June/July 17 issue 76 by Sarah Banks

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Free

June/July 17 Issue 76

connection mag�ine Inside this issue... What’s On

Lots of events to choose from!

Recipes Sweet and Savoury! Gardening with Pippa Greenwood

N WI 5! £2

Also...

Walking for Health � �ee Art of Display Creative Networking Gardens Galore It’s Open Garden Season See our What’s On pages for details!

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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Reaching the heart of the community!

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Hello Well it’s that time of year when our green spaces are starting to burst forth and those of you who are opening gardens to the public in June and July will be praying for some rain I’m sure! As will the farmers too of course. I would like it to stay dry for our trusty team of distributors, so a week or two of nightime showers at the moment would be very welcome thank you! There’s also a few art events and Open Studios featured in the What’s On pages too. There’s an interesting event at Cuckoo Farm Studios which I’ll be making a bee line for. Talking of bees, Ella Martin from Lodge Farm in Colne Engaine is very pleased to have had her honey reach the ﬁnals of a well known foodie magazine! We’re rooting for you Ella! Some of you will have noticed that Alison Byrne is no longer advertising with us. This is because she is moving on to pastures new away from Colchester. Alison was one of my longest running loyal advertisers and I wish her lots happiness. The salon has now been taken over by Stefania Improta and you can read all about her new venture on page 9.

Inside 4 - Recipe 6 - Interiors 9 - Beauty at Brickstables 10 - Walking for Health 14 - 19 What’s On 22 - Notice Board 26 - Networking 28 - Book Reviews 24 - Gardening 30 - Sudoku 34 - Spot the Difference 36 - Useful Numbers 37 - Country Mutters 38 - Index

Sarah.

Editor and Publisher: Sarah Banks Editorial Assistant: Amanda Findley Contributors: Amanda Findley , Pippa Greenwood, Ann Haldon,Alison Runham and Katherine Sorrell. 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:

editor@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

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.

Competition winners

£25 cash sudoku winner - Mrs Pat White from West Bergholt. Vintage Fair ticket winner - Mr V williams from West Bergholt.

Next issue: August/September 2017 Publication date 20th July 2017

Deadline date for advertising: 7th July Deadline date for What’s On entries : 7th July

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Cake and Bake Peach Crostata A crostata is an Italian lattice-topped pie which can be sweet or savoury. This one has a fruity fresh peach ﬁlling. Serve with crème fraîche or ice cream.

Ingredients:

1. To make the pastry, sift the flour into a large bowl.

pasTrY • 350g plain flour • 175g butter, chilled and diced • 2 tbsp caster sugar

• 1 large egg, beaten with 2tbsp cold water filling • 6 peaches, halved, stones removed and thickly sliced • 2 tbsp caster sugar • 2 tsp cornflour • Milk to glaze

3. 4. 5.

• Icing sugar, to dust

Serves 6 Ready in 1 hour 15 minutes, plus chilling TIP

If you don’t have a pastry lattice roller, cut the rolled out pastry into thin strips and drape over the filling.

Add the butter and rub in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar, add the egg and water, then stir with a knife until the mixture begins to stick together. Gather the dough with one hand, turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few seconds until smooth. Flatten into a round, wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200C, fan 180C, gas 6. Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up. Roll out about two-thirds of the pastry on a lightly floured surface to the thickness of a one pound coin and use to line a 23cm round pie dish. Toss the peaches in a bowl with the sugar and cornflour then pile into the pastry case. Roll out the rest of the pastry to a 20cm circle and use a lattice pastry roller to cut slashes in the pastry (see tip). Brush around the edge of the pastry case with a little water then drape the pastry circle over the filling, pulling it gently to create the lattice effect. Press the pastry edges together to seal and trim off any excess pastry. Glaze the pastry with milk, then place on the hot baking sheet in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes until the pastry is crisp and golden. Serve warm or cold, dusted with icing sugar.

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Home & Interiors The Art of Display

If you want to create displays of your treasured possessions that show them off, our top ten tips will help. 1 Consider what you are displaying, whether it is sturdy or fragile, valuable or everyday. Do you wish to admire it from afar or do you prefer it close to hand and perhaps picked up? You may find you can manage with a display on a mantelpiece, shelf or table top, or you can invest in a specially designed cabinet, case or stand. If you opt for specialist display furniture, choose pieces that complement the style and proportions of your home. 2 Good lighting makes all the difference. Carefully positioned ceiling-mounted spotlights are ideal, but an adjustable lamp may provide a more informal, cheaper fix for a simple domestic display. Think about where the light comes from:

By Katherine Sorrell

directly above, behind (for a dramatic silhouette) or from the front, and how ‘warm’ or ‘cool’ the bulb should be in order to enhance colour and texture. Group objects together and they can be much more than the sum of their parts. A group display may consist of almost anything: a series of Delftware plates or tiles, a dozen framed silk headscarves, pebbles in graduating sizes, mirrored baubles, wooden shoe lasts, a row of modern chairs in sorbet shades…you can have great fun with almost anything you decide to gather together. Displays of identical pairs of objects are probably the most simple, and often the most visually powerful, of all. There’s something extremely pleasing about this mirroring and doubling, but you must ensure your objects are placed evenly and symmetrically. When choosing a group of different objects to display, look for ways in which they will work together, whether by colour, size, shape, texture or proportion. It is important to have something that creates coherence and some objects may simply not fit well into the group. Every time you display more than one object, you need to opt for symmetry or asymmetry. Symmetrical displays tend to appear more classical, considered and refined, and suit traditional rooms. Asymmetry, however, is

ideal for making an impact in a contemporary space, and can seem more spontaneous and intuitive. A great way to make an impact with a display is by showing off a single, fabulous, huge object - but ensure there is plenty of space around it in which it can ‘breathe’. Small objects can look lost in most rooms, so be particularly careful about how you display them. Try to ‘frame’ them within their surroundings – maybe in a cabinet or niche, on a side table, or on a plinth rather than a long, wide shelf. If displaying large groups of paintings, prints or flat objects on a wall, start by laying your potential group on the floor. Choose the piece that you wish to be most prominent, then surround it with pieces that work well alongside it. Finally, stand right back - does your display need tweaking? Don’t be afraid to change things around, and try not to make the finished result overly formal or perfect. This is your home, not a gallery, and the important thing is that you love what’s around you.

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Beauty at Brickstables When, after 15 years, Alison Byrne decided to focus on a more specialised role within the health and beauty industry, she didn’t have to look too far to fi find nd a suitable person to take over her successful and established beauty clinic in Lexden Heath. Stefania Improta had worked with Alison for 5 years, before she decided to go travelling. Alison says “ When Stefania returned from travelling, we got together and discussed what we would be doing next - the rest is history! It seemed the most perfect thing to happen, for Stefania, me and the business. I have had a truly wonderful time, building and running this business. I have met some amazing people and worked with some fantastic therapists. I have no doubt that Stefania will continue to provide a first class service for her clients. I wish her every success in her new venture”. Stefania has renamed the business and it’s now called Beauty at Brickstables. Inside her brochure are the words ‘Lose yourself in a world of complete relaxation’. This sums up the calm atmosphere of the salon perfectly. Stefania says ”we are still offering the same treatments and we’ve added in some exciting new ones too”. Therapists Katie and Emma are also still working alongside Stefania.

Tel: 01206 564885 The Studio Brickstables House Halstead Road

Keen to launch her new salon Stefania is having an

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Open Day on Saturday 1st July “There will be a make up artist , freebies, goody bags and some amazing ‘on the day offers’. There will be face painting for the little ones and some bubbles and refreshments for all. Also on the day, there will be the opportunity to sign up to our loyalty card scheme and there will also be a chance to win some treatments and vouchers!” Feel free to bring your children, friends and family. It’s a fun day out and it’s free to come along.

Open Day - 10am – 5pm. Brickstables House, Halstead Road, Lexden Heath, Colchcester CO3 0JU

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Health

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

These Boots (and Bodies) Are Made for Walking

May is National Walking Month. Yes; sadly, simple old walking needs promoting. Many of us walk far less than previous generations did, yet walking is great for our health and brings other benefits, too. The healTh BenefiTs Walking as exercise shouldn’t be underrated. Regular walking is proven to reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, obesity and some cancers, and helps maintain musculoskeletal health. On average, walking 10,000 steps burns 400kcal a day. Walking can also lift your mood and reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Countryside walks also offer nature, tranquillity and fresh air. While our skin and eyes do need protection from unhealthy UV exposure, some UV light is essential for good health. The UV light we absorb while walking can alleviate depression, help to regulate our body clock and stimulate Vitamin D production. Vitamin D boosts immunity, aids blood cell formation and helps us absorb calcium and phosphorous, necessary for healthy bones and teeth. The World Health Organisation says 5 to 15 minutes of casual sun exposure of hands, face and arms 2 to 3 times a week during summer is enough to keep vitamin D levels high.

OTher BenefiTs Of Walking accessibility: Walking can be done anytime, anywhere; as part of an everyday journey to school, work or activities, or a special trip. You’re not obviously ‘exercising’, which may reduce any selfconsciousness. social: You can walk with a family member or friend, allowing you quality time together. You may meet other people while walking or choose to join a walking group or health walk (see links below). environmental: Every time we walk to work, school, shops or activities instead of using transport, we reduce pollution and congestion, helping the environment and improving everyone’s health and safety both now and in the future. financial: Simple, level walks require no special clothes or equipment. It’s free exercise that can reduce travel costs, too. Walking Dos anD Don’ts DO wear comfortable, weatherappropriate clothes and footwear. Any comfy footwear and your usual clothes are fine for walking around streets or parks, but you’ll need proper walking boots if walking in rural or hilly areas and waterproofs for bad weather. In warmer weather, remember a sun hat and sunglasses (your eyes can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays just as your skin can). Apply sun cream before and during your walk. DO be prepared and safe. Ensure you take a drink and a snack, especially on hot days and long or more rural walks. Know where you’re going and how long it

will take (and consider telling someone). Know what weather to expect and don’t play music too loudly - be aware of what’s happening around you. Don’t ignore pain from footwear. Head back. Blisters can quickly become agonising. Don’t ignore weather warnings or advice from walking guides, whether written or human, and leave long or challenging hikes until you’re fitter and more experienced. Walking rOuTes anD grOups www.livingstreets.org.uk – a charity site with a wealth of useful links and information. www.walkinginengland.co.uk thousands of free downloadable walks. www.walk4life.info - find routes, organised walks and walking groups. www.walkingforhealth.org.uk - a popular scheme offering 1,800+ free, short walks every week. Search for those near you. www.ramblers.org.uk - a charity protecting footpaths, promoting walking and organising walking groups.

local walks www.colnevalley.com/ walkmarmildrift. The Margery Millers Maid Walk is a 12 mile circular walk around Chappel. www.colnevalley.com/walkhillhouse. River Colne and Hillhouse Wood Walk is just over 4 miles over the river Colne and through woodland. www.colnevalley.com/walkoverhall. Over Hall Walk is 3 miles long, taking in some lovely views of the valley towards Earls Colne.

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Gin & Tonic Afternoon Tea Coming soon!

l fresco dining at SbN

Join us this summer to enjoy some al fresco dining here at SbN. Sit back, relax and enjoy the weather whilst overlooking the picturesque lake and golf courses. Whether you’re enjoying a delicious Afternoon Tea on the terrace, or experiencing an exquisite three-course dinner in our two AA Rosette Lakes Restaurant, you’ll be able to enjoy the setting here at SbN at its very best.

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Camembert & Red Pepper Tarts Makes 4

Ready in 45 minutes

A really quick and easy snack, starter or light supper dish made with just ﬁve ingredients.

Ingredients: •

2 large red peppers, deseeded and cut into strips

•

1 tbsp olive oil

•

250g puff pastry

•

150g Camembert cheese, thinly sliced

•

150g bag rocket and watercress salad

TIP

Add extra flavour by spreading a thin layer of pesto sauce or tomato chutney in the pastry square before topping with the pepper and cheese.

❅

Preheat the oven to 220C, 200C Fan, Gas Mark 7. Place the pepper strips in a shallow roasting tin. Drizzle over the olive oil and roast for 15 minutes until just tender. Leave to cool. Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured surface to a rough square shape the thickness of a pound coin. Trim with a sharp knife to make a 26cm square. Cut into 4 x 13cm squares. Place the squares of pastry on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. With the tip of the knife, score a border in each pastry square about 1cm in from the outer edge. Top each pastry square with some of the roasted pepper strips and cheese slices. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is risen and golden and the cheese has melted. Serve warm with the salad leaves.

❅❅

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T R A N S P O RT E X T R AVA G A N Z A 28 & 29 May Classic cars, vintage motorbikes and modern head turners as well as an auto jumble and steam train rides on this great family day out. FAT H E R ’ S DAY S T E A M 18 June Dad can have a go at driving a diesel locomotive or a steam engine footplate ride. Enjoy a hog roast and real ale at our pub, The Viaduct. SUMMER STEAM GALA 9 July Celebrate the age of steam with rides behind our historic locomotives and settle in for our special screening of ‘Britain on film, Railways’. 1 9 4 0 ’ S V I N TA G E T E A DA N C E 6 August Dance along with Fox, Wiggle & Sass who will be serving up their usual combination of great wartime songs with attitude!

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What’s On General Disney Celebration Fete At St Mary’s Church, Kelvedon Saturday 1st July 3.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m. Not going to Disneyland this summer? Then come to Kelvedon to meet your favourite Disney characters in our fancy dress competition or win the Princess cake at our Disney themed fete. Along with all the regular stalls including books, bric-a-brac, cakes, plants, raffles and tombolas, there will be a Fantasia of sideshows as well as Robin Hood’s Ale Tent and Friar Tuck’s Barbecue.

Chappel & Wakes Colne Village Fete Hosted by Chappel CofE (VC) Primary School Saturday 1st July 2.00pm - 5.00pm A fun packed afternoon for children and adults - led by Leisure FM! Gizmo the rescued pony, Gyrus Gymnastics Team, Digestive Biscuit Eating Sheep, animals from the Gurton family farm. Various inflatables, beer from Chappel Brewery, Absolutely Natural Clothing, Homemade breads, pies, cakes and Cream Teas, Swan Inn BBQ, Egg Throwing Competition, Musical Bales, childrens faces and lots of stalls from local businesses and organisations. All in a beautiful setting under Chappel Viaduct. Our‘County Show on a Postage Stamp.’ For more information please call Sue Chamley 01787 222774 or Linda Goodchild 01787 228508 lindagoodchild1@gmail.com

2017 Taste of Sudbury At Sudbury town centre Sunday 11th June 10.00am – 4.00pm Celebrating, promoting and showcasing the very best producers, restaurants, chefs and food industries in the region. For more information please visit www.suffolkmarketevents.co.uk

The Harwich Festival Thursday 22nd June – Sunday 2nd July Historic Harwich will have a range of artwork displayed in many buildings around the old town complete with a public art installation ‘Making Waves’and Art Trails from Harwich and Dovercourt Camera Club. You will also find music, spoken word, dance and art melding seamlessly as the festival unfolds. For event locations please visit www.harwichfestival.co.uk or email Michael.offord@ harwichfestival.co.uk

Charity Craft and Farmers’ Market At Wakes Colne Village Hall Sunday 4th June 10.00am – 4.00pm Various stalls selling a variety of home made mouth watering produce and unusual crafts that you will find hard to resist. For the children there will be a Lucky Dip and face painting. Hot and cold drinks and yummy home made cakes. All proceeds will go to‘Hope and Home’s for children. Free entrance.

Island Artists on Mersea Saturday 3rd – Monday 5th June Over 3 days in June, 15 Mersea artists will be inviting visitors to see them at work and to enjoy their finished exhibits encompassing varied

At Walcotts Hall, Great Tey, CO6 1AH Saturday 8th July 2.00pm - 4.30 pm Stalls, refreshments, cakes, swimming for children, raffle, ice creams, plants, books, games and activities. Parking is available. For more details please contact Mrs. Freda King on 01206 211056.

performed, supported, and documented our jazz heritage. Visitors will be able to relate interviews and memories recorded throughout the project to their own experience of discovering music, which illustrate the investment that people of different ages and backgrounds have made to British musical heritage. The exhibition showcases an 18-month programme of events, workshops and interviews, and collaboration between local and national organisations and participation from community groups of all ages, and jazz professionals. Free entry. For more information visit www. theforumsouthend.co.uk.

Model Railway Exhibition

Scotland in Colchester

At Bocking Arts Theatre, Braintree (next to Argos) CM7 9AE Saturday 24th June 10.00am - 4.00pm Presented by Braintree & Halstead Model Railway Club. At least 18 layouts including N, OO, EM & O gauge. Local model shop stands, second hand train traders, modelling demonstrations. Refreshments available. Adults £4, accompanied children 5 - 15 £2, children under 5 free, Family (2A and 2C) £10. For more information please visit www.braintreehalsteadmrc.co.uk

At Lower Castle Park Colchester Sunday 18th June 9.30am - 5.30pm Pipe Band competition, Solo Piping, Massed Pipe Bands. Easy parking behind the fire station. For more information please contact Jackie at allan@yahoo.co.uk

disciplines in both 2D and 3D. Visit them in the village, along the waterfront as well as in the more rural eastern end of the island. For event locations please visit www.Island-Artists.uk or email IslandArtists@mail.com

Great & Little Tey Church Summer Fete

Say it with Music Exhibition At The Forum Southend, Elmer Square, Southendon-Sea, Essex SS1 1NS. Now until Monday 29th May Monday to Friday 8.00am – 10.00pm, Saturday 8.00am 6.00pm and Sunday 11.00am – 5.00pm The exhibition explores how different generations have promoted,

Medieval Fete At Feeringbury Manor, Coggeshall Road, Feering CO5 9RB Saturday 17th June 12.30 – 4.30pm Performances by the Thameside Mummers, Medieval Archery by Fellowship of the Dragon and Eden Falconry displays, fun for children including making headdresses, swords and shields, children’s fancy dress competition, lace making, basket making and spinning demonstrations,

What’s On continued over page

What’s On market stalls, bouncy castle and much more. It’s also an opportunity to visit Feeringbury Manor Gardens, part of the National Gardens Scheme. Cream teas sponsored by the Cream Tea Society, Rodda’s Cornish Clotted Cream and Tiptree Jam; a Pimms bar; and sourced locally from Coggeshall Bunting’s hot food, beer/ bar tent with Red Fox Beer and Peter Watts Wines. Free bus service which will run between Coggeshall, Kelvedon and Feering to the Manor. Ample seating in the gardens and ample free parking in the grounds. Admission is £3 for adults, children free. Dogs welcome but must be kept on a lead. In aid of All Saints’Church Feering. For further information please contact Joanna Brown at joanna@horizonsregained. com or call 07855 369516.

creative talents in and around Colchester with its use divided between artists, makers and creative businesses. This will be its first open studio event, allowing the public to explore the building and see the artists working within their studios. For more information please visit www.spacestudios.org. uk or email 37queenst@ spacestudios.org.uk

40th Aldham Old Time Rally

At Cuckoo Farm Studio, Boxted Road, Colchester CO10 5HH

At Colchester Road, White Colne, CO6 2PP (Off A1124) Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June 10.00am 400 exhibitors plus stalls, craft, fair, food, bar, auction on Saturday. Admission: adults £6, children free. Car Park. For more information please contact 01787 221588.

Games, worship & praise in the park At Kelvedon Recreation Ground, CO5 9AE Sunday 11th June 3.30pm Everyone welcome.

37 Queen Street Open Studios At 37 Queen St, Colchester CO1 2PQ Sunday 2nd July 10.00am – 5.00pm 37 Queen Street provides 38 studio spaces for

Open Church At St Andrew’s Colne Engaine Sunday 11th June 1.00pm – 4.00pm. Bell ringing demonstration, stalls, cakes, raffle, music by Rob Veater + much more!

‘Back Catalogue’ Studio Clearance Sale

Monday 29th May 11.00am – 5.00pm Big spring Studio Clearance happening out at Cuckoo Farm Studios on Bank Holiday Monday 29th May. It includes works from the past as well as trials experimental pieces and sketches. For sale will be works lingering, left over from past exhibitions, paintings, prints, pots and much more. The sale is not restricted to works of art, it will include anything no longer needed or in use in a studio. Art materials, pens, pencils, brushes, glazes, books etc. taking place directly from some of the studios, in and around the Benham Gallery, and in and about the courtyard. For more information and directions to Cuckoo Farm please visit www. cuckoofarmstudios.org.uk

Suffolk Open Studios Various locations during weekends throughout June Around 110 artists and makers around the county opening their doors to the public at weekends, so you can have a look behind the scenes and see them in action. Come and visit us to see a wealth of art and craft, and the inspiration that goes into creating it. For more information please visit http://www. suffolkopenstudios.org/

Open Farm Sunday At Fiveways Fruit Farm, Heath Rd, Stanway, Colchester CO3 0QR Sunday 11th June 11.00am – 4.00pm Fiveways Fruit Farm is a small family farm growing soft and tree fruits, Christmas Trees and asparagus. Guided tractor ride around the farm (45min approx), self guided farm trail, children’s quiz, fruit and juice tastings. For more information please contact 07909 996344 or email: julianmead20@ virginmedia.com

Nayland Fete At Nayland Village Hall, Nayland Monday 29th May 1.30pm Traditional village fete in the beautiful medieval village of Nayland. Come along and admire a great Classic Vehicle Display and take part in adults and children’s novelty sports and tug of war. Shop for plants, books, vintage, gifts and more. Enjoy sideshows for all ages including Splat the Rat, bouncy castle, Welly boot throw, China Smash and face painting. Feast on hotdogs, homemade cakes, strawberries and cream and ices. There will be a raffle with a £150 first prize Great

fun for all. All proceeds to St James Church Fabric Fund. Adults £2, concessions £1, children 50p. Free Parking.

The Colchester Medieval Festival and Oyster Fayre At Colchester Castle Park Saturday 3rd June 10.00am – 5.00pm An Authentic Medieval Fayre & Market with period entertainment including Falconry, armed combat, archery, puppetry, storytelling, music and dance. A family day out with fine catering at the Food Court and Beer Tent. £8 Adult, Child £5. For more information contact Colchester Visitor Information Centre on 01206 282920

All Things Floral

Wormingford Annual Flower Festival At Saint Andrew’s Church, Wormingford (off B1508 between Colchester and Sudbury) Saturday 27th, Sunday 28th and Monday 29th May 10.00am – 5.00pm daily. Our intriguing theme for this year is‘Essex is the Only Way’(celebrating all things Essex). Wonderful and imaginative floral displays, Bric-a-brac sale in Wormingford Community Education Centre, teas, cakes, lunches and refreshments, Tombola with many exciting prizes. No entry charge. Flower Festival Celebration service in the Church 28th May at 6.30pm. For more information please contact Mike Crisp on 01787 227325 or 07747 623172 mike@ mikecrisp.freeserve.co.uk

What’s On Chappel and Wakes Colne Open Gardens Sunday 4th June 11.00am - 5.00pm About 12 beautiful gardens will be open. Admission £5 by programme from Chappel Church (children free). Teas and refreshments available throughout the day in a lovely garden setting. Scarecrow competition, Grand Open Gardens Draw. In support of Church Funds for the Village Churches. For further details please call Richard on 01206 210 799 or email richdcb@aol.com

Coggeshall’s Paintbox Gardens Sunday 4th June 2.00pm – 6.00pm During the afternoon local artists will be drawing and painting in some of Coggeshall’s open gardens. The activity gardens will entertain your children and you can find bargains on the plant stall. There will be model railways and vintage cars to admire and afternoon teas and ice creams to enjoy, making Coggeshall’s Paintbox Gardens the perfect afternoon out for the whole family! For more information go to: www.coggeshallopengardens.org.uk

garden packed with plants, many rare and unusual and a magnificent display of Peonies. Admission £3. Plants for sale, home made teas. For more information please contact rosedale40@btinternet. com or call 01787 227619.

Colne Engaine Open Gardens Saturday 10th June 11.00am – 5.00pm. Lovely gardens, vintage style tea and cakes, stalls, Hadley’s ice cream, plus visit the Rescue Donkeys! Entry by programme £5 per person (children under 16 free). All proceeds to St Andrew’s Church and Essex Air Ambulance. For more information please email pollypercyuk@yahoo.co.uk

Nayland Open Gardens Sunday 11th June 2.00pm – 6.00pm A variety of gardens open, teas in the village hall, free parking. Tickets £5 per person, children free.

Nayland Morning Market Saturday 20th May from 9.30am Nayland & District Horticultural Society’s Sale of Plants including bedding and vegetables, and cakes. Refreshments and raffle. Church Hall, Bear Street, Nayland CO6 4HY Further details from Trevor 01206 262217 or www. naylandhortsoc.org.uk

Open Garden

Nayland Flower Show

At Rosedale, Colchester Road, Bures CO8 5AE

Saturday 5th August, 2-5pm

Sunday 21st May 12.00 - 5.00pm

Nayland Village Hall, Church Lane CO6 4JH

Part of The National Garden Scheme. A plantsmans

Schedules are available for the 36th annual

Nayland Flower Show. Classes for vegetables, fruit, flowers, flower arranging, photography, art, craft, cookery, family and children’s sections. Non members, are most welcome to enter. Schedules available from Nayland Post Office or www.naylandhortsoc. org.uk Entry deadline 2nd August. Come along to enjoy the exhibits, produce stall, raffle and refreshments.

Mount Bures Family Fun Flower Festival At Mount Bures Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th June

Music Colne Philharmonic Orchestra Concert At Christchurch, Braintree Saturday 24th June 7:30pm Conductor; Michael Whittaker. Soloist; Sarah Bennett. Mendelssohn; Overture to Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mozart; Flute Concerto No 2, Mozart; Symphony No 35 (Haffner). Adults and Seniors £10, under 16’s £3. Ticket price includes interval drink. Programmes £1. Tickets are available on the door or via our box office; email cpooxoffice@bigfoot.com

Spectacular flower arrangements, family focused activities, raffle, bric-a-brac, home made cakes and refreshments.

Fastlove - A Tribute to George Michael

Brightlingsea Open Gardens

Monday 18th September 7.30pm

Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th June 10.00am - 5.00pm About 35 gardens open to the public, all within the town. There are a huge variety of large and small gardens, ranging from immaculately groomed to the cultivated wild. At some gardens there will be refreshments for sale including cakes and sausage rolls, and the Support Group will be serving lunches, cakes, wine, teas and coffees in one garden. Plant sales. All proceeds to the Brightlingsea Support Group for The St. Helena Hospice. £4.50 per adult covers both days, accompanied under 16s free. For more information please call 01206 308 023 or email egog@btinternet.com

At The Mercury Theatre, Colchester

Get ready for an unforgettable evening with a global superstar, as he puts the Boom Boom into your heart in the all new production for 2017 – Fast Love: A Tribute to George Michael. The show is packed with crowd pleasing anthems. From Wham! classics of the‘new pop’revival to the chart topping success of the eighties album Faith. All the awesome tunes of the nineties and noughties including the irresistible Flawless. Box Office: 01206 573948 or www. mercurytheatre.co.uk

What’s On continued over page

What’s On Colchester Organ Society At Thomas Lord Audley School, Monkwick Avenue, Colchester CO2 8NJ. On the first Friday of each month 7.45pm - 10.15pm Live keyboard concerts with music to suit all tastes, featuring top musicians from around the country. Friday 2nd June Trevor Flunder Friday 7th July Michael Carr £4 members, £6 non members. Refreshments and raffle. Ample parking inside school grounds. Free entry for two non members upon production of this advert. Contact Alan Pilgrim on 01787 269458 or email alanwpilgrim@tiscali.co.uk for further details.

Colchester Symphony Orchestra – Mainly Strings At St Botolph’s Church, Colchester Saturday, 20th May 7.30pm Our programme: Finzi Clarinet Concerto with soloist Andrew Cory; Elgar – Sospiri; Holst – St Paul’s Suite; Mendelssohn – String Symphony no 10. Tickets: £14, concession £12, student £3, under 17 admitted free. Tickets are available on the door or may be reserved in advance by‘phoning 01206 271128. Please see www.colchestersymphonyorchestra.org.uk or www.facebook.com/ colchestersymphonyorchestra for further information.

Drama and Dance Macmillan Crystal ‘Mid-Summer’ Ball At The Crowne Plaza Five Lakes, Tolleshunt Knight, Colchester Saturday 17th June Feering & Coggeshall Macmillan Fundraising Group are delighted to announce details for this year’s fundraising event. Come and join us for a wonderful evening to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support in the newly refurbished function suite at The Crowne Plaza - Five Lakes. Tickets now on sale at £50 each for this popular black tie event which includes a drinks reception, three course meal, auction/raffle, entertainment and music/ disco. For tickets or more information please email crystalball2016@gmail. com, see www.facebook. com/macmillancrystalball or call 01376 571855 / 07786 934436.

Brainwave 10th Anniversary Ball At Layer Marney Tower Saturday 17th June 6.30pm – 12.00 midnight The evening includes champagne and canapé reception, a 3 course gourmet meal, unlimited wine all evening, entertainment, dancing until midnight and an auction with 15 very special prizes including: The Olly Murs prize of 4 tickets to a summer show with a Meet & Greet plus an outfit from his recent tour: A week at an exclusive Italian Villa with its own vineyards, sleeping 10 people: The opportunity to meet Julian Fellowes (Downtown Abbey fame), sitting at the top table with Lord and

Lady Fellowes at a Ball in Cheshire. Lone yachtsman adventurer Tony Bullimore will be presenting stories about his adventures on the high seas and has also donated a prize. Transport to and from The Crown Plaza Resort Hotel near Colchester and Witham Station. All proceeds from this event will support Brainwave Children’s Charity that changes the lives of children with disabilities and additional needs by offering them therapy to help them achieve their potential. Tickets £110 per person or tables of 10 people at £1,000. For more information please visit www.brainwave. org.uk or contact Gerry of Brainwave on 07725 956014; email: gerrygould@ brainnwave.org.uk

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 3rd June ‘La La Land’ (12A) Starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone and John Legend. A jazz pianist falls for an aspiring actress in Los Angeles

Saturday 1st July ‘Lion’ (PG) Starring Rooney Mara, Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel. A five-year-old Indian boy gets lost on the streets of Calcutta, thousands of kilometers from home. He survives many challenges before being adopted by a couple in Australia; 25 years later, he sets out to find his lost family.

Dedham Films At The Assembly Rooms, High St, Dedham Dedham films screens a monthly feature on the third Wednesday of each month. The format of the monthly film evening will usually be 7.00pm doors open for refreshments, 7.30pm film begins. If there is a suitable break in the film, there is a 15 minute intermission for drinks at the bar and ice cream. There is open seating at all our screenings, so get there early to bag your favourite seat. Tickets are £4. There are usually a few tickets for sale at the door, but this cannot be guaranteed so please buy your tickets at the previous screening or as soon as you can from Shakespeare House Gallery, Dedham High Street or online from the link on our website at www.dedhamfilms.co.uk Wednesday 21st June ‘Lion’ Starring Rooney Mara, Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel. A five-year-old Indian boy gets lost on the streets of Calcutta, thousands of kilometers from home. He survives many challenges before being adopted by a couple in Australia; 25 years later, he sets out to find his lost family.

What’s On Wednesday 19th July ‘Viceroy’s House’ Downton Abbey mainstay Hugh Bonneville is very much on home ground as Lord Mountbatten, the last viceroy appointed by George VI to oversee the peaceful transfer of power from Britain to India. In the employ of his titular Delhi household are Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims, providing the prism through which the story of partition is refracted.

Talks and Workshops Colchester Sketchers Untutored Sketching Opportunities. Everyone welcome, all ages and experience. Please bring sketchbooks, pencils, paints etc. £2 to participate. Children free. Sketch Meet June 24th 12.00pm - 2.00pm Church of St Leonard at the Hythe, Colchester CO1 2NP. Meet inside, but feel free to sketch inside or out. DrinkDraw Thursday 29th June 6.30pm - 8.30pm The White Hart, Nayland Rd, West Bergholt, Colchester CO6 3DD. Meet in the bar, sorry no children. Please support the pub and purchase a drink.

Art classes:

July 8th

In Bures, Drawing Basics for Adults courses for both beginners and improvers taught by professional artist Sue Pownall. 5 weeks for introductory price of £65. Mondays from 19th June 10am - 12, or Tuesdays from 20th June 10am - 12, or Thursdays from 22nd June 12 - 2pm. Evenings classes may be possible.

Howard Hodgins takes us into more abstract. These workshops are all worked with acrylics. 5/6th August is a two day workshop on the SEA but working in oils, exploring various materials and techniques. Cost per day £40 (10-4) To book or for more information contact Lupe Cunha on lupecunha@gmail.com

Please email for more information studio@ suepownallartist.co.uk

Farmers markets

Contemporary Painting Workshops

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

Lupe Cunha MA has been running Contemporary Painting Workshops for the last two years at Cuckoo Farm Studios, Boxted Rd, Colchester CO4 5UU. Using current exhibitions both locally and in London (Tate, RA, etc) she talks about the artist’s style and techniques to inspire participants and then tutors each one independently to develop their own works inspired on the work discussed. June 3rd Winifred Nicholson’s Flowers on Windows are the subject. June 17th David Hockney wide range of work provides something for everyone.

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 We also welcome details of slimming groups, keep fit classes, language courses, farmers markets, boot sales and regular clubs, groups and societies.

Lavenham Farmers Market At The Village Hall, Lavenham Sunday 25th June and Sunday 23rd July at 10.00am - 1.30pm Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973

Colchester Farmers Market The Arts Centre, Colchester Friday 2nd June and Friday 7th July at 9.30am - 12.30pm Contact Rowley Castiglione 01206 367776

Wivenhoe Farmers Market Congregational Hall, Wivenhoe Saturday 17th June and Saturday 15th July at 9.30am - 12.30 Contact Rowley Castiglione 01206 367776

Sudbury Farmers Market At St Peters Church, Sudbury Friday 30th June and Friday 28th July at 9.30am - 2.00pm Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973

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: August/September 2017 - published 20th July

Deadline date for entries in the next issue 7th July 2017 www.facebook.com/TheConnectionMagazineColchester

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Enjoy locally brewed real ale at home! Order your beer in a box. 17 pints or 34 pints.

Perfect for BBQs, parties, weddings and more. Bottled gift packs also available. Great presents for beer enthusiasts. From £10.

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Could you be a Foster Carer?

Foster Care Fortnight 8th-21st May 2017 is here again and the purpose of this regular event is to raise awareness around the need for fostering families around the country. All agencies contribute and support Foster Care Fortnight along with the Fostering Network who ‘figurehead’ the campaign. The number of families coming forward to foster has dropped significantly and the number of young people needing foster care is only increasing!

Could you make that difference to a Childs life?

Children First is an independent fostering agency. Our aim is to provide quality care and achieve the best outcomes for children by working in partnership with our foster carers, local authorities and the children. Children need foster carers for many reasons. Some families have periods of instability due to life issues including sickness and family breakdown. Children may experience harm from family members, including being exposed to inappropriate behaviour or risk. By providing a safe, caring family environment, you could help turn their lives around. All sorts of people become foster carers. You can be single, in a partnership or divorced, and come from diverse cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. You can be a home owner or tenant. What you do need is patience, understanding, time and energy to invest in a young person. Each foster child will need to have their own bedroom in a welcoming and safe home, giving them space for their possessions and to allow them to study, play and be part of your family. As a foster carer with Children First, you will receive a regular allowance and have the support of our team at all times. We also offer continual training and development. If you want to find out more about fostering, go to www.cffa.co.uk or call 0808 178 1144. For a more personal chat call Kim on 01268 567330

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Notice Board POhWER Advocacy Volunteer Information and Recruitment Event at Colchester Library

Citizen Advocates are volunteers who invest their free time to provide one to one support to individuals in their local community, including helping them to access information, speak up and get their voice heard and help them to contact other relevant organisations. We are currently looking to recruit more volunteers to meet the demand for this service. If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities with POhWER, please come along for a chat to find out more at Colchester Library on Tuesday June 6th from 10.00 am - 1.00pm. To find out more, please contact Sharon Griffiths on 0300 456 2370 or email volunteering@pohwer. net

St Helena Hospice Sponsor a Nurse campaign. Sponsor a Nurse is the perfect avenue for supporters who wish to make a regular donation to the hospice. The charity provides support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year across north east Essex to people living with an incurable illness, and employs 117 nurses who work within the Inpatient Unit and out in the community. The hospice’s nurses provide vital support for patients and their families who need comfort, care and advice at a very difficult time in their lives. St Helena Hospice’s core services are free for people in the community to access, but the cost of running the hospice is around £8.7million a year. The hospice relies on the generosity of the local community, people like you to help raise two thirds of this amount. To be part of the Sponsor a Nurse campaign, supporters are encouraged

to contact the hospice, or donate an amount of their choice online, with all money going into hospice services. Please visit sthelenahospice.org.uk/ nurse or call the fundraising team on 01206 931468.

Walk or Run towards a cure for Parkinson’s in Essex this June

People in Essex are being asked to pick up the pace against Parkinson’s this year at Walk/Run for Parkinson’s – Hylands Park on Sunday 11th June. Walk/Run for Parkinson’s offers the opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to get involved in a fun and active day out, while helping the charity step ever closer to a cure. There are a range of distances around the park on offer to suit everyone, including a 2 mile and a 5 mile walk. For the first time this year there will also be a running route available, with the choice of a 5k or a 10k. The registration fee is £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s. The fee for runners is £15 for the 10K and £12 for the 5K (for those UKA Affiliated the fee for the 10K is £13). All money raised from Walk/Run for Parkinson’s – Hylands Park will help Parkinson’s UK’s work. To find out more and to sign up to walk or run visit: www.parkinsons. org.uk/walkhylandspark, call 0207 963 9367 or email: fundraising@ parkinsons.org.uk

Trustee of Marks Hall is appointed to Board of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Lord Gardiner, Under Secretary of State at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced that Michael Lear is to become a Trustee of the RBG Kew as well as being a Trustee of

Marks Hall Estate. Michael and his partner, Beverley Lear devised the Landscape Masterplan for Marks Hall in between 1990 and 1995. Chairman of Marks Hall Graeme Fraser Steele, commented ‘I and my fellow Trustees at Marks Hall are delighted that Michael has been appointed to the Kew Board. I know that he will make a substantial contribution to the wellbeing of our Royal Botanic Gardens as well as helping to foster and maintain the strong bond which exists between Marks Hall and Kew.’

New Facilities for All Saints’ Church Feering

Feering Parochial Church Council is having plans drawn up to put a new kitchen and toilet in the space under the church tower, with estimated costs of about £30-40k. Work is also needed on overhauling and redesigning the organ, likely to cost £50-70k, and also work on the other three bells; a rough estimate for this is about £75k. So, fundraising in our village needs to begin now in earnest. This is extremely important as we must demonstrate to the Diocese and to the Trusts and Foundations we will approach, that there is a real need: that the village of Feering really wants these facilities and is prepared to work together with the PCC to raise the money for them. If you can help please contact us – either PCC Secretary/Assistant Treasurer Jean Yems (jeanetteyems@btinternet. com / 01376 571787), or our Priest-in-Charge the Revd. Simon Garwood (simongarwood@ simonliz62.plus.com / 01376 573701). For more information please visit: www. kelvedonandfeeringchurches.co.uk

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Commissions for pen & ink and watercolour drawings taken. Professional ar�st oﬀering private and small group drawing and pen & ink art classes in Bures, Sudbury and Colchester areas. Prices from £15 a class. Please email for informa�on & upcoming dates.

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New Education Centre opens at the East Anglian Railway Museum

Monday 10th April saw the grand opening of the Thompson Education Centre at the East Anglian Railway Museum, performed by Councillor John Aldridge, Chair of Essex County Council and in the presence of Sir Bob Russell, High Steward of Colchester and President of the museum. This event marks nearly two years of sterling work by museum volunteers to turnaround a donated ex Colchester Garrison building. The Education Centre is named after the late Peter Thompson, a volunteer who worked tirelessly for the museum from 1970, when it was the Stour Valley Preservation Society, until his death in 2005. The Thompson Education Centre is now a modern facility housing model railway displays as well as a series of classrooms and exhibition rooms which raise standards of the museum and support our educational work. A brand new children’s playground was unveiled at the same time. This will enhance the museum’s offering to visitors and allows our younger visitors to let off energy in a safe environment close to the Centre. For more information, contact Ian Reed on: ian.reed@earm.co.uk or call the museum on 01206 242524.

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Lodge Farm Honey Success

Honey producer, Ella Martin from Lodge Farm in Colne Engaine is very pleased to have had her produce reach the finals of a well known foodie magazine. Lodge Farm will be at the Suffolk Show from May 31 at Trinity Park in Ipswich. Watch out for updates on their Facebook page: lodgefarmcolneengaine or Instagram: lodgefarmessex

Magazine Distributors Required

Like walking? Get paid to exercise! We are looking for adult, mobile distributors for all our distribution areas to join our existing excellent team to deliver either on a permanent regular basis, or on a part-time basis for holiday and sickness cover. Villages include, West Bergholt, Eight Ash Green, Fordham, Fordham Heath, Pebmarsh, Bures, Colne Engaine, White Colne, Earls Colne, Coggeshall, Kelvedon and Feering. Please register your interest by emailing; editor@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

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Outdoor Relaxation by Pippa Greenwood

When you get back from a hard day’s work, or when you simply find the time to escape into the garden after a stressful day, then it is essential that you are met by a soothing environment. So, concentrate on a truly relaxing feel that will help you to unwind as you enjoy soft shades and textures of foliage, delicate flower colours and fabulous perfumes. Plants have an amazing ability to calm and soothe even the most wound up, stressed out mood, but what should you grow if you really want to create that perfect place to relax? Start by considering a fairly gentle perfume, like that produced by many roses. One of my favourites is ‘Felicia’. For something slightly richer try ‘Tuscany Superb’. If you have an arch, arbour, pergola or even a spare bit of fence then train a honeysuckle over it. Its delicately coloured flowers and fabulous perfume will cheer you up and you can even enjoy it in the early evening. A sowing of night-scented stock will produce plants that are perfect for early evening relaxation, as this is when the flowers open and produce wafts of really sweet scent.

If you have space for a goodsized container plant, then grow your own Datura or Brugmansia. Commonly known as the angel’s trumpet, these plants produce large elegant trumpet-shaped flowers with a wonderful perfume. Think too of plants with a relaxing feel to them, such as the grass Chasmanthium latifolium which grows to a height of about 45 cm and carries its flattened seed heads above the leaves. They move about delicately in the breeze and are almost impossible not to stroke. Artemisia abrotanum has soft grey-green leaves that will make you want to touch it, which releases a lovely aroma. The perfume of lavender is often used in aromatherapy because of its calming, soothing properties, so grow this in a sunny spot with free-draining soil, perhaps to edge a border. It not only has lovely, slightly furry or felt-like foliage but also produces that heavenly smell. Grasses and bamboos work well too; the rustling sound of bamboo foliage as the stems sway gently is one of the most relaxing sounds I know, and for smaller spaces many of the grasses form wonderfully rounded and quite irresistible

clumps of foliage. When it comes to choosing flowers, if you want to relax then concentrate on cream, white and, of course, the pastel shades. Green is known to be a relaxing colour too, so include plenty of plants with good foliage, and, in shady areas, a miniature grotto-like patch planted up with ferns is wonderful. And finally, before you rush off to the garden centre to buy some of these truly magical ingredients, just a reminder that water in a garden always helps to relax you. Whether it’s a small pond or perhaps a bubble fountain, position it where you can hear that sound of moving water or enjoy watching the wildlife as it comes to feed and drink - and before you know it, you will find that you want to move the whole of your life into your garden. Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for a really useful selection of favourite gardening items including growing frames, SpeedHoes, SpeedWeeders, raised bed kits, Nemaslug and other nematode controls and copper tape, pull-out EasyTunnels, signed books and lots more besides.

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Networking Hundreds of people get up at the crack of dawn in the morning to do it, others wait until lunchtime while yet more people do it in the evening or online. What is it? Networking. From business breakfasts to wine bar soirées, people all over the country are networking together, making new contacts and expanding the contents of their address books. You’ll know a great networker when you meet one. They are the first people to shout “I do!” when they overhear someone asking “does anyone know of a good plumber?”, or asking for a great painter and decorator or a good restaurant to take their elderly parents to. Good networkers listen and they learn, making a mental note of people who they like and who they would like to stay in touch with. They are passionate about connecting people who may be able to help each other or who they think may have a common interest or bond. If you thought Business Networking was all about delivering the perfect Dragon’s Den style ‘elevator pitch’ in order to come away with a great deal, then you would be very wrong. It is a lot less about selling and competitiveness, but more about trust, building and nurturing relationships and above all collaboration and helping each other.

businesses. Amongst the busy crowd there were, graphic designers, furniture makers, writers, bloggers, artists, stylists, crafters and a honey producer. Kay explains “When I set up Kinship Creative Design Consultancy I found there were local business groups, but nothing that was specifically for small creative businesses. I am passionate about collaboration rather than competition and therefore wanted to create a social hub where people could come and seek or give advice on how to set up or grow a small creative business. I also wanted to encourage people to look for ways in which they could work together. Many people don’t have a big start up budget so skill swapping is another great way to help each other.” For details on future meetings, keep an eye on the Facebook page below and Kay’s Instagram account. https://www.facebook.com/pg/kinshipcreativedc/ events Instagram; kinship_creativedc

Here are some examples of local groups.

Kinship Gatherings Kay Prestney, an interior designer and stylist who also runs creative workshops, decided to launch Kinship Gatherings when she realised she wanted to help other creative business owners. Kay invites like minded creatives from all kinds of backgrounds to come together to give or seek advice and of course inspire each other. Kay is passionate about the importance of creating a supportive and collaborative community. The most recent Kinship Gathering took place at Church Street Tavern in Colchester and Kay’s guest speaker was Lucy Tiffney who was one of the finalists on the BBCs Great Interior Design Challenge. Lucy gave an excellent, entertaining and inspiring talk and was very generous with her tips and advice for the audience, which comprised of a great mixture of local talent, both emerging new start ups and more established

Kay Prestney from Kinship Creative with guest speaker Lucy Tiﬀney.

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POP Connect POP Connect is run by Katherine Phillips. Katherine saw a gap in the market for a fun and friendly, yet serious business networking group for women of all ages who are running their own small business, self employed or working for a local business. Pop Connect offers a fresh approach to networking and generating business. Katherine says “We feel it’s important to break the ice and know who’s in the room. We make sure that every member or guest gets an opportunity to talk to the group about their business. All members also have the opportunity to give a ten minute presentation annually”. Pop Connect also bring in their own guest speakers quarterly to add value to their membership and the members business, for example, they have had a highly successful business coach and also a social media specialist giving presentations at their events. Katherine added “We feel this is a tangible benefit to our members and visitors, offering instant tips and golden nuggets that can be implemented into their own business and lives”. They offer guests two attendances before they choose to take up annual membership. Pop Connect Colchester group have a monthly meeting at Essex Golf and Country Club Earls Colne, Colchester, CO6 2NS Next meeting - 9th June 11am -1pm For more details visit popconnect.net or call Katherine on 07958 614962

Colchester Business Biscotti Colchester Business Biscotti offer monthly networking events at The Church Street Tavern in the centre of town. As the name implies, this is an opportunity for business networking with the aim to create ‘a hothouse of expertise and ideas’. It’s also open to representatives of all kinds of business – from sole traders to large enterprises, and including private, public, and charitable organisations which ensures an interesting mix of people. Contact jo@heptagonhr.co.uk for more information.

Business networking to help charities

Business Bank

Business Bank, run by Community360, runs events throughout the year where charities and businesses can come together to mutual benefit. Charities can access business expertise such as IT, finance or HR help, while businesses can fulfill their corporate social responsibility and increase their networking. Visit: information@community360.org.uk for more information.

Networking on a social basis

Men in Sheds

The Men in Sheds movement began in Australia and tackles male isolation by providing a space for men to socialise while they are working on practical projects. Sheds are equipped with tools for visitors to use and make home or garden items for their own use or for charity. The Maldon Shed has been running successfully since 2014 and as they say, ‘Men don’t talk face to face, they talk shoulder to shoulder’.

Visit http://www.maldonshed.btck.co.uk/

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Inspirational Stories Tales of wartime, refugees and hardships overcome.

Behold the Dreamers - Imbolo Mbue Jende and Neni are ﬁrm believers in the American dream and know they can achieve a better life for themselves and their son. Jende works long hours as a chauffeur for the wealthy Clark Edwards and his family, while Neni does care work and studies to be a pharmacist. Then Jende is told his application for a green card has been rejected. As cracks also start appearing in the Edwards family’s lives, it seems the American dream may not be all Jende and Neni hoped for. Alone on a Wide Wide Sea Michael Morpurgo Six year old Arthur is shipped off to Australia in 1947. He’s put to work on a farm and treated as little more than an unpaid servant. All he has left of his life in England is his lucky key, and memories of the big sister who stayed behind. Years later, Arthur builds a boat for his daughter Allie, to take her back to England and ﬁnd his sister. A powerful story of what it means to be a family, Alone on a Wide Wide Sea is 10 years old this year. Why not lose yourself in Arthur’s story this summer?

The Girl Who Beat ISIS Farida Khalaf and Andrea C. Hoffmann ISIS kidnapped Farida Khalaf from her Northern Iraqi village in 2014. Beaten, raped and sold as a slave, the teenage Farida refused to bow down to her captors or to convert to their religion. After numerous attempts, and nearly being beaten to death, Farida eventually escaped with ﬁve other girls. Having been granted asylum in Germany, this is her harrowing tale as told to Andrea C. Hoffmann. Goodnight Mister Tom Michelle Magorian This classic tale tells the story of a cantankerous old man who takes in an evacuee in World War II Britain. Tom Oakley is gruff, reclusive and still grieving for the wife and son he lost so many years ago. His ward William has his own demons to battle, including an abusive mother. Together they learn to put the past behind them and trust in each other. When Will is summoned back to London and fails to keep in touch, Tom knows something’s wrong and sets off for the City to bring Will home.

The Nightingale - Kristin Hannah Two sisters in France at the start of World War II. One wants to keep her head down, wait for her husband to come home and keep her daughter safe. The other plans to do everything in her power to ﬁght the enemy. Each will end up making her own contribution, resisting the Nazis and saving lives. As much a tale of sisters as it is of war, this is a truly powerful read that will haunt you for days afterwards. The Girl with Seven Names Hyeonseo Lee Hyeonseo Lee gives us a glimpse into life in secretive and oppressive North Korea. She was raised in a country where the slightest sign of resistance against the government is punishable by torture or death. At 17, Hyeonseo ﬂed to China, leaving behind her family, and wasn’t able to see them again for 12 years. She is now an advocate for refugees and speaks out about the plight of the people who still live in fear in North Korea. Her TED talk has been viewed 4 million times, by people across the world.

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willow fences We specialise in weaving willow fences in situ. Our fences are tailormade to suit your Further information exact specification. please contact: Screens or fences, Angus Scobie curved or wall-mounted, 01787 227171 this organic material blends perfectly into all 07905 894869 natural environments. farm@whites-farm.co.uk

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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 7th July 2017

AR COOK PEST CONTROL Rats • Mice • Wasps • All small insects Bird and Rabbit proofing Fully insured • 25 years in pest control No VAT • No call out charge

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Quality Kitchen Facelifts

Transform your kitchen this summer

Why replace when you can reface?

Est. 1999

• Trusted reputation • Senior citizens discount • Door swaps to full kitchens – tailored to your needs

Call Andy For a Free Estimate:

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Visit our Showroom: Dream Doors, St. Johns Street, Colchester, C02 7AH

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FREE ESTIMATES from Mark on 01787 220 396 07908 722 884 Property and Garden Maintenance Colchester Workhorse Paul Richardson

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Are You Awake or Asleep? when

Recognising the Power of illusion and waking up from ‘the Dream’

Sunday 28th May 3.00 - 5.00pm

Mike is a best selling author, of 12 books on self awareness and spiritual intelligence. He is an inspirational speaker who, for the last thirty years, has been coaching, guiding and facilitating the personal and executive development of people in companies, corporations and communities in over 40 countries. His books include The 7 AHA’s of Highly Enlightened Souls, the 7 Myths of LOVE and his latest book is BEING BEYOND BELIEF.

BRAHMA KUMARIS WO R LD S P I R IT UA L U N IV E RS I T Y (U K )

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They look out into the world and declare the vast majority of us are living a lie as we sleepwalk through our life. But is this true? Are we really so unaware that we are asleep even when we are awake? If so, what would waking up look like? This afternoon Mike will explore: µ

How to recognise if you are awake or asleep - the tell-tale signs.

Why we often prefer to be more asleep than awake.

Why it is so easy to be delusional!

How to awaken from the dream and restore reality.

The Weston Homes Community Stadium United Way, Colchester Essex CO4 5UP

where

admission free

Down through the ages many philosophers and gurus, along with the wisest of sages, have declared that most of us are living under the spell of an illusion. Like being in a dream. They say that we have no idea what ‘reality’ really means or what it looks like and feels like.

Registration essential at:

web: www.colchestermeditation.co.uk email: colchester@uk.brahmakumaris.org Tel: 01206 700109

There are ten diﬀerences - can you ﬁnd them?

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swimming pool White Colne, Colchester CO6 2QF t 01787 227 064 e pool@whites-farm.co.uk

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We love our conservatories BUT...

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Useful Numbers Local Schools

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: 01376 561231

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

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

Feering C of E Controlled Primary School

Tel: 01787 222022

Tel: 01376 570296

Bures Surgery

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

Branch Surgery Hardwick House Group Practice Tel: 01787 310000 Nayland Surgery Tel: 01206 262202

Support

St. John the Baptist C.E.V.A Primary School

Crimestoppers

Tel: 01787 269300

ChildLine

Great Tey C.E Controlled Primary School

Tel: 0800 1111

Tel: 01206 210415

Tel: freecall 116 123

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 Nayland Community Primary School

Tel: 0800 555 111

Samaritans Cruse Tel: 0844 477 9400 NSPCC Tel: 0808 800 5000 Missing Persons Helpline Tel: 0500 700 700 National Debtline

Coggeshall Surgery Tel: 01376 561242

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 Tel: 01206 330451 Marks Tey

Tel: 0808 2000 247

Tel: 01206 210314

Victim Support

West Bergholt

Tel: 0845 30 30 900

Tel: 01206 240355

Inland Revenue

Fordham Village Store and Post Office

Tel: 0845 010 9000 RSPCA Tel: 0870 55 55 999 AA Breakdown Tel: 0800 887 766 Floodline

Doctors

Tel: 01376 574560

Tel: 0300 333 4444

Fiveways Post Office

Tel: 0800 111 999

Kelvedon Surgery

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

National Domestic Violence Helpline

Tel: 0845 9881188

Tel: 01376 572906

Police Contacts

Tel: 0808 808 4000

Tel: 01206 262348

Kelvedon and Feering Health Centre

Tel: 0207 403 0888

Transco emergency service Rail Enquiries Tel: 08457 484950 AA roadwatch Tel: 09003 401100 BT Faultline Tel: 0800 800 151

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 240682 Mount Bures Tel: 01787 228753 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 Great Tey Village Hall Tel: 01206 210248 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 540245 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

Country Mutters Morning has Broken... I’ve never been a morning person. I’ve never been so thankful than when my children turned into teenagers. Almost at the flick of a switch they became physically unable to get out of bed until noon, which meant wonderful peaceful weekend mornings sleeping in, disturbed only by the feral beast’s particular awakening tactics of depositing something unexpected and unspeakable on one’s pillow. Admittedly this allergy to the lark is not so great on school days. My youngest is the worst. Monday to Friday mornings I step lightly upstairs, whisper gently in his ear that it’s time to get up now. I get a snarled, ‘I know!’ as if it’s the fifteenth time I’ve disturbed his slumbers. I retreat and listen to him stamping around overhead as he gathers up his clothes, his voice like a swarm of bees uttering a litany of complaints about the unfairness of life, how nobody else in the world has to put up with this sort of treatment and how utterly boring it all is. I think back to my own mother, who had a habit of flinging back the curtains and enthusiastically reciting poetry in an attempt to encourage appreciation of the joys of the sun overhead. I distinctly remember preferring the bowl of night to the noose of light but I’m sure I confined my disapproval to a sepulchral groan and pulling the blankets over my head. If I’d said anything stronger there would have been a fetching of your father, widespread condemnation and far-reaching consequences.

By Lady Muck

I didn’t go down that particular route with my own offspring, so we reconvene in the kitchen, weaving our separate flight paths around each other as we prepare food and drink. We eat our breakfasts separately, me in the kitchen, he in the dining room, both chewing morosely and staring into the middle distance. ‘Can you bring in your lunchbox?’ I call out. ‘What?’ he responds viciously, incredulous at the unreasonable demands being heaped upon his young head. I repeat my request politely. A muffled expletive, the clattering of spoon hitting cornflake bowl, more stamping, unfairness, poor treatment, boredom and he appears waving the lunchbox in an ironic fashion implying I must be stupid for needing help with such a simple task. ‘What would you like for tea tonight?’ I enquire. There is a blank stare followed by a knitting of brows, heaving of shoulders and several stuttered attempts at speech before he manages, ‘How should I know?’ He turns on his heel, indignation registering in every fold of his hoody at this unwarranted demand of real structural thought on his part, as if tea tonight has any bearing on, like, anything. “Ready to go?’ I ask. ‘Ugh’, he responds and we leave the house. We sit in silence on the bus, united in our disapproval of the lighthearted chatter of our fellow passengers. We slowly come to, mourning the night as we begin our final ascent into morning proper and the bus arrives at our stop. ‘Have a nice day’, says my youngest. ‘You too’, I reply, and we give each other a cheery wave before going our separate ways.

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Index of Advertisers g Accountant Artist Architect Beauty Clinic Brewery Book-keeping Building Services Carpentry Chiropodist Children's Nursery Cleaning Services Computer Services Door Replacements Decorators Electrician Estate Planning Facial Massage

8, 33 23 25 9, 20 21 8, 23 21, 31, 35 5 11 2 13 13 31 32 31 39 35

Florist Fostering Flooring Garden Design Garden Services Golf Club Golf Coaching Hairdressers Home Improvements Illustrator Interior Design IT Specialist Kitchen Fitters Kitchen Manufacturers Landscaping Livery Yard Meditation

34 21 5 29 31 11 11 8 13, 23 23 7 21 5 5 31, 30 7 33

Oven Cleaning 13 Pest Control 30, 32 39 Probate Services Planning Services 25 Podiatrist 11 Property Maintenance 31 Plumber 32 Restaurant 11 Railway Museum 14 Removals 35 School 2 Storage 35 Sports Massage 23 Swimming Pool 34 Tree Surgeon 25, 29, 32 Veterinary Centre 20 Window Repairs 13 Willow Fences 29

SUDBURY

River

Assington

Stour

A131

Stoke by Nayland

Bures

Pebmarsh

Riv

er C

HALSTEAD oln

Greenstead Green

Nayland

Colne Engaine

Earls Colne

White Colne Wakes Colne Chappel

Great Tey

A131

Aldham

Fordham River

Colne

Stratford St Mary Dedham

Little Mount Horkesley Bures Wormingford

Boxted

A12

West Bergholt Braiswick

A120

Eight Ash Green

COLCHESTER Copford

A120

Coggeshall

Feering Kelvedon

Lexden A12

��

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BIG TOP STAGE • ACOUSTIC STAGE • CAMPING • LICENSED BARS • FOOD • STALLS • KIDS' AREA

5 T H - 9 T H J U LY 2 0 1 7 SU N DAY 9TH J U LY BIG TOP 12 NOON-9.30PM

DOCTO OR & THE MEDICS

WHO'S O NEXT THEE COMMITTED ANNA PANCALDI MEDICINNE THE MINNISTRY OF MOJO FACE FURNITURE SATU R DAY 8TH J U LY BIG TOP 12 NOON-11.30PM

RHAPSODDY-QUEEN TRIBUTE THE ELO ENCOUNTER RENO & ROMME BROKKEN EYES STRETCH SOUL GANG SPACECAAKE WOOODEN MAIDEN B-FEST WINNER F R I DAY 7TH J U LY BIG TOP 6.30PM-11.30PM

KING KIN NG DANNY BRYANT BACK PORCH TH U RSDAY 6TH J U LY

KARENN SHARP SUEE RICHAARDSON LARRAINNE ODELL & THE JAAZZNIGHTTS TRIO Jazznights in St. Mary's Church. Doors open 7pm

B-FEST

Showcase for local young musicians in the Big Top. Info and entry form on our website. Gates open 6.30pm

WE DN ESDAY 5TH J U LY St. Mary's Church. Doors open 7pm. Only £7

THEE EDM M UND OCTET

EVENT TICKETS FROM £15 FESTIVAL PASS FROM £455 (in advaance) Tickets available in Bures from the Post Office, in Sudbury from Compact Music or:

WWW.BURESMUSICFESTIVAL.COM BURES MUSIC FESTIVAL IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT EVENT, WITH ALL PROCEEDS GOING TO LOCAL CHARITIES.