The
Free
connection magazine Dec/Jan 19 Issue 85
Inside this issue... Gift ideas Book Reviews Gardening Recipes What’s On Puzzles 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 and Nayland.
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Reaching the heart of the community!
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Purpose built for babies from three months, Baby Pippins is set in idyllic orchards and staffed by a qualiďŹ ed, caring team. At two years our babies progress to Pippins, our accredited Montessori nursery.
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Hello
Inside
We’ve got a really lovely full on seasonal issue for you as we lead up to Christmas. We have something for everyone. Delicious recipes for those who love to cook, advice on curbing your spending and also some health and wellbeing ideas for presents to give those people in your life who are looking to be the best version of themselves and get fit and healthy in 2019! As usual, the What’s On pages are brimming with things to do too. We have over 60 local events to choose from. I’m hoping to get along to a few of them for sure and plan to buy some special gifts! I would like to wish all our readers, advertisers, contributors and of course our distributors who do a great job getting the magazines through 12,000 letterboxes, a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Sarah
Editor and Publisher: Sarah Banks Editorial Assistant: Amanda Findley Contributors: Amanda Findley , Katherine Sorrell, Alison Runham and Pippa Greenwood and Ann Haldon 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.
Next issue: February/March 2019 Publication date 24th January 2019 Booking deadline for advertising 11th Jan Deadline date for What’s On entries 11th Jan
4 - Book reviews 6 - Beds for Guests 8 - Finance 10 - Notice Board 12 - Savoury Recipe 16 - Wellbeing Gifts 18 - 25 What’s On 26 - Country Mutters 27 - Gardening 28 - Health 29 - 34 Crosswords 30 - Winter Warmers 31 - Codeword 33 - Sweet Recipes 32 - Sudoku 34 - Postal Dates 36 - Puzzle solutions 36 - Spot the Difference 37 - Useful Numbers 38 - Index
Please get in touch if you want to advertise your business. Call me on:
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The Gift of a Great Read Stuck for the perfect present this Christmas? Or need some inspiration for your own wish list? Read on… for historiCal fiCtion fans Washington black – esi edugyan 11-year-old slave Washington Black is taken from the sugar fields and lent to his tyrannical master’s brother, Titch, to work on a ‘cloudcutter’ hot air balloon. The duo form an unlikely friendship that, coupled with Washington’s artistic talent, could provide a way out of slavery. for historY buffs bloody brilliant Women – Cathy newman This book uncovers the ‘pioneers, revolutionaries and geniuses your history teacher forgot to mention’. Read about women such as engineer Beatrice Shilling, whose work played a role in helping RAF pilots in the Battle of Britain, and developmental biologist Anne McLaren, whose work paved the way for IVF. for foodies tasty ultimate From quick and easy midweek dinners, to showstopping dinner party favourites, Tasty has them all. Recipes include Nashville Hot Turkey Tenders, Roast Pork Tex Mex Burritos, The Best Crispy Chicken Parmesan, Slow-
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Cooked Honey and Spice Lamb Shank, and Latte Coffee Cake. Recipes are simple to follow and bright photographs make every dish look mouthwateringly tempting. for roMantiC fiCtion fans a Miracle on hope street – emma heatherington When she learns that one act of kindness has transformed a man’s life, Ruth decides to put her own loneliness aside and create a Christmas to remember for people in need. A heart-warming tale that’s perfect for fans of JoJo Moyes and Marian Keyes. for Parents Parent alert, how to keep Your kids safe online – nadia sawalha, kaye adams and Will geddes Thousands of kids will be receiving new smartphones or tablets this Christmas. But how do you make sure they’re not being bullied, giving too much information away to strangers or being targeted by predators? This book gives parents lots of actionable advice on how to keep kids safe online. for harrY Potter fans the Crimes of grindelwald – the original screenplay Albus Dumbledore enlists Newt
Scamander to recapture Gellert Grindelwald, who’s recently escaped and is gathering followers. This is the second in the Fantastic Beasts series. It’s a screenplay of the recently released film, rather than a traditional novel, so it’s quicker to read but no less enjoyable. for Young Children the Jolly Christmas Postman – Janet and allan ahlberg This is an all-year-round favourite in our house. The Jolly Postman sets off to deliver letters and parcels to fairy-tale characters. Kids aged three and up will love opening each envelope to reveal the surprise inside – whether it’s a Christmas card for Baby Bear, a jigsaw for Humpty Dumpty or a game for Red Riding Hood. for older Children a boxset Head to www.thebookpeople. co.uk to pick up a boxset. When I checked there were lots to choose from, including twelve Diary of a Wimpy Kid books for £14.99, ten How to Train Your Dragon books for £17.99, fifteen Roald Dahl favourites for £21.99, and six David Walliams books for £23.99. Bargains galore.
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Everyone is inspired At Devonshire House care home, we embrace wellness. We support each of our residents as individuals, with their own rich history, skills and abilities and likes and dislikes. Our home is our community and it is your life-story, combined with our unique expertise in caring for older people, that ensure our residents can express themselves, maintain their identity and dignity and live a full and meaningful life. 3UʝXɮʙɨ ɚԨ Iʝɠ ʠUɛ£ɢ
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Home Products Great beds for guests
By Katherine Sorrell Add cushions to turn this day bed into a sofa, pop on some bedding and it’s a single sleep space, or pull out the base and it transforms into a double bed. Hemnes day bed frame with three drawers, £239, Ikea.
Not enough bedrooms? A sofa bed – or other type of informal guest bed – is your answer. Make sure you invest in one that combines both comfort and style, says Katherine Sorrell.
Choose the right oCCasional bed • Whether you are choosing a sofa, a day bed or a bed-in-a-box, your first consideration is that it should be well made, comfortable to sit on (seats are often firmer than on conventional sofas), and suits the size, shape and style of your room when closed. • Look for a mechanism that is easy to open and don’t squeak, stick or feel overly loose. A lock-down bar is an asset, ensuring that the bed is properly closed. The inner workings should be smooth, with no parts sticking out that might catch on your sheets. • For a sofa bed to be really comfortable to sleep on, wooden slats with webbing offer the best support, while a proper sprung mattress is much better than a thin foam one, though similarly more expensive. Always test before you buy! • Size matters. A two-seater sofa will open out into a great bed for one person, but a couple will struggle for space unless you invest in a threeseater. That said, a large sofa does not inevitably transform into a large sleeping space, so always check dimensions. • If storage is an issue, look for a style that contains space for tucking away bedding.
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This inexpensive and stylish sofa bed is ideal for occasional guests. The back folds down, creating a four-foot-wide sleep ping platform. Lunar sofa bed, £399, Carpetright. This sturdy single guest bed can easily be folded away into a good-looking, upholstered box. Alison bed in a box, £560, Living It Up.
Sofa beds come in all shapes and sizes, including this sleek leather version with deep seating, wooden slats and a five-inch deep, fully sprung mattress. Sloane three-seater sofa bed in Old English Hazel, £1,861.50, Darlings of Chelsea. With deep-buttton detailing and a comfortably deep seat, this sofa bed wou uld be a handsome addition to a sitting room as well as a great bed for last-minute guests. Tru uffle sofa bed, from £1,845, Loaf.
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Ziel Design F O R
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Finance
By Ann Haldon
Don’t let Christmas costs ruin your New Year: 3 ways to stay in control of spending this December
If you’re wondering how to manage your Christmas spending more effectively, saving, budgeting, and making a list is just the start. Here are three other ways you might not have considered to start the New Year with a healthy bank balance and reduced financial stress. Pre-arranged overdraft facility Intended to be a temporary and controlled use of credit in line with your Christmas budget, an arranged overdraft facility that’s repaid over a few months helps gets you back on track financially. how do overdrafts work? An overdraft that’s prearranged with your bank means you can withdraw more money than is in your current account, up to an agreed limit. There is generally a set period of time that the facility is available, and typically a charge for each day you’re overdrawn. Overdraft fees vary between
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banks, but generally include a charge for setting up the facility, a fee for each day it’s used and a renewal fee if you need to extend it. Some providers offer fee-free amounts, whilst others base their daily charge on the level of your overdrawn balance. daily deals websites Take advantage of the growing number of daily deals websites and you can save a significant amount at Christmas. Wowcher, Groupon, and Living Social are just a few of the sites where you’ll find great deals on gifts, experiences, fitness products and lots more. It’s straightforward to sign up, and you can receive emails with the latest deals. It’s easy to get carried away when you have access to so many discounts, but if you do your research and stick to your list, it should save you money overall. how do deals websites work? You simply sign up with your email address and you can get targeted gift ideas, often with a significant discount. Key in the home town of people you’re buying for and
you’ll receive ideas that are local to them – meals out, afternoon teas or experience days, tailored to your family and friends. Prepaid debit cards Prepaid debit cards are an alternative to bank debit cards and credit cards. You don’t have access to your entire bank balance, or the credit limit on your credit card – it’s preloaded with a specific sum of cash, and you can only spend up to this amount. how do prepaid debit cards work? You won’t be credit-checked when you apply for a prepaid card, but a number of different fees may apply, including application and transaction fees. Some providers charge monthly fees and top-up fees, whilst a renewal charge may apply as these types of card expire after three years. It’s easy to be swept up in the spirit of giving at Christmas, but it can take months to recover from overspending. Whether arranging an overdraft with your bank, applying for a prepaid card, or taking advantage of a few daily deals works for you, they could all help you take control of your Christmas spending and enjoy a peaceful and financially harmonious New Year.
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Harvest the beneďŹ ts of full ďŹ bre. Find us gigaclear.com/harvest Call us 0370 224 0300 www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk
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Notice Board NHS Therapeutic Space for Colchester Hospital The NHS has welcomed a new multipurpose therapeutic unit at Colchester Hospital. In collaboration with KLH Architects, Green Unit has provided an environmentally friendly and adaptable modular building overlooking the Time Garden courtyard which perfectly suits the needs of the Palliative Care Team. The unique building provides patients with a peaceful and personal space to escape to, away from a busy and impersonal hospital environment. “The curved shape of the Green Unit gives an immediate feeling of calm and allows patients to relax with loved ones in a private space and comfortable environment”, notes Dr Angel Tillet, Medical Director of Colchester Hospital. This new therapeutic unit reflects the widely accepted medical belief that a person’s positive environment may lead to an improvement in his or her emotional wellbeing and ability to manage problems.
Essex garden recognised among best in the country Sarah Rayner, a gardener in Mount Bures has been awarded second place in a national competition to find the best gardens in the country. The Gardeners’ Garden competition was launched earlier this year by Garden Answers magazine and leading gardening equipment brand, Cobra. The judges were taken by Sarah’s use of space and design in her creations of “rooms” that flowed through the entire garden. In response to the news, Sarah said: “The whole experience was wonderful and receiving the lovely comments from the judges made me feel very proud of my garden.” For more information about the competition, please visit www.cobragarden.co.uk or www. gardenanswersmagazine.co.uk.
Sleep Out 2018 - A Night Under the Stars At Chelmsford Cathedral Friday 30th November 7.30pm – 7.30am CHESS Homeless works to relieve homelessness and hardship amongst single adults in Chelmsford and Essex through the provision of support services and temporary accommodation. Every year CHESS hosts our own Sleep Out in the grounds of Chelmsford Cathedral and last year’s participants raised over £20,000. Free registration now open at www.chesshomeless. org. We would encourage you to pre-register your place in advance. If you do not wish to pre-register you can just turn up on the night and register. We ask that you raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship or more if you can.
West Bergholt Concert Band If you play a wind instrument and are interested in getting involved with the band, we welcome players of all ages to join us at one of our rehearsals. We rehearse at Heathlands Primary School in West Bergholt every Friday during term time from 6.00pm – 7.00pm from Training Band (grades 1-4) and 7.00pm – 9.00pm Concert Band (grades 4+). If you have any queries about any of our events or about the band in general, you can contact us through Facebook @WestBergholtConcertBand or email the conductor graham@wbcb.org.
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 team to deliver on a regular basis every two months or just to help out whenever it is necessary . The villages we need distributors for at present are West Bergholt, Earls Colne and White Colne. Please register your interest by emailing;
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Potted Smoked Salmon Ready in 30 minutes, plus chilling time
Serves 6
This is the perfect starter for the lunch on the big day – you can make it the night before and the recipe will easily double up if you are feeding a crowd at
• 275g honey roast
salmon flakes • 250g smoked salmon
slices, chopped • 100g unsalted butter,
softened • 125g full-fat soft cheese • 2 tsp creamed
horseradish • 1 tbsp lemon juice • Salt and freshly ground
black pepper • Fresh dill sprigs and
green peppercorns, to garnish • Slices of toasted brown
or granary bread, to serve
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Reserve about 25g of the salmon flakes for garnish (cover and chill in the fridge until required). Place the rest of the salmon flakes in a food processor with the smoked salmon, butter, soft cheese, horseradish and lemon juice. Process until smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper and process for a further few seconds. Divide the mixture between 6 small ramekin dishes and level the surface. Cover and chill in the fridge until required. Garnish with the rest of the salmon flakes, dill sprigs and green peppercorns. Serve with toasted brown or granary bread. TIP Most supermarkets sell packs of ready-flaked honey roast salmon but if unavailable just buy ready-cooked smoked salmon fillets and roughly flake the fish, discarding any skin and fine bones.
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Connection Connection Magazine Magazine EFFECTIVE EFFECTIVE AFFORDABLE AFFORDABLE ADVERTISING ADVERTISING
Reliable Reliabledistribution distribution to to 12,000 12,000homes homes Advertorial Advertorialopportunities opportunities Leaflet Leafletdistribution distribution Established Established Local Local Useful Usefulinformation information Community Communityspirited spirited Read Readand andretained retained Contact ususforforfurther Contact furtherdetails details T: T: 01787 210701 01787 210701M: M:07527489847 07527489847 editor@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk E:E: editor@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk W:W: www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk
SUDBURY
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Bures
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Riv
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Great Tey
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Reaching the heart of the community. Connecting residents in 12,000 homes with local businesses.
Family Run Perrywood Garden Centre expands into Sudbury Sudbury Garden Centre, Newton Road, has changed hands and is now owned by the directors of Perrywood Garden Centre and Nurseries Ltd. The purchase is an exciting development for Perrywood, which has been on its original site in Tiptree since the 1950s. The new site will be known as ‘Perrywood Sudbury’. Since taking over the site in September, the team has improved the offering by putting ‘how-to’ leaflets and houseplants at the front of the store and adding more stock including new and improved ranges of bird care, gloves, tools, pots, indoor and outdoor plants. The restaurant has now reopened as a coffee shop; selling homemade soup, sandwiches and cakes and of course Perrywood’s famous scones.
Simon Bourne, Retail Director at Perrywood, says: “We look forward to bringing our commercial knowledge and passion for plants to the Sudbury site. We are keen to preserve the history of the site that I’m sure many of you remember being owned by Cramphorns. If anyone has stories or pictures to share we’d love to hear from them.” As a £9.2m turnover business, the company employs 165 staff and is ranked at number 4 in the Garden Centre Association (GCA) league table. Perrywood has retained all 22 staff in Sudbury and created 5 additional full-time jobs, As a business, Perrywood is committed to supporting charities and the local community. During 2017, Perrywood Tiptree donated more than £14,000 to charities and is looking forward to supporting local causes in Sudbury in 2019.
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Health
By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
Great Health, Wellbeing and Fitness Gifts
Stuck for gift ideas for your nearest and dearest? Here are some presents that could bring them a happier, healthier new year. Weight loss gifts Warning: only buy these for someone who has stated they need, want and plan to lose weight! • slimming World offer 6-week and 12-week gift cards for new members (£34.75 and £59.50 respectively). Prices are lower for existing members or those over 60. Available at www. slimmingworld.co.uk/ downloads/gift_vouchers.pdf. • Weight Watchers don’t offer gift subscriptions but do sell cookbooks, magazine subscriptions (starting from £8.25) and handy SmartPoints Kitchen Scales (£39.95), which automatically calculate the SmartPoints in food. Available from www. weightwatchersshop.co.uk. • lighterlife don’t offer gift vouchers either, but you can buy food packs for friends interested in trying the plan from around £15. Available from www.lighterlife. com/shop/foodpacks/bundles. html. Mindfulness gifts NHS doctors are now
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recommending mindfulness to improve mental health and manage long-term pain. • The introduction to Mindfulness gift box uses simple task cards and a weeklong challenge to help users learn simple mindfulness techniques and integrate them easily and effectively into their day. It includes four token gifts to celebrate successes. Available from Amazon, £4.95. • Mindfulness: a Practical guide to finding Peace in a frantic World by Mark Williams and Danny Penman, an NHS ‘Book on Prescription’, teaches Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Just a few minutes’ practice a day can bring great benefits, not just for those struggling with mental health issues but for anyone wanting to improve their wellbeing in today’s hectic world. Available as a book, eBook, audio CD and CD-ROM from various retailers including Amazon and WHSmith. Wellbeing gifts • spa days Red Letter Days offer spa days from £39 (£59 for couples) and for that special couple, twonight spa breaks from £390 (includes lunch, one-day spa pass and accommodation in a luxury yurt). Available from www. redletterdays.co.uk. • the Positive Planner This hardback 12-week planner and journal features inspirational quotes, art therapy, mindfulness activities and a mood tracker (noting
connections between their activities and feelings could help your recipient make positive changes). There are also meal planners, shopping lists and monthly diary spreads, helping reduce mental clutter. Available from www. thepositiveplanner.co.uk and www.notonthehighstreet.com at £23 plus p&p. fitness gifts • Gaiam Beginners’ Pilates Kit This includes a body-sculpting ball, resistance band and instructional workout DVD, great for first-timers or improvers. Available from John Lewis, Amazon and other retailers at around £26.49. • Weight training equipment Experts recommend weight training because muscle burns more calories, even at rest, than fat – and we’re prone to losing muscle tone as we age. For beginners, light dumbbells and/or wrist and ankle weights are ideal. Kettlebells are popular, and for more serious weightlifters, barbell sets will allow them to add or remove weights to suit them. All available from major retailers such as Argos, Amazon and John Lewis, and fitness stores or websites. Pairs of low weight vinyl dumbbells, 2 kg kettlebells and pairs of wrist and ankle weights all start from around £5. Expect to pay at least £28 for a barbell set but check reviews – some poorer quality sets have inferior fixtures that allow weights to slip off.
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‘Enough’ follows the journey of Angela Cox, who after years of unsuccessful dieting, realised ‘enough was enough’ and that she needed to address her emotional problems to change her relationship with food. Inspired by a certain Body Coach named Joe, she embarked on a ‘Journey to Lean.’ Angela eventually lost 8.5 stone through a combination of healthy eating, exercise but perhaps most importantly, a change of mindset which moved her away from self-loathing to a more positive affirmation of her own self worth. There are 3 parts to the book; part 1 is an honest and compelling account of her life and the issues that lay behind her struggles with binge eating
and yoyo dieting. Part 2 documents her journey to weight loss, discussing the successes and challenges along the way, while the final part gives actionable self-help tools and tips for readers. There is a short epilogue where Angela gives a moving and powerful de escription of encountering a setback. By sharing the experience of confronting a childhood trauma, she shows thaat it is possible to overcome tou ugh challenges to find a ‘Ne ew Self’. Angela was finally ab ble to change her own story an nd now supports others to do o the same. ‘En nough’ encourages us to quell that destructive inner voice and treat ourselves a little kinder to improve our own wellbeing and mental health. More than a manual to weight loss, the book demonstrates that the power to change the course of your life exists inside you if you believe in yourself. Available from Amazon in book or audio format.
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What’s On General Rowhedge Christmas Craft Fayre
unique gifts for friends, family and yourself! For more information please visit www. shipyardstudios.co.uk
All proceeds to go towards Polstead Community Shop.
Adults £15, children over 5 £8, family (2 adults, 2 children) £38.
Christmas Craft Market
In aid of Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. To register please visit www. helenrollason.org.uk or call 01245 380719.
Christmas Tree Festival
Star of Hope Winter Ball At Cricketers, Fordham Heath, Colchester.
At the Village Hall, Rectory Road, Rowhedge Sunday 25th November 11.00am - 4.00pm A really good selection of amazing stalls, Santa’s Grotto and Grand Raffle. Christmas Tearoom selling homemade soups, sausage rolls, mince pies and cakes with free glass of mulled wine after midday. Proceeds to under 5’s pre-school extension.
Christmas Cornucopia At Shipyard Studios pop up gallery, Keel House, Wivenhoe CO7 9FF Saturday 24th November – Sunday 16th December 10.00am – 5.00pm Over 30 artists and makers will be represented with paintings, prints, textiles, glass, jewellery, wood, sculpture, ceramics, clothing, mixed media and more. It promises to be the best place to find unusual and
Saturday 15th December 10.00am – 5.00pm At St Mary’s Church, Kelvedon Saturday 1st December 11.00am - 6.00pm and Sunday 2nd December 11.00am - 5.00pm Enjoy over 30 Christmas trees decorated in all manner of styles with live entertainment, seasonal refreshments, children’s competition and a chance to win a Virgin balloon ride! Entry by donation to include support for East Anglian Children’s Hospices and the Mercy Ship.
Christmas Fair At Polstead Village Hall Saturday 1st December 10.00am – 4.00pm Come along and grab some early Christmas gifts and decorations. Stalls include crafts, cakes, toys, jams and pickles plus plenty more to see and buy. Refreshments available throughout the day along with a raffle.
Quality crafts for Christmas in two heated and floored marquees, including leather work, textiles, knits, glass, ceramics, wood crafts, jewellery, and much more! Santa’s grotto, face painting, cakes and refreshments. Free entry. For more information please call Hazel on 07974 264314.
Tower Trail At Layer Marney Tower, Layer Marney C05 9US Saturday 17th November from 10.00am Join us for a 5 mile walk starting and finishing at England’s tallest Tudor Gatehouse at Layer Marney Tower, with access to the tower, grounds and adventure playground. Enjoy something warming before you start, walk over fields and farmland, climb the tower for the great views and enjoy a hot drink and treat on your return. Dogs are welcome!
At Marks Tey Hotel, London Rd, Marks Tey, Colchester CO6 1DU Saturday 24th November, prompt 7.00pm start until late The evening promises to be a memorable one with a stunning 3 course meal, live entertainment, auction, and raffle with a selection of fantastic prizes. In aid of St Helena Hospice. Tickets £45 per person from Jo on 07733 334767.
Braxted Park Christmas Market At Braxted Park, Great Braxted CM8 3EN Saturday 1st - Sunday 2nd December 10.00am – 3.00pm The market will showcase local, high quality, unusual and affordable art, crafts, design and gifts. A fun filled programme of entertainment will keep young ones busy while you browse the gift
What’s On continued over page
What’s On market and get ahead with some Christmas shopping. Entry is free but all adults will be required to register and show their ticket on arrival to gain entry. Each ticket will also include a free glass of mulled wine.
Earls Colne High Street Late Night Shopping Event
Proceeds to Dedham C of E Primary School.
Cookery master classes are only £10 with celebrity chef Tim Maddams on Saturday and chef Steve Walpole on Sunday 2 December.
Tuesday 11th December 4.00pm - 7.00pm
For more information please visit www. christmasatbraxtedpark. com or call 01621 892305.
Please contact Ziel 01787 222989 for further details.
Christmas Fayre At Nayland Village Hall, Nayland CO6 4JH Saturday 1st December 10.30am – 1.00pm Nayland Horticultural Society will be having a stall with a raffle and plants/ bulbs to buy. This is a fun village event for all the family with Father Christmas, stalls selling ideal Christmas presents and a performance from Nayland Primary School.
At St Andrews Church, Earls Colne Tuesday 11th December 6.30pm Contact Earls Colne Parish Council for further details on 01787 224370.
Brightlingsea Christmas Tree Festival
Children can follow the Star Trail from shop to shop with Santa’s Grotto and festive treats along the way.
Christmas Tree Maze and Treasure Trail At Olivers Plants, Coggeshall Rd, Earls Colne CO6 2JX Saturday 1st to Sunday 9th December Festive fun for all the family. Please visit www. oliversplants.co.uk for more details.
Dedham Christmas Market
Entrance free.
Earls Colne Village Carol Service and Torchlight Procession
Hamper Raffle, roast chestnuts, holly wreaths, games and more. Shops open on the High Street during the event.
At the High Street in Dedham Saturday 1st December 3.00pm – 6.00pm Christmas Market along the High St. There will be a Santa’s Grotto, craft stalls, hot food, Merry Go Round, spectacular
At All Saints’ Church, Brightlingsea Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th December 10.00am – 6.00pm, last admission 5.15pm. Raising money for All Saints’ and St James’s Churches, visitors can come along to view the displays and vote for their favourite. Refreshment stall and a special Christmas Shop selling festive decorations, presents, edible goodies, hot chestnuts and mulled wine. Throughout the Festival choirs, soloists, organists, pianists and instrumentalists play and sing for visitors in the Lady Chapel adding to the delights. There are special activities and competitions for the children. General admission is £3.50 adults with children/students free. A festival shuttle bus also operates on both days. To find out more, or to enter a tree, visit
www. brightlingseachristmastreefestival. co.uk.
Made in Colchester Christmas Fair At Colchester Arts Centre Saturday 1st December 2018 10.00am – 3.00pm Our Christmas Fair will be full of wonderful gifts and goodies that celebrate local talent and handmade craft. Whether you are after a special gift or unique handmade cards we will have something for everyone! Our members will have a huge variety of quality handmade items available from jewellery to pottery, limited edition prints to handcrafted textiles. Our cafe will be open, serving hot drinks, seasonal cakes and savoury snacks and we will also be showcasing some brilliant local musicians who will be performing short acoustic sets throughout the day. Free entry
Helen Rollason Cancer Charity’s Christmas Gift and Food Fair At Firstsite, Colchester Sunday 2nd December 10.00am – 4.00pm The fair will be showcasing independent retailers stocking a variety of items including gifts, homeware, jewellery, art, books, toys, gourmet delights and much more. There will be live music
What’s On December/January Programme: World class Jazz every Friday at Stoke-by-Nayland Hotel CO6 4PZ
www.fleecejazz.org.uk Doors at 7.30pm, gig starts 8.00 and ends about 11pm. 2 sets Ample parking; fully accessible. For Information/tickets call 01787 211865 See website for directions as satnav can get you lost! WeGotTickets.com (booking fee) On the door, cash or cheque only Discount for “Friends of Fleece” of £4 a gig plus a bonus free gig
7th Dec. Sarah Gillespie – Haunting tunes and striking lyrics 14th Dec. Liane Carrol – This is Jazz of the highest quality. She is Jazz. 28th Dec. Sax Appeal – Loud, saxy! 4th Jan. Mark Crooks and Chris Ingham Trio- Just incredible to hear 11th Jan. Tony Kofi – …full bodied… 18th Jan. Nigel Price Quartet – A really mellow sound 25th Jan. Alan Barnes – A treat!
the whole weekend and a variety of hot and cold food available. Free entry for all ages.
All very friendly, tea, coffee and cake available!
25th January Alan Barnes Quartet
behalf of the Mayor of Colchester’s Charities.
Music
For more information please visit www. helenrollason.org.uk/ events/hrcc-christmasgift-and-food-fair/
A Christmas Celebration with Lexden Choral Society
A Christmas Carol in Concert
Christmas Cabaret! An evening of festive favourites
Nayland Horticultural Society’s Spring Flower Show
Saturday 8th December 7.00pm
At Nayland Church Hall, Nayland Saturday 23rd March 10.00am An ideal time to buy some plants for a good summer’s show. There is also a cake stall and raffle. Or maybe you would like to enter some Spring flowers in the Show for fun and see how you do! Entry forms available from www.naylandhortsoc.uk.
At St Leonards Church, Lexden, Colchester
A selection of new and traditional carols with audience participation followed by a finger buffet. Tickets £12, under 18’s/full time students £8 available from Manns Music, Colchester, box office 01206 543280, www.lexdenchoral. org or at the door. 11th January Tony Kofi Quartet 18th January Nigel Price Quartet
At The Moot Hall, Colchester Town Hall, Colchester Tuesday 11th December 7.30pm - 10.00pm (doors open 6.45pm) A beautiful re-telling of the classic Christmas tale with traditional instruments. Tickets £10/12 including mince pie and mulled wine. Tickets via www. greenmatthews.co.uk/ colchester or from Mann’s Music, 123 High St, Colchester cash only please). Please call 01621 862996 for more information. This event is being organised by Essex Wildlife Trust on
At St Peter ad Vincula Church, Coggeshall Saturday 8th December 7.30pm Tickets: £12 full price / £10 concessions / under-18s free available from eventbrite.co.uk / or 07974 802304 or on the door. Seasonal refreshments will be available.
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 10.15pmLive keyboard concerts with music to suit all tastes, featuring top musicians from around the country. Friday 7th December Michael Wooldridge Friday 4th January David Harrild £4 members, £6 non members. Refreshments and raffle. Ample parking inside school grounds. Free one off entry for two non members upon production of this advert (Friday concerts only). For more information please contact Alan Pilgrim on 01787 269458 or email alanwpilgrim@ tiscali.co.uk
Colchester Symphony Orchestra Haydn, Mozart and Handel
At St Botolph’s Church, Colchester Saturday 8th December 7.30pm Philippa Barton, Leader of the Orchestra, is our soloist in Mozart’s Violin
Concerto No. 5 in A Major. Our concert also includes Mozart’s Symphony No. 29, Haydn’s Symphony No 22 ‘The Philosopher’ and Handel’s Concerto Grosso Op3, No 1. Tickets are £15, £13 (concessions). Under 25s are admitted free to all our concerts. Tickets are available on the door or reserve in advance by calling 01206 271128 or emailing csosecretary@ colchestersymphonyorchestra. org.uk Please see www. colchestersymphonyorchestra. org.uk or www.facebook.com/ colchestersymphonyorchestra for further information.
Felsted Choral Society At Holy Cross Church, Station Rd, Felsted CM6 3DQ Sunday 25th November 7.30pm Fauré’s Requiem, Dyson’s Hierusalem and Four Songs for Sailors performed by Felsted Choir and Orchestra Featuring James Lawrence, baritone and Roger Lawrence, conductor. Tickets £15. For more information please email felstedchoralsociety@ gmail.com or call Dawn Acres on 01371 872576 or Tony Baker on 07799 413191.
When Icicles Hang - Stour Valley Singers Concert
listen to. A Christmas Cracker of a concert in aid of EACH (East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices). Tickets on the door: £6 Adults, £5 Concessions.
Evening Gala Concerts At St Peters Church, Market Hill, Sudbury Friday 21st December 7.30pm. A concert of music for Christmas conducted by Susannah Edom. Tickets cost £10 which includes a glass of wine and refreshments, available at the door. Proceeds will be donated to The Bridge Project, Sudbury. We are always looking for new members, so if you are wondering whether to join a choir, come along and listen to our concert or contact Anthea York 01787 227490. We are based in Bures and do not hold auditions.
Christmas Concert and Carols At St Botolph’s Church Colchester Saturday 15th December 7.30pm West Bergholt Concert Band wrap up their 40th Anniversary celebrations with a joyful concert of wonderful Christmas music, featuring festive favourites old and new. Sleigh Ride, Santa Baby, Little Drummer Boy, Rudolph, Frosty, All I Want For Christmas Is You, and many more plus carols to sing and
At All Saints Church, Brightlingsea A highlight of Brightlingsea Christmas Tree Festival, Evening Gala Concerts will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with each concert offering a different selection of festive music accompanied by Christmas refreshments set against the spectacular Christmas tree displays. Tickets available from Spirals in Brightlingsea. Friday 7th December 7.00pm An evening of Christmas music with the Women in Harmony. The 24-strong Women in Harmony group will be performing a programme of carols, Christmas music, solos and audience participation numbers to open this year’s festival. Each ticket includes a complimentary glass of wine and mince pie (cash bar available). The audience will also get a first look at the popular Festival Gift Shop. Tickets £7.50 each. Saturday 8th December 7.30pm Gala Concert with The Motley Crew. Featuring the robust singing of the Motley Crew who will perform sea
What’s On shanties, festive wassail songs and readings. Each ticket includes a complimentary twocourse canapé supper and glass of wine (cash bar available). Tickets £12.50 each Sunday 9th December 6.00pm Christmas Carol Singa-long. A wonderful Christmas carol sing-aalong. Led by Chris Bloor, the Festival will conclude with this much loved and widely anticipated event that brings families and friends together to sing a delightful selection of festive music. General Admission ticket.
Drama and Dance
General Admission £12.50, Under 16’s £5, Family of 4 £32. Please call 07732 253 311 for tickets and venue information or visit: www. thisismytheatre.com
Peter Pan At Nayland Village hall Thursday 6th December 6.30pm, Friday 7th and Saturday 8th December 7.30pm, Saturday 8th matinee 2.30pm Join the Village Players on a magical journey to Neverland. Tickets £7.50 adults, £6 children from www. villageplayers.co.uk
Cinema Leavenheath Village Hall Digital Cinema
A Christmas Carol At Holy Trinity Church, Halstead, Essex Tuesday 18th December 7.30pm Audiences are invited to celebrate the festive season as This is my Theatre brings Charles Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol to life in a stunning oneact adaptation. With traditional carols for all to sing and festive refreshments this
visit from the ghosts of Christmas’s past, present and future. Simon Callow returns to the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge for a one-man show from the Arts Theatre in the West End.
will definitely get all of the family in the mood for Christmas.
At Leavenheath Village Hall, Wrights Way, Leavenheath 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. Reserve your seat online at www. leavenheath.org.uk or please call Lesley 01206 262505 or Ken 01206 263266 for tickets. Saturday 1st December ‘Paddington 2’ (PG)
Starring Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant and Hugh Bonneville. Paddington, now happily settled with the Brown family and a popular member of the local community, picks up a series of odd jobs to buy the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, only for the gift to be stolen.
Dedham Films At The Assembly Rooms, High St, Dedham Doors open 7.00pm for 7.30pm start If there is a suitable break in the film, there is a 15 minute intermission for drinks at the bar and ice cream. Open seating at all our screenings. 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 at www. dedhamfilms.co.uk Wednesday 12th December ‘A Christmas Carol with Simon Callow’ It just wouldn’t be Christmas without a
Wednesday 16th January ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ (12A) Native New Yorker Rachel Chu accompanies her longtime boyfriend, Nick Young to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. Rachel is unprepared to learn that Nick turns out to be not only the scion of one of the country’s wealthiest families but also one of its most sought-after bachelors. Being on Nick’s arm puts a target on Rachel’s back, with jealous socialites and, worse, Nick’s own disapproving mother taking aim. And it soon becomes clear that while money can’t buy love, it can definitely complicate things.
Talks and Workshops Polstead WI We meet at Polstead Village Hall on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm. All welcome, we would really like to meet you. Tuesday 11th December - Christmas Party
What’s On continued over page
What’s On Colne Valley Flower Club At the Orpen Hall, West Bergholt
informative and relaxed meetings on a monthly basis, social events, open evenings and workshops.
Wednesday 16th January 7.30pm
£4.50 members, £7 visitors.
Our speaker for this evening is Jane Bastow who is going to talk on Chelsea Preparation. Visitors welcome.
We welcome all new members and visitors to join the club.
For further information please telephone Manya on 07759 331719.
Feering Flower Club
For more information on becoming a member or to visit our club please contact Sue Bunting 01376 571059 or follow us on social media www. feeringflowerclub.co.uk
West Bergholt Branch WEA At The Methodist Hall, Chapel Lane, West Bergholt CO6 3EF
At Feering Community Centre, Coggeshall Road, Feering C05 9QB Tuesday 11th December 7.30pm – David Thomson Feering Flower Club aims to promote the love of flowers and plants in an atmosphere of fun and friendship. We provide
“Popular Music and Society: Britain and the USA after 1945” is a 10 session course starting on 15th January 7.45 pm. Cost £54.75 (If you receive certain benefits you may be entitled to a free course). All welcome. To book: enrolonline. we.org.uk or 0300 303 3464 (Course reference: C2225619) or at venue on first evening.
Nayland Horticultural Society’s Spring Meeting
Colchester Farmers Market
At the Church Hall, Nayland, CO6 4HY
Friday 7th December and Friday 4th January at 9.30am - 12.30pm
Tuesday 26th March 2019 7pm for 7.15pm start. Subject to be confirmed.
Farmers Markets Please note that some dates may be liable to change so for more information contact individual markets for details.
The Arts Centre, Colchester
Contact Rowley Castiglione 01206 367776
Wivenhoe Farmers Market Congregational Hall, Wivenhoe Saturday 15th December and Saturday 18th January at 9.30am – 2.00pm Contact Rowley Castiglione 01206 367776
Sudbury Farmers Market St Peters Church, Sudbury
Lavenham Farmers Market
Friday 21st December and Friday 25th January at 9.30am - 2.00pm Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973
The Village Hall, Lavenham
Coggeshall
Sunday 16th December and Sunday 27th January at 10.00am - 1.30pm
Coggeshall Village Hall, Stoneham St, Coggeshall
Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973
Farmers Market
Sunday 16th December 10.00am – 1.00pm Contact 01206 869100
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.
Feature your not for profit, village, community or charity events 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.
Next issue: February/March 2019 - published 24th January.
Deadline date for entries in the next issue 11th January. www.facebook.com/TheConnectionMagazineColchester
Christmas Kaleidoscope At the Sentinel Gallery Wivenhoe
29th November - 16th December
Beautiful high quality craft and affordable artworks Over 40 artists and craftsman showing work including: paintings, prints jewellery, ceramics, sculpture, textiles and glass.
Open Wednesday - Sunday 11am - 5pm
Tel: 01206 564885 The Studio Brickstables House Halstead Road Colchester CO3 0JU
‘Comfort & Joy’ Christmas Events
Sunday 18th November from 12 until 3 and Sunday 2nd December 11 am until 1:30pm find us and comment for a 5% discount
Beauty at Brickstables
Beauty_at_Brickstables
Open 6 days a week 9am till 7pm info@beautyatbrickstables.co.uk www.beautyatbrickstables.co.uk
Country Mutters Sprucing up...
The envelope arrived a week ago and has prompted panic. We have been invited to a posh Christmas do. The kind involving an overnight stay with other guests who have spent their year either swallowing dictionaries or making vast sums of money. And, most worryingly, you know those upmarket clothes catalogues full of perfect couples swathed in cashmere and tweed, laughing heartily in snowy landscapes or winsomely decorating a Christmas tree in velvet frocks and printed twill? That’s what the other guests look like. We look like we are living in a post apocalyptic world, with clothes not so much chosen as snatched up on the way out. Time for drastic measures. Ignoring all protests, I force Husband into a shopping expedition, frog-marching him around town until I find a full length mirror in a department store. I grip him firmly by the elbow for a considered appraisal. Husband looks like he’s just walked off the field by way of the last chance rail of a charity shop. ‘Good God’, he says appalled, ‘Why didn’t you tell me about that stain on my jumper?’ He peers closer. ‘You might have mentioned I could do with a shave – I look like a shipwrecked Wolverine.’ I’m not much better. I have lapsed into aging hippie mode, in the mistaken belief that maxi skirts and kaftans hide a multitude of sins. So amid blaring tinsel and shiny Christmas pop songs, we shop with a grim determination. Him first. I hold up a flowery shirt. Husband pales and backs away,
26
treading on the feet of a nervous assistant who I have conscripted to help. ‘A lot of older men wear patterned shirts now’, the assistant offers lamely. He tries again. ‘How about this slipover?’‘The last time I wore a tank top it was 1971’, says Husband indignantly and then starts to fret about looking over-dressed in a jacket. ‘It’s Christmas!’ I hiss, ‘you’re supposed to look like you’ve made an effort’. I decide to leave Husband with strict instructions not to leave the shop before he’s bought something and go in search of my own outfit. I reject any number of jumpers involving reindeer, snowflakes and fluffy snowmen. I fancy something sparkly but every top I look at is made of recycled plastic bottles and just looking at them brings on a hot flush. In despair, I approach an assistant. She brings me a dress. I huff inwardly. This frumpy old thing? I try it on anyway. fits Surprisingly it fi ts and looks – well, OK actually. Clearly this woman is a miracle worker, so I hand myself over and let her clothe me from head to foot. I reunite with Husband who is also carrying a promising number of carrier bags. Declaring ourselves exhausted we retire to a coffee shop for a festive eggnog and mince pie flavoured latte with gingerbread sprinkles. We sit amongst fellow punch-drunk shoppers, surrounded by bags and parcels, plastic smouldering gently in our wallets. Husband sips his drink thoughtfully. ‘Reminds me of before we were married, when we had money and no responsibilities’, he says. We toast each other. ‘Merry Christmas, old thing’.
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Gardening Winter Colour
Despite the winter weather, with planning and strategic planting your garden can still look gorgeous, with colourful plants to add interest to your plot. Dogwoods or Cornus are great winter stem-colour plants. Planted in a moist sunny spot, the crimson-red stems are stunning during winter, plus in autumn you’ll get red and purple foliage. To keep these colourful stems coming, cut them back to ground level in late spring every alternate year. Winter classic good looks come from hollies, either greenleaved or in variegated form, such as ‘Argentea Marginata’ with silvery leaf edges, ‘Golden Queen’ with golden-yellow leaf edges, or ‘Ferrox Argentea’ with silver-edged leaves covered with prickles! Some willows can be kept quite small, and have stunning coloured winter stems. For egg-yolk yellow stems go for Salix alba ‘Vitellina’, for scarlet-orange stems there is
by Pippa Greenwood ‘Britzensis’, or Salix acutifolia ‘Blue Streak’ has purple stems with a slivery-grey bloom and grey buds. These stems also need to be cut back to ground level every two years. The ghost bramble, Rubus cockburnianus, a relative of the standard bramble, has arching white stems that look great in winter sunshine. In summer it produces sprays of small purple flowers. Christmas Roses or hellebores, including Helleborus argutiflorus, have cup-shaped green flowers with prominent stamens, are tough and perform well. The classic Christmas rose proper is white-flowered (developing a pink tinge as they age), and look stunning against the central cluster of golden-yellow stamens. The variety ‘Potters Wheel’ has flowers up to 10cm in diameter. Snowdrops in single and double forms look great planted in drifts or naturalised on a grassy bank. Buy ready-toflower snowdrops in pots now, plant them out, and then plant them ‘in the green’ in a month or two’s time, when you can get the bulbs, complete with
leaves, ready for planting by mail order. Winter aconites have bright yellow, shiny petals and flowers like golden stars, and produce a superb display when planted close to and amongst snowdrops. Plenty of moisture without waterlogging is key. Winter flowering pansies make a splash of colour in any garden, with just about every conceivable colour available. Even when struck by frost, the flowers soon perk up again. Clematis cirrhosa is a winterflowering climber with yellow to white bell-shaped flowers and a delicate lemony perfume. The inner surface of the petals is delicately freckled, with variety ‘Freckles’ having the best dark spotting. The flowers last from early winter until the start of spring. Winter-flowering jasmine can be loosely trained against a wall for a great winter display of bright yellow starry flowers, and will remind you that spring is coming! At www.pippagreenwood. com you can join ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ for great vegetable plants and weekly advice, practical and pretty plant supports, the fantastic SpeedHoe, gardening tools, signed books and more! Or why not book Pippa for a talk at your gardening club?
27
Health
By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
Healthier Festive Food Swaps
After weeks of festive foodie temptations, it’s easy to start the New Year a few pounds heavier and feeling far from fit. But the alternative isn’t avoiding treats altogether: it’s choosing the swaps you can live with. better breakfasts SWAP a full English fried breakfast for the healthy version. Grill mushrooms, tomatoes and bacon, poach eggs, and choose low-sugar baked beans and a slice of wholemeal toast rather than hash browns. SWAP sugary cereals for a small portion of healthier cereals and add fresh berries and/or a dollop of low-fat yogurt. start as You Mean to go on If you must have a starter, keep it small and light. SWAP creamy soups or cheese laden dishes for: • A small prawn cocktail with fresh lettuce and a little lowfat dressing (if you must add bread, stick to half a slice of wholemeal). • A small fresh fruit cocktail – berries or a tropical mix. • A small bowl of cream-free soup. the Main event SWAP • Duck or goose for turkey or a
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lean cut of red meat. • Butter-basting your turkey for removing the skin (reducing the calories by nearly a third and fat by more than half). • Sausage meat for vegetarian sausage mix in stuffing. • Goose fat or lard etc. for a low-fat vegetable-based oil or spray oil. • Some of your roast potatoes for crispy jacket potatoes (not mash: the added milk and butter is its downfall). • Roasted vegetables for steamed or microwaved ones. Your Just desserts 113g (a quarter) of a standard Christmas pud usually has 375-400 calories and 40-50g of sugar, although they are relatively low in fat. Fancy something healthier? Try 113g of: • Morrison’s Very Berry Strudel (287 calories, 18g sugar, 13g fat) • Asda Raspberry Tiramisu (257 calories, 25g sugar, 10g fat) • Sainsbury’s Mixed Berry Trifle Desert (171 calories, 21g sugar, 7g fat) SWAP • Ambrosia custard (98 calories, 11g sugar, 3g fat per 100g) • Elmlea double cream (351 calories, 4g sugar, 36g fat per 100ml) for • Sainsbury’s low-fat yogurt (62 calories, 7g of sugar, 1g fat per 100g) tiMe for tea SWAP: • Traditional mince pies for
lattices, filo parcels or opentop versions. • Breaded or battered snacks for marinated savouries or home-made herby snacks. • Rich, creamy dips for low-fat or tomato-based versions. • Crisps, salted nuts and chocolate for plain popcorn, rice cakes, pretzels, unsalted nuts and homemade chocolate-covered fruit (dark chocolate is healthier). raise Your glass – not Your blood Pressure Alcohol is usually high in sugar and calories and recent research has shown there’s no ‘safe’ consumption limit (leading to the Government reducing men’s ‘recommended’ limit to 14 units in line with women). Consider swapping 175ml glasses of some alcoholic drinks for these delicious alternatives. Bollinger champagne (133 calories) for • Shloer Sparkling White Grape Juice (53 calories) • J2O Spritz watermelon (35 calories) Dry River Pinot Grigio (158 calories) for: • Kedem Natural Grape Juice (88 calories) • Welch’s White Grape, Pear and Apple Juice (35 calories) Echo Falls Merlot (125 calories) for: • Asda Grape, Apple and Raspberry Juice (100 calories) Choose your swaps wisely and you could save pounds of both kinds. Merry Christmas!
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General Knowledge Crossword Across 1. Without the means to be in verbal contact (13) 7. Adult male singing voice (5) 8. Military engineers (7) 9. Drama set to music (5) i er t at flo s through Paris (5) 12. Hindu or Buddhist religious leader (4) 13. Elaborate and systematic plans of action (7) 17. Ditch used to divide lands without hiding a view (2-2) 19. Ancient Mexican civilisation (5) 20. Fix securely (5)
Answers on page 36
22. Very wealthy or powerful businessmen (7) 23. Farm with facilities for livestock (5) 24. Automated money machine outside of a bank (4,9) Down 1. Between two or more star systems (13) 2. New World vulture (6) 3. Samuel ___, telegraph code inventor (5) 4. Situation in which no progress can be made (7) 5. Acid found in vinegar (6) 6. Wading shorebird t at eeds iefl on s e s a in no de nite
Colchester Life is a not-for-profit online magazine run by volunteers, with the aim of celebrating everything positive and interesting happening in the CO postcode area. We believe the more you look for the good, the more you will come across it, and our lil ol’town is full of hidden gems and great people. Our website hosts eclectic listings, full of all the arts, community, kids’and promotional events going on in the area and plenty of blogs on local businesses, exhibitions, activities, community projects, social enterprises and remarkable Colcestrians, plus reviews and previews of arts, eateries and events. Our third arm is a directory of local businesses and venues, including more than 50 which are signed up to the Colchester Life discount card scheme. The card is
form (9) 10. Fluid product of an infla ation 14. Husband of an adulteress (7) 15. H Rider Haggard novel (3) 16. Device for
punishment in which offenders ere on ned 18. Handsome youth loved by Aphrodite (6) Lon flat botto ed canal boat (5)
available from our website, costs £5 and entitles the holders to a year’s worth of discounts at all participating businesses. Any proceeds from sales of the discount card go straight back into supporting and promoting local independent businesses. There is no cost to the businesses listed on the site and no hierarchy. These values are also demonstrated by our Colchester Life Small Business Club: A friendly, proactive group of over 175 small businesses and sole traders, who support each other through cross promotion and networking, online and at regular events. Get involved! Check out the magazine, events and directory at www.colchesterlife.co.uk, join in #ColchesterLifeHour on Twitter at 7pm every Monday to spread the word about your event, cause, business or passion, or drop us a line at: hello@colchesterlife.co.uk
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29
Winter Warmers
It may be tempting to stay by the fireside when the weather turns colder, but don’t turn your back completely on the great outdoors. Going for a walk in a beautiful landscape will improve your health and lighten your mood.
is melted. Add 1 – 2 tbspn ginger syrup according to taste and pour into 2 mugs. Add whipped cream, grated chocolate and finely chopped stem ginger to decorate.
At Marks Hall estate, you can wander around the Arboretum or take your choice of 3 circular Woodland Walks, all clearly marked and ranging in length from half a mile to 2 and a half miles. More details can be found on their website:
Mulled Cider
www.markshall.org.uk/walking
For a longer walk you could explore the picturesque Stour Valley and Dedham Vale, the area made famous by the paintings of John Constable. The National Trust offer 2 walks of 4 or 7 miles on their website:
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford/trails/ flatford-and-constable-country-walk
1 litre cider 100 ml ginger wine 4 cloves 2 cinammon sticks Pared zest of 1 orange 30g demerara sugar 2 apples, cored and sliced Place all the ingredients in a pan and stir over a low heat until hot.
And if you need warming up when you get back home, why not try one of these spicy seasonal hot drink recipes!
Hot Orange Chocolate 1 cinnamon stick Pared zest of 1 orange (avoiding the white pith) 500 ml milk 75g plain chocolate, finely chopped 1 - 2 tbspn syrup from a jar of stem ginger Optional: whipped cream, grated chocolate and 2 tspn finely chopped stem ginger Add the orange zest to a saucepan along with the milk and cinnamon stick. Heat gently until nearly boiling then remove from the heat and allow to infuse for 15 mins. Remove the orange zest and cinnamon stick with a slotted spoon. Put the pan back onto a medium heat, add the chocolate and whisk until the mixture is hot and all the chocolate
30
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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 ed t ese t rou out t e grid you can start guessing words and reveal other letters s ou nd t e etters enter them in the box below.
Answers on page 36
Dog Grooming
W H I T E S FA R M
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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City and Guilds Levels 2 and 3 in Dog Grooming
CALL TODAY TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT www.willowfences.co.uk Whites Farm, Bures Road, White Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2QF
dooglesdoggrooming6 07766 418529 www.dooglesdoggrooming.com
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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. In line with data protection regulations, all competition entries are destroyed once a winner has been picked. We do not share personal details with third parties.
Closing date January 9th 2019
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Member of the National Pest Technician Association
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All types of domes�c fencing provided We are a friendly local company with over 10 years experience, fully insured, covering areas around the Essex and Suffolk border. Please contact us for a free quote and no obliga�on advice. www.gandwfencing.co.uk • gandwfencing@gmail.com
01787 228740 or 07967 962374 32
• Landscaping • Construc�on Based in Mount Bures, we work throughout Essex and Suffolk in all areas of hard and so� landscaping. Any size job welcome, call Mark for your free, personal quote.
Hedge and Tree Plan�ng Fencing and Gate Installa�on Brick Walls and Pa�os Tree Felling and Pruning Turf Laying and Decking
www.richardsonlandscapes.co.uk 07742 696766
Property and Garden Maintenance Colchester Workhorse Paul Richardson
Property
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3 Tonne mini-digger plus driver now available!
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Garden
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Sweet Recipes with Mincemeat
Mincemeat Sponge Puddings 115g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 6 tbsp good quality mincemeat Zest of ½ orange or lemon
115g caster sugar
2 medium eggs, beaten
125g self-raising flour, sifted
1 tbsp milk
Makes 4 - Ready in 1 hour 10 minutes 1.
Thoroughly grease 4 x 175ml pudding basins with butter. Divide the mincemeat between the basins. Preheat the oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas mark 5.
2.
Place the butter and sugar in a bowl and beat together until pale and creamy. Beat in the orange or lemon zest then gradually beat in the eggs, adding 1tbsp of the flour if the mixture starts to curdle. Fold in the rest of the flour with the milk to give a soft dropping consistency.
3.
pleated buttered foil, scrunching it tightly around the sides of each basin. Transfer to a large roasting tin and pour in enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the basins.
4.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until risen and firm to the touch. Leave in the basins for 5 minutes then turn out onto serving plates. Serve with cream or custard, if liked.
TIP
Spice up the sponge mixture by adding 2 tsp ground cinnamon and ½ tsp ground nutmeg instead of the orange or lemon zest and replace the caster sugar with light soft brown sugar, if liked.
Divide the mixture between the pudding basins and cover each with a square of
Christmas Mincemeat Slice 225g plain flour165g unsalted butter, chilled and diced 1tbsp cold water
75g caster sugar
50g ground almonds
1 egg yolk blended with
300g good quality mincemeat
2 tbsp flaked almonds
Makes 12-14 slices Ready in 1 hour 15 minutes 1.
Sift the flflo our into a large bowl and rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles very fine breadcrumbs (alternatively pulse in a food processor until fine breadcrumbs).
2.
Remove 100g of the breadcrumb mixture and cover and chill in the fridge. Stir 25g of the sugar into the remaining mixture, then stir in the egg and water and mix to a firm dough (adding a little more water if needed). Knead lightly then wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.
3.
Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and use to line a 23cm
square tart tin. Prick the pastry all over with a fork. Line the pastry case with baking paper and baking beans and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the lining paper and beans and bake for a further 5-7 minutes until the pastry is crisp and pale golden. Cool slightly. Reduce the oven temperature to 180C/160C fan/gas mark 4.
4.
Spread the mincemeat in the pastry case. Mix the rest of the sugar and the ground almonds into the reserved pastry crumb mixture and scatter over the mincemeat to cover completely.
5.
Return the tin to the oven and bake for a further 25-30 minutes or until the crumble topping is pale golden. Scatter over the flaked almonds and leave to cool before removing from the tin and cutting into 12-14 thin slices.
33
Christmas Postal Dates LAST LAST RECOMMENDED SERVICE RECOMMENDED SERVICE POSTING DATES International Standard & International Tracking & Signature Services POSTING DATES Tuesday 4th December Friday 7th December
Africa, Middle East Cyprus, Malta, Asia, Far East, Eastern Europe (except Poland, Czech Republic & Slovakia) Saturday 8th December Caribbean, Central & South America Monday 10th December Australia, Greece, Turkey, New Zealand Friday 14th December Canada, Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, USA Saturday 15th December Finland, Sweden Monday 17th December
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General Knowledge Crossword Across 1. Band of fabric worn around the neck as a tie (6) 4. Russian soup with a beetroot juice base (6) 9. Semi-precious stone of a bluegreen colour (9) 10. Spherical object (3) 11. Enchantress (5) 12. Chemical used in reactions (7) ant it flo ers used in brewing (3) 14. Thick sugary liquid (5) 16. Once common insecticide, now banned (inits) (3) 17. Marine creature often used for s in bait e based on s
34
or meat stock (5) 22. Potato-like vegetable (3) 23. French Protestants of the 16th and 17th centuries (9) 24. Tidy up (6) 25. Toxic alkaloid used by South Americans as an arrow poison (6) Down 1. Makes reference to (5) 2. Delivery from a plane or helicopter (7) 3. Male graduate (7) 5. Final Greek letter completion of a left and right are (5) course (7) reversed (6,5) 6. Plain dough cake, 13. Marked by peace 18. Third letter of the often griddled (5) Greek alphabet (5) and prosperity (7) 7. Natural home of 15. Flat upland area (7) 19. Earthy metallic an animal or plant 16. Document oxide (5) (7) 21. Social position or certifying 8. Likeness in which successful status (5)
Answers on page 36
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Matt Thorn : Fencing
Household & Garden Fencing Your local trusted & experienced Fencer • Free Quotes & Advice • All types / styles of fence installed • Concrete posts & gravel boards • Treated timber posts & gravel boards • Close board fencing • Various heights of fence panels available • Old fence dismantling & disposal For all your fencing needs please call
Matt 07765 565616
Email matthewthorn@ymail.com Greenacres Farm Vernons Road Chappel
www.treetopservices.net info@treetopservices.net
An established Arborist and Tree Surgery Company based on the Essex/Suffolk borders FULLY INSURED AND N.P.T.C. QUALIFIED Tree Felling, Reductions, Pollarding, Thinning, Crown Cleaning and Hedge Trimming Tom has over 15 years experience working as a professional arborist. Please call Tom Veater regarding any enquiries or for a free quote
Tel: 07758 305742 or 01787 267986 info@treetopservices.net www.treetopservices.net
Lady Interior Decorator 20 years experience Does your home need decorating, but you have no time to do it?
Ring Alison Walters 01787 221937 Good Work/Quick & Tidy Colour & Design advice available
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35
Spot the Dierence
There are ten differences - can you find them?
Answers below Codeword Puzzle Solution General Crossword
Across: 1 Cravat, 4 Borsch, 9 Turquoise, 10 Orb, 11 Siren, 12 Reagent, 13 Hop, 14 Syrup, 16 DDT, 17 Lugworm, 20 Aspic, 22 Yam, 23 Huguenots, 24 Neaten, 25 Curare. Down: 1 Cites, 2 Airdrop, 3 Alumnus, 5 Omega, 6 Scone, 7 Habitat, 8 Mirror image, 13 Halcyon, 15 Plateau, 16 Diploma, 18 Gamma, 19 Ochre, 21 Caste. 1.Ear missing 2.Glasses 3.Foot gone 4.Blonde bunch 5.Tie dots 6.Hair sticking up 7.Bow 8.Book colour 9.badge 10.Trainer stripes Spot the Difference General Knowledge Crossword Across: 1 Incommunicado, 7 Tenor, 8 Sappers, 9 Opera, 11
Seine, 12 Guru, 13 Schemes, 17 Ha-ha, 19 Aztec, 20 Embed, 22 Tycoons, 23 Ranch, 24 Cash dispenser. Down: 1 Intergalactic, 2 Condor, 3 Morse, 4 Impasse, 5 Acetic, 6 Oyster-catcher, 8 Shapeless, 10 Pus, 14 Cuckold, 15 She, 16 Stocks, 18 Adonis, 21 Barge.
36
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Useful Numbers Local Schools St. Peter’s C of E Primary School Tel: 01376 561328 Honywood Community Science School
Tel: 01206 710030
Tel: 01376 570411
Stanway Surgery
Feering C of E Controlled Primary School
Tel: 01206 572372
Tel: 01787 222022
Tel: 01787 222205
Tel: 01787 227529
Chappel C of E School Tel: 01787 222296 St. John the Baptist C.E.V.A Primary School Tel: 01787 269300 Great Tey C.E Controlled Primary School Tel: 01206 210415 Fordham All Saints C of E Primary School Tel: 01206 240251 Copford C of E Primary School Tel: 01206 210439 Stanway Primary School Tel: 01206 574819 St. Mary’s Lower School Tel: 01206 211242 Stanway Fiveways Primary School Tel: 01206 574849 Holy Trinity C.E. Primary School Eight Ash Green & Aldham
Call us today to book a visit or for more information on
07969 541201
Email: debbie_jrvs@yahoo.co.uk
The Pump House Surgery/Earls Colne
Earls Colne Primary School and Nursery
Tel: 01787 227446
We are fully insured
Marks Tey Surgery Tollgate Health Centre
Bures C.E V.C Primary School
Discounted rates apply for more than one person per household
Tel: 01206 241137 Tel: 01206 213513
Tel: 01787 222717
One Ear £25 - Two Ears £40
West Bergholt Surgery
Kelvedon St. Mary C of E Primary School
Colne Engaine C of E (Aided) Primary School
We provide a Professional Ear irrigation service in your own home. This service is provided by a Registered Nurse (RGN) with over 35 years of experience.
Tel: 01376 561242
Tel: 01376 561231
Tel: 01376 570296
MOBILE EAR WAX REMOVAL
Coggeshall Surgery
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: 01206 262348
Doctors Kelvedon and Feering Health Centre
Bures Surgery Branch Surgery Tel: 01787 227529 Hardwick House Group Practice Tel: 01787 310000 Nayland Surgery Tel: 01206 262202
Village Halls Aldham Village Hall Tel: 01206 240682 Mount Bures Tel: 01787 228753 Bures Community Centre Tel: 01787 227278 Nayland Tel: 0774 895 3175 Stoke by Nayland Tel: 01206 262943 Wormingford Tel: 01787 228615 Feering Community Centre Tel: 01376 572467 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
Tel: 01376 572906 Kelvedon Surgery Tel: 01376 574560
37
Index of Advertisers Building Services Beauty Services Care Home Christmas Trees Children's Nursery Dog Groomers Decorators Ear Wax Removal Full Fibre Broadband Florist Fencing Flooring
13 25 5 11 2 31 35 37 9 15 32, 35 7
Gift shop Garden Design Gallery Garden Services Homewares Home Improvements Hairdressers Interior design Landscaping Jazz Music Venue Optitians Oil Boiler Servicing Oven Cleaning
7 32 25 32 7 13 11 7 32 20 40 13 13
Pest Control Plant Nursery Property Maintenance Plumbing & Heating Railway Museum Retirement Living Removals School Storage Swimming Lessons Swimming Pool Tree Surgeon Willow Fences
32, 39 39 32 37 18 5 35 2 35 17 15 13, 35, 39 31
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Christmas Tree Maze & Treasure Trail Open 1st to 9th December
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01206 210209 07583 953576 rbtreeservices@hotmail.com
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39
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