to be dog-proofed, and never left open for the dog to wander through. If you really have a serious problem that this won’t resolve then you can try a fox deterrent such as ‘Fox-Watch’. Sometimes a few strategically planted dense and prickly shrubs such as pyracantha may help to deter digging paws. Obviously you don’t want to

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cause the animal actual harm, but something sharp, prickly or simply very dense can act as a good deterrent. Next door’s cat or others in the neighbourhood are trickier to deal with as unfortunately they do tend to try and do their ‘toileting’ along the edges of their own territory, making your garden a prime target area. If your cat or a neighbour’s cat is a problem, bear in mind that the more bare soil there is, the more likely that a cat will start to use it as its loo. Ground cover planting is essential and you could always use temporary annual flowers to fill in gaps between longer term planting. If you find that these too are scuffed up shortly after you have planted them, then the best thing to do is cover newly planted areas of bedding with an arch of chicken mesh or with sticks with taut string tied between them. Obviously this will look a mess but can be removed promptly once the plants have rooted well and started to establish. I have found that the electronic cat deterrent ‘Cat-Watch’ works very well too. Mulching materials can sometimes cause problems and despite what the label says, many gardeners have told me that they found that the cocoa shell mulches seem to attract cats. Generally speaking soggy mulches like this or anything with a strong smell do tend to deter cats, as they hate digging in moist

material.Take extreme care if dogs use the garden as cocoshell mulches can prove fatal to them. Mulches made of large pebbles or stones also tend to keep them at bay, but smaller diameter gravel or shingle seems to be quite attractive to some cats. Areas of freshly sown seed look very attractive to a cat or dog and again are best protected either by chicken mesh or sticks and string. Remember to keep the string taut at all times, as there’s a slight risk that birds could become entangled in it.

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16/1/14 11:57:55

www.treetopservices.net info@treetopservices.net

An established Arborist & Tree Surgery Company based on the Essex/Suffolk borders FULLY INSURED AND N.P.T.C. QUALIFIED Tree Felling, Reductions, Pollarding, Thinning Crown Cleaning, Hedge Trimming, Logs For Sale Between Tom and Sam they have 15 years of experience Please call Sam Blackwell regarding any enquiries or for a free quote

Tel: 07788 536526 or 01787 221870 info@treetopservices.net

Alexese Katherine

Horticulturalist Tutor Designer BSc Horticulture - Writtle

Inspiration for your garden Tutoring – home visits with a mix of discussion and practical learning, tailored to suit you Advice – visit and report to solve garden problems or offer inspiration and ideas Design - practical solutions and considered plant choice to make the most of your space “Alexese has some very inspirational ideas but also knows what works” Mrs R from Earls Colne www.gardendesignandadvice.co.uk alexesegardentutor@btinternet.com 07713 246028 Wakes Colne, Colchester

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Neil woodley designs BSc Landscape & Garden Design

Designer Specialising in Garden Design & Planting Plans Initial Consultation Through to Completion Portfolio Available

Maintenance - One off or regular Grass/Hedge cutting Turfing/Planting Garden Clearance Paths & Patios

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www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

Feb-March 14.indd 29

16/1/14 11:57:59

Country Mutters

Putting the car before the horse.... by Lady Muck

I’ve been doing my deep breathing exercises for a couple of hours now and I think I have the mental calm to make the call to my car insurance company to let them know that once again I have had an accident. Or rather, someone else has had the accident and I happened to be on the receiving end. Once upon a time when I was young and foolish, I had the naive assumption that paying a sizeable fee to an insurance company every year would protect you from the cost, inconvenience and sheer hassle of a prang. Oh dear me, no. The sorry head-shake and sharp intake of breath from the body repair man soon tells you that what you thought was a small dent will turn into an epic of spare parts specially flown in from Bavaria, a chasm that can only be coaxed back into shape by elves with silver hammers who are available for work on just 2 Thursdays every month and a paint shade that can only be matched by the descendants of Michelangelo. All of which means that your beloved car has to be written off. And that’s only the beginning of the Great Valuation Wrangle. The same car that would cost thousands to replace is now apparently worth just £2.50. And then there’s the excess to pay. And the collision damage waiver charge for your hire car provided by the insurance company because apparently you’re covered to drive the car but not to have an accident in it. And don’t bother suggesting that you thought that was the point of having insurance because I’m still trying to understand the explanation

Feb-March 14.indd 30

from the last time it happened to me. And meanwhile, my beloved car sits sadly on the drive staring at me through sad, cracked headlights. I know he’s old and his idiosyncrasies have multiplied of late, but I was happy to put up with not being able to open the passenger window and having to change the radio volume by the use of a pointy piece of plastic from an old biro because his knob fell off long ago. Even the bizarre electrical fault which meant that the sun roof became unpredictably self-opening lent a touch of spontaneity to life - not terribly convenient during that hailstorm, I admit, but it was part of his personality. And he would have continued to perform his duties as a car for a long time yet, were it not for the fatal combination of a speed merchant and a bored call handler quoting company policy who gets confused when you call a car ‘he’. Assuming I can one day afford to buy a replacement car, it will take years to get back to that happy state of being ‘at one’, woman and machine in perfect harmony. Hang on - I’ve got an idea to save him from the scrapyard. I could just take the windscreen out, tie on a couple of flags to act as indicators and hitch the car to a couple of horses, hoping to God that I never have an accident again. I’d never be able to explain it to a call handler.

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16/1/14 11:58:00

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Feb-March 14.indd 31

16/1/14 11:58:01

Across 1. Ornamental plaster used to cover walls (6) 4. Native North American tribe (6) 9. Pear-shaped fruit with green skin ripening to black (7) 10. Writing material (5) 11. Asian water lily (5) 12. Volatile liquid used chiefly as a solvent (7) 13. Narrow strip of rubber formed into a loop for holding objects together (7,4) 18. Book of the New Testament (7) 20. Long, narrow passageway (5) 22. Measuring stick (5) 23. Small guitar with four strings (7) 24. Agitated (6) 25. Insect which rests

with forelimbs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 raised as if in prayer (6) 8 Down 9 10 1. Building for housing horses (6) 2. German submarine 11 12 in World War II (1-4) 3. Frame supporting the body of a car 13 14 15 (7) 16 17 5. Appear suddenly or unexpectedly 18 19 20 21 (3,2) 6. Windlass used when weighing 22 23 anchor (7) 7. Soft yellow substance 24 25 secreted by aural glands (6) 8. Expert in art, food assembled to sing (6) (6) or drink (11) 17. Mary ___, women’s 19. Lofty nest of a bird of 14. Blue-flowered pentathlon gold prey (5) trailing plant (7) medal winner in the 21. Mixture of rain and 15. Brilliant and showy 1972 Olympic Games snow (5) technical skill (7) Solution on page 42 16. Group of people

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Feb-March 14.indd 32

©Puzzlepress.co.uk

General Knowledge Crossword

SJB

Chartered Accountants Simon Brook BSc FCA Fast professional service with a personal touch Accounts Taxation Business Planning Free initial meeting with no hidden costs Tel: 01206 212970 Mobile: 07777 689626

email: sjb.simon@btinternet.com

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16/1/14 11:58:02

Chenerys Chimneys

sure clean chimney sweeping since 1976 DID YOU KNOW A SPIDER WEB COULD BE FATAL!

All chimneys need to be swept at least once a year to prevent you having a chimney fire. Something as small as a spider web or some rubble could block a chimney and reduce the flow of air, possibly causing carbon monoxide to enter your home.

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Wood Burners • Open Fires • Oil Boilers • Gas Fires Frequently asked questions. How often should I have my chimney swept? Wood Burning: quarterly if in continuous use • Coal: twice a year Smokeless Coal: once a year • Oil: once a year • Gas: once a year

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Good Work/Quick & Tidy Colour & Design advice available

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Feb-March 14.indd 33

16/1/14 11:58:04

Walk on the Wild Side Pooh Stick Millrace

Derek Keeble’s walk for this edition follows a route just short of 4 miles around the village of Aldham. As part of the route follows the banks of the River Colne, a game of pooh sticks is highly recommended - ideal for persuading reluctant offspring to venture outside or for anyone wishing to revisit a childhood pastime. The universal appeal of this simple game is celebrated by the annual World Pooh Sticks Championships organised by The Rotary Club on the River Thames in Oxfordshire, which this year takes place on Sunday 30th March. Not only is it Britain’s Favourite Quirky Event (as voted for by the readers of Countryfile Magazine), but it raises thousands of pounds for charity. Pooh sticks is also on the National Trust’s list of 50 Things to Do Before you’re 11¾. But then, some of us already knew that... The map and full description of the walk can be downloaded from The Connection website at http:// theconnectionmagazine.co.uk/category/magazinefeatures/walks/ National Trust: https://www.50things.org.uk/ World Pooh Sticks Championship: http://www.poohsticks.com/content/pooh-sticks

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Feb-March 14.indd 34

Tel: (O1206) 867306 Mobile: 07719480847

Evening & Weekend service calls available 25 Years Experience No Call out charge Registra�on Number; 221215

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16/1/14 11:58:05

Do a doodle, make a difference National Doodle Day is a fundraising event which raises money for Epilepsy Action, a charity which supports people living with the condition. By simply donating a pound to do a doodle over £275,000 has been raised to help support the 600,000 people in the UK living with epilepsy. There are lots of ways you can get involved and celebrate National Doodle Day on Friday 7th March. You can do a doodle, donate £1 and send it in to be entered into The National Doodle Day competition. The competition is open to everyone and there are different judging categories, so why not organise an event in your school, workplace or local community? You’ll be fundraising for a worthwhile cause and you might even win a prize! The website http://doodle-day.epilepsy.org.uk has suggestions for events and resource packs. Also on the website are some of the doodles

donated by a wide range of celebrities such as John Cleese, Manolo Blahnik and the cast of ‘We Will Rock You’. All doodles that appear in the 2014 gallery will go on sale on 7th March (for a 10 day period) and you can bid for your favourite online, on eBay. Philippa Cartwright, fundraising events manager at Epilepsy Action said:‘The celebrity doodle auction is always a terrific success, raising thousands of pounds in much-needed funds for Epilepsy Action.The highest-grossing doodle ever raised £1,600 alone, so this event really does make a huge difference to people with epilepsy and their families.’ Grab a pen and get doodling!

www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

Feb-March 14.indd 35

16/1/14 11:58:08

Codeword Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a different number between 1 and 26. The codes for three letters are shown. Once you have filled these throughout the grid you can start guessing words and reveal other letters. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

14 17

21 24

2 24

12 24

2 2

18 2

1 26

24 24

1 8

11 3

1 2

2 18

Solution on page 42 • Landscaping • Construc�on • Maintenance

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Feb-March 14.indd 36

Have your chimney or solid fuel burning stove swept to ensure it remains safe and efficient to use. If you have a chimney fire, your household insurance provider may refuse to settle all or part of any claim if you have not had the chimney or stove flue pipe swept on a regular basis by a professional chimney sweep. My name is Bob Gliddon and by using the latest equipment I will provide you with an efficient and professional service, leaving you free to use and enjoy your fire this winter and beyond.

Call 07552 238536 for an appointment Member of the Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps Fully insured.

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16/1/14 11:58:09

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Feb-March 14.indd 37

16/1/14 11:58:10

Sudoku Competition

How to play

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9, with no repetition! That’s all there is to it. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic - there’s no maths involved and no adding up.

WIN £25 Fill in and cut out and send to: Sarah Banks, The Connection, Applegarth, Whitestreet Green Boxford, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 5JL The ﬁrst correct entry out of the hat will win the prize.

Closing date 13th March

Feb-March 14.indd 38

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16/1/14 11:58:11

ing ed

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Feb-March 14.indd 39

16/1/14 11:58:13

Quick Crossword

Across

1. 5. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 14. 17. 19. 22. 23. 24. 25.

Down

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 12.

European country (7) Scour (5) Inflamed (7) Precise (5) Strict (5) Operating room (7) Painter (6) Lethal (6) Non professional (7) Likeness (5) Edgy, anxious (5) Revised (7) Father (5) Harnessed to ride (7)

Types of transport (5) Not tight (5) E.g. Crete, Rhodes (7) Tiny (6) Stage set (5) Oven cooked (7) Torch power cell (7) Made suitable (7)

16 17

13. Coached (7) 15. Once lived (7) 16. Destroys (6)

18. Including all (5) 20. Fourth month (5) 21. Finished (5) Solution on page 42

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Feb-March 14.indd 40

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16/1/14 11:59:23

National Nest Box Week 14th - 21st February This initiative is organised each year by the British Trust for Ornithology and aims to encourage everyone to put up nest boxes in their local area in order to help with the conservation of our breeding birds and wildlife. Many of our bird species depend on natural sites such as holes in trees or buildings but these are fast disappearing as gardens are re-landscaped and buildings taken down or repaired. Since National Nest Box Week was launched in 1997, thousands of enthusiastic naturalists across the UK have put up boxes to compensate for this loss. It is estimated that there are now 5-6 million boxes in gardens across the UK. You can find information about different types of nest boxes and where to site them from the NNBW website http://www.bto.org/nnbw/ index.htm#. You can take part in the Nest Box Challenge by collecting information about nest boxes, such as their locations and the birds that use them to help with conservation schemes. If you don’t have a nest box in your garden you can still take part in the Nest Record Scheme by helping to monitor nesting activity in any

green space and there are guidelines available so that you can do this without disturbing the birds. There are instructions on how to make your own nest boxes and ideas for how to get sponsorship to put up nest boxes in public spaces or in places where people might particularly enjoy being able to watch birds, such as the gardens of care homes or hospices. Any time of year is a good time to put up a nest box, but what better way to look forward to Spring by providing cosy habitats for our feathered friends?

Picture: Terry Levitt/BTO

Leaﬂet Distribution with the

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www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

Feb-March 14.indd 41

16/1/14 11:59:31

Spot the Diﬀerence

There are ten differences - can you ﬁnd them?

Puzzle Solutions

General Crossword Across: 1 Stucco, 4 Apache, 9 Avocado, 10 Paper, 11 Lotus, 12 Naphtha, 13 Elastic band, 18 Hebrews, 20 Aisle, 22 Ruler, 23 Ukulele, 24 Shaken, 25 Mantis. Down: 1 Stable, 2 U-boat, 3 Chassis, 5 Pop up, 6 Capstan, 7 Earwax, 8 Connoisseur, 14 Lobelia, 15 Bravura, 16 Chorus, 17 Peters, 19 Private Hire Swimming Swimming Pool Private Pool Eyrie, 21 Sleet. Quick Crossword Luxury Heated Heated Indoor Indoor Swimming •• Luxury Swimming Pool Pool 40’xx18’ 18’xx 4.1’ 4.1’ •• 40’ Across: 1 Belgium, 5 Scrub, 8 Swollen, 9 EasyAccess Access with with Adjacent Parking •• Easy Parking Exact, 10 Stern, 11 Theatre, 12 Artist, 14 Open77 Days Days aa Week Week - 7am to •• Open to 10pm 10pm Deadly, 17 Amateur, 19 Image, 22 Tense, 23 Swimming Lessons Lessons Available •• Swimming Altered, 24 Daddy, 25 Saddled. Exclusive half half hour hour sessions, 13 •• Exclusive 13 week week membership membership Down: 1 Buses, 2 Loose, 3 Islands, 4 Minute, 5 Scene, 6 Roasted, 7 Battery, 12 Adapted, 13 Trained, 15 Existed, 16 Breaks, 18 Every, 20 April, 21 Ended.

White’s Farm White’s Farm

Codeword Spot the difference solution 1.The Hulk’s mouth 2. Superman’s flick 3. Superman sign missing 4. Batman’s horn missing 5. Hulk missing one toe 6. Superman’s curl is gone 7. Batman missing a finger 8. Bat badge has changed 9. Superman’s teeth 10. Hulk has one eyebrow

Feb-March 14.indd 42

c o. u k wwwwww. w . whhiitteess--ffaar m .

Angus Angusand andSally SallyScobie Scobie White’s White’sFarm FarmSwimming SwimmingPool Pool Bures Road,White Road,White Colne, Bures Colne,Colchester ColchesterCO6 CO62QF 2QF T: 01787 227064 227064 •• E:E:pool@whites-farm.co.uk pool@whites-farm.co.uk

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16/1/14 11:59:37

Quality Fencing Panels & Trellis

Gravel Boards

Posts

Panels

Visit: www.oliversplants.co.uk Email: info@oliversplants.co.uk

TRADE DISCOUNT AVAILABLE

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Feb-March 14.indd 43

Tel: 01787 220281

16/1/14 11:59:41

Useful Numbers Local Schools St. Peter’s C of E Primary School Tel: 01376 561328 Honywood Community Science School Tel: 01376 561231 Kelvedon St. Mary C of E Primary School Tel: 01376 570411 Feering C of E Controlled Primary School Tel: 01376 570296 Earls Colne Primary School and Nursery Tel: 01787 222205 Colne Engaine C of E (Aided) Primary School Tel: 01787 222717 Bures C.E V.C Primary School Tel: 01787 227446 Chappel C of E School Tel: 01787 222296 St. John the Baptist C.E.V.A Primary School Tel: 01787 269300 Great Tey C.E Controlled Primary School Tel: 01206 210415 Fordham All Saints C of E Primary School Tel: 01206 240251 Copford C of E Primary School Tel: 01206 210439 Stanway Primary School Tel: 01206 574819 St. Mary’s Lower School Tel: 01206 211242 Stanway Fiveways Primary School Tel: 01206 574849 Holy Trinity C.E. Primary School Eight Ash Green & Aldham Tel: 01206 240880 Soaring High Montessori Coggeshall Tel: 01376 564392 Stoke by Nayland C.E. V.C.P School Tel: 01206 262418 Stoke By Nayland Middle School Tel: 01206 262362 Nayland Community Primary School Tel: 01206 262348

Doctors Kelvedon and Feering Health Centre Tel: 01376 572906 Kelvedon Surgery Tel: 01376 574560 Coggeshall Surgery Tel: 01376 561242

Feb-March 14.indd 44

West Bergholt Surgery Tel: 01206 241137 Marks Tey Surgery Tel: 01206 213513 Tollgate Health Centre Tel: 01206 710030 Stanway Surgery Tel: 01206 572372 The Pump House Surgery/Earls Colne Tel: 01787 222022 Drs Hayhow & Barker/Bures Tel: 01787 227529 Branch Surgery, Tel: 01787 227529 Hardwick House Group Practice Tel: 01787 310000 Dr Baldwin & Partners, Nayland Surgery Tel: 01206 262202

Support Crimestoppers Tel: 0800 555 111 ChildLine Tel: 0800 1111 Samaritans Tel: 08457 90 90 90 Cruse Tel: 0844 477 9400 NSPCC Tel: 0808 800 5000 Missing Persons Helpline Tel: 0500 700 700 National Debtline Tel: 0808 808 4000 National Domestic Violence Helpline Tel: 0808 2000 247 Victim Support Tel: 0845 30 30 900 Inland Revenue Tel: 0845 010 9000 RSPCA Tel: 0870 55 55 999 AA Breakdown Tel: 0800 887 766 Floodline Tel: 0845 9881188 Transco emergency service Tel: 0800 111 999 Rail Enquiries Tel: 08457 484950 AA roadwatch Tel: 09003 401100 BT Faultline Tel: 0800 800 151 Rivers/Floodline Tel: 0845 988 1188 Citizens Advice Bureau Tel: 0870 126 4065

Samaritans/Colchester Tel: 01206 561234 Volunteering Opportunities Tel: 01206 505250 Al Anon Family Groups Helpline Tel: 0207 403 0888

Police Contacts Essex Police (non-emergency calls to all stations and departments) Tel: 0300 333 4444 Ministry Of Defence Police Tel: 01206 782917

Councils Colchester Borough Council Tel: 01206 282222 Braintree District Council Tel: 01376 552525 Kelvedon Parish Council Tel: 01376 570285 Feering Parish Council Tel: 01376 572882 Coggeshall Parish Council Tel: 01376 562346 Stanway Parish Council Tel: 01206 542221

Post Offices Fiveways Post Office Tel: 01206 330451 Marks Tey Tel: 01206 210314 West Bergholt Tel: 01206 240355 Fordham Village Store and Post Office Tel: 01206 240391 Earls Colne Post Office Tel: 01787 222258 Wakes Colne Post Office Tel: 01787 222449 Bures Post Office Tel: 01787 227252 Stoke by Nayland Park Street Stores and Post Office Tel: 01206 262335 Nayland Post Office Tel: 01206 262210 Stratford St Mary Post Office Tel: 01206 322150 Dedham Post Office Tel: 01206 323543

Village Halls Aldham Village Hall Tel: 01206 212355 Mount Bures Tel: 01787 228055 Bures Community Centre Tel: 01787 227278 Nayland Tel: 0774 895 3175 Dedham Assembly Rooms Tel: 01206 323921 Stoke by Nayland Tel: 01206 262943 Wormingford Tel: 01787 227631 Little Horkesley Tel: 01206 271841 Leavenheath Tel: 01206 263301 Assington Tel: 01787 211162 Stanway Village Hall Tel: 01206 545062 Feering Community Centre Tel: 01376 572467 Marks Tey Village Hall Tel: 01206 213250 White Colne Village Hall Tel: 01787 221919 Colne Engaine Village Hall Tel: 01787 223668 Earls Colne Village Hall Tel: 01787 224370 Bures Community Centre Tel: 01787 227278 Eight Ash Green Village Hall Tel: 01206 562860 Copford Village Hall Tel: 01206 211235 Chappel and Wakes Colne Tel: 07771 622525

Airports Stansted General Enquiries Tel: 0870 000 0303 Stansted Express Tel: 0845 850 0150 Gatwick General Enquiries Tel: 0870 000 2468 Gatwick Express Tel: 0845 850 1530 Heathrow General Enquiries Tel: 0870 000 0123 Heathrow Express Tel: 0845 600 1515

www.facebook.com/ TheConnectionMagazineColchester Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts

16/1/14 11:59:43

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Feb-March 14.indd 45

16/1/14 11:59:49

Index of Advertisers Accountancy

4, 32, 34

Decorators

31, 33

Kitchen Fitters

Alloy wheel repairs

Dental Clinic

Lawn Mower Servicing 39

Antiques

Art Gallery

Electrician Estate Agent

31 9

Nutritionist

Bathroom Fitter

9, 31

Fencing supplies

Oven Cleaning

Beauty Therapist

Florist

Oesteopathy

Bookkeeping

4, 32, 34

Flooring

Pest Control

Building Services

31, 38

Funeral Directors

Physiotherapy

Burglar Alarms & CCTV

Garden Design

Podiatrist

Bunting

Garden Centre

Probate Administration 47 Property Maintenance 31, 39

Lodge Accommodation 7

Carpet Cleaners

Garden Tutor

Caravan Storage

Garden Services

31,36, 39

Public House

Chimney Sweep

33, 36

2 15

Restaurant

Childrens Nursery Chocolatier

Hairdressers

4, 31, 34

Storage

39, 36

34, 4, 31 39 6

Plumber

Craft Centre

Heating Herbalife Interior Design

Swimming Pool

Counselling

Indoor Tennis Court

Tiling

Cleaning Services

Insurance

Ironing Service

Joinery

27, 38

SUDBURY

River

er C

HALSTEAD

Bures

oln

Greenstead Green

Nayland

Earls Colne

White Colne Wakes Colne Chappel

Great Tey

A131

Window Repairs

Yoga

5, 20

Aldham

Fordham River

Colne

Stratford St Mary Dedham

Little Mount Horkesley Bures Wormingford Colne Engaine

Stoke by Nayland

Pebmarsh

Riv

Tree Surgeon

Assington

Stour

A131

Therapies

Boxted

A12

West Bergholt A120

Eight Ash Green

COLCHESTER Copford

A120

Coggeshall Feering Kelvedon

Lexden A12

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Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. The Connection does not ofﬁcially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior permission of the publisher Feb-March 14.indd 46

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Need help with Probate or Letters of Administration? Probate can be a very complex task but we can help you and we offer 7KH o[HG IHH SUREDWH VHUYLFH

Our probate staff

If you need to talk to somebody about Probate RU /HWWHU RI $GPLQLVWUDWLRQ FDOO XV RQ 01245 201100 or freephone 0800 612 6105 www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk <RX FDQ DOVR HPDLO XV DW HQTXLULHV#LZF OWG FR XN /t WƌŽďĂƚĞ ^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ; ƐƐĞǆ KĸĐĞͿ

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New ‘Straight Check Up & Teeth' Technology Hygiene Offer Book a FREE consultation today for revolutionary Fastbraces and receive 25% discount off treatment.

New patient consult and Hygienist Appointment for just £79* . PLUS £15 discount voucher towards any future appointments.

Please Quote Connection

Offers end 31st March 2014. *Pre-payment required. Terms and conditions apply, please ask for details

Dont just take our word for it... “It was a very unrushed and very caring treatment from the dentist, they are very sympathetic to your fears, I would recommend to all who are worried about dental treatment.” P. Barnard May 17th, 2013

“Thank you so much to Neel and the nurses for my new Fastbraces. So pleased with how good they look and so excited for the end result as I can already see such a transformation after only a few weeks! Highly recommended!” J. Riley January 2014

Dentist Direct Differences Dental plans for as little as £10 per month Advanced laser technology meaning more comfortable dental procedures with fewer drills and injections Convenient appointments early, lunchtime, late and weekends Easy, free parking Affordable private dentistry Interest free credit

Find out how we’re making fear of the dentist a thing of the past at likethedentist.co.uk 593when 122responding to adverts 48 Please mention The01206 Connection The Centre, Colchester Business Park, Essex, CO4 9QQ (next to mimosa)

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