Welcome to the February/March issue of Elite Magazine Spring is right around the corner!

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

Verified Reviews

Replacement door panel, replacement door handle, replacement window handle and window fit adjustment

Andy arrived on time, he was friendly and courteous. He provided a great service and was happy to investigate and solve problems.

French doors, secondary glazing

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.

Fitting two double glazed windows

Arrived promptly and carried out work efficiently and to a good standard. Both work areas were tidied up on completion. Overall Excellent.

Replacing blown windows and fixing broken hinge on window

Excellent service from the guys at Mr Misty. Professional, flexible and friendly. Really happy with our new windows. Would 100% use again.

Replace window hinges

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.