Elite Magazine - Issue 164

ISSUE 164

FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL

THE RIVALS: A NEW ADAPTATION

New merge sees SAS Accounting Services expand.

Kelvedon Players are proud to announce their new play

SEE PAGE 11

SEE PAGE 52

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WELCOME

ISSUE 164 Publishing Director Ian Goldsworthy ian@elitemagazine.co.uk Telephone: 01206 500543 Sales Director Paul Ives Editor Alice Thomas Advertisement Sales sales@elitemagazine.co.uk Telephone: 01206 500543 Publishers Publishing Eagle Ltd P.O. Box 7391, Colchester Essex CO4 3WZ Design & Artwork Achieve Creative hello@achievecreative.co.uk www.achievecreative.co.uk Contributors Alice Thomas, Peter Constable, Ray Pile and Peter Jones Front Cover Mersea, Colchester Photo by Simon Rich Photography

Dear Reader I think we are in a period of reflection, article 50 has been triggered, what will this mean to our future, at what point will we know, I doubt it will be in 2 years, more like 20 or possibly we will never know good bad or indifferent. Those who voted leave will be convinced it is for the best those that voted remain will pick up on anything they can to say I told you so, life will go on regardless.

The terrible events on Westminster bridge look more and more likely to have been one deranged person with no hidden agenda albeit that a terrorist group have tried to claim ownership.

Spring is well and truly with us the daffodils look great and are uplifting around the town. I have just been for a drink at Mamma Mia’s sitting in their outside space watching the world go by; followed by a stroll through Castle Park the gardens look fabulous this is really the jewel in the crown of Colchester.

Easter is next on the agenda, enjoy be happy.

ALICE THOMAS EDITOR

Long Melford Sudbury

Elite Distribution Elite Distribution Area Area

30,000 copies delivered monthly FREE to quality households in north east Essex and parts of Suffolk. To advertise to this quality readership call 01206 500543

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Although Elite Magazine endorses companies, their products and services in both its advertisements and editorial articles, it is in no way responsible for the outcome or quality of any such business transaction between the advertised supplier and our reader/customers.

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ISSUE 164

Contents 06

22

A prestigious accreditation

Dentist tips Hear from the experts on how to avoid tooth decay.

SEH BAC has achieved the TrustMark accreditation.

11

35

From local to global Merge sees SAS Accounting Services expand.

The Essex & Herts Air Ambulance launch their new brand.

Brand new look

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16

42

Our gardening expert All the latest gardening tips for April.

Whats on?

A calendar full of things to do over the coming weeks.

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46

A financial boost

Hoping for ÂŁ20,000 Fun run to support Cancer Centre Campaign.

The Critical Care Unit in Colchester welcomes donations.

03 New in town Mamma Mia's new Italian restaurant opens in Colchester.

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06

46

food & drink (see back)

04 Food of the month This yummy risotto recipe gets our vote!

NEWS

Norman Hornigold, Sales & Marketing Director (left) and John Savage, Managing Director (right)

Award-winning home improvement company receives prestigious quality accreditation Award-winning home improvement company SEH BAC has achieved the TrustMark accreditation, the only Government-endorsed scheme for all trades in and around the home.

For 45 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to exceeding customer expectations, and we’re constantly striving to improve the quality of everything we do.”

Through extensive vetting and on-site inspections, traders and home improvement companies can obtain TrustMark accreditation by showing technical competence, good customer service and ethical trading practices.

For over four decades, SEH BAC has been installing windows, doors and conservatories across East Anglia and the south-east of England.

This latest accreditation comes after SEH BAC were named members of the Master Window and Conservatory Installers Association. To join the MWCIA, installers must show an outstanding level of quality and professionalism across every part of their business.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have earned TrustMark accreditation,” commented John Savage, Managing Director at SEH BAC. “For us, it’s recognition that we’re managing to live up to the uncompromising standards of quality and customer service we set ourselves, and that homeowners can have complete confidence in the products and installations we provide.

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For more information, call 0808 159 6310 or visit www.sehbac.com and for further information about TrustMark, visit www.trustmark.org.uk

If you don’t need it… we do!

At Emmaus Colchester we give people a home, meaningful work in our social enterprise and an opportunity to get themselves back on their feet.

We rely on the sale of good quality donations to fund our local Emmaus community.

PHONE FOR COLLECTION 01206 768887 We can make good use of everything from furniture and electrical goods to vintage clothing and bric-a-brac.

We don’t want to see unwanted items go to landfill. We can clear spaces such as homes and garages of all unwanted sound quality items. Please phone us on 01206 768887 or e-mail transport@emmauscol.org for a quote & to make arrangements.

E E

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EMMAUS EMPORIUM & HOME SHOPS

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Unfortunately there are some items – such as upholstered furniture without a fire label – that we are unable to accept.

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DROP OFF Drop items off at our Arthur Street warehouse. Parking available. (off Osborne Street, opposite Gala Bingo) 9am–5pm Monday– Saturday. Small items can also be donated at the High Street shops. If you are coming by car please stop outside to unload.

SHOP with us in Colchester High Street. You can also drop off small items here.

EMMAUS WAREHOUSE OS

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E MAIL: transport@emmauscol.org Please provide details of the items to be collected and we will get in contact with to you to make suitable arrangements.

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DROP OFF at our warehouse and showroom in Arthur Street (off Osborne Street, opposite Gala Bingo)

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NEWS

Image credit: www.nep.nhs.uk

Essex NHS merger gets green light The Trust Boards and Councils of Governors of South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT) and North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation NHS Trust (NEP) have approved the proposed merger of the Trusts. Both Trusts will be replaced by the new Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (or EPUT, for short) from 1 April 2017.

“The merger is an excellent outcome for local people who rely on our services. We have said from the start that we would be stronger together. Now we can harness the real enthusiasm we have to take the best from both organisations to deliver sustainable and transformative mental health, learning disabilities and community health services for the benefit of people in Essex and Bedfordshire.”

This is the first merger between two NHS Foundation Trusts under the current rules. It is a significant achievement by both Trusts to help secure the future provision of local mental health and community health services.

There will be no immediate changes to services. It will be “business as usual” for service users and carers for the foreseeable future. Clinicians from both current Trusts are working together with commissioners and people with lived experience to develop a proposed new clinical model for Essex-wide mental health services. Any changes to current services proposed by this model are likely to be subject to formal consultation.

When making the decision to merge, the Trusts took into account the green risk rating awarded to the proposals by their external regulator, NHS Improvement (NHSI).

This is the best risk rating possible and follows a review

by NHSI of the plans and the process over the past few months.

Sally Morris, Chief Executive of SEPT and Chief Executive of EPUT’s Interim Board said: “The result has only been made possible through the tremendous amount of hard work by very many of our staff, patients, carers and the support of our NHS and local authority partners and we are extremely grateful to everyone involved.

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Chris Butler, the Interim Chief Executive of NEP said: “In coming together both Trusts have put first what serves the best long term interests of people with mental health problems and those who care for them. I am absolutely convinced that the merger will ensure the sustainability of mental health services for the people of Essex. People will see no disruption in the services they receive, but the merger is a great springboard to develop with our partners ever better health and social care services.”

BUSINESS SECTION

A thriving Accountancy business has gone from offering local to global services after joining forces with an Ipswich firm.

Simon Robinson, founder of SAS Accounting Services sees the merger with DAA Tax Accountants as means of expanding their cost effective solutions for bookkeeping and accountancy work for sole traders, companies and partnerships.

and the decision exceeded our hopes for a firm we can work with and continue the tradition we have for excellent service, deep expertise, and an environment our clients and associates want to be a part of.”

Sue Davies, head of DAA Tax Accountants, who specialise in tax services for expatriates around the world, has relocated her client base, and herself to work as a consultant, from her premises at Brightwell Barns to The Colchester Centre, Hawkins Road, Colchester, under the umbrella of SAS Accounting Services.

Simon has had to recruit a new member of staff to join his established team of four and SAS Accounting Services has moved into a larger premises at The Colchester Centre to accommodate his growing business.

“I’ve known Sue for five years. We’ve always got on and she came to me with this proposal,” said Simon, who has been self-employed for 15 years and whose business has steadily grown since he started it in 2013.”

He said: “You have to adjust your business according to the economic climate and my business is going well. We’ve been registering new clients many for our cloud bookkeeping services - instead of businesses paying someone to do their bookkeeping and accounts full time inhouse, we’re being seen as cost-effective outsource solution for them.”

Sue said: “Simon is familiar with our clients and shares the same values we do

Sue said: “For myself, having been professionally qualified for nearly 40 years, it is time to ensure that someone with new ideas and foresight continues the growth of the business in the future and this will enable me to concentrate on the specific areas of the business where I have the most experience and can add value.”

“The growth of our business has been predominantly internal, stemming from the referrals of our client base and those of other professionals. We have been fortunate to attract an interesting and varied client base whom we hope we have helped to contribute to their development and growth. As a result of those efforts, we have also experienced expansion over the past several years, which in no small way is also directly related to the success our clients have had in their business and personal pursuits.”

“We have decided to work alongside another firm because we believe that a larger organization will allow us to provide a wider array of services and more depth in particular fields.”

“We cover a large area of the UK but finding and retaining excellent people as associates is a constant challenge and a larger organization will also mean these individuals will benefit from even more and stronger opportunities in the future.”

SAS Accounting Services now offers a complete accountancy and tax return service, including expatriate tax as well as bookkeeping and payroll services. The business is aiming to offer new services and areas of expertise in the future.

DAA Tax Accountants existing Ipswich telephone number will continue to operate for the time being and calls will be automatically transferred to the new Colchester offices.

 SAS Accounting Services The Colchester Centre, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JX  01206 266 702 / 07900 243326  simon@sas-accounting.co.uk  www.sas-accounting.co.uk

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GARDEN

PETE'S PATCH

Gardening Tips: April April is one of the busiest moths of the year, with just about everything in the garden needing attention.

Start with the lawn. By now it should be mown every week, including trimming the edges. At the end of the month, the first feed of the season should be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It could be advantageous to use a combined weed, feed and moss-killer and get all three jobs done at once. Do not apply the preparation until the fourth day after mowing and do not mow again until the fourth day after application. It is also a good time to lay turf or sow seed if you are having a new lawn - lay turves in a similar pattern as laying bricks so the the joins of adjacent turves do not align and afterwards do not forget to fill gaps between them with topsoil..

Vegetable sowing now starts in earnest. Begin by applying Growmore to the soil prior to raking and few days later sow early potatoes, broad bean, peas, brassicas, leek, carrot, spinach, herbs and chicory, but wait for warmer weather for the more tender sweet corn, runner bean, French bean, tomatoes, salads and courgette etc, although towards the end of the month these can be sown in seed trays and pots under glass.

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In the flower border roses should have already been pruned and will benefit from a dressing of feed to encourage the first flush of bloom - so eye-catching around the end of May. Any bare soil between plants would benefit from a dressing of Growmore while rhododendron and camellia would enjoy a treatment of sequestered iron.

Winter jasmine and hydrangea should have their old flower shoots pruned and the growing tips of sweet peas, fuschia and pelargonuim need pinching out to encourage them to fill out. Do not forget to remove the faded blooms of daffodil, narcissus and tulips but do not remove any foliage as this will affect next year’s blooms.

Strawberries will appreciate a dressing of sulphate of potash, while all soft fruits will benefit from a mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure as will all fruit tress, but do not put the mulch right up to the trunk!

So enjoy your hard work and exercise in the fresh air and think of all those treats to come!

If you need any assistance please ring me on 07887 660711, I may be able to help.

the plants are producing, especially if you wish to raise new plants for next year. Pin them down into the soil so that they root for severing and planting later in September. This will save the cost of buying new plants. Plums also need picking as soon as they ripen, or the birds and wasps will have their feed first, spoiling things somewhat for you and your family. August is a busy month, which can be a bit tricky if you have been away for long!

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NEWS

Walkers step forward for Critical Care Unit A support group for people who have spent time in intensive care as a patient or relative has presented £1,100 to the Critical Care Unit at Colchester General Hospital.

The money, donated by the Colchester and Essex branch of ICUsteps, was raised by the family of Freda Jowitt, who spent six weeks in critical care in 2011 with pneumonia, sepsis and multi-organ failure.

Last year, her partner Trevor Cooper, his son Ryan Cooper, her son Alan Jowitt and her nephew Michael Gavey raised £1,100 in sponsorship by walking the 94-mile West Highland Way from Milngavie on the edge of Glasgow to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis in five days.

Mrs Jowitt, 61, who lives with her 56-yearold partner in North Road, Brightlingsea, returned to the Critical Care Unit at Colchester General Hospital to help hand over a giant cheque to staff.

After she left the unit in 2011, she spent a week on a general ward but continued to need extensive rehabilitation after she was discharged home. For example, she was treated by physiotherapists and occupational therapists at home and returned to hospital for weekly critical care rehabilitation classes.

She experienced hallucinations, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has ongoing problems, including neuropathy and reactive arthritis. Neuropathy involves painful sensitivity to limbs which is extremely and constantly unpleasant.

Mrs Jowitt is a founder member of the Colchester and Essex branch of ICUsteps along with fellow ex-patients Chris White, Tracey Allsop and Ross Wallace and ICU staff Karen Cotton and Jenny Powner.

It is one of 20 branches of a UK support network organisation found in 2005 by ex-patients, their relatives and ICU staff to

Chris White (right) presents a cheque on behalf of the Colchester and Essex branch of ICUsteps to Karen Baxter (left), Sister on the Critical Care Unit at Colchester General Hospital. They are with (from left to right) Karen Cotton, Critical Care Follow-up Sister; Trevor Cooper and Freda Jowitt

support patients and their families on the long road to recovery from critical illness.

The Colchester and Essex group was set up in 2012 and holds evening drop-ins every two months.

Mrs Jowitt said: “Unless you’ve spent time in critical care as a patient or possibly as a loved one of a patient, you’ve got no idea what it’s like. For example, I had hallucinations that I was going to be killed, which seemed very real to me. I find that chatting with people at ICUsteps who have had similar experiences helps me and helps them – it is of mutual benefit.”

Her son Alan said: “Unless you’ve witnessed someone go through something like this, it’s difficult to comprehend how serious the after effects are. The nurses and staff in intensive care and the after care team are miracle workers and deserve medals, in my opinion. It is a pleasure to be able to do a little something in return. Hopefully, people reading this will never be affected, but ICUsteps is a great group and very important if you find yourself unfortunate enough to be in a position to need it.”

Sister Karen Baxter from the Critical Care Unit thanked the Colchester and Essex branch of ICUsteps for its donation, which will be put towards the £14,000 cost of providing the unit with a second sophisticated portable ventilator.

The additional ventilator will be used by patients when they go off the unit for diagnostic tests, such as scans, or when they are transferred to another hospital.

Another of the group’s four founding members and its current chairman, former patient Chris White, who spent seven weeks on the Critical Care Unit at Colchester General Hospital at the beginning of 2011, attended the presentation.

“Whether you’re an ex-patient or a relative, being able to talk about what you’ve been through with people who understand, because they’ve been through it too, can really help,” he said.

“Many people who have been in Critical Care feel that they are on their own with the after effects, the dreams and the nightmares. Our group can offer understanding and help as we have all been through the same experience.”

Anyone wanting more information about the Colchester and Essex branch of ICUsteps can visit: www.icusteps.org/support/colchester which contains details of future meetings and the group can also be contacted through the website.

Alternatively, phone 01206 742687 – if your call is not answered, please leave a message and you will be called back as soon as possible.

21

HEALTH

Dental advice Avoiding Tooth Decay

Children’s teeth need to be looked after to keep them healthy, this also gets the child into good dental habits for life.

Food and drink that contains sugar can cause tooth decay. This includes sweets, chocolate, biscuits, fruit juice, fizzy drinks and squash.

Decay makes holes in teeth that can become very painful and infected. Even milk teeth can need fillings or even extracting at the dentist.

The more often sugar is in the mouth, the more likely teeth are to decay.

To avoid decay keep sugary food and drinks to mealtimes only and offer safe snacks and drinks between meals.

Like sugary food, sweets, chocolate, juices, fizzy drinks and squash are best for mealtimes or straight after a meal.

Babies and toddlers should ideally use a normal cup or trainer cup without a valve by the age of 12 months. Bottles and cups with teats or valves (“no spill” cups) should not be used after the 1st birthday.

Don’t add sugar to children’s food or drink to avoid them developing a “sweet tooth”.

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Provide snacks that are safe for teeth between meals such as;

• Fresh fruit, vegetables or salad • Plain yoghurt with added fresh fruit • Cubes of cheese • Crackers such as water biscuits, breadsticks, crispbreads • Bread, toast, crumpets Provide drinks that are safe for teeth between meals such as; • Plain water • Milk Parents and carers should ask for sugar-free medicines when needed especially for children who are taking long-term medication.

Remember, with sugar – the more times a day, the more chance of decay!

Keep sugary food and drink for mealtimes.

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SIMON RICH PHOTOGRAPHY

Simon is a Freelance Photographer based in Thorpe le Soken, Essex, specialising in Seascape/Landscape photography and model portfolios, as well as being highly experienced with weddings, events, family portraits, sport, as well as commercial and corporate commissions.

Simon has had much of his work published, featured on book covers, and even on billboards in Europe as well as being an in house photographer for Creative Portrait magazine raising money for Muscular Dystrophy magazine as well as Cancer Research campaigns. Simon is also involved with Sports Projects for Essex University in Colchester.

While based in Essex, Simon will travel for any assignment as required and welcomes any enquiries.

www.simonrichphotography.com Email: simonrichphotography@live.com Mobile: 07800 667588

EDUCATION

The ideal independent primary school experience Littlegarth is a non-selective independent preparatory school for children between the ages of 2½ and 11 situated in the beautiful Stour Valley overlooking the village of Nayland.

The school prides itself in preparing children thoroughly for the rigours of entrance exams to Grammar and selective Independent Schools whilst embracing a broad and exciting curriculum. Specialist teachers offer guidance in key subjects and the children achieve extremely high standards in a wide range of activities.

The school has been judged as ‘Outstanding’ in all four categories by a recent ISI Early Years inspection and the

excellent reputation the school has for academic success was highlighted by the most recent ISI Standard Inspection Report which commented, “The overall achievement of the pupils is excellent, because of the exemplary attitude to learning by the pupils, who approach every task with delightful enthusiasm” and “The evidence from the inspection is that the pupils make exceptional progress when compared with those of similar above-average ability.”

Littlegarth children also achieve excellent standards in music, art and drama and in recent years sports teams have achieved unbeaten seasons and have won regional and national titles in major sports.

Children of all abilities acquire a passion for a wide variety of activities inside and outside the classroom and the school works hard to feed that enthusiasm to ensure that each child leaves Littlegarth a confident member of a successful team.

In the past four years, more than half of the Year 6 leavers have been awarded scholarships to senior independent schools with 80 children gaining over 120 scholarship awards.

Headmaster, Peter Jones is delighted with these excellent results; “The children and staff work extremely hard and we are very proud of the achievements of all our children. They really enjoy supporting each other and children of all ability levels feel that they are making a valuable contribution to the success of this very exciting school.”

For further details please contact Peter H Jones, Headmaster, Littlegarth School, Horkesley Park, Nayland, Colchester, CO6 4JR

Tel 01206 262332 Email office@littegarth.essex.sch.uk Web www.littlegarth.essex.sch.uk

27

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NEWS

Dr David Sollis, Engagement Manager at Healthwatch Essex, with his Patient Experience Network National Award for ‘Manager of the Year’

Local patient champions scoop two national awards Dr David Sollis, Engagement Manager at Healthwatch Essex, and Tammy Diles, Head of Patient Experience at Colchester Hospital University Foundation Trust, romped to victory at the Patient Experience Network National Awards (PENNA) yesterday in Birmingham.

The national awards were announced at a ceremony that saw David win ‘Manager of the Year’ and Tammy take the ‘Professional of the Year’ prize. It was thought that they might both be pitched against one another for the same award, but in the end, both were recognised for their achievements.

“It’s really fantastic news, both for us and Colchester,” said Dr Tom Nutt, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Essex. “PENNA really does recognise the cream of those

30

people across the country around the delivery of outstanding patient experience in the health and social care industry, so both David and Tammy should be very proud.”

people,” said Tom. “Involving people is not always as easy as it looks and finding innovative ways to get the message across and listen to what people have to say is a skill in itself.”

Recently Healthwatch Essex has received a number of plaudits about its ‘Healthwatch Harriet’ film in which a 10-year-old girl quizzes health bosses about plans for change called STPs. The film has been watched over 2,300 times and been praised by the likes of Lords and a Minister of State for Health.

In addition to winning the ‘Manager of the Year’ award, Healthwatch Essex was also a finalist in the ‘Championing the Public’ category for its YEAH! project.

The film has also been the subject of articles in health trade journal HSJ and communications magazine PR Week, which described it as a “pioneering approach to communicating complex messages.

The Healthwatch Harriet film is just the latest example of how David and his team have truly engaged

For details of all the winners of the Patient Experience Network National Awards go to: patientexperiencenetwork.org Find out more about Healthwatch Essex at: healthwatchessex.org.uk Details of the work Colchester Hospital is doing can be found at: colchesterhospital.nhs.uk

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BUSINESS

FORD BARNS A LABOUR OF LOVE It took five years from the planning to the creation of a wonderful country store.

It makes shopping for furniture a pleasurable experience for the whole family.

Ford Barns was a labour of love, a dream, which took five years to come to fruition. The owner and his business partner erected the main oak frame during weekends and in the evenings.

Now it is a very popular venue for people who want to shop, browse or have a relaxing coffee whilst their children enjoy the birds and animals on site.

Come and enjoy the Ford Barns experience.

See the impressive oak-framed barn, fully stocked with quality furniture and a wide variety of home furnishings.

Relax in the attractive tearooms.

Take your children to see the pair of nesting kestrels and their chicks. Watch them feed the Alpacas.

Ford Barns is already proving to be popular with the locals and is attracting great reviews, which focus on the beauty of the buildings and setting, the ‘amazing’ furniture, ‘lovely gift ideas’ and fair prices.

Come and see for yourself!

Explore our vast range of home furnishings

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Saturday: 9am 5.30pm -30pm Saturday: 9am -visit 5.30pm Come and-Times our range Monday – Saturday: 9am – 5.30pm Opening 10am 10am --of4pm 4pm quality home Sunday: 10am –home 4pm Come andfurnishings visit our range of visit quality Come and our range of Come and visit our rangefurnishings of quality quality home home furn furn Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5.30pm Sunday: 10am - 4pm

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CO16 0BH Crown Tendring, Essex0BH CO16 0BH 0BH WE ARE Crown Lane, Lane, Tendring, Essex CO16 ne, Essex CO16 ne, Tendring, Tendring, Essex CO16 0BH Tel: Tel: 01255 01255831234 831234 Email: Email:sales@fordbarns.co.uk sales@fordbarns.co.ukHERE ales@fordbarns.co.uk 5 831234 Email: sales@fordbarns.co.uk A133 5 831234 Email: sales@fordbarns.co.uk Colchester Road www.fordbarns.co.uk www.fordbarns.co.uk dbarns.co.uk TO COLCHESTER dbarns.co.uk

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NEWS

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance unveil rebrand The Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) launched their new branding on 6th March 2017.

As of this year, the Air Ambulances of Essex and Hertfordshire have been partnered for a decade. With 2017 representing the tenth anniversary of Herts Air Ambulance, the twentieth year of Essex Air Ambulance and the arrival of the Charity’s first purchased helicopter this summer, EHAAT felt it was time to solidify the partnership of the two counties. The rebrand unifies the existing aircraft colour schemes – red for Hertfordshire, and yellow for Essex bringing them together for the first time to signify the united future of the Charity.

The rebrand will culminate at the Charity’s 20th anniversary event on Sunday 25th June 2017. Surrounded by supporters, volunteers and staff, the event at Audley End House will see the unveiling of the rebranded fleet, including the Charity’s two helicopters and Rapid Response Vehicles. It will also be the first public outing of the newly-purchased Agusta Westland AW169.

Research was undertaken by EHAAT to help determine the direction of the rebrand exercise. A working group made up of volunteers, a Trustee and staff discussed ideas, which were then taken into consideration by the Charity’s branding agency, to create the new look.

Consolidating the Charity’s identity will also have cost-saving benefits for EHAAT. Instead of operating two separate websites, as has been done previously, the Charity’s brand new website will host all of the necessary information for supporters, former airlifted

patients, event attendees and more. Similarly, where merchandise, staff and volunteer clothing and other assets were originally divided into separate colours and designs for Essex and Hertfordshire, everything will now carry the new definitive brand.

Jane Gurney, CEO of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance said: “The rebrand of the Charity gives us a chance to align the two counties of Essex and Hertfordshire, more so than ever before, and look to the future as one. We are always passionate about innovation, and this step allows us to focus on the bigger picture of delivering the highest possible patient care in order to save lives across the region. With this year marking two huge milestones for the Charity, it’s the perfect time to unveil a more cohesive approach to our operations, and continue to expand the EHAAT family."

The new website was launched on the 6th March and a new Charity shop in Royston opened the next day, paving the way for the exciting year ahead. Rebranding will also mean a change in how the Charity presents its missions. Regardless of the geographical location of the mission – or helicopter or Rapid Response Vehicle used – the Charity asks for editors and reporters to always refer to the Charity as the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. Our mission is to save lives across Essex, Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas, and EHAAT continues to do so, stronger and more connected than ever before.

To view the Charity’s new website, please visit

www.ehaat.org 35

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ENTERTAINMENT

What's on at the Mercury Theatre Always Look on The Bright Side of Life, audiences will be dancing in the aisles.

SPAMALOT Mercury favourite Dale Superville will return in the second Made in Colchester production of the season, Spamalot.

Written by Python legend Eric Idle, and lovingly ripped off from the hugely successful 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a riotous comedy full of misfit knights, killer rabbits, dancing nuns and ferocious Frenchmen. We join King Arthur as he travels around the land gathering his Knights of the Round Table. This band of hapless adventurers is then tasked with a divine mission to locate the elusive Holy Grail – with uproarious consequences.

This hilarious show was the winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best New Musical and enjoyed a highly successful West End run. With comic tunes including Brave Sir Robin, We’re Knights of the Round Table and perennial favourite

40

Spamalot will be directed by Mercury Theatre Artistic Director, Daniel Buckroyd (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Clybourne Park, End of the Rainbow, The Hired Man).

THE EVENTS After his critically acclaimed production of Bully Boy, Dan Sherer returns to direct the third Made in Colchester production of the season, The Events.

Written by multi-ward-winning playwright David Greig, The Events follows the story of Claire, a priest who has survived an atrocity – a mass shooting.

Rationality, reason and faith are thrown into doubt in one of the decade’s most incendiary and important new plays.

There is an incredible line up of visiting shows to look forward to in 2017, including the return of

internationally renowned Cheek

by Jowl who visit Colchester for the first time since 2014 with their production of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, co-produced with the Barbican.

After nine years as an Edinburgh Fringe must-see phenomenon, and a critically-acclaimed West End run, the astounding Showstopper!

The Improvised Musical heads to the Mercury in February. A brand new musical comedy is created from scratch at each performance as audience suggestions are transformed on-the-spot into an all-singing, all-dancing production with unpredictable and hilarious results.

There will be comedy from the Reduced Shakespeare Company, and Sigmund Freud meets Salvador Dali in Terry Johnson’s award-winning comedy, Hysteria.

There’s family fun on offer with David Walliams’ The First Hippo on the Moon, and children’s favourite The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Satirical impressionist Rory Bremner drops in, and Danny Baker comes to Colchester in his debut live tour. Showbiz legend Des O’Connor entertains as only

Book Tickets For more information, including performance times, prices and to purchase tickets, visit www.mercurytheatre.co.uk or call 01206 573948 Spamalot Fri 21 April – Sat 13 May Performance times vary Tickets £12 - £27 & Discounts The Events Fri 2 June – Sat 17 June Performance times vary Tickets £16

www.pssfiresecurity.co.uk he can, and Fascinating Aida’s Dillie Keane presents her first solo show in 58 years.

There’s plenty going on in the Mercury Studio Theatre with a variety of drama, comedy and new talent which includes: Still; Dame Nature: The Magnificent Bearded Lady; Jane Upton’s All The Little Lights; Packing Shed Theatre’s In Search of England; Hidden; and A Regular Little Houdini.

Tamasha will present Made in India – a thrilling new play about motherhood and blood ties between women and nations in a brave new world. Tamasha will also work in partnership with the Mercury Theatre Young Company on Half of Me - a companion piece to Made in India.

There is a host of live music, talks, community performances, and dance.

www.pssfiresecurity.co.uk

DIARY DATES

What's On COLCHESTER ARTS CENTRE

THE HEADGATE THEATRE

MERCURY THEATRE

Church Street, Colchester, Essex,CO1 1NF www.colchesterartscentre.com

14 Chapel Street North, Colchester, Essex CO2 7AT www.headgatetheatre.co.uk

Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

20 APR

ZOE LYONS: LITTLE MISFIT COMEDY

21 APR 23 APR

BANG SAID THE GUN POETRY KIRI PRITCHARD-MCLEAN COMEDY

23 APR

24 APR

THE VINYL SESSIONS TELEVISION: MARQUEE MOON MUSIC MOORE, MOSS & RUTTER FOLK

25 APR

HAYSEED DIXIE GIGS

26 APR

CATHERINE HOFFMANN: FREE LUNCH WITH THE STENCHWENCH PERFORMANCE

27 APR

TONY LAW: A LAW UNTO HIS-ELF WHAT WELCOME COMEDY

28 APR

AN EVENING WITH IAN MCCULLOCH GIGS

29 APR

THE FLOYD EFFECT: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON & BEYOND GIGS

03 MAY

PETER MCMASTER: 27 PERFORMANCE

04 MAY

ILLUMINATING ALICE THEATRE

06 MAY

COMMITTED TO THE BLUES BROTHERS GIGS

07 MAY

PARTIKEL JAZZ

08 MAY

JON BODEN FOLK

11 MAY

ANNA & ELIZABETH FOLK

12 MAY

CLASSIC HORROR NIGHTS! DRACULA AD 1972 FILM

13 MAY

THREE HALF PINTS PRESENTS THE THREE MUSKETEERS KIDS

16 MAY

BRIAN CONLEY: THE GREATEST ENTERTAINER (IN HIS PRICE RANGE) COMEDY

42

19 APR - 20 APR TAMBURLAINE 20 APR

METAMORPHOSIS BY FRANZ KAFFKA ADAPTED BY STEVEN BERKOFF (7:30PM) THEATRICAL NICHE LIMITED

Waking to find himself transformed into a dung beetle, Gregor must seriously consider his options. One of the strangest stories ever brought to the stage, this acclaimed adaptation

by Steven Berkoff plunges into the extremity of Kafka's dark humour.

Theatrical Niche tour this wonderful monstrosity, using signature touches of Physical Theatre and Puppetry. Tickets: £12, £10 (over 65s), £8 (Students & groups of 6+) 22 APR AN EVENING OF FRENCH MUSIC & SONG (8:00PM) ACOUSTIC EAST

Acoustic East presents an evening of French music and song: BOF! Play traditional French and Breton songs and tunes using traditional instruments.

Gwendal Moële (vocals) and Paul Riley (guitar) perform classic/modern French chansons from artistes such as Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel. Tickets: £10, £8 (over 60s/students/unemployed) 26 APR BERNSTEIN ON BROADWAY (SATURDAY 29TH AT 7:45PM + SAT MATINÉE AT 2:30PM) PLATFORM MUSICALS & PLAYS

Following the success of previous “composer themed” concert performances, Platform Musicals & Plays are pleased to bring you a thrilling concert of Leonard Bernstein’s music.

Including music from his well-known productions such as West Side Story, On the Town and Candide, this concert will also explore the fabulous songs and music in some of his lesser known works.

Tickets: £12

Ambition. Subjugation. Immortality.

Yellow Earth Theatre presents Christopher Marlowe’s thrilling, controversial, and compelling masterpiece; Tamburlaine.

The story of a lowly shepherd who rises to power and conquers half the world through sheer brutality and self-belief.

In a startling new adaptation, it calls into question the nature of masculinity and violence. What makes a king? What makes a father? What makes a man? In the modern world, where retaliatory air strikes are applauded as strength, where social justice is a luxury that must give way to economic expansion, where much of the devastation in the Middle East is a legacy of Western imperialism – Marlowe holds up a mirror to reveal our deepest and darkest desires, and asks whether art should comfort or disrupt.

Approx 2 hrs 20 mins, including interval. £13.50 & discounts.

28 APR - 29 APR HIDDEN

A love story about invisible disability.

Booking for the Friday performance?

Hang around after the show to hear a free post-show talk from the cast, with Director Scott Huran and Writer Nicola Werenowska. Chris is a city lawyer, Jess is a Ph.D student. Two ordinary people in a relationship who want to get on with their lives. The birth of their son and the economic crash create a catalyst of events that leads them to discover who they really are. Can their relationship survive the challenges of accepting their newfound reality?.

Approx 1 hr 20 mins. £13.50 & discounts.

DIARY DATES

APRIL/MAY

ABBERTON RESERVOIR VISITOR CENTRE

LAVENHAM FARMERS' MARKET

KENTWELL HALL AND GARDENS

Church Road, Layer-de-la-Haye, Colchester, Essex, CO2 0EU

Church Street, Lavenham, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 9QT

Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 9BA

21 APR STAR DOME-MOBILE PLANETARIUM

23 APR, 28 MAY, 25 JUN, 23 JUL, 27 AUG, 24 SEP, 22 OCT, 26 NOV, 17 DEC FARMERS MARKET (10:00 – 13:30)

Putting the WOW factor into Science and Space. Join Essex Wildlife Trust , North Essex Astronomical Society and Andrew Green Director of StarDome for an evening truly out of this universe. When the dome lights dim you will see 3000 stars appear in a perfect night sky free from light pollution.

There are three bookable sessions: Session one ; 7.30 - 9.30pm Session two 8.30 - 10.30pm Session three 9.30 - 11.30pm Requested donation £10 adults, £6 Children. Booking essential.

Choose one of three timed sessions.

29 APR, 27 MAY, 24 JUN BIRDING DAY - CAN WE BEAT 65 SPECIES IN A DAY? (09:30 –15:00)

Get out and about on the nature reserve and around the reservoir to see how many birds you can identify in the day; the record to date is 65 different species. Our expert will help you with your basic identification skills. Places limited to 6 so please book early to avoid disappointment. Bring any optical equipment that you have.

Requested donation £20.00 per person.

30 APR WALK WITH THE WARDEN (10:30 –12:00)

A gentle stroll to look at wildlife. Join Charlotte our warden for a guided stroll around the nature reserve to discover its varied wildlife and learn about future projects on the site. £5 requested donation per person; booking essential.

Lavenham Farmers Market is officially the best market in Suffolk. This fantastic Farmers’ Market boasts over 30 of the highest quality, small scale producers in Suffolk. Stalls include Suffolk pork, beef, lamb and venison, locally grown vegetables, home baked cakes, pies, puddings and bread, Suffolk honey, pates, terrines, jams, chutneys and preserves with everything sold by the producer. The fantastic kid friendly Farmers’ Cafe serves freshly baked quiche and cakes, Farmers’ Breakfasts & good quality coffee using local products direct from the market traders.

Free entry.

WIVENHOE FUNNY FARM Rectory Road, Wivenhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO7 9SR 27 APR, 25 MAY, 29 JUN, 13 JUL, 31 AUG WIVENHOE FUNNY FARM (20:00)

Funny Farm this month features :- Bethany Black, Abi Roberts, Si Deaves, Hazel Humphreys (MC). Pay on door £7 ( £5.50) You can reserve seats via the website or email address (please advise how many seats required and if your group needs any concessions (unwaged).

Tell us about your events and we will run them FREE of charge, please email: ian@elitemagazine.co.uk

SAT 29 APR - MON 1 MAY TUDOR MAY DAY CELEBRATIONS (11:00 – 17:00)

May Day was the most popular holiday in Tudor times with lots of merrymaking.

It is also one of our most popular events of the year, expect processions, plays and pageantry with lots of music and dancing. At Kentwell, we hold traditional May Day celebrations - music, dancing, plays and processions with over 100 of our costumed 'Tudors'. We have a host of activities for families to join in with - don't just visit, be part of the event.

Tudor May Day Celebrations - 100 Tudors about the manor, under cover and in the grounds, celebrating May Day in Tudorstyle.House Open - view the Hall (some rooms downstairs will contain Tudors!).

Gardens Open - spring bulbs and blossom festoon over 10 acres of garden, moats, ponds and woodland. Breathtaking.

Family Fun Trails – join the Storybook Trail in the Gardens and the Heffalump Hunt down on the Farm.

On the Farm - this year's lambs, chicks and piglets join the sheep, cows, pigs, goats and horses. All of our activities will go on, whatever the weather, and your visit can certainly fill a whole day. Come early and stay for the day, there is so much to see and do - a visit to a Kentwell event really is a whole Day Out! We'll also be serving delicious lunches, teas and snacks in our Stableyard area.

Ticket Prices Adult £16.75, Senior £15.75, Child Ticket 5-15 years £12.75 Family Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children) £57.00 online discounts available.

For more events, visit: visitcolchester.com/whats-on

43

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olf Coaching

at Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa

Get into golf with Stoke by Nayland Golf Coaching in partnership with Stoke by Nayland Golf Club Whatever your age, whether you’re an experienced golfer or a beginner, you can choose from a range of different packages and programmes to help you improve your game. Each programme, all delivered by PGA professionals, includes different coaching options and activities such as: • Free taster sessions available • One-to-one coaching • Bespoke coaching packages • Junior Golf multi-sports days • And much more!

www.stokebynayland.com/golf

Look for the Golf Coaching section on our website Come to our Golf Open Weekend on Sat 8th /Sun 9th April. Free coaching clinics 10am – 12pm!

To find out more please call 01206 265812 or email GolfCoaching@stokebynayland.com Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa, Keepers Lane, Leavenheath, Colchester CO6 4PZ | Tel: 01206 262836

HEALTH

Mr Rix (left) and Dr Walsh with Sister Luminita Hodea, Urology Team Leader

Surgeon flies in for training in Colchester A urologist from California has become the first surgeon from the United States to visit Colchester General Hospital to be trained in a modern surgical procedure.

Surgeons from as far afield as Russia, Kuwait, Spain, Portugal and Belgium, as well as from Ireland and all over the UK, have already visited the hospital to learn a procedure called holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP).

Dr [checked] Lance Walsh from the Eisenhower Medical Center in Palm Springs this week became the first to visit from the United States.

HoLEP involves using a high-powered laser to treat a non-cancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in which the prostate gland enlarges, making it difficult to urinate.

Dr Walsh observed a team led by Mr Gerald Rix, one of three consultant urological surgeons who use the technique at Colchester General Hospital, which is a recognised HoLEP training centre for surgeons from the UK and Europe.

Mr Rix said: “It was a pleasure to meet Dr Walsh and exchange views as to

how surgeons in the United States and United Kingdom treat BPH. HoLEP is not widely available in the States because there is no similar training set-up to the UK. Dr Walsh tells me he would normally use a robot to carry out the operation for very large prostates back in California, which involves making six small incisions whereas there are no cuts with a HoLEP.” Dr Walsh said: “The HoLEP procedure is the gold standard procedure for the treatment of BPH. The technique is difficult, requiring 50 cases or more to gain experience. It is a privilege for me to train with Mr Rix who is an expert in performing the procedure.”

Access to HoLEP is limited in England but it has been available in Colchester since 2005, the year after Mr Rix started work in Colchester.

HoLEP results in less blood loss, removes more tissue and involves a shorter stay in hospital than other techniques.

One of the consequences of the virtual lack of bleeding is that there is no limit to the size of prostates that can be operated on.

Normal prostates range between 40 gms and 60 gms but surgeons in Colchester have used HoLEP to operate on prostates up to 300 gms.

During the procedure, a fine telescopelike instrument is inserted into the patient’s urethra (the tube through which urine is passed).

The high-powered laser is then inserted through this instrument and used to carefully remove the excess prostate tissue that is causing obstruction of the urethra.

The operation can be carried out either under a general anaesthetic, during which the patient will be asleep for the whole procedure, or under a spinal anaesthetic when the patient remains awake but the body is numb from the waist down so no pain is felt.

Patients are usually able to go home within 24 hours and it is sometimes possible for them to return home on the same day.

Mr Rix has visited other hospitals in the UK as well as in Spain, Switzerland and Portugal to train surgeons in HoLEP.

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CHARITY

Luke Rumbelow is pictured at the start and finish of July’s fun run, with Nayland Village Hall and St James Church in the background

Fun run to support Cancer Centre Campaign The Cancer Centre Campaign is hoping for a £20,000 cash injection from an off-road fun run being held in Nayland this summer.

Half of the profits from the 3K, 5K and 10K events on Sunday 2 July will be donated to the £3.25m campaign to create an integrated cancer centre at Colchester General Hospital.

And Colchester Hospitals Charity (CoHoC) is hoping that as many people as possible taking part will make a donation to its campaign or raise money through sponsorship.

The “Nayland 10K” event, which will also include the two shorter distances, is the idea of Luke Rumbelow, a games designer who works for GFM in Hawkins Road, Colchester, and is being sponsored by Runners World, the sportswear store at the Peartree Business Centre in Stanway.

Luke, 32, who lives in Court Street, Nayland, has been involved in many fundraising events and is fulfilling an ambition to organise a run.

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“Every ability of runner can take part – let’s have some fun and raise some money!” he said.

“As well as having a passion for running, I also love cycling and organise the annual Tour de Norfolk which attracts about 1,500 riders and raises funds for The Big C Appeal cancer charity in Norfolk and Waveney. I’d prefer to support a local rather than a national cause. That’s why, after meeting up with Colchester Hospitals Charity, I decided that half the profit from 2 July will go to the Cancer Centre Campaign and the other half to Nayland Community Council.”

Caroline Bates, CoHoC’s Head of Charity and Fundraising, said: “We are delighted to be involved with the first Nayland 10K run and hope that Luke will be able to reach his target of raising £20,000 for the Cancer Centre Campaign.

“We’ll be giving a running vest to anyone who raises a minimum sponsorship of £250 before the run and look forward to seeing hundreds of runners in CoHoC colours.“

All three distances will start and finish at Nayland Village Hall and Luke is hoping it will become an annual event. A total of 400 places will be available this year and the plan is to add 200 more in 2018.

Individuals who raise £50 for the Cancer Centre Campaign at least a week before the event will be given a free CoHoC T-shirt and anyone who raises £150 will receive a running vest. Participants who raise £250 will be given a running vest and an invitation to a “Runners Reception” and a tour of cancer facilities at Colchester General Hospital.

The 10K run is perfect for regular runners and costs £12 to take part; the 5K event (£8) is aimed at beginners and people wanting a challenge; and the 3K run (£3) is pitched at complete novice runners and children. All finishers will receive a medal and soft drink. * Anyone wanting to register for the 2 July event can do so via: www.nayland10k.co.uk In addition, if places are still available, it will be possible to enter on the day.

FOR WEDDINGS AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOU ARE WOODHALL MANOR BEAUTIFULLY DIFFERENT

Tel: 01394 411288 Email: info@woodhallmanor.com

www.woodhallmanor.co.uk

NEWS

Participants at the Healthwatch Essex event last month that was part of the work contributing to the new report.

Report highlights how well health and care services meet the needs of the 180,000 Essex residents with a sensory impairment The latest engagement project from Healthwatch Essex – the independent charity that provides a voice for the people of Essex on health and care services – has highlighted the significant issues people with sensory impairments face when accessing and using health and care services in the county.

Last year saw the introduction of the Accessible Information Standard, making it a legal requirement for all NHS care or adult social care organisations to make sure that people who have a disability, impairment or sensory loss are provided with information that they can easily read or understand, and with support so they can communicate effectively.

However, the new report (available to read at www.healthwatchessex.org.uk) highlights a range of difficulties people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, sight impaired or severely sight impaired or Deafblind experience on a regular basis.

Dr Tom Nutt, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Essex said, “This report is an excellent counterpoint to

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the introduction of the Accessible Information Standard. There are service providers out there that have taken it seriously, but there are others that simply don’t take responsibility to understand the issues sensory impaired people face.”

“One profoundly deaf participant told us that when she asked a receptionist, ‘How do deaf people make appointments?’, her reply was to shrug her shoulders and say, ‘We’ve never had a complaint before’.”

“A blind participant told us of an experience where a receptionist told him to, ‘go and take a seat over there!’.

Not thinking that ‘over there’ could be construed as just a tad ambiguous by a blind person!”

Healthwatch Essex worked with partners ECL Sensory Service, the Royal Association for the Deaf, Support 4 Sight, Essex Sight and Hearing Help Essex, running a number of focus groups and bringing together participants and others at an event last month.

Key findings of the report are the impact on dignity and quality of life and the loss of autonomy and confidentiality. Many participants highlighted the fact they often needed to get a family member or carer to make appointments for them, which was inconvenient and in some cases compromised their patient confidentiality.

Amongst the range of problems regularly experienced were inflexible booking systems, poor recording and sharing of information and people not receiving information and communication in their preferred format.

“People told us what they most valued was to be treated as an individual so they can take control where possible,” said Tom. “They don’t want to repeat their story at each consultation and they want to encounter friendly, helpful staff who provide them with information in a format that is suitable for them. Doesn’t seem like too much to ask.”

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HEALTH

Dr Alexander Philip [checked], Consultant Anaesthetist, practises artificial ventilation and Leonie Lowe, Critical Care Education Facilitator, carries a laryngoscope, which has a fibreoptic bulb at the end to illuminate the larynx (voicebox)

Manikin will help health teams to improve care Teams at Colchester General Hospital have just started to improve their clinical skills by training on a hi-tech £42,725 manikin.

Investing in a manikin was the idea of Dr Andrew Eldridge, a consultant anaesthetist who is based at Colchester General Hospital.

The senior doctor responsible for Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust buying the advanced patient simulator believes it has the potential to help health professionals improve standards of care.

“It’s so much more than just a lump of plastic!” he said. “It comes with a substantial degree of reality and when using it for training it’s very easy to suspend disbelief. What’s important is what’s inside it and the supporting computer technology which allows us to rehearse both common clinical scenarios and critical incidents to improve real patient outcomes. We’ve only just started using SimMan but I genuinely believe it gives us the potential to vastly improve the care we deliver. The Trust is enormously grateful to Colchester Catalyst Charity for supporting us with such a generation donation.”

Its realistic anatomy enables staff to really believe they are treating a patient.

The manikin can make noises when in pain, bleeds, sheds tears, has blood pressure that can rise or fall and its lips turn blue when deprived of oxygen.

Known as a SimMan, the manikin is manufactured by Laerdal, the Norwegian company which launched its famous Resusci Anne in 1960.

Colchester Catalyst Charity provided £10,000 of the cost with the remaining £32,725 coming from the Postgraduate Medical Centre Charitable Trust Fund at Colchester General Hospital.

Rodney Appleyard, Development Officer at Colchester Catalyst, said: “We’re delighted to support a project like this that will enable doctors to provide improved care for patients. We’re always looking for projects that are different and which are not traditionally supported by the

statutory bodies so we can add something cutting-edge and a bit extra special for the Health Service. This project definitely falls into that category of innovation, with very clear health benefits.”

Dr Eldridge said sophisticated scenarios could be created with the manikin, such as the management of patients who have epilepsy, acute asthma, blocked airways or allergic reactions to drugs.

There is NHS-wide acceptance that health professionals need to work better as teams, which SimMan will help with, he added.

It has the potential to be used by a wide range of health professionals, including healthcare assistants, medical students and consultants.

Currently, critical care staff are training on the manikin but it will also be used by clinical staff who work in other parts of the Trust, such as the operating theatres and the maternity department.

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ENTERTAINMENT

The Rivals: a new adaptation Kelvedon Players are proud to announce a new adaptation of Sheridan’s much-loved restoration comedy The Rivals, for performance at Kelvedon Institute on May 12, 13, 19 and 20. Directed by Andy Millward, the play blends period drama, the rib-aching hilarity of classic farce, and lashings of satire on the social mores of the day, many of which will be very familiar to modern audiences.

Captain Jack Absolute engages in the politics of wooing as he tries to win the heart of Lydia Languish, hopelessly romantic reader of popular fiction; but to achieve this goal he must pretend to be a low ranking soldier in their correspondence.

Jack then finds to his dismay that his volatile father Sir Anthony Absolute and Lydia’s “old weatherbeaten she-dragon” of an aunt, renowned mangler of the English language Mrs Malaprop, are trying to marry him off to the same lady.

Confusion abounds as both lovers attempt to prevent the loss of their fortunes by upsetting their respective guardians.

But Lydia has two more suitors, each prepared to fight for her hand. Chaos and duels ensue as the larger-than-life characters scheme and tangle against “the very pineapple of politeness.”

Cowardly country squire Bob Acres wants to demonstrate his up-to-the-minute fashions and skill at country dances, but is goaded into challenging the mythical Ensign Beverley to a duel by penniless Irish baronet Sir Lucius O’Trigger, in spite of warnings from his servant that his death is imminent.

The bloodthirsty Irishman is not alone in being tricked by Lucy the maid. He wrongly believes the 52

secret love letters signed Delia are from Lydia, but who could possibly be writing to him?

Meanwhile, Jack’s friend Faulkland is in a constant dither about his true love, Lydia’s beautiful and eloquent cousin Julia Melville, much to the frustration of the lady herself. He comes within a hair’s breadth of losing the love of his life, entirely due to his own stupidity.

Devious and scheming servants show that you don’t need a title to be in on the action either.

Expect love, romance, mistaken identity and some unique insults in this family-friendly romp.

A fine cast includes veteran actress Jo Austin, thrilled to be playing the legendary Mrs Malaprop for the first time. Kelvedon regular Heidi Hamber is a charming Lydia, while Russell Winsor plays the irascible Sir Anthony with aplomb. Fresh from his panto exploits, Michael Howard plays Faulkland, while Eleanor Kent-Dyson returns to the stage as Julia. Barbara Hardwick plays the go-between and “traitress” Lucy.

The group is also pleased to welcome newcomers Tom Campe and James Oakley for their Kelvedon debuts as Captain Jack and Acres, respectively.

Gavin Baldry returns to the Players in the guise of crafty manservant Fag, while Michael Horne is Sir Lucius O’Trigger. Peter Russell plays David and Sue Ellen plays a maid. The director makes a cameo as Thomas the Coachman!

Tickets are available from the following the Master Butcher in Kelvedon; online bookings via www.kelvedonplayers.co.uk, and telephone bookings by calling 07742 532192

GALLERY

Colchester: Then&Now

by Xav Marseille

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GALLERY

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EVENT

Walk with St Helena Hospice Join hundreds of women on an incredible night-time walk at St Helena Hospice’s 9th annual Midnight Walk on Saturday 27th May.

ladies age 11 and over. It costs £15 to walk 7.5 miles or £10 to walk 3 miles paid in advance, or to pay on the night £20 for 7.5 miles or £15 for 3 miles.

Many of the ladies walk in memory of a loved one or because the hospice has supported them personally, while others take part for a fun girls' night out and to raise money for their local hospice. Choose to walk 3 or 7.5 miles, both routes starting and finishing at Weston Homes Community Stadium in Colchester. Along the route there will be an opportunity for those walking in memory of a loved one to have a quiet moment to attach a personal message to a special memory tree.

By taking part in Midnight Walk and raising sponsorship money, you will help the hospice to help local people with an incurable illness to live well and die with dignity and choice.

Walk on your own, or with your family and friends, your exercise class, your work colleagues; the choice is yours… and there will be plenty of new friends to be made along the route!

This year’s Midnight Walk theme is Disco Divas (think sparkles and neon) and the event is open to 56

Although the event is ladies only, anyone over 18 can offer to volunteer as a marshal on the night to help support the ladies on their walk, please contact events@sthelenahospice.org.uk or call the number below for information.

The buzzing atmosphere and feeling of solidarity among the ladies on the night is always wonderful – register to experience it for yourself!

Visit colchestermidnightwalk.co.uk to book your place now or call the events team on 01206 931468

CHARITY

Will you make a difference?

St Helena Hospice helps people living with an incurable illness to live well and die with dignity and choice. In order to ensure this service is continually provided for as many people as possible, it relies on the local community to help raise £5.8 million per year.

One in five of its patients at any time are supported by members of the community leaving a gift in their Will to the hospice, and last year it received around £1.6 million hospice in this way; an incredible amount of money. The hospice cannot guarantee what income it will receive year on year, and so is asking that leaving a gift in a Will is a consideration for people in the community who would like to support their local charity.

As part of its ‘Will you make a difference?’ campaign, over the next couple of months the hospice is going to be talking to its supporters about the difference that Wills make; both to the individual and their families, and to the hospice.

Members of the fundraising team will also be out and about with participating solicitors breaking down barriers around the topic of writing a Will, and answering any questions people may have.

Having a Will in place is incredibly important for people who want to ensure their final wishes are met; whether making their wishes clear for

funeral arrangements, or specifically naming those they want to receive their most treasured items. Leaving a gift in a Will to the hospice is simple and your solicitor can support you in this process. A gift doesn’t have to be big to make a difference; whether it is a donation of a few hundred pounds or a small percentage of whatever is left once you’ve provided for your loved ones, the hospice truly values donations of any size.

In June the hospice is running its annual Wills Month scheme for those who are looking to make or amend a Will. A group of local solicitors are waiving their fee to provide a Will writing service and will be asking that instead of a fee to them, a donation is made to St Helena Hospice. The scheme is taking place throughout north east Essex and the participating solicitors are: Alistair Keeble, Birkett Long, Fisher Jones Greenwood, Goody Burrett, John Fowlers, Powis and Co. and Sparlings.

Bookings for your June appointment can be made directly with the solicitors from mid-May. Ensure you book early to avoid disappointment.

For further information on Wills Month or leaving a gift in a Will please call the hospice fundraising office on 01206 931468 or visit: www.sthelenahospice.org.uk/makeawill 57