December/January Connection Magazine by Sarah Banks

The

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December/January 16 Issue 67

connection magazine Inside this issue...

Lavenham Christmas Fair Book reviews Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On The Henny Swan Crafting at the Beehive Christmas recipes

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Hello

Inside

With Christmas on the horizon perhaps your thoughts are turning to presents, cooking, shopping, eating out or even keeping fit in the new year!

4 - Country Mutters 6 - Book Reviews 10 - Get Crafty 12 - Crossword 14 - Finance 16 - The Henny Swan 21-24 What’s On 26 - Notice Board 28 - Gardening 30 - Codeword 32 & 40 - Recipes 38 - Sudoku 42 - Spot the Difference 43 - Christmas Postal Dates 44 - Useful Numbers 46 - Index

Let’s take presents first. We have some book ideas on page 6 and if you fancy making some gifts why not consider looking at the Beehive in Colchester, a place where you can learn new skills and create something truly original. Perhaps a gift of a workshop might suit a craft loving friend or relative. On to cooking - we have two very traditional Christmas recipes in this issue. Stollen and a glazed gammon on pages 32 and 40. I'm always trying to encourage readers to use the local businesses in the magazine and I'm very grateful for the support you give them. I'd like you to spare a thought for the retail businesses that are finding it difficult in Sudbury right now. Since the devastating fire in September the shops in Friars Street have understandably struggled. Please consider visiting Sudbury. Friars Street - home to Zoffany - is open and there’s plenty of shops and cafes in the area. Do you like our front cover? This is the Guildhall in Lavenham all dressed up for Christmas! If you’re thinking about keeping fit in the new year - why not consider delivering the Connection magazine? We have vacancies in Aldham and West Bergholt. It really is good exercise and you can clock up several thousand steps in one day! Have a lovely Christmas everyone!

Sarah.

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

Front Cover - Lavenham Guildhall at Christmas time. Competition winner £25 cash sudoku winner - W.Powell from Earls Colne.

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Next issue: February/March 2016 Publication date 22nd January 2016

Deadline date for advertising: 8th January Deadline date for What’s On entries : 8th January

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Country Mutters

Christmas Cheers! By Lady Muck

When I first started work the office Christmas party was a fairly morose affair, consisting mainly of passing round a plate of indigestible mince pies made by Maureen from Reception, getting stuck in a corner with Geoff from Accounts and giving yourself a raging headache from the effort of finding something – anything - interesting to talk about. Then I moved to the capital and the office party was transformed into a Bacchanalian blowout. An acknowledgement from the company that ‘yes we’ve worked you hard all year but now we’re giving you the opportunity to lose as many brain cells as you can in one evening!’ And how we took that opportunity. The Christmas party used to take place in an actual venue - a museum, a Soho nightclub or a restored theatre festooned with fairy lights and lavish decorations. We actually used to get changed into our party frocks. Putting on make up in the dimly lit office toilets mean that most of us came out looking like Danny La Rue, but no matter – that was part of the fun. They were epic evenings where the Cava flowed freely, proper waiters would appear regularly at your elbow with canapés before the main buffet opened. There would be frenetic dancing to recognisable tunes, raucous laughter and secret assignations under the mistletoe. Meanwhile, outrageous indiscretions took place around every corner giving enough material to fuel the gossip machines until the same time next year. Ah the 80’s! The over consumption of course led to many undignified scenes at the end of the evening,

but there’s nothing like seeing your boss crawling home up the high street on her hands and knees to console you for a whole year of having to put up with her bizarre foibles and unreasonable daily demands. The trouble is that scenes like these are now horribly familiar and take place as a matter of course in a town centre near you each weekend. Once a year is funny, once a week is just sad. Now over indulgence anywhere near the workplace is frowned upon – it’s unhealthy, passé and since The Cuts there’s no cost heading for it (or anywhere to hide it on the balance sheet). Now you’re lucky to get a plastic cup of lukewarm Pinot Grigio and a bag of hula hoops thrust at you while you’re still sitting at your desk on Christmas Eve. That’s not an office party – at best it’s an apology. We are a nation of Bob Cratchits sitting in our mufflers, trying to warm our hands at a single coal, smiling wanly at each other and waiting for the clock to strike five so we can escape and find some cheer in the bosom of our families. I say bring back the Christmas office party in all it’s excess. There’s a historical precedence for it after all. Before Christmas became Christmas it was called Saturnalia, which was a week long celebration featuring universal intoxication, widespread sexual license and roaming the streets while singing naked. There was also a bit of human sacrifice thrown in for good measure. Which is one way to deal with Geoff from Accounts. Merry Christmas everyone!

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Great Christmas Gifts Buying a book for someone can be a bit of a minefield… Will they enjoy it? Do they already have a copy? Will you be able to borrow it? Hopefully our top picks of recent releases will help you to navigate that minefield and get you on Santa’s good side. Faber Poetry Diary 2016 – Various This is one of those books that you get given one year, and then find yourself buying as a gift for years to come. A weekto-view diary that offers a poem or illustration for each week, the Faber Poetry Diary makes Monday mornings just that bit more enjoyable. The 2016 version includes a wide variety of poets, from Simon Armitage to Wendy Cope, via Dylan Thomas, Alice Oswald, Sylvia Plath and a whole lot more. The Jacqueline Wilson Christmas Cracker – Jacqueline Wilson Packed with Christmas tales featuring some of Jacqueline Wilson’s best loved characters, this book is pretty much guaranteed to be a hit with girls aged 7-11. Tracy Beaker takes a starring role, and there are also appearances from identical twins Ruby and Garnet, along with Hetty Feather and other favourites. There are also festive puzzles, recipes, craft ideas, fun facts and more to keep her entertained long after the latest ‘must-have’ toy has been discarded. Ideally, give it as a gift early on in December, so that the recipient can make full use of the present-wrapping tips and Christmas craft ideas.

Everyday Super Food – Jamie Oliver No present list would be complete without at least one cookery book, and Jamie Oliver seems to be a favourite with everyone from wannabee Junior Masterchefs to seasoned bakers. With Everyday Super Food, Jamie is making it his mission to prove that lowcalorie, nutritious meals can still be pretty darn delicious. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are all covered and there’s something to tempt most taste buds, from spicy ‘Energy Balls’ to ‘Super Tasty Miso Broth’ and ‘Harissa Roasted Aubergine’. The Lake House – Kate Morton It’s 1933 and a missing child throws the privileged Edevane family into a downward spiral. Fast forward seventy years and the child’s older sister, Alice, finds herself re-opening old wounds when a police detective starts asking questions about the unsolved case. A real page-turner, this is the kind of book you want to curl up and disappear into on Boxing Day. (It’s also a great one to give as a gift in the understanding that you get to read it once the recipient has finished with it.)

The Three-Year Swim Club – Julie Checkoway Buying for a biography lover? This inspiring book tells the story of a school teacher in 1930s Maui who wanted to give his under-privileged pupils a brighter future. Soichi Sakamoto set out to transform the children into Olympic swimmers, despite not having any training himself, and the fact that most of the children had never seen a swimming pool. A great read for lovers of tales of triumph over adversity. The Magical Christmas – Lizzie Mary Cullen Who would have thought that colouring books for adults would have become such a phenomenon? If you know a fan, or are just buying a present for someone who could seriously do with a chance to unwind, The Magical Christmas is a good choice. From traditional gingerbread houses to alternative Christmas days (surfing in Sydney anyone?), each turn of the page reveals a new intricate scene just waiting for pen or pencil to bring it to life. The only difficult part of this gift is resisting the urge to start colouring it in yourself.

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Introducing our new Daily Set Menu Celebrate the festive season at the George & Dragon with your family, friends and colleagues. A warm welcome awaits you in the bar area with wood burning stove upon your arrival. Details of the festive menu are available on our website. For more information and to check availability for your party please telephone

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Get Crafty this Christmas Everyone appreciates a handmade Christmas gift. Instead of grabbing something off the shelf, it shows you’ve put time and effort into making something a bit special. While you might be a bit pushed to hand knit a Rudolph sweater, there is still plenty of time to dust off those handicraft skills and get creating. If you need a bit of help, The Beehive in Colchester is a crafter’s shop which also runs sewing classes. Originally a pub, the shop retains some lovely period features, so stock is displayed on the bar, on the fireplace and tucked into every corner. Large tables set up with sewing machines give plenty of elbow room to create together and transform this traditionally solitary pursuit into a fun and sociable pastime. There are special Christmas workshops where you can learn how to make Christmas bunting, stockings, aprons or Advent calendars. You can buy Christmas fabric in the shop or bring your own. An idea that’s becoming increasingly popular is to make a patchwork quilt or a throw from remnants of childhood clothes or bedding. This makes a lovely keepsake and the perfect present for someone flying the nest to remind them of home. There are also workshops for children to help them make a cushion or an apron – sure to go down well with every Mum or Grandma. You can also buy workshop vouchers as a gift.

Jade’s Flower Design, based in Coggeshall,

are offering Christmas workshops where you can create your own festive door wreath, garland or table decoration. You will see a demonstration then choose from a range of materials and

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Christmas Workshops 28 November Christmas Door Wreath 5th December Christmas Garland 12 December Christmas Table Decoration FLOWER DESIGN W E D D I NG

FL OWE R

telephone

S PE CI A L I ST

01376 563111 website www.jadesflowers.co.uk Jades Flower Design www.jadesflowers.co.uk /courses/christmas-courses accessories such as seed heads, cinnamon sticks or dried fruits to make your own unique design. All Christmas workshops include mince pies and mulled wine to get you in a festive mood.

The Beehive

12 Short Wyre St, Colchester CO1 1LN www.thebeehivecolchester.com Tel: 01206 578860. Opening hours are Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday 9.00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5.00pm.

Jades Flower Design

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Cryptic Crossword Across

9. Adult insect produced after ignoramus runs out (5) 10. Evil gripe about exclusive right (9) 11. Implore to tear net apart (7) 12. A follower with nothing to dish out, note (7) 13. Chucked from one side to the other, we hear (5) 15. Clinging girl (3) 16. Business deal rated poorly (5) 17. Little man to take property unlawfully (3) 19. Exact copy of parcel I sent round (7) 20. Son regresses, becoming a hooligan (3) 22. Scottish poet catches fire (5) 23. Have a meal in the attic (3) 24. Girl with ten to add to the end (5) 26. Call debts suspect (7) 28. Directed sideways when all tear about (7) 31. Norse Euro exchange thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wrong (9) 32. Elegance and form in school (5)

Down 1. Novel idea for a helper (4) 2. Cricketer used to coat fish (6) 3. Ice cream holder once put out (4) 4. Tips up to expectorate (4) 5. Woman-hater, somehow toying with Miss (10) 6. Tells fibs and is prostrate (4) 7. Time before march begins (8) 8. Go back and change decree (6) 13. Rodent goes back for pitch (3) 14. Factory operates well

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(5) 15. No premiss used to form a notion (10) 16. Headdress I made with Tara (5) 18. Vitamin deficiency disease from two fruits, we hear (8) 21. Fight container (3) 22. Inexpensive financial plan (6) 25. Regular girl with little left (6) 27. Has to be found in all townships (4) 28. Small hairpiece to flog? (4) 29. Friar to fold under (4) 30. Excluding the French ship (4) Solution on page 42

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Finance What type of financial help is available for first time buyers? By Ann Haldon The thought of buying your first home can be daunting, but there’s help available from the government that you may not know about. Equity loans and mortgage guarantees combine within the Help to Buy scheme, which has been a popular option for many people wanting to get their foot on the property ladder. Other possibilities include Shared Ownership schemes and Help to Buy ISA products. Additionally, choosing a fixed rate mortgage deal will help you to budget effectively and provides peace of mind that you can afford the repayments. Help to Buy Equity Loan You only need to find a deposit of 5% as the government loans you the remaining 20%. The loan is offered interestfree for the first five years, with an interest rate of 1.75% being charged in year six on the amount of the original loan. Subsequent annual rate increases are in line with inflation, using the Retail Price Index plus 1%. You’ll be able to repay part of the loan early without penalty if you want, and you can sell your home whenever you like. The repayment figure on sale is based on the property’s value at the time so that the government benefits from its rise in value. Mortgage Guarantee This part of the Help to Buy

scheme is available until 31st December 2016 for new-builds and older homes. It is valid for properties worth up to £600,000, and the government provides a guarantee to mortgage lenders for up to 15% of the property value. The scheme is geared towards purchasers with a low deposit, and is intended to encourage confidence in lenders that their money is safe, increasing the likelihood of them offering a larger number of 95% loan-tovalue mortgages. Shared Ownership The Shared Ownership scheme enables you to own a proportion of your home - usually between 25% and 75% of the property’s value. You pay rent to a housing association on the remaining proportion, but at a subsidised rate. Shared Ownership helps people to buy their first home because rents are generally low, and are paid in conjunction with a mortgage. The housing association may allow you to purchase more of your home over time – usually up to its full value. Help to Buy ISA The Help to Buy ISA is a new product offered by the government, and is due to be introduced this month (December). If you make a lump sum deposit of £1,000 the government will boost this

amount tax-free by up to £250 when you buy your home, plus by another £50 for each further £200 of monthly savings. There is a limit on these tax free bonuses, however, of £3,000. Fixing your mortgage rate If you fix your mortgage rate you’ll be able to budget with confidence, and won’t need to worry about mortgage interest rate rises. Interest rates are expected to increase in the spring of 2016, so this is a good time to look for a suitable fixed rate deal. It can be difficult to know for how long to fix your rate, but with increases expected over the next few years a five-year term might be the best choice, even though the rates offered will be higher than deals over two or three years. With a little research and pre-planning you can take advantage of the various schemes available, fixing your interest rate to provide some stability and peace of mind. http://www.moneywise.co.uk/ news/2015-09-09/first-timebuyers-to-get-4000-deposit-boost http://www.moneysupermarket. com/mortgages/hubs/first-timebuyers/

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The Henny Swan The Henny Swan is a country pub in a beautiful location on the River Stour near Sudbury. We visited on a chilly autumn evening so it was good to be greeted by an open fire and a warm welcome from the owner and staff. The interior design is a pleasing combination of contemporary and traditional. The plum and slate colours, mismatched tables and chairs and quirky art works on the walls give a highly individual look but one which also feels friendly and relaxing. We sat down to complimentary nuts and olives â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this is a nice touch and immediately put us in a cheerful frame of mind. The menu features seasonal comfort food but is also balanced by plenty of lighter options. For Starters we chose the House Smoked Duck Breast and Warm Confit Duck Leg Salad and the Three Cheese Tartlette, both with good balance of flavours and beautifully presented. Our main courses of Braised Venison Shoulder and Celeriac Mash and Pan-fried Cornfed Chicken with a Chickpea and Pancetta Broth both hit the spot. The chicken in particular was tender and succulent. We shared a generous side order of Sweet Potato Wedges with smoked paprika mayonnaise. Again, there is plenty of choice of Mains for all tastes. For those not tempted by the wonderfully robust Duo of Beef which includes both fillet steak and slow cooked shin, there are 2 fish dishes and an attractive vegetarian option. After much deliberation over the Dessert menu we eventually opted for Blackcurrant and Lime Cheesecake, which was elegantly presented and velvety textured. My Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce and Apple Compote was satisfyingly toothsome without being stodgy: a perfect sweet indulgence. We just had room for coffee with a square of delicious homemade fudge. The location of The Henny Swan makes it a popular choice with walkers looking for a rewarding lunch. But with delicious food and plenty to satisfy the wine connoisseur or local beer enthusiast, this is also the perfect venue for a special evening out.

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CHRISTMAS DAY STARTER WENSLEYDALE MOUSSE & SAVOURY OAT BISCUIT with cranberry compóte, rocket salad & black sesame dressing

FISH COURSE SALMON, PEA PANNACOTTA & CRAB PARFAIT HERITAGE VEGETABLE CARPACCIO, CUCUMBER SORBET & BLACK OLIVE TUILLE

MAIN COURSE BUTTER BASTED TURKEY CROWN & SLOW ROASTED LEG WITH SAUSAGE & CHESTNUT STUFFING PEPPERED SIRLOIN OF BEEF PARSNIP FONDANT PUDDING all served with a honey glazed root & green vegetable panaché, Chateaux roast potatoes & Yorkshire pudding Starters served at 1pm, seating from noon. DESSERT CHRISTMAS PUDDING WITH ORANGE & BRANDY ICE-CREAM, PLUM PURÉE & BRANDY SAUCE PEAR & CHOCOLATE CUSTARD TRIFLE with Chantilly cream TRIO OF CHEESES with quince jelly, spiced apple chutney & assorted crackers

Coffee & Home-made Salted Fudge

£70 PER PERSON 20% deposit payable on booking. Children’s menus available. Full payment & choices by November 30th www.thehennyswan.co.uk Tel: 01787 267953 Henny Street, Great Henny CO10 7LS

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Business as usual in Sudbury Due to the terrible fire in Sudbury on Sunday 6th September, many businesses in Friars Street, including Zoffany Exchange, have seen a significant downturn in trade. All businesses are trading as usual and Friars Street IS open to traffic in both directions via Church Street at one end and Station Road at the other end, but we need your support in the months coming up to Christmas. So please keep visiting Sudbury, and especially lovely Friars Street! www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

The magic of Christmas prepares to be sprinkled over Lavenham

The Dickensian-themed fair starts on the evening of Friday 4 December with the lighting of the village Christmas tree in the Market Place and the arrival of Father Christmas who will be visiting the village throughout the whole weekend. The festivities and entertainment continue in the Market Place and the historic Guildhall and Little Hall through to Sunday 6 December with organisers promising something for everyone. Martine Crepy, from the Christmas fair organising committee, said: “We are very excited about this year’s three-day festive fair. “Lavenham is a magical place 365 days of the year but we are working hard to ensure there is an extra sprinkle of festive celebration for our big weekend event.” Among the attractions are late-night shopping, around 80 stalls selling a unique selection of gifts, clothes and stocking fillers as well as an array of food and drink stalls and Father Christmas paying a special visit to the village over all three days. The big wheel, offering bird’s eyes views over the historic village and surrounding countryside, will be

returning while entertainment is planned all weekend including the Lavenham Upbeat Contemporary Choir, Sabrina Summer, Peter Hepworth and famous accordionist Martina Schwarz as well as Lavenham Falconery. A grand raffle with fantastic prizes donated by the Great House, Weavers’ House Spa at the Swan Hotel, Lavenham Clinic and Lavenham Photographic has also begun with tickets priced at just £1 meaning you could win a Christmas bargain. The fair will run between 5.30pm and 8.30pm on Friday 4 December, 11am and 5pm on Saturday 5 December and 11am and 4pm on Sunday 6 December. For more information go to www.lovelavenham. co.uk or visit the fair’s very own Facebook page www. facebook.com/LavenhamChristmasFair.

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What’s On General Christmas Quiz Night

Rummage Sale At Catholic Church Hall, Colchester Road, Halstead (opposite cemetery) Saturday 31st October 9.30am - 11.30am

At Aldham Village Hall

Good quality clothing for all the family, Bric-a-brac, toys, household items, books. 20p admission, parking available behind hall. For more information please contact Tina on 01206 221805.

Saturday 12th December 7.30pm

Christmas Tree Festival

Bring your own nibbles and tipple. Christmas Raffle. Tables of 4/6, £4 per person. To book in advance, please call Anne on 01206 211624.

At St Mary’s Church, Kelvedon

Lavenham Christmas Craft Market

Over 30 Christmas trees to enjoy decorated in all manner of styles by local families, organisations and businesses. Live musical performances and seasonal refreshments. Entry by donation to include support for Homestart and Age UK.

At Lavenham Village Hall Saturday 5th December 10.00am – 4.00pm

Castle. Pre-book skating tickets to avoid disappointment at www. colchestericerink.co.uk Christmas Late Night Shopping in Colchester Every Wednesday in December on the run up to Christmas. Shops open until 9.00pm. Park for free after 3.00pm. Check website for participating car parks. www.visitcolchester.com

Castle Open Evening

Saturday 5th December 11.00am - 8.00pm and Sunday 6th December 12.30pm - 5.00pm

Christmas events in Colchester Winter Wonderland and Ice Rink

Wednesday 9th December 3.00pm - 8.30pm

throughout the whole weekend. The festivities and entertainment continue in the Market Place, the Guildhall and Little Hall through to Sunday with something for everyone including late-night shopping with around 80 stalls selling a unique selection of gifts, clothes and stocking fillers as well as an array of food and drink stalls. Entertainment includes a big wheel, the Lavenham Upbeat Contemporary Choir, Sabrina Summer, Peter Hepworth, accordionist Martina Schwarz and Lavenham Falconery. Grand raffle. For more information go to www. lovelavenham.co.uk or visit www.facebook.com/ LavenhamChristmasFair.

Christmas Craft Fayre

A great festive treat as Colchester Castle opens this night for free. Visit Santa’s grotto. For more information please visit www. cimuseums.org.uk

Lavenham Christmas Fair

High quality handmade Friday 4th December crafts all produced by 5.30pm - 8.30pm, some of East Anglia’s very Saturday 5th December best contemporary crafts 11.00am – 5.00pm and men and women. Soak Sunday 6th December up the magical Christmas 11.00am – 4.00pm atmosphere of Britain’s best preserved medieval The Dickensian-themed village. Enjoy shopping fair starts on Friday for some unique gifts, evening with the lighting treat yourself to a tasty of the village Christmas Friday 27th November light lunch or homemade tree in the Market Place – Sunday 3rd January cake in our Pop Up cafe and the arrival of Father and go home with all your www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk A real ice rink in the Christmas who will Christmas shopping. grounds of Colchester be visiting the village

At Rowhedge Village Hall Saturday 28th November 11.00am - 4.00pm Over 30 Crafters attending with a good variety of stalls. Christmas Tea room selling homemade soups, fresh filled rolls, cakes and

What’s On continued 21 over page

What’s On drinks. Christmas Raffle. Free Entry and Parking.

Switch on of Christmas lights

Contact Yvonne on 07780 923 688 for further information visit www. rowhedgevillagehall. co.uk

Waterside Gallery Christmas Gifts

At the Halstead Public Gardens, Trinity Street, Halstead CO9 1JD Wednesday 9th December Annual Torchlight Procession and Town Carol Service

sheets being provided. Free entry. A collection for the Mayor’s Charity will be taken. Further details can be obtained from Halstead Town Council on 01787 476480 or see www. halsteadtowncouncil. co.uk

£5, concessions £4, under 16’s free. For more information call 01245 380719 or email fundraising@ helenrollason.org.uk.

Brightlingsea Christmas Tree Festival

Services at the United Reformed Church, High St., Kelvedon Sunday 20th December 10.30am Family Service led by Rev Ken Thom Sunday 20th December 6.30pm

At Waterside Gallery, Waterside, Brightlingsea CO7 0FH Open weekends from Saturday 14th November - Sunday 20th December 11.00am – 4.00pm

Carols by Candlelight led by Rev Ken Thom Starting at the top of High Street. Torches will be handed out from 6.15pm, for a start time of 7.00pm.

Friday 25th December 10.00am Christmas Morning Celebration led by Trevor Andrews

Christmas Food and Craft Fair

At All Saints’ Church, Church Hill, Brightlingsea CO7 0RZ Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December Scores of illuminated and decorated Christmas trees, live Christmas music all day, Christmas shop, Christmas pantry, homemade cake stall, hot chestnuts, mulled wine, free children’s quiz.

The blessing of the crib around the Christmas Tree at Market Hill At Cressing Temple and then a procession Barns, Witham Rd, led by the Salvation Cressing CM77 8PD Army Band will walk Saturday 21st down High Street, and Sunday 22nd to Bridge Street and For more information November 10.00am Trinity Street arriving visit www. – 4.00pm at the Halstead Public brightlingseachristmastreefestival. Browse a huge range Gardens for the Annual co.uk of stalls including Town Carol Service. Christmas decorations, Sesaw Flaming torches (with art and craft, handmade glo-sticks for younger Christmas Fair gifts, books and toys, people) are carried by Please contact Jane At The Old School, warm winter clothes, members of the public Howden for further Long Melford jewellery, glassware providing a wonderful details on Philip@ and food and drink traditional spectacle; Sunday 15th November cddltd.plus.com. from around the world. all are welcome to join 10.00am – 3.00pm There’ll also be music in. The Carol Service is Christmas events For more information and entertainment conducted by Churches at Halstead please call 01787 for children. In aid of Together in Halstead 22 28th 210888 or email Saturday Please mention The Connection to adverts thewhen Helen responding Rollason and will begin at about info@sesaw.co.uk Cancer Charity. Adults November 4.30pm 7.30pm with free song Local crafts and individual gifts, including cards, ceramics, ropework, jewellery, paintings, hand made soaps, photography, shabby chic, driftwood art, Christmas decorations and sculptured birds. All commission goes to the Essex Air Ambulance.

What’s On 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 5th December ‘the Second Best Marigold Hotel’ (PG) Starring Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Bill Nighy. As the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has only a single remaining vacancy – posing a rooming predicament for two fresh arrivals – Sonny pursues his expansionist dream of opening a second hotel.

Drama and Dance

The Wizard of Oz At Colne Engaine Village Hall at 8.00pm on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd

January and at 2.30pm and 8.00pm on Saturday 23rd January A modern pantomime presented by Colne Engaine Dramatic Society. Join Dorothy and her dog Toto as she finds herself in the land of Oz. Follow her along the Yellow Brick Road, with her friends the Scarecrow, the Tinman and the Lion, as she journeys to the Emerald City to ask the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, to send her home to Kansas. Tickets are £6 for Thursday and Saturday matinee and £8 for Friday and Saturday evening, available from Box Office 01787 222360 and Colne Engaine Village Shop.

Music Christmas Concert by Suffolk Phoenix Brass At Raydon Church Saturday 5th December 7.30pm Tickets £7.50 including light supper. Children under 12 free. For more information please call 01473 311164 or 01473 310320. In aid of St Mary’s Fabric Fund.

West Bergholt Concert Band and Training Band events

At The Crowne Plaza Five Lakes Tolleshunt Knight (Colchester). Come and join Feering & Coggeshall Macmillan Fundraising Group for a wonderful evening to mark the arrival of spring and to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support. Tickets now on sale at £50 per person for this poplar event which covers a three course meal, entertainment and music/disco.

At Alderman Blaxill School, Paxman Avenue, Shrub End, Colchester 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 4th December – Byron Jones Friday 9th January – Paul Carman

MacMillan Crystal ‘Spring’ Ball

Saturday 19th March

Colchester Organ Society

Saturday 14th November from 1.30pm Free afternoon workshops at Philip Morant School, Colchester Saturday 14th November 7.30pm Concert – Stage and Screen at Philip Morant School. Tickets £6, under 12’s free. Saturday 12th December 7.30pm

Christmas Concert at For tickets or more St Peter ad Vincula, information please Coggeshall 7.30pm. email crystalball2016@ Tickets £6/£5. gmail.com, see www. For more information facebook.com/ about the band and macmillancrystalball www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk events please visit: or call 01376 571855 www.wbcb.org.uk / 07786 934436.

£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.

Nayland Choir At St James’ Church, Nayland Sunday 29th November 7.00pm. The choir will perform Schumann’s Mass in C Minor and a selection from Bruckner’s

What’s On continued 23 over page

What’s On Motets with organ accompaniment.

income based benefits/ JSA free – please enquire.

Tickets £10 (to include interval drink), under 16’s free from Nayland Post Office or by phone on 01206 242319.

For further information please contact Gill on 01206 240512.

Talks and Workshops WEA West Bergholt Branch

Things for Children Travels in Time Christmas Crafts Workshop At Wormingford Community Education Centre, Church Lane, Wormingford CO6 3AZ Saturday 12th December 2.00pm - 4.30pm

At The Methodist Hall, Chapel Lane, West Bergholt CO6 3EF Tuesday 12th January 8.00pm We are starting the New Year with “On the Shoulders of Giants”: Bruckner, Mahler, Sibelius, Ives, Vaughn Williams, Brian, Shostakovich, Stockhausen, Berio – composers of monumental symphonies. Bill Tamblyn our tutor will review the creation and ultimate survival of such works in the ‘soundbite age’ of the 21st century. 10 evenings cost £48. People on low incomes or

for more information contact individual markets for details.

Lavenham Farmers Market At The Village Hall, Lavenham

Sudbury Farmers Market At St Peters Church, Sudbury Friday 18th December and Friday 29th January at 9.30am - 2.00pm

Sunday 20th December and Sunday 23rd January at 10.00am - 1.30pm

Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973

At The Baptist Church, Swan Street, Sible Hedingham (next to the Sugar Loaves pub)

Colchester Farmers Market The Arts Centre, Colchester Friday 4th December at 9.30am - 12.30pm

Hedingham Farmers’ Market

Saturday 19th December and Saturday 16th January at 10.00am - 1.30pm Contact Roy Reece 07513 464567

Open to children between the ages of 8 and 12 who would like to sew and felt their own Christmas presents. Sew a tablecloth using binca and make your own wrapping paper or make a piece of felt using the ‘wet felting’ technique and shape it into a brooch. £12 per child, all materials and light refreshments provided.

Contact Rowley Castiglione 01206 367776

For more information or to book a place please call 07514 093051 or travelsintime@live.com

At the Community Centre, Brightlingsea

Saturday 19th December at 10.00am - 1.00pm

Contact 01206 302055 for details

Contact Daryl Turner 07780 258202

Farmers Markets Please note that some dates may be liable to change so

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

Wivenhoe Farmers Market Congregational Hall, Wivenhoe Saturday 19th December and Saturday 16th January at 9.00am - 12.00 Contact Rowly Castiglione 01206 367776

Brightlingsea Farmers Market

Nayland Farmers Market At Nayland Village Hall Saturday 12th December at 9.30am - 1.00pm Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973

Long Melford Farmers Market At Long Melford Village Memorial Hall

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

Next issue: February/March 2016 - published 21st January 2016

Deadline date for entries in the next issue 8th January 2016.

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

www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

Notice Board St Helena Hospice Reindeer Dash.

Invite your friends, family and colleagues along to run or walk the picturesque 3km route around Colchester Castle Park on Sunday 13th December. As part of your registration we’ll provide free antlers and a flashing red nose to don, too! By taking part you will be supporting our local patients and their families and making an immediate difference to their lives. Registration is just £7.50 per adult and £5 per child (ages 3 to 13). Make a difference today and sign up at sthelenahospice. org.uk/dash15, if you want to know any more about Reindeer Dash please contact the events team on 01206 931468 or email events@sthelenahospice.org.uk. Registration closes on Friday 11th December at 12.00pm.

West Bergholt Concert Band and Training Band There is always plenty on offer for developing musicians and the band is hoping to introduce even more young people to the delights of big band swing, jazz and much more. New players are always welcome – we’re a fun and friendly bunch; many of our musicians join the band in their last couple of years of primary school and they frequently leave only to go away to university. Regular rehearsals are on Friday evenings in term time at Heathlands School, West Bergholt. Training Band is most suitable for younger players of Grade 1 to 4

and meets from 6.00pm - 7.00pm. Concert band, grade 4 upwards, rehearses from 7.00pm - 9.00pm. There is no audition and no upper age limit. For more information about the band and our events please see the What’s On pages or visit our website: www.wbcb. org.uk

Remember someone special this year

St Helena Hospice’s Tree of Memories Christmas appeal is now open for anyone wishing to make dedications and donations in memory of someone special or for those who wish to support the hospice during the festive time of year. By taking part in this appeal, donors will be sent a baubleshaped tag with their personal message to hang on their Christmas tree, with an identical tag being placed on one of the beautiful Tree of Memories in either Colchester in the quiet room at Myland Hall or in the Tendring Centre in Clacton-onSea. These trees will be on display from Monday 7th December until Monday 4th January 2016 for people to visit and view. The hospice will also be holding two Tree of Memories remembrance services. The services will take place on Wednesday 16th December 6.30pm at St Helena Hospice, Tendring Centre, Jackson Road, Clacton-on-Sea and on Thursday 17th December 6.30pm at St Helena Hospice, Education and Research Centre, Myland Hall, Barncroft Close, Colchester. To take part in this appeal please visit sthelenahospice.org.uk/ treeofmemories15 or contact the Fundraising Office on 01206 931468.

Clubs and Societies Essex and Suffolk IVC Activities & Social Club Contact Brad on 07956 141459. Coggeshall Patient Participation Group Contact 01376 561840 or 01376 561943. Kelvedon Women’s Institute Contact www.kelvedonwi.org. uk, email contact@kelvedonwi. org.uk or call Joanna Puczkowski on 07855 369516. Photo: Steve Round

Coggeshall Heritage Society Contact Mr. R.Creswell on 01376 561570 or visit www.

Record-breaking Hospice Girls Night Out walk

Women from across the region came together on Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, for St Nicholas Hospice Care’s Girls Night Out walk on September 12th. The womenonly moonlight walk saw 1,800 women pull on their pyjamas and flashing bunny ears to walk 11.2 or 6 miles around the town to raise an estimated £160,000. This year’s walk, the seventh annual Girls Night Out, was a recordbreaker for the Hospice, with more than ever before taking part.

Magazine Distributors Wanted

Like walking? Get paid to exercise! We are looking for adult, mobile distributors for the following areas; Aldham and West Bergholt Please register your interest by emailing me at; editor@theconnectionmagazine. co.uk

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Growing Fruit Trees by Pippa Greenwood

For the ultimate in gorgeous apples, pears, plums or more, the fruit needs to be freshly picked and sun-warmed - so grow your own and make some good looking additions to your garden, even when space is limited. There’s no need to have a massive plot or an orchard to grow fruit trees… You can grow fruit trees in surprisingly small spaces, especially if you don’t grow them in a classic tree shape, but train them. Training them into espaliers (several sets of horizontal ‘arms’), cordons (single main stems grown at an angle) or fans (with branches trained into a fan shape) means that you can grow many varieties of apples and pears up against a suitable vertical surface such as a wall, fence or set of sturdy wires. You could also train fruits like apples to make a neat edging for a bed or border about 45cm above ground level (called ‘step-overs’). A step-over apple grows to a height of about 30cm and is trained to forms two horizontal ‘arms’, which will bear a smallish crop of fruit. Try step-overs around the edge of your vegetable plot or flower bed. To make a real feature of fruit, use a tree to create a

decorative and productive arch. Buy an inexpensive bare root cordon (straight stem) or a ‘whip’ fruit tree of your favourite variety, pair it with another variety that is a suitable pollinator (check with the nursery) and plant one on each side of the arch, training them in as they grow. It will look pretty when in blossom in spring and will bear tasty fruit too. Provided you get the right rootstock (see below), you can grow fruit trees in large containers. The container needs to be big - a half-barrel at least - and have drainage holes kept clear using a few inches of broken china or ‘crocks’ at its bottom. Good quality loambased compost such as John Innes No.3 will work well, but help to keep it well aerated and free-draining by adding 2550% multi-purpose loam-free compost. It is essential to choose fruit trees on the right ‘rootstock’, as this determines the ultimate size and vigour of the tree. Apples are complicated, but as a rule, for step-overs, cordons, dwarf bushes and trees in containers try the extremely dwarfing M27 - though weak varieties may fail in poor soil or if not well pampered. For bush, cordon, espaliers and

half-standard try the dwarfing rootstock M26, while for a cordon, an espalier on poor soil, arches and bush trees try the semi-dwarfing MM106. You can buy one year old ‘maidens’ or ‘whips’ which are small, fairly straight stems and train them yourself or you can buy trained or part-trained trees.

Make sure you choose varieties that flower at the same time so that they pollinate each other and thus provide fruit. Ask your supplier which ‘pollination group’ each variety is in. At this time of year you can buy inexpensive fruit trees sold ‘bare-root’, which means lifted from a field and not container grown; they also establish well. Bare-root fruit trees are generally available from about November until early March so don’t delay, get ordering or planting today!

Perfect as a Christmas gift, make vegetable growing fun with Pippa’s unique ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ system. Select the vegetables you’d like to grow at www.pippagreenwood. com and your garden-ready plants will be delivered in May, accompanied by weekly emails packed full of advice and tips. Gift cards are available too for this perfect present! It is great value and various pack sizes are available.

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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 filled these throughout the grid you can start guessing words and reveal other letters. As you find the letters enter them in the box below.

18 17

16 12

4 5

9 24

16 7

20 6

16 4

10 5

2 4

1 15

6 4

11 18

4 17

26 8

16 13

14 26

17 13

14 19

25 13

14 6

Solution on page 42

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Marmalade and Mustard

Glazed Gammon

Ready in 2 hours 45 minutes, plus cooling

Serves 6-8

Glazed gammon is a Christmas favourite – delicious hot from the oven as a festive supper or served cold as part of the Boxing Day Place the gammon joint in a large deep pan with the onion, carrot, bay leaves and peppercorns. Pour over enough cold water to cover the joint.

Ingredients: • 2.5kg smoked gammon joint

Bring to the boil then skim off any scum from the surface using a slotted spoon. Reduce the heat, cover and leave to simmer for 1� hours, topping up the water level as needed.

• 1 onion, peeled and quartered • 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped

Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas 4. Lift out the gammon from the pan and place in a foil-lined roasting tin (discard the cooking liquid). Leave to cool for 10 minutes. Cut away the skin from the gammon, leaving a thin layer of fat and score the fat into diamonds. Stud the scored fat with the cloves in an even pattern.

• 2 fresh bay leaves, plus extra to garnish • Few black peppercorns • 1 tbsp whole cloves • 3 tbsp shredless orange marmalade, warmed

Mix together the marmalade, honey, mustard and sugar and spoon all over the gammon fat. Roast in the oven for 40-45 minutes, basting regularly with the glaze and pan juices until the fat is golden. Serve hot or cold garnished with fresh bay leaves and orange wedges.

• 2 tbsp runny honey • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard • 3 tbsp light soft brown sugar • Orange wedges, to garnish

TIP

Add 1 tsp each ground cumin and ground coriander or a splash of Tabasco sauce to the glaze for a bit of extra spice, if liked.

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And Another Thing. Tom’s Organic Christmas by Tom Hughes Follow Tom on Twitter @groomsdaybook

I love Christmas morning. The choir on the radio, the Buck’s Fizz, the half-eaten mince pie, the Buck’s Fizz, the presents under the tree, the Buck’s Fizz. “Tom, don’t drink any more of that, you have to pick up your Mum at two.” “There’s hardly anything in this stuff. Where’s the other bottle?” “I’ve hidden it. Now, go and get the turkey out the fridge.” I rolled up my sleeves, spat on my hands and pulled open the fridge door. And there she sat, gleaming in the light. I grabbed at the plastic wrapping around her viscous, clammy flanks and heaved her onto the kitchen table. “The butcher assured me that these birds are the very best. They have lots of room to move about.” I glanced at the price tag. “Blood and sand woman where did this one move about - Claridges? Look at the price!” “Only the best for your Mummy, Thomas.” My Dearly Beloved’s sarcastic grin disappeared as she handed me the knife. I slit open the packaging and...whoosh - the stink! We gagged, we retched, we spluttered. “Tom get it out, it’s off!” “I told you to just go to Tesco, but no, we had to go all organic, didn’t we?”

The bin was full so I plonked the bird on an old plastic garden chair. Even next door’s cat pulled a face. “Well, it’s a good job you stopped drinking that fizz.” “Why?” “Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to go and get this family a turkey.” And with that, she threw me the car keys. “A turkey? On Christmas Day? Impossible!” There is nothing as desolate as a retail park on Christmas morning. Abandoned shopping trolleys, a desperate couple sat in a car arguing. It was pointless. Then I had an idea. I gunned the Mondeo and headed towards the sign for the M62, speeding past glum families heading to miserable rendezvous with distant relatives. A more wretched looking service station assistant I couldn’t imagine, with his standard issue company Christmas hat sat forlornly atop his head. I approached determinedly and eyeballed the young chap. “Today’s special, sir, is the big breakfast.” The boy was so glum I felt like taking him home to share a Pot Noodle. But this was no time for charity - it was Christmas Day and I was one turkey short of a dinner.

“Listen mate, you haven’t got any turkeys back there have you?” The callow youth stared up at the menu. “We got lasagne, we got scampi, we got…” It was then I saw them, huddled together in the otherwise empty fridge in the mini-supermarket opposite. Two corn fed chickens with my name on them. Eagerly, I sprinted over, just in time to see a shop assistant swipe them from the fridge. Furious, I confronted the startled woman. “Madam, I demand that you sell me those chickens!” And before you could say Scrooge, the poultry was grabbed, scanned and purchased. Less than an hour later I was standing in the kitchen, triumphantly holding the prizes above my head.

“Chickens?” “Not just chickens darling. Organic chickens!” “Well, I suppose they will have to do.” “Don’t mention it!” Three pm, empty plates, laughter and full glasses. “Mum, where’s Dad?” “Where do you think? Standing in the lounge, crying at the Queen.” Merry Christmas everybody!

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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 8th January 2016

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Property

Brick & Block Work Rendering - Welding Punctures Mended Concreting - Fencing 3 Tonne mini-digger plus driver now available!

Tel: 01206 241530 Mob: 07889 805839

Garden

Gardening Grass Cutting Tree Topping Hedge Cutting Small Garden Walls Fish Ponds Sand & Ballast Deliveries HGV Tractor Driving

FREE QUOTATIONS - SMALL JOBS WELCOME - FRIENDLY SERVICE

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PL PLASTERING 07875 579967 01787 311674 Email: peplyttelton@gmail.com

â&#x20AC;˘ Landscaping â&#x20AC;˘ Construcďż˝on â&#x20AC;˘ Maintenance Based in Mount Bures, we work throughout Essex and SuďŹ&#x20AC;olk in all areas of hard and soďż˝ landscaping. Any size job welcome, call Mark for your free, personal quote.

Hedge and Tree Planďż˝ng Fencing and Gate Installaďż˝on Brick Walls and Paďż˝os Tree Felling and Pruning Turf Laying and Decking

www.richardsonlandscapes.co.uk 01787 228292

07742 696766

MDJ Landscapes Contract Grasscutting & Care, Hedging, Rotavating, Fencing, Turfing, Powerwashing, Weed control and all Grounds Maintenance

FREE ESTIMATES from Mark on 01787 220 396 07908 722 884

LONG WAY ROUND

â&#x20AC;˘ One to One dog walking service â&#x20AC;˘ Specialising in exclusive, stimulating countryside excursions â&#x20AC;˘ Routes ranging from 2 to 6 hours

Visit www.greenacresfarm.net to view a sample of current locations

For bookings call Jennifer: 07938 864968

Sarah Mitchell

Mobile Hairdresser www.fourcolnesdogtrainingclub.co.uk

info@fourcolnesdogtrainingclub.co.uk Home: 01787 223864 Angie: 07792 856408 Nina: 07912 347690 (Fordham Training)

Tel: 07769 114265 An experienced & qualified Ladies & Gents hairdresser offering a mobile service at affordable prices

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Cake and Bake

Stollen This spiced and fruity Continental sweet bread is perfect for serving over the festive season with a glass of warm mulled wine.

Ingredients: • 50g butter

• 175ml milk

1. Put the butter, milk and caster sugar in a small pan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved and the butter has melted. Leave to cool for 10 minutes.

• 3 tbsp caster sugar

2. Sift the flour, salt and mixed spice into a large bowl and stir in the dried yeast. Make a well in the centre and stir in the milk mixture, lemon zest and egg. Mix together with a round-bladed knife to form a soft and sticky dough.

• � tsp salt

3. Turn the dough onto a well floured surface and knead for 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. At first the dough will be quite sticky so add more flour as necessary.

• 375g strong plain white flour, plus extra for kneading • 1 tsp ground mixed spice • 2 tsp fast-action dried yeast • Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 large egg, beaten • 125g raisins

• 25g chopped mixed peel

• 50g glace cherries, rinsed, dried and quartered • 175g marzipan

• Melted butter, for brushing • Icing sugar, for dusting

Makes 10-12 slices Ready in about 3 hours 40

4. Flatten out the dough and knead in the raisins, cherries and peel until just combined. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with cling film and leave in a warm place for about 1� hours, or until doubled in size. 5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes, then roll out to a 25cm square. Shape the marzipan into a sausage shape and place down the centre of the dough. Fold one side over to cover the marzipan then repeat with the other side, overlapping in the centre. Seal the ends. Place seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover with oiled cling film and leave in a warm place until doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 190°C, fan 170°C, gas 5. 6. Bake the stollen for 35-45 minutes until golden and sounds hollow when tapped underneath. Brush the hot stollen all over with melted butter and roll in the icing sugar to coat. Leave to cool.

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Magazine Distributors Wanted Like walking? Get paid to exercise! We are looking for adult, mobile distributors for the following areas; Aldham and West Bergholt. Please register your interest by emailing me at; editor@theconnectionmagazine. co.uk

CHRISTMAS

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Tel: 01206 212288 or 07860 235423 www.bullbanksfarm.co.uk

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Spot the Difference

There are ten differences - can you find them?

Puzzle Solutions Codeword Spot the Difference

The differences are: 1.Tail 2.Nostrils 3.hand 4.ear 5.Eye 6.Shell colour 7.Mouth 8.Big eyes 9.Spots missing 10.Foot

Cryptic Crossword

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Christmas Postal Dates LAST RECOMMENDED SERVICE POSTING DATES INTERNATIONAL STANDARD (formerly Airmail) Friday 4th December Monday 7th December Tuesday 8th December Thursday 10th December Monday 14th December Tuesday 15th December Wednesday 16th December Thursday 17th December Friday 18th December

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LAST RECOMMENDED SERVICE POSTING DATES

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Luxury Private Hire Swimming Pool

for your exclusive and regular use

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

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Useful Numbers Useful Numbers Local Schools

St. Peter’s C of E Primary School

Local Schools Tel: 01376 561328

St. Peter’s C of E Primary School Honywood Community Science Tel: 01376 561328 School Honywood Community Science Tel: 01376 561231 School Kelvedon St. Mary C of E Primary Tel: 01376 561231 School Kelvedon St. Mary C of E Primary Tel: 01376 570411 School Feering C of E Controlled Primary Tel: 01376 570411 School Feering C of E Controlled Primary Tel: 01376 570296 School Earls Colne Primary School and Tel: 01376 570296 Nursery Earls Colne Primary School and Tel: 01787 222205 Nursery Colne Engaine C of E (Aided) Tel: 01787School 222205 Primary Colne Engaine C of E (Aided) Tel: 01787 222717 Primary School Bures C.E V.C Primary School Tel: 01787 222717 Tel: 01787 227446 Bures C.E V.C Primary School Chappel C of E School Tel: 01787 227446 Tel: 01787 222296 Chappel C of E School St. John the Baptist C.E.V.A Tel: 01787 222296 Primary School St. John the Baptist C.E.V.A Tel: 01787 269300 Primary School Great Tey C.E Controlled Primary Tel: 01787 269300 School

West Bergholt Surgery

Rivers/Floodline

Tel: 01206 241137 West Bergholt Surgery Marks Tey Surgery Tel: 01206 241137 Tel: 01206 213513 Marks Tey Surgery Tollgate Health Centre Tel: 01206 213513 Tel: 01206 710030 Tollgate Health Centre Stanway Surgery Tel: 01206 710030 Tel: 01206 572372 Stanway Surgery The Pump House Surgery/Earls Tel: 01206 572372 Colne

Tel: 0845 988 1188 Rivers/Floodline Citizens Advice Bureau Tel: 0845 988 1188 Tel: 0870 126 4065 Citizens Advice Bureau Samaritans/Colchester Tel: 0870 126 4065 Tel: 01206 561234 Samaritans/Colchester Volunteering Opportunities Tel: 01206 561234 Tel: 01206 505250 Volunteering Opportunities Al Anon Family Groups Helpline Tel: 01206 505250 Tel: 0207 403 0888 Al Anon Family Groups Helpline

The01787 222022 Pump House Surgery/Earls Tel: Colne Bures Surgery Tel: 01787 222022 Tel: 01787 227529 Bures Surgery Branch Surgery Tel: 01787 227529 Tel: 01787 227529 Branch Surgery Hardwick House Group Practice Tel: 01787 227529 Tel: 01787 310000 Hardwick House Group Practice Nayland Surgery Tel: 01787 310000 Tel: 01206 262202 Nayland Surgery Tel: 01206 262202

Support

Crimestoppers

Support

Tel: 0207 403 0888

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

Councils

Colchester Borough Council

Councils

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

Village Halls Aldham Village Hall

Village Halls

Tel: 01206 240682 Aldham Village Hall Mount Bures Tel: 01206 240682 Tel: 01787 228055 Mount Bures Bures Community Centre Tel: 01787 228055 Tel: 01787 227278 Bures Community Centre Nayland Tel: 01787 227278 Tel: 0774 895 3175 Nayland Dedham Assembly Rooms Tel: 0774 895 3175 Tel: 01206 323921 Dedham Assembly Rooms Stoke by Nayland Tel: 01206 323921 Tel: 01206 262943 Stoke by Nayland Wormingford Tel: 01206 262943 Tel: 01787 227631 Wormingford Little Horkesley Tel: 01787 227631 Tel: 01206 271841 Little Horkesley Leavenheath Tel: 01206 271841 Tel: 01206 263301 Leavenheath Assington Tel: 01206 263301 Tel: 01787 211162 Assington Stanway Village Hall Tel: 01787 211162 Tel: 01206 545062 Stanway Village Hall Feering Community Centre Tel: 01206 545062 Tel: 01376 572467 Feering Community Centre Marks Tey Village Hall Tel: 01376 572467 Tel: 01206 213250 Marks Tey Village Hall White Colne Village Hall Tel: 01206 213250 Tel: 01787 221919 White Colne Village Hall Colne Engaine Village Hall Tel: 01787 221919 Tel: 01787 223668 Colne Engaine Village Hall Earls Colne Village Hall Tel: 01787 223668 Tel: 01787 224370 Earls Colne Village Hall Bures Community Centre Tel: 01787 224370 Tel: 01787 227278 Bures Community Centre Eight Ash Green Village Hall Tel: 01787 227278 Tel: 01206 540245 Eight Ash Green Village Hall Copford Village Hall Tel: 01206 562860 Tel: 01206 211235 Copford Village Hall Chappel and Wakes Colne Tel: 01206 211235 Tel: 07771 622525 Chappel and Wakes Colne

Tel: 0800 555 111 Crimestoppers ChildLine Tel: 0800 555 111 Tel: 0800 1111 ChildLine Samaritans Great Tey C.E Controlled Primary Tel: 0800 1111 Tel: 01206 210415 Tel: 08457 90 90 90 School Samaritans Fordham All Saints C of E Primary Cruse Tel: 01206 210415 School Tel: 08457 90 90 90 Tel: 0844 477 9400 Fordham All Saints C of E Primary Tel: 01206 240251 Cruse NSPCC School Copford C of E Primary School Tel: 0844 477 9400 Tel: 0808 800 5000 Tel: 01206 240251 Tel: 01206 210439 NSPCC Missing Persons Helpline Copford C of E Primary School Stanway Primary School Tel: 0808 800 5000 Tel: 0500 700 700 Tel: 01206 210439 Tel: 01206 574819 Missing Persons Helpline National Debtline Stanway Primary School St. Mary’s Lower School Tel: 0500 700 700 Tel: 0808 808 4000 Tel: 01206 574819 Tel: 01206 211242 National Debtline National Domestic Violence St. Mary’s Lower School Stanway Fiveways Primary School Tel: 0808 808 4000 Helpline Tel: 01206 211242 Tel: 01206 574849 National Domestic Tel: 0808 2000 247 Violence Stanway Fiveways Primary School Helpline Holy Trinity C.E. Primary School Victim Support Tel: 01206 574849 Tel: 0808 2000 247 Eight Ash Green & Aldham Tel: 0845 30 30 900 Holy Trinity C.E. Primary School Victim Support Tel: 01206 240880 Inland Revenue Eight Ash Green & Aldham Tel: 0845 30 30 900 Soaring High Montessori Tel: 0845 010 9000 Tel: 01206 240880 Coggeshall Inland Revenue RSPCA Soaring Montessori Tel: 01376High 564392 Tel: 0845 010 9000 Tel: 0870 55 55 999 Coggeshall Stoke by Nayland C.E. V.C.P School RSPCA AA Breakdown Tel: 01376 564392 Tel: 01206 262418 Tel: 0870 55 55 999 Stoke by Nayland C.E. V.C.P School Tel: 0800 887 766 Nayland Community Primary AA Breakdown Floodline Tel: 01206 262418 School Tel: 0800 887 766 Tel: 0845 9881188 Nayland Community Primary Tel: 01206 262348 Floodline School Transco emergency service Tel: 0845 9881188 Tel: 01206 262348 Tel: 0800 111 999 Doctors Transco emergency service Rail Enquiries Kelvedon and Feering Health Tel: 0800 111 999 Tel: 08457 484950 Doctors Centre Rail Enquiries AA roadwatch Kelvedon and Feering Health Tel: 01376 572906 Tel: 08457 484950 Tel: 09003 401100 Centre Kelvedon Surgery AA roadwatch BT Faultline Tel: 01376 572906 Tel: 01376 574560 Tel: 09003 401100 Tel: 0800 800 151 Kelvedon Surgery Coggeshall Surgery BT Faultline Please mention Tel: 01376 574560 Tel: 01376 561242 Tel: 0800 800 151 Coggeshall Surgery

Tel: 01206 330451 Fiveways Post Office Marks Tey Tel: 01206 330451 Tel: 01206 210314 Marks Tey West Bergholt Tel: 01206 210314 Tel: 01206 240355 West Bergholt Fordham Village Store and Post Tel: 01206 240355 Office Fordham Village Store and Post Tel: 01206 240391 Tel: 07771 622525 Office Airports Earls Colne Post Office Tel: 01206 240391 Tel: 01787 222258 Stansted General Enquiries Airports Earls Colne Post Office Wakes Colne Post Office Tel: 0870 000 0303 Tel: 01787 222258 Stansted General Enquiries Tel: 01787 222449 Stansted Express Wakes Colne Post Office Tel: 0870 000 0303 Bures Post Office Tel: 0845 850 0150 Tel: 01787 222449 Stansted Express Tel: 01787 227252 Gatwick General Enquiries Bures Post Office Tel: 0845 850 0150 Stoke by Nayland Park Street Tel: 0870 000 2468 Tel: 01787 Gatwick General Enquiries Stores and227252 Post Office Gatwick Express Stoke by Nayland Tel: 0870 000 2468 Tel: 01206 262335 Park Street Tel: 0845 850 1530 Stores and Post Office Gatwick Express Nayland Post Office Heathrow General Enquiries Tel: 01206 262335 Tel: 0845 850 1530 Tel: 01206 262210 Tel: 0870 000 0123 Nayland Post Office Heathrow General Enquiries Stratford St Mary Post Office Heathrow Express Tel: 01206 262210 Tel: 0870 000 0123 Tel: 01206 322150 Tel: 0845 600 1515 Stratford St Mary Post Office Heathrow Express Dedhamresponding Post Office when to adverts Tel: 01206 322150 Tel: 0845 600 1515 Tel: 01206 323543 Dedham Post Office

Tel: 01376 561242

Tel: 01206 323543

The Connection

Tel: 01206 542221

Post Offices Fiveways Post Office

Post Offices

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Index of Advertisers Computer Services Coal Merchant

8, 47

Kitchen Doors

Acupuncture

Decorators

Ladies Fashion

Architect

Dental Clinic

Lodges

Bathroom Fitters

Dog Washing Service

Legal services

Beauty Therapist

Dog Training

Marketing

Bookkeeping

35, 34

8, 31, 47

39 18, 31

Mobile Hairstylist

Building Services

Dog Walker Electrician

Mower Servicing

Carpet Cleaning

Florist

11, 19

Osteopath

Christmas Trees

Flooring

Oven Cleaning

33, 41

Christmas Turkeys

Garden Design

Pest Control

38, 29

Chiropractor Childrens Nursery

Garden Services

39, 29

Physiotherapy

Gift Shop

Planning Services

Clothes Exchange

Home Improvements

Plastering

Craft Centre

Hairdressers

7, 20, 39

Property Maintenance 39

Coal Merchant

30, 42

Reflexology

Cleaning Services

15 19 47

Plumber

Computer Services

Interior Design IT Specialist Joinery

Restaurant

9, 17

Decorators SUDBURY

Kitchen Fitters

8, 47

Removals

Dental Clinic

Kitchen Doors

Roofer

Ladies Fashion

Turkeys

Stoke by LodgesNayland

School

Legal services

Storage

Sports Massage

Mobile Boxted Hairstylist A12

Swimming Pool

Mower Servicing

Therapies

27, 37

Treatment rooms

Oven Cleaning

33, 41

Tree Surgeon

COLCHESTER Pest Control

38, 29

Water Solutions

Physiotherapy

Window Repairs

Planning Services

Willow Fences

Plastering

Will Writing

Yoga

River

Kitchen Fitters

Cleaning Services

Stour

Dog Training Dog Walker Electrician

39 Bures 18, 31 Mount

Bures

HALSTEAD Florist

Colne Engaine

oln

Earls

Garden Services

Wormingford

White Colne Wakes Colne

Great Tey

29 39, 29 15

Home Improvements Coggeshall

Hairdressers

Feering

Kelvedon

A12

18 7, 20, 39

Interior Design IT Specialist Joinery

15 19 47

Kitchen Fitters

8, 47

Kitchen Doors

Stratford St Mary

Dedham

Little Horkesley

Fordham River

Aldham

Gift Shop A120

Nayland Marketing

11, 19

Chappel

Greenstead Colne Garden Design Green

Assington

Pebmarsh

Flooring

A131

19 47

35, 34

A131

er C

IT Specialist Joinery

Accountancy

Dog Washing Service

Riv

Colne

West Bergholt

Osteopath Braiswick

Eight Ash Green

Copford

A120

Lexden

��

Magazines delivered to selected homes in these areas

Property Maintenance 39 Plumber

30, 42

Restaurant

9, 17

www.facebook.com/TheConnectionMagazineColchester Reflexology 27

Whilst Ladies every care has been taken data in this publication31is accurate, neither the publisher nor its Fashion 19 to ensure thatRemovals editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim any liability to any Roofer 38 party to loss or damage caused by errors or Lodges 8 omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

Legal services

Turkeys

Mower Servicing

Sports Massage

The Connection does not officially endorse anySchool advertising material included within this publication. 7responding Marketing 34 publication 46 The may Connection when to adverts All rights reserved. NoPlease part of mention this be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted Storage 31 - without the prior permission of the in any form photocopying, recording or otherwise Mobile- electronic, Hairstylist mechanical, 39 publisher

The

Connection Magazine

We can deliver ďŹ&#x201A;yers and leaďŹ&#x201A;ets to 1000 - 12,000 homes and businesses in our distribution area. For more details call 01787 210701 or email: editor@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

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Find out how we’re making fear of the dentist a thing of the past at www.hellodental.co.uk • 01206 589777 when responding to adverts 48 Please mention The Connection The Centre, Colchester Business Park, Essex, CO4 9QQ (next to mimosa)