Howtime flies! This issue marks exactly 20 years since Elite Magazine was founded back in 2003, and although the magazine has changed publishers a few times in the years since, we’re proud that it has been serving Colchester’s residents for such a long time. To all of our readers and advertisers over the last 2 decades, we offer a heartfelt thank you for your support through the years!
In this issue, we bring you news about the highly anticipated Superhero Run set to take place in Castle Park this March. The event always looks like so much fun, and we love how much effort the runners put into their costumes each year! We’ve also got an exclusive interview with the team behind local podcast sensation, Eerie Essex, where they talk about the inspiration behind their work, as well as what makes Essex’s folklore such an interesting topic of discussion – Read the full story on pages 42 & 43.
We also catch up with the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, as they continue preparations for their annual Hospital Hero Hike, and we also have lots of other news about activities and events happening around the local area over the next couple of weeks, which you definitely won’t want to miss!
You may also have noticed that this issue is slightly bigger than January’s. We had some really positive feedback from our readers about the new look of Elite Magazine, so we’ve increased the number of pages in this issue to 48, up from 32 pages in the last issue.
We hope you’re enjoying the new-look Elite Magazine, and enjoy reading this issue!
From George
8
11
Garolla
Garolla is revolutionising the roller garage door industry.
Colchester High School
The school celebrates being awarded “excellent” following their recent inspection.
17
Granite Transformations
To combat the cost-of-living crisis, homeowners are turning to home renovation.
21
COVER STORY:
Charity Heroes
The Castle Park Superhero Run is set to make a heroic return this March.
25
What’s on in Colchester
Your roundup of events and activities happening in the local area!
27 SEH BAC
A stunning single-storey extension for a gorgeous property in Colchester.
31 Hospital Hero Hike
37
the fundraising hike event is set to return this year.
Spot the Difference
Can you spot each of the changes in the high street snapshot?
42 Exclusive with Eerie Essex
Read all about Essex’s latest podcast sensation!
45 Ableworld offering local residents with a range of products for their accessibility needs.
46 Test your knowledge of Colchester
A local Colchester quiz.
All enquiries to: The DS Group, The Nexus, Systematic Business Park, Old Ipswich Rd, Ardleigh, Colchester CO7 7QL www.thedsgroup.co.uk
T: 01206 585280 E: hello@thedsgroup.co.uk
We are The DS Group, a full-service print, marketing, direct mail and media company based in Essex.
For 20 years, we have helped companies, large and small, reach their customers and prospects. We deliver an in-house, integrated approach to get your sales, marketing and branding messages directly to your audience. From initial concept and design to print and the delivery straight into your customers’ hands.
Elite magazine is published for residents living within the CO postcode.
We hope you enjoy receiving your copy of Elite magazine. If, however, you would prefer not to hear from us in this way, please contact us on 01206 585280 or by email at hello@thedsgroup.co.uk
Copyright © The DS Group 2023
Andy arrived on time, he was friendly and courteous. He provided a great service and was happy to investigate and solve problems.
Very pleased, from quote to fitting Mr Misty provided a professional friendly service. The installation was done cleanly and efficiently, my thanks to Carl and Richard.
Arrived promptly and carried out work efficiently and to a good standard. Both work areas were tidied up on completion. Overall Excellent.
Excellent service from the guys at Mr Misty. Professional, flexible and friendly. Really happy with our new windows. Would 100% use again.
Mr Misty was very quick to respond and arrange a date for the job to be done. The fitter was pleasant, polite and professional. It’s a great improvement to my window.
Garolla is revolutionising the roller garage door industry. With impeccable products and outstanding customer service, upgrading your home has never been easier.
The UK’s largest nationwide Roller Garage Door installers, Garolla has local installers across the country eager to transform your home and give it a new lease of life.
Handcrafted at the Garolla head office in Yorkshire, every roller garage door is put through rigorous quality control checks before being fitted by a skilful professional.
Utilising over 20 years of manufacturing experience,
these doors are of the highest standard and come fully guaranteed for complete peace of mind.
Made from strong aluminium a Garolla roller garage door is easy to use and saves valuable space within your garage.
The door neatly tucks away, allowing you to use every inch of your garage as there are no large swinging doors to worry about.
Once installed, these roller garage doors are operated using a wireless remote control so you can access your garage from the comfort of your car.
Thanks to Garolla’s
transparent costs it’s never been easier to price up a new home improvement project.
Available to view on the company’s website the price includes measuring, fitting and VAT.
Your local installer will even dispose of your old door completely free of charge.
Customisable, with 21 different colour options, Garolla roller garage doors make a stylish statement that will make your neighbours green with envy. With the power to modernise your home’s exterior appearance, the time to invest in a Garolla roller garage door is now.
For more information visit www.garolla. co.uk, or call their friendly customer enquiries team on 01206 430 125.
Colchester Prep & High School, a local coeducational independent school for ages 2 to 16, are celebrating being awarded “excellent” ratings in two categories following their recent school inspection.
The inspection was carried out by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, which found the school “excellent” in regards to the “quality of pupils’ academic and other achievements,” as well as the “quality of pupils’ personal development.”
The ISI came to their decision following a rigorous examination of the school’s leadership, atmosphere and exam results, as well
as a series of observed lessons. Commenting on specific areas where the school excelled, the ISI praised the school’s Character Development Programme, which they said “demonstrates students’ understanding of how to play their part as active and responsible citizens.”
The inspectorate also remarked how “pupils display a respect for others, their cultures and backgrounds as well as recognising the similarities within their own,” as well as that “relationships between teachers and pupils
are harmonious and positive, creating an environment in which pupils make rapid gains in their learning.”
Ms Gracie-Langrick, Headteacher at the school, said: “I am delighted with the findings of the report. A double ‘excellent’ is the highest possible inspection outcome and the report endorses the school’s ethos of providing an inspiring education that builds in our pupils the confidence and strength of character to prepare them to be the changemakers of tomorrow’s world.”
For more information, please visit www.colchesterhighschool.co.uk
To combat the mounting pressures of the cost-of-living crisis, homeowners are turning to home renovation to give their home a fresh feel. We explore how Granite Transformations can help you achieve the kitchen renovation of your dreams.
Something that we’ve seen becoming more popular over the past year or so is the “don’t move, improve” trend, where homeowners are being encouraged to improve the homes they currently have instead of looking to move, as a renovation is seen as more cost-effective than a total relocation.
After spending a long time in one property, the idea of moving to a new location can feel incredibly tempting. However, a total makeover of your living space can often be the perfect remedy to any feelings of stagnation that might have developed about your current living situation.
Additionally, when you do
inevitably have to move house down the line, having a refreshed kitchen design could add to the overall value of your home. A study undertaken by The Property Centre found that having a new kitchen could add up to 10% to your home’s market value, which could be an incredibly profitable return on investment.
Fortunately, a complete renovation of your existing kitchen space is often less expensive than you’d think!
A great and cost-effective way to give your kitchen a new look is with Granite Transformations, the experts in granite and quartz countertops.
Granite Transformations’ Top that Fits on Top installation process enables you to transform your kitchen or bathroom in as little as a day, without the disruption or mess of a full replacement. You may wish to go one step further and also replace your kitchen cupboard doors, drawers and handles, and adding in finishes, such as plinths, shelf units, and storage drawers, all of which can be supplied by Granite Transformations.
For more information, please visit www. granitetransformations. co.uk
TheCastle Park Superhero Run is set to make a heroic return this March!
Local residents will be dressing as their favourite superheroes to complete a charity fun-run in aid of St Helena’s Hospice. The event will be taking place on Sunday the 12th March, and is open to people of all ages and fitness levels. Each runner is being asked to raise at least £35 in sponsorship, which will help St. Helena’s Hospice to provide individual care and total support to patients and their families.
Although dressing up is encouraged, it certainly isn’t mandatory. St Helena Hospice have also stressed
that the definition of “superhero” isn’t strictly limited to those with superpowers: heroes come in many forms, so dressing as police officers, doctors, or even members of your own family is more than welcome.
Those taking part can choose whether they’d like to run either a 1km, 5km, or 10km trail, so that participants get to choose how challenging they’d like the run to be.
Each route begins in Castle Park, but the longer routes extend through to lower Castle Park and Riverside Walk, with the finish line for each route being at the park’s bandstand.
The event begins at 10am, and event organisers are asking for those interested in taking part to sign up early to secure their place. The deadline for final entries is Thursday 9th of March.
With its impressive on-site forecourt, Holland-on-Sea Motors offers a comprehensive range of excellent used cars, featuring all makes and models to suit your needs.
If you can’t find the vehicle you desire, they will do their best to try and find the right one for you.
Alongside being a reputable Used Car Dealership, Holland-on-Sea Motors is a highly regarded Citroen Authorised Repairer. The HOSM team provide both Citroen and NonCitroen owners with vehicle Servicing, MOT testing and Parts.
So, what makes them different to most used car providers? Simple: they are an independent family-run business.
They have the capacity and expertise to provide you with an excellent personal service, and look forward to meeting you soon!
Aqua Springs health spa is the place to visit for a perfect pampering and relaxation session.
With a range of luxurious beauty treatments and spa day packages available, the facility on Cowdray Avenue in Colchester boasts a jacuzzi, hydrotherapy pool, plunge pool, cool pool, monsoon shower, volcano sauna, steam sauna, aromatherapy room, salt inhalation room and steam room!
With a wide range of beauty treatments available including Dermalogica facials, massages, aromatherapy, reflexology, manicures, waxing and shaping – there’s something for everyone.
We take a look at some of the events taking place in and around Colchester in the near future.
Essex Property Show 2023
When: 26th February
10:00 – 16:00
Where: Charter Hall
Chappel Winter Beer
Festival 2023:
When: 2nd March – 4th March, 11:00 – 23:00
Where: East Anglian Railway
Museum, Chappel
Colchester Farmers’ Market
When: 4th of March & 1st of April, 09:30 - 14:00
Where: Public square at the Mercury Theatre
Langham Handmade Craft Fair 2023
When: 4th March , 10:30 - 15:30
Where: Langham Community Centre
Layer Marney Wedding Show
When: 12th March, 11:00 – 15:00
Where: Layer Marney Tower
Moot Hall Lunchtime Organ Recitals
When: 14th March, 13:00
Where: Colchester Town Hall
Colchester Careers Fair
When: March 16th, 10:00 – 14:00
Where: JobServe Community Stadium
“The King of Reggae –The Man The Music” show
When: 5th April
Where: Mercury Theatre
Astunning singlestorey extension for a gorgeous property in Colchester has proved a hit – with both the home’s owner and the rest of the neighbourhood.
Carried out by leading South East home improvement company SEH BAC, the spectacular conservatory features a stunning set of bifold doors providing a seamless transition to the garden and a thermally efficient glass roof to flood the space with natural light.
With a desire to extend their living space in style, the client visited SEH BAC’s stateof-the-art showroom in Colchester.
The customer said: “When I was out shopping, I saw the SEH BAC showroom, had a look around, and really liked everything they had. Laurence and the operations team came out to view our home and they were so easy to work with.
“The installation all went to plan, the SEH BAC team were brilliant, and we are really pleased with the result. We have been the envy of the street, and everyone keeps admiring it and talking about it.”
The customer added: “We have a little bungalow at the end of our drive which hasn’t been updated since we moved in and still has the old wooden windows, so we’ve
ordered all new windows and doors for that from SEH BAC.”
Steve Rawding, SEH BAC’s Sales and Marketing Director commented: “We are delighted the customer is happy with her new conservatory. Its elegant design complements the property beautifully and acts as a real focal point.
“It provides a fantastic lightfilled space that the family can enjoy as a place to relax or entertain, and an ideal balance for letting the light in while feeling like a full extension.”
For more information call 0800 666 444 or visit www.sehbac.com.
Local residents are supporting the NHS by taking part in Colchester & Ipswich Hospital Charity’s Hero Hike later this spring.
Following the incredible success of the inaugural event held last year, the fundraising hike event is retuning this year, and will hopefully be bigger and better than ever. Taking place on Sunday 30th April, the challenge gives people the chance to pull on their walking boots and cover a picturesque 21-mile route from Colchester Hospital to Ipswich Hospital.
The on and off-road route covers some beautiful countryside across Essex and Suffolk, giving people a great opportunity to explore the local area while getting fit out in the fresh air too.
Those taking part are encouraged to raise sponsorship for East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which runs the hospitals and a range of community services,
to support staff wellbeing.
Sowmya Soman, junior sister and stroke specialist nurse based at Ipswich, said: “I want to encourage as many people as possible to take part in the hike to make a positive difference to the lives of staff and their wellbeing. There is only so far NHS funding can go and I have seen the difference that charity funding can make.”
Kelly Anyirah, facilities customer servicescoordinator based at Ipswich, said: “I am taking part in the hike because I believe health and wellbeing is so important. My team and family are excited to do our bit for the community.
We took part in the 2022 hike and had a brilliant day.”
The hike is open to anyone aged 14 and above. Everyone who registers will receive a full training plan to help them prepare, along with a free t-shirt and medal on the day.
To register, please visit www.colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk
March
Sun 5th With a Song in My Heart –Paul Potts The UK Tour
Sun 12th Circus of Horrors –the Haunted Fairground
Fri 17th Phoney Towers
Sun 19th The Magnets – 80’s Rewind
Sun 26th Opera – Madame Butterfly
Fri 31st Dreamboys
April
Sat 1st Repunzel – Easter Panto
Mon 3rd Come What May –Starring Robin Windsor
Sun 9th Vincent Simone –Tango Passions
Sun 15th Complete Madness
Fri 21st Shape of You
Sat 29th Lost in Music
Sun 30th Gary & Robbie Tribute –Live in Concert
BOX OFFICE: 01255 686633 (Option 1)
BOOK ONLINE: www.princesstheatre.co.uk
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK PRINCES THEATRE
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER PRINCES THEATRE
Wespeak to the team behind Eerie Essex, a local podcast exploring the county’s folklore, urban legends and supernatural history.
Firstly, how did the idea for the podcast come about?
We both worked at Firstsite Art Gallery together and used to share stories when things were quiet. When lockdown came, we discovered similar podcasts, and in particular, Weird Norfolk.
They sometimes tell tales from Suffolk and when we asked if they would ever consider covering spooky tales from Essex they said “why don’t you do it?”… so we did.
How would you describe Eerie Essex for people who haven’t heard about it before?
Eerie Essex is two friends with a love for strange tales discovering what’s on their doorstep. We talk about everything from witches to ghosts, folklore and weird history. Essex’s folklore and myths are so often overlooked, but it’s all there as part of our history, it’s just not often discussed. Each month, we pick a theme,
research that topic and discuss what we’ve found - sometimes it’s strange or funny, as well as a bit spooky.
What do you think makes Essex folklore such a great topic for discussion?
Essex is full of weird tales and forgotten history that gets overlooked a lot due to unfortunate portrayals by the media. Folklore can tell you a lot about a place - more so than history – so we feel as though it’s the story of the people.
How has the reception been to the podcast? Have you been surprised?
It’s a cliche but we really didn’t know it would become so popular. Originally, we expected that maybe a few friends and family would listen. We recently hit over 10,000 downloads and the numbers are climbing all the time.
We have listeners from other countries who contact us with their strange tales, as well as our listeners from Essex. It’s been really well received and we get lots of compliments on the depth of research we do from other notable podcasters and researchers.
Have you had any of your own spooky experiences in Essex?
Yes we have had a few spooky moments! UFOs, ghosts, premonitions, and most surprisingly, a gnome!
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned since you started the podcast?
That whatever topic we pick, from UFO sightings to exorcisms, there will always be stories in Essex.
We seem to have a bit of everything. I think I was most surprised to find out we had a werewolf case which ended up being taken on by Ed and Lorraine Warren.
Obviously, I have to ask: what are your personal favourite Essex folklore stories or urban legends?
We have our own personal favourites but we definitely got a lot more than we bargained for with our episodes on Essex monks. That was a far darker dive into the past than we expected.
You can listen to the Eerie Essex podcast on all major podcast streaming platforms
With significant increases in interest rates and the cost-of-living forecast, call your Colchester based Advisor, Neil Sumner 07950 786229, to help find the best deals for your mortgage, insurance, and loan requirements; managing every step of the process for you.
• First Time Buyer mortgages
• Buy to Let mortgages (including Portfolios)
• Bad Credit mortgages
• Life and CI insurance
• Bridging and Development Loans
• Buildings and Contents insurance
CONTACT
M: 07950 786229
E: neil@charlescrownfinancial.co.uk www.charlescrownfinancial.co.uk
Colchester’s Ableworld store offers local residents with a range of products and services to help cater to their accessibility needs.
Ableworld Colchester, situated on Peartree Road, aims to serve the local community by providing a range of accessible products - from mobility scooters to wheelchairs, bathing aids to household accessories, and much more.
Aside from just mobility products, Ableworld also provides many other services, such as stairlift installation, mobility scooter repairs and wheelchair hire, all completed through the store’s fully trained engineering team. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, you can test out mobility scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, powerchairs and much more in-store before you make a decision.
For those with accessibility needs, the Ableworld team also offer free home
demonstrations of their products, and larger mobility aids can be arranged to be brought and demonstrated at a convenient time. Every member of the Ableworld team is also DBS checked, giving you peace of mind always, particularly during home demonstrations or Stairlift installations.
Colchester’s Ableworld branch is owned by Gerald Roper, who is very much part of the local community.
Gerald, who previously taught for over 20 years, has always been actively involved in local issues having been a school governor and treasurer for his local church.
The company has been voted as the UK’s top mobility retailer, and is open 6 days a week. Ableworld also has ample free parking at The Stanway Centre, on Peartree Road, making it the ideal one-stop shop for all of your accessibility needs.
For more information, please call 01206 561335 or visit www.colchester.ableworld.co.uk
1What Roman Era site was unearthed in Colchester in 2014?
a) Roman Circus
b) Roman Theatre
c) Roman Fortress
2Which of the following places is supposedly the smallest town in Britain?
a) Manningtree
b) Coggeshall
c) Peldon
3What year was Colchester’s iconic water tower, Jumbo, decommissioned?
a) 1965
b) 1987
c) 1999
4What impressive fact is Greenstead famous for?
a) It is home to the UK’s largest Roman coin
b) It is home to the Europe’s lowest point
c) It is home to the World’s oldest wooden church
5Which of these countries contains a town twinned with Colchester?
a) Spain
b) Italy
c) Australia
6What are the names of the towers in the sea along Clacton’s coast?
a) Balingo Towers
b) Fortresso Towers
c) Martello Towers
7Where is the East Anglian Railway Museum located?
a) Wakes Colne
b) Langham
c) Tendring
8What important anniversary is Colchester Zoo celebrating in 2023?
a) 30th anniversary
b) 40th anniversary
c) 60th anniversary
Answers:
