June/July 19 Issue 88
The
connection magazine
It’s time for Open Gardens!
Inside this issue...
Book Reviews Interiors - Rattan Revival Houseplant Heaven Recipes What’s On! Garden Buildings
Shepherds Hut and a Tiny House in a Truck
www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk
Reaching the heart of the community!
1
Purpose built for babies from three months, Baby Pippins is set in idyllic orchards and staffed by a qualiďŹ ed, caring team. At two years our babies progress to Pippins, our accredited Montessori nursery.
01787 228 567 or visit www.pippinsnursery.co.uk 2
Pippins White’s Farm Bures Road White Colne Colchester CO6 2QF
Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts
Inside
Hello Well it’s that time of year when the What’s On pages are full of flowers, fetes and festivals! You will have noticed that Bures Music Festival is on the back cover. I do hope they, and all the other organisers of outdoor events, have a good turn out and are rewarded with nice weather. Have you ever fancied a little bolt hole in your garden? Somewhere to escape the responsibilities and reminders of tasks that need doing in the house. Garden retreats are great for reading, yoga, art making, writing and generally being at one with your own thoughts with no distraction. It doesn’t even need to be a large space. My husband is a firm believer that the reason we have been married for twenty five years is because we have our own space. I’m not quite sure how to take that. I’ll choose to take it in the spirit it was meant! We have some ideas for garden retreats on pages 19, 20 and 21.
4 - Book Reviews 6 - Notice Board 8 - Savoury Recipe 12 - Country Mutters 14 - 19 What’s On 16-17 - Jane’s Walk 23 - Instagram Inspired 24 - Houseplant Heaven 26 - Sweet Recipe 28 - Spot the Difference 29 - Useful Numbers 30 - Index
A couple of weeks ago I went to see the Orpen Players and their production of the Vicar of Dibley - it was excellent! They’re celebrating their 50th year and you can read about their recent production on page 7. I hope you enjoy this issue.
Sarah
Editor and Publisher: Sarah Banks Editorial Assistant: Amanda Findley Contributors: Amanda Findley , Katherine Sorrell, Alison Runham and Pippa Greenwood and Ann Haldon Advertising and Editorial: 01787 210701 / 07527 489847 Email: editor@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk Address: Applegarth, Whitestreet Green, Boxford, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 5JL All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical , photocopying, recording or otherwise - without the prior permission of the publisher.
Next issue: August/September 2019 Publication date 18th July 2019 Booking deadline for advertising 5th July Deadline date for What’s On entries 5th July
Please get in touch if you want to advertise your business. Call me on:
01787 210701
or email: editor@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk
www.facebook.com/ TheConnectionMagazineColchester
Advertise from £30 plus VAT Delivered to over 20 villages See map on page 30
Summer Reads
Want to create show-stopping meals on your BBQ? Fancy growing your own vegetables this summer? Maybe you’re just in need of a new novel for your holiday? We’ve got you covered… The Wych Elm – Tana French One horrific night changes Toby’s life for ever. He retreats to the place he feels safest – Ivy House, to look after his terminally ill uncle. But then a skull is discovered in the garden and Toby has to question everything he believes to be true. Are his cousins hiding something from him? Is his uncle a killer? And, with his own memory damaged, how can Toby be sure he’s not the murderer? While The Wych Elm is a slow-burner, it’s well worth sticking with.
Stepsister – Jennifer Donnelly
Everyone knows the story of Cinderella, but who stops to consider her stepsisters? Isabelle is neither pretty nor demure. But if she’s brave enough to cut off her own toe to fit her foot in a glass slipper, what else is she capable of? While Stepsister is aimed at young adults, this imaginative story is also likely to appeal to older readers who fancy losing themselves in a twisted fairy tale for a few hours.
4
Grow All You Can Eat in 3 Square Feet – edited by Chauney Dunford When it comes to food, few things beat picking your own vegetables straight from the garden. And you don’t need a large plot to do it. Whether you have a balcony, a courtyard or just a windowsill, you can grow your own vegetables, fruit and herbs. This book offers plenty of advice for would-be growers, from which plants thrive in shady gardens to which flowers can help to protect your crops. You’ll soon be creating your own bicycle wheel trellis, balcony saddlebag or strawberry colander. Weber’s Greatest Hits – Jamie Purviance Over the years, Weber has released a series of books to accompany its bestselling barbeques. The latest, Weber’s Greatest Hits, has more than 100 recipes for starters, mains (beef, lamb, pork, poultry, fish and shellfish), sides and desserts. Dishes include Chicken Tacos, Salmon Skewers, Zesty Garlic Prawns, Chilli-Rubbed Chicken and, for the traditionalist, Texas Burgers.
The Rosie Result – Graeme Simsion Professor Don Tillman is back, more than a decade after we first met him in The Rosie Project. This time, he has a new project – helping his son Hudson to settle into school (and neurotypical society). Hudson’s teacher thinks Hudson may be autistic. Don and Rosie need to decide whether to seek a formal diagnosis. And, while they’re at it, whether Don should be classed as autistic himself. While The Rosie Result is the third in the trilogy, it can be read as a standalone novel. A warm, humorous, thoughtprovoking read. Property – Lionel Shriver Looking for a book to dip in and out of, rather than devote whole sunny afternoons to? This collection of short stories and novellas might be the answer. If you want fast-paced action and loathe long passages of description, it’s probably not for you. If you enjoy wry humour, detailed characterisation and stories that you’re still pondering about hours later, it’s well worth a look.
Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts
Are you ‘future-ready’? Pictured: County Broadband CEO, Lloyd Felton and Cllr Peter Schwier, of Braintree officially ‘open’ Cornish Hall End.
Thanks to £46million of private investment, County Broadband is bringing ultrafast fibre broadband to communities across Essex. Our ultrafast networks will transform the way local communities access the internet, ensuring properties can connect to future-ready, ‘gigabit’ (1,000Mbps) broadband. Visit our website www.countybroadbandfibre.co.uk and enter your postcode to find out if we’re making your community future-ready.
Or call our Essex-based customer services team on 01376 562002 to find out more.
Your community
#futureready www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk
5
Notice Board Annual Rural Ramble raises thousands for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity Almost three hundred supporters joined the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity for their second Rural Ramble at The Forgotten Gardens of Easton Lodge on Saturday 13th April, raising over £4,000 for the charity! Visitors had the unique opportunity to enjoy a scenic walk around the surrounding countryside and The Forgotten Gardens of Easton Lodge, just outside the historic town of Great Dunmow. Suzanne Watson, Fundraising Coordinator at Helen Rollason Cancer Charity added; “A huge thank you to everyone who took part in the event. We would love for supporters to join us at one of our other events coming up soon; for more details, please check out our website www. helenrollason.org.uk or call 01245 380719.”
Try out grasstrack with the Rovers Young cyclists can try their hand at the exciting sport of grasstrack racing at sessions run by Colchester Rovers Cycling Club (CRCC). Grasstrack lets riders race around a flat, grass track, on fixed wheel bikes. Participants will be coached to ride, and race, on the circuit. It is a great way for young riders to get a taste of bike racing. The emphasis is on safe fun, but there is a competitive edge to it too, with races for ages from 5-16 years old. The weekly sessions are held at Shrub End Sports Ground, Boadicea Way, Colchester and run every Monday evening from now until the end of August. Sessions start at 6.30pm, with sign on from 6.00pm and are led by an accredited British Cycling coach. Bikes are provided. All riders need to bring along is a cycling helmet, something to drink, and bags of energy. All youngsters from 5-16 are welcome, cost £4 per session. Parents should accompany young children. For more details please visit www. colchesterrovers.org.uk
Calling All Artists For amateurs and professionals, an opportunity to show your work locally in an exhibition in St. Mary’s (Old Church), Church Lane, West Bergholt CO6 3DT on 15th and 16th June. Registration forms to be
6
submitted by 1st June available in Old Church, contact fosmochurch@gmail.com or call 01206 240167/240512.
Sharing your garden with others for the benefit of patients in Colchester Hospital using the Time Garden If you are a gardener then you will appreciate both the physical and wellbeing benefits a garden can provide. It is these benefits that inspired nurses working with end of life patients at Colchester Hospital to transform an open space at the hospital into the Time Garden. The Time Garden is a place where patients nearing the end of their lives can find tranquillity away from the bustle of the medical wards, either on their own, or with their loved ones, including their pets. The Time Garden is now open, however we still need to continue fundraising to ensure that it can be maintained and improved. If you would be prepared to open your gardens to raise funds to support the Time Garden, we would love to hear from you. You could open your garden on a date and time to suit you, you may wish to only ask for a donation from your visitors, you may wish to offer light refreshments or hold a plant sale in order to raise as much money as you can, the choice is entirely yours. If you are interested in helping us please contact us at 0300 770 1369, email us charity@esneft.nhs.uk or visit our website www.colchesteripswichcharity.org. uk/opengardens
Date for your diary Nayland Horticultural Society Flower Show will take place on Saturday 3rd August. Why not have a go and enter this fun Flower Show! See online for the show classes at www.naylandhortsoc.org.uk
Magazine Distributors Required Please register your interest by emailing;
editor@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk
Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts
Orpen Players 50th Anniversary Accolade! As it’s the Orpen Players 50th year and my 20th year as part of the group I had to celebrate my directing debut with a play I felt passionate about. The Vicar of Dibley was a series I grew up with and featured my acting heroine Dawn French - it was an obvious choice for me! The Orps allowed my vision to become a reality- we had 4 sell out shows, a special day filming on location in the old village church and non other than the original co-creator of the series Mr Paul Mayhew-Archer come to watch our final performance. We were honoured and privileged to say he enjoyed our version of Dibley throughly and even came on stage to address the audience at the end. What an accolade for the group. We hope to encourage more people to come and join our little amateur dramatic group whether you feel you have buckets of talent or non it does not matter we welcome everyone and it’s not just actors there are so many jobs in the theatre. So if you’d like to know more contact us via our website orpenplayers.co.uk or visit our Facebook page.
The cast and crew from the Orpen Players.
Hollly Snowing with Paul Mayhew-A Archer
Holly Snowling - Vicar of Dibley Director
Physiotherapist Led Pilates Classes Pattocks Farm, Chappel, CO6 2EG
EXERCISE TO IMPROVE Spinal Mobility • Posture Strength • Tone • Flexibility
WIN £50 All you need to do is answer the following three questions and either email me with your answers or send your entry to us by snail mail by June 10th.
editor@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk Applegarth, Whitestreet Green, Boxford, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 5JL.
I will pick one winner from the entries. Don’t forget to include your name and address in case you win!
Numbers are limited to 6-8 MAX Contact: Jackie Parry 07790 771307 jparry.physiopilates@gmail.com Appi Matwork & Reformer Pilates Instructor
1. Would you like to receive an online version of the magazine via an emailed newsletter? 2. What are your favourite features in the magazine? 3. Would you consider paying a subscription fee to receive a printed copy in the post?
One to One by appointment
www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk
7
Vegetable and Chilli Noodle Bowls This is a quick vegetarian supper packed with flavour! Soba noodles are Oriental noodles made from buckwheat flour. You’ll find them in most large supermarkets but if unavailable, use egg or rice noodles instead.
Ingredients 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tsp grated root ginger 1 red chilli pepper, deseeded and finely chopped 2 carrots, peeled and diced ½ aubergine, diced 1 small courgette, diced 1 red pepper, deseeded and diced 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and diced 300ml hot vegetable stock 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp sesame oil 250g pack soba noodles 1-2 tsp sesame seeds
TIP
Coriander sprigs, to garnish
8
Ready in: 30 minutes | Serves 4 Heat the vegetable oil in a large deep frying pan over a mediumhigh heat. Add the onion, garlic, ginger and chilli and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender and fragrant. Add the carrots, aubergine, courgette and peppers and fry over a medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in the stock and simmer for a further 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender. Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to the pack instructions. Drain well and toss into the vegetables along with the soy sauce and sesame oil. Divide between four warmed bowls and served sprinkled with sesame seeds and garnished with coriander sprigs.
For a more substantial supper top the bowls of vegetables and noodles with slices of grilled or pan-fried firm tofu, or add some stir-fried prawns. Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts
MA
BO
FU AG YE
HA
BEE
O E Y Colche U ste
High Scr County hool JU
E E
Fol
EX
AC E A UG E C HOY
AG
AMG EXE
OE F
AC & alw a
o o l Giving every child such an
#
a cho ys ice!
they can’t wait to come back!
Rated 5 stars - April 2019
Luxury Private Hire Swimming Pool
for your exclusive and regular use
swimming pool White Colne, Colchester CO6 2QF t 01787 227 064 e pool@whites-farm.co.uk
www.whitesfarmswimmingpool.com
www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk
9
Rattan is right at home outdoors, and these armchairs are super-comfy. Whitcombe teak table, £1,200, and Hampstead chairs, £290 for a pair, all Garden Trading.
Rattan Revival
Light weight yet strong and durable, rattan is a versatile material that can be used indoors and out for a variety of furnishings, adding pretty natural texture and a charmingly retro vibe.
Artisan vintage meets natural Scandi in this elegant console, made from teak framework with wicker. Retro rattan console, £499, The French Bedroom Co.
Sit back and relax on this iconically styled rocking chair that’s inspired by ‘50s and ‘60s interiors. Monet rocking chair by Sika, £515, Cuckooland. Add pretty texture and minimal styling with a lightweight, occasional bench seat. Hampstead bench, £290, and seat pad in charcoal stripe, £18, both Garden Trading.
10
Put your favourite houseplant on display in a tapered round basket with natural tones and an intertwined binding design. Rattan basket, £60, Cox & Cox.
Divide an open-plan space or create a private corner with this threepanel screen that’s crafted from rattan with a solid cane frame and fine webbing to the surface. Rattan webbing screen, £275, Cox & Cox.
Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts
Ziel Design F O R
L I V I N G
The shop for people who love their home... ...in the heart of Earls Colne
The Old Forge, 39 High Street, Earls Colne CO6 2PA 01787 222989 • Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm zielearlscolne
www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk
11
Country Mutters By Lady Muck
It’s all in the name.... I’m sure Meghan and Harry will be relieved to know that I thoroughly approve of Archie. The name, that is. It is refreshingly down to earth and just the thought of a possible future King Archie pleases me very much. There’s a certain refreshing informality not usually found in Royal names with their solid sounding monikers. Leaving aside Zara, of course (where did that come from?) William, George and Charlotte are good traditional safe names, although, interestingly enough, all 3 of these are banned in Portugal because they’re not Portuguese enough. Maybe we should adopt the same criteria here so we wouldn’t have a slew of Madonnas, Britneys and Kylies to contend with. Arya and Khaleesi are rising up the ranks thanks to Game of Thrones but at least they are inspired by feisty characters, even if they are prone to a spot of murdering on the side. And then we get to the really bizarre. Moon Unit, Apple and Blanket are clearly a bit rum but throw a surname into the mix and you end up with a daughter called North West. No wonder she has epic tantrums. And imagine being behind the Oliver family in the queue to sign up for swimming lessons? By the time they’d signed up Poppy Honey Rosie, Daisy Boo Pamela, Petal Blossom Rainbow, Buddy Bear Maurice and River Rocket Blue Dallas you’d be reciting the list like the chorus of a Disney song. You can’t ever imagine the owner of any of those names ever owning a zimmer frame, just as hard in fact as imagining any baby called Doris or Ethel.
bullied unmercifully until they were 16, at which point they would immediately have changed their names by deed poll. I imagine it must be galling if you posses a name you actually like if others insist on shortening it. But then you just end up sounding like an uptight old battleaxe laboriously sounding out every syllable. Far easier to bow to the inevitable and answer to Liz, plain and simple. When it comes to your full name, as a woman, you may think you’ve got away with it until you marry a banker called Rob Mee and find yourself transformed into Sue Mee. Especially unfortunate if you happen to be a lawyer. If I had been called Rebel or Tallulah my life would have undoubtedly taken an entirely different course but you do have to take your station in life into account. Chardonnay Higginbottom is never going to rise above her roots, let’s face it. I give the final words on the subject to a Hollywood actress with 2 daughters named Birdie and Cricket. She tweeted cheerfully, ‘It’s weird people think my kids will be in therapy because of their names. Guys, my kids will be therapy for LOTS of reasons, I’m sure.’
I feel sure that Dave Jones would never have been as successful as David Bowie but then again it’s good to see that his own son found fame as Duncan Jones and not Zowie Bowie. I once confessed to my boys a secret desire to call them River, Sky or such but they told me in no uncertain terms that they would have been
12
Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts
R
ICKSU HAIRDRESSING LTD
Lovin’ these summer days Book online at www.ricksu.co.uk 45 Church Street, Coggeshall
❅
01376 562160
www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk
❅ 13
What’s On General Aldham Old Time Rally Colchester Rd, White Colne CO6 2PP (off A1124) Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June 10.00am 400 exhibitors plus stalls, fair, food, bar and auction on Saturday. Adults £7.50, children free. Car Park. For more information please call 01787 221588.
Art Exhibition At St. Mary’s Old Church, Hall Road, West Bergholt, CO6 3DU Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June 11.00am – 4.00pm Budding and established artists display their talents. For a whole weekend, come and enjoy the talents and inspiration of local artists, as they exhibit in St. Mary’s Old Church. There is no charge to exhibit, and no charge to view the exhibition, but we will be grateful to receive donations towards the cost of caring for the church.
Nayland Horticultural Society Visit to Pashley Manor, East Sussex Wednesday 5th June leaving Nayland at 9.30am All the ingredients of the English Country Garden are present in these award winning gardens - sweeping herbaceous borders, ha ha, lawns, box hedges, historic walled garden, inspiring kitchen garden, wildlife, venerable trees and the Grade I listed house as a
backdrop. £25 for travel and entry. To book or for more information see the website, contact Trevor on 262022 or send an email to trevor.smy24@gmail.com.
Wormingford Family Fun Day At Wormingford Village Hall Sunday 21st July 11.00am – 3.00pm Bouncy castle, facepainting, stalls, tasty BBQ, delicious cakes and lots of fun and games. In aid of Wormingford Recreational Trust.
Mount Bures Flower Festival At Mount Bures Church and around the village Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June 10.00am – 5.00pm White Dragon Archery activity for children and adults – experience the thrill of shooting arrows and 14th Century historical re-enactment with exciting sword fighting, Bush Craft Survival skills, Clog Dancers (Sunday) and local musicians. Delicious gourmet burgers and pulled pork from local Colletts Farm Kitchen, beautiful flowers in the church, Open gardens, plant stall, scarecrow competition, books, bric-a-brac, cakes and raffle. Opportunity to buy metal artwork and garden furniture. Celebration Service in church on Sunday at 6.00pm.
Bures Music Festival 10th-14th July More details on the back cover.
Reach for the stars! At St Mary’s Church, Kelvedon Saturday 6th July 3.00pm - 6.00pm Launching water bottle rockets will be just one of the games marking 50 years since the first moon landing. Along with all the favourite stalls including books, bric-a-brac, cakes, plants, raffles and tombolas there will be a chance to find aliens in the church and visit the“Man in the Moon” beer tent and barbecue.
Vintage Fair At Cressing Temple Barn, Witham Rd, Cressing, Braintree CM77 8PD Sunday 30th June 10.30am A family friendly day filled with live music, dancing, food, classic cars and vintage stalls. Tickets are £5 for adults, £4 concessions and under 16s are free. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a short lead at all times. They are not allowed inside the barns. For further details please contact the fundraising team on 01245 380719 or email fundraising@ helenrollason.org.uk
Sudbury 1940’s Vintage Revival At the Sports Field of The Delphi Centre Sudbury Saturday 22nd June 10.00am – 5.00pm A great day out for all the family with vintage cars including American on display all pre-1960 and military vehicles. An arena area for demonstrations by the local historic society dressed in 1940’s attire
and other groups. Vintage stalls with bygones and memorabilia, including clothes, vinyl records, jewellery, handbags and accessories. A1940’s Hair Stylist and make up for the ladies by“Hairaid Shelter.” DJ Music from “Chocs Away for Dancing” with swing dancing in the 1940’s style and live music. Traditional Fairground amusements and stalls. £4 per person, under 16’s free.
Rowhedge Regatta Saturday 22nd June Family fun both on and off the water, plenty of activities to enjoy during the day with live music on the quayside. Free entry.
Taste of Sudbury Food and Drink Festival At St Peter’s Church and Market Hill, Sudbury Sunday 9th June 10.00am – 6.00pm 60 small scale producers will attend the event and 8 Suffolk chefs will run free, interactive cooking demos on a kitchen theatre stage. Additional demonstration areas, outside bars, lots of opportunities for tastings and large informal seating areas. It is totally free to enter so join us for a tasty, fun-filled day out for all the family. For more information please call 07704 627973 or visit www.tasteofsudbury.co.uk
Summer Sleepout At Abbotts Hall Farm, Great Wigborough CO5 7RZ Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th June 2.00pm (Sat) – 11.30am (Sun) Get even closer to nature and enjoy a relaxing
What’s On overnight stay including wildlife activities and camp fire on our working coastal farm and nature reserve situated on the Blackwater Estuary. Toilets and shower are available, as well as free hot drinks, but please bring your own tent, camping equipment, food for the BBQ and a gas hob if you wish to have a hot breakfast. Adult £20, couple £36, child (aged 6 - 17) £10, Family (2 Adults + 2 Children aged 6 - 17) £52. For more information please visit www.essexwt.org.uk or call 01621 862960.
Colchester Medieval Festival & Oyster Fayre Market At Colchester Castle Park Saturday 15th Sunday 16th June 10.00am – 5.00pm Medieval stalls selling all sorts of wonderful historic crafts, entertainers from the period. Story tellers, live music, mummers, mimers, rhymers, beggars, peddlars. Soak up the atmosphere of the market and revel in the joys of the fayre. Modern craft area, wonderful food court with medieval and modern delicacies. Picnic areas.‘The Pikestaff Inn’ selling real ale, mead, wines and chilled lagers. £8 per day per adult. £4 per day per child (Under 14). £16 per day family pass (2 adults and 2 children under 14). More information from https:// www.foodanddrinkfestivalsuk. co.uk/colchester-medieval-fayre/
Events at the East Anglian Railway Museum Father’s Day Steam Up! Sunday 16th June 10.00am – 4.30pm Steam trains for rides and pump trolley. New train-themed play area, museum, vintage carriages and signal boxes. Take a peek into our working Restoration Shed and we’ll be running our‘Taster for a Tenner’so Dad (or anyone over 18yrs) can have a go at driving a diesel locomotive for just £10! East Anglian Traction Engine Society display. Adults £10, children £5 (4 – 15), under 4’s and Dads are free. An Extraordinary Steampunk Fair Sunday 21st July 10.00am – 4.30pm Suitably attired in all your splendour, you may enjoy the delights of Ichabod Steam and his animatronic band, free-style hulahooping, tea-duelling and, emerging from his dungeon especially for this day, the legendary Herr Doktor. Vintage steam trains will be running all day long, set in amongst a plethora of historic wagons, coaches, signal boxes and Victorian architecture. A Steampunk Market selling gadgets, gizmos and general paraphernalia and our very own miniature pub, the Viaduct Tavern, will be open serving bottled ales, wine, unusual ciders and soft drinks. Also Escape Rooms which have limited capacity and must be prebooked via the website.
Adults £10, children £5 (4 – 15), under 4’s free. East Anglian Railway Museum, Chappel Station, Colchester CO6 2DS For more details please call 01206 242524 or email: www.earm.co.uk/whats-on.
Paint Out Day At Flatford Mill, Flatford, East Bergholt CO7 6UL Friday 21st June 10.30am – 4.00pm Outdoor painting day lead by leading‘plein-air’ painter Roy Connelly. This is a free event, open to all levels, and just a way to have fun painting together. Roy Connelly’s paintings of the Stour Valley will be on show in the National Trust’s Boat House Gallery. Parking is 200 yards from Bridge Cottage in the National Trust car park. £4 per car or free to National Trust members. Disabled parking available on site. Shop, toilets and tearoom serving cakes and light lunches open from 10.00am – 5.00pm. For enquiries or to book please email sarah.milne@nationaltrust.org.uk
Open Gardens Colne Engaine Open Gardens Sunday 9th June 10.00am – 6.00pm Over 15 village gardens to enjoy including beefriendly plots, country gardens and smaller courtyards. Lovely new gardens added this year, visit our allotments and rescue donkeys. Vintage style tea and cakes, plants for sale and stalls. Entry £5 per adult (children under 16 free). Tickets available in advance from Poplar
Nurseries, Ziel, Earls Colne and Colne Engaine Shop and village green on the day. Proceeds to NSPCC, St Andrew’s Church and Colne Engaine Village Hall Fund.
Eight Ash Green and Fordham Heath Open Gardens Sunday 2nd June 11.00am – 5.00pm Gardens, allotments, community garden, church wood, artist’s studio, new landscaping for glamping site. Programmes £3 per person from The Cricketers, Spring Lane, or The Retreat, (garden 1) Wood Lane. All proceeds to The Herts and Essex Air Ambulance.
Coggeshall’s Sensational Open Gardens Sunday 2nd June 2.00pm - 6.00 pm This year the senses take centre stage! We will be picking out scented roses, spikey thistles, water features and wind chimes – features that contribute to the sights, sounds, feels and tastes which make the gardens special. We have something for the whole family – our legendary teas, a chance to stock up on plants of all sorts, see how bees make honey, watch two displays of model trains and keep cool with ice-creams! For more information please call Sarah Phillips on 07798 847632
What’s On continued over page
What’s On Aldham Open Gardens Sunday 9th June 11.00 – 5.00pm More than a dozen gardens open of all shapes and sizes with loads of interest for everyone. Plenty of refreshments, plant, cake and book stalls and an art exhibition. Mini buses to ferry people around. Pick up the bus from Mill Race Garden Centre on New Road. Proceeds to church fabric fund, village hall and 3 charities, For more information please visit www.aldhamopengardens.co.uk
Nayland Open Gardens Sunday 9th June 2.00pm - 6.00pm A good number of gardens of all sizes will be open in this medieval River Stour village in the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The event is organised by the Nayland with Wissington Conservation Society. Teas in the Village Hall from 2.30pm. Plant sales at various gardens. Proceeds go towards local conservation projects. £5 per ticket from any garden or the Village Hall.
Sudbury Open Gardens Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June 1.00pm - 5.00pm Saturday, 11.30am - 5.00pm Sunday Come along to see natural beauty in approx. 28 gardens, refreshments, bric-a-brac sales, exhibitions, and much more. All proceeds to St
Nicholas Hospice Care. £4 adults, accompanied children free. Tickets are available from the Sudbury St. Nicholas Hospice Care shop, Tourist Information Centre, the Open Gardens stall outside Town Hall on market days, and from gardens on the day.
Boxford Open Gardens Sunday 2nd June 11.00am - 4.00pm Come and enjoy a great day out for all the family in the beautiful villages of Boxford and neighbouring Groton and Edwardstone. Large and small gardens and of many different types - cottage, courtyard, riverside and contemporary. Cakes, light lunches and cream teas in the Villlage Hall. There will be plant-related stalls and a cake stall in front of the school hall. The church tower will be open for breathtaking views. Free shuttle bus from the village centre. All proceeds from the day will benefit Boxford St Mary’s Church. £6 adults, accompanied children free. Buy entry at any of the open gardens.
Music Colchester Symphony Orchestra - Russian Programme At St Botolph’s Church, Colchester Saturday 1st June 7.30pm Our programme is Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite;
Tchaikovsky - Symphony No 4 and the Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla by Glinka. Tickets are £15, £13 (concessions). Under 25s are admitted free to all our concerts. Tickets are available on the door or may be reserved in advance by calling 01206 271128 or emailing csosecretary@ colchestersymphonyorchestra.org.uk Please see www. colchestersymphonyorchestra.org.uk
Free Music Recitals
or www.facebook.com/ colchestersymphonyorchestra for further information.
Saturday 1st June 3.00pm
Colchester Organ Society At Thomas Lord Audley School, Monkwick Avenue, Colchester CO2 8NJ. On the first Friday of each month 7.45pm 10.15pmLive keyboard concerts with music to suit all tastes, featuring top musicians from around the country. Friday 7th June Paul Carmen. Friday 5th July Dirkjan Ranzijn. £4 members, £6 non members. Refreshments and raffle. Ample parking inside school grounds. Free one off entry for two non members upon production of this advert (Friday concerts only). For more information please contact Alan Pilgrim on 01787 269458 or email alanwpilgrim@tiscali.co.uk
At St Andrew’s church, Park Lane, Earls Colne. Thursday 13th June and Thursday 11th July 12.30 – 2.00pm Open to all, refreshments available.
More ‘Goings On’ At Stoke by Nayland Village Hall
An afternoon of music, entertainment and fun. Tea /coffee and cakes. Super raffle prizes. Admission by programme, £1.50 on the door. A charity concert for the ‘Friends of Fern’. Supporting victims of all forms of sexual abuses, especially children and young people. Organised by Patricia Brindley and Emma Bishton.
60’s Night in aid of Cancer Research UK At Marks Tey Parish Hall, Old London Road, Marks Tey CO6 1EN Saturday 8th June 7.30pm – 11.30pm Live 60’s music from Steve Hall supported by DJ Al. Donation Bar, Bring your own nibbles, raffle. Tickets £7.50. For more information please call 07853 281491.
What’s On Drama and Dance
Cinema
All Hail Macbeth
Nayland Village Hall Cinema
At The Lakeside Theatre, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ
At Nayland Village Hall Doors open 7.00pm, starts 7.30pm
Wednesday 26th June 7.30pm
Interval for ice creams and refreshments, wine and beer available at the bar. Tickets £5 adults, £2 16 and under payable on the door. For more information please see www. naylandandwiston.net or contact karenfreeman@ suffolkonline.net
It’s 2019 but for three young women in the city it still feels like the 1950s. But that’s about to change when Cate walks into their lives and shows them what being a witch should be about. All Hail Macbeth mixes comedy and high drama, with more than a little bit of magic, to tell the backstory of the Three Witches in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Adults £12, University of Essex students £5. For more information please visit lakesidetheatre.org.uk
IDC19 with the Ilaz Dance Company At the Headgate Theatre, Colchester Friday 12th – Saturday 13th July 7.00pm. Saturday matinee at 2.00pm A dance and song spectacular featuring some of Colchester’s most talented performers. A fusion of ideas and styles, from tap to contemporary and street to musical theatre. With songs spanning across decades, this promises to be an enjoyable performance for all ages. Tickets: £15, £12 (OAP, FTS, under 16’s, disabled). For more information or to book tickets please visit www. headgatetheatre.co.uk or call 01206 366000.
Friday 14th June Loving Vincent (PG13) A biographical drama film about the life of the painter Vincent Van Gogh. It is the first fully painted animated feature film. Friday 12th July Vice (15) The story of Dick Cheney, the most powerful Vice President in history, and how his policies changed the world as we know it. Friday 26th July The Keeper (15) The extraordinary story of German POW Bert Trautmann who stayed on in England at the end of the war and went on to be signed by Manchester City, securing victory for his team in the 1956 Cup Final despite a broken neck.
Dedham Films At The Assembly Rooms, High St, Dedham Doors open 7.00pm for 7.30pm start. If there is a suitable break in the film, there is a 15
minute intermission for drinks at the bar and ice cream. Open seating at all our screenings. Tickets are £4. Limited tickets on the door so please buy your tickets at the previous screening or as soon as you can from Shakespeare House Gallery, Dedham High Street or online at www.dedhamfilms.co.uk
Saturday 1st June
Wednesday 19th June
Saturday 6th July
‘The Favourite’ (15)
‘Sometimes Always Never’ (12)
Starring Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone. Period black comedy with lashings of lust, intrigue and deceit. Wednesday 17th July ‘Stan and Ollie’ (PG) Starring Steve Coogan and John C. Riley. Laurel and Hardy, the world’s most famous comedy duo, attempt to reignite their film careers as they embark on what becomes their swan song – a gruelling theatre tour of post-war Britain.
Leavenheath Village Hall Digital Cinema At Leavenheath Village Hall, Wrights Way, Leavenheath Doors open 7.00pm for 7.30pm start. Refreshments (wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee) will be available before the film starts and during the interval. Tickets £3.50 per adult and £2 per child. Reserve your seat online at www.leavenheath.org. uk or please call Lesley 01206 262505 or Ken 01206 263266 for tickets.
‘Green Book’ (15) Starring Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali. A working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver of an AfricanAmerican classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South.
Starring Bill Nighy, Sam Riley. A detective fantasy / family drama where a love of words helps a father reconnect with a missing son.
Talks and Workshops Colne Valley Flower Club At the Orpen Hall, West Bergholt 7.30pm. Visitors always welcome. For further details please call Manya on 07759 331719 Wednesday 19th June – demonstration by Vicky Hease, ‘Treasured Moments Part 11The Missing Years’ Wednesday 17th July - This is our members meeting and takes the form of a workshop lead by a member of our Area Group.
What’s On continued over page
What’s On Acting for Camera + self-taping 2 day Workshop At The Headgate Theatre, Colchester Saturday 8th Sunday 9th June 10.00am – 4.00pm Run by Amy Cudden (Professional Actor and Lecturer at LAMDA), this workshop will introduce participants to the basics of acting in front of a camera. We will explore techniques and work with material in order to become confident on screen. Participants will be working with scripts, either their own (3-4 minutes) or one supplied, which can be sent out beforehand. There will also be a session on ‘self-taping’ and why is it so important for auditions today. £60 for both days (£35 self-taping workshop only - Sunday 2.00pm -4.00pm). For more information please visit www. headgatetheatre.co.uk
Fishing for Beginners At Highwoods Country Park Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JR Sunday 9th June 11.00am – 3.00pm
A practical course for beginners to learn the basics of water safety, equipment, bait types and fish species. Let us know if you need to borrow equipment. Suitable for adults and children ages 7+. Meeting point: outside the Visitor Centre. Tickets £6, booking essential from the Visitor Information Centre in Hollytrees Museum, Castle Park or by calling 01206 282920. Purchases cannot be made at the event.
Things for Children Young Children’s Festival At Colchester Castle Park Saturday 15th June 10.30am – 4.00pm An inclusive, fun day out for young families with free activities like art, craft, sport, music and dance plus the aim of signposting to sources of advice and support. We aim to make all families feel included, whatever their background, needs or means. A funfair and a range of food stalls are also available. This year’s theme is ‘Lets Play. The Festival is in association with Colchester Borough Council’s
LiveWell campaign and Community360. For more information please visit www.colchester-events. co.uk/event/youngchildrens-festival-3/
Den and Survival Games At Highwoods Country Park, Colchester CO4 5JR Wednesday 31st July 10.00am 12.00 noon Can you build a den that can stand up to the ‘rain shower’ test with you and your ‘tribe’ inside? Plus, create a piece of natural art to take home. Wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear. Suitable for ages 6+. Tickets £4.40 from Hollytrees Museum or by calling 01206 282920.
Farmers markets Please note that some dates may be liable to change so for more information contact individual markets for details.
Lavenham Farmers Market The Village Hall, Lavenham Sunday 23rd June and Sunday 28th July at 10.00am - 1.30pm
Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973
Colchester Farmers Market The Arts Centre, Colchester Friday 7th June and Friday 5th July at 9.30am - 2.00pm Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973
Wivenhoe Farmers Market Congregational Hall, Wivenhoe Saturday 15th June and Saturday 20th July at 9.30am – 2.00pm Contact Rowley Castiglione 01206 367776
Sudbury Farmers Market St Peters Church, Sudbury Friday 28th June and Friday 26th July at 9.30am - 2.00pm Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973
Long Melford Farmers Market Long Melford Village Hall Saturday 8th June and Saturday 13th July 9.30am – 1.00pm Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973
The Connection has listed all the events in What’s On in good faith. We cannot accept responsibility for inaccuracies, changes to events or cancellations. It might be advisable to check with venues before attendance.
Feature your not for profit, village, community or charity events in our What’s On pages by emailing your listing to info@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk We also welcome details of slimming groups, keep fit classes, language courses, farmers markets, boot sales and regular clubs, groups and societies.
Next issue: August / September. Published 18th July 2019.
Deadline date for entries in the next issue 5th July. www.facebook.com/TheConnectionMagazineColchester
SUNDAY 21 ST JULY
STEAM PUNK MARKET RIDE ON VINTAGE STEAM TRAINS
ICHABOD STEAM AND HIS ANIMATRONIC BAND
LIVE MUSIC & DANCING
VICTORIAN STATION BUILDINGS
ESCAPE ROOMS
HERR DOCKTOR
www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk 19 East Anglian Railway Museum, Chappel Station, Colchester, Essex CO6 2DS T : 01206 242524
Matt Banks has been creating quirky homes on wheels and rustic hideaway cabins long before George Clarke came onto the scene with his Amazing Spaces!
Having travelled far and wide, his most recent commission has bought Matt full circle from Aldham and back to Suffolk. He has recently completed a truck conversion nick named Ruby Rose for Andreea Ionescu who is a childrens’ social worker. Andreea is in the process of setting up a community interest company called EarthKeepers which aims to utilise green care such as animal care and social and therapeutic horticulture to promote wellbeing. Her website is www.earthkeepers.org.uk and on there Andreea has a blog where she’s been talking about her Ruby Rose build.
For the last 25 years he has travelled extensively gathering a wealth of experience and learnt that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Matt started his unconventional career in the late 1980’s as a teenager helping his father in the family display business based in Aldham. Here he helped make props for shop window displays for stores such as Topshop, Wallis, House of Fraser and Selfridges. Later on, in his early twenties, he was working at a salvage and reclamation yard called Shiver my Timbers in Cornwall where he learnt the art of discovering old, unique and interesting objects and then repurposing and incorporating them into his bespoke one of a kind buildings. He then travelled to Australia, Asia, Africa and Thailand where he got more building experience before returning home and converting a vintage Bedford coach into a cafe and then travelling to music festivals.
So where is he now?
He’s now living with his partner Satya. Satya has a successful Circus Theatre Company called Incandescence, which has toured worldwide from Myanmar to Bolivia creating shows for Beyonce, Take That, Glastonbury Festival, amongst others! As well as building bespoke cabins, he and his team also build props for Satya’s circus company and fantasy stage sets for well known music festivals. He is currently converting a vintage Green Goddess fire engine into a tiny home that he and Satya will live in Cornwall.
Photographs of Ruby Rose taaken by Aaron Jenkins.
Andreea says “Living in my truck house as I like to call it
is a surreal experience but almost feels like it should have always been this way. Living off grid and being immersed in nature is something which Ruby-Rose allows me to do beautifully. Matt has done a great job in making it feel like a house, rather than a camper, with luxury finishings and all the conveniences a house brings but into a smaller space, such as a full size shower. The attention to detail is great with clever uses of window space and capturing light. He used some of my old furniture and put it all into the build, hence it gives it its own quirky look of a mish mash of different things rather than a pre-fabricated look. Repurposing is also important in the green care sense in terms of upcycling and recycling rather than buying more things and Matt was really flexible with what I wanted him to use in the build. Matt was meticulous in trying to keep within the limitations of the build such as the budget constraints as well as keeping within the 7.5 tonne weight limit which was a huge challenge but managed it. Although being off grid has it’s inconveniences it is also quite liberating and you feel more responsible for your environment and the way you live”.
What’s next?
Matt and Satya live half of the year in Cornwall and the rest of the time in their recently renovated house in northern Spain set in 2 acres of beautiful countryside.
Matt says “Our base in Spain will become an eco artists
retreat in 2020, a creative centre of learning, offering quirky accommodation for guests to stay in. We will be running courses in circus skills, yoga and art and offering outdoor activities too. However, when I’m in Cornwall I will still be up for the challenge of converting any vehicles into beautiful tiny living spaces and building eco chalets out of salvaged materials - anywhere in the UK”. Matt can be contacted by email;
E: matt@mattbankstouchwoodcarpentry.com Go to his website to see examples of his work
W: mattbankstouchwoodcarpentry.com Andreea’s website
ROB BREWER Tree Surgery Landscaping Hedge trimming Fencing NPTC Qualified Fully Insured 01206 210209 07583 953576 rbtreeservices@hotmail.com
• Landscaping • Construction Based in Mount Bures, we work throughout Essex and Suffolk in all areas of hard and soft landscaping. Any size job welcome, call Mark for your free, personal quote.
Hedge and Tree Planting Fencing and Gate Installation Brick Walls and Patios Tree Felling and Pruning Turf Laying and Decking
www.richardsonlandscapes.co.uk 07742 696766
G & W FENCING
www.earthkeepers.org.uk
All types of domestic fencing provided
Satya’s Circus Theatre Company
We are a friendly local company with over 10 years experience, fully insured, covering areas around the Essex and Suffolk border. Please contact us for a free quote and no obligation advice.
www.incandescence.co.uk Instagram: @incandescence_circus
Contact Paul: 07967 962374 / 01787 228740 www.gandwfencing.co.uk • gandwfencing@gmail.com
Garden buildings: Take the inside out reasonable amount of garden to enjoy. What do you need the structure for? If it is simply a cosy nook in which to relax, a small, circular gazebo with a diameter of two or three metres may suffice, while a craft room, for example, would need to be more spacious, and a home office perhaps larger still.
A well-designed outdoor structure can make a wonderful addition to a garden. Albeit practical and indispensable for storage, why be satisfied with a humble garden shed when other garden buildings can be more glamorous and equally useful? From pavilions to pods, summerhouses to shepherd’s huts, all sorts of structures are possible provided you have the outdoor space. They take many forms and will enhance the overall look of your garden, too.
Most garden buildings are considered ‘permitted development’, but check with your local authority as to whether
Most garden buildings are considered ‘permitted development’
you’ll need planning permission. If the structure is going to be larger than 15 square metres, or used for sleeping in, then it will have to pass building regulations, too. Without planning permission you can’t put Start by assessing your outside an outbuilding in your front garden, space and considering the available nor can it be higher than 2.5m if it’s area – it is important to leave a
within two metres of a boundary. Consider how close you want the room to be to your house, whether the ground is sloping, where there are trees or other potential obstructions, how the sun falls at certain times of the day, and which way you want the windows and door to face. Next, function: do you want heating, lighting, plug sockets and maybe a kitchenette or bathroom? If so, consider how you will connect utilities. Insulation is vital (think walls, floors and roof if the space is going to be used beyond the summer months), and so is good security. If anything valuable is going to be stored, glass windows (perhaps even double glazed) are better than plastic, and a sturdy door with a proper lock will be necessary. Some may prefer rustic simplicity, perhaps a yurt with solar lighting and a sheepskin rug, or a thatched rotunda with a deck chair and weather vane, but others may opt for full-on opulence, which may take the form of underfloor heating, bi-fold doors, a cinema set-up, a bathroom, a green roof or a hot tub. By Katherine Sorrell
With our Rollling Cab bin, we takke the essence of the traditional shepherd’s hut and spin it in our own unique way - taking inspiration from Scandinavian cabin culture, and more local fishing huts on the Suffolk coast. To provide maximum flexibility, we can customise each space to serve your needs whether you require a desk for home working, a bed and kitchen for visiting friends, or a serene minimal space for an artist’s studio. As standarddate all of21st our huts Publication March are fully insulated and heated for year-round use, with prices starting from £15,995 for a 13’x7’ cabin. https://www.houtt.co.uk 01223 926 505 07989 971711 hello@houtt.co.uk In nstagram@houttcabins
Instagram Inspired Are you an Instagram fan? We have lots of local instagram accounts in the Colchester area that have accumulated many followers. Here’s a few of my favourites. Colchester Streets An account by photographer Indre and her speciality is capturing people, fashion, events and art as seen on Colchester streets. She visits and features many of the businesses in town as well. All her pictures are so colourful.
@colchesterstreets
Browning Bros. A family run local business based in Great Tey that host wild weddings, corporate days and luxury camping holidays on their farm. Their pictures are mainly taken by professional photographers. Lots of inspiration for brides to be!
C J Wynn
Tree Services Professional tree work from a qualified and fully insured tree surgeon All forms of pruning Tree and stump removal Hedge trimming, reductions and removal
For a free quote or any enquiries please call Chris on 07704 572982 or 01787 223120 cjwynn_trees@outlook.com
@browningbros
Kay Prestney Kay is multi talented. Her pictures are always super inspiring. We get a daily inside glimpse into her working life. She’s managed to create the perfect career. Kay’s a magazine stylist, an advocate for sustainable interior design and also runs creative courses all over the country.
@kinship_creativedc
Tribeandus Featuring a Colchester family and their awe inspiring collection of indoor plants! They’re photographers, Creative Consultants and Stylists. They have a very interesting blog too.
W H I T E S FA R M
willow fences We specialise in weaving willow fences in situ. Our fences are tailormade to suit your Further information exact specification. please contact: Screens or fences, Angus Scobie curved or wall-mounted, 01787 227171 this organic material blends perfectly into all 07905 894869 natural environments. farm@whites-farm.co.uk
www.willowfences.co.uk Whites Farm, Bures Road, White Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2QF
@tribeandus
www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk
23
• Feed houseplants regularly – good fertilisers are available in garden centres. Choose those formulated specifically for the plants where possible, or those suitable for foliageor flowering houseplants. Specialist fertilisers are also available for cacti and African violets.
Houseplant Heaven Now is the time to give houseplants some TLC as they could do with some pampering! Check them over thoroughly and remove and dispose of any that are heavily infested with pests or infected by diseases. Once done, continue as follows… • Pick over remaining plants removing dead, damaged or discoloured leaves. Use sharp scissors, special ‘snips’ or miniature secateurs on tough leaf stems. • Houseplants usually respond well if repotted in late spring or very early summer, so if yours are pot-bound do this now. Check by carefully removing the plant from its pot – if the root system is quite congested, it’s usually time to move house. • When repotting, only move the plants up one pot size and use compost as similar as possible to their current compost. If in doubt, seek advice from your compost supplier. Ensure the compost is
free-draining and that there are crocks at the base of the pot. Consider adding additional grit or perlite to improve drainage. • Once repotted, place plants
Plants that have just been potted on will not require feeding for a couple of months in a cool, relatively stress-free environment for a week or two, away from hot or direct bright sunlight. Keep them adequately watered and the roots will move into the new compost. • Next, give them a bit of a bath, using well-moistened kitchen roll or cotton wool to wipe the leaves clean. Many of the more glossyleaved houseplants respond well to an application of leaf shine, but not all, so check before you start.
• Plants that have just been potted on will not require feeding for a couple of months, but both recently replanted and more established houseplants need regular watering, particularly as they start to grow and if they are in a fairly warm or sunny position. • Don’t place plants in too sunny a spot – they can get too hot or suffer from leaf scorching if placed too close to a southor west-facing window. Use an east- or north-facing windowsill where possible, or at least move them further back from the glass. Most houseplants benefit from being placed in dappled shade in the garden, and they should thrive provided you keep them fed and watered. • If treating yourself to new houseplants, make sure that the plant is well-suited to the position that you have lined up for it – it’s tempting to buy those that do well in really sunny situations, but if you only have a fairly shady windowsill it will suffer immensely over the winter months. By Pippa Greenwood
Visit www.pippagreenwood.com for advice, natural pest controls, stylish cloches, pretty plant supports, gardening tools and more. Or book Pippa for a gardening talk at your club.
24
Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts
Established 2002
Colchester Workhorse Paul Richardson
Groundworks 5 ton & 1.5 ton Diggers 6 ton Dumper Hedges Taken Out Drives & Ponds Dug Out
Garden Hedge Planting & Cutting Meadows Topping Rolling & Harrowing Tractor + Flail
Lawnmowers Serviced
CONTACT: 01206 241530 or 07889 805839 Email: colchesterworkhorse@hotmail.co.uk Friendly Service & FREE Quote
www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk
25
Fresh Cherry and Almond Cake This delicious fruity cake can be served warm as a dessert or cold as a classic afternoon tea cake.
Ready in: 1 hour 40 minutes, plus cooling time | Serves 8
Ingredients 225g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 225g golden caster sugar 225g self-raising flour 4 medium eggs, beaten 300g fresh cherries, pitted and halved 100g ground almonds 150g icing sugar
T IP
Extra fresh cherries, to decorate
26
Preheat the oven to 170C, fan 150C, gas mark 3. Grease a 20cm round deep cake tin with the extra butter and line the base and sides with baking paper. Place the butter and caster sugar in a large mixing bowl and using a handheld electric mixer beat together until very pale and creamy. Gradually pour in the eggs, beating well after each addition. If the mixture starts to separate slightly, stir in a spoonful of the flour. Sift over the rest of the flour and fold in gently with a metal spoon. Toss the cherries into half of the ground almonds, and fold into the mixture with the rest of the ground almonds. Spoon into the prepared cake tin and gently level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes, until the cake is risen, golden and a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool. Whilst the cake is still cooling make the icing: sift the icing sugar into a bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp warm water and mix to make a thin icing. Spoon the icing over the warm cake, allowing some to drizzle down the side. Decorate with extra cherries and serve warm or cold.
The fresh cherries will mostly sink during baking but this is perfectly normal, giving a moist fruity layer at the base of the cake. It’s best eaten within 2 days of baking. Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts
Non caustic Biodegradable products Fully Insured Trading standards approved and all technicians are CRB checked Trading since 2005 We clean all makes of cookers inc. Aga’s, Ranges, Raybburn, Microwaves, BBQ, allso cllean 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.
Contact Essex Ovencleaners
Telephone: 01245 451 003 Mobile: 07816 762 869 Email: info@essexovencleaners.co.uk
Lady Interior Decorator 20 years experience Does your home need decorating, but you have no time to do it?
Ring Alison Walters 01787 221937 Good Work/Quick & Tidy Colour & Design advice available
Holiday Chalet in Cornwall Merrifield Lodge
Situated in Paul, Cornwall on the outskirts of Mousehole. Available to be booked on Airbnb from mid June 2019. Delightfully quirky, cosy two bedroomed chalet which sleeps 3-4 people. Dog friendly accommodation and plenty of parking space available. Walking distance to local pub and a short walk into Mousehole, a beautiful historic fishing village with two beautiful beaches, cafe’s, restaurants and a general store. Only three miles from Penzance and major supermarkets.
www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk
27
Spot the Difference
There are ten differences - can you find them?
Spot the Difference Answers on page 31.
Matt Thorn : Fencing Household & Garden Fencing Your local trusted & experienced Fencer • • • • • • •
Free Quotes & Advice All types / styles of fence installed Concrete posts & gravel boards Treated timber posts & gravel boards Close board fencing Various heights of fence panels available Old fence dismantling & disposal
For all your fencing needs please call
Matt 07765 565616
Email matthewthorn@ymail.com Greenacres Farm Vernons Road Chappel www.greenacresfarm.net
TA PLASTERING
Plastering, screeding, render & drylining Established, reliable family run business For a free quotation call Steve on
Mobile 07951 716336 Office 01787 269832 taplastering@aol.co.uk
28
MOBILE EAR WAX REMOVAL We provide a Professional Ear irrigation service in your own home. This service is provided by a Registered Nurse (RGN) with over 35 years of experience.
One Ear £25 - Two Ears £40 Discounted rates apply for more than one person per household We are fully insured
07969 541201
Call us today to book a visit or for more Email: debbie_jrvs@yahoo.co.uk information on
Please mention The Connection when responding to adverts
Useful Numbers Local Schools Dog Grooming
St. Peter’s C of E Primary School Tel: 01376 561328 Honywood Community Science School
Dog grooming for all breeds. Price depends on breed and size. Micro chipping service available.
call toDay to arrange an aPPointMent 07766 418529 dooglesdoggrooming6 www.dooglesdoggrooming.com
Tel: 01376 561242 West Bergholt Surgery Tel: 01206 241137 Marks Tey Surgery
Tel: 01376 561231
Tel: 01206 213513
Kelvedon St. Mary C of E Primary School
Tollgate Health Centre Tel: 01206 710030
Tel: 01376 570411
Stanway Surgery
Feering C of E Controlled Primary School
Tel: 01206 572372
Tel: 01376 570296
city and guilds levels 2 and 3 in Dog grooming
Coggeshall Surgery
The Pump House Surgery/Earls Colne
Earls Colne Primary School and Nursery
Tel: 01787 222022
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 Tel: 01787 269300 Great Tey C.E Controlled Primary School Tel: 01206 210415 Fordham All Saints C of E Primary School Tel: 01206 240251 Copford C of E Primary School Tel: 01206 210439 Stanway Primary School Tel: 01206 574819 St. Mary’s Lower School Tel: 01206 211242 Stanway Fiveways Primary School Tel: 01206 574849 Holy Trinity C.E. Primary School Eight Ash Green & Aldham Tel: 01206 240880 Soaring High Montessori Coggeshall Tel: 01376 564392 Stoke by Nayland C.E. V.C.P School Tel: 01206 262418 Nayland Community Primary School Tel: 01206 262348
Doctors Kelvedon and Feering Health Centre Tel: 01376 572906 Kelvedon Surgery Tel: 01376 574560
Bures Surgery Branch Surgery Tel: 01787 227529 Hardwick House Group Practice Tel: 01787 310000 Nayland Surgery Tel: 01206 262202
Village Halls Aldham Village Hall Tel: 01206 240682 Mount Bures Tel: 01787 228753 Bures Community Centre Tel: 01787 227278 Nayland Tel: 0774 895 3175 Stoke by Nayland Tel: 01206 262943 Wormingford Tel: 01787 228615 Feering Community Centre Tel: 01376 572467 Great Tey Village Hall Tel: 01206 210248 White Colne Village Hall Tel: 01787 221919 Colne Engaine Village Hall Tel: 01787 223668 Earls Colne Village Hall Tel: 01787 224370 Bures Community Centre Tel: 01787 227278 Eight Ash Green Village Hall Tel: 01206 540245 Copford Village Hall Tel: 01206 211235 Chappel and Wakes Colne Tel: 07771 622525
29
Index of Advertisers Building Services Broadband Provider Cabin Builder Childrens Activity Camp Children's Nursery Dog Groomers Decorators Ear Wax Removal Florist Fencing Flooring Garage Shutter Doors Gift shop Garden Design Groundworks
Garden Services Hedge & tree planting Homewares Home Improvements Hairdressers Interior design Lawnmower Servicing Landscaping Music Festival Oven Cleaning Pest Control Plasterer Pilates Plumbing & Heating Railway Museum
31 5 21, 22 9 2 29 27 28 9 21, 23, 28 11 25 11 29 25
21, 25 21, 23, 25 11 31 13 11 25 21 32 27 31 28 7 29 19
Roofing Removals School Storage Swimming Lessons Swimming Pool Tree Surgeon Willow Fences
7 31 2 31 13 9 21, 23 23
SUDBURY
River
Assington
Stour
A131
Stoke by Nayland
Bures
Pebmarsh
Riv
er C
HALSTEAD oln
e
Greenstead Green
Nayland
Mount Bures Wormingford
Colne Engaine
Earls Colne
White Colne Wakes Colne Chappel
Great Tey
A131
Aldham
Fordham River
Stratford St Mary Dedham
Little Horkesley
Colne
Boxted
A12
West Bergholt Braiswick
A120
Eight Ash Green
COLCHESTER Copford
A120
Coggeshall
Lexden A12
Feering Kelvedon
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. All adverts are published in good faith using information supplied by each company, on the understanding that relevant permissions for copy and images have been obtained. The Connection does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. 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.
DAY &THOMPSON
BUILDING SERVICES
Renovation Loft Conversions Garden Rooms Bathroom Refits Driveways Fencing & Gates
Extensions Conservatory’s Kitchen Refurbs Windows Patios Fully Insured
For a Quote & Quality Service
01376 563055 07850 239373 www.treetopservices.net info@treetopservices.net
An established Arborist and Tree Surgery Company based on the Essex/Suffolk borders FULLY INSURED AND N.P.T.C. QUALIFIED Tree Felling, Reductions, Pollarding, Thinning, Crown Cleaning and Hedge Trimming Tom has over 15 years experience working as a professional arborist. Please call Tom Veater regarding any enquiries or for a free quote
COMBAT PESTS LTD RATS - MOLES - WASPS MICE - ANTS - FLEAS Pests cause 20 Years Disease & Experience Destruction DOMESTIC - COMMERCIAL - INDUSTRIAL
Free Estimates
East Anglia's Premier Pest Control Company
Tel: 07758 305742 or 01787 267986 info@treetopservices.net www.treetopservices.net
Spot the Difference Answers 1.Oil on floor 2.Rivet 3.Mouth 4.Jumper Pattern 5.hair 6.robot eyes 7.spanner 8.trainer 9.robot finger 10.eyebrow
For all your pest control problems
Call 24 hour
01206 213738 Head Office: 22 Windmill Court, London Road, Copford, Colchester, CO6 1LH
31
A FU N DRAISI NG EVE NT FOR BU RES M USIC FESTIVAL CHARITABLE TRUST
1 0 T H - 1 4 T H J U LY 2 0 1 9 SU N DAY 14TH J U LY BIG TOP 12 NOON-9PM
NE W T OW N K INGS SOUL K I T CHE N J . S . & T HE L O C K E R B IL L IE S T H E I R O N B O O T S C R A P E R S FACE FURNITURE BEER VALLEY DRIFTERS B-FEST WINNER SATU R DAY 1 3TH J U LY BIG TOP 12 NOON-11.30PM
GUNS 2 ROSE S BON GIOV I T H E L O N G R U N F U N K 2 K S L AT E R ME NGE L M OE S D' UK E S BE E R GU T 100 F R I DAY 12TH J U LY BIG TOP 6.30PM-11.30PM
NINE BELOW ZERO IAN SIEGAL BAND BAY HORSE BOYS TH U RSDAY 11TH J U LY
JACQUI HICKSS JULIIANN MARRC STRIINGLEE LARRAIINE ODEELL - all with thhe Jazzznightts Trioo.
Jazznights presents in St. Mary's Church. Doors: 7pm
B-FESST
Shoowcase for yooung perfoormers inn the Big Top. Infoo and enntry foorm on ouur websitte. Gates: 6.30pm
WE DN ESDAY 10TH J U LY St. Mary's Church. Doors: 7pm. Only £7.
F UNNK Y VOIICEE S
EVENT TICKETS FRROMM £15 FESTIVAL PASS £50 (inn advance)) Ticketts availablee in Buures from m thhe Postt Offficee, inn Suddbuury froom Coompact Muusic or:
WWW.BURESMUSICFESTIVAL.COM BIG TOP MAIN STAGE • ACOUSTIC STAGE • CAMPING • LITTLE TOP BAR • FOOD • STALLS • KIDS' AREA
UNDERCOVER STAGES AND BAR COME RAIN OR SHINE
DESIGN BY BEAT MEDIA: wwwbeatmedia.co.uk