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Aug/Sept 2012 Issue 47

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Inside this issue...

Take a walk in Mersea

WIN ÂŁ25!

Plus...

Great cheap days out Essex Wildlife Trust Get the barbecue out!

What’s On Gardening Summer reading www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

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The Connection is delivered free to homes in Aldham, Fordham, Great Tey, Chappel, Wakes Colne, White Colne, Colne Engaine, Pebmarsh, at Bures , Little Horkesley, West Bergholt, Eight Ash Green, Coggeshall, Kelvedon and Earls Colne, Bures St Visit Mary, our Bureswebsite Hamlet, Mount Feering. Also available in Halstead, Sudbury, Assington, Stoke by Nayland, Nayland, Boxted, Dedham and Waitrose in Colchester.

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Hello

Inside

I hope you have all had a great time celebrating the Jubilee. I went along to Colchester to see the Olympic torch come through town and got completely drenched! It didn’t matter though - as luck would have it we saw the torches ‘kiss’ and I managed to get a quick snap on my iphone! . I met a few local children whilst I was there and they were over the moon with excitement which was really lovely.

Well, I have it on good authority that the weather is going to pick up! So with this in mind I have very optimistically included lots of summery articles in this issue. We have Summer reading ideas, hot tips for barbecues, picnic venues to visit, a glorious walk in Mersea and lots of inspiration for places to go in the What’s On pages. Hopefully the sun will shine for us after all!

8 Book reviews 10 Turn Back Time 14 Barbecues and Picnics 16 Number Cruncher 18-22 What’s On 24 River Colne Countryside Trust 26 Notice Board 30 Country Mutters 33 Essex Wildlife Trust 35 Gardening 38 Sudoku 40 Walk in Mersea 44 Useful Numbers 46 Index of Advertisers

We also have a fascinating article on page 10 all about a local resident, Peter Findley who has designed sets for numerous television programmes, films and commercials. His latest project took him to Morecambe where he produced ninety-five different room sets for the television programme - Turn Back Time.

Darren Tansley from the Essex Wildlife Trust has written a great piece all about the work he does on our Essex rivers and the challenges he has faced over the last few months. He supplied a great photo of a kingfisher (see right) taken by David L. Smith.

Finally, if you have recently retired, or your children have left home and you find you have time on your hands, you may need a fresh challenge to fill the void! There is an opportunity to help with a very worthwhile countryside Trust. See pages 24 and 25 for more details and if you have time come along to the meeting in September.

Enjoy the rest of the Summer and I will see you again in October.

Sarah.

Editor and Publisher: Sarah Banks Contributors: Amanda Findley, Darren Tansley, Pippa Greenwood.

Advertising & 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.

Competition winners from the last issue

£25 cash sudoku winner - Alison Logan from Wakes Colne.

Deadline date forVisit the our website at October/November 2012 issue 7th September 2012

Please get in touch if you want to advertise your business or if you have an event you want publicising. Call me on:

01787 210701 or email:

editor@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk 3 www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

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‘Coggeshall Montessori embraces children from birth through to eleven years old. It is our desire to support all children and their parents through the early years and primary education, nurturing self esteem, independence and a thirst for knowledge.

The Little Treasure Classes run during the week for children under three. Whether you are in the Music class, Heuristic play or Dance you know that your children are having fun. All the classes are designed around developmental theory so you can guarantee that they foster a child’s progress and development, unconsciously without you knowing it. Our Baby Massage classes are free and we are happy for you to come and trial any of the others – just ring the office to book a time to visit on 01376 562000.

Treasure Basket Class

Absolute Angels Montessori Nursery, established in 1999, takes children from two years old and has never been less than ‘Outstanding’. We welcome visitors at any time as the Montessori approach can sometimes be seeped in mystery!

The exciting thing for us is that the Early Years Foundation Stage, which all Nurseries are regulated by, sits beautifully with our ethos and practice. The children have free flow access to the outdoors throughout the session, with materials and resources available in all areas of learning at all times. As staff, we guide them through the various stages of development, at their own pace, ensuring that each child has their own goals and objectives. We sing, dance, cook, make and create, climb, run, laugh and enjoy! Please look out for our ‘Come and Explore’ sessions on Friday afternoons and also our Open Day on Saturday 20th October.

Soaring High Montessori School, recently inspected by Absolute Angels working in the Garden

Ofsted (please do look at the report) continues to grow from strength to strength. The Year 6 children have all been accepted into the Secondary schools of their choice, and have left us as highly independent, resourceful, motivated learners with respect for themselves, others and their community. We love working with children where they can grow as individuals, and they are not restrained by conventional lessons, doing the same thing at the same time as everyone else, self judging themselves against their peers. In its beautiful rural location, with 1:10 staff to child ratio, and the breadth of resources, Soaring High offers education of the highest quality. Please do call the office to organise a time to visit or join us on our Open Day.’

Visit our website at High. www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk Sarah Rowledge Jubilee Celebrations at Soaring

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It’s August, school’s out, and many of us will be taking off for our summer holidays.

Being on holiday is an ideal time for personal development reading. A change of environment is always stimulating; it gives us a different perspective and can often inspire new ideas. If you’d like to take some personal development reading with you, here are some recommendations. Three of my favourite books – all very different – but all of which I recommend highly.

Life Tip:

Summertime Reading

By Annabel Sutton

Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, by Susan Jeffers. Written in the 1980s, this is a self-help classic which aims to help the reader turn fear and indecision into confidence and action. It’s an excellent all-round personal development book which will help you to build the confidence to face your fears, make decisions and break out of your comfort zone.

The Artist’s Way – A course in discovering and recovering your creative self, by Julia Cameron. This book is wise, thoughtprovoking and practical, with a spiritual dimension that you can choose to embrace or not. It’s divided into twelve chapters, with

practical exercises to help you to nurture and develop your creativity.

An excellent book for anyone who wants to discover, or reignite, their creative and artistic talents.

Screw Work Let’s Play, by John Williams.

If you’re dis-satisfied at work and feel you’d like a change of career, this is ideal summer reading. Its premise is simple: figure out what you love to do and what you’re good at, find a way to monetise it and work will never feel like ‘work’ again. An easy, fun book to read with useful exercises.

Whatever your plans, I hope you have a wonderful summer.

Annabel Sutton is a Professional Certified Life Coach. For a FREE CONSULTATION call 01747 871196, email Annabel@annabelsutton.com or visit www.annabelsutton.com for more information.

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Book Reviews

Great Journeys In August’s haze, we dream of foreign lands and far off places. Whether your holiday transport’s a plane, train, automobile or simply your imagination, our books featuring great journeys will take you where you want to go.

Down Under Bill Bryson Bryson’s trip begins with him trying to remember the name of the Australian Prime Minister. Obviously, power has changed hands several times since he wrote Down Under but his awe of this ancient land is timeless.

Bryson’s ever-witty style and commentary is completely suited to the country that gave us the duck-billed platypus and the bouncing kangaroo. He’ll answer all those tricky questions you’re likely to have such as how to survive in the outback and what you should keep in your ‘esky’. It’s important information if you’re going to make it ‘Down Under’.

backdrop of political and social tension as people searched for an alternative to the American Dream, it’s extremely wacky.

On the Road Jack Kerouac Kerouac defined the Beat Generation and travelled cross-country to a soundtrack of jazz, drugs and poetry.

Told through the eyes of an alter-ego, On the Road sees Kerouac use his reallife friends, lovers and acquaintances as characters, and America as the backdrop.

It’s a personal quest for meaning and purpose.

Hailed as one of the greatest ever works of literature, it’s a real escape into a bohemian existence.

Eat, Pray, Love Elizabeth Gilbert Ambitiously and rather optimistically entitled ‘One Woman’s Search for Everything across Italy, India and Indonesia’, Gilbert’s memoirs made the New York Times bestseller list and stayed there for 187 weeks. The divorcee up sticks and goes on a voyage of discovery. Four months of eating her way across Italy, followed by three months in India, praying, her journey ‘ends’ in Bali where…well, I wouldn’t want to ruin it for you.

Fear and Loathing in Las The Beach Vegas Alex Garland Hunter S. Thompson Journey to the River Sea The Beach is a cautionary As if Las Vegas couldn’t Eva Ibbotson tale about the pit-falls of seem any more bizarre, For the adventurous the pursuit of pleasure. here comes Fear and child in us, Eva English backpacker Richard Loathing. This semiIbbotson’s story of is thrilled when he’s given a autobiographical Maia and her travels map that could lead him to novel’s based on along the Amazon a hidden beach, untouched two trips Hunter with her governess by the throngs of tourists in made to the oasis in will transport you Thailand. With two French Nevada, along with deep into the heart of friends in tow he sets out the attorney and the jungle. It’s a fastto find utopia. Inevitably, political activist Oscar Zeta paced children’s novel that’s paradise is quickly lost Acosta (appearing in the loved by adults. The novel as they encounter the novel as Raoul Duke and has an intricate plot and a isolated community. The his lawyer, Dr Gonzo). The rich diversity of character, group contends with novel is a witty commentary all full of wit. It’ll definitely food poisoning en masse, on the counterculture leave you wanting your own shark attacks and a Thai movement of the 1960s, adventure into the heart of militia; turning the idyllic 8 mention The Connection whena responding to adverts viewed throughPlease the drugdarkness.

If you can’t make setting into something that induced haze of Raoul and journey this summer then let resembles an episode of Dr Gonzo. Written against a Maia’s story whisk you away.

‘Lost’.

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Turn Back Time - The Family Peter Findley is a Suffolk based film and tv set designer who has worked on many drama productions from episode one of Eastenders to an Oscar nominated movie starring Daniel Day Lewis. As set designer he is responsible for creating the spaces in which the actors perform.

Everything, from the paint colour on the walls down to the choice of flowers in a vase is carefully chosen in order to make the viewer believe that they are looking into a real world.

But his latest production ‘Turn Back Time: The Family’ presented a new set of challenges. The series puts real families into a terrace of four houses and charts their experiences as they live their lives through different decades from the 1900’s up to the 1980’s.

So not only were there a large number of room sets which had to be presented in different period styles over a tight shooting schedule, but unlike conventional drama productions where the actors go home at night, the families actually lived in the houses. As Peter explains, ‘It wasn’t just a case of installing period kitchens or bathrooms, we had to make sure everything worked, from the range in the kitchen or oil lamps for the early decades, right through to finding working 1970’s toasters and washing machines’.

The production team found a row of five empty and dilapidated houses in Morecambe, Lancashire. One house became the production offices and the other four were transformed over the course of six months

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into a working class house, a middle class house and an upper middle class house created from two houses knocked together. Peter explains ‘When we started, the houses were just bare shells. We had to re-wire, re-plumb, put in walls, windows and new flues before we even started thinking about putting back the period details such as stained glass or picture rails’.

Historians researched the ancestry of the families taking part so that their experience during the series would directly mirror that of their long dead relatives.

So, the family who currently enjoy a good standard of living in the 21st century suddenly arrive to find themselves living the life of their working class ancestors struggling with a life of poverty in the early years of the 20th century.

Starting with the Edwardian period, the families live for five days in their houses learning how to cope with the particular challenges thrown at them and then the houses are transformed to the next period. Peter says, ‘It was fascinating to see the houses going through 75 years of change. We were very careful to make the interiors feel as real as possible and you can see by their reactions how the families were influenced by their surroundings - almost like actors taking on a role.’

And unlike conventionally filmed drama where what the camera sees is tightly controlled, in this case the camera followed the families to all corners of the houses so

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every element had to be authentic right down to the smallest detail.

Over the course of the series, Peter had to create ninety-five different period room set-ups and the turnaround from one period to the next was three - five days, during which time two construction teams worked around the clock to completely redecorate all the houses, install new fires, kitchens, bathrooms and furnishings.

Peter’s architectural background helped with his extensive research, but he was also able to draw on his own childhood memories for the 1960’s and 70’s.

Possibly his favourite room sets were from the 1930’s upper middle class house with it’s stylish, modern and exciting spaces.

But in spite of all these dramatic changes, it seems some things never changed. The downtrodden working class family had to endure an outside

toilet for weeks on end. It wasn’t until the 1960’s when they finally achieved the luxury of an inside bathroom. For Peter, this almost summed up a powerful message of the series. As he says, ‘Throughout the production, I tried to be as truthful as possible. We didn’t skimp on the misery of many people’s lives but I think you get an idea from how the families cope with these conditions that people in the past didn’t live in filthy surroundings by choice. People made the best of what they had.

They survived.’

For more information about the series visit the BBC website or Peter’s website: http://www.interzone-design.co.uk

Amanda Findley

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Picnics and barbecues Picnic venues

Home-Made Burgers

It’s the barbecue season and nothing tastes better than delicious home-made char-grilled burgers.

Follow these top tips for the best burgers around…

• Always choose good quality premium minced steak

for the best flavour but pick one that has some fat in it – don’t buy extra lean mince as the burgers will dry out too much during cooking. Try asking your local butcher to mince some rump or chuck steak with about 20% fat content. For four quarter pounder burgers you’ll need 500g mince.

• Mince is fairly bland so you’ll need to add plenty of flavouring. Grated or very finely chopped onion and minced garlic form the basic flavouring but you add whatever dried or fresh herb, spice or seasoning you like. You’ll need to add 5-10ml (1-2tsp) salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper too.

• A handful of fresh breadcrumbs and a little beaten egg will also help to bind the mince together and prevent the burgers from breaking up during cooking. Whizz all the ingredients in a food processor until the mixture starts holding together or use clean hands to mix as thoroughly as possible.

• Shape the burgers into round flat discs with wetted hands. To get perfectly round shapes press the mixture into a metal pastry cutter. Don’t over handle the burgers or they will be tough and dry when cooked.

• Ensure that burgers are cooked all the way through and there is no pinkness in the middle. To check this press the burger down with a fish slice – if there are pink juices oozing out then cook for a few more minutes.

• If you want a change from the classic sesame seed bun why not serve the cooked burgers on top of wedges of toasted ciabatta bread spread with a little mustard mayo or pack into warmed and split pitta breads with salad or coleslaw.

• Try a fresh tomato relish instead of ketchup – just peel and finely dice a couple of ripe plum tomatoes Please mention and mix with a little olive oil, fresh chopped basil, a pinch of sugar and salt and freshly ground black pepper.

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For those precious summer days when the sun shines, why not pack up your lunch and head out for a picnic?

For families with young children, pushchairfriendly sites with toilets and easy access are ideal.

High Woods Country Park has parking and a bus stop close to the Visitor Centre off Turner Rd in Colchester. A short walk takes you to picnic tables with a natural style adventure playground nearby.

Great Notley Discovery Centre and Country Park is just a couple of miles from Braintree Freeport and boasts a 100 acre country park with a mile long play trail with interactive physical and sensory play equipment along the way. Let the children take the lead and stop to eat when you feel like it.

For wilder, more peaceful venues, you could try heading off into the woods at Arger Fen near Bures or to the John Weston nature reserve by the sea at Walton on the Naze. Take the footpath from the Naze Tower and indulge in a spot of bird watching or just spread out the picnic blanket and relax.

Picnic loaf 1 large rustic round loaf of bread (approximately 22cm/8½in diameter) 8tbsp fresh pesto 250g mozzarella cheese 400g sun-blushed tomatoes A handful of fresh basil leaves 1 x 180g jar baby artichoke hearts (drained) or jar of roasted peppers 2 handfuls of olives, sliced 100g parma ham 1 Carefully cut a lid (approximately 8cm) off the top of the loaf using a sharp bread-knife and set the lid aside. Scoop out most of the bread, leaving the outer shell of the loaf. Using a large spoon, spread the fresh pesto evenly inside the base and sides.

2 Thickly slice the mozzarella cheese, then place the slices, the sun-blushed tomatoes, ham and olives neatly inside the bread on top of the pesto to make an even layer. Top with the basil leaves, followed by a layer of the baby artichoke hearts/ peppers.

3 Replace the bread lid and cover the whole loaf tightly in clingfilm. Place it in the refrigerator with a heavy weight on top (such as a plate) to pack when responding to adverts down, and allow to chill overnight. To serve, cut the loaf into thick wedges.

The Connection

Barbecue tips and recipes

Celebrated chef Mark David shares some barbecue tips and recipes with us. Mark runs courses from his premises in Hadleigh Suffolk

Sausage Marinade

Marinated Tiger Prawns

Marinate 16 butchers sausages in 2 tablespoons each of runny honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, worcester sauce for about 2 hours. Barcbecue in the usual way. CHEFS TIP!! - Half cook on the barby and finish off in the oven, speeds up the barby situation.

(Serves 4) 1 kg frozen shell-on (head off) prawns (Cold Water), thawed.

3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon blended sesame oil 1 tablespoon fruit vinegar 1 tablespoon sherry 2 chopped chillies (or 1 teaspoon chilli flakes)

Barbecued Stuffed Mushrooms Take 8 field mushrooms, remove the stalk.

Mix together 2 tablespoons of pine nuts, 4 finely chopped cloves garlic, 1 bunch of finely chopped spring onions, 1 finely sliced red pepper. 1 tub mascarpone cheese, 1 teaspoon curry powder, seasoning. Fill the mushrooms with the mixture. Wrap each mushroom in foil (2 layers), place on hot barby for about 4 minutes then move to a cooler bit. You can also finish these off in a moderate oven.

Mix the marinade. Add the prawns and allow to soak for a one hour. Put the prawns onto barbecue sticks, with shell on. Barbecue fast for about 5 mins each side.

Courses at the Cooking Experience Mark David’s cookery school The Cooking Experience will be running a one day course titled ‘Quick and Easy’ with some emphasis on barbecuing on the following two dates; the 3rd and 11th of August.

To book a place call: 01473 827568 email: info@cookingexperience.co.uk www.cookingexperience.co.uk

Winner of ‘Best farm shop in Essex’ Essex Life Fine Food and Drink Farm Shop of the Year Award - October 2011

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Number Cruncher 1

2

3

5

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13

4 7

10

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16 17

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22 25

26

23 27

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Across ŠPuzzlepress.co.uk 1. 203 squared plus 260 (5) 5. 8 Across multiplied by four (3) 6. 5 Across plus 14 Down plus nine (3) 8. One thirteenth of 7 Down (2) 9. Pounds in eight stone (3) 11. One fifteenth of 15 Across (2) 13. 22 Across multiplied by five (3) 15. 27 Across minus one eleventh of 25 Across (3) 16. 226 squared plus 292 (5) 17. 21 Across plus 3 Down minus four (3) 19. Inches in 12 feet (3) 21. One thirteenth of 13 Across (2) 22. 25 Across plus 28 Down (3) 24. One seventh of 14 Down (2) 25. 11 squared (3) A UNIQUE LOCATION IN THE 27. 13 Across plus 4 Down (3) 29. 166 squared minus 108 (5) PICTURESQUE COLNE VALLEY Down 1. Pints in five gallons (2) 2. 19 Across minus three (3) 3. 9 Across multiplied by six (3) 4. 28 Down multiplied by two (2) C R E S 4WO ! DEN 5. 11 Across plus 2 Down plus one eleventh of R A ' F O

25 Across (3) 0LANTS 7. 4 Down plus 14 Down plus 14 (3) 4REES 8. 242 squared minus 88 (5) s 2OWING "OATS ON 4HE 2IVER #OLNE 10. 106 squared plus 12 squared plus 4 squared s #OFFEE 3HOP 3ERVING ,IGHT ,UNCHES (5) s ,ARGE 3TOCK OF 'ARDEN &URNITURE ""1 S 12. 22 Across multiplied by 25 Across (5) s 3WALLOW !QUATICS 0ET 2EPTILE #ENTRE 14. 17 Across minus seconds in three minutes (3) OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9.00am - 5.30pm s SUNDAY 10.00am - 4.30pm 15. 13 Across plus 1 Down plus 4 Down (3) INCLUDING BANK HOLIDAYS 18. 5 Down plus 22 Down plus half of 1 Down (3) New Road, Aldham, Near Halstead, Essex CO6 3QT 20. Minutes in two hours plus 18 Down (3) Tel: 01206 242521 22. 22 Across minus 52 (3) www.millracegardencentre.co.uk 23. 1 Down plus 15 Down minus 27 (3) 26. Square root of 484 (2) 28.16 Months in four yearsmention (2) Please The Connection when responding to adverts Solution on page 43

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13/03/2012 17:30

Don’t let Wasps Spoil Your Summer

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As soon as you unpack your picnic or open a window to feel the summer warmth, in they come, buzzing around.

If you are lucky you won’t get stung but the further we get into summer the more aggressive and hostile wasps become. Most mature nests (which are generally built in houses or sheds) can accommodate up to 20,000 wasps and the nest be the size of a wardrobe!

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What’sOn On (Cont)...

What’s Events at Layer General Marney Towers

Interest

Table Sale Last DayTop of the Saturday 8th September Season - Charity Day

Tea Party Music

Delicious home Campaign to made cakes and light lunches available Protect Rural Essex in the church. Free entry.

Barn Dance

At Green Island Gardens, 10.30am - 1pm Harwich Royal Ardleigh, Colchester Sunday 30th September For further information British Legion Brass2pm At Coggeshall Refreshments.

Saturday 18th August Grange Barn 12noon - 5pm To book a stall please contact Sue Williams Band concert Town Show at £5 each please call Anne Saturday 18th August Join us for afternoon tea Family Fun and Dog Day. Ticket on 01376 562367 T: 01206 330784 6.30pm - 10.30pm or email on 01206 211624.

At Brightlingsea town centre salesFulcher At Halstead Gardens and enjoyPublic the beautiful donated to EACH (East sue.williams@ukf.net E: info@layermarneytower.co.uk Monday 27th August Sunday19th August£13 2pm.

Ceildh dancing to music by gardens. Tickets per Craft Fair Weekend Anglian Children’s Hospice).

W: www.layermarneytower.co.uk Nayland The Scampering Flower Rogues Show person.

To book please 27th 28th October Horticultural show with Free event, all welcome.

Colchester called by Mike Collins in Hall, the Farm Day call Canine Partners Essex 10am - 4.30pm At Nayland Village classes for flowers, vegetables, Free Festival fabulous 13th century National Fundraising Organ Office on Colchester Church Lane, Nayland cookery, handicrafts, flower Sunday 5th August Lots of different stalls selling TrustCO6 property.

0845 209 0750 or email Park Colchester Society Concerts arrangements, children’s work Castle 4JH Tickets £12.50 a wide variety of goods. For 12noon - 5pm Essex Hog Roast and lindsayh@caninepartners.org.uk. include Saturday August 25th 2012 and photography, open to Saturday 4th August details or to book a stall, At Alderman Blaxill Cider. Limited ticket All profits from this event will Essex Fun everyone. for all the family, with Also, dog show, 2pm - 5pm www.colchesterfreefestival.co.uk please call Anne Fulcher School, Road, in Essex. numbers: please apply by go toPaxman Canine Partners tractor rides, mini petting stalls including sideshows, on 01206 211624.

The01376 annual572023 show has ringing or 87 Colchester. Doors open andrides, refreshments. area,raffles donkey scarecrow Car Boot Sale email office@cpressex.org.uk horticultural, culinary and craft at 7pm for 7.45pm Summer Quiz competition and much more.

For more information classes to view, refreshments, At Instep Farm, Bures The Suffolk Dogs on leads welcome.

Friday August At Rowhedge Village Hall please contact Sue Last or Rd,3rd (Station Rd) White produceFestival stall, raffle, Nayland Villages Coggeshall Art Saturday 28th July Maurice Kimmett on 01206 Len Colne Rawle CO6 MBE 2QB Tower Tour 2013 calendar on sale. Entry Group Annual 7.30pm 303338 or 01206 302229 Saturday 25th - from 50p. Schedules Friday 7thpitch September Open Exhibition £5 per (fees to be Sunday 12th August 2pm Monday 27th August www.naylandhortsoc.org.uk Craft Fairs Teams of 6, tickets £1.50 per Stephen Austin donated to village projects).

At Hollington Bros.

Learn more about Layer or Lorraine head. Cheap bar,Church bring your Director:01206 Peter 262807.

Holman To reserve a pitch please call Artistic At St Peter’s, Street, Coggeshall Popular organ music from Marney Tower and its history, own nibbles. Fundraising Rita on 01787 221919 or email Saturday Market Hill, Sudbury Apple Day Fair 25th August 11am Saturday 25th, Sunday 26th onwards. Members with an informal guided tour. for a new boiler. For further the 1950’s chrisandrita@tiscali.co.uk.

Saturday 25th August St Mary’s Church, andinformation Monday 27th August members £6.

For At Fordham All Saints School Freeand withSaturday entrance29th ticket. or to book please £4, non In the event of bad Stoke by Nayland Sunday September 23rd more information 07780 923688 Overcall 200 art works to or email weather on theplease day please September 9am - 4pm Treadle to Thread J.S. Bach 11amGoldberg - 4pm Variations contact 01787 381139 269458. viewrowhedgevillagehall@me.com and buy. For more call 07939 Stalls19th include music Steven Devine (harpsichord) Sunday - Thursday information please contact Apple display and 130th Four Brightlingsea Free Coggeshall’s 25th wedding 30thmemorabilia, August 12noon - 5pm Maureen Standen on Saturday 25th August identification.

Our apple Colnes Show Annual Flower Music Festival floristry, portrait and 01376 563113 or email 7.30pm press will be in use so bring Summer exhibition by the Festival ‘King landscape photography, At the Recreation Club in motostanden@tiscali.co.uk St Mary’s Church, At Hurst Green, along your apples. Bar, of Kings’ Midwedding Essex Weavers, spinnerscup photography, Earls Colne Stoke

by Nayland Brightlingsea CO7 0HG Barbeque, Bows and Bells Clog Dedham Arts Group andcakes, Dyers.beaded Note: Closed and silver Saturday 18th August At The Church of St Friday 3rd Parish - Sunday Exhibition Dancing, Essex Wildlife Trust J.S. Bach St John Passion jewellery, face painting, home Summer Fridays and Saturdays.

Gates open 1pm, Exhibition Peter ad Vincula 5th August (1725 version) made jams, soaps and bath At Littlegarth Hall opensStudio, approxHigh 2pm Saturday 25th - Tuesday For more information please Amazing Mazes products, hand made cards, Street, Dedham Soloists include Philippa Classical Friday, 28thevening August on 10am - 5pm, call David Baker 01206 242059 More than 700 exhibits woodturning many more. Saturday Sunday 26th andand Monday 25th - Monday 11.30am - 5pm Sunday Hyde, Daniel Auchincloss Rock, Blues, Ska and on Indie including Floral Art, Flowers, 140 Photos Exhibition Refreshments, free admission.

27th August 11am - 5pm & Giles Davies 27th August 10am - 5pm on Saturday, Jazz and Roots In this Queen’s Diamond Vegetables, Arts & Crafts, Proceeds support many At RHSEssex Gardens, Hyde Hall, on Sunday.

For more Family fun day with mini Psalmody, Baroque Free entry Jubilee year our spectacular Photography and Cookery. local and national charities.

Rettendon Orchestra, directed information please visit maize maze, straw maze, floral interpretation of Also a range of stalls, Summer Sunday Teas Friends of St. Mary’s Sunday 19th August Holman colourful bible stories about by Peter www.brightlingseamusicfest.co.uk church labyrinth. Maze facts and vintage ‘Artsideshows in the Church Monday 27th August Kings and Queens includes Raydon (on B1070) vehicles, with a dog show andAt fun.

GardenChurch Games.

Sunday 26th August 6pm Exhibition’ Music Events the battle between David and St Mary’s Sunday 5th August and 2nd (from 2.30pm, all welcome, An exhibition photographs Church,ofBoxford Autumn Walks at The Electric At St£1.50 Mary’s Church the giant, Goliath and the September 3pm - 5pm entry), Zumba showcasing the work of seven Wine and Song: Wivenhoe Arrival Harwich of the Queen of Sheba. Food, demonstration and the Essex Palace, Sunday 9th September student photographers from Call in and enjoy delicious Music and Feasting in Saturday September Samba8th Band.

Food stalls and At The 12noon - 5pm cakes in aid Essex Adult Community Electric Palace, Musical recitals in theKing’s homemade Renaissance Europe 10am bar.- 5pm To enter any of the classes, Quay, Learning in Chelmsford. A Harwich CO12 3ER church including: of Stcountry Mary’s Church Fabric Guided walks with Orlando view the show schedule at total Consort of 140 prints will be For more information please Fund. Forthe further information Doors open 7.30pm throughout afternoon.

‘Swing Express Big Band’ www.earlscolne.org displayed. diverse range of call 01206 823018 or email please call Simon Tennent for 8pm 10.30pm Monday 27thThe August 6pm Dogs on leads welcome.

Saturday 25th August Entry to the show £2 john.heslop327@btinternet.com subjects include various styles on 01473 310320.

St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh 7.30pm Thursday 23rd August adults, 50p children.

The Professor’s Quest of landscape photography, Polstead Exhibition Aldham Village Blow’s Venus & Adonis plus Kid A Tidiman’s Stars concert All with music wildlife, location and studio Summer Fete of Local Artists Hall16th Events Sunday and Sunday music

by Purcell, Arne, Dibdin, from the 40’s and 50’s portraiture, shots of the Thursday 13th and Makers 23rdMassive September 2pm Stanley, Handel & Leopold At St. Dominics Residential Rummage Sale local music scene and food Tickets £10 and £8 September Dixie Mix Home,25th, London Road, Saturday 18th August Saturday Sunday Family treasure hunt led by photography. Paying visitors Concessions, under 16’s £2.

Kelvedon 10.30am 26th and Monday 27th Tickets £ 8 plus £1 day Professor Charles Young. to the 360 acre Hyde Hall Saturday 18th August ‘Songs ofFor Praise’ August 10am to 5pm. membership. more Solve theofclues, the estate will gain free admission Lots itemsunlock for sale.

We must 2pm - 4pm style service information please contact mention when responding totoadverts the exhibition. For further puzzles lift the YouPlease clearand ourhelp storeroom. name £1.50 entrance fee (under Sunday 26th August 5.15pm details please call Tom 07786 744789 or visit curse the Lady it, of we’ve got itof forLayer you to buy 12’s Various free) Seestalls, pagecream 28 teas Lewington on 01376 563973.

Visitors will be most welcome. at silly prices!spaces.

Entrance 20p. and live entertainment.

Marney.

Limited for more details. www.electricpalace.com At Layer Marney Tower, Brightlingsea near Colchester CO5 9BB

Art and Craft Exhibitions

18

The Connection

What’s On continued over page

What’s On Events at Layer Marney Towers

Last Day of the Season - Charity Day

At Layer Marney Tower, near Colchester CO5 9BB

Sunday 30th September 12noon - 5pm

T: 01206 330784 E: info@layermarneytower.co.uk W: www.layermarneytower.co.uk

Family Fun and Dog Day. Ticket sales donated to EACH (East Anglian Children’s Hospice).

Farm Day

Colchester Free Festival

Sunday 5th August 12noon - 5pm Fun for all the family, with tractor rides, mini petting area, donkey rides, scarecrow competition and much more.

Dogs on leads welcome.

Castle Park Colchester Saturday August 25th 2012

www.colchesterfreefestival.co.uk

Art and Craft Exhibitions

Sunday 12th August 2pm

Coggeshall Art Group Annual Open Exhibition

Learn more about Layer Marney Tower and its history, with an informal guided tour.

Free with entrance ticket.

At Hollington Bros. Church Street, Coggeshall Saturday 25th, Sunday 26th and Monday 27th August

Treadle to Thread

Over 200 art works to view and buy. For more information please contact Maureen Standen on 01376 563113 or email motostanden@tiscali.co.uk

Tower Tour

Sunday 19th - Thursday 30th August 12noon - 5pm Summer exhibition by the Mid Essex Weavers, spinners and Dyers. Note: Closed Fridays and Saturdays.

Amazing Mazes Sunday 26th and Monday 27th August 11am - 5pm

Dedham Arts Group Summer Exhibition At Littlegarth Studio, High Street, Dedham Saturday 25th - Monday 27th August 10am - 5pm

Family fun day with mini maize maze, straw maze, church labyrinth. Maze facts and fun. Garden Games.

Free entry

Autumn Walks

At St Mary’s Church Wivenhoe Saturday 8th September 10am - 5pm

Sunday 9th September 12noon - 5pm Guided country walks with throughout the afternoon.

Dogs on leads welcome.

The Professor’s Quest Sunday 16th and Sunday 23rd September 2pm

Friends of St. Mary’s ‘Art in the Church Exhibition’

For more information please call 01206 823018 or email john.heslop327@btinternet.com

Polstead Exhibition of Local Artists and Makers Saturday 25th, Sunday 26th and Monday 27th August 10am to 5pm.

Music Harwich Royal British Legion Brass Band concert At Halstead Public Gardens Sunday19th August 2pm.

Campaign to Protect Rural Essex Barn Dance At Coggeshall Grange Barn Saturday 18th August 6.30pm - 10.30pm

At Alderman Blaxill School, Paxman Road, Colchester. Doors open at 7pm for 7.45pm

Ceildh dancing to music by The Scampering Rogues called by Mike Collins in the fabulous 13th century National Trust property. Tickets £12.50 include Essex Hog Roast and Essex Cider. Limited ticket numbers: please apply by ringing 01376 572023 or email office@cpressex.org.uk

Friday 3rd August Len Rawle MBE

The Suffolk Villages Festival

Free event, all welcome.

Colchester Organ Society Concerts

Friday 7th September Stephen Austin Popular organ music from the 1950’s onwards. Members £4, non members £6. For more information please contact 01787 269458.

Brightlingsea Free Music Festival At Hurst Green, Brightlingsea CO7 0HG Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th August

Saturday 25th Monday 27th August Artistic Director: Peter Holman Saturday 25th August 11am St Mary’s Church, Stoke by Nayland J.S. Bach Goldberg Variations Steven Devine (harpsichord) Saturday 25th August 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Stoke by Nayland J.S. Bach St John Passion (1725 version)

Classical evening on Friday, Rock, Blues, Ska and Indie on Saturday, Jazz and Roots on Sunday. For more information please visit www.brightlingseamusicfest.co.uk

Soloists include Philippa Hyde, Daniel Auchincloss & Giles Davies

Music Events at The Electric Palace, Harwich

Sunday 26th August 6pm St Mary’s Church, Boxford

At The Electric Palace, King’s Quay, Harwich CO12 3ER Doors open 7.30pm for 8pm - 10.30pm Thursday 23rd August Kid Tidiman’s All Stars Thursday 13th September Dixie Mix

Psalmody, Essex Baroque Orchestra, directed

by Peter Holman

Food, Wine and Song: Music and Feasting in Renaissance Europe Orlando Consort Monday 27th August 6pm St Mary’s Church, Hadleigh Blow’s Venus & Adonis plus music by Purcell, Arne, Dibdin, Stanley, Handel & Leopold

Family treasure hunt led by Tickets £ 8 plus £1 day Professor Charles Young. membership. For more Solve the clues, unlock the at www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk information please contact puzzles and help liftVisit the our website £1.50 entrance fee (under 07786 744789 or visit curse of the Lady of Layer 12’s free) See page 28 Marney. Limited spaces. for more details. www.electricpalace.com

What’s On continued 19 over page

What’s On (Cont)...

Mozart a gala concert celebrating 25 years of the Suffolk Villages Festival with soloists include Philippa Hyde, Claire Tomlin & Giles Davies Psalmody, Essex Baroque Orchestra, directed

by Peter Holman For box office and further information please call 01206 366603, email: box@suffolkvillagesfestival.com or visit : www.suffolkvillagesfestival.com

Concerts at The Parish Church of St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Lunchtime Concert Thursday 2nd August 12.30pm Voigt Piano Trio Daniel Law (piano), Kerry Jones (violin), Chris Slatter (cello) Admission free, retiring collection. Light lunches available from 12noon.

Concert lasts 45 minutes.

All proceeds towards the St Peter’s, Coggeshall Organ Appeal.

Essex Youth Chamber Orchestra Sunday 8th July 3.30pm Robin Browning For more details please call 01206 798788.

West Bergholt Concert band Saturday 14th July 7.30pm For more details please call 01206 851408 For more information about the concerts please phone 01376 563020 or visit www.st-peter-ad-vincula.org.uk

The Stour Valley Singers Concert At St Mary’s Church, Glemsford Saturday 29th September 7.30pm.

are £8 and include excellent refreshments provided by the choir. Wine and soft drinks will be available.

All monies raised will go towards funding necessary research to find a cure for Parkinson’s, a progressive and debilitating illness.

Cinema Leavenheath Village Hall Digital Cinema At Leavenheath Village Hall, Wrights Way, (signposted from the High Road) Doors open 7pm 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. Please call Lesley 01206 262505 or Ken 01206 263266 for tickets.

Saturday 4th August ‘War Horse’ 12A Michael Morpurgo World War 1 story directed by Steven Spielberg Saturday 1st September ‘The Artist.’ PG Award winning beguiling drama in the style of a black and white silent film

Drama Drama and Music at The Headgate Theatre At The Headgate Theatre, 14 Chapel Street North, Colchester For tickets please contact 01206 366000, email Tickets@ headgatetheatre.co.uk or visit www.headgatetheatre.co.uk Box Office opening times: Monday - Friday 12.30pm 4.30pm, Saturday 10am - 1pm Broken (Subtext Theatre in association with Theatre Fun) Saturday 28th July 7pm

In a time and place different from ours, yet Wide repertoire of lightPlease music, mention very recognizable, a group some classic and serious and some fun. Tickets at the door of teenagers journey to

20

adulthood, controlled by rules, driven by desire and soaked in guilt. Funny and soul searching, this passionate production is performed with beautiful new music.

Tickets £6 (concessions £4) She Stoops to Conquer

by Oliver Goldsmith (Dot Productions) Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th August 7.30pm Anambitious step-mother, a pragmatic father and a pair of star-crossed suitors are sent spinning on a collision course thanks to a practical joke and a series of mistaken identities in Goldsmith’s ever-popular comedy. Tickets: £10 (in advance), £12 (on door), £8 (under 14 years) My Heart Beets by Caja Dan & Sarah Rose Watts (Mossycoat Productions) Friday 17th and Saturday 18th August 7.30pm Maggie believes that the only way to escape her horrible surroundings is to buy an Alpaca Farm. However she does not have the cash. So with the help of her imaginary friend “Beets”, she decides to rob a bank. A hilarious new comedy brought to you by Mossycoat Productions. Some strong language and sexual content - suitable for age 16+ Tickets: £6, £3 (concessions) Jazz at the Headgate - Aurora Voices and Friends Sunday 19th August 7pm Aurora Voices and friends will be offering a selection of Jazz Standards by composers such as Ellington, Gershwin, Norah Jones and many more. Popular songs with a live jazz band of talented musicians from the Colchester Institute and Essex Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Tickets: £8, £6 (concessions)

With a riot raging in the streets outside, the members of a punk/skin rock band are rehearsing for a longawaited gig. Brutally realistic and uncompromisingly powerful 1980 drama.

Contains some very strong language. Tickets: £6 The Calendar Girls by Tim Firth (Colchester Theatre Group) Tuesday 4th to Saturday 8th September 7.45pm and Saturday Matinee at 2.30pm Calendar Girls is based on the true story of Women’s Institute members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund. Nudity is part of this production but no naughty bits are ever seen!

Tickets: £10, £8 (concessions) September Serenade Sunday 9th September 3pm and 7.30pm Local composer and pianist, Ian Haywood, will be bringing his atmospheric piano music to the Headgate Theatre. Tickets £11.50, £10.50 (concessions) AcoustiCity with Steve Ashley Saturday 15th September.

Doors open 7.45pm Tickets £11

Talks and Workshops Talks at Wormingford Community Education Centre At WCEC, The Old School, Church Lane, Wormingford CO6 3AZ We ask for a donation of £4 per person. Refreshments will be available. To book please call Jane on 01787 227037 or email wcec12@gmail.com

Gill and Brian Tansley Oi for England by Trevor present Bee Keeping as Griffiths (Headgate a Hobby Theatre Productions) 31st August 7pm when to Friday adverts Thursday 30th responding August Have you ever wondered to Saturday 1st what goes on inside a September 8pm

The Connection

What’s On hive? These are fascinating creatures with a wonderful infrastructure. Brian Tansley started helping his grandfather with his bees when he was a small boy and has been a beekeeper for 55 years.

Family Apple Fun Day Saturday 15th September 11.00am - 3.00pm A fun family day focussing on apples, featuring a talk by Sophie Wheldon of Wheldon’s Fruit Farm and Shop, a chance to juice your own apples and a host of apple-related games and activities for the family.

Refreshments available. For more information please call Jane on 01787 227037 or email wcec12@gmail.com Darren Tansley presents Small Mammals Saturday 22nd September 9am Darren is Essex Wildlife Trust’s Water for Wildlife Officer. On the evening of Friday 21st September, Darren will be setting traps in the WCEC grounds. Come along on Saturday morning to discover what has been caught.…

Michael Forbes presents The Night Sky through Binoculars and Small Telescopes Friday 28th September 7.30pm Enjoy the centre’s beautiful grounds in the dark as Michael returns to WCEC with another fascinating and informative evening on our night sky. Please bring binoculars if you have them (some pairs will be available to borrow). If the weather is wet, the presentation will move to the hall, with the subject being Astrophotography from Your Back Garden.

and the Essex Historical Buildings Group will present a series of five lectures based on a 3 year Heritage Lottery Fund aided study.

Each lecture is £4 or £16 for entry to all 5 lectures. Tickets can be obtained through the Trust’s Central Booking Office on 0844 2491895.

Friday 3rd August - Michael Horne will speak about Six Coggeshall Writers who spanned seven centuries of the areas social and cultural heritage.

Friday 10th August - Mike Meadows will present in graphic detail his close study of the 1575 Rental Survey and will describe the process adopted to produce a map of that time.

Friday 17th August - Brenda Watkin will look at the development of the medieval house plan that was used for nearly 300 years. In this talk she will describe the important part that dendrochronology played in the project’s research within Coggeshall.

Friday 24th August - David Stenning will deal with the little known aspects of shops and shopping in the 16th century.

Friday 31st August - David Andrews will put Coggeshall into the wider context of its placeamongst Essex’s 25 medieval market towns which can be seen as all different yet sharing many of the same features.

Things for Children Sunday Kids Club

Reading Game: Story Lab drop in sessions. Join our Rogues Gallery & receive a free gift for every 4 Sunday Activity sessions attended. For further information contact Sudbury library on 01787 296000.

Events for children at Wormingford Community Education Centre At WCEC, The Old School, Church Lane, Wormingford CO6 3AZ To book please call Jane on 01787 227037 or email wcec12@gmail.com Children may stay all day and attend both morning and afternoon sessions. Bring a packed lunch. Supervision over lunch time will be provided by CRB checked members of the Centre staff. We ask for an extra £5 per child for lunch time supervision. (excludes Wed 29th Madscience). When booking please indicate if your child will stay for lunch.

RunAround Kids - active fun for lively kids!

Tuesday 28th August 10am - 12noon We will be running 2 sessions at the same time. 3 - 5 year olds (parents may stay if they wish) and 6-10 year olds. A variety of fun, age appropriate activities promoting the benefits of exercise. Featuring parachute, ball & tag games, skipping, circuit training and structured play. Cost £7 per child or £13 for 2 siblings. www.runaroundkids.co.uk Drama - Create a Story Tuesday 28th August 1pm - 2.30pm

Mad Science - Super Sticky Stuff!

Wednesday 29th August 10am - 3pm (bring a packed lunch) Unique hands-on science programme, suitable for children aged 4 - 11 years.

Stick it to the walls, and push the power of tape to the limits in this adhesive morning on things that cling! Then ooze into a gooey afternoon of sliming around! Create slime using the Mad Science recipe, and then enter the Slime Olympics! Take home your own concoction of Mad Science Slime! Cost - £35 per child (cost includes lunch supervision). www. madscience.org.east Fun With Food Thursday 30th August 10.30am - 12.30pm 7 - 11 year olds. Children may be unaccompanied. The session will be lead by two experienced practitioners with full CRB checks. Activities will include fancy icing and the art of decoration, salad leaves and dressings, making a fruit surprise using seasonal ingredients. £10 per child, £8 for siblings. Booking essential.

Wildlife Discovery with Essex WildLife Trust Thursday 30th August 1pm - 4pm 7 -11 year olds. Children may be unaccompanied. The session will be lead by two qualified Forest School leaders.

Activities will include pond dipping, camp fire cooking, den building, arts and crafts. £8 per child, £6 for siblings.

RunAround Kids - active fun for lively kids!

Friday 31st August 10am - 12noon

We will be running 2 sessions 6 - 10 year olds. Children may at the same time: 3 - 5 year be unaccompanied. A fun Discovering chance for children to work Coggeshall together and explore drama At the National Trust activities and theatre skills Children of all ages are Grange Barn Visit our website www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk with Sue Stokes, Mercury welcomeat to come and join Theatre and Surestart in the craft & storytelling Project members drawn from practitioner. £5 per child Coggeshall Heritage Society activities held every Sunday.

At Sudbury Library, Market Hill, Sudbury Sunday 15th July - 26th August 10.30am - 12noon

What’s On continued 21 over page

What’s On (Cont)... olds (parents may stay if they wish) and 6-10 year olds. £7 per child or £13 for 2 siblings. www.runaroundkids.co.uk

make? An ancient trilobite, anammonite or a fish fossil?

Let your imagination go wild. £3 per person.

Stop Animation Friday 31st August 1pm - 3.30pm

Ceramic Clock Designs Wednesday 8th August Friday 10th August. Sessions at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm At Hollytrees Museum

Suitable for children over 7 years. Children may be unaccompanied. This workshop teaches children how to produce animated film in the style of Wallace and Gromit. Bring a memory stick to take your creation home and impress your friends and family! £8 per child, £6 for siblings.

Events at Colchester Museums Booking is essential for these events, book in advance by calling 01206 282940 or by dropping into Hollytrees Museum, Colchester Chinese Clay Figures Monday 30th July - Thursday 2nd August. Sessions take place at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm At Colchester Castle ‘Treasures of China’ features someamazing objects.

Take inspiration from the exhibition to create your own animal or bowl in clay to take home. £2 per person (after normal Castle admission).

Clay Fossils Tuesday 7th - Wednesday 8th August. Sessions at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm At The Natural History Museum, Colchester Get your hands dirty with clay as you create your own ‘fossil’. What will you

Taking inspiration from the clocks on display, immortalise your own clock style onto a ceramic plate or bowl to take home. Perhaps you will add an image of part of Colchester to make your piece truly unique to the town. £3 per person.

Chinese Dragon Lanterns Monday 13th -Thursday 16th August. Sessions at 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm At Colchester Castle To celebrate the year of the dragon, work with a Chinese artist to create a beautiful, coloured dragon lantern for your home. £2 per person (after normal Castle admission).

Fur and Feathers Tuesday 14th August. Drop in 12pm - 4pm At the Natural History Museum As part of our Go Live Week come and meet someamazing furry and feathery animals, including meerkats, a sugar glider, hedgehog, chinchilla, cockatoo, macaw and giant rabbit. Please note - animals may be subject to change at short notice in the event of illness or welfare. Events are expected to be busy - please expect to queue. £2 per person (3yrs and under free)

Farmers markets Assington Farmers’ Market At The Barn, Assington Sunday 12th August and Sunday 9th September at 10am - 2pm Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973

Lavenham Farmers Market At The Village Hall, Lavenham Sunday 26th August and Sunday 23rd September at 10am - 1.30pm Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973

Colchester Farmers Market The Arts Centre, Colchester Friday 3rd August and Friday 7th September at 9.30am - 1pm Contact Rowley Castiglione 01206 367776

Wivenhoe Farmers Market Congregational Hall, Wivenhoe Saturday 18th August and Saturday 15th September at 9am - 12noon Contact Rowly Castiglione 01206 367776

Brightlingsea Farmers Market At the Community Centre, Brightlingsea Thursday 30th August and 27th September at 9am - 12noon Contact Bob Shotton 01206 302669

Sudbury Farmers Market At St Peters Church, Sudbury Friday 31st August and

Friday 28th September 9.30am - 2pm Contact Justine Paul 07704 627973

Farmers Market At Jimmy’s Farm, Wherstead, Ipswich Saturday 4th August and Saturday 1st September 10am - 2pm Contact 0844 4938088

Rowhedge Farmers Market At Rowhedge Village Hall Saturday 4th August and Saturday 1st September 9am - 12 Contact Yvonne 07780 923688

Hedingham Farmers’ Market At The Baptist Church, Swan Street, Sible Hedingham (next to the Sugar Loaves pub) Saturday 18th August and Saturday 15th September 10am - 1.30pm Contact Roy Reece 07513 464567

West Bergholt Farmers Market At The White Hart, Nayland Rd, West Bergholt Saturday 25th August and Saturday 29th September 9.30 - 12.30 Contact 01206 240364

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.

DEADLINE DATE DATE FOR FORNEXT NEXTISSUE: ISSUE: If you would like likePlease your yourcommunity community event event mentioned mentionedininthe the What’s What’s On Onpages, pages, please send send 22would mention The Connection when responding toplease adverts details to: editor@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk editor@connectionmagazines.com Next Next issue: issue: Aug/Sept Oct/Nov- Published - published26th 20thJuly Sept2012 2012

Deadline date: date: 7th 11th September July 2012 2012

Sale

Country Furniture & Collectables Sat 25 August 2012 10.00 am- 5.00 pm The Barn Corner Farm Brent Eleigh (Near Lavenham) CO10 9NS

Tel: 01787 249439

Cheap Days Out Here’s a few ideas to keep the family amused during the summer holidays without breaking the bank.

things to do such as fitness ideas, searching out wild food or nature packs to help you identify animals or plants at www. visitwoods.org.uk

Sale

Hollytrees and the Natural History Museum have free entry and for a small charge you can book in for their children’s arts and crafts activities or nature shows. Each year libraries hold a Summer Reading Challenge offering sticker charts, medals and certificates as an incentive to get reading.

Country Furniture Heritage Open Days celebrates & and England’s architecture culture by offering free access toCollectables properties that are usually

The Woodland Trust website is a fantastic resource for things to do with the children. It is packed full of ideas for days out in the countryside. You can download a pirate scavenger hunt, a worm charming kit or ideas for making natural sculptures and there are plenty of activities to do if the weather’s wet, such as art competitions, a template to design your own newspaper and childfriendly recipes to try - Forest Floor Cake anyone?

closed to the public or normally Firstsite in Colchester has many charge for admission. Every Sat 2012 family activities including free year on 25 fourAugust days in September, drop-in sessions with games, 10.00ofampmand buildings every5.00 age, style drawing and diverse activities function throw open their doors, such as making giant cocoons or ranging from castles to factories, Barn poster-making. Also on offer are town hallsThe to tithe barns, parish low cost sci-fi inspired activity Corner Farm churches to Buddhist temples. sessions, contemporary dance and There are also tours, events and Brent Eleigh comic-making sessions. activities which bring to life Suffolk local history and culture. Visit For 150 things to do in the summer CO10 9NS www.heritageopendays.org. visit http://www.naturedetectives. uk/ for properties events Tel: 01787 and 249439 org.uk/summer/ There are lots happening in your area from 23 Visit our website at www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk more ideas for woodland-based Thursday 6th - Sunday 9th September.

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The River Colne Countryside Trust John Rees of Chappel was well known in the local area for his charitable works. He set up the Chappel conservation volunteer group known as Swifts in 1985 and then went on to establish the Chappel Millennium Green .

Following the withdrawal of the River Colne Countryside Project by Colchester Borough Council and Braintree District Council John felt that there was a need for a volunteer group to carry on the good works.

Motivated by his own desire to ensure that the Colne Valley was looked after, he set about creating the River Colne Countryside Trust which was due to be launched officially in January 2012.

Sadly John passed away before he could see all his hard work come to fruition.

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“John was an inspirational man who had a passion for the countryside we live in. The newly formed River Colne Countryside Trust will serve his memory well and will be a lasting tribute to him.

Volunteer work can be fun and rewarding and the new Trust has already attracted a lot of interest. I sincerely hope it will thrive and prosper�.

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Jackie Daines - Chairman Aldham Parish Council.

What is the River Colne Countryside Trust?

The proposed Trust will set out to carry on the works which were undertaken by the River Colne Countryside Project (officer) when it was managed and jointly funded by Colchester Borough Council and Braintree District Council.

When funding for the River Colne Countryside Project was taken away after twenty years of wonderful achievements, we all lost a superb resource for the whole valley. The Project was ahead of its time in providing catchment scale conservation across 17 parishes and offered fantastic value for money for such a small investment.

Essex Wildlife Trust’s Water for Wildlife Officer; Darren Tansley who works with landowner’s throughout the valley says that he strongly supports the initiative to establish a River Colne Countryside Trust. “ Volunteer opportunities, equipment, advice and practical expertise are just some of the benefits a Trust could bring, enhancing the valley for both people and wildlife”.

How do we move forward?

A lot of work has already been done by the late John Rees to establish the Trust and a funding is pending Essex Forapplication more information on thewith scheme andCounty a list of Council. other farms open in your area, visit http://www. farmsunday.org/ or contact Nottage East An inaugral meeting which was chaired

by JohnAndrew attracted around co-ordinator 839002.their strength of eighty people from allAnglia different walks of01223 life, showing support for the Trust.

Councillors, landowners, voluntary groups, residents and environmentalists were all in attendance.

Now the time has come to take the next step.....

We need a Co-ordinator *Our Co-ordinator will be instrumental in bringing the project together thereby enabling the Trust to be formalised. The position will be challenging but rewarding with the support and enthusiasm of a band of volunteers helping to drive the project forward. *This will be an unpaid, therefore voluntary role.

Are you the person we are looking for?

If you think you can help or you need more information please contact Eunice Rees on 01206 240819.

Or come along to our next meeting on 20th September - see details below.

The Meeting

A meeting will be held to discuss, consider and act upon proposed arrangements for the establishment of a new Trust to work voluntarily in the River Colne Valley and the surrounding countryside.

Thursday 20th September 2012 at 8 pm.

Chappel and Wakes Colne Village Hall, Colchester Road (A1124), Wakes Colne

Visit our website at www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk 100 yds. to the west of cross roads by Wakes Colne Post Office.

Car parking available on site.

25

Notice Board The Headway London to Brighton Cycle Ride This event will take place on Sunday 16th September. This is your chance to take part and raise sponsorship for Headway Essex. The journey will take you 54 miles from South London to Brighton Sea Front. No previous experience is required although preparation for this event is highly recommended! With a bit of training completing this event should easily be within your capabilities. The spirit of the event is ‘taking part’ not ‘winning’ so you go as fast or as slow as you like! To secure your guaranteed place with the Headway Essex Team we ask for your pledge to raise a minimum of £100 for Headway Essex. Please email fundraising@headwayessex.org.uk for more information. Registration fee £30.

Volunteers wanted for Paycocke’s House & Garden, a National Trust property in Coggeshall If the idea of helping to keep an old established garden in prime shape appeals to you, we would like to hear from you. Our volunteer gardeners are responsible for working as part of a team to ensure that the gardens are kept in the manner in which the 500 year history of the house is shown.

Some knowledge of plants would be useful, but no formal experience necessary, just enthusiasm and an interest in gardening. In addition, they must be willing to talk to visitors to the garden about what they are doing. For more information please contact Natalie Butler on 01376 561305 or email Natalie.butler@ nationaltrust.org.uk

2012 Stamp Appeal We are trying to raise £5,000 to see a puppy through it’s first year of training – help us by saving all your used stamps – for more details visit www.caninepartners.org.uk 26

Dramatic opportunity with Kelvedon Players All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players: and one man in his time plays many parts…. could this be you? Are you a budding drama queen or a real showman? Or perhaps back-stage creativity is more your thing? Why not come along and meet Kelvedon Players at a social evening on Friday 31st August 8.00 pm at Kelvedon Institute. We’ll have a play reading and a few back stage passes to see all the other technical bits ‘behind the scenes’. Enjoy a glass of wine, soft drinks and nibbles with us and see if we can tempt you to try something new.

St Helena Hospice Retail Update St Helena Hospice would like to announce that their Magdalen Street shop, warehouse and offices have now closed for relocation during July. From the beginning of August, donations can be taken to the new site at Angora Business Park, Peartree Road, Stanway (opposite the Co-op). For more information on donations and the Hospice’s free furniture collection service, please call 01206 793937. The Fundraising Office and Your Hospice Lottery are still in operation and can be contacted on the following numbers: Fundraising and Marketing: 01206 791740. Your Hospice Lottery: 0800 2851390.

We thank you for your continued support. www.sthelenahospice. org.uk

FOSM (Friends of St.Mary’s Wivenhoe fund raising Committee) Artists invited to enter paintings for the FOSM ‘Art in the Church Exhibition’ on Saturday 8th September. Up to 3 pictures and Folio work may be entered (20% commission). Hand in by Thursday 6th September. Private view 7th September 6.30 pm. Details and entry forms from john.heslop327@ btinternet.com 01206823018

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Lavenham Farmers’ Market Deserves an Award Four years ago Lavenham Farmers’ Market was a very sad affair with a handful of stalls and a few customers coming through the doors. Today, after a lot of hard work and commitment Lavenham Farmers’ Market is a buzzing monthly event with hundreds of people coming to fill their shopping bags with some of the regions highest quality, local produce.

But more than this, Lavenham Farmers’ Market has become a time for the community to get together to have a coffee or lunch and just being a part of something that we are all so proud of.

So if you think we deserve a regional award that tells everyone how pleased we are to have our market back in business, then please click on the following link and nominate for Lavenham Farmers’ Market to be offically, the best Farmers’ Market in Suffolk. http://www. suffolkfada.co.uk/categories/ best-market-or-market-stall/

The Stour Valley Singers The Stour Valley Singers are very pleased to be invIted to perform at St Mary’s Church, Glemsford next September.

The concert, to raise funds for Parkinson’s Research, will feature a repertoire of music that the choir sang when invited to Denmark in May this year.

They joined with the “Sletton Sangkor” choir where they were so well received that they have been invited back. They have also been invited to revisit and sing with the Welsh choir who performed in Sudbury last year.

The Stour Valley Singers are based in Bures and have been performing together for over 20 years. They have a wide repertoire of light music, some classic and serious and some fun. Above all, it is a cheerful

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choir always appreciated by audiences. Please see What’s On entry for details of the concert.

shop assistants and foster homes for any animals. If you can help in any way please contact: enquiries@ rspca-essexnorthwest.org.uk

NW Essex Branch of the RSPCA

But You Don’t Look Ill

Please come to our big shop opening on Saturday 4th August at 11.00am at RSPCA North West Essex Shop, 13 New Street (behind The Bull), Braintree, Essex, CM7 1ER. There will be refreshments, fun balloons, as well as a raffle and of course first pick of our fabulous (and often new) stock! We are always grateful for donations so if you have any unwanted items please drop them into the shop between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Saturday. Collection can also be arranged where needed by calling 01376 618483.

Our main aims are to encourage responsible pet ownership and help animals in need. We are currently in need of voluntary

Cheerful support for those with ‘hidden’ conditions such as Arthritis, Crohn’s disease, Coeliac disease, Colitis, Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, IBS, Lyme, Lupus, ME/CFS, MS, Nephrotic syndrome, a Neurological disorder, Sjogrens syndrome, a Thyroid disorder or any other ‘invisible’ chronic condition. Drop in 1.00pm 3.00pm on Thursday 9th August and Thursday 13th September at The Stevenson Centre, Gt Cornard. £1 (towards room hire).

Aldham Village Hall Fund Raising Update Thank you to everyone who attended the Pampered Chef evening which added another £156 to the “pot”. This means that

together with some smaller donations, we have now taken the total to nearly £33,800.

Please see the What’s On pages for our next events. To book a table for the Table Top Sale or our popular Craft Fair weekend on 27th and 28th October, please call 01206 211624.

The River Colne Countryside Trust Are you retired or have some time on your hands?

A fledgling Trust is in need of volunteers and someone - or a group of people - to co-ordinate the project. See pages 24 and 25 for more details.

Distributors of the Connection required for some areas in Wakes Colne and Chappel Must be car drivers. Please call Sarah on 01787 210701.

Visit our website at www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

Email: editor@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

27

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Visit our website at www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

29

Country Mutters

Homeward Bound....by Lady Muck

One of my favourite pastimes is trawling the internet for holiday bargains and coming up with the usual ‘bargain’ of seven nights in a studio apartment with paper thin walls, no air con and smelling of other people’s socks, all for £3,000 and a balcony overlooking a pool terrace which for most of the time looks like a scene from Caligula. But then I see the word ‘staycation’ and pounce on it. My screen fills with images of happy families smilingly clambering over stiles, relaxing in hammocks or picnicking on tartan rugs in bucolic splendour.

Apparently you can have a great time with the family just in your back garden. All I have to do is put up a tent in the back garden, blow up the paddling pool, apply lemonade and enjoy.

Hmm. I know from bitter experience that the very second you hammer the last tent peg in it begins to rain in curtain-like downpours and the only inhabitants of the tent will be twelve species of spider and the cat, who will enjoy using it as a place to gnaw on her latest kills.

Paddling pools with a hosepipe ban means a merry three hours spent ferrying water to and from the kitchen sink. When it’s full the clouds roll over the sun, your offspring dips one goose pimpled toe in and declares it freezing. Two days after that the water goes green. Then it becomes a home for interesting and possibly dangerous microbes, after which you throw the pool away.

All right then, we’ll take the time to explore our home town, pretend we’re visitors, visit

30

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the places we never go to. Which is when you discover why there is a startling scarcity of tourists in your home town. What attractions there are you have done to death when your children were small and naive enough to get a kick out of moulting camels or suits of armour. You discover that the entrance fee adds up to the equivalent of a week’s hotel bar bill for 2 adults. That sobers you up, unfortunately. The smaller places of interest which have survived The Cuts are run by volunteers and only open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 8.00am - 9.30am, if Maureen’s lumbago isn’t playing her up too much. Once inside you find yourself staring politely at fly-blown photographs of indistinct buildings demolished long ago while your children roam around hunched and gloomy, rolling their eyes at each other.

I long for the days when we used to make pictures from twigs, feathers and half a pound of macaroni but now the boys are too busy being cool and wouldn’t be seen dead doing ‘kid’s stuff’. In fact, all they’re interested in doing is sleeping, playing computer games and texting their friends about how bored they are. But maybe this is character-building stuff and in later life, lazing by some tropical lagoon, they’ll recall how boring their holidays used to be and how that was the very thing that inspired them to make their squillions so that they can afford luxurious exotic trips. Taking their aged parents along with them, of course.

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31

Lady Interior Decorator 20 years experience Does your home need decorating, but you have no time to do it?

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Are you interested in the protection of the Colne Valley environment?

See pages 24 and 25 for more details.

32

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Wildlife on the River Colne has really been put to the test over the past few years but even by normal standards, 2012 has been an exceptionally bad year.

We started with a drought. In April I found myself standing in the middle of the River Colne at Ford Street, speaking to BBC’s Inside Out, about the low level of water in the river. It was barely at the level I’d expect in July and the headwaters of some Essex Rivers had dried out completely.

Then came the rains and we suffered the worst May floods in living memory. But what distinguished this high water from the regular flooding experienced every winter was the awful timing.

Kingfishers, moorhens, water voles and many other birds and animals were feeding their first broods and litters at exactly the time when the Colne burst its banks. We watched kingfisher and water vole burrows sink beneath the swirling waters, while other nests were swept away, young, eggs and all. Many adults survived to breed again, but the kingfishers in particular, struggled to see fish in the muddy brown water and were driven away in search of food.

total dead in that one section easily exceeded a thousand.

But the river will recover, life returning to the banks and brooks, pools and riffles and one species that can now be seen regularly between Halstead and West Bergholt is the water vole; the result of the largest water vole re-introduction in the Eastern Region.

We started by removing mink; the biggest threat to water voles and responsible for their extinction in most of our rivers. Then between 2010 - 2012 we released over 700 water voles along a 5 mile stretch of river. The voles were originally living in ditches and pools on a site along the Thames Estuary that was being cleared to make way for a huge container port.

It has been fantastic to see this animal return after decades of decline and eventual extinction, but the project has also benefited other wildlife.

Kingfisher burrows used to be raided by mink, as were the nests of waterside nesting birds. Eggs, hatchlings and young were all easy targets. Now these birds can nest in relative peace and numbers should start to recover. This was only possible by tackling the issues along the whole river and working with a large number of partners.

The River has taken some knocks this year, but the future looks good while there are people in the valley who enjoy seeing, and caring for the wildlife that lives there.

The worst pollution incident in an Essex River for 15 years happened in June when a 6000 litre container of pesticide tumbled into the Toppesfield Brook and burst open. A toxic wave of water surged along 10 miles of river. Fish died in their thousands, and in just one 250m stretch near Halstead nearly 300 were Darren Tansley netted by Essex Wildlife Trust. Alarmingly up to 80% of Kingfisher photo by the fish here hadVisit already sunk to the river bed, or were our website at www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk David L. Smith. lodged out of reach in mid channel vegetation, so the

33

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34

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Your Plants Don’t Want a ‘Holiday’ If you’re going on holiday shortly, don’t forget that your garden and plants will appreciate some TLC before you leave. Time spent sorting out your plants will help keep them going and make your house look less abandoned in your absence whilst you’re away.

Make sure you take care of your lawn. Give it a thorough mowing, cutting it short but without ‘scalping’ it. Take a pair of lawn edging shears, a half-moon edger or simply a sharp spade and neaten all the edges, including those next to flower beds. Edging lasts far longer than mowing, it will stop the lawn moving into the flower beds and make the grass appear more recently maintained.

Make sure that all plants, especially those in containers and those forming fruit are fed well. Liquid feeds have the speediest response but controlled release fertiliser granules will last for longer. If you use a dry or granular feed, make sure that you water it well unless rain is expected.

Persuade a friend or neighbour to pop in and do some watering and suggest they pick the sweet-peas and harvest some veg so you’ll both benefit.

A good, thorough watering of the garden will mean that plants in open ground should be unharmed by hot weather for a good while. Plants in pots and tubs are totally reliant on you if there isn’t much rain, so make these your priority.

Many plants cease flowering if faded flowers are left and allowed to start to form seeds, so remove every faded bloom before you leave. I suggest ‘dead heading’ not only the faded flowers, but also those just starting to fade. A sharp pair of scissors or just your finger and thumb should do the trick.

Hanging baskets are invariably in the hottest, sunniest pots in the garden and with their roots in the air they are especially prone to drought. Unless they will be regularly watered, it’s best to carefully lower hanging baskets and stand each one on its own pot in a shady spot where it will dry out less quickly.

Planters and patio pots lose moisture very readily especially if the weather is hot or windy. By carefully grouping the pots together in one place you’ll create shade around the roots of the pots, reducing the risk of drought and heat damage. Try to position more drought tolerant patio plants towards the outer edge of the group, and drought prone plants towards the cooler centre.

Make sure that your garden sheds and other storage areas are properly secured however it’s worth giving the padlock keys to a neighbour, just in case they need anything.

Ladders, mattocks, spades and other items that could be used to break into your house (or the shed) should be removed or locked away out of sight so that they don’t encourage burglary.

Finally check that any new outbreaks of pests or diseases are treated or dealt with before you go. Leave a handful of whitefly in your greenhouse, or a few greenfly on your roses, and there may well be a full-scale disaster zone when you return! *Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com and order your ‘Winter Thru’ Spring’ Vegetable Collection, including purple sprouting broccoli, cauliflowers, cabbages and winter lettuces plus autumn planting garlic, shallots and onions AND monthly advice and tips emails from Pippa. Orders close soon. Whilst there, visit the new products area for a great selection including signed copies of Pippa’s books, Grower Frames, cloches, raised bed kits, delightful terracotta herb planters and wall plaques, biological pest controls and lots more!*

by Pippa Greenwood

Visit our website at www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

35

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.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

26

18

18 25

25

8 22

19 24

15

25

6

7

21

7 4 7 24

12

10

26

22

6

12

7 10

26

25

26 18

12

15

6

10

8

6

20

16

3

25

6

10

15

6

5

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25

24

8

22

22

22

26

9

6

7 6

11

12

6 10

9

4

26 22

U 4

S

26

8

22

8 25

4

22

3 18

6

9 4

2

26

6

15 14

25 4

6 22

15

25

15

10

10

10

19

15 8

15

6 22

26

7 24

6

8 17

22

26

23

26 4

7

1

4

9

11 13

22

6 7

6

21

26

Solution on page 43

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Thousands of people braved the rain and lined the streets of Colchester on 6th July to see the Olympic torch. Amongst many children, who had been given time off from school to witness the momentus occasion, was Ella and Fleur McFaull from White Colne (above). Ella, aged 9 plus VAT said “seeing the torch was amazing - I especially liked the kiss, when they lit one torch off another”. Fleur, aged 6 said “ or email: We got really wetour butwebsite it was epic!”

37 Visit at www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk editor@theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

£25 Advertise from

Call 01787 210701

sudoku competition

How to play

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 to 9, with no repetition!

That’s all there is to it.

You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic - there’s no maths involved and no adding up.

WIN £25

Fill in and cut out and send to: Sarah Banks, The Connection, Applegarth, Whitestreet Green Boxford, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 5JL The first correct entry out of the hat will win the prize.

Closing date 7th September 2012

Property and Garden Maintenance Colchester Workhorse Paul Richardson

Property

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

Tel: 01206 241530 Mob: 07889 805839

Garden

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

FREE QUOTATIONS - SMALL JOBS WELCOME - FRIENDLY SERVICE

looking for a fresh

Are you interested in the protection of the Colne Valley environment?

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HOME

IMPROVEMENTS KITCHEN’S PLANNED SUPPLIED & FITTED INCLUDING TILING & PAINTING See my portfolio and talk to any of my satisfied customers From hanging doors to laminate floors

challenge?

38

G.S.I.

WHY D.I.Y. WHEN YOU CAN G.S.I. For an efficient, professional and friendly service

PHONE COLIN T. 01787 477425 M. 0771 874 6561

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Newly converted storage units to rent From

£45 per month

Available Now

For business and household goods anything cluttering your office, loft or garage.

Office paperwork and archives Sports equipment – skis, boating kit or bicycles Computer equipment or furniture Contact: Karyn Legg

07767 770 558 or

william.sunnucks@eastgoresfarm.com

Salmons Lane, Coggeshall, CO6 1RZ

Landscaping and Maintenance Services T 01787 224 872 • M 07866 493 794 W www.cwlscapes.co.uk

Attention small businesses!

Low cost, locally targeted, effective advertising in The Connection

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MID-SUFFOLK FENCING

SPECIALISTS IN QUALITY TIMBER FENCING SUPPLY • ERECT • REPAIR TIMBER & STEEL GATES PATIOS • DECKING WOODEN BRIDGES

FREE ESTIMATES Needham Market Tel: 01449 721025 www.midsuffolkfencing.co.uk Mob: 07801 515505

Hunnaball Fa m i l y F u n e r a l G r o u p

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Tel: 01206 271774 Powerfloated.

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FREE ESTIMATES from Mark on 01787 220 396 07908 722 884

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39

Walks

Useful Information Essex Recycling Centres

Many of us feel the urge to go down to the seaside at some point during the summer months. This walk gives you the opportunity to follow the coastline all the way in a circular route around Mersea Island. Once you’ve crossed The Strood, you can choose to start from East or West Mersea and simply follow the coastal path right around the island. Foodies may wish to time their walk so as to include a lunch stop at the famous Company Shed seafood restaurant at the far west end of the island or any of the other pubs and restaurants in West Mersea.

You will take in beaches complete with colourful beach huts, mudflats rich in wildlife and open skies on the full 13 mile stretch. There are shorter alternative routes at either ends of the island of just over 3 or 5 miles. The East Mersea walk also goes through Cudmore Grove Country Park which has open grassy areas for flying kites or picnics and ice creams for sale if you’re in need of cooling down. For further information and a printable map visit http://www.visitessex.com/what-to-do/ Walk_Essex.aspx

looking for a fresh

challenge?

Are you interested in the protection of the Colne Valley environment?

See pages 24 and 25 for more details.

40

Please mention The

Colchester Recycling Centre for Household Waste, Maldon Rd, Colchester CO3 4RN Opening hours from March to October 8am - 5pm Bank holidays in May and August 9am - 5pm Braintree Recycling Centre Springwood Dr, Braintree CM7 2YN Opening hours from March to October 9am to 5pm Lawford Recycling Centre for Household Waste, Greensmill, Riverside Avenue West, Lawford CO11 1UW Opening hours from March to October 8am - 5pm Bank holidays in May and August 9am - 5pm For more information visit www.essex.gov.uk

Suffolk Recycling Centres Sandy Lane, Sudbury CO10 7HQ Haverhill Household Waste Recycling Centre Coupals Close, Chalkstone Way, Haverhill. CB9 7UR. Opening hours from April to September Monday - Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday and Bank holidays 10am to 4pm For more information call 08456 066 067, email hwrc@suffolk. gov.uk or visit www.suffolk.gov.uk

Chemist Opening Hours West Bergholt Pharmacy 39 Chapel Rd, West Bergholt Tel 01206 240352 Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm and 2pm - 6pm Saturday 9am - 1pm Day Lewis Pharmacy, 9 Market Hill, Coggeshall CO6 1TS. Tel 01376 561298 Monday - Friday 9.00am - 1pm and 2pm - 6.30pm .Saturday 9am - 1pm Boots the Chemist 72 High St, Kelvedon CO5 9AE. Tel 01376 570368 Monday - Wednesday 9am - 7pm. Thursday 9am - 5.30pm Friday 9am - 7pm. Saturday 9am - 5pm Boots the Chemist 50 High St, Earls Colne CO6 2PB. Tel 01787 222818 Monday - Friday 8.30am - 6.30pm. Saturday 9am - 1pm Dedham Pharmacy High St, Dedham CO7 6DE. Tel 01206 322109 Monday - Saturday 9am - 5.30pm Rowlands Pharmacy 13 Nayland Rd, Colchester CO4 5EG. Tel 01206 852965 Monday - Friday 9am - 1pm and 2pm - 6pm. Saturday 9am 1pm

Useful Website www.moneysavingexpert.com

Martin Lewis, the media’s financial wizard, has a website www.moneysavingexpert.com which is a one-stop shop for money-saving information on shopping, travel or utilities and advice on everything from student loans to finding the best mortgage. You Connection when responding to adverts can also sign up for a free weekly email for the latest guides, vouchers and deals.

Michael Brooks

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Fantastic results in around 2 hours!

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Combination and high efficient condensing boiler specialist.

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01206 213805

www.ovencleaningcompany-eastanglia.co.uk

CAMBRIDGE TOURING THEATRE

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TEY ELECTRICAL SERVICES Domestic � � �

Bo 013 ok NO 76 563 W 796

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Sunday 5th August - 6pm Advance Tickets: £12 / Concessions £9 / Families £35 Workshop for 5-10 yrs at 4.30. £2.50 Marks Hall Gardens & Arboretum, Coggeshall, Essex. C06 1TG 01376 563796

www.markshall.org.uk

�

Commercial

�

Industrial

Free Estimates Full Design and Installation Rewiring and Maintenance Testing and Inspection Lighting Specialists National Inspection Council for All Work Guaranteed Electrical Installation Contracting NICEIC Approved Contractor Part P Certified APPROVED CONTRACTOR

WIRING CAN BE DANGEROUS TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS Contact: Michael White Primrose View, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2DS Tel/Fax: 01787 224747 Mobile: 07850 393479

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41

Spot the Difference

There are 10 differences, can you find them?

White’s Farm

Private Hire Swimming Pool • • • • • •

Luxury Heated Indoor Swimming Pool 40’ x 18’ x 4.1’ Easy Access with Adjacent Parking Open 7 Days a Week - 7am to 10pm Swimming Lessons Available Exclusive half hour sessions, 13 week membership

w w w. w h i t e s - f a r m . c o.

uk

Angus and Sally Scobie White’s Farm Swimming Pool Bures Road, White Colne, Colchester CO6 2QF T: 01787 227064 • E: pool@whites-farm.co.uk

42

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Number Cruncher solution Spot the Difference answers 1, No star on drum 2, Big hair appeared 3, Musical note disappeared 4, Part of microphone lead missing 5, End of drumstick missing 6, Moustache appeared 7, Teeth missing 8, Microphone stand leg missing 9, Top of cymbal added 10, Trousers changed colour

Codeword solution

plus other pet care

t: 01787 222 686 m: 07825 834 288

Dog Walking, Boarding and Day Care Animal Visits Swallows, 1A High Street, Earls Colne Colchester CO6 2PA jackiesdogwalks@gmail.com

www.essexdogwalkers.co.uk

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43

Useful Numbers Useful Numbers Local Schools

St. Peter’s C of E Primary School Tel: 01376 561328 Honywood Community Science School Tel: 01376 561231 Kelvedon St. Mary C of E Primary School Tel: 01376 570411 Feering C of E Controlled Primary School Tel: 01376 570296 Earls Colne Primary School and Nursery Tel: 01787 222205 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 The Heath School Tel: 01206 571379 Stanway Fiveways Primary School Tel: 01206 574849 Holy Trinity C.E. Primary School Eight Ash Green & Aldham Tel: 01206 240880 St Andrew's C.E.V.A Primary School, Wormingford Tel: 01787 227307 Dedham C of E Controlled Primary School Tel: 01206 322242 Stratford St Mary Primary School Tel: 01206 323236 Stoke by Nayland C.E. V.C.P School Tel: 01206 262418 Stoke By Nayland Middle School Tel: 01206 262362 Littlegarth School Tel: 01206 262332 Nayland Community Primary School Tel: 01206 262348 Boxted St Peter’s C of E Primary School Tel: 01206 272239

44

Doctors

Kelvedon and Feering Health Centre Tel: 01376 572906 Kelvedon Surgery Tel: 01376 574560 Coggeshall Surgery Tel: 01376 561242 West Bergholt Surgery Tel: 01206 241137 Marks Tey Surgery Tel: 01206 213513 Tollgate Health Centre Tel: 01206 710030 Stanway Surgery Tel: 01206 572372 The Pump House Surgery/Earls Colne Tel: 01787 222022 Drs Hayhow & Barker/Bures Tel: 01787 227529 Branch Surgery, Tel: 01787 227529 Hardwick House Group Practice Tel: 01787 310000 Dr Baldwin & Partners, Nayland Surgery Tel: 01206 262202

Support

Crimestoppers Tel: 0800 555 111 ChildLine Tel: 0800 1111 Samaritans Tel: 08457 90 90 90 Cruse Tel: 0844 477 9400 NSPCC Tel: 0808 800 5000 Missing Persons Helpline Tel: 0500 700 700 National Debtline Tel: 0808 808 4000 National Domestic Violence Helpline Tel: 0808 2000 247 Victim Support Tel: 0845 30 30 900 Inland Revenue Tel: 0845 010 9000 RSPCA Tel: 0870 55 55 999 Electrical emergencies Tel: 0800 668877 AA Breakdown Tel: 0800 887 766 Floodline Tel: 0845 9881188 Transco emergency service Tel: 0800 111 999 Rail Enquiries Tel: 08457 484950 AA roadwatch Tel: 09003 401100

Please mention The

BT Faultline Tel: 0800 800 151 Rivers/Floodline Tel: 0845 988 1188 Citizens Advice Bureau Tel: 0870 126 4065 Samaritans/Colchester Tel: 01206 561234 Volunteering Opportunities Tel: 01206 505250 Al Anon Family Groups Helpline Tel: 0207 403 0888

Police Contacts

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

Dentists

N.R Chappell and Associates/Halstead Tel: 01787 474447 R Patel and Associates/Halstead Tel: 01787 472202 Kelvedon Dental Centre Tel: 01376 570785 Tiptree Dental Surgery Tel: 01621 816688 D.R McLean B.D.S (Edin)/Coggeshall Tel: 01376 561748 The Croft Dental Surgery/Sudbury Tel: 01787 372605 The Dental Emporium/Sudbury Tel: 01787 311864 G.P Sullivan/Colchester Tel: 01206 322489

Councils

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

Post Offices

Fiveways Post Office Tel: 01206 330451 Marks Tey Tel: 01206 210314 West Bergholt Tel: 01206 240355 Fordham Village Store and Post Office Tel: 01206 240391 Earls Colne Post Office Tel: 01787 222258

Wakes Colne Post Office Tel: 01787 222449 Bures Post Office Tel: 01787 227252 Stoke by Nayland Park Street Stores and Post Office Tel: 01206 262335 Nayland Post Office Tel: 01206 262210 Stratford St Mary Post Office Tel: 01206 322150 Dedham Post Office Tel: 01206 323543

Village Halls

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 Tel: 01206 262943 Wormingford Tel: 01787 227631 Little Horkesley Tel: 01206 271841 Leavenheath Tel: 01206 263301 Assington Tel: 01787 211162 Stanway Village Hall Tel: 01206 545062 Feering Community Centre Tel: 01376 572467 Marks Tey Village Hall Tel: 01206 213250 White Colne Village Hall Tel: 01787 221811 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 562860 Copford Village Hall Tel: 01206 211235

Airports

Stansted General Enquiries Tel: 0870 000 0303 Stansted Express Tel: 0845 850 0150 Gatwick General Enquiries Tel: 0870 000 2468 Gatwick Express Tel: 0845 850 1530 Heathrow General Enquiries Tel: 0870 000 0123 Heathrow Express Tel: 0845 600 1515

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Green Clean and Dry

www.carpetcleaningcolchester.com Visit our website at www.theconnectionmagazine.co.uk

Colchester Property Care 30 years experience

45

Index ofofAdvertisers Advertisers Indexof Advertisers Index Accountancy Accountancy Arts & Crafts Bathroom Fitters Bathroom Fitters

16, 31 32, 36 28 127

Farmshop Electrician Fencing Estate Agent Florist Farmshop Flooring

15 45 39 6, 48 43 34 4, 36

Beauty Treatment Treatment

13 17

Bookkeeping Bookkeeping Building Services Building Services Bunting Bunting Carpet cleaners

16, 31 36

Floor Screeding Fencing

4, 31 39, 43 29 10 45

Funeral Directors Florist 41, 39 45 Furniture restorer 32 Flooring 11, 27 Furniture & Collectables 23 Funeral Directors 39 Garden Centre 32 Furniture restorer 42 Garden Furniture 32 Garden Centre 32 Garden Services 34, 39

Carpet cleaners Care Home

47 9

Car Tuning Care Services 5,119 Carpenter 4, 45 Care Home 9 Computer Services 43 Car Tuning 4 Children’s Nursery 2, 5, 48 Carpenter 32, 36, 39, 27 47 Counselling DecoratorsServices Computer Deli Children’s Nursery Dog Walker Children’s Clothes Electrician Counselling Cleaners Decorators

32 39 43 2, 25 43 16 41 12

39

Garden Designer Furniture

10 34

Hairdressers 24, 29 Garden Services 25, 28, 38, 39 Heating Engineer Garden Designer Health Spa Hairdressers Interior Design Heating Engineer Ironing Service Health Spa

32 25, 28 7 4 12 36, 45 29 13

Joinery Lawn Maintenance Kitchen Fitters Lawnmowing Lawn Maintenance

31, 45 28 45 28 34

Lawnmowing Marketing Services Oven Cleaning Oven Cleaning Pest Control Pest Control Pilates & Yoga

34 31 36, 41 34, 45 17 41 29

Podiatrist Photography

29 43

Property Maintenance 38 Podiatrist 38 Plumber 32, 41 Property Maintenance 38, 39 Restaurants 7 Plumber Solicitor

36, 45 6

Swimming Pool Restaurants Therapies Solicitor Tree Surgeon

7,42 11, 13, 31 7,27, 29 37 31

Storage WeddingSpace Venue

38 7

Window Repairs Swimming Pool

42 42

Therapies

12, 17

34

Interior Design

7

39, 43

Ironing Service

10

Wedding Venue

31

32, 36, 47

Waitress Service

16

47, 39

Window Repairs

32

Designer Radiators

16

Joinery

Dog Walker

43

Kitchen Fitters

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, liability any party to loss or damage by errorsnor or its omissions Whilst every care has been taken to ensure thatany data in thistopublication is accurate, neithercaused the publisher editorial resulting from negligence, accident any other contributors can accept, and herebyor disclaim, anycause. liability to any par ty to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. mention when responding to adverts The Connection doesPlease not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication.

46

The Connection

The Connection does officially endorse anymay adver materialstored included within this publication.

All rights reserved.

Nonot part of this publication betising reproduced, in any retrieval systems or transmitted in any form - electronic, photocopying, or otherwise - without prior permission the publisher.

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

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48

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