June:July 15 by Sarah Banks

The

June/July 15 Issue 64

Free

connection magazine Inside this issue...

Home and interiors Book reviews Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On Fetes, flowers and festivals! Face painting tips!

Also...

Strawberry recipes Garden open days Urban Sketching Art events Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On

Celebrating 10 years of the Connection!

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

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Reaching the heart of the community for 10 years!

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Hello

Inside

This is a very special edition as it’s our 10th anniversary!

To celebrate we have interviews with our longest serving advertisers. Some of whom have been with us on the journey right from the first issue which I delivered, to just four villages, in June 2005. We will be having interviews with other long-term advertisers in future editions – so watch this space! Also in this issue we have details about a special Strawberry Tea promotion to help raise money for the Breast Cancer Care charity – they have kindly provided us with a celebratory strawberry and elderflower cake recipe. As usual for our June/July issue we have an exciting line up of summer events in our What’s On pages. Art exhibitions, fetes, festivals and garden open days are all there. Our front cover features our granddaughter Ella who kindly allowed herself to be decorated in the theme of the contents of the magazine! You will see strawberries, bunting, artist palette, flowers and of course a birthday cake. If you fancy having a go at face painting take a look at page 4 where you will find plenty of tips.

4 - Face painting tips 6 - Country Mutters 8 - Interiors 10 - Urban Sketching 12, 40, 50 - Puzzles 14 - Strawberry Tea 17 - 22 - What’s On 28 - 33 - Anniversary Special 14, 26, 35 - Recipes 42 - Book reviews 48 - Finance 44 - Useful Numbers 46 - Index

Finally – a very big thank you as always to all our advertisers, magazine distributors, article contributors and Amanda Findley for all their help.

Sarah

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

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

01787 210701 or email:

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

editor@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

£25 cash sudoku winner - Mrs Miller - West Bergholt Front Cover: Face painted by Claire Banks. Model - Ella Lazic

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Competition winner

Advertise from £25 plus VAT 3 www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

Next issue: August/September 2015 Publication date 23rd July 2015

Deadline date for advertising: 10th July Deadline date for What’s On entries : 10th July

Delivered to over 20 villages See map on page 54

Thinking of offering face painting at your child’s party or school fete? Take a look at our top tips before you start: Safety Take advice on safety guidelines – facial skin, particularly children’s, can be very delicate so make sure you use suitable paints and that all brushes and other materials are clean. Ideas For inspiration, check out sites such as Pinterest for fantastic ideas from puppies to peacocks. Materials Artist brushes are good for the details and make-up sponges are good for getting the background colour on. White is a good base to apply before adding design details so make sure you have plenty in your paint kit. How To Painting freehand can be tricky – to make things easier you can download design stencils and there are plenty of online tutorials on YouTube showing step by step techniques for creating the most stunning results. Your Collection Have a few ideas on offer that you know you can achieve quickly and easily. Children can get very bored very fast! Don’t Forget Take plenty of baby wipes to clean up and a mirror so that your subject can see their own face when you’ve finished!

Cover story

Ella’s face was decorated using designs to depict the articles featured in the magazine. Bunting for fetes and festivals, strawberries for our recipes, flowers for open gardens, a paint palette for art events and a cake with ten candles to represent our anniversary.

Faces painted by Claire Banks Models; Claire Banks Ella and Lucca Lazic

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Country Mutters School Daze

I now put PE on the calendar instead of Parents Evening to stop Husband from pre-arranging some ‘vital’ appointment, such as meeting his mate down the pub, on the same date. ‘But you do all that stuff much better than me’ he says, shiftily. And so it happens that I find myself on my own playing musical chairs outside 15 overheated, overcrowded classrooms. My carefully prepared schedule is shot to ribbons 10 minutes after arriving because I always come after the parents who have thoughtfully chosen to have a stand up row with the Maths teacher about why their child is not predicted an ‘A’. I once made the mistake of asking how grades are actually predicted and was told that it’s a formula applied when your child was aged 11. ‘What about the 4 years following then?’ I asked, bewildered. ‘Well, I know it doesn’t make much sense – you’re better off ignoring them really’. Oh. ‘So how is my son doing then?’ The teacher looks up from his laptop briefly. ‘Oh – he’s doing fine, no worries there’. I wonder why I’ve spent the last 20 minutes trying to be interested in a wall display about the achievements of the U14 netball team while waiting my place in line but as I open my mouth to ask for a tiny bit more detail I remember that this is Maths we’re talking about and I’ll be unlikely to understand anything further. The Maths teacher is obviously hoping this is what I’m thinking because he’s already standing up to shake my hand.

by Lady Muck

I give in, shake hands and shuffle off to the next appointment. It’s Art. It used to be a requirement for the job that all Art teachers should have corkscrewed henna’d hair, be anti-establishment and generally outrageous. Nowadays they all wear sensible suits and talk about definitions of artistic terms as if being able to describe what pointillism is means you can paint in that style even though you’ve never picked up a paintbrush because it will make a mess. I look round and sure enough, not a blob of paint disturbs the surface of a desk, not a doodle obscures the magnolia walls. I shuffle on, trying to avoid the Head’s eye in case he asks my opinion about the new management structure. Just don’t get me started. I’m still reeling from the Behaviour over Time spreadsheet debacle. On to the form teacher. I ask dispiritedly how she thinks my son is doing. She takes a deep breath and delivers a very measured catalogue of misdemeanors, character defects, detentions and a timetable for improvements before Further Measures are considered. My mind reels, useless parent that I am – why wasn’t I aware of any of this? ‘Well, Mrs Smith’ – she begins. I interrupt to point out that my name isn’t Mrs Smith. She looks understandably shocked as the realisation sinks in that she’s talking about someone else’s child. I go home relieved that although I have no new insights whatsoever about my own son I have considerably more about someone else’s considerably worse version. And that makes every parent feel good.

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made available for all living with Duchenne. They also run education and transition projects for young people living with DMD and the community. Local business woman Alison Byrne is raising funds for Action Duchenne by cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats. Starting on 25th July, she will be cycling 100 miles per day with a team of 30 other people. To support Alison please visit;

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood. It primarily affects boys with less than 1% of those with Duchenne being female. However, it occurs across all races and cultures. Duchenne is a severe genetic muscle wasting www.justgiving.com/Alison-Byrne1/ disease. The progressive muscle weakness leads to serious medical problems, particularly issues relating to the heart and lungs. Young men with Duchenne typically live into their late twenties. Life expectancy is improving as standards of care and knowledge about Duchenne increases, and some men live into their 30’s and 40’s. Although there are medical treatments that may help slow its progression, there is currently no cure for Duchenne. Action Duchenne is a UK charity founded in 2001 to fund research to find a cure or viable treatments for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Since 2001 the charity has grown and continues to fund cutting edge research while campaigning for the best standards of care to be

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Home & Interiors Glorious Georgian

You don’t have to live in a 250-year-old house to enjoy the timeless elegance of Georgian style. Refined and uncluttered, its symmetry, proportion and classicism looks good in all kinds of homes, says Katherine Sorrell It was the Georgians who made us modern? During the century or so following the ascent of George I in 1714, our towns and cities, and homes and gardens, were transformed and the inexorable rise of popular culture began. Perhaps it is part of a trend away from pared-down minimalism in favour of bolder colours, decorative surfaces and more intricate shapes, or perhaps it is simply the appeal of classic elegance – either way, it is not surprising that we find Georgian life and times, and especially its architecture and interiors, fascinating. But what was Georgian style? According to V&A curator Julius Bryant: ‘The prevailing mood of the period is one of classical revival, of symmetry, order, balance, space and calm – in

By Katherine Sorrell

contrast to Victorian clutter. The centrepiece of a room would be a fireplace with a prominent mantelpiece, and then lovely floorboards, Turkish rugs, and furniture made from walnut and mahogany, with carved edges, stable and strong.’

This was, of course, the age of the master cabinetmaker: famous names such as Thomas Chippendale and George Hepplewhite. The general preference was for fine, small, light pieces made from rich woods, often featuring decorative gilding, marquetry or lacquer. If you can’t afford Georgian antiques, look for Victorian or Edwardian replicas. As for fabrics, cottons and linens became extremely popular and a host of beautiful printed and woven patterns appeared, many of which are still available, including chintzes featuring large, bright florals, bold stripes, Chinese scenes and the monochrome images of toile de Jouy. On walls, either wood panelling or block-printed wallpaper would be perfect, or paint colours from the many historic ranges on offer today. Georgian ‘common’ colours included off-white, stone, grey, cream and a wide range of earthy tones. Generally speaking, the stronger the colour, the more expensive it was to produce,

so some people added touches of pea green, olive, lemon or pale blue, while the very well off employed brighter shades such as pink, orange, straw, deep green, ultramarine and Prussian blue.

At the start of the Georgian era homes were very poorly lit, but by the turn of the century gas and oil lighting was the latest thing for those who could afford it, though candles were still the norm for most. This meant that decorative light fittings became fashionable. Period lighting can be tricky to get right; either seek out good reproductions or stick to simply, timeless modern fittings that won’t clash with other pieces.

In many older homes, panelledwood shutters look just right at the windows, but otherwise simple curtains made from a suitable fabric work well. The later part of the Georgian period saw the introduction of French rod curtains that drew horizontally – the forerunners of our modern curtains.

Last of all, to really get things right, add one or two typical finishing touches such as classical busts or statues, romantic porcelain figures, lacquerwork screens, rococo silver and Wedgwood ceramics. And ensure that your rooms are arranged with an emphasis on order and symmetry. You will no doubt appreciate how this gracious and tasteful style has become an essential element in our interior vocabulary. Main Image - French Green no.187,an historic colour that was hugely popular at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries, Mylands Paints, 020 8670 9161; www.mylands.co.uk.

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A few weeks ago I met with Sue Pownall who is a seasoned

Urban Sketcher.

We have since set up a new sketching group, and I have asked Sue about her experience as an official Urban Sketching correspondent.

What is Urban Sketching? Sue: Urban Sketchers, also referred to as USk, is a

nonprofit organisation, supporting and representing a global community of sketchers. It was started in 2007 by Seattle-based journalist and illustrator Gabriel Campanario as an online forum “for all sketchers out there who love to draw the cities where they live and visit, from the window of their homes, from a cafe, at a park, standing by a street corner... always on location, not from photos or memory.” A year later, he started a blog, Urban Sketchers, where readers could “See the World, One Drawing at a Time.” As USk has grown, it now holds an annual International Urban Sketchers Symposium, which is attended by hundreds of sketching enthusiasts, and organises workshops in cities worldwide. There is an USk Manifesto, which aims to define what urban sketching is all about, but it’s not a binding set of rules. www.urbansketchers.org

How did you start? Sue: I am a professional artist and illustrator, working mainly in publishing, but I also take commissions for drawings, especially landscapes and buildings. In order to improve my work, to get ideas, and just to relax I use a sketchbook and record the details that give each location its particular flavour; sometimes literally as I often draw cakes.

How long have you been Urban Sketching? Sue: As a child, I used to go out drawing with my

dad and then at art college we were encouraged to use sketchbooks in urban locations. However, I first became aware of the Urban Sketchers in 2009 when I was looking for a new challenge and came across their flickr group http://www.flickr.com/groups/ urbansketches/ Initially, I joined in the weekly prompt then in 2012 I joined the Barcelona sketchers for an event… and got hooked. I am now totally obsessed with urban sketching and have attended two symposiums, as well as numerous events both here in the UK and worldwide, but Barcelona remains my favourite location.

Do you have to be a professional artist to take part? Sue: Absolutely not. The idea is to draw on location

and anyone can do that. In the USk manifesto it states “We use any kind of media and cherish our individual styles. We support each other and draw together.” Therefore it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner, a professional, or somewhere in between.

Do you only sketch outdoors? Sue: No, we don’t. To me,

Left - Sue Pownall sketching in Barcelona Above - Sketching in Tiptree tea rooms Above left - Colchester Castle

the most important USk manifesto point is that “We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation.” For example, in winter, you will find urban sketchers in museums and cafés.

Fancy having a go?

Sue and I have recently formed the Essex and Suffolk Sketchers group and our aim is to get it recognised as an official local Urban Sketcher chapter. We are planning to have a minimum of monthly meetings and the events will be advertised on both Facebook and by email. The group is on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/ EssexAndSuffolkSketchers/. If you want to join in, click ‘join’ on the event page or just turn up on the day. If you can’t stay for the whole event, that’s fine. If you’re not on Facebook you can email Sue at studio@suepownallartist.co.uk or me Sarah Banks editor@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk to receive an event notice email. As the events will be spread across the two counties, we would welcome any suggestions and ideas of places to sketch. Equally we would also welcome invitations from cafes, pubs or suitable venues for the group to participate in Drink and Draw sessions.

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Quick Crossword Across 1. Automatons (6) 4. Racket sport (6) 9. Female grandparent (7) 10. Two times (5) 11. Recorded sound (5) 12. Defrosting (7) 13. Not needed (11) 18. Spun by spiders (7) 20. Afterwards (5) 22. Monarch (5) 23. Copy (7) 24. Long for (6) 25. Concurred (6) Down 1. Disorganised (6) 2. Insipid (5) 3. Immature frog (7) 5. Additional (5) 6. Louder (7) 7. Toboggan (6) 8. Alliance (11)

Solution on page 50 1

8 9

16 18

17 19

14. Takes small bites (7) 15. Working out (7) 16. Frightened (6)

17. Buddy (6) 19. Mistake (5) 21. Torment (5)

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Host a Strawberry Tea party to help women facing breast cancer

Get together with friends, family or colleagues to host a Strawberry Tea for Breast Cancer Care this summer from 1st June to 31st August. The funds raised through the Strawberry Tea campaign will help support the thousands of women waking up to the harsh reality of breast cancer every day. A Strawberry Tea party can be as simple or extravagant as you like. Whether you host it in your home, your garden or at your local town hall or tennis club - it couldn’t be easier. Just spoil your guests with sweet treats, add some strawberries, keep the tea flowing and ask for a donation in return. Whatever you raise, you can be confident it will help a woman who has been told the devastating news ‘you have breast cancer’. Breast Cancer Care is the only UK-wide breast cancer support charity. It’s specialist nurses, local services and emotional support network mean whenever a woman needs information, support or just wants to hear a caring voice, they are there to listen and respond. There are some great ideas for your event on the Breast cancer Care website, including scrumptious recipes, easy fundraising games and downloadable raffle guidelines. To make your event look pretty you can also order accessories such as tea towels, cake wraps and co-ordinating bunting. There are also suggestions on how you can spread the word for your event including press release templates, invitations and posters. Order your free fundraising kit today at www. breastcancercare.org.uk/strawberry or call 0870 164 9422. See page 26 for a Strawberry Tea recipe idea!

Sweet Eve Strawberry and Orange Fool Serves: 6

Preparation time: 1 hour 400g Sweet Eve strawberries (with a few extra for garnish) juice of one orange 1-2 drops of orange essence (optional) 300ml double cream 300ml thick Greek yoghurt 100g icing sugar 1 tbsp caster sugar

What to do

Wash and chop the strawberries, keeping some aside for the garnish. Place the chopped strawberries in a bowl, roughly mash them up and fold in the orange juice and orange essence (if using) and the icing sugar. In a separate bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form and then gently fold in the yoghurt and finally the strawberry mixture. Pour into 6 glasses and chill for at least 1 hour. Just before serving, take the reserved strawberries, cut in half and roll the pointed end in the caster sugar before arranging the two halves on the top of the fool.

This recipe has been provided by www.sweetevestrawberry.co.uk in support of Breast Cancer Care’s Strawberry Tea www.breastcancercare.org.uk/strawberry Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts

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What’s On General Nothing New Street Wise

The Big Draw At Tindalls Arts and Craft Store, Trinity St, Colchester

At The Minories Galleries, Colchester Saturday 30th May 10.00am – 4.00pm Saturday 13th June Saturday 27th June At Colchester Institute

every two years here at the Venture Centre. For more information contact Pauline on 07921 682057

A fair –with a difference selling only goods that have been Pebmarsh Art 10.00am 4.00pm Use the shop as a base

recycled, upcycled or pre-loved. We have invited makers, Group Summer from which to venture artists, crafters, vintage out andand bric-a-brac sellers andExhibition other draw a variety friends and supporters to come up with inventive ways to of Colchester scenes. For At Pebmarsh Village Hall repurpose old items andmore giveinformation them a second life or a new contact Saturday 18th July function. Exciting and interesting exhibitions 07717 710029 or email across our 11.00am - 5.00pm co3studios@outlook.com gallery, activities for youngsters and families and lovely and Sunday 19th July food and drink in our Garden Café. Free admission. Funds -4.00pm. Honey Pots 11.00am raised in support of thePatchwork Friends of the&Minories. A varied selection For further details please email Quilting of paintings for sale, both framed and Venture Centre becky.jordan@colchester.ac.uk or call 01206 712437. 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford, CO11 2JG

unframed by members of this well established group. Admission free, refreshments available. For further information please call Anne Duffill on 01787 228548.

relationship between food, creativity and conflict. Free admission. For more information please call 01206 712237 or visit www. theminories.org

Great & LIttle Tey Church Summer Fete At Walcotts Hall, Great Tey Saturday 4th July 2.00pm Archdeacon Robin King to open the fete. Enjoy refreshments, cakes, stalls, swimming, games and lots more in the lovely garden at Walcott Hall.

Every other Monday between 10.00am Parking is available. and 3.00pm For more details please Free event featuring An introduction into contact Mrs Freda King street dance, street the wonderful world of on 01206 211056 Coggeshall food, street sports and 2 patchwork & quilting. Summer Fete Collectors With Pauline Wilson world record attempts to in and around SudburyExhibition will be opening their create the World’s Largest At Christ Church, Little or no experience in17 artists Stoneham Street, as part of an artist trail Come and view stunning Patchwork & Quilting? studios Mass Street Dance, led At Bulmer Village Hall Coggeshall by the Ignite Dance paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics and glassware by Ever thought that Sunday 24th May Company. Demos from some Saturday, of Suffolk’s finest artists. 10.00am – 4.00pm you might want 27th June to give it a try? local dance schools and 10.30 – 3.00pm £2 admission for workshops teaching a Then come along and A great day out for all the village hall funds. join a friendly group of variety of dance styles family with craft and gift like-minded people. You Aldham Old including belly dancing, stalls, food and drink, will learn this wonderful Time Rally disco and latin. Other bouncy castle, craft and enjoy the joy of activities suitable for At Colchester Road, competitions and completing something all ages, including an White Colne CO6 wonderful. The art raffles, childrens race inflatable assault course 2PP (Off A1124) of patchwork began and activities, other from The Parachute hundreds of years ago; is attractions. Free Entry. Saturday 6th Regiment, video still enjoyed all over the and Sunday 7th The First World world, and becoming animation workshop, Karenza is a local artist living and working in North Essex, June 10.00am War in Biscuits ever more popular.inI will beauty treatment painting andtasters, drawing from her studio the garden. She Over 400 exhibitors teach you traditional well-being workshops At The runs creative and innovative workshops and courses in aMinories, plus stalls, craft, fair, and modern techniques including yoga and Tai media in Essex and Suffolk. High St, Colchester variety of different refreshments, bar and in a warm and friendly Chi, She plus ahas mini farmers Now until 15th July been involved atmosphere. in the TidalSmall Margins auction on Saturday and Project market cooking – 5.00pm larger projects for and 3 years, sketching, painting and undertaken; documenting10.00am the afternoon. Adults £6, demonstrations from coastline (all atwith your own pace). culminating Monday children free. Car Park. changing Suffolk 11 others, in to Saturday. youArt from the Gallery localachefs largefeaturing exhibition at theGuiding Ipswich School last collection of 100 For more information A unique very first vital steps; healthy recipes to try please call 01787 221588. year-old year. A follow upa to thischoosing project wasfabrics, an appearance with ration biscuits, home. parking at on the project your personally modified theFree other artists on BBC Countryfile earlier cutting and piecing, right the Colchester Institute. by soldiers, alongside this year on Dunwich Beach. the success throughAfter to completing a of last For further information ‘family and thenshowaatrange year’s exhibition, she now hasheirloom’ her own solo the of archival and full schedule of materials, interviews, showing off your work at above gallery. activities16 please visit: Pleasethe mention Connection when responding to adverts photographs and filmQuiltingThe Exhibition karenzajackson@hotmail.com www.streetwise.dance which takes place once footage exploring the

Artists Around Sudbury Artist Trail Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June in Association with Suffolk Open Studios.

For more details visit www.suffolkopenstudios.co.uk.

Karenza Jackson

John Russell Gallery in Ipswich 13th July - 8th August 2015

What’s On continued over page

What’s On General Street Wise At Colchester Institute Saturday 13th June 10.00am – 4.00pm

The Big Draw At Tindalls Arts and Craft Store, Trinity St, Colchester Saturday 27th June Use the shop as a base from which to venture out and draw a variety of Colchester scenes. For more information contact 07717 710029 or email co3studios@outlook.com

Honey Pots Patchwork & Quilting Venture Centre 2000, Bromley Road, Lawford, CO11 2JG

every two years here at the Venture Centre. For more information contact Pauline on 07921 682057

Pebmarsh Art Group Summer Exhibition At Pebmarsh Village Hall Saturday 18th July 11.00am - 5.00pm and Sunday 19th July 11.00am -4.00pm. A varied selection of paintings for sale, both framed and unframed by members of this well established group. Admission free, refreshments available. For further information please call Anne Duffill on 01787 228548.

Every other Monday between 10.00am and 3.00pm Free event featuring An introduction into street dance, street the wonderful world of Coggeshall food, street sports and 2 patchwork & quilting. Summer Fete With Pauline Wilson world record attempts to create the World’s Largest At Christ Church, Little or no experience in Stoneham Street, Patchwork & Quilting? Mass Street Dance, led Coggeshall by the Ignite Dance Ever thought that Company. Demos from you might want Saturday, 27th June to give it a try? local dance schools and 10.30 – 3.00pm workshops teaching a Then come along and A great day out for all the join a friendly group of variety of dance styles family with craft and gift like-minded people. You including belly dancing, stalls, food and drink, will learn this wonderful disco and latin. Other bouncy castle, craft and enjoy the joy of activities suitable for competitions and completing something all ages, including an wonderful. The art raffles, childrens race inflatable assault course of patchwork began and activities, other from The Parachute hundreds of years ago; is attractions. Free Entry. Regiment, video still enjoyed all over the The First World world, and becoming animation workshop, War in Biscuits ever more popular. I will beauty treatment tasters, teach you traditional well-being workshops At The Minories, and modern techniques High St, Colchester including yoga and Tai in a warm and friendly Chi, plus a mini farmers Now until 15th July atmosphere. Small and market and cooking 10.00am – 5.00pm larger projects undertaken; demonstrations from (all at your own pace). Monday to Saturday. Guiding you from the local chefs featuring A unique collection of 100 very first vital steps; healthy recipes to try a year-old ration biscuits, choosing your fabrics, home. Free parking at personally modified cutting and piecing, right the Colchester Institute. by soldiers, alongside through to completing a For further information a range of archival ‘family heirloom’ and then and full schedule of materials, interviews, showing off your work at www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk activities please visit: photographs and filmthe Quilting Exhibition www.streetwise.dance which takes place once footage exploring the

relationship between food, creativity and conflict. Free admission. For more information please call 01206 712237 or visit www. theminories.org

Collectors Exhibition At Bulmer Village Hall Sunday 24th May 10.00am – 4.00pm £2 admission for village hall funds.

Aldham Old Time Rally At Colchester Road, White Colne CO6 2PP (Off A1124) Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June 10.00am Over 400 exhibitors plus stalls, craft, fair, refreshments, bar and auction on Saturday afternoon. Adults £6, children free. Car Park. For more information please call 01787 221588.

What’s On continued 17 over page

What’s On Halstead Food and Craft Market

Coggeshall Summer Fete

Saturday 20th June and Saturday 18th July

At Christ Church, Stoneham Street, Coggeshall Saturday 27th June 10.30am – 3.00pm

behind fire station. For more information please contact Jackie. allan@yahoo.co.uk

Events at Layer Marney Tower

Sunday 26th - 30th July 12.00pm - 5.00pm Essex and Suffolk Quilters Guild Exhibition. A display of quilts in the Barn, plus talks and workshops. For more information please call 01206 330784 or visit www. layermarneytower.co.uk

Sunday 14th June 11.00am Invitation to View. A guided tour of the Retro Run house, tower and church bouncy castle, A wide selection of with a member of the At University of Essex, competitions and quality food produce family, book tickets via Colchester Campus, raffles, childrens race and handmade crafts the Mercury Theatre Wivenhoe Park, and activities and by local artisans. on 01206 573948. Colchester CO4 3SQ many other great Familiar stalls such Sunday 14th attractions. Free entry. Sunday 14th June as the Jam Shed, June 2.00pm 9.00am registration, St George’s PTA Leigh’s Fine Cheeses, Tower Tour. A guided event starts at 10.00am Summer Fair Ruddy Marvellous Tour of the Tower and and will be finished and Beehouse Honey At St George’s Church church with a member of by 2.00pm latest. Company will join of England Primary staff. Free with entrance regulars at this School, Great Bromley ticket, no need to book. monthly market. Saturday 18th July Sunday 21st June Street entertainment 1.00pm – 4.00pm 12.00pm - 5.00pm and two hours free Inflatable slide, face Classic Car Day. A display parking (at the co-op painting, BBQ, hog of classic cars and Run, walk or dance supermarket). For roast, bar, ice cream van, motorcycles, vintage through the decades with further details contact fancy dress competition stalls and 1940’s music us! Age UK Essex has joined Mike Prince at market@ (theme, ‘Under the Sea’), in the courtyard. forces with the University visithalstead.co.uk raffle, stalls including Sunday 5th July 6.30pm of Essex to launch this fun games and bric-a-brac as A Midsummers Night Quiz Night and fabulous new fitness well as singing, gymnastic Dream. Theatre in event to bring people At Sudbury Library and cheerleading displays the garden from the together and raise funds and more. Raising funds Friday 29th May 7.30 pm Chapterhouse Theatre to support older people for St George’s C of E Co. Doors open 5.00pm. in Essex. You can choose Primary School PTA. Bring a rug and picnic. to walk or run a 5km or Scotland in Book tickets via www. 10km route lined with fun seetickets.com Colchester dance music from across Sunday 12th the decades. Runners At Lower Castle July 2.00pm are invited to team their Park, Colchester trainers with funky dress Tower Tour. Guided Tour A great night out raising Sunday 14th June and break out retro outfits of the Tower and church funds for the Friends 9.30am - 5.30pm including shellsuits and with a member of staff. of Sudbury library. leg warmers! Early Bird Free with entrance ticket, Test your skills against prices: £15 per adult, no need to book. the other teams. £5 per £10 per child, groups Sunday 19th July ticket from Sudbury of 10 or more £100. 12.00pm - 5.00pm library. Drinks available For more information Gloriana. Elizabethan to buy on the night. please call 01245 207065, musical extravaganza For more information email: info@ageukessex. Pipe Band competition, performed in the church, please contact Rachel org.uk or visit: http:// Highland Dancing tower and courtyard Taylor on 01787 242570 www.ageuk.org.uk/ competition, Solo culminating in a grand 18 rachel.taylor@ or email: Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts essex/fundraisingpiping, Massed Pipe finale performance Bands. Free parking suffolklibraries.co.uk attended by Elizabeth I. events/retro-run-/ A great day out for all the family with craft and gift stalls, food and drink,

What’s On Wonderland comes to Kelvedon

Coggeshall Patient Participation Group

At St Mary’s Church, Kelvedon

For patients interested in finding out more about Coggeshall surgery and contributing to the development of local health services. Contact 01376 561840 or 01376 561943.

Saturday 4th July 3.00pm - 6.00pm Join Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat and other friends to celebrate 150 years of Alice in Wonderland. Alongside all the favourite stalls and sideshows including books, bric-a-brac, cakes, plants, raffles and tombolas, there will be a “Wonderland” of themed games for all ages as well as beer tent, barbecue and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

Kelvedon Women’s Institute Various activities and outings. Monthly meetings at the Kelvedon Institute. Contact www.kelvedonwi.org. uk, email contact@ kelvedonwi.org.uk or call Joanna Puczkowski on 07855 369516.

Afternoon Tea

Coggeshall Heritage Society

At Aldham Village Hall, off the A1124 Halstead Road

Regular talks, outings and meetings for anyone interested in the history and development of Coggeshall. Contact Mr. R.Creswell on 01376 561570 or visit www. discoveringcoggeshall. co.uk

Sunday 31st May 3.00pm – 5.00pm

Afternoon Tea (tea, coffee and homemade cakes) with plants and cakes for sale (and other interesting purchases possible). Free entry, all profit will be divided between the to Essex Air Ambulance and Aldham Village Hall.

Regular Clubs and Societies Essex and Suffolk IVC

A social club for singles and couples meeting every month in Coggeshall. Contact Brad on 07587 004207.

Circle of Friendship Friendly monthly meetings in the Jubilee room at The Venture Centre, Lawford to include speakers, sing alongs, quizzes, outings and meals. Contact Gwen on 07949 496723.

village hall. Proceeds to local conservation projects of the Nayland with Wissington Conservation Society.

Leavenheath Open Gardens and Magna Carta Scarecrow Trail Sunday 14th June 11.00am – 5.00pm Gardens open, Craft Fair in the village hall, Magna Carta exhibition, music with Choir singing period music and folk/country duo Men of Straw, Medieval stocks and games, visit a Medieval house, apple bobbing, lucky dip, Magna Carta clues to solve. Entrance via Village Hall £4 adults, children under 14 free. In aid of The East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice and Leavenheath Beavers/ Cubs & Scouts. For more information please visit www.leavenheath.org

Wormingford Annual Flower Festival At Saint Andrew’s Church, Wormingford (off B1508 between Colchester and Sudbury) Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th and Monday 25th May 10.00am – 5.00pm daily.

All Things Floral Nayland Open Gardens

Our intriguing theme for this year is ‘A Year in Sunday 14th June a Day at St Andrew’s,’ 2.00pm – 6.00pm featuring church festivals Tickets £5 from any and events through www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk garden. Teas and the year. Wonderful car parking at the and imaginative floral

displays, bric-a-brac sale at Wormingford Community Education Centre, teas, cakes, lunches and refreshments, raffle with many exciting prizes. No entry charge but donations welcome. Songs of Praise on Sunday 24th May at 6.30pm.

Flower Festival At Mount Bures Church CO8 5AS Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st June 10.00am – 4.00pm Scrumptious cakes, and homemade refreshments in the village hall with book stall, name the teddy, bric a brac and raffle. Includes open garden, plant stall and opportunity to buy metal artwork and garden furniture. Treasure Hunt Nature Trail and fun activities for children. Special events arranged for this year include guided talks on the history of St John Church, Bluegrass music and Morris Dancers. Songs of Praise service on Sunday evening at 5.00pm. For more information please call Jan Hughes on 01787 227649 or email Janethughes5@ hotmail.com

What’s On continued 19 over page

What’s On Coggeshall’s Hidden Gardens

Bures Open Gardens

Sunday 7th June 2.00pm – 6.00pm

Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May 1.00pm – 6.00pm

This year Coggeshall is opening its garden gates so that you can visit walled gardens, kitchen gardens, tiny gardens, gardens that will delight and inspire you. There’s lots to do and see for young and old alike. Follow the children’s trail, visit the plant stall, enjoy a delicious home-made tea - a perfect afternoon out for the whole family. For more information visit the website at www. coggeshallopengardens. org.uk

Wild Flower Meadow and gardens open At ‘Bellybones,’ Foxearth, Sudbury CO10 7JZ Sunday 7th June 1.00pm – 4.00pm A family fun afternoon, Flower Fairy Trail, story telling, stalls, cream teas. Entrance free to children, adults £2.50. Proceeds go to E.A.C.H.

Ardleigh Annual Horticultural Show At Ardleigh Village Hall, Station Road, Ardleigh CO7 7RS

Celebrating 30 years of Open Gardens. Plant sales, cake stall, art in the church.

Eight Ash Green and Fordham Heath Open Gardens Sunday 14th June 11.00am – 5.00pm Plus ‘Count the Scarecrows’ competition with proceeds towards new outdoor play equipment for our village primary school. Admittance to all gardens, allotments and church wood with programme. £3 per adult, accompanied children free. Programmes available on the day from The Cricketers, Spring Lane CO3 9TG which will be open all day for meals (booking advisable) and drinks. Take-away coffee also available. For more information please contact Christine Willetts on 01206 240314.

Earls Colne Open Gardens Sunday 21st June 11.00am – 5.00pm

Essex Air Ambulance. For more details call Kirsten on 01787 224913 or visit www.colnevalley.com

Colchester & District Fuchsia Society 40th Fuchsia Show At Stanway Village Hall, Tollgate Hall and Victory Hall, Villa Road, Stanway, Colchester CO3 0RH Saturday 18th July 1.00pm – 5.00pm and Sunday 19th July 11.00am – 4.00pm Admission £1.50 to all halls each day. Craft stalls, floral displays, Gardeners Dip, plant sales and refreshments. Facilities for disabled and free parking. For more information please call 01206 242018

Four Colnes Horticultural Society Annual Show At the Recreation Club, Earls Colne Saturday 8th August. Gates open 1.00pm, exhibition hall opens after judging at approx 2.00pm.

Chappel and Wakes Colne Open Gardens Sunday 7th June 11.00am - 5.30pm 13 beautiful gardens will be open in the Colne Valley. Admission £4 each by programme from Chappel Church (children free). Refreshments are available at 3 of the Open Gardens. Grand Open Gardens Draw, in support of church funds. For more information please contact 01206 210799 or email richdcb@aol.com

Music Suffolk Villages Festival Concerts Monday 25th May 6.00pm At St Peter’s, Sudbury Marc-Antoine Charpentier: David and Jonathan Claire Tomlin, Daniel Auchincloss, Giles Davies, and Psalmody & Essex Baroque Orchestra directed from the harpsichord by Peter Holman. A rare complete live performance of the sacred opera David et Jonathas, written in 1688. Sunday 31st May 6.00pm

At St Mary’s Church, Boxford Competition hall with St Andrew’s church and Saturday 15th tower (£1) open for views Songs of Love, War and exhibits in a range of August 2.00pm across the beautiful Colne classes including floral art, Melancholy: operatic Valley. Refreshments on fantasias and song One of the largest vegetables, photography, sale and a number of settings for horn and horticultural society crafts and baking. Music, gardens differing in size piano with Anneke Scott shows in the area. There entertainment, dog and style will be open to and Steven Devine. This are classes for vegetables, show and stalls on the visit. Tickets from Fork fundraising concert, in fruit, flowers, dahlias, recreation club field. aid of St Mary’s Church, ‘Andles or St Andrews flower arranging, cookery, Show schedule, exhibitor Boxford and the Suffolk on the day. £4.50 adult, handicraft, photographs entry form and stall Villages Festival, includes accompanied children and childrens exhibits. 20 Please mention The whenform responding availableto adverts original works by Gallay under 16 free,Connection proceeds to enquiry Refreshments and his contemporaries: are available. church refurbishment and at www.earlscolne.org

What’s On Czerny, Rossini, Schubert, Mendelssohn and Moscheles. Box office at the National Centre for Early Music (www.ncem.co.uk), 01904 651485. For further information about the Suffolk Villages Festival please see www. suffolkvillagesfestival. com or contact Louise Jameson on 01206 366603 or email louise@ suffolkvillagesfestival.com

American Independence Concert At Christ Church, Braintree Saturday 4th July 7.30pm

Colchester Organ Society 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 5th June – Elizabeth Harrison. Friday 3rd July – Chris Powell. £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.

Drama and Dance Music by Copland, Benedikt Brydern and Dvorak. Colne Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Boris Peck. Tickets at £10 adults, £3 under 16’s and includes interval drink. Programmes £1. Tickets are available on the door or via our box office on 01206 210933 or by email to: cpo-boxoffice@ bigfoot.com or by writing to The CPO Box Office, 9 Church Grove, Aldham, Colchester, Essex, CO6 3SA.

Charity Evening in aid of Macmillan Nurses and Cancer Research At the Venture Centre, Lawford CO11 2JE 18th July 7.00pm – 12.00 midnight

Open Air Family Theatre presents Robin Hood the Musical At Bures Recreation Ground, Bures CO8 5BX Friday 12th June 5.30pm, gates open 3.30pm Tickets adult £10, children £6, under 3’s free. BBQ and Bar from 4.00pm, show starts 5.30pm. Tasty BBQ food, bar, live music and lots of fun for all the family. Book online at www. cambridgetouringtheatre. co.uk or call 01805 624624. Booking essential.

Jenny’s world is grey and boring. It’s all because of the evil Dr Sensible and her terrible medicine. Jenny is the last child to resist the Doctor’s evil clutches and she now has 4 days to find the antidote and save the world! Suitable for all the family. Tickets: £10, £8 (conc.). Tickets from the Headgate Theatre, Colchester on 01206 501891 or visit www. headgatetheatre.co.uk

A Silver Splendour of Dance At the Venture Centre, Lawford CO11 2JE Saturday 20th June 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Carriages at 11.45pm Summer supper party and disco hosted by Debbie Millar to celebrate 25 years of teaching dance in Essex. Party frocks or ball gowns (long or short), dinner or smart suits. Licensed bar. Tickets £19.99 available with the menu from debbie@ debbiemillar.co.uk

Chameleon’s Web Theatre Company presents Gargling With Jelly

Free bar and food, Barry’s fish and chip van, dancing At the Headgate Theatre, Colchester to ‘Mid Life Crisis’ and line dancing. Raffle and Wednesday 1st July auction (please bring a to Saturday 4th prize for one of these). 7.00pm and Saturday matinee 2.00pm Tickets £40 each (all monies donated to Jenny is a lively streetwise the charity). For tickets girl with a special talent www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk please call Mick Willis for writing zany poems. Sadly, everything in on 07702 222088.

Macbeth At Tymperleys, Trinity St, Colchester Friday 26th and Saturday 27th June 7.30pm In this production meet the ageless witches themselves, who tell the tale of Macbeth as they remember it with magic, masks, puppets and of course ‘acting.’ The play will take place on the lawn, with seating around the paved areas. Bring own seating and blankets. Refreshments will be available to purchase. For more information visit our website at www. tymperleys.co.uk

What’s On continued 21 over page

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 6th June ‘My Old Lady (12A) Starring Kevin Kline, Kristen Scott Thomas and Maggie Smith. An American inherits an apartment in Paris that comes with an unexpected resident.

Things for Children Colchester Theatre Group Theatre Workshops At the Headgate Theatre, Colchester Saturday 4th July 2.00pm – 5.00pm

This series of workshops will look at basic voice and acting techniques, movement, Shakespearian text and comedy, improvisation and up close and personal involvement. Featuring Paul T Davies, Tim Freeman, Charlie Morgan, Wendy Smith and Vicki Weitz. Please see www. colchestertheatrettroup. org or the CTG Face book page for more details. Over 16s only. Tickets £8 (non-CTG members), £6 (CTG members).

Talks and Workshops Wormingford Community Choir At Wormingford Community Education Centre, The Old School, Church Lane, Wormingford CO6 3AZ Every Thursday night 7.00pm – 8.45pm Friendly, fun singing group. No experience needed, no auditions, all welcome. £4 each. Contact Amanda on 01206 337338 for more information.

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

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

Lavenham Farmers Market

At St Peters Church, Sudbury

At The Village Hall, Lavenham Sunday 28th June and Sunday 26th July at 10.00am - 1.30pm Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973

Friday 26th June and Friday 31st July at 9.30am - 2.00pm

Colchester Farmers Market The Arts Centre, Colchester Friday 5th June and Friday 3rd July at 9.30am - 12.30pm Contact Rowley Castiglione 01206 367776

Wivenhoe Farmers Market Congregational Hall, Wivenhoe Saturday 20th June and Saturday 18th July at 9.00am - 12.00 Contact Rowly Castiglione 01206 367776

Brightlingsea Farmers Market At the Community Centre, Brightlingsea Saturday 27th June and Saturday 25th July at 9.00am - 12.00 Contact 01206 302055

Sudbury Farmers Market

Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973

Hedingham Farmers’ Market At The Baptist Church, Swan Street, Sible Hedingham (next to the Sugar Loaves pub) Saturday 20th June and Saturday 18th July at 10.00am - 1.30pm Contact Roy Reece 07513 464567

Nayland Farmers Market At Nayland Village Hall Saturday 13th June and Saturday 18th July at 9.30am - 1.00pm Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973

Long Melford Farmers Market At Long Melford Village Memorial Hall Saturday 20th June and Saturday 18th July at 10.00am - 1.00pm Contact Daryl Turner 07780 258202

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

Next issue: August/September - published 23rd July 2015

Deadline date for entries in the next issue 10th July 2015

We also welcome details of slimming groups, keep 22 language Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts fit classes, courses, farmers markets, boot sales and regular clubs, groups and societies. www.facebook.com/TheConnectionMagazineColchester

LIVE MUSIC • FOOD • LICENSED BAR • FREE CAMPING • STALLS AND MORE

BURES MUSIC FESTIVAL 8th-12th JULY 2015 SUNDAY 12TH JULY

THE STONES THE ESSEX BLUES BROTHERS THE KUBRICKS ROBBIE GLADWELL BAND

CRÈME DE CHEVRE BIJOUX TOOTS B-FEST WINNER 2015

The Rolling Stones homage plus 8-piece soul act promise a riotous festival finale. 12.00pm-9.00pm SATURDAY 11TH JULY

BEE GEES TRIBUTE JIVE TALKIN' PRINCE TRIBUTE PURPLE RAIN ASHTON JONES AND INNERHEART

LOOSE JOINTS

LOXLEY'S CORNER STRETCH SOUL GANG KORDULA

Authentic Bee Gees and Prince shows complete a day of brilliant local acts. 12.00pm-11.00pm FRIDAY 10TH JULY

JO HARMAN & COMPANY MARCUS BONFANTI SPACE EAGLE

Two highly acclaimed British Blues Awards winners and their bands share Friday’s spotlight. 6.30pm-11.00pm THURSDAY 9TH JULY

TINA MAY DEREK NASH

LARRAINE ODELL & The Jazznights Trio

Jazznights in St. Mary's Church. Doors open 6.30pm

B-FEST

Showcase for local young musicians in the Big Top. Info and entry form on our website. 7.00pm-10.00pm

WEDNESDAY 8TH JULY

CHORAL EVENING WITH the KELVEDON SINGERS

A magnificent chamber choir performs an emotive recital in St. Mary’s Church. Doors open 7.15pm

FULL 5-DAY FESTIVAL PASS ONLY £40 (in advance)

Ticket prices for individual events and age groups available on our website. Tickets available in Bures from The Eight Bells, Three Horseshoes and the Post Office; in Sudbury from Compact Music or online:

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

'Like' us on Facebook for a chance to win tickets.

www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

10% 10%

Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts For your VantagePoint discount Connection magazine discount For your Quote Reference: TCM6 Quote Ref: GO10

Notice Board Bures Music Festival 2015

Preparations for the Bures Music Festival (July 8 –12) are hotting up and organisers are promising an incredible line-up. The event’s first-ever big top will play host to headliners Jo Harman and Marcus Bonfanti, both 2014 British Blues Awards winners, international Bee Gees tribute act Jive Talkin’, and the highly acclaimed Rolling Stones reincarnation The Stones. The event also promises an impressive line-up of local rock, funk, folk, soul and ska acts, alongside crowd-pleasers such as Prince tribute Purple Rain and The Essex Blues Brothers. And BMF traditions live on in the form of Wednesday’s choral performance and Thursday’s jazz night presented by Roger Odell. Each year, the not-for-profit festival raises thousands for valuable charities in the local community. So far, it has raised almost £170,000 for great causes. For tickets and information, see www. buresmusicfestival.com or like us on Facebook: www. facebook.com/buresmusicfestival for a chance to win tickets.

Night in for Macmillan

There are a million reasons to have a Night In. So, why not get the girls round in May and do something amazing for Macmillan? You can have a giggle with a cheeky glass or two, all while raising money for people facing cancer. Maybe it’s because you need to test out your margarita-making skills or just because you want to catch up on all the latest gossip. Whatever your reason, a Night In for Macmillan is the ultimate excuse to get together with your favourite ladies, and we’ve made planning it a doddle. We have fantastic ideas to make your Night In memorable; from fab finger foods and scrumptious desserts to refreshing cocktails and cheeky games to get the party started. We also included some easy DIY decoration ideas and a bunch of playlists to suit your party mood to create an atmosphere your girls won’t forget. To sign up please visit: nightin.macmillan.org.uk

Re-Cycle

Re-Cycle is a UK charity committed to improving life prospects for people in Africa through the provision of cheap, sustainable transport. We receive unwanted bikes in the UK and ship them to our partners in Africa for distribution to those who need them. Our warehouse is located at the Grove Estate in Wormingford, approximately 6 miles north of Colchester. So far in 2015 we have shipped over 4000 bikes to Africa and since we started we have sent over 63000! We benefit greatly from the support of our wonderful team of volunteers and we are always looking for others to join us. Our aim is to make volunteering

for Re-Cycle a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Having a practical nature is useful but appropriate training is provided, so all you need is enthusiasm. We are grateful for any support you can give us and can be flexible to work around the time you have available to commit to us as well as what interests you. Our volunteers help with various things including driving, in the warehouse or workshop. Interested? You can find an application form on the website www.re-cycle. org You can email the completed form to us (info@ re-cycle.org) or come along to our warehouse in Wormingford and bring the completed form with you. Alternatively, you can phone us on 01206 617865 for a chat. We look forward to hearing from you.

Essex’s garden secrets revealed

More than a million eyes took up the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, witnessing some exciting and interesting changes among our most popular garden birds. Refreshingly, in Essex, sightings of every bird that featured in this year’s top 10 increased on the numbers recorded in 2014, apart from chaffinch. However, two species remain on the red list of Birds of Conservation Concern. House sparrow and starling are on the red list meaning that they are of ‘highest conservation priority – species needing urgent action’. John Sharpe, RSPB Conservation Manager for the East of England, said: “During winter, birds need extra food and water, a safe place to shelter and make their home. Gardens providing these things are an invaluable resource for birds and are likely to have a significant effect on their numbers, perhaps even playing a pivotal role in reversing some declines. We hope that this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch really helped people to understand exactly how wildlife uses gardens, and has encouraged them to make their garden a welcoming home to nature all year round.” The parallel event, Big Schools’ Birdwatch, continued the record breaking theme with more schools and children taking part than ever before. Big Garden Birdwatch and Big Schools’ Birdwatch are a part of the RSPB’s Giving Nature a Home campaign. The charity is asking people to provide a place for wildlife in their own gardens and outside spaces – whether it’s putting up a nest box for birds, creating a pond to support a number of different species or building a home for a hedgehog. To find out how you can give nature a home where you live visit: rspb.org.uk/homes

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To bake

Strawberry and elderflower cake Elderflowers have an extraordinary affinity with strawberries, and make a perfect summer cake. Assemble only a couple of hours before the event (and chill, if you can) as the cake won’t keep, especially in the heat. A summer celebration on a plate! Serves 24 (halve the recipe to serve 12)

For the cake

450g unsalted butter, really soft, diced, plus more for the tins 450g self-raising flour 2 tsp baking powder 8 eggs, lightly beaten finely grated zest of 2 large unwaxed lemons 450g golden caster sugar 4 tbsp elderflower cordial For the elderflower cream 1.2kg ripe, even-sized strawberries, cleaned, dried and hulled 2 tbsp golden caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 600ml double cream 8 tbsp elderflower cordial

Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 170°C/350°F/gas mark 4. To make the three-tiered cake, take three 20cm round sandwich tins. Butter the tins and line the bases with baking parchment. If you have only two tins, then make the cake mixture and divide it evenly into three batches, baking the third as soon as a tin becomes free. For this cake, I use an electric mixer and beater attachment, but you can use a food processor, or a bowl and electric whisk, if you prefer. Sift the flour and baking powder into the bowl, add the butter, eggs, lemon zest and sugar, and beat well, adding the cordial towards the end. Be careful not to overmix, as you want a light cake. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a skewer emerges clean. (To halve the recipe, bake in two 20cm tins for 20–25 minutes.) Remove from the oven, leave for a couple of minutes, run a knife around the rim to loosen the cakes from the tins and turn out on to a wire rack. Remove the papers and leave to cool completely. Trim the cakes flat.

For the filling and decoration

Slice 400g of the strawberries and toss in a bowl with the sugar and vanilla. Leave all the flavours to mingle together for 30 minutes. Whip the cream until soft peaks form, adding the cordial slowly just as it begins to thicken. Place one cake on a cake stand and spread with a layer of cream and half the sliced strawberries. Repeat with another cake, a layer of cream and the remaining sliced strawberries. Top with the last cake. Spread the remaining cream all over the top and sides. Take the best-shaped 20 strawberries and cut 10–12 in half. Place the halved strawberries, cut side up, in a circle around the edge of the cake, and pile up the rest in the centre. Cut the remaining strawberries into slices – or in half – and press into the cream all around the sides.

Recipe from The Birthday Cake Book by Fiona Cairns, published by Quadrille (£18.99) Photos ©Laura Edwards

Host a Strawberry Tea party to help women facing breast cancer - see page 14 for more details.

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It’s our 10th Anniversary!

At the Connection magazine we’re celebrating our 10th anniversary. In this special anniversary edition we are featuring all the local businesses who have advertised with us since 2005. There have been challenging times in the last 10 years, but all these hard working business people continued to support the magazine so this is our special ‘thank you’ to them! Read about how they started their businesses and where they are now!

Thank you to all our advertisers! Without all our advertisers, both long term and short term, the Connection wouldn’t exist. Their continued support has meant that we have been able to promote local charities and events, connect village communities, and deliver the magazine to over twenty villages in the Colchester and Sudbury area. 28

Alison Byrne Health and Beauty

Alison launched her successful health and beauty business 13 years ago. Initially Alison worked on her own and had a small treatment room based in a local hairdressing salon. Now, thirteen years later, she has two full time therapists working for her and she has luxurious and spacious self contained beauty rooms based at Brickstables Dental Practice. It is not just her working space that has increased. Alison’s expertise has also broadened. She is continually keeping up to date with the latest aesthetic and anti-ageing technology and now offers many additional treatments including electrolysis, advanced cosmetic procedures, microneedling and semi permanent makeup . Alison says ‘ I have far exceeded my expectations for the business and although we are still a small business we focus on what we do best and strive to offer good consistent customer service’. Did you know? Alison is an enthusiastic fundraiser for the charity Action Duchenne and in July she will be one of eleven cyclists travelling 1000 miles over 10 days hoping to raise £30,000 between them. For more details go to page 7. Alison on The Connection “ I have advertised with the Connection since its launch ten years ago and have found it to be an affordable, reliably consistent and a quality publication. It has worked very well for me”.

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Ricksu

Pippins

Sally and Angus Scobie have been very successful with their businesses based at Whites Farm in White Colne . In total they employ over twenty five local people and have four separate enterprises. Pippins, their Montessouri nursery which they launched 23 years ago expanded in 2011 to take up to 15 babies from 0-2 years. They now have 45 places daily in their nursery. Sally says ‘we have expanded to meet the growing needs of many local parents and we are open 47 weeks in the year’ . The nursery is well placed in the most idyllic surroundings overlooking beautiful orchards and a farmyard. Sally’s husband Angus says ‘ This is a great environment for the children. They learn so much, not just in the classrooms where they enjoy dancing, French and music, but they learn all about the seasons and what we are growing on our farm’.

Whites Farm Swimming Pool

The private swimming pool is also doing very well. Opened 15 years ago it continues to be busy. Embracing green energy, the pool which was originally heated by oil –is now heated with wood pellets via a bio-mass heating system. Visit the website and you will find a very useful timetable showing available sessions. Additionally Angus also makes willow fences and has several apple orchards. They also grow peonies which are sent all over the country including Covent Garden. Locals can buy apple juice and peonies from a table situated outside the Baby Barn opposite Pippins during June. Did you know? Sally and Angus won the highly prestigious BALE (Best Alternative Land Enterprise) award in 2014. Sally and Angus on the Connection “It’s hard to believe it has been 10 years since we started with the Connection but it has been invaluable for advertising our businesses and we congratulate it on its success”.

Rick and Sue Wade have been running their hairdressing business for 32 years. The first salon they opened in Coggeshall and in 1997 they opened their Earls Colne salon. They have a team of stylists ranging in age which is good as they find they are now cutting the hair of children and grandchildren of their original clients from 30 years ago! Their sons Barney and Hartley have now also joined them in the business. Sue says ‘ Customer service is very important to us and it is something I focus on continually‘. When I asked if retirement was on the cards they both said no. Rick said ‘we both really enjoy the social aspect of the salon environment. Our friends come in to have their hair cut and many of our clients have become friends over the years.’ Did you know? - Rick has a passion for music – particularly jazz and can play jazz guitar. Also, many years ago Rick used to cut Michael Bond’s hair, the author and creator of Paddington Bear. Sue’s interests include gardening and going to the theatre.

Rick and Sue on the Connection

“The Connection is a great quality publication that enables us to promote our business in our area, and keep in touch with our customers”.

www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

Continued on next page

It’s our 10th Anniversary! Sara Anton Interiors

Sara launched her interior design business in 2002 and has worked on many projects – all over the country. Her clients were mostly London based when she first started, but over the last few years she now tends to be on a more local level which she is delighted about. Barry Mosley set up The Oven Having worked in business units over the years she Cleaning Company – East Anglia 11 has now come home to roost and is working from years ago and still gets satisfaction her very swish studio in her lovely garden which when he sees the results of his is an ideal environment for her to feel inspired work. Operating in the Colchester surrounded by a vast number of sample books. I area, many people become repeat asked if her working practices had changed much customers – clearly people like over the last decade and she replied ‘ In some ways, having their ovens transformed supply is much more competitive these days. The into how they looked when new. public are much more aware of what they want with Barry hopes that one day his family the knowledge gained from various outlets of the will continue with his business, media and there are a lot of retail companies offering so he can devote more time to products that are reflective of the top designer his hobbies of ‘cricket and the market at a very competitive price, which may not grandchildren, not necessarily be of designer quality, but the look is similar, as with in that order.’ But until then he the fashion industry . However, the beauty of using is happy in his work even when a designer is that it is my job to understand the contending with customers pets need of the client. A designers job is not just about intent on stealing his cloths and choosing colours and all interiors product and soft kitchen roll! furnishing , it goes much deeper than that. We have Barry on The Connection “I have to build a relationship.’ advertised with The Connection Did you know? Sara is revisiting her art school roots since it started. I am really pleased by taking up painting again. She may even add a with the response that I get every page or two to her website once she has become month, there has never been more practised . Sara already has one commission, a month that I have not got a having only started painting again in the last few request for an oven clean and months. ‘My passion has always been colour and people seem to hold on to it for movement in both design and art and I intend to reference because its a handy size re explore the possibilities of art in the home and and a nice looking magazine”. create paintings that are true to my personality. Sara on The Connection - “Advertising with ‘The Connection’ has been a fabulous way over the last 10 years to inform clients we are here for them. Sarah has created a magazine that is glossy, informative, Please continue to fashionable and current and I love being part of it ....thanks Sarah for 10 years of easy advertising and support our local long may it continue”. small businesses 30 Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts

Oven Cleaning Company

Zoffany

Hetty Lyttelton has been in business since 1996 when she opened her first shop in Coggeshall, selling second hand clothes. 10 years ago, she was running Out of the Blue in Coggeshall, selling new clothes, and has now returned to second hand clothes at Zoffany Exchange in Sudbury. As Hetty says ‘it’s much more fun selling second hand clothes as I never know what’s going to come through the door!’ Many of Hetty’s customers have followed her from Coggeshall and she explains ‘my customers come to me as they know they will find something a bit different and unusual’. Did you know? Hetty designs and hand paints all her advertisements for The Connection and has done so since 2005 when she did our very first outside back cover. Hetty on The Connection “The Connection has been brilliant for me and I am thrilled to be part of the 10th anniversary edition”.

Our first front cover. Our first issue was delivered to four villages; Aldham, Fordham, Chappel and Great Tey. We now deliver to twenty villages and have our own magazine stand in Waitrose Colchester.

JJ Bookkeeping

Janet Jack launched JJ Bookkeeping in 2005 . Janet, who lived in Great Tey, initially shared an office at Wakes Colne Business Centre and finally ended up in offices near Coggeshall. Janet eventually added accountancy skills to her repertoire and took Jane Turley on board as a partner in 2007. Janet has now moved back up north to Lancashire and is continuing to trade as JJBA. Did you know? –Janet has won several business awards and is now the National Finance Director of the FSB Federation for Small Businesses. Janet on the Connection “The Connection has been a great tool for our business. most of our clients came from the Connection”. Janet’s business partner Jane Turley, has 10 years experience in bookkeeping and is now trading under the name of Atlas Bookkeeping. She is continuing to do the bookkeeping and payroll for the clients who came to JJBA. Her new advert can be seen on page 45. Did you know? – Jane previously worked in retail management for many years giving her the understanding of the day to day struggles business owners face, making her a valued member of the team with her clients. Jane lives and works in Earls Colne making her easily accessible to all businesses throughout the Colne Valley area. Jane on the Connection “The Connection has been great for us and we always recommend the magazine to the local businesses we deal with”.

www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

Continued on next page

All of us involved with the Leavenheath Village Cinema would like to send our best wishes for another 10 years of Connection. Thanks for all your help with our publicity we are all most grateful.

Congratulations! A very Happy Birthday to The Connection. Thanks for a fabulous magazine! from Eunice Rees. Happy Birthday to The Connection! The magazine has been a tremendous help in helping us spread the word about our activities - here’s to the next 10 years! From all at Wormingford Community Education Centre.

Congratulations to the Connection on your 10th anniversary. Bows ‘n’ Belles clog dancers. Many congratulations on the 10th Anniversary of the Connection Magazine. Over the last ten years The Connection has dropped on to our mats, always with a stunning front cover, and the content is always informative, entertaining and useful with an array of local advertisers to call on when the need arises. Jackie Daines, Chairman, Aldham Parish Council.

MDJ Landscapes

Mark Jackson launched MDJ Landscapes in 2005 . With his love of the outdoors and the sociable aspect of his business, he feels that he has the perfect job. His work is mainly grass and hedge cutting and he has several regular contracts that take him from tidying up household gardens to maintaining large grounds on business estates. Mark offers a reliable and professional service and prides himself in the knowledge that the work he does means that his customers can come home and sit in their garden rather than have to ‘do’ the garden! Did you know? Mark worked in agriculture and printing before deciding on starting his garden maintenance company. Mark on the Connection: The Connection is unique. It is a beautifully presented and prepared magazine and is delivered reliably to all the areas I want to reach”.

S Beck Plumbing and Heating

Shaun Beck began S Beck Plumbing and Heating in 2005 as a ‘one man band.’ Over 10 years he expanded Happy anniversary to The Connection to employ a further 6 people including his father and Magazine. Thank you for all your is looking forward to taking on another apprentice later this year. Working in the Halstead, Braintree and support for almost the lifetime of The Colchester areas, the expansion has been slow and Chappel Millennium Green. steady with a reputation built on word of mouth and Tony Langley. satisfied customers. Shaun says ‘We pride ourselves on our high standards Bloomingirls wish The Connection a and in always finding affordable solutions for our very happy birthday. customers. Although half of our work is repeat business, mostly from word of mouth, The Connection continues to give us that important presence within the local area’. Did you Know? Time out for Shaun means taking holidays in his caravan and enjoying the delights that the UK has to offer, including of walking the mountains with 32 Please mention The Connection whenlots responding toin adverts the dogs!

It’s our 10th Anniversary!

The Colchester Workhorse

Paul Richardson has been in business for 13 years. Before he set up his property and garden maintenance business he was employed on a farm for 27 years with his father and four brothers. Paul named his business Colchester ‘Workhorse’ as a nod to the magnificent Clydesdale workhorses that his father worked with. Clearly, the name ‘Workhorse’ suits Paul as he has built up an excellent customer base giving him regular work all year round. Paul said “I’ve had fantastic family support. My wife Francine organizes the diary and keeps on top of all my paperwork and my brother George has been a great help for the last twelve years”. Paul now also services lawn mowers during the winter months. Did you know? Paul likes restoring vintage tractors in his spare time. Paul on the Connection “I’d like to thank Sarah and congratulate her on her 10th anniversary – it’s a great magazine!”

IVC would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Connection on a superb magazine with an excellent coverage of local events in this area of Essex and Suffolk. Brad .

Congratulations! A decade of Connection, great little magazine, here’s to the next 10 years! Congratulations from Sue and the team at Maid2Clean. Congratulations to the Connection Magazine for ten successful years of informing us about what is happening in our local village. Dylan IT are proud to use The Connection as a platform to advertise our business. Heres to another ten years of success!

Well done Connection Magazine - you’re doing a fantastic job and congratulations on your 10th anniversary. Ray - Combat Pests. Congratulations on your 10th anniversary! Simon Brook - Accountant.

Happy 10th anniversary to all at the Connection! You have gone from strength to strength and are truly a mine of information about local events. Well done! Lesley Gladwell - Colchester. Congratulations on 10 years of a very successful magazine - best wishes for many future issues. Suzi at Ziel.

Churchill Brothers wish The Connection magazine another happy and successful 10 years! Thanks for all your design ideas, help and professionalism over the last 10 years. Congratulations! Carl, Graham and John from Day & Thompson Building Services.

Best wishes and congratulations on your 10 year anniversary. Bev at Nevelli . To all our dear friends at The Connection, congratulations on 10 fabulous years of supporting local business. The George and Dragon, Kelvedon.

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We clean all makes of cookers inc. Agaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Ranges, Rayburn, Microwaves, BBQ, also clean Extractor Fans and Hobs, Fridges, Freezers and Dishwashers. Clean includes shelves, loose panels, grill pans and roasting trays supplied with the oven. We dismantle and clean inside the glass on your oven doors, remove and clean behind control knobs (where possible). We also carry some spares such as hinges and door seals and carry replacement lamps to suit most ovens.

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Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts Photo: Genevieve Leaper

Barbecued Rack of Ribs Ready in 1 hour

Serves 4

Pre-cooking ribs in a pan of simmering water before placing them on the barbecue will ensure meltingly tender meat every time. This method also saves space on the barbecue as the final cooking time with the sauce is much shorter. Serve with a spicy chunky tomato salsa.

Ingredients: • 2-3 racks of pork ribs (see Tip) • 6 tbsp tomato ketchup • 3 tbsp maple syrup

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 tbsp sunflower oil

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed

Tip: Most large supermarkets sell racks of ribs or ask your local butcher to prepare them for you. Single ribs will work just as well (you’ll need about 2kg in weight), just reduce the simmering time to about 25 minutes.

Place the ribs in a large pan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil then skim off any scum from the surface of the water. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer gently for 45 minutes. Meanwhile, place the rest of the ingredients in a pan and bring to the boil. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Leave to cool. Remove the racks from the pan and drain on a board lined with kitchen paper. Leave to cool for 5 minutes then brush each rack liberally with some of the sauce. Cook the ribs on the edge of a hot barbecue for 10-15 minutes, turning and basting with any remaining sauce until the ribs are lightly charred in places. Alternatively, the ribs can be cooked under a medium preheated grill.

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Need help with Probate or Letters of Administration? Probate can be a very complex task but we can help you and we offer guaranteed fixed fees. We provide a complete solution helping you deal with the emotional aspects of losing a loved one whilst we deal with the practical aspects.

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IWC

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Apart from the IHT benefits, there’s one other advantage of writing your life insurance policy in trust in that the proceeds don’t have to go through probate. This means that it’s likely that payment will be made to the beneficiaries quicker than if the policy had not been written in trust.

Life insurance and inheritance tax planning

How do I close down the deceased’s social media accounts?

The reason for having life insurance is simple: to provide for your loved ones in the event of your passing. However, unless you take suitable precautions it’s possible that some of the proceeds of your life insurance policy might end up going to an unintended beneficiary: the taxman.

The tricky subject of what happens to our social media accounts has, unsurprisingly, only become an issue over the last few years. Although it is now widely recognised that individuals are likely to leave digital legacies as well as physical assets, there is as yet no law to govern what happens to them.

The reason for this is simple. It’s called Inheritance Tax (‘IHT’), and it applies to estates worth over £325,000.00. Worse still, IHT is charged at 40%. So that could mean that your loved ones lose as much as 40% of the proceeds of your insurance policy.

In response, many social media and e-commerce platforms have introduced their own guidelines as to the procedure for closing down the account of a deceased person, as outlined in a recent “This is Money” article.

You may think that this doesn’t apply to you, but rising house prices and a static IHT threshold could mean that your estate falls within the threshold for IHT when the time comes.

Facebook has introduced a facility whereby a person can nominate a legacy contact who can make changes to their account after they’ve gone. This means that they can legitimately post notification of the death, update profile pictures and respond to friend requests. If preferred however, the legacy contact may just be given authorisation to close down the account.

If that isn’t sobering enough, consider this: a recent survey by Legal & General indicated that over 90% of their whole-of-life policy holders had taken no steps to protect the proceeds of their life policies from IHT. This is backed up by Aegon’s own research, which indicates that 94% of whole-of-life policies are bereft of IHT protection. And this research comes on the back of research by Unbiased that estimated £530 million is paid out annually to HMRC by way of IHT charged on the proceeds of life insurance policies.

Facebook

Twitter To close down a Twitter account, the deceased’s username and a copy of the death certificate must be supplied. The person requesting the closure must also supply further details including their own name, contact information and relationship to the deceased.

Gmail

The problem is worse, says Legal & General, for unmarried couples, as they do not benefit from the same tax allowances that apply to spouses and civil partners. And this is no small problem – approximately 5.3 million adults in the UK fall into the category of unmarried couples.

Google requires details including the name, postal and email address of the person seeking to close the account, along with a suitable form of ID. The Gmail address or Google username of the deceased, along with a copy of the death certificate, must also be supplied.

There is, however, a solution to this problem – have your life insurance policy written in trust rather than have the proceeds of it paid directly to one or more individuals. In this situation, the proceeds of the life policy are paid to trustees, do not form part of your estate and are therefore not counted for IHT purposes.

Unfortunately, an iTunes account cannot be edited or deleted at this time, unless the deceased noted down their Apple ID and password.

iTunes

For help and advice with regards to wills, estate planning, trust or inheritance tax planning call IWC on 01376 349366 or free of www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk 37 charge from land lines on 0800 612 6105.

Keeping Healthy in the Sun by Pippa Greenwood In July, the veg plot will be in overdrive and there are some delicious fruits cropping too. But sometimes your beloved flower beds and borders, pots and planters can have a distinct mid-summer-flop. How can you keep them looking on top form for as long as possible? Regular feeding is essential, particularly for anything growing in a container. Often crammed into a fairly small space and with compost whose fertiliser content is pretty well used up after a few weeks, by July plants in pots can be close to starving if you’ve not fed them regularly. I would still feed herbaceous perennials and annuals growing in open ground too, but don’t feed shrubs as these could be encouraged to put on new growth which will not be toughened up enough by the time winter comes. A tomato feed with a high potash level works well for anything that you grow primarily for the flowers. Deadhead regularly, both the faded flowers and if necessary remove the flower stem too.

A pair of sharp scissors makes for the quickest and neatest job. Do this as soon as the flower starts to deteriorate so that no energy whatsoever is used to form seed heads. Give perennials a trim using scissors or shears as soon as their flowering period is over. Follow it with a good feed and you can often encourage a second, later flush of flowers. If plants have become a little too tall or there has been a lot of rainfall they can flop over, clogging up the lawn on borders next to the grass, and generally looking a real mess. Check that stakes and other supports are still doing their job and re-position them if necessary. You may even find that you need to add a bit of extra support or tie in a few of the taller or more wayward stems – the foam-covered wire works really well for this. At this time of year many flowers succumb to common diseases. This is how to deal with them: Powdery mildew: keep the plant well watered at the base but avoid wetting the leaves and spray with a fungicide Aphids: remove with a strong jet of water, introduce ladybirds or spray with an insecticide

Rusts: pick off the worst affected leaves, try to keep the foliage dry and spray with a suitable insecticide Caterpillars: pick off by hand or spray with a biological or chemical control Weeds compete for water, food and even light. Pulling them out or hoeing them off when they are still fairly small is a much easier and more efficient way to deal with them than trying to pull out a massive, long-rooted triffid that has already done a lot of damage. If the weather is dry, regular watering is essential. To minimise water wastage and the risk of those delicate petals becoming scorched, only water in the evening or, if this is not possible, very early in the morning. A less frequent but thorough drenching is a lot more beneficial than very frequent but light waterings. So, with a little extra TLC everything in the garden can still look gorgeous for a long while yet! Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com ladybirds & other biocontrols, Nemaslug, SoftTie, weeders, pop-up crop covers, , copper tape and lots more besides.

Leaf spots: just pick off the worst affected leaves

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Tel: 07788 536526 or 01787 221870

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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.

Solution on page 50 16

2 4

23 15

13 5

16 2

22 17

13 18

2 19

2 10

25 12

20 25

4 14 13

25 16

22 17

residential and commercial designs F R E E D E S I G N C O N S U LTATI O N

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24 5 2 16

CPS : a r c h i t e c t u r e + d e s i g n L t d

18 24

2 10

21 2

18 2

11 17

17 2

7 17

13 2

6 1

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The Big Top Roll up, roll up! June’s a time for carnivals, fetes and of course, the circus is coming to town. Whether these travelling entertainers bring joy or terror to the towns they visit, it’s all ‘fair’ game as far as we’re concerned, and it’s made for some great novels. Water for Elephants - Sara Gruen Newly-orphaned scholar Jacob Jankowski decides to kiss his old life goodbye and skip town, hopping on a passing freight train. It turns out to be the travelling Benzini Brothers and their Flying Squadron, billed as ‘the most spectacular show on earth’. Bedazzled by the glitz and glamour of the big top and the circus performers, Jacob falls head over heels in love with someone he definitely shouldn’t and he soon finds out that carrying on the affair could be the most risky of death-defying acts. Something Wicked This Way Comes - Ray Bradbury Thirteen year olds James Nightshade and William Halloway find they have the unenviable task of saving the souls of everyone in their Midwestern town after a ‘dark carnival’ arrives. Can the best friends overcome the mysterious and evil ‘Mr Dark’ who is casting a spell over the local community, tempting them with their deepest, darkest secret desires? It’s a gripping novel that combines fantasy and horror. Should we fear what lurks in the shadows, or embrace it?

The Carnivorous Carnival Lemony Snicket One for the Young Adult agegroup now and if you haven’t read any of Lemony Snicket’s offerings then you really must. The Carnivorous Circus is the ninth novella in the series and follows the continuing exploits of the orphaned Baudelaire children who are trying to escape from the clutches of the evil Count Olaf. In this instalment, the intrepid and inventive children must disguise themselves as circus freaks to hide in amongst the acts of the Caligari Carnival. Prepare for much craziness and mayhem…and baby Sunny in a beard.

A Son of the Circus - John Irving Not what you’d call ‘classic Irving’ but brilliant none the less, this tale of serial killings, twins separated at birth, class differences and even a dwarf chauffeur will have you wondering who on earth ‘dunnit’ in the bustling Indian city of Mumbai. It has a pretty intricate plot-line and a fantastic cast of colourful characters designed to cause confusion and intrigue in the mind of the reader. The Great Blue Nile circus features heavily but the story twists and turns like some great, rolling river and you’ll get totally washed away by it.

Full Tilt - Neal Shusteman If you thought carnivals were all merry-go-rounds and candy floss, think again. Sixteen year old Blake’s got himself in a right pickle: he’s chased his thrill-seeking brother Quinn into a carnival that’s free to get into, but could cost you your life to get out of. Blake finds he’s locked in a terrifying game where he must survive seven deadly sins before dawn. Blake must face his own inner demons and deep-seated fears to save his and his brother’s souls. It’s a terrible notion but a tantalising read.

Carnival - Rawi Hage ‘Fly’ is a taxi-driver who was born in a circus and grew up surrounded by clowns, acrobats and all manner of performing folk who inhabit such worlds. As he drives his cab across the city he spends his life picking up and dropping of all of life’s curious creatures. From drug dealers to prostitutes, he comes across all manner of debauched and depraved characters, causing Fly to muse that ‘the world is a carnival’. How wonderful, freaky and colourful it is.

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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 10th July 2015

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Keep in touch with Essex Police Essex Police has always considered new ways to improve public engagement and social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter are providing a hugely popular service. Anyone following the police on Twitter or ‘liking’ the Facebook page will be able to interact with the force, help with public appeals and keep up to date with the latest investigations and campaigns, while there is also a wide selection of videos available on YouTube. Users of Instagram can now follow Essex Police to see the latest images of police work in action on our newly launched page. Recent success stories of public support through social media include tracking down missing people, reuniting people with stolen property and identifying criminals, and Essex Police would like to thank everybody who has helped in any way to share our appeals. Follow, Like, Share and Help us on the following: Facebook.com/essexpoliceuk Twitter.com/essexpoliceuk Instagram.com/essexpoliceuk Youtube.com/essexpoliceuk.

Be Sure at the Door An event where older residents in Colchester received home security information was a success. More than 140 people over 55 attended the Older People’s Crucial Crew event at St Botolph’s Church. Organisations including Essex Police, Colchester Borough Council and Age UK were on hand to provide essential information. The day was organised by the Colchester Older People’s Forum, a collection of agencies who work together to improve the lives of older people in the community. Crime Prevention Tactical Advisors David Gillies and Angie Pearson advised attendees on home security, dealing with rogue traders and fraud prevention. Angie said: “Essex Police is committed to supporting older residents and being part of Colchester’s Older People’s Forum allows us to

engage and inform people on a wide range of issues. “Events like these are a great way for older people to receive trusted advice from several organisations to help them stay safe. We spoke about how residents could self-assess their home security, including being mindful of who they answer the door to”. Attendees were given a Be Sure at the Door fridge magnet which gives advice on handling cold callers and rogue traders. You can find out more on our Be Sure at the Door campaign by visiting www.essex.police.uk/be_safe/ rogue_traders.

What’s On late entry.

Chappel & Wakes Colne Village Fete

hosted by Chappel CofE (VC) Primary School Saturday 18th July 2.00pm - 5.00pm A fun packed afternoon for children and adults - led by Colchester Hospital Radio! The Rock Choir with Daniel Ribbits, The Ladies Red Barrows Team, Live music, Chappel Notes, various inflatables, Beer from Chappel Brewery, Barrons Baby Turkeys, BBQ, Egg Throwing Competition, Childrens’ Races and lots of stalls from local businesses and organisations. All in a beautiful setting under Chappel Viaduct. For more information please call Sue Chamley 01787 222774 or Linda Goodchild 01787 22850

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Finance How to Cut the Cost of Your Summer Holiday By Ann Haldon From currency exchange to travel insurance and car hire, it’s possible to significantly cut the cost of holidaying abroad. Here are a few tips to shave a little off your holiday spend.

Credit Cards

The fees typically charged by credit card companies are: • Foreign exchange fee: generally 3% of the amount converted from sterling into a foreign currency. • Cash withdrawal fee: between 2% and 3% of the amount withdrawn The availability of ‘specialist’ credit cards with no, or low fees, allows you to avoid these charges when you go on holiday. The Halifax Clarity credit card is a good example. At the time of writing there’s no charge for spending abroad with this card, and no cash withdrawal fee. It’s accepted anywhere that displays the MasterCard symbol. Interest will still be charged on cash withdrawals from the date you take the money out, however, until the day it’s repaid in full. Even this fee can be reduced if you’re prepared to pay off the balance via internet banking while you’re away, or if this isn’t an option, as soon as you get home.

Prepaid Cards

Prepaid cards are pre-loaded

with money before you go. The balance gradually decreases as you spend, but can be topped up again as and when you need it. With these cards the exchange rate is always set by the card provider, and applied when the card is loaded rather than each time you use it. This could work for or against you, depending on fluctuations in the foreign exchange market. If you’re thinking of purchasing one of these cards and the rate suddenly improves, you’ll be taking advantage of a strengthened Pound. Equally, you could lose out if the rate improves again later.

Holiday Insurance

Buying well in advance of your holiday is the best way to save money on holiday insurance. Consider: • Whether you are planning to take more than one trip abroad during the year. If so, a multitrip insurance policy would be the most cost-effective. • Where you are travelling you’ll have to choose between worldwide or European insurance. • If you’re likely to be participating in any risky sports such as scuba diving, the policy may be loaded with an extra charge. Booking your travel insurance independently via the internet will generally work out cheaper

than buying as an add on to flights or a package tour. Alternatively, ‘packaged’ bank accounts sometimes include annual travel insurance in their monthly fee.

Hire Car Charges

There are several ways to save money on hiring a car: • Book early to get the best deals • Include car hire in your package deal • Organise your own Collision Damage Waiver add-on Many hire car operators adopt a ‘hard sell’ approach in relation to CDW when you pick the car up, as this is the way they make their profit - by selling add-ons to ‘basic’ insurance.

Airport Parking

As with car hire, booking early is the best way to save on airport parking. Even pre-booking on the day of the flight could save you a little money. Turning up at the car park is guaranteed to be the most expensive. The Money Saving Expert website is a good source of tips on where to find travel-related discounts and offers, including airport car parking. If you’re staying at an airport hotel the night before your flight, you may be able to book a package that includes the room plus parking for the duration of your holiday.

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Useful Numbers Local Schools St. Peter’s C of E Primary School

West Bergholt Surgery

Rivers/Floodline

Tel: 01206 241137

Tel: 0845 988 1188

Marks Tey Surgery

Citizens Advice Bureau

Tel: 01206 213513

Tel: 0870 126 4065

Tollgate Health Centre

Samaritans/Colchester

Tel: 01376 561231

Tel: 01206 710030

Tel: 01206 561234

Kelvedon St. Mary C of E Primary School

Stanway Surgery

Volunteering Opportunities

Tel: 01206 572372

Tel: 01206 505250

Tel: 01376 570411

The Pump House Surgery/Earls Colne

Al Anon Family Groups Helpline

Tel: 01376 561328 Honywood Community Science School

Feering C of E Controlled Primary School

Tel: 01787 222022

Tel: 01376 570296

Drs Hayhow & Barker/Bures

Earls Colne Primary School and Nursery

Tel: 01787 227529

Tel: 01787 222205

Tel: 01787 227529

Colne Engaine C of E (Aided) Primary School Tel: 01787 222717 Bures C.E V.C Primary School Tel: 01787 227446 Chappel C of E School Tel: 01787 222296 St. John the Baptist C.E.V.A Primary School

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

Support Crimestoppers

Tel: 01787 269300

Tel: 0800 555 111

Great Tey C.E Controlled Primary School

ChildLine

Tel: 01206 210415

Samaritans

Fordham All Saints C of E Primary School

Tel: 08457 90 90 90

Tel: 01206 240251 Copford C of E Primary School Tel: 01206 210439 Stanway Primary School

Tel: 0800 1111

Cruse Tel: 0844 477 9400 NSPCC Tel: 0808 800 5000 Missing Persons Helpline

Tel: 0207 403 0888

Police Contacts

Village Halls Aldham Village Hall Tel: 01206 240682 Mount Bures Tel: 01787 228055 Bures Community Centre Tel: 01787 227278 Nayland Tel: 0774 895 3175 Dedham Assembly Rooms Tel: 01206 323921 Stoke by Nayland

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

Tel: 01206 262943

Tel: 0300 333 4444

Tel: 01787 227631

Ministry Of Defence Police Tel: 01206 782917

Councils

Wormingford Little Horkesley Tel: 01206 271841 Leavenheath Tel: 01206 263301

Colchester Borough Council

Assington

Tel: 01206 282222

Tel: 01787 211162

Braintree District Council

Stanway Village Hall

Tel: 01376 552525

Tel: 01206 545062

Kelvedon Parish Council

Feering Community Centre

Tel: 01376 570285

Tel: 01376 572467

Feering Parish Council

Marks Tey Village Hall

Tel: 01376 572882

Tel: 01206 213250

Coggeshall Parish Council

White Colne Village Hall

Tel: 01376 562346

Tel: 01787 221919

Stanway Parish Council

Colne Engaine Village Hall

Tel: 01206 542221

Tel: 01787 223668 Earls Colne Village Hall Tel: 01787 224370

Tel: 0500 700 700

Post Offices

National Debtline

Fiveways Post Office

Tel: 0808 808 4000

Tel: 01206 330451

Tel: 01206 574849

National Domestic Violence Helpline

Marks Tey

Holy Trinity C.E. Primary School

Tel: 0808 2000 247

Eight Ash Green & Aldham

Victim Support

West Bergholt

Tel: 01206 240880

Tel: 0845 30 30 900

Soaring High Montessori Coggeshall

Inland Revenue

Fordham Village Store and Post Office

Tel: 01376 564392

Tel: 0845 010 9000

Tel: 01206 240391

RSPCA

Earls Colne Post Office

Airports

Tel: 0870 55 55 999

Tel: 01787 222258

Stansted General Enquiries

AA Breakdown

Wakes Colne Post Office

Tel: 0870 000 0303

Tel: 0800 887 766

Tel: 01787 222449

Stansted Express

Floodline

Bures Post Office

Tel: 0845 850 0150

Tel: 0845 9881188

Tel: 01787 227252

Gatwick General Enquiries

Transco emergency service

Tel: 0870 000 2468

Tel: 0800 111 999

Stoke by Nayland Park Street Stores and Post Office

Kelvedon and Feering Health Centre

Rail Enquiries

Tel: 01206 262335 Nayland Post Office

Tel: 0845 850 1530

Tel: 01376 572906

Tel: 08457 484950 AA roadwatch

Tel: 01206 262210

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

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

Doctors

Kelvedon Surgery Tel: 01376 574560

Tel: 09003 401100

Tel: 01206 210314 Tel: 01206 240355

Stratford St Mary Post Office Tel: 01206 322150

Bures Community Centre Tel: 01787 227278 Eight Ash Green Village Hall Tel: 01206 562860 Copford Village Hall Tel: 01206 211235 Chappel and Wakes Colne Tel: 07771 622525

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

Tel: 0845 600 1515 52 Surgery Please mention The Connection when to adverts Coggeshall Dedhamresponding Post Office Tel: 0800 800 151 Tel: 01376 561242

BT Faultline

Tel: 01206 323543

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Computer Services Counselling

IT Specialist Joinery

49 27

Kitchen Fitters

Cleaning Services

Ladies fashion

Decorators

45, 53

Osteopathy

Oven Cleaning

27, 34

Pest Control

44, 53

Physiotherapy Pilates

15 27

Planning Services

Probate Services

36, 37, 55

Property Maintenance

Plumber

34, 44 5

Index of Advertisers 41, 49

Acupuncture

5, 12

Antiques

Architect

Dog Training

Auctioneers

Electrician

34, 53

Bathroom Fitter

Beauty Therapist

Bookkeeping

45, 50

Building Services

41, 46

Caravan Storage

Garden Design

Reflexology

Chiropractor Childrens Nursery

5, 12

Garden Services

45,

Restaurant

9, 11

2, 43

Gift Shop

Removals

Craft Centre

Home Improvements

Storage

49, 44

Computer Services Counselling

Hairdressers

Swimming Pool

Tree Surgeon

Decorators

45, 53

9 49 27

Therapies

Cleaning Services

Interior Design IT Specialist Joinery

Tutoring

Dental Clinic

Kitchen Fitters

Water Solutions

Dog Washing Service

Ladies fashion

Window Repairs

Dog TrainingSUDBURY

Osteopathy

Willow Fences

Electrician

34, 53

Oven Cleaning

27, 34

Will Writing

49, 55

Florist Flooring

15 27

Pest Control

44, 53

Yoga

5, 12

Physiotherapy Stoke by Nayland Pilates

River

Accountancy

Stour

A131

Funeral Directors Garage Repairs

oln

Gift Shop

Dog Washing Service

Florist Flooring Funeral Directors Garage Repairs

Assington

51 25 Pebmarsh

Garden Design HALSTEAD Garden Services Riv er C

Dental Clinic

5, 12

Planning ServicesStratford

Bures

Nayland

St Mary

Probate Services

45,

Boxted A12 Property Maintenance

Plumber

34, 44

White Colne Wakes Colne

Earls Chappel HomeGreenstead Improvements 13 Colne Green

Hairdressers

Great Tey

Interior Design IT Specialist A120 Coggeshall Joinery

A131

36, 37, 55 Dedham

Little Mount Horkesley Bures Wormingford Colne Engaine

5Aldham

9 49 A12 27

Fordham River

West

Bergholt Reflexology

Colne

Braiswick

Restaurant

5 A120

Eight Ash Green

9, 11

Removals COLCHESTER

Copford

Storage Lexden

49, 44

Swimming Pool

Therapies �� 51

Ladies fashion

�� Tree Surgeon 39

Osteopathy

Magazines delivered to selected Tutoring homes in these areas

Oven Cleaning

27, 34

Water Solutions

Kitchen Fitters

Feering

Kelvedon

Pest Control

5, 12

www.facebook.com/TheConnectionMagazineColchester Window Repairs 13 44, 53 Willow Fences 39 12

Physiotherapy Pilates Will Writing 49, 55 5, 12 Whilst every Services care has been taken that data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its Yoga 5, 12 Planning 40 to ensure editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or Probate Services 36, 37, 55 omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Property Maintenance 34 ThePlumber Connection does not officially 34, 44endorse any advertising material included within this publication. 54reserved. NoPlease The may Connection when responding to adverts All rights part of mention this publication be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted Reflexology 5 in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior permission of the Restaurant 9, 11 publisher

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

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