The Connection Magazine Dec/Jan 15 by Sarah Banks

Free

The

Dec/Jan 15 Issue 61

connection magazine Christmas recipes

✶ Panforte de Siena ✶ Leek, Apricot and Chestnut Stufﬁng

Inside this issue...

Christmas decorating

✶ Book reviews ✶ What’s On ✶ Humour

✶ Scandinavian style

Christmas gift ideas ✶ Pippa Greenwood helps with ideas for gardeners

The Connection is delivered free to homes in Aldham, Fordham, Great Tey, Chappel, Wakes Colne, White Colne, Colne Engaine, Countess Cross, Pebmarsh, Earls Colne, Bures St Mary, Bures Hamlet, Mount Bures , Wormingford, West Bergholt, Eight Ash Green, Copford, Braiswick, Lexden, Coggeshall, Kelvedon and Feering. Also available in Halstead, Sudbury, Assington, Stoke by Nayland, Nayland, and Waitrose in Colchester.

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Wishing all our readers a very happy Christmas!

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Inside

4 million people are expected to have visited ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red,’ the tribute to the Great War dead at the Tower of London. The display of ceramic poppies in the moat surrounding the Tower has caught the imagination of many of us in many different ways. Local people share their experiences on page 10.

4 - Book Reviews 6 and 14 - Recipes 10 - Invicta Foundation 12 - Country Mutters 16 - Notice Board 18 - Walk 23 - 26 - What’s On 28 - And Another Thing 30 - Codeword 38 - Sudoku 32 - Scandinavian Christmas 44 - Useful Numbers 46 - Index

We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Derek Keeble who, having contributed the walks to the magazine for 2 years now, is moving on to pastures new. We know many of our readers have enjoyed his unique knowledge of the hidden footpaths of our corner of the world. But we can’t avoid it any longer - Christmas is coming! If you’re Christmas shopping and looking for inspiration we have ideas for book lovers and Pippa Greenwood has suggestions for green-fingered friends or relatives. We have scrumptious ideas for Christmas food with a recipe for turkey stuffing and Panforte di Siena, a delicious traditional Italian confection which I can’t wait to try out. If you’re thinking about decorating your house and you fancy a change from tinsel and glitter this year, why not try Scandinavian style? Take your inspiration from our Home and Interiors page about the origins of this bright, clean rustic look. And if it all gets too much and you need some light relief, have a look at Tom Hughes’s take on Christmas shopping or Lady Muck’s traditional family pastimes. Merry Christmas everyone!

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

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.

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A Gift for You at Christmas We’ve got Christmas all wrapped up this year, with a set of books designed to have every aspect of the holiday covered. If all else fails though, there’s always the option of packing it all in and doing a runner…and we’ve thought of that as well. The Tree: ‘The Giving Tree’ by Shel Silverstein What better kind of spruce this festive season than ‘The Giving Tree’. Loved by children and adults alike, this is a story about a little boy who grows up under the branches of a tree, and continues to take and take throughout his years into adulthood. If you don’t cry when you read this then quite frankly, you must have a heart of stone. It’s such a simple and touching story about our capacity to love and it’s perfect for some fireside snuggling up with whoever you have staying with you this Christmas. The Gift: ‘The Gift’ by Cecelia Ahern If you ever thought there weren’t enough hours in the day then meet Lou Suffern, a man who is constantly needs to be two places at once and who is struggling to keep up. He finds it impossible to really ‘be’ in the present, whether it’s at work or at home with his family. One day he meets a homeless man called Gabe and, taking pity on him, sorts him out with a job in the post room. But there’s something not quite right about Gabe. He always appears to be in more than one place at once. It’s a bit ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ for modern times, and goes to prove that as we suspected,

time really could be the greatest gift of all. The Food: ‘Great British Bake Off: Christmas’ by Lizzie Kamenetzky ‘Stuff your face with plates of blinis, fah-lah-lah-lah lah’ or however it goes! Christmas simply can’t go wrong with Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry helping you along your merry way. There are master class recipes as well as contributions from all four previous winners and other memorable contestants. It’s packed with plenty of inspiration without causing you too much perspiration whilst slaving over a hot stove. It could be a present to yourself…or whoever you’ve talked into doing the cooking. The Weather: ‘Let it Snow’ by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle Here are three touching and romantic stories that all stem from one incident, as a young girl decides to ditch the stranded train she was travelling on and heads out into the blizzard. The tales then take place over the following few days as the residents of Gracetown struggle to cope with the Christmas Eve storm. Written by some of today’s best-selling authors they are like three perfectly wrapped little stocking fillers.

The Family: ‘A Proper Family Christmas’ by Chrissie Manby Whenever someone tells you this is what they want, they mean the nostalgic Christmas card, cookie cutter image. They don’t mean the arguments, tears and recriminations that usually go hand in hand with the festive season. This is the story of two clashing families, brought together by the need to help the Buchanan’s seriously ill daughter, Izzy. The matriarch, Annabel, was adopted and so needs to find her own biological parents to see if Izzy can be saved. It sounds like a tearjerker but it’s a warm and fuzzy one for Christmas. The Escape Plan: ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ by Elizabeth Gilbert If all else fails and you really can’t stand your in-laws, or even your husband for any amount of time past Boxing Day, then why not just escape from it all? At 3am, Elizabeth’s seemingly perfect life is keeping her up and making her depressed. So, she ups sticks and heads off in pursuit of happiness. Her travels take her to Italy, India and then on to Bali, finding food for her soul and her belly along the way. It’s the perfect antidote to all that forced happiness and fun.

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Cake and Bake Panforte de Siena

This sweetmeat is a traditional Italian Christmas treat packed with nuts, ﬁgs, honey and warming spices. It can be made a couple of weeks before Christmas just wrap well in greaseproof paper and store in an airtight container.

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • •

150g whole blanched almonds 125g pistachio nuts 175g dried figs, chopped Grated zest of 1 orange 75g plain flour 2 tbsp cocoa powder 2 tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground cloves 115g caster sugar 175g runny honey Icing sugar, for dusting

TIP

You can vary the fruits and nuts used in this recipe - replace the figs with chopped candied peel, dried apricots or glace pineapple and instead of pistachios try toasted hazelnuts.

Makes 25 squares Ready in 1½ hours, plus cooling 6

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C/130°C fan/gas 2. Grease a deep 18cm square tin and line the base with baking parchment. Toast the almonds under a medium grill until just golden then roughly chop. Mix in a bowl with the pistachios, figs and orange zest. 2. Sift over the flour and cocoa powder and stir well then stir in the cinnamon and ground cloves. Set aside. 3. Put the caster sugar and honey in a heavy-based pan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to the boil then let the syrup bubble gently for about 5 minutes, without stirring the mixture, until it begins to thicken. 4. Remove the pan from the heat and quickly add the nut and flour mixture stirring well with a wooden spoon. Spoon into the prepared tin and smooth the surface using the back of a damp spoon. 5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour then remove the cake from the oven and leave in the tin until completely cold. Remove the cake from the tin, peel off the lining paper and dust thickly with icing sugar. Use a sharp knife to cut into squares to serve.

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Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red The art installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red at the Tower of London, marks the centenary of Britain’s involvement in the First World War. Over the summer 888,246 ceramic poppies were planted in the Tower’s famous moat, with each poppy representing a British military fatality during the war. The installation created a spectacular display but also invited a response from the viewer: for some it was an opportunity for personal reflection, others contributed by helping to plant the poppies and many people bought a poppy to help raise money for service charities.

Thousands of people from all over the world visited the installation and were touched by the experience. David and Jane Olive from Layham felt inspired to visit having recently visited the grave of David’s grandfather in a WW1 war cemetery in France. Jane describes their visit to the Tower: ‘The first thing that strikes you is the sheer numbers of people there to see this brilliant memorial. Part of the installation has poppies mounted on wire frames suspended in mid air as if the wind is blowing them away’. She felt that the blood red colour of the poppies made the display feel ‘visceral and real but also beautiful, fitting and incredibly poignant.’ For some, remembering those fallen in battle is much more immediate. Cheryl and Stephen 10 Hall set up The Invicta

Foundation in Colchester to support wounded service personnel and their families after their own son AshleyJames was injured in Afghanistan in 2010. This year, inspired in part by the poppy installation and the power of a visual representation of those lost in conflict, they decided to work with the Royal British Legion to create a display at the Colchester war memorial. 453 wooden crosses, each bearing the name of a soldier who died in Afghanistan surround a white cross representing the Afghanistan conflict to be put on display in November. Of her work with families of the fallen Cheryl says;

‘I am humbled to be in the presence of these families – their dignity and pride is so poignant and they are so thankful to everyone for helping to keep the memories alive of those they have lost.’ Ex-serviceman Matty Woollard is a trustee of the Invicta Foundation. He decided to take part in the London poppy installation by volunteering to plant poppies. He explains: ‘Even though the First World War was such a long time ago it’s important to remember what those men went through – they did that so we can live how we do today’. Matty himself had always dreamed of joining the army and in May 2007 he went on his first mission overseas

with the Royal Anglian Regiment’s First Battalion. He was on foot patrol near Kajacki in Helmand Province, Afghanistan when he stepped on a landmine. Matty lost his lower right leg and had a number of blast injuries. He was in recovery for nearly a year. This personal experience has made him all too aware that many men died in the First World War who might have lived had they had the help and support the modern day soldier has now. Matty and his partner volunteered as part of a group of ex-service personnel and their families. They had to assemble each poppy onto steel rods and then plant them as close together as they could to completely cover the grass. The group planted 7,000 poppies in 4 hours. He says; ‘It was overwhelming really – it’s easy to say that figure – the number of lives lost but when you see the poppies like a river of red around the Tower of London – it takes your breath away when you realise that each poppy represents a life.’ To sponsor a cross at Colchester war memorial please visit theinvictafoundation.org.uk or call in at the Invicta Foundation’s shop next to BHS in Culver Street East, Colchester. The money raised will be split equally between the Royal British Legion and The Invicta Foundation.

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Country Mutters

Christmas Affray.....by Lady Muck

Of recent years, in an effort to promote family cohesion over Christmas we decided to invest in some board games. The younger family members are now of an age where they can play games on an equal footing and instead of watching the tele we can have fun and actually talk to each other instead. Unfortunately this seemingly innocent pastime has laid bare a hitherto unseen dark underbelly of family competitiveness. Teams are drawn up amicably, the game decided on. Within 5 minutes, battlelines are clearly established. Supplies are laid in and erected in ramparts of twiglets, cheesy puffs and hula hoops. We begin in good spirits but our behaviour quickly degenerates. Good natured banter turns into open derision. Hesitations are pounced on and ridiculed. There is much putting on and taking off of spectacles – an obvious time wasting ploy greeted with unpleasant ageist remarks. Exact wordings are insisted on – it was Martha and the Vandellas in 1964, not Martha Reeves and the Vandellas – only an imbecile would say that. If anyone makes a mistake adding up they are immediately accused of cheating in the strongest possible terms and denied any subsequent quarter. Husband and I, on opposite sides of the table, glare at each other with narrowed eyes over the Chardonnay. The more intense the battle, the more bitter the insults. Team members turn on each other, everyone thinks they know best. Auntie Joan, an avid watcher of Eastenders for

many years is shouted down over the correct answer to a trivia question regarding the Queen Vic and accused of not speaking up loudly enough when it is revealed that her answer was right after all. She is forced to retire to the living room to watch a nice murder to calm down, fanning herself and moaning about her blood pressure. Surprising gaps in our knowledge and skills are revealed and are seized upon with howls of derision. Who knew Uncle Len cannot hum even one recognizable tune for his team mates to guess? The same unrecognisable dirge he comes out with for each and every song may have something to do with the volume of alcohol he has consumed but he could at least try, couldn’t he? ‘Hi Ho Silver Lining’ is very different to ‘Puppet on a String’, for goodness sake. Tempers fray. Husband and I take it in turns to play music calculated to annoy the other. He puts on excessive examples of bombastic prog rock – I retaliate with frenetic Romanian gypsy songs. Everyone is forced to shout to be heard. The younger members kick each other under the table. The cat whines to be let out into the cold to escape the confusion. Eventually exhaustion wins the day. We lean back surveying the ruins. The battleground is littered with the dismembered bodies of jelly babies, red wine stains and scatterings of cheese and onion crisp shrapnel. Empty bottles reflect our flushed faces. One of us remarks weakly that perhaps next year we should just watch a film instead and a storm of protest ensues. ‘What do you mean? It’s the best thing we do all year!’ What that says about us as a family I’m not quite sure. Merry Christmas everyone.

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Roast Turkey

with Leek, Apricot and Chestnut Stuffing

Serves 8-10

Ready in approx 4½ hours, plus resting time

Roasting the turkey in a ’tent’ of buttered foil will keep it moist and succulent. Always allow time for the cooked bird to rest in a warm place before carving.

Ingredients:

Heat half the butter and the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the leek and shallots for 6-7 minutes until softened. Remove from the heat and stir in the apricots, breadcrumbs, chestnuts and half the thyme leaves. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper and leave to cool.

• 100g butter • 1 tbsp olive oil

Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas 5. Line a large roasting tin with buttered foil. Use about one third of the stufﬁng mix to stuff the neck end of the turkey (press the rest of the stufﬁng in a shallow ovenproof dish to cook separately). Weigh the stuffed turkey and calculate the cooking time - allow 20 minutes per 450g plus 20 minutes. Place the turkey in the lined roasting tin and smear all over the skin with the remaining butter. Sprinkle over the rest of the thyme leaves and season.

• 1 leek, trimmed and chopped • 2 shallots, peeled and ﬁnely chopped • 75g ready to eat dried apricots, ﬁnely chopped

Cover the turkey with a tent of buttered foil and roast in the preheated oven for the calculated cooking time, basting occasionally. Uncover the turkey for the last 45 minutes until the skin is golden and the juices run clear when a skewer is inserted into the thickest part of one thigh. If the juices still run slightly pink return the turkey to the oven for a further 1520 minutes then check again.

• 150g fresh white breadcrumbs • 100g cooked chestnuts, ﬁnely chopped

Leave the turkey, loosely covered with foil, in a warm place to rest for at least 20 minutes. Stretch the bacon rashers with the back of a knife and cut each rasher in half. Wrap the short rashers around the cocktail sausages, securing with a cocktail stick. Place in baking tray and cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drizzle a couple of spoonfuls of juices from the turkey over the stufﬁng in the dish and cook in the oven at the same time as the bacon-wrapped sausages for 20 minutes.

• 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • 5.4kg oven-ready turkey, giblets removed • 16 cocktail sausages

Serve the turkey on a large warmed platter with the bacon-wrapped sausages and garnished with fresh herbs. Serve the extra stufﬁng separately along with all the usual festive vegetables.

• 4 rashers smoked streaky bacon • Fresh herbs, to garnish

TIP

For a quick gravy, simmer the roast turkey juices with a splash of red wine and a couple of spoonfuls of redcurrant jelly.

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Notice Board St Helena Hospice Tree of Memories

St Helena Hospice’s Tree of Memories Christmas appeal is now open for anyone wishing to make dedications to someone special at this special time. Tree of Memories involves donors receiving a bauble-shaped card to hang on their Christmas tree, personalised with their own dedication to a loved one. Duplicate cards can be hung on trees at either the Tendring Day Centre in Clacton or Myland Hall in Colchester, open for viewings between 15th December and 3rd January. The hospice will also be holding two Tree of Memories Services at the Tendring Day Centre on Wednesday 17th December and at Myland Hall on Thursday 18th December. Both services start at 6.30pm. To make a dedication and for more information, please visit sthelenahospice.org.uk/ treeofmemories14 or contact the Fundraising Office on 01206 791740.

Sudbury Cards for Good Causes charity Christmas shop

Cards for Good Causes sells charity cards across the UK every year and has now opened its Sudbury shop. Staffed by local volunteers, the shop is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am until 4.00pm and will trade until the 18th December at Sudbury Library. Shoppers can buy cards from more than 30 charities including: Alzheimer’s Society, Breakthrough Breast Cancer, East Anglian Air Ambulance,

St Nicholas Hospice and Suffolk Wildlife, giving customers a varied choice of designs and the ability to help the charity of their choice.

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 24th and 25th January

The UK will once again be peering out of their windows for the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th January. To take part, families are asked to spend just one hour at any time over the birdwatch weekend noting the highest number of each bird seen in their gardens or local outside space. They then have to submit their results to the RSPB before 13th February, either online or in the post. Aggie Rothon, RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Project Manager says: ‘This is a fun, relaxing activity for families or individuals and everyone who takes part will be helping to give nature a home. Now in its 36th year, Big Garden Birdwatch continues to help us learn about what is happening with our much-loved birds and other visitors, giving us an overall picture of how we will be able to help wildlife for generations to come.’ For more information please visit www.rspb. org.uk/birdwatch.

Regular Clubs and Societies Essex and Suffolk IVC A social club for singles and couples meeting every month in Coggeshall. Contact Brad on 07587 004207. Coggeshall Patient Participation Group For patients interested in finding out more about Coggeshall surgery and contributing to the development of local health services. Contact 01376 561840 or 01376 561943. Kelvedon Women’s Institute Various activities and outings. Monthly meetings at the Kelvedon Institute. Contact www.kelvedonwi.org.uk, email contact@ kelvedonwi.org.uk or call Joanna Puczkowski on 07855 369516. Coggeshall Heritage Society Regular talks, outings and meetings for anyone interested in the history and development of Coggeshall. Contact Mr. R.Creswell on 01376 561570 or visit www.discoveringcoggeshall.co.uk Circle of Friendship Friendly monthly meetings in the Jubilee room at The Venture Centre, Lawford to include speakers, sing alongs, quizzes, outings and meals. Contact Gwen on 07949 496723. Cambridge Graduate available for private tuition: Primary and Secondary Literacy. A Level English Literature, Sociology and History of Art. Teaching experience, DBS certificate (CRB), qualified first aider. Email: morwennamcneilltutor@gmail.com

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Walk on the Wild Side

Keen walkers everywhere will be familiar with the name of Derek Keeble, who is an avid rambler and prolific writer of walking experiences. Derek has kindly contributed walks to The Connection for 2 years but sadly this will be the last one as he is striding out for pastures new. Many readers have enjoyed his walks, his meticulous maps and his delightful, inimitable prose style. This edition’s walk is called ‘Assigned to Assington’ and is a linear walk ‘tailor made for bus-pass warriors,’ although it’s certain to be enjoyable for all ages. It seems right for Derek to sign off in his own words, so this is his description of the end of his perfect day: ‘Somebody near Maldon makes music with a piano-accordion to lure those, like Jessie and me, to dance. After jaunts of Sybil’s Roundabout and Devil’s Dream the dancers imbibe a little ale as they observe skeins of fowl descending flight after flight, upon the mudflats and saltings for a night’s roost. And so to pray and dream aboard an old Thames Sailing Barge balanced on the Blackwater tideway…. and then at dawn to restart afresh with curlew calls’. The map and description of the walk can be found at www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk/category/magazinefeatures/walks/

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What’s On General Christmas Fair At The United Reformed Church, Kelvedon Saturday 6th December 2.00pm - 5.00pm Many stalls, gifts and refreshments. Raffle, fancy dress competition, face painting, glitter tattoos and nail art, handmade jewellery, homemade sweets and chocolates. All welcome.

Halstead Christmas Events Switch on of Christmas lights At Halstead Public Gardens, Trinity Street, Halstead CO9 1JD Saturday 29th November 4.30pm Performed by Mayor of Halstead, Cllr David Hume, with nominated children from each of the 3 Halstead Primary Schools. Free event. Annual Torchlight Procession and Town Carol Service Starting at the top of Halstead High Street Wednesday 3rd December

carried by members of the public and are given free of charge by Halstead Town Council, providing a wonderful traditional spectacle. All are welcome to join in. The Carol Service will begin at about 7.30pm with free song sheets being provided. Free entry with collection for the Mayor’s Charity. Further details from Halstead Town Council on 01787 476480 or email reception@ halsteadtowncouncil.co.uk

The ArtMix Christmas Sale At The Blue Room,Coggeshall Conservative Club, 32 Church Street, Coggeshall CO6 1TX Saturday 29th November and Saturday 6th December, 10.00am - 7.00pm The ArtMix group of Coggeshall artists present their Christmas sale. Affordable original art in various media, including paintings, stained glass, textiles and jewellery, plus hand made decorations and greeting cards. Exhibiting artists are Louise Cowlin, Sue Fraser, Dorothea King, Rose Langford and Liz Pottinger. Free admission.

people and take the opportunity to buy home made Christmas Cakes, puddings, mince pies, sausage rolls, jams and other goodies including Christmas cards, wreaths, decorations and gifts. Pre-ordering of cakes, wreaths, puddings mince pies available. For more information please call Jayne Seymour on 01787 227521.

Brightlingsea Christmas Tree Festival At All Saints’ Church, Brightlingsea CO7 0RZ Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December from 10.00am - 6.00pm. Entrance is £3.50, under 16’s and students free. On Saturday there will be a visit from St Nicholas (Sinterklaas), who will come in his horse and carriage bringing gifts. Scores of lit and decorated Christmas Trees, gift shop, Christmas Pantry, homemade cake stall and refreshments, hot chestnuts, mulled wine. Free children’s quiz, continuous live music, Carol sing-along at 6.00pm on Sunday.

Torches will be handed out from 6.15pm, for a Follow the Park and Ride start time of 7.00pm. signs for the Festival For more information The blessing of the crib Shuttle Bus from the please visit www. around the Christmas Co-op Fiveways Car Park, artmixcoggeshall.weebly. Tree at Market Hill and Samsons Road, CO7 0RN com or call Sue Fraser then a procession led by or Victoria Place, CO7 on 01376 563518. the Salvation Army Band 0AE. The bus runs from will walk down the High Christmas Bazaar 10.00am – 5.15pm. Street, arriving at the At Ferriers Barn, Bures For more information Halstead Public Gardens Tuesday 2nd December please visit www. for the Annual Town 10.00am – 12.00noon brightlingseaschristmastreefestival Carol Service. Flaming .co.uk or call Linda Salmon torches (with glo-sticks www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk Visit the Arts & Crafts for younger people) are centre for disabled on 01206 306365.

Christmas Craft Fayre At Rowhedge Village Hall Saturday 29th November 11.00am - 4.00pm Over 30 crafters attending with a good mix of stalls, Christmas Tea room selling light lunches, Christmas Raffle. Free entry and parking.

Christmas Fair At Mount Bures Village Hall Saturday 29th November 1.30pm – 4.00pm Various stalls including Phoenix cards, accessories, bric-à-brac, homemade cakes, textiles, children’s games, sweets and treats, tombola and a raffle. Admission is 50p to include a tea or coffee. Stalls are £10 plus a raffle prize. For further details or to book a stall please contact Brenda on 07814 788508 All proceeds to Village Hall funds.

Table Tennis for Fun At Lawford Venture Centre Monday mornings from 10.00am - 12.00pm The Olympics are over, the Commonwealth games have finished but you can still play

What’s On continued 23 over page

What’s On table tennis. Are you retired, out of work, on holiday or have some leisure time? Make that leisure a pleasure. £2 per session, non league playing, bats are available. All standards welcome, come and make it a social occasion.

Music Brilliant Baroque At St James’ Church, Nayland Saturday 29th November 7.00pm

£4 members, £6 non members. Refreshments and raffle. Ample parking inside school grounds. Free entry for two non members upon production of this advert.

Dance and Drama

Contact Alan Pilgrim on 01787 269458 or email alanwpilgrim@tiscali. co.uk for further details.

At Nayland Village Hall

Nayland Choir conclude their 20th anniversary season with a concert focussing on Handel, Bach and Vivaldi. Adults £10, under 16’s free.

‘A Babe is Born’

Chappel Primary School Christmas Fayre

For more information please visit www. naylandchoir.org or call 01206 242319.

At St. Andrew’s Church, Halstead

At Chappel Primary School, The Street, Chappel CO6 2DD

Saturday 13th December 7.30 pm

A Christmas Concert from the Trenches

Halstead and District Choral Society present a traditional Carol Concert with a chance for everyone to join in with some favourite carols. Mulled wine will be served during the interval. Admission £5 on the door.

For more information please contact George Earle on 01206 323264.

Friday 5th December 3.30pm - 5.30pm An extravaganza of fun! Festive games and tombolas, childrens Christmas crafts, delicious cakes and refreshments, including hot savouries. Secret Christmas Present Shop for the children, huge Christmas raffle, Carol singing by the Chappel Notes choir and lots more.

Aldham Village Hall Christmas Quiz Night

At Raydon Church Saturday 6th December 7.30pm Suffolk Phoenix Brass presents a performance of words and music. Tickets £7.50 including a light supper, children under 12 free. In aid of St Mary’s Fabric Fund.

For further information contact Sue Bennett on 01787 478759.

For more information or to book tickets please call 01473 310320.

Cabaret Evening

Colchester Organ Society

Saturday 29th November 7.30 for 8.00pm - 11.15pm

At The Institute, High Street, Kelvedon

The Nayland Village Players Present: Jack and the Beanstalk Friday 5th, Saturday 6th December and Friday 12th, Saturday 13th December Evenings 7.30pm (Doors open 7.00pm), Saturday Matinees 2.00pm (Doors open 1.30pm) Jack and the Beanstalk is a classic pantomime with romance, adventure, knockabout comedy - and lots of audience participation! Tickets £7.50, £5 for under 16’s from Nayland Post office (afternoons) or by calling 01206 262808. More information can be found at www. villageplayers.co.uk.

The Crystal Ball in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support At Crowne Plaza Five Lakes Saturday November 22nd 7.30pm

For this glamorous black tie event, you will be greeted with a welcome An evening with Delvis drink followed by a Saturday 6th and supporting artistes delicious three course December. Doors On the first Friday presented by Kelvedon meal, entertainment, open at 7.00pm. Quiz of each month Community Association. dancing and auction in will start at 7.30pm. 7.45pm - 10.15pm Raffle. Tickets £15, bring the Ballroom. The auction Tables of 4 to 6. Entrance your own food and drink. Live keyboard concerts promises to be full of £4 per person. Bring your amazing items including with music to suit Tickets available from holiday accommodation own nibbles and tipple. all tastes, featuring Anne on 01376 572944, and other thrilling prizes! top musicians from Bumper Christmas Raffle. Sue on 01376 570720, We are organising this around the country. Book in advance or just email jeremydoughton@ because everyone we come along on the night. Friday 5th December hotmail.com or The Box know, knows someone – Mathew Bason For all enquiries Office, Master Butcher, who has been supported 24call Anne on Please mention please High Street, Kelvedon. to adverts TheJanuary Connection when responding Friday 2nd by Macmillan; such an incredible charity - please – Ian House Proceeds to KCA. 01206 211624. At Alderman Blaxill School, Paxman Avenue, Shrub End, Colchester

What’s On grab your friends, buy a table and come and help us raise lots of money whilst having lots of fun. Tables of ten cost £450 or £45 per head. To book please email 2014crystalball@ gmail.com or call Mrs Williamson on 07768 765 745

Ali Baba pantomime At The Orpen Memorial Hall, West Bergholt Friday 30th and Saturday 31st January, Friday 6th and Saturday 7th February 7.30pm. Saturday matinees 2.00pm. Doors open 30 minutes before performance. A traditional family pantomime with a brand new script by Peter Cox presented by The Orpen Players of West Bergholt. The audiences can expect the usual highly colourful show with plenty of slapstick and humour, balanced with a little romance, dancing and spectacle. As is Peter’s custom, there will be a link to a contemporary TV show and the audience is encouraged to be actively involved. Tickets are £7 adult, £5 children available online at http:// www.orpenplayers. co.uk/ or by calling Roger Milne on 01206 241048.

Cinema Leavenheath Village Hall Digital Cinema At Leavenheath Village Hall, Wrights Way, (signposted from the High Road) Doors open 7.00pm for 7.30pm start. Refreshments (wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee) will be available before the film starts and during the interval. Tickets £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 6th December ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ (15) The adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous hotel from the fictional Republic of Zubrowka between the first and second World Wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. Ralph Fiennes heads up a starry cast including Adrien Brody, Harvey Keitel, Jeff Gloldblum, Jude Law, Tilda Swinton and more.

Angels Montessori Nursery. For children aged 2 - 5 years. Come and meet our staff and take a look around our outstanding nursery. For more information call Julie on 01376 562 000 or just turn up on the day. www. coggeshallmontessori.co.uk

Baby Massage Absolute Angels Montessori Nursery, Coggeshall. From birth – 6 months on the following Fridays; February 27th 2015, March 6th, 13th and 20that 10am. £25 for four sessions. Massage is a lovely way for you to express your love and connect with your baby. Please contact Julie on 01376 562000 to book your place.

Things for Children Want to Know More, Come and Explore?

Music is fun

Super & Show in with Jo Jingles! Absolute Angels conjunction with The At the Lawford Montessori Nursery, Treble Tile of West Venture Centre Wesley Hall, 15 Bergholt - £20 (£10 Stoneham Street, Thursday mornings children under 11) buys Coggeshall, CO6 1TT in term time 9.30am you a show ticket and supper from special menu Friday 21st November A fun introduction to 1.45pm - 2.45pm - for details contact The music, singing and Treble Tile 01206 241712 www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk You are invited to come movement. Each week we www.thetrebletile.co.uk run age specific classes and look around Absolute

that are tailored to meet the needs of different age groups. Babies from as young as 3 months can join and for a limited time, babies up to 5 months in age can join for free! In our themed classes your child will get to use at least two musical and percussion instruments each week, enjoy lots of action and movement songs, sing nursery rhymes, play with our fantastic props, dance to our classical music and so much more! For more information please call Beth on 07877343307 or email jojinglestendring@ hotmail.com

Talks and Workshops Winter Solstice ArtWalkshop At Wormingford Community Education Centre, The Old School, Church Lane, Wormingford CO6 3AZ Saturday 20th December 10.30am – 1.30pm A fun and informal workshop exploring the change in the seasons in the local Wormingford countryside. We will go out sketching before heading back to develop our ideas through drawing or painting. Absolute beginners to practicing Artists very

What’s On continued 25 over page

What’s On welcome! Small group, £15 per person. To book and find out more, please visit www.HeatherRachel. co.uk email heather@ heatherrachel.co.uk or call Heather on 07801 246113.

Clog Dancing At Aldham Village Hall Thursday evenings 8.00pm - 10.00pm (not 3rd Thursday in month) Beginner? No problem. All welcome, please wear trainers. For further information call Sue on 01206 240682 or Sheila on 01206 574313.

Inland Waterways WEA course At The Methodist Hall, Chapel Lane, West Bergholt CO6 3EF Beginning Tuesday 13th January 8.00pm The WEA West Bergholt Branch is offering a 10 week course on Inland Waterways by Steven Worsley. The course will cover the increasing leisure use of our inland waterways contrasting with their past as a transport medium during the industrial revolution. Cost of the course is £48, people on low incomes or income based benefits/JSA free. If in doubt then sample the first evening for free.

For further information please contact Gill on 01206 240512.

Iceland Talk At Wormingford Community Education Centre, The Old School, Church Lane, Wormingford CO6 3AZ Friday 21st November 7.00pm for 7.30pm Rosy and Anthony Stamp, Michael and Halldóra Blair will present an illustrated talk on Iceland. Learn something about the geography, language, customs, heritage, art, landscape, bird life and more of this fascinating land. £4 per person, wine and nibbles available for a small donation. To book please call Amanda on 01206 337338 or email wcec12@gmail.com

Farmers markets

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

Lavenham Farmers Market At The Village Hall, Lavenham Sunday 21st December and Sunday 25th January at 10.00am - 1.30pm Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973

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.

Colchester Farmers Market

30th January at 9.30am - 2.00pm

The Arts Centre, Colchester

Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973

Friday 3rd December and Friday 2nd January at 9.30am - 12.30pm

Hedingham Farmers’ Market

Contact Rowley Castiglione 01206 367776

Wivenhoe Farmers Market Congregational Hall, Wivenhoe Saturday 20th December and Saturday 17th January at 9.00am - 12.00 Contact Rowly Castiglione 01206 367776

Brightlingsea Farmers Market At the Community Centre, Brightlingsea Saturday 27th December and Saturday 24th January at 9.00am - 12.00 Contact 01206 302055

Sudbury Farmers Market

At The Baptist Church, Swan Street, Sible Hedingham (next to the Sugar Loaves pub) Saturday 20th December and Saturday 17th January at 10.00am - 1.30pm Contact Roy Reece 07513 464567

Nayland Farmers Market At Nayland Village Hall Saturday 13th December and Saturday 10th January at 9.30am - 1.00pm Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973

Long Melford Farmers Market At Long Melford Village Memorial Hall

At St Peters Church, Sudbury

Saturday 20th December and Saturday 17th January at 10.00am - 1.00pm

Friday 19th December and Friday

Contact Daryl Turner 07780 258202

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: February/March - published 22nd January 2015

Deadline date for entries in the next issue 9th January 2015

We also of slimming groups, keep 26 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

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And Another Thing... Christmas Shopping by Tom Hughes

It was that time of year again, when the late autumnal chill turns to a sharper, wintery shiver. “Tom?” “Mmmm?” “What are you doing this Thursday? “I’m busy.” “Doing what.” “Er, I have to creosote the dog.” “Don’t be silly and stop hiding behind the paper. On Thursday we need to go … late night Christmas shopping.” “Listen, I hate Christmas, and I hate Christmas shopping. I’m like the condemned man shopping for rope. I’m a grown adult, I can make my own choices in life, so please find someone else, and that my dear, is my final, final word.” The Trafford Centre car park was heaving as we bumped the Mondeo up onto the pavement and joined the happy throngs. As soon as we entered, Sarah headed straight for the Christmas decorations. “Now Tom, do you think we need another Santa to stand in the corner of the front room?” I turned around and stared at the rosy cheeks and glassy

eyes of the little fat man with the white beard. I felt like punching him. But instead I just pulled at his realistic whiskers. “Er, do you mind?” “I’m most terribly sorry,” I immediately apologised as the chubby old chap backed away from me, his furious wife in tow. “Tom, what have I told you about not wearing your new glasses? Look, this is going to be a long night so let’s just get on with it.” “I’ll tell you what - let’s split up. You give me a list and we can finish in half the time.” Sarah’s eyes narrowed as she ripped her brown envelope in half. “Ok ... but don’t just go to Waterstones and browse for hours.” “As if.” The film section at Waterstones was bigger than I remembered, with huge glossy tomes full of scenes from my favourite films. One Spielberg book was as weighty as it was marvellous. But at forty quid I couldn’t justify the price. I looked over the book to see the whiskered old man whom I mistook for Santa meekly shuffling along behind his wife. He looked over at

me, our differences forgotten as I held up my list. A moment of male bonding amongst the manic dash for presents. Then, as I replaced the Spielberg book, he gave me a strange, conspiratorial wink. The next destination was the perfume counter in Debenhams. A scary looking woman with cartoon eyebrows blocked my path. “Paco Rabanne?” “No, Tom Hughes, but pleased to meet you.” I offered my hand. The sales lady tried to look annoyed, but her plastered face couldn’t quite manage it. “No sir, it’s a perfume ... pour l’homme.” The sensual pout took me aback - who was this raging fire of pure epicurean femininity? Fingering the exotic bottle of scent, I rummaged for my list - Uncle Barry, aftershave. Perfect! “How much, madame? “£44.50 sir.” I was in Boots when Sarah rang. “Did you buy Barry’s aftershave?” “No.” “Why?”

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“Because I haven’t time to remortgage the house. Have you seen the price of Paco Rabanne?” “The Hugo Boss is on offer.” “No chance.” “Why not?” “Because he dressed the Nazis.” “Tom, I don’t think we have time to discuss the ethics of Christmas - just go and buy something, anything.” I trudged back to my Gallic friend and handed over thirty quid for a tiny silver bottle of what to me smelt of catnip. I met Sarah at a generic coffee emporium. Weighed down with bags, she flopped onto the bench as I brought her a restorative skinny latte. “You’ve been busy.” “Well, I just want to finish and go home. Where are your presents?”

“Here.” I held up my little aftershave bag. “Is that it?” “Well, I was distracted, the old man with the beard ....” Sarah, half standing, slurped her coffee. “Right, make yourself useful. Carry these, time’s marching on, let’s go.” Now reduced to a mute pack mule, I followed Sarah dutifully around the stores, sulkily accepting bundle after bundle of sparkly loveliness. And, before I knew it, it was Christmas morning and time to open our presents. Sarah had told me what to buy her and when

she opened her box gave me a polite look of mock surprise. Then I opened my present - it was the Spielberg book. “How did you know I wanted this?” “I just had a feeling.” The doorbell rang. It was Uncle Barry looking for his bottle of catnip. Everyone ran out to greet him. From the hall I heard a rousing “Merry Christmas!” Now alone, I glanced over at the corner of the room, where sat a chubby, red faced Santa. So Sarah had bought one after all? And do you know something? If I didn’t know better, and if I wasn’t on my third Bucks Fizz, I could have sworn he winked at me....

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Follow Tom and Sarah’s wedding at groomsdaybook.com

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.

17 5

24 23

16 20

24 3

24 16

20 3

24 25

2 17

10 20

17 11

8 22

A R

9 24

15 9

8 19

14 2

8 Solution on page 42

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Home & Interiors Scandinavian Christmas

Who doesn’t love Scandinavian style? It combines classic with contemporary, pretty with practical. And it’s the perfect look with which to dress up your home for Christmas In the Scandinavian countries extremes of landscape, from forests and fjords to boiling geysers and the Aurora Borealis, are all around you. In winter, daylight is fleeting, and keeping warm is a vital part of life. No surprise, then, that typical homes feature thick log walls, small, southfacing doors and windows, and thatched or birch-bark roofs. Inside, vividly coloured

By Katherine Sorrell

decorations in bright, rustic folk style provide relief from the long hours of night and the expanses of snow. Carved wooden spoons, bowls, cups and chests, strongly coloured, woven rugs, blankets and cushions, and beautifully painted furniture in ochres, reds and yellows are the timeless tradition. Appealing as it is, there is much more to Scandinavian style than colourful rusticity, however. What we now called ‘Gustavian’ style became popular in the late 18th century, encouraged by the young King Gustav III of Sweden, under whose patronage the grandeur of Versailles and the skilled creations of master furnituremakers like Hepplewhite and Chippendale were interpreted by native craftsmen in a gentler and more restrained way, blending neo-classicism and romantic Rococo into a unique, northern European decorative style. Think symmetry, pale colours (buttermilk and Baltic blue, grey and peppermint), painted floorboards, ribbons and swags, glass chandeliers, gilding, mirrors

and delicate wooden furniture with tapering legs and subtly carved details. Another major influence, a century or so later, was Swedish artist Carl Larsson and his wife, Karin. In the 1890s the couple decorated their rural cottage, Lilla Hyttnås, in a unique and innovative way, combining folk and Gustavian styles with contemporary European influences: Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau and Japonisme. Light and airy, pretty and functional, the look was all gingham and geraniums, bread crocks and baskets, rag rugs and sprigged china. When Carl’s watercolours of the house were published, the public response, in Sweden and further afield, was overwhelming; his books, in the early 20th century, did a great deal to popularise what we now see as the typically Scandinavian style of easygoing Gustavian, folk arts and an open-plan love of light and space. And what he started, a certain Swedish flat-pack furniture giant continued. Ikea opened its first UK store in 1987 and then – who can forget? – in 1994 launched its Gustavian-style furniture range, accompanied by an advertising campaign that urged us all to ‘chuck out your chintz’. It sold like hot glogg, and the rest is history – now we all crave the clean-lined, bright and uncluttered look, styled with pretty colours and dashes of folk art.

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Create a Scandinavian feel this Christmas by combining folk and sophistication, cosy and minimalism. Keep it simple – too much clutter is definitely not a part of this particular look. Your colour palette is, of course, mainly red and white, with green, brown and black for contrast, and the occasional dusting of glitter or artificial snow. Natural accessories such as twigs, branches and fir cones are a great starting point, with generously sized garlands and wreaths made from woven greenery. A sprinkling of metal lanterns with flickering candles creates atmosphere, and a real Christmas tree is, of course,

the centrepiece (clip-on Scandi-style candles optional). In general, materials should be as natural as possible, from bark to hessian, felt to Fair Isle, emphasising all sorts of appealing textures. If you can knit, sew or otherwise make your own decorations, so much the better but, if not, there are plenty of gorgeous accessories in the shops and online created by talented craftspeople. Perfection is not required: simply that appealingly homespun look. A row of knitted stockings, for example, would be

just perfect, while linen sacks with folk-style embroidery are ideal for larger presents. A gingham table runner is delightful, as are wooden or woven willow stars, berry garlands, miniature trees, appliquéd bunting and reindeer baubles. You’ve got the idea? Then raise a cup of schnapps and fill your home with festive Scandinavian cheer. Images: Far left top -Christmas stockings, hand-embroidered on wool felt, £48, Jan Constantine, Tel 01270 821194; www.janconstantine.com; Far left bottom - Embroidered birds stocking, £30, House of Fraser, Tel 0345 602 1073; www.houseoffraser.co.uk; Left bottom - Linen Scandi reusable Christmas crackers, £12.50 each, Kate Sproston Design. Tel 07765 675624; www.katesprostondesign.com; AboveScandi Merry Christmas decoration (set of four) £16, House of Fraser. Tel 0345 602 1073; www.houseoffraser.co.uk.

Our Christmas Trees are available in all sizes between about 1 metre (3 feet) up to about 10 metres (33 feet) in height. Available from early NOVEMBER until early January each year.

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Locally grown holly and mistletoe available. We also make our own holly wreaths, some of which can be made to order. Available late November until end of December. www.fredsmithxmastrees.com

West View - 61, Straight Road, Boxted, Colchester, Essex CO4 5QY - Tel: 01206

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272346 33

I’m Dreaming Of A Green Christmas by Pippa Greenwood

I love giving presents, whether that gift is a thing of beauty or something totally practical. With gardening as one of the nation’s top pastimes, here are a few ideas for things which I am sure most green fingered friends would be delighted to receive.

stock. If you want to spend a bit more, a heated propagator makes a fantastic gift. With tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and many of the fancier ornamentals needing to be sown soon, it’ll be a gift put to use straight away.

If you know a newish gardener then the basic tools are always well received, especially if you choose good quality, sturdy ones. So think fork, spade and rake – yes, they are difficult to wrap but worth the effort.

Gardening gloves too are something we can always have more of. Some of the gauntlet style gloves are perfect if you have to tackle a pruning job on a thorny plant or one with really rough or sharp leaves. Alternatively, there are many lower-priced types available with gripping pads on the fingers or with leather toughened strips across the knuckles. Classic greens, ravishing reds or funky florals, gloves are definitely not boring.

For anyone gripped by the Grow Your Own bug you could give one of my ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood ‘ gift cards – they choose the veg they want to grow and I send them out, at the right time for planting and accompanied by weekly advice and tips emails….it couldn’t be simpler! Find out more at www. pippagreenwood.com Weeding is always an issue so a hoe is useful or for smaller spaces (such as in between plants, in gravel, between paving, or to tackle weeds within planters) try the hand held red-handled weeders – I think they’re indispensable. A few packets of vegetable seeds are always appreciated and most garden centres already have a good variety in

Birds in the garden not only help to keep pest numbers down, but they also add charm which everybody appreciates. A peanut feeder, nest box or perhaps even a bird table will attract them in and there are many designs available from modern to rustic. For the ‘other half’ who is less inclined to help with the tough jobs in the garden, admit defeat and give them a garden lounger or even a hammock.

continues to rise in popularity, another idea is to give a few gorgeous looking containers - either empty for the friend or relative to decide what to put in it themselves, or make them into a complete gift by planting them up with a selection of plants and under planting them with bulbs which you know will bring extra delight next year. Finally, houseplants such as poinsettias, cyclamen, indoor azaleas and jasmines are perfect for providing bright colour indoors at this time of year. But remember when you buy any indoor plant during cold weather, it is essential that you protect it thoroughly on the journey from the shop to your car and from your car into your house as even a tiny exposure to cold drafts and low temperatures can cause damage. Visit www.pippagreenwood. com for a great rate of Gardening-related Gifts including stylish ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ gift cards, Pippa’s favourite weeding tool, signed books and lots of useful garden items for your friends & family…or for yourself!

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Useful Numbers Local Schools St. Peter’s C of E Primary School Tel: 01376 561328 Honywood Community Science School

West Bergholt Surgery

Rivers/Floodline

Tel: 01206 241137

Tel: 0845 988 1188

Marks Tey Surgery

Citizens Advice Bureau

Tel: 01206 213513

Tel: 0870 126 4065

Tollgate Health Centre

Samaritans/Colchester

Tel: 01206 710030

Tel: 01206 561234

Kelvedon St. Mary C of E Primary School

Stanway Surgery

Volunteering Opportunities

Tel: 01206 572372

Tel: 01206 505250

Tel: 01376 570411

The Pump House Surgery/Earls Colne

Al Anon Family Groups Helpline

Tel: 01376 561231

Feering C of E Controlled Primary School

Tel: 01787 222022

Tel: 01376 570296

Drs Hayhow & Barker/Bures

Earls Colne Primary School and Nursery

Tel: 01787 227529

Tel: 01787 222205

Tel: 01787 227529

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

Branch Surgery, Hardwick House Group Practice Tel: 01787 310000 Dr Baldwin & Partners, Nayland Surgery Tel: 01206 262202

Support Crimestoppers

Tel: 01787 269300 Great Tey C.E Controlled Primary School

ChildLine

Tel: 01206 210415

Samaritans

Fordham All Saints C of E Primary School

Tel: 08457 90 90 90

Copford C of E Primary School

Police Contacts

Tel: 0800 1111

Cruse Tel: 0844 477 9400 NSPCC

Aldham Village Hall Tel: 01206 240682 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

Essex Police (non-emergency calls to all stations and departments)

Tel: 01206 262943

Tel: 0300 333 4444

Tel: 01787 227631

Ministry Of Defence Police Tel: 01206 782917

Councils Colchester Borough Council

Tel: 0800 555 111

Tel: 01206 240251

Tel: 0207 403 0888

Village Halls

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

Wormingford 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: 01206 542221

Tel: 01787 223668

Tel: 0500 700 700

Post Offices

Tel: 01787 224370

National Debtline

Fiveways Post Office

Tel: 0808 808 4000

Tel: 01206 330451

Tel: 01206 574849

National Domestic Violence Helpline

Marks Tey

Holy Trinity C.E. Primary School

Tel: 0808 2000 247

Eight Ash Green & Aldham

Victim Support

West Bergholt

Tel: 01206 240880

Tel: 0845 30 30 900

Soaring High Montessori Coggeshall

Inland Revenue

Fordham Village Store and Post Office

Tel: 01376 564392

Tel: 0845 010 9000

Tel: 01206 240391

RSPCA

Earls Colne Post Office

Airports

Tel: 0870 55 55 999

Tel: 01787 222258

Stansted General Enquiries

AA Breakdown

Wakes Colne Post Office

Tel: 0870 000 0303

Tel: 0800 887 766

Tel: 01787 222449

Stansted Express

Floodline

Bures Post Office

Tel: 0845 850 0150

Tel: 0845 9881188

Tel: 01787 227252

Gatwick General Enquiries

Transco emergency service

Stoke by Nayland Park Street Stores and Post Office

Tel: 0870 000 2468

Tel: 01206 262335

Tel: 0845 850 1530

Tel: 01206 210439 Stanway Primary School Tel: 01206 574819 St. Mary’s Lower School Tel: 01206 211242 Stanway Fiveways Primary School

Stoke by Nayland C.E. V.C.P School Tel: 01206 262418 Nayland Community Primary School Tel: 01206 262348

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

Tel: 0808 800 5000 Missing Persons Helpline

Tel: 0800 111 999 Rail Enquiries Tel: 08457 484950 AA roadwatch Tel: 09003 401100

Tel: 01206 210314 Tel: 01206 240355

Nayland Post Office Tel: 01206 262210 Stratford St Mary Post Office Tel: 01206 322150

Earls Colne Village Hall 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

Gatwick Express Heathrow General Enquiries Tel: 0870 000 0123 Heathrow Express

Tel: 0845 600 1515 44 Surgery Please mention The Connection when to adverts Coggeshall Dedhamresponding Post Office Tel: 0800 800 151 Tel: 01376 561242

BT Faultline

Tel: 01206 323543

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Index of Advertisers Accountancy

18, 45

Cleaning Services

Heating

3730

Architect

Deli

Bathroom Fitter

Heating Oil

Decorators

Beauty Therapist

Dental Clinic

Health Club

Bookkeeping

18, 45

Designer radiators

Building Services

29, 41

Dog Washing Service

Carpet Cleaners

Interior Design IT Specialist Joinery

7, 17 30 41

Caravan Storage

Electrician Free Range Turkeys

29 15

Kitchen Fitters

Care Support Services

Ladies Fashion

Florist

13, 17

Chiropractor

Lawn Mower Repairs

Flooring

18, 43

Lodge Accommodation 5

Childrens Nursery

Funeral Directors

Chocolate Parties

Marketing

Garden Centre

Christmas Trees

15, 33

Oven Cleaning

Garden Design

Christmas Shop

Pest Control

45, 39

Garden Tutor

Craft Centre

Planning Services

Garden Services

Computer Services Counselling

Plant Nursery

Gift Shop

Probate Services

21, 47

Hairdressers

Property Maintenance 39

SUDBURY

River

Assington

Stour

A131

Stoke by Nayland

Bures

Pebmarsh

Riv er

HALSTEAD Coln e

Greenstead Green

Nayland

Dedham

Little Mount Horkesley Bures Wormingford Colne Engaine

Earls Colne

White Colne Wakes Colne Chappel

Great Tey

A131

Fordham River

Aldham

Colne

Stratford St Mary

Boxted

A12

West Bergholt A120

Eight Ash Green

COLCHESTER Copford

A120

Coggeshall Feering Kelvedon

Lexden A12

Plumber

Radiators

Removals

Storage

Swimming Pool

Travel Agent

Treatment rooms

816

Therapies

Tree Surgeon

Tutoring

Window Repairs

Wedding Venue

Yoga

��

Magazines delivered to selected homes in these areas

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Willwriting & Probate Services Did you know: You can protect your property from being sold to pay for your Care Home fees. Did you know: That the 40% inheritance tax is voluntary and you can legally take steps to mitigate the tax?

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Find out how we’re making fear of the dentist a thing of the past at www.dentistdirectcolchester.co.uk 01206 593 122 56 Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts The Centre, Colchester Business Park, Essex, CO4 9QQ (next to mimosa)