Elite Magazine – 142

ISSUE 142

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

PRINCES THEATRE Verdi’s masterpiece ‘Rigoletto’ hits Clacton in March – read more on pages 32-33

SEE PAGE 5

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ELITE MAGAZINE

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ISSUE 142 Publishing Director Ian Goldsworthy ian@elitemagazine.co.uk Telephone: 01206 500543 Editor Polly Enfield pollyenfield@btinternet.com Advertisement Sales sales@elitemagazine.co.uk Telephone: 01206 500543 Publishers

r,

Had you said to me that I would be out of Elite and on my way to pastures new this month I would never have believed it; having worked with Ian and the crew for so many years. But one of the most important things that life can teach us is that we never know what is round the corner, or how we and others will react to changes in circumstance.

Experts in Publishing Ltd P.O. Box 7391, Colchester Essex CO4 3WZ

I have had great fun creating the Wordsearch; under the heading of

Design and Artwork

certain way of communicating with our readers; all of which has helped

Pure Creative Design hello@purecreativedesign.co.uk facebook.com/PureCreativeDesign Telephone: 01206 541189

to set Elite just that little bit apart from the run-of-the-mill.

Contributors Polly Enfield, Peter Constable, Shane Leach, Antony Sherman, Ray Pile and Peter Jones Front cover Image from Rigoletto courtesy of Amande Concerts

‘Take This Month’ I have particularly enjoyed creating articles on a huge variety of topics and I have also enabled our advertisers to find that

A personal ‘Thank You’ too, to all those associated with supporting the success that Elite has enjoyed. I wish my successor an endlessly creative mind; a willing personality and all the luck in the world.

Polly Enfield

Food & Drink cover Mexican chicken fajitas from www.dollarphotoclub.com

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DEAR READER

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Elite Distribution 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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Produced in association with Halstead

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QUOTE OF THE MONTH Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were.

But without it we go nowhere.

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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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JOB OPPORTUNITY

EARN ON YOUR TERMS Do you love speaking to people?

How about earning a little extra, working the hours you choose, advising local businesses about promoting their company to an Elite audience.

Elite distributes 30,000 copies each month to selected households within the CO postcode and we require an enthusiastic sales executive to join our team.

We’re looking for someone with a passion to help to build key relationships with local businesses, have strong communication skills, assist in sales and be a real team player.

Previous experience in a similar role preferred, but not essential.

SOUND GOOD? Want more information or to apply for the position, please contact Ian Goldsworthy 01206 500543 / 07816 074511 / ian@elitemagazine.co.uk

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IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE…

SUPPLEMENT

It is part of a national government-led programme to WA

Y

improve broadband connectivity across the UK… A

M

9

How do you pay back your Student Loan?

Well, drink less coffee,

according to Greg Clark,

20

Pegasus IT: Helping you bring your company’s

productivity to a new level with a

EA

37

Keeping you up to speed with Superfast Essex

I G O S TA K

9

Amigos Mexican Restaurant is delighted to introduce their

updated takeaway menu with

Conservative Universities

full Microsoft ® Office 365

FREE delivery to CO1, 2, 3 and 4

Minister, is the answer…

software package…

postcodes on orders over £15…

10

Take this Month: A take on New Year’s Resolutions – let’s

resolve to have none without a real purpose…

14

Pete’s Patch: If you look closely, as the days pass, you will see

tiny buds appearing on plants…

25

Littlegarth: The ideal independent primary school

experience situated in the beautiful Stour Valley…

42

The 24/100 Challenge is a new fundraising initiative

for Essex Air Ambulance

WHAT’S ON… See pages 48 and 49 to see what local events are happening in and around Colchester

6

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Focus on Essex Air Ambulance

Strictly fever comes to Colchester!

The ever-popular Strictly Air Ambulance event, partnered by our new sponsors Countryside Properties, is coming for the very first time to the Charter Hall, Colchester on Friday 27 March for a night of glittering entertainment, featuring celebrity judges James and Ola Jordan...

James and Ola will be offering

Wendy Marcon-Knightley,

their expert feedback as judges

Sponsorship & Events

to the six contestants performing

Manager at Essex &

on the night. Ola will not be

Herts Air Ambulance

taking to the dance floor as she

Trust, said: “This is a

is recovering after breaking her

chance for ‘Strictly’

leg whilst training for reality TV

dance fans along with

show The Jump at the end of last

Essex Air Ambulance

year. However, the audience will

supporters to enjoy a

be treated to two show-stopping

wonderful evening of

performances by James and his

world-class entertainment,

professional dance partner – so

all in aid of their local Air

get ready to be wowed!

Ambulance Charity.

Hosted by Su Harrison from

TICKETS: £18 (£15

Heart Breakfast, this dance

concessions). Hurry as

extravaganza will include

tickets are selling fast!

members of our very own Air

Book yours now, simply

Crew! Captain Nick Clarkson

visit www.EssexAir

and Critical Care Paramedic

Ambulance.uk.com

Erica Ley will be swapping their flight suits for lycra and sequins in the hope of being crowned Strictly Air Ambulance 2015 Champion!

ELITE MAGAZINE

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Editor

WANTED Do you have a passion for the written word?

Elite Magazine are looking for a part-time editor Are you somebody who has the ability to be self-disciplined, creative, fast and accurate; to work on your own initiative from home; to source from multiple areas to create, change and set the tone for the magazine throughout the year?

If this sounds like your cup of tea, want more information or to apply for the position, please contact Ian Goldsworthy

01206 500543 / 07816 074511 / ian@elitemagazine.co.uk

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Focus on Student Loans

HOW DO YOU PAY BACK YOUR STUDENT LOAN? WELL, DRINK LESS COFFEE! According to Greg Clark, Conservative Universities Minister, quoted in today’s Guardian, this is the answer...

That’s about a coffee and a half a

highly unlikely, and coffee prices

you pay back £2.22 a day; now,

day. Hardly a difficult sacrifice,

don’t increase at all, which is

there are people who buy cups

you might say. But Clark’s

almost inconceivable.

of posh coffee for less than that.”

assertion masks how long it

“If you earn £30,000 as a graduate,

Of course, had Clark pointed out

So says Conservative universities

would take to repay even a

minister Greg Clark, who reckons

modest loan at this rate. A total

that paying off a student loan

this makes student loans a

debt of £27,000 for a three-year

costs the same as buying at least

course, for example, would take

12,000 expensive coffees over

around 24 years to pay off. And

more than two decades, it wouldn’t

“phenomenal investment”.

Is he right? Let’s try to do the

that back-of-a-fag-packet maths

have made for a soundbite quite

maths. According to the Student

is only anything close to correct

as belittling. Put like that, though,

Loans Company’s payment

if interest rates stay at the

it really does sound like a

calculator, a graduate earning

current level of 2.5%, which is

phenomenal investment!

£30,000 a year pre-tax will pay back £98 a month, or £1,176 a year. If we take Caffe Nero’s medium cappuccino – at £2.35 a cup – as our standard “posh coffee”, that means a graduate paying back £1,176 a year would be forgoing 500 “posh coffees”.

ELITE MAGAZINE

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The Editor writes…

TAKE THIS MONTH A take on New Year’s Resolutions – let’s resolve to have none without a real purpose ... says Polly Enfield

OK, so how many of you have

more in the ‘right’ direction.

while our bodies are really not

already broken those solemn

At least we would be working

going to do everything possible

New Year’s vows to yourself, to

smart, rather than daft.

to sabotage our efforts; rather thank us for setting them free.

lose weight; to stop smoking; to be kind to your mother-in-law;

Then again, if all these promises

cut down on alcohol or stop

to ourselves were backed up by

The further we track through

swearing? Are you going to run

something practical, they could

life, the more we realise that in

up the stairs in future; or perhaps

still be achievable. For example,

fact our knowledge is very small,

you are tempted to cycle through

are you aiming to lose weight so

in the scheme of things. So just

the bleak midwinter rather than

you can pretend that you will

get on and enjoy what you have,

driving to work in a nice warm

have once again the body of a

without worrying about what

car? Who would want to deny

teenager? Try instead to plan

you think you ought to have.

themselves? That’s why you’ve

deliberately to spend your snack

broken them already.

Perhaps you promised to cut out all the ‘bad’ fat from your diet, in the mistaken belief that just

So just get on and enjoy what you have, without worrying about what you think you ought to have

doing this will prevent you from having a heart attack.

money on something awesome

I think it is really sad that so

to enhance your real life. This

many think that all we have to do

works really well for smoking

now is the ‘right’ thing and we

and alcohol as well, of course.

shall suddenly have no more

You just need to break the habit.

health problems. True,

We are all a bundle of habits; the

prevention is better than cure,

trick is to identify them as just

but if we were to try to seek a

that – cosy, reassuring habits –

meaningful life, rather than

and admit that we can actually

chasing the shadows of physical

manage very well without them,

perfection, we might be heading

in a very short space of time,

10

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Horticulture and Landscaping

Now that February is here, daylight hours will slowly but steadily increase, affecting all living plants... says Peter Constable

I

f you look closely, as the days

promises the coming of summer

makes this difficult, rock the

pass, you will see tiny buds

with its plethora of flowers and

fork backwards, forwards and

appearing on plants that you

enjoyment in the warm, fresh

sideways while you work.

may well have suspected of

air… but, meanwhile, there is

being dead. As the weather

work to be done – assuming

Keep weeds at bay in flower

improves, bulbs will be pressing

that the soil is dry enough. If it

borders, but watch out for

through the soil, tiny leaves

is frozen or flooded, keep off

bulbs peeping through the

appearing on plants and flowers

– you will do more harm than

surface – damage them and you

on snowdrops. When that

good, even on lawns. If your

will probably stop them from

happens, you know that spring

greensward tends to flood,

flowering. If windy weather

is on its way!

spike it with a long-tined garden

is forecast, tie tall plants to a

fork, pushing it into the soil

support and reduce the height of

Spring brings a burst of growth

as deep as you can. If large

hybrid tea and floribunda roses if

and colour for you to enjoy, and

stones or buried hardcore

you haven’t already done so.

14

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Horticulture and Landscaping

grass, dandelion, thistle, dock, bindweed etc, or you will only re-generate these unwanted plants when you use the wellrotted compost.

Although we are only halfway through the winter, if the

On the vegetable garden finish the digging, removing weeds

brussels sprouts, carrots and

weather is reasonable there is

as you go, incorporating any

parsnips. Any disease-free

still work to be done to get your

well-rotted leaf mould or

growth can be put on the

garden ready for the coming

compost. If the soil is wet,

compost heap – but NOT couch

busy spring season.

stand on a scaffold board to avoid your feet spoiling the consistency of the soil, as your weight will be spread across the length of the board.

Also harvest any crops that

IF YOU NEED HELP, CALL ME ON 07887 660711.

IF I CAN OBLIGE, I WILL, FOR A REASONABLE HOURLY CHARGE. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!

are ready like leeks, celery, ELITE MAGAZINE

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Domestic Services

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ELITE MAGAZINE

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Focus on Musical Entertainment

WEST BERGHOLT

CONCERT BAND The fun band for all ages and abilities

Following a highly successful year which included our first ever band-stand performance in perfect weather and a Christmas return to a packed West Bergholt Church, after a couple of years away, we’ve made an enthusiastic start to our 2015 events...

Always aware that the band’s

the wonderful music from WWII

difficult to perform. As with the

origins lie in the encouragement

and the 1940s, including Spitfire

1990 concert, this year we will

and nurturing of young musicians,

Prelude, Colonel Bogey, The

again be supporting St Helena

we have recently held the first of

Dambusters, Glenn Miller, and a

Hospice, for whom we’ve raised

two workshops this term with a

finale of classic WWII songs

many thousands of pounds in

local primary school. These “band

such as White Cliffs of Dover

the intervening years.

experience days” also help us to

and We’ll Meet Again.

After Clacton, we’re hoping to

recruit new young musicians to replace those who step up into

Put the date in your diaries!

return to Colchester Castle Park

Concert Band. We also have our

Sunday 22 March – 3:00pm

Band Stand in June, and will

popular open rehearsals for

– West Cliff Theatre, Clacton.

follow that with our Summer Concert on Saturday 11 July,

players of all ages each half term, so do check our website for details

The concert also marks a

which, as always will have

and feel free to come along to any

poignant anniversary for the

something to appeal to everyone

of these events if you’re interested

band, as it’s exactly 25 years since

– from Ballet Egyptian to Sinatra.

in giving the band a try.

we performed a memorial concert at the West Cliff after

Our public performances this

the passing of the band’s founder,

For more information about

year begin with a concert in

Sid Cooper. There wasn’t an

joining the band, their

Clacton entitled “We’ll Meet

empty seat or a dry eye in the

concerts and tickets, please

Again” to commemorate the 70th

house on that afternoon, so we’re

see www.wbcb.org.uk or

anniversary of the end of WWII.

hoping this year’s concert is just

call 01206 824157

The programme features some of

as popular, but nowhere near as

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U CTIVITY TO A NEW LEVEL

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ELITE MAGAZINE

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Focus on Community

FIND OUT THE LATEST WITH ECM In October 2014, Essex Community Messaging (ECM) was launched, to give residents in Essex a chance to receive up-to-date information via email, text or voice message. This information comes directly from Essex Police officers, Essex Watch liaison officers and other partners, including Neighbourhood Watch.

out to communities faster

Essex Police reduce the level of

designed for Essex residents,

than ever before. It will also

crime across our county.”

the messaging system is jointly

improve the two-way flow of

Free of charge and specifically

funded by the Police and Crime

information about community

Whether it’s involving local

Commissioner, and money

safety between Essex Police,

people in the search for a

seized from criminals under the

Neighbourhood and other

vulnerable missing person or

Proceeds of Crime Act.

Watch groups, and the people of

simply to pass on advice on how

Essex. ECM will provide a crucial

to keep safe, ECM will transform

ECM gives you the option to

new channel for

the speed and effectiveness of

select the information that you

keeping our communities safe.

communication across Essex.

want to receive. This is used

I urge everyone to register now

to make you aware of issues

for ECM”.

happening in your area and offering you advice.

Alan Johnson, Chair of the

Nick Alston, Police and Crime

Watch Association, said,

Essex County Neighbourhood Commissioner for Essex, said:

“We’re delighted that we now

“Essex Community Messaging

have a brand new messaging

will get key crime and crime

system, and look forward to

prevention information

improving our ability to help

You can sign up to Essex Community Messaging on www.essexcommunitymessaging.org or visit www.essex.police.uk for more information.

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O

Education and Development

Littlegarth – 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 and overlooking the village of Nayland... won regional and national titles

The school prides itself in

the most recent ISI Standard

preparing children thoroughly

Inspection Report which

in major sports. Children of all

for the rigours of entrance

commented, “The overall

abilities acquire a passion for a

exams to Grammar and selective

achievement of the pupils

wide variety of activities inside

Independent Schools whilst

is excellent, because of the

and outside the classroom and

embracing a broad and exciting

exemplary attitude to learning

the School works hard to feed

curriculum. Specialist teachers

by the pupils, who approach

that enthusiasm to ensure that

offer guidance in key subjects

every task with delightful

each child leaves Littlegarth

and the children achieve

enthusiasm” and “The evidence

a confident member of a successful team.

extremely high standards in a

from the inspection is that pupils

wide range of activities.

make exceptional progress when compared with those of similar

In the past four years, more than

The school has been judged

above-average ability”.

half of the Year 6 leavers have been awarded scholarships to

as ‘Outstanding’ in all four Littlegarth children also achieve

senior independent schools with

Early Years inspection and the

excellent standards in music, art

80 children gaining over 120

excellent reputation the

and drama and in recent years,

scholarship awards. Headmaster

School has for academic

sports teams have achieved

Peter Jones is delighted with

success was highlighted by

unbeaten seasons and have

these excellent results.

categories by a recent ISI

TELEPHONE

01206 262332 EMAIL

office@littlegarth.essex.sch.uk Littlegarth School Horkesley Park, Nayland, Colchester, Suffolk CO6 4JR

OPEN DAY Elite_142.indd 25

WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY – 10AM-12 NOON

17/02/2015 09:30

Focus on Community Health and Support

Health and social advice services to be made available under the one roof A wide range of health improvement services are moving to Colchester town centre library and community hub...

H

ealth improvement

“We have enjoyed ten very

and provide information about

services including the

happy and successful years at

the services available to people

stop-smoking service,

Cornerstone and the numbers of

from the NHS to help them lose

people coming through the door

weight, get fitter, quit smoking

health trainers and sexual

each year has grown to more

and improve their overall health

health, currently provided from

than 24,000.

and well-being. All these

weight management,

services will continue to be

Cornerstone in Sir Isaac’s Walk and commissioned by Essex

“Many have utilised a free lifestyle

available at the new library site

County Council’s Public Health

check measuring important

and will be offered alongside

team, moved to the Colchester

health risk factors such as blood

other advice services such as

library on 23 January.

pressure, body mass index, waist

the Citizens Advice Bureau,

measurement, carbon monoxide

Police Beat Surgery and

The services are run by Anglian

(for smokers) and cholesterol

Colchester Borough Council

Community Enterprise (ACE),

(for people aged over 40 who are

customer services – with the

the organisation responsible for

not already on medication to

added advantage of the library

managing more than 40 NHS

control it). These checks are

being open seven days a week.”

community healthcare services

normally available on a drop-in

across large parts of Essex.

basis although appointments may be booked at busy times.

Kerry-May Surtees, Integrated Care Manager Health and Wellbeing at ACE, said,

“We will also be happy to provide free health improvement guides

People can call in at the Colchester library or phone 0800 022 4524 to access the wide range of services available.

26

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17/02/2015 09:30

Focus on Charity

EHAAT launches new partnership with Anglia Ruskin University Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) is delighted to announce the launch of a new partnership and sponsorship agreement with Anglia Ruskin University...

At the Charity’s Christmas

gaining real-life experience through

their chosen candidate to help

Clinical Governance Day on

closer working with EHAAT, with

them successfully complete the

Tuesday 16 December, attended

the ultimate aim of training the

challenge.

by clinical representatives from

medical team of the future.”

EHAAT, the East of England

The partnership will also see the

Ambulance Service Trust,

Anglia Ruskin will also be

Senior Clinical Team at EHAAT

military and local hospitals

hosting the EHAAT Aeromedical

work closely with the Faculty

were also joined by 95 students

Conference on Wednesday 10

of Medical Science at Anglia

from the medical faculty at the

June 2015 which will welcome

Ruskin in delivering a training

University. This event was a

delegates from across the

programme for students on the

special addition to the monthly

UK and a host of nationally

recently introduced BSc (Hons)

Clinical Governance Day

and internationally acclaimed

Paramedic Science Degree

calendar which traditionally

speakers presenting a variety

Course. David Brown, former

take place at North Weald

of topics around the theme of

HEMS Paramedic for the Charity

Airfield, home of the Herts Air

‘HEMS – not just Trauma’ in the

and now Senior Lecturer on the

Ambulance. The day was packed

pre-hospital arena.

Paramedic programme at Anglia

full of interesting lectures

Ruskin is working with EHAAT

and case reviews including a

As well as venue sponsor for

to offer trauma training from our

presentation by guest speaker

the recent Christmas CGD

highly skilled clinicians and the

Flight Sergeant Haz Hunter, RAF

and Aeromedical Conference

opportunity to take up observer

Wattisham Sea King Ops.

in 2015, Anglia Ruskin

shifts on the aircraft to learn

have also come on board as

more about the day to day work

Professor James Hampton-Till,

candidate sponsor for a brand

of the HEMS Team.

Deputy Dean of the Faculty of

new fundraising initiative,

Medical Science, said, “We were

Entrepreneur’s Challenge. The

delighted to welcome the Essex

concept is to find five budding

and Herts Air Ambulance Trust

local entrepreneurs who are

to Chelmsford for an extremely

keen to prove they have what it

informative day. Our students will

takes to turn £500 into £5,000

benefit from this partnership by

and Anglia Ruskin will mentor

support your life-saving charity

28

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17/02/2015 09:30

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MINDBENDER Crossword and Wordsearch ACROSS

1

6 Said of someone who is excessively patriotic. (7) 7 I love this colour (5) 9 Found in a brisk image after a superficial glance. (4) 10 All powerful and influential. (10) 11 Urge to embrace polo in an introductory way. (8) 13 Drink in poetically. (6) 15 With a hoop, it’s a game, without it’s a dance (4) 17 Undress a sailing craft. (5) 18 Bring back this woodland animal and find it by the river. (4) 19 It can be an indication of your background or just something acquired. (6) 20 If you give young Thomas a bird of prey will he be a brave. (8) 23 Of awesome ability. (10) 26 Many people think music is only at its best this way. (4) 27 Secrete confidence or fear. (5) 28 Has this auto been crushed? No, it’s American railway goods’ rolling stock. (7)

2

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10

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15

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7

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18

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20

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DOWN 1 The sort of cooking pots grandma used to use. (6,4) 2 I’m OK if it’s coffee but not so keen if it’s tea but it’s all a matter of taste. (6) 3 It used to be saintly but today it’s just a representation on a computer screen. (4) 4 A coming together of two trains, or maybe two people. (8) 5 Be in up to it. (4) 6 Holy man discovered when, an unbeliever changes his ways. (5) 8 Confer a state of dignity to lone Ben. (7) 12 Greet this bird differently. (5) 14 A frequent aide memoire for passwords. (10) 16 Counsel opens after modification. (7) 17 Disunite in a unique way it’s all rather messy. (8) 21 She’s a sort of Roman good time girl! (6) 22 Now aver so as not to give way to hidden vacillation. (5) 24 I would rather be involved in this on a rugby pitch than in the Serengeti. (4) 25 Knowledgeable person of dull colour. (4)

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17/02/2015 09:30

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17/02/2015 09:30

Focus on Musical Entertainment

the perfect

32

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17/02/2015 09:30

Focus on Musical Entertainment

tragic opera an unforgettable experience for all

With an impressive cast and accompanied by a live orchestra, see Verdi’s masterpiece ‘Rigoletto’ at the Princes Theatre, Clacton-on-Sea, on Sunday 1 March

R

igoletto is one of the most difficult roles

The Russian State Ballet and Opera of Komi is

in the baritone repertoire: in public, he is

renowned across Europe for its faithful, intimate

the Duke’s clown and sidekick – in private,

and powerful performances, and this new opera

a tender, obsessively protective father.

production will be no exception. A succession of stunning tunes, including the famous ‘La donna è

It is Verdi’s supreme masterpiece – the perfect

mobile’, combined with an ever-present underlying

tragic opera and an unforgettable experience for

tension and menace in a plot involving abduction,

all. If you have never seen an opera before, be

seduction and revenge.

reassured that the set and costumes, and surtitles, make the production easy to follow.

Often described as Verdi’s first work of complete genius, Rigoletto is particularly noted for its subtle and highly original characterisation, especially in the case of the tragic court jester, Rigoletto himself.

The tragic story revolves around the hunchbacked court jester, Rigoletto, his beautiful much-loved daughter Gilda (whom he had kept secret from the Court) and the Duke of Mantua whom he serves.

Looking ahead, The Russian State Ballet and Opera House will also bring a new Opera production of La Traviata to Clacton on Saturday 19 September 2015.

PRINCES THEATRE CLACTON Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea Essex CO15 1SE

For further information and tickets, please visit: www.opera-tickets.co.uk ELITE MAGAZINE

Elite_142.indd 33

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17/02/2015 09:30

Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa launches fantastic new look website The team at the award-winning

SbN and we are incredibly proud

kinds of exceptional golf and spa

Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf

of it. The idea was to build a

packages, hotel stays, meals in

& Spa is proud to announce

tool that would enhance the

the 2 AA Rosette Lakes

the launch of its stunning

experience for internet users by

Restaurant, goods from the

new website this month. With

providing useful information in

hotel’s Golf and Pippin shops

outstanding new photography

an aesthetically pleasing format.

and gift vouchers for all areas of

and more user-friendly

We are looking forward to seeing

the resort – all with just a few

technology the site now truly

how the site performs with

clicks of a button.

reflects the luxurious 4 star

search engines and users alike in

resort that this family business

the coming months.”

You can also view, from the home page, the excellent short

has created.

Why not take a look at

videos of the luxury lodges,

Stoke by Nayland Hotel’s

www.stokebynayland.com to

spa, weddings, golf facilities

Commercial Manager and

experience for yourselves how

and hotel, and see some of the

driving force behind the new

this website gives you additional

amazing new images.

website, Marijke Morris,

information, a more user-friendly

said: “Our new website is an

online booking facility and

exceptional achievement for

greater options for buying all

34 Elite_142.indd 34

17/02/2015 09:30

DESIGN • IDENTITY • BRANDING • WEBSITES • SIGNAGE • PROMOTIONAL • PRINT hello@purecreativedesign.co.uk / 01206 541189 / www.facebook.com/PureCreativeDesign

Elite_142.indd 35

17/02/2015 09:30

TAKEAWAY DELIVERY DRIVERS W ANTED W ANTED

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Elite_142.indd 36

17/02/2015 09:30

Focus on Broadband Improvements

Keeping you up to speed In August 2013, Essex County Council (ECC) signed a contract with BT to improve broadband coverage across greater Essex and this became the Superfast Essex programme...

I

t is part of a national

the end of 2016, as a result of

as we begin the procurement of

government-led programme

this programme together with

a broadband supplier(s) to work

to improve broadband

the commercial rollout. We

with us on Phase 2 in two stages

connectivity across the

want to ensure that a minimum

– for the Extension and Rural

UK, Superfast Britain, which

of 2Mbps download speed is

Challenge projects. We expect

the Department for Culture

available across Essex, and that

the rollout plans for both projects

Media and Sport (DCMS) is

the fibre network – with the

to be ready for publication

coordinating through a team

potential to provide superfast

in March and June next year

called Broadband Delivery

speeds of 24Mbps and above –

respectively, with work expected

UK (BDUK).

is extended as much as possible

to start later in the year.

with the available funding.

Work for the current programme

They are jointly investing £24.6m into the current phase of the

We are now planning Phase

remains on track with more

Superfast Essex programme. As

2, aiming to extend superfast

fibre cabinets being made live

part of the programme, the BDUK

coverage in Essex up to 95% by

every week across Essex. So far

contract uses public subsidy

the end of 2017.

96 cabinets are live and 13,000 premises fibre-enabled. Our

to complement and accelerate the broadband offering by

Key themes have been identified

Postcode Checker will continue

commercial operators.

on the 'Where, when and how'

to be updated to reflect the

page of our website. Here you

latest progress in delivery. Use it

The aim is to improve broadband

will also be able to view the

to find out if there has been any

coverage so that around 87

finalised maps confirming the

news for your area!

per cent of Essex has access to

areas eligible for investment in

superfast fibre broadband by

Phase 2. We will now work to define the Phase 2 fibre rollout within this eligibility boundary

www.superfastessex.org Elite_142.indd 37

ELITE MAGAZINE

37

17/02/2015 09:30

Focus on Starlight Children’s Foundation

Hedgehogs in the Starlight Victoria Brock is a self-published, children’s book author who grew up in Colchester and attended Sir Charles Lucas School for two years. Here is her own inspiring story...

My first book, Harriet the

sent the book to over 40

In February 2014, I was

Hedgehog was written for my

hospitals and charities. From

approached by a publisher, but

twin nieces who, at four years

this, an organisation bought 50

after a lot of thought I decided

old in 2009, were diagnosed

copies and I started approaching

not to sign with them as I wanted

with leukaemia within a week

shops in Suffolk. Within six

full control over my books

of each other. Harriet doesn’t

months the books were stocked

which, in a very competitive

have any spikes, so is afraid to go

in over 12 shops including my

market, is a hard decision to

out in case the other hedgehogs

local Waterstones.

make. Since then, I have had a new colour edition of Harriet the

might react unkindly to her. I was doing a creative writing course

With sales going well, people

Hedgehog printed and have now

at the time and my teacher fell

were starting to request my

sold over 750 copies.

in love with it and suggested all

second book – Harrison the

I needed then was an illustrator

Hedgehog – which I published

With three more titles due out

– so I contacted a family friend

in November 2013; selling 100

in 2015 – Olly the Octopus,

who brought my words to life

copies in the first month. I then

Simon the Snake and Reuben

with wonderful illustrations.

had a website designed and

the Reindeer – I hope to push

started promoting my books

my books forward to a wider

From there, I sent the books to

with flyers, posters and by

audience in 2015 and raise

various agents and publishers to

attending craft sales. I also got

lots of money for the Starlight Foundation.

hear either nothing,

the local paper

or just a polite ‘no’. I

involved in any

was unsure what my

events that I

If you’re a shop and would like to

next step was until a

was doing.

stock my books, please contact

friend suggested that

victoria-brock@hotmail.co.uk.

I self-publish. By April

You can also make purchases from

2013, Harriet the

www.victoriabrockauthor.co.uk

Hedgehog was in

or at Amazon.

print. I was giving £1 from every book sold to Starlight Children’s Foundation, so I

www.starlight.org.uk

38

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17/02/2015 09:30

Elite_142.indd 40

17/02/2015 09:30

Community and Health

Trust launches new five year strategic plan The North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (NEP) has today launched its new five year strategic plan “All together, better”. The plan is designed to set a clear direction for the Trust moving forward, provide a framework for how the organisation responds to change, sets objectives and provides the public and stakeholders with an understanding of the Trust’s future direction...

Chief Executive of the Trust, Andrew Geldard, said, “The

At the core of the plan are four main objectives:

changes within the NHS mean

• NEP will be recognised as a leading provider of specialist mental health care.

that services providers, such as NEP, have had to change their approach to strategic planning, from implementing central policy to one of working within

• NEP will be a system leader and a partner in the development and delivery of integrated community services.

• NEP will continue to improve patient experience.

• NEP will continue to improve patient outcomes.

a competitive market. In any market there is uncertainty which

research papers published in

Trust and the plan calls for a

increases the need for us to have

academic journals. The Trust

continuing and growing demand

clarity of purpose, a focus for

was awarded ‘University’ status

for the highest standards in both

future thinking and an approach

in 2013. The plan stresses the

patient outcomes and patient

to every change and opportunity

importance of building on this

and carer experience.

the market may produce. Our

work and enhancing the Trust’s

new strategic plan does just that.”

growing reputation.

NEP is already a well-regarded

In addition to its specialist

actions, but rather the thinking

Trust, recently becoming one

mental health work, NEP is also

that will guide our actions in

of the first in the Country to be

involved in partnerships with

response to market changes.

awarded Practice Development

other providers from the NHS

It is the result of hours of

Trust status from Bournemouth

and third sector and is well

constructive discussion and

University. Its Veterans First team

placed to help develop more

debate involving staff and

has won a number of national

integrated services as called for

Governors, and I thank all those

awards and clinicians at the Trust

under national policy. Care is

who have contributed so much

have had a growing number of

at the heart of the work of the

of their time, ideas and wisdom.”

Mr Geldard added, “It is not a plan that sets out detailed

ELITE MAGAZINE

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17/02/2015 09:30

Focus on Charity

24 HOURS TO RAISE £100 FOR ESSEX AIR AMBULANCE Can you raise £100 in 24 hours? The 24/100 Challenge is a brand new fundraising initiative for Essex Air Ambulance taking place on Saturday 7 March...

The Charity is looking for the imaginative and adventurous of Colchester to rise to the challenge and participate in a fundraising activity of their choice and raise at least £100 in 24 hours.

Braintree Sport & Health Club have pledged to keep one of their exercise bikes running continuously from 6am to 10pm with staff, instructors and members all taking it in turns to have a go on the bike. There will

Fundraisers Jenny MacPherson and Sabi Blyth urge YOU to take on the 24/100 challenge

also be twenty minute reflexology sessions available between 10am

Yachting Association Sailing

The University of Essex Student

and 1pm and instead of paying

Instructions. Essex Air Ambulance

Union VTeam in Colchester, who

the normal price, guests will be

is a Charity close to their hearts

regularly volunteer their time to

asked to make a donation to

as in January 2012, John Blanks,

different projects, will also be

Essex Air Ambulance.

a member of Chelmsford Radio

taking on the challenge.

Yacht Club suffered an accident Coal House Fort Model Boat Club

whilst racing at the Blackwater

This is your chance to try

of Tilbury will be holding a Race

Sailing Club Training Lake and

something different and to put

Event for Dragon Force 65 Radio

was airlifted to hospital by the

the ‘fun’ into fundraising!

Controlled Model Yacht owners

emergency helicopter and has

in accordance with the Model

since made a full recovery.

Support your life-saving charity

TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE AND REGISTER TODAY! Visit www.EssexAirAmbulance.uk.com or email challenge@EHAAT.uk.com

42

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www.vassallojewellery.com Elite_142.indd 43

17/02/2015 09:30

Focus on Health

FREE HYPNOBIRTHING CLASSES OFFERED Twenty-five midwives employed by Colchester Hospital have now been trained in hypnobirthing – more than any other hospital trust in England...

N

ow in its 24th year,

“Since we introduced

or two six-hour sessions on

hypnobirthing

hypnobirthing classes, it has

a Saturday/Sunday with a

is about helping

grown in popularity, partly

one-hour break for lunch. The

through word-of-mouth and also

course, which is for partners

an easy, comfortable and

because people have read about

as well as pregnant women, is

often drug-free birth by using

it,” she said. “It enables women

suitable for women who are at

easily-learned self-hypnosis,

to feel confident and in control

least 16 weeks pregnant, ideally

deep relaxation and breathing

of their birth. Hypnobirth has

20-24 weeks pregnant. Partners

techniques. The Trust is

had a huge impact on how

learn massage techniques and also breathing and relaxation

couples to have

increasing the number of

women feel about labour. It’s

courses from one a month to

also an excellent way to get

techniques along with the

six, either on weekday evenings

women’s partners more involved

women. There is a maximum of

or at weekends, in Colchester,

in their pregnancy and labour.”

six couples per course.

Clacton and Harwich.

Mrs Gavin-Jones said the

Standard antenatal classes

In early 2011, the Trust became

evidence shows that women in

continue to be available free of

only the second NHS hospital

north east Essex who have used

charge for couples who are not interested in hypnobirthing.

trust in the country to offer

hypnobirthing experience shorter

hypnobirthing and it used to

labours, can reduce the need for

cost £250 a course per couple.

pain relief and are having higher

Any parents-to-be wanting

It is now free! Midwife Teri

percentages of natural births.

more information about free

co-ordinator, was one of the

Each hypnobirthing course lasts

contact 01206 742424

Trust’s first fully accredited

10 hours and consists of either

or email teri.gavin-jones@

hypnobirthing practitioners.

four 2 ½ hour evening sessions

colchesterhospital.nhs.uk

hypnobirthing classes should

Gavin-Jones, parent education

44

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Elite Testimonial

“A massive thank you for being my sole marketing platform for the last 18 months and bringing in more enthusiastic students than I could handle. Your management and design team have been totally professional throughout and were always there to offer great friendly advice. The only reason you won’t see us in the magazine now is because we are all moving to Portugal – farewell Colchester Ukulele Academy, hello Algarve Ukulele Academy. Pass the sun screen Mr Formby…”

Robin Jennings Colchester Ukulele Academy

46

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17/02/2015 09:30

Health and Well-being

What is Tai Chi ?

ELEMENTS OF TAI CHI

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese

Family Tai Chi is the most

healing art that has its roots in

popular of all the styles, and aims

the 5000 year old practice of Chi

to balance the chi flow through

Cultivating Virtues

Kung, I Ching, and later, the Tao

inner structural alignment and

Structural Integration

Te Ching, Hua Hu Ching and the

stillness within movement, to

Central Equilibrium

Book of Chuang Tzu. Together

strengthen and relax the mind

Internal Energy

they present the core philosophy

and body, and to live in harmony

Moderate Aerobics

of Taoism and provide practical

with the yin and yang cycles

Relaxed Extension

guidance for living a full, natural

found in nature.

Moving Meditation

and balanced life.

Martial Intention WANT TO KNOW MORE?

The creation of Tai Chi is

UK Taoist Tai Chi Centre

credited to a Taoist monk, Chang

Bounstead Road

San-feng, who lived about 700

Colchester

years ago and wrote the Tai Chi

Essex CO2 0DE

Chuan Ching, and later, General

01206 576167

Uniting with the Chi of Nature

Chen Wang-ting who created the Chen style. Other Tai Chi classics include the Treatise on Tai Chi Chuan, Insights into the Thirteen Postures, Song of the Eight Gates, Yangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ten Important Points, and the teachings of Cheng Man-ching, who brought Tai Chi to the West in the 1960s.

Over the centuries Tai Chi grew into several styles that were kept secret by martial arts families.

Originally a form of self-defence known as Tai Chi Chuan, it is now widely practised only for health. Today, Yang ELITE MAGAZINE

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WHAT’S ON COLCHESTER ARTS CENTRE Never Knowingly Understood MARCH 2015 SUN 1 IAN SHAW Jazz MON 2 DUNCAN CHISHOLM * Folk TUE 3 MOOSE BLOOD + CREEPER + DAN WARBURTON Gigs WED 4 HIDE BY DEBORAH LIGHT Performance THU 5 SHAPPI KHORSANDI: BECAUSE I’M SHAPPI... * Comedy FRI 6 THE LAUGHTER ZONE COMEDY CLUB * Comedy SAT 7 SEA LEGS PUPPET THEATRE PRESENTS: THE UGLY DUCKLING Kids SAT 7 THE TIGER LILLIES: THE VERY WORST OF THE TIGER LILLIES Gigs SUN 8 CHARLES COURTLEY: WIG BEGONE Live Literature SUN 8 JOHN HEGLEY: NEW & SELECTED POTATOES Poetry MON 9 MICHAEL MCGOLDRICK, JOHN MCCUSKER & JOHN DOYLE * Folk WED 11 LUCY HUTSON: BRITNEY SPEARS CUSTODY BATTLE VS. ZEUS IN SWAN RAPE SHOCKER Performance

THU 12 CORROSION OF CONFORMITY * Gigs FRI 13 SLEAFORD MODS + GRACELAND + FOREIGN MUCK Gigs SAT 14 ANIMAL NOISE + SUPERGLU + KIPLING Gigs SUN 15 AN EVENING OF PUBLIC SHAMING WITH JON RONSON MON 16 FAUSTUS * Folk WED 18 CONFIRMATION BY CHRIS THORPE Performance THU 19 LISA KNAPP BAND Folk FRI 20 PARTY NIGHT * Disco SAT 21 INDIGO MOON THEATRE: THE LOST FOREST (SHOW) Kids SUN 22 LUKE WRIGHT: STAY AT HOME DANDY Poetry MON 23 THE POOZIES * Folk TUE 24 ANKLEPANTS + HOOF! + EFFY ZEE + CATNIP & CLAWS Gigs WED 25 RHIANNON FAITH: THE DATE Performance THU 26 THE SELECTER * Gigs SAT 28 VARIETY NIGHT Variety MON 30 THE FURROW COLLECTIVE * Folk

COLCHESTER ARTS CENTRE Church Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1NF

BOX OFFICE 01206 500900 info@colchesterartscentre.com

GET HANDS ON

with Nature

SATURDAY 28 MARCH COLCHESTER ZOO – 09:30

From bug hunts and pond dipping to bird spotting and games and an Ugly Bug Ball, this is your chance get hands on with nature and, of course, to discover all about the wonders of eggs!

The home of amateur theatre in Colchester

5-7 MARCH Private Peaceful DRAMA

by Michael Morpurgo Performances at 7:45pm. Tickets: £6, £4 (conc).

AN EVENING WITH MONTY DON 1-2 MARCH – TICKETS: £10-25 Hear renowned gardener and BBC television presenter Monty Don speak about his life and travels visiting gardens all over the world, what really happens behind the scenes when filming, how he made his own organic garden from scratch and how working with nature enriches us all.

For further details see www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

8 MARCH Jumpers for Goalposts DRAMA

by Tom Wells Performances at 7:45pm. Tickets: £10, £8 (conc).

14 Chapel Street North, Colchester, Essex CO2 7AT Box Office and Enquiries: 01206 366000 www.headgatetheatre.co.uk

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LOCAL EVENTS IN AND AROUND COLCHESTER

TOURISM AND LEISURE SHOW CHARTER HALL THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARY Free entry — 10:00 to 15:30

BATTLE THROUGH THE AGES! SATURDAY 21 M ARCH

COLCHESTER CASTLE – 10:30 TO 16:00

Looking for ideas for holidays, short breaks or great days out for your group or club?

From Romans to the present day, this fun-packed day shows how warfare has changed over the last 2000 years. You will have a chance to shoot arrows and take part in other fun activities, with re-enactors and military vehicles.

For further information visit www.charter-hall.co.uk

Attractions in the park are free except for archery which has a small charge.

6TH WINTER BEER FESTIVAL

SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY 11:00 to 23:00

East Anglian Railway Museum Chappel Station, Wakes Colne

COLCHESTER FARMERS MARKET 6 MARCH – 9:30-12:30

Held at the Arts Centre on the first Friday of every month – a selection of locally produced, meat, veg and much more.

Colchester Walking Tour SATURDAY 7 MARCH 11:00 to 12:45 Adults £4.10, Children (5-15 years) £2.60 One of the best ways to find out more about the dramatic events that have taken place in Colchester is to take a guided walking tour. The tour takes you through Castle Park, the Dutch Quarter and the High Street — only minutes away from each other, but each with a very different story to tell.

For further details see www.visitcolchester.com

JA ZZ EV ENING S AT THE

ELECTRIC PALACE

• KING’S QUAY, HARWICH CO12 3ER • Performances start at 20:00 for each event and finish at approximately 22:30

THURSDAY 12 MARCH JO HARMAN AND COMPANY Tickets: £ 12.50 each and available from www.wegottickets.com/event/295167 for this particular evening

THURSDAY 19 MARCH THE HUGH RAINEY JAZZ BAND Tickets: £ 11.00 each

TICKET OFFICE: 07786 744789 or email boxoffice@electricpalace.com

www.electricpalace.com

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