Elite Magazine – 150

ISSUE 150

Calling all creative people New art community café| and gallery space

Redevelopment Mercury Theatre announces £8.8m plan to redevelop its buildings and site

Strictly Air Ambulance Find out who will be appearing at the annual dancing extravaganza!

OF DO YOU NE ED YOUR ROAND TLY IEN FIC EF NG RE PAIRI TO A HIG H STANDARD? DE TA I L S …

S E E PA GE 5 F OR MO R E

“IF YOU WANT TO COMPETE, ADVERTISE IN ELITE” Elite_150.indd 1

YOUR LOCAL BLOCK LIST PAVING SPECIA DE TA I L S …

S E E PA GE 7 F OR MO R E

ELITE MAGAZINE 12/01/2016 13:29

LARGEST SELECTION OF

COMPOSITE DOORS IN ESSEX

UP TO

3 YEARS INTEREST FREE CREDIT ON ALL WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES 0% APR REPRESENTATIVE

Visit our showcentres Poplar Nurseries, Coggeshall Road, Marks Tey CO6 1HR 6 Crown Gate, Severalls Bus. Park, Wyncolls Road, Colchester CO4 9HZ www.sehbac.com

Freephone 0808 149 2572

Terms and conditions apply. Subject to status. Written details on request. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. All pictures for illustrative use only. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. *As part of the One Group of Companies.

Elite_150.indd 2

12/01/2016 13:29

ISSUE 150 Publishing Director Ian Goldsworthy ian@elitemagazine.co.uk Telephone: 01206 500543 Editor Carol Evans carolsandraevans@sky.com Advertisement Sales sales@elitemagazine.co.uk Telephone: 01206 500543 Publishers Experts in Publishing Ltd P.O. Box 7391, Colchester Essex CO4 3WZ Design & Artwork Pure Creative Design hello@purecreativedesign.co.uk facebook.com/PureCreativeDesign Telephone: 01206 541189

Dear Reader

F

irst, may I wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year. Inevitably, each New Year brings thoughts of new beginnings, changes and the pressures of keeping our New Year resolutions.

One resolution - which seems a no-brainer for everyone who is not already super-fit – would be to have a healthy life style, keeping fit, exercising and eating sensibly.

The statistic that 62% of women over 45 are seriously overweight with all the health problems associated with obesity – is something we should all take seriously. As well as the impact of ill health on the individual, illnesses such as diabetes pose a significant burden for the NHS, already struggling financially.

Contributors Carol Evans, Peter Constable, Ray Pile and Peter Jones

So, as well as wishing you a happy New Year, I also wish you a very healthy one, with the hope that you and yours will all flourish in 2016.

Front Cover Swan landing at Bourne Pond

by Andre Kimche Food & Drink Cover Potato cream soup from www.dollarphotoclub.com

Carol Evans EDITOR

Long Melford Sudbury

Produced in association with:

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

Leavenheath

Stoke-by-Nayland Nayland Manningtree Great Horkesley Mistley Lawford

Halstead

West Bergholt

QUOTE OF THE MONTH Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Colchester Feering Kelvedon

Elmstead Market Great Bentley

Wivenhoe Layer-de-la-Haye

Alresford

Weeley

Brightlingsea Tiptree

West Mersea

Thorpe-le-Soken Walton-on-the-Naze Frinton-on-Sea

St. Osyth

Colchester Distribution: Mile End | Parsons Heath | St John’s | Lexden Gosbecks | Middlewick | Riverside | Longridge | Highwoods

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.

Elite_150.indd 3

12/01/2016 13:29

NEWS CREATIVE ART HUB

Calling all Creative People Do you need studio space?

M

other Studios, Essex is planning a wonderful art community café, a flexible gallery space and two education and project rooms.

There are studio spaces to rent but the gallery education and project rooms can be booked by the studio artists for free.

Mother Studios, Essex is open and we’ve just finished some more studios! We’ve been busy building studios and moving artists in to our new complex in Ardleigh, just outside of Colchester. Once home to malting hops 100 years ago, now the 13,000ft2/1,208m2 building is being created into art studios and creative hub.

We’ve taken some of the best bits of Mother Studios, London and built on that with these new studios. We currently have 16 studios, 12 of which have already been taken, and hope there will be approximately 35-40 studios in the end.

4

Elite_150.indd 4

The gallery space and education and project rooms can be booked out by any of the artists at Mother Studios, Essex for free. It’s important that we support the artist and their development.

NEW STUDIO OFFER The renters of the remaining Phase 2 studios will also receive 25% off the first 3 months!

There’s a lovely gated courtyard in the middle of the buildings, where table and chairs can be put out to relax on a nice day!

There is plenty of parking and 24hr access.

14m2 to 300ft2/28m2 ready now and are available to all creative people.

There is no application process, and you’re welcome to come to our opening and see what we’re doing as well, share a drink with us and meet our lovely artists!

For more details on prices and studios, please email: Hannah@motherstudios.co.uk or Jo@motherstudios.co.uk Find us on Facebook and Twitter.

All the studios have beautiful natural light, high ceilings and are individual lockable spaces.

We have spaces to rent ranging from 150ft2/ Joanna Hughes Founder and Director

ELITE MAGA ZINE

12/01/2016 13:29

GUA R A NTEE

10% – OFF –

W

IT

ER HT H I S A DV

T

15 YEAR

UPVC + Roofing Specialists PROFESSIONAL / RELIABLE / AFFORDABLE High performance flat roof felting, UPVC and gutter installers

DO YOU NEED YOUR ROOF REPAIRING EFFICIENTLY AND TO A HIGH STANDARD? Then look no further than DJB Home Improvements, offering a team of skilled and professional roofers in Essex.

We understand that roofs can often be taken for granted, but when there’s a problem, perhaps after a storm or extreme weather, a roof is something you want repaired quickly and without fuss.

“Really impressed with the work that you guys have done. Our house is looking beautiful” EMILY WAIT CHINGFORD

Our wealth of roofing experience and expertise means we can quickly correct standard and non-standard repairs including flashings and fascias.

We also offer total moss removal for all roofs to stop blocked gutters and improve the water flow from your roof. to the value of your home the life of your roof ■ Save you money on energy costs ■ Protect underlying structure from damage ■ Enhance the appearance of your home

FULLY VETTED:

■ Add

■ Extend

FULLY INSURED:

WE’RE ON:

CONTACT US TODAY ON

01206 807598 / 07506 367774 www.roofservicesessex.com

Elite_150.indd 5

ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

12/01/2016 13:29

INSIDE ELITE IN THIS ISSUE

Calling all creative people

Essex Book Festival

04

25

Mother Studios, Essex is planning a wonderful art community café, a flexible gallery space…

Strictly Air Ambulance

10

04

Building the future

28

10

Year 6 Littlegarth children will approach the challenges of 2016 with quiet determination…

TVs dancing sensation, Gleb Savchenko, will be appearing at the annual dancing extravaganza…

Healthwatch Essex

36

Our gardening expert

Essex residents will now have the chance to review the quality of the health and care they receive…

14

By now, all the leaves should have fallen and been collected for composting ready to use next autumn…

Creative Writing Laboratories at Essex University and Jaywick…

14

Contents E L I T E M A G A Z I N E /// I S S U E 1 5 0

Generous donation

43

A cheque from Waitrose, Colchester has been presented to the St. Aubyn Centre…

Elite Food & Drink New vegan café

Photography competition

20

20

A competition to celebrate the historic and contemporary, diverse and wide-ranging, culture of Essex…

09

22 6

Elite_150.indd 6

Young entrepreneur, April Moodie, combines two businesses in St. John’s Street, Colchester…

Food festivals

Mercury redevelopment

The Mercury Theatre is announcing an £8.8m plan to redevelop its buildings and site…

06

22

Is good food important to your enjoyment of a holiday?

Maybe one of these food festivals – in Italy, Moscow or Melbourne will appeal?

ELITE MAGA ZINE

12/01/2016 13:29

10% C

DI S E li t

Elite_150.indd 7

OU

N

T! eM ag a z in e QU

OTE :

12/01/2016 13:29

CHARITY DONATIONS NEEDED

Essex Air Ambulance It receives no funding from the government or the National Lottery.

We rely on it in our darkest moments – it relies on us to keep it in the air!

U

nlike NHS emergency services, Essex Air Ambulance, part of the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) is a Charity. It provides a free life-saving Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for the critically ill and injured of Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

Pre-hospital Care Doctors and Critical Care Paramedics can be rushed to the scene of an incident with life-saving support equipment to deliver the advanced clinical care normally only found in the Hospital Emergency Department. Once stabilised, patients are conveyed by air or land to the most appropriate hospital for their needs.

The Charity does not receive direct funding from the Government or National Lottery and relies solely upon the generosity and goodwill of the people and businesses of Essex and Hertfordshire to raise the £500,000 needed every month to keep both helicopters flying and saving lives.

We never know when we – or our loved ones - may need the Essex Air Ambulance

Donate by Phone Call us on 0345 2417 690 or simply text LIFE34 followed by £1, £2, £3, £5 or £10 to 70070 and donate now!

Donate by Post If you would like to make a donation by post please make your cheque/postal order payable to ‘Essex Air Ambulance’ and send to: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, The Business Centre, Earls Colne Business Park, Earls Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2NS.

Donate Online Please click the ‘Donate’ button on the home page and follow the instructions.

CURRENT STATISTICS…

£500,000 £2,700 £125

Total monthly running cost of both helicopters

Cost per mission

Don’t forget to Gift Aid it!

Fuel cost p/hr

www.EssexAirAmbulance.uk.com 8

Elite_150.indd 8

ELITE MAGA ZINE

12/01/2016 13:29

Explore our vast range of home furnishings

Spot our pair of nesting Kestrels with chicks

Opening Times Monday – Saturday: 9am – 5.30pm Sunday: 10am – 4pm

Visit our impressive oak framed barn with fully stocked quality furniture

Feed our on-site Alpaca’s by hand!

Relax and enjoy a Latte or Cappuccino in our café

We are now open Come and visit our range of quality home furnishings

Crown Lane, Tendring, Essex CO16 0BH Tel: 01255 831234 Email: sales@fordbarns.co.uk www.fordbarns.co.uk

A133

WE ARE HERE

TO TENDRING

Colchester Road

Crown Lane

TO COLCHESTER

TO FRINTON The Black Boy Premier Inn

TO CLACTON A133

Elite_150.indd 9

Thorpe Road

WEELEY

12/01/2016 13:29

CHARITY TICKETS NOW ON SALE

Strictly AIR AMBULANCE FRIDAY 11 MARCH / CHARTER HALL / COLCHESTER It’s official! TVs dancing sensation, Gleb Savchenko, will be appearing at the annual dancing extravaganza hosted by Essex Air Ambulance

T

he ever-popular event, sponsored by Countryside, GCS Alarms Ltd and chartered accountants, Jamesons, takes place at Charter Hall, Colchester on Friday 11 March 2016 from 7:30pm.

As well as treating the audience to two show-stopping performances, Russian dancer and choreographer, Gleb, will be offering his expert feedback to the evening’s dancing contestants, as one of four judges on the night.

Jane Gurney, Chief Executive Officer of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Gleb Savchenko, one of TV’s rising stars, to Strictly Air Ambulance.

We’re sure our supporters and

10

Elite_150.indd 10

dance fans across the county will be delighted, and we anticipate that tickets will sell fast.

“A big thank you to our sponsors Countryside, GCS Alarms Ltd and Jamesons who have made this event possible. All profits from the night will go towards keeping our life-saving helicopters flying.”

Hosted by Su Harrison from Heart Breakfast, the dance extravaganza will see six couples battle it out on the dance floor – each contestant having paired and trained with a professional dancer from the county’s dancing academies.

Strictly Air Ambulance 2016 contestants include Phil Almond, Critical Care Paramedic with the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance

Trust (EHAAT); Keely Cosby from Chelmsford; Pam Corrie – an EHAAT volunteer from Chelmsford; Jane Tierney from Colchester; Clem Clements of the Essex Police Motorcycle Unit and Graham Cherry, CEO of Countryside - all competing to be crowned Strictly Air Ambulance 2016 Champion!

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW Tickets are £19.00 or £16.00 for concessions and are on sale now from Charter Hall Box Office, telephone 01206 282020 or visit www.charter-hall.co.uk For more details, visit EssexAirAmbulance.uk.com

ELITE MAGA ZINE

12/01/2016 13:29

Elite_150.indd 11

12/01/2016 13:29

RELIABILIT Y AND SERVICE TO OUR CUSTOMERS COMES FIRST

2 5 Y E A R S LO G I S T I C E X P E R I E N C E

Your expectations delivered on time every time Specialing in same day nationwide delivery We aim to make your life as easy as possible and our selection of services will take care of all your courier and delivery requirements Our priority lies with you, the customer, so it’s all about the quality and reliability of service we offer to ensure total satisfaction

www.redspottransport.co.uk

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE 020 8597 0200

Elite_150.indd 12

12/01/2016 13:29

Elite Magazine discount Quote Ref: EM6 Elite_150.indd 13

12/01/2016 13:29

HORTICULTURAL EXPERT

PETE’S

by Peter Constable

W

ith Christmas and New Year out of the way, things can now get back to normal. I hope that you had a good and enjoyable break!

By now, all the leaves should have fallen and been collected for composting ready to use next autumn. Lawns should have been raked ready for their first cut in about six weeks time when the weather has started to dry the soil. Then, within a fortnight or so, a balanced spring fertiliser and combined weed-killer can be applied as instructed on the packaging. Never, ever, over apply! You will damage the lawn. If it is frosty or covered in snow - keep off!

Flower borders should also be reasonably clear of weeds, with the tips of spring flowering bulbs breaking the surface. Be careful when hoeing 14

Elite_150.indd 14

round these - do not damage the tender growths or you will impair their ability to flower. Rose bushes should also have been trimmed by now, to help prevent wind damage, ready for their annual prune in early March, to encourage their abundant new growth ready for a superb display in early June.

Digging should be continued in the vegetable garden, removing weeds as you go, including the roots. Do not dig them in - you will only be encouraging re-growth later in the year. Try to get all the digging done by the end of February at the latest, to give you time to rake the soil to get a fine tilth ready for seed sowing, which takes a lot of time. If your soil is very stony try to remove as many as you can, to avoid odd shaped carrots, parsnip and other root crops. If you can, add as much leaf mould, compost or old manure as possible as you dig, as these will improve the soil structure and with it the quality ELITE MAGA ZINE

12/01/2016 13:29

Our services include: Chainsaw sculpture Private and commercial commissions

Tree surgery From the removal of dangerous trees and tree felling through to reshaping and woodland management

Planking and beam work A fully mobile onsite planing service from 1 inch to 16 inches thick

Tree Preservation Orders We can deal with and advise on the options available with protected trees

Tree planting

For further information on our services visit:

www.marnicwoodcarving.com Or alternatively, contact Rusty on 07584 029183 or email marnicwoodcarving@hotmail.co.uk

We provide a full tree and shrub planting service as well as an after-care service

FOR HIRE – £100 PER DAY Wood chipper and operator for hire within 40 mile radius of Colchester

and quantity of your produce. Keep special beds, like asparagus and strawberries, hand weeded, as the use of a hoe or fork will damage their shallow roots. A mulch of compost about 4 inches thick is also a good weed repellent on such beds.

TIP: Remove weeds as you go, including the roots. Do not dig them in – you will only be encouraging re-growth Do every thing you can in the time you have available to get your garden in as good a condition as you can, ready for seed sowing in early March and April. There is much to do if you want heavy crops later in the season.

I

IF YOU NEED HELP, CALL ME ON 07887 660711.

IF I CAN OBLIGE, I WILL, FOR A REASONABLE HOURLY CHARGE.

ELITE MAGA ZINE

Elite_150.indd 15

15

12/01/2016 13:29

Elite_150.indd 16

12/01/2016 13:29

BOOKS

FOCUS ON:

DONNA LEON Crime novelist

D

onna Leon is an American author who has lived in Venice for over 20 years.

Her books are, therefore, steeped in local knowledge of the landscape, the environment and the people.

Donna Leon’s novels are set in Venice and wonderfully evoke the life and vitality of the city and scenery, whilst her protagonist, Commissario Brunetti, not only has to solve crimes, bringing criminals to justice, but also has to do so whilst navigating the corruption of the Italian state and its institutions.

Guido Brunetti, highly intelligent and honourable, tackles crime with the aid of his very competent and loyal assistant, Sargente Vianello, and the deeply subversive, highly computer literate Signorina Elletra, secretary to Brunetti’s vain and incompetent boss, Vice-Questore Patta. In each book, Donna Leon highlights one aspect of the Venetian underworld, focusing on different institutions and the inherent corruption within. In sharp contrast is Brunetti’s happy famiiy life, with a loving, but fiercely independent, wife and two children, who grow in confidence, strength of character and maturity throughout the novels.

The first novel in the series, Death at La Fenice, written in 1992, features the murder of a famous German conductor, poisoned during a performance of La Traviata. Her latest book, the 24th in the series, takes the Commissario back to La Fenice.

ELITE MAGA ZINE

Elite_150.indd 17

DONNA LEON

The books can be read in chronological order but each one is an excellent novel in its own right.

We will write

YOUR WILL £49 .99 +VAT

PARAGON LEGAL SERVICES LTD Fixed Prices

Let one of our local professionals offer expert advice and create your Will in the privacy of your home, at a time to suit you, day or evening

CONCERNED ABOUT CARE FEES? ASK US ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS

Call Free or

0800 0747 642 01206 544919

8am - 10pm weekdays, 9am - 5pm weekends Call us for a free home appointment and request your free information pack on Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney and Probate.

Regulated by the Society of Will Writers and Estate Planning Practitioners

www.paragonlegal.co.uk

17

12/01/2016 13:29

Dave Neal

Painting and Decorating The complete service at a price to suit

Inside & Out – No Job Too Small

Tel: 07743 169912 www.paintersanddecoratorscolchester.com

Frames, Sills, Facias, Soffits and Door Surrounds

Do you offer a domestic service? *SPECIAL OFFER* Book a domestic services advert for 6 issues and get the first advert upgraded to a full page FREE of charge worth £599!

Domestic Service advertisements are restricted to businesses that offer goods or services for the home, adverts are 1/8th page and cost only £17.31 a week plus VAT (£20.77 inc VAT) paid over 26 weeks Contact ian@elitemagazine.co.uk or call 01206 500543

Friendly, Professional – no job too small.

01206 252150 / 07544 720854

electrician FREE Estimates no obligation Friendly reliable service.

24 Hour Callout. Part P Registered.

No job too big or too small.

All work tested, certificated and guarantee provided.

Call Chris on Tel: 01255 813657 or Mobile: 07720 094731

ABBERTON BUSINESS PARK OPEN YARD STORAGE CONTAINER STORAGE OFFICE & LIGHT INDUSTRIAL UNITS EASY IN, EASY OUT

TELEPHONE: 07850 710690

CELEBRATING OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Makers of Quality Kitchens – Luxury Bedrooms – Fine English Furniture

Specialists in Tailor-Made

Bedrooms & Kitchens That are built to Last

Tel: 01206 242001 www.dovetailsofcolchester.co.uk Fordham Place Barn, Bergholt Road, Fordham, Colchester, Essex CO6 3NU Members of the Trading Standards 'Buy with confidence' Scheme

Elite_150.indd 18

12/01/2016 13:29

TECHNOLOGY

Home Technology Audio Visual Design and Installation

D

esign, advice and installation to make your TV and audio system look stunning, no visible cables and boxes, the only thing you need to see are the screen and speakers.

Below: An example of a recent installation – 65" 4K TV with ultra slim KEF 5.1 speaker system

Established since 1990, Protech TV specialise in custom design and installation of TV, audio and home cinema in Essex and Suffolk. We have all the skills to provide the complete audio visual solution and offer AV solutions to suit all budgets.

TV and speakers all installed with no visible cables and equipment integrated to work beautifully and look stunning We are always on top of the latest advances in audio visual, with smart technology integrating your TV and audio with your home network, giving you more than just a TV. Please call Ray Pile on 01206 864422 or 07779 860251 or email ray@protechtv.co.uk for a FREE site survey

Whether it’s a simple TV installation or a large audio visual project, whether you need help setting up and understanding your TV or need your TV to be repaired, contact us for expert attention.

Home Technology Audio Visual Design and Installation +LGGHQ FDEOHV RXU VSHFLDOLW\ )UHH VLWH VXUYH\ 0XOWL URRP DXGLR

01206 864422 ELITE MAGA ZINE

Elite_150.indd 19

www.protechtv.co.uk 19

12/01/2016 13:29

NEWS

CAN YOU CAPTURE THE CULTURE OF ESSEX? #InstaEssex

A photographic competition to celebrate the historic and contemporary, diverse and wide-ranging, culture of Essex Open to amateur and professional photographers, the first prize is £1,000 and 15 winners will have their images displayed at Liverpool Street Station.

What best describes Essex culture to you? Is it some of our buildings and architecture; our artwork and theatres; local street and contemporary social culture; or perhaps there is an iconic image you think sums up the county? Maybe it’s a museum you have been to recently; maybe you’ve seen a local band play or maybe it’s just something you’ve seen on your street? Whatever it is, our Culture team’s #InstaEssex campaign wants to capture it.

Essex County Council’s Cultural Development team has partnered with Abellio Greater Anglia, Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership and Network Rail’s London Liverpool Street Station to deliver #InstaEssex – a photography exhibition exploring culture across Essex.

20

Elite_150.indd 20

Celebrating our diverse culture, the initial part of #InstaEssex focuses on a photography competition that’s open to both amateur and professionals – in fact anyone who is passionate about our local culture and takes inspiration from it.

Images will be displayed at London Liverpool Street station and along branch line stations across Essex, helping to raise the profile of Essex at our key transport gateways. From these winners the top three will be awarded cash prizes of £1,000 (first prize), £500 (second prize) and £250 (third prize).

It costs just £5 to enter a photo into the competition or £15 for five images. If you’d like to brush up on your photography skills, why not take part in one of the #InstaEssex workshops?

The competition closes on Monday 15 February.

For further information or to submit an entry, visit www.exploreculture.org.uk/instaessex.html ELITE MAGA ZINE

12/01/2016 13:29

?aTbcTS 7P[[ 9dbc cWPc [Xcc[T QXc SXUUTaT]c

6WDUWLQJ WKLV -DQXDU\« &RPH DORQJ WR RXU H[FLWLQJ QHZ VHULHV RI IDLUV DQG YLHZ D UDQJH RI SUH V LWHPV IRU VDOH ,WHPV ZLOO LQFOXGH 9LQWDJH FORWKLQJ MHZHOOHU\ DQG DFFHVVRULHV $QWLTXDULDQ ERRNV FROOHFWDEOH PDJD]LQHV DQG HSKHPHUD *ODVVZDUH FURFNHU\ DQG FHUDPLFV 0RWRULQJ PHPRUDELOLD $UW DQG SDLQWLQJV (QWU\ … 7KH %LVWUR DW 7KH &OXE ZLOO EH RSHQ WR HQMR\ GULQNV RU IRRG 3OHDVH FRQWDFW XV WR ILQG RXW KRZ WR JHW D IUHH VWDOO DW WKLV HYHQW RQ

7KH VHPL ILQDOV RI WKH 8.·V ELJJHVW ¶UHDO WHQQLV· DPDWHXU FOXE HYHQW ZLOO DOVR EH SOD\HG DW 3UHVWHG KDOO RQ VW -DQXDU\ 6WDUWLQJ DW DP WKLV H[FLWLQJ WRXUQDPHQW ZLOO EH DYDLODEOH IRU WKH SXEOLF WR ZDWFK DV 3UHVWHG WDNH RQ +RO\SRUW 7KH VHYHQ EHVW DPDWHXU SOD\HUV IURP HDFK FOXE ZLOO EH SOD\LQJ VLQJOHV DQG GRXEOHV JDPHV DJDLQVW HDFK RWKHU LQ D ELG WR WDNH WKHLU FOXE WKURXJK WR WKH ILQDO 7KH &OXE ZLOO DOVR KDYH DQ RSHQ GD\ IRU PHPEHUV RI WKH SXEOLF WR YLHZ WKH IDFLOLWLHV RQ RIIHU DW 3UHVWHG +DOO

+RWHO _ +HDOWK &OXE 6SD LQIR#SUHVWHG FRP _ ZZZ SUHVWHG FR XN

Elite_150.indd 21

12/01/2016 13:29

NEWS

“Audiences are growing, our artistic ambitions have never been higher and we are transforming our learning and participation work in the local community” STEVE MANNIX, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

22

Elite_150.indd 22

ELITE MAGA ZINE

12/01/2016 13:29

NEWS

T

he Mercury Theatre is announcing an £8.8m plan to redevelop its buildings and site, improving and extending audience and production facilities whilst also creating a learning and participation centre that will help to extend its educational and community work. All areas of the building will be fully accessible for the first time. If the project is successful, the new facilities will open in 2020.

The project has got off to a flying start today with an invitation from Arts Council England to apply for £3.5m

from its large capital funding programme, and an immediate grant of £478,000 to support development of the plan. The Mercury has successfully passed the first stage of applications to the large capital fund, and was one of only 16 organisations in England to do so.

The Front of House area will be rebuilt and extended with fully accessible facilities, including an all-day café bar, creative space and purposebuilt rehearsal rooms. There will also be new highly visible on-site spaces for learning and participation work and community use. The Mercury’s

workshop and wardrobe facilities will be improved.

Subject to public consultation and planning permission, new pedestrian routes will be introduced connecting local historical and cultural offers, floor-to-ceiling glazing will provide new views into the workings of the building, and new piazza style public areas will offer dining and performance spaces.

The Mercury is hopeful that, subject to a formal decision, Colchester Borough Council will manage the build and will provide £1m of match funding.

Cementing the Mercury’s national role A state-of-the-art Mercury Theatre is on course for 2020, unlocking major creative benefits for Colchester, Essex and East Anglia ELITE MAGA ZINE

Elite_150.indd 23

23

12/01/2016 13:29

?????? MONEY-MONEY-MONEY ??????

FULL TIME – PART TIME – ANY TIME

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE SOME EASY MONEY WORKING FROM HOME?

WORK WITH US PHONING BUSINESSES TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS FOR OUR DIRECTOR

EVERY SALE HE COMPLETES YOU GET 25% COMMISSION PAID TO YOU SOUND GOOD TO YOU?

PHONE MARTIN NOW ON 07949 106622

12/01/2016 13:29

Elite_150.indd 24

ESSEX

BOOK FESTIVAL

Creative Writing Laboratories at Essex University and Jaywick Each laboratory is hosted by a different writer and is based around various themes and approaches ranging from wild writing and experimentalism to fables and song writing

E

veryone is welcome.

The only criterion for participation is a desire to push the boundaries with your writing.

author of critically acclaimed Tapestry and Dante’s Inferno, encourages participants to experiment with new, playful forms of poetry.

Wild Writing: Literature & The Environment

Telling the Tale

Laboratory 1: Saturday 30 January, 11am-1pm The Hexagon, Essex University James Canton, author of Out of Essex, provides participants with a fresh vision of Essex, its cultural history and its living legacy of wilderness and imagination.

Oulipian Poetry & The Avant Garde Saturday

Laboratory 3: Saturday 13 February, 11-1pm The Hexagon, Essex University Ros Green, Writer, journalist, and Director of the Essex Book Festival, explores the marvellous tradition of fabulism and the re-working of the Tale as a tool for creative inspiration.

Song Writing & The Lyric

Laboratory 2: Saturday 6 February, 11am-1pm The Hexagon, Essex University

Laboratory 4: Saturday 20 February, 12-3pm Jaywick Martello Tower, The Promenade, Jaywick, CO15 2LF

Philip Terry, Director of the Creative Writing Centre, and

Adrian May, Poet, songwriter and folk singer, author of The Comedy

ELITE MAGA ZINE

Elite_150.indd 25

of Masculinity, will give an invaluable insight into the process of song writing. Followed by a performance by acoustic duo, Face Furniture.

TICKETS: £10 or £5 (25 years and under) per session. For more information and to book, email ros@essex bookfestival.org.uk BOX OFFICE: Essex Book Festival Telephone: 01206 872730 Email: hello@essexbook festival.org.uk Start 2016 by joining Write It New and taking part in our creative writing laboratories, part of Essex Book Festival. essexbookfestival.org.uk

25

12/01/2016 13:29

20%

DISCOUNT TH

ROUGHOUT 2016 WITH THIS ADVE RT SP

Y

k

Improved ingredients to reinvigorate your Brand

Refreshing CONCEPTS

ECIA

L OFFER

L Delicious dESIGNS

For design with go od taste

THE NATURAL THIRST QUENCHER FOR ALL YOUR PRINT AND DIGITAL GRAPHIC DESIGN NEEDS LOGOS • BRANDING • DESIGN + PRINT • EXHIBITIONS + SIGNAGE • WEBSITES

hello@purecreativedesign.co.uk

Elite_150.indd 26

|

01206 541189

|

www.facebook.com/PureCreativeDesign

12/01/2016 13:29

ELITE MAGAZINE 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

TO ADVERTISE, SIMPLY CALL 01206 500543 OR 07816 074511

Thousands of Mattresses, Divans and Bed Frames IN STOCK ready for FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY*

see online gfos!r big savin Call us NOW on our Order Hotline

Int er IN net P ST ric OR es E

0333 5775773

* Orders above £45 qualify for Free Next Working Day Delivery made before 4pm Monday to Thursday, divan beds before 3pm.

Find your local Store at: Unit 3A, Stanway Retail Park, Peartree Rd CO3 0LX or visit our website at: www.mattressman.co.uk

Elite_150.indd 27

12/01/2016 13:29

=Zee]VXRceY DTY``] Zd R YRaaj WcZV_U]j R_U W`chRcU eYZ_\Z_X T` VUfTReZ`_R] Z_UVaV_UV_e dTY``] R_U _fcdVcj hYVcV TYZ]UcV_ SVehVV_ eYV RXVd `W ¤ R_U jVRcd eYcZgV Rd eYVj SVXZ_ eYVZc ViTZeZ_X [`fc_Vj `W UZdT`gVcj

@aV_ >`c_Z_X 7cZURj eY 7VScfRcj ! HT t ! UVVU J`f RcV hV]T`^V e` gZdZe Re R_jeZ^V hZeY R acZ`c Raa`Z_e^V_e

dTY`]RcdYZad Z_ eYV ]Rde W`fc jVRcd 6iTV]]V_e cVT`cU +VOF *4* &:'4 *OTQFDUJPO

{@fedeR_UZ_X| Z_ R]] RdaVTed }4YZ]UcV_ eY`c`fXY]j V_[`j eYV ]VRc_Z_X RTeZgZeZVd WVV] dRWV R_U dVTfcV R_U WVV] V^a`hVcVU e` eR\V cZd\d R_U Rd\ W`c YV]a Z_ d`]gZ_X ac`S]V^d~ *4* &:'4 3FQPSU +VOF -JUUMFHBSUI 4DIPPM )PSLFTMFZ 1BSL /BZMBOE $PMDIFTUFS &TTFY $0 +3 5FMFQIPOF &NBJM PGGJDF!MJUUMFHBSUI FTTFY TDI VL

hhh ]Zee]VXRceY VddVi dTY f\

Elite_150.indd 28

12/01/2016 13:29

EDUCATION

Building

for the future

Year 6 Littlegarth children will approach the challenges of 2016 with quiet determination, safe in the knowledge that they have been well prepared for whatever challenge comes their way.

Results from the past five years highlight outstanding successes with over 100 Littlegarth children gaining scholarship awards to independent schools and a high proportion also gaining places at our prestigious grammar schools.

Results this year already look extremely promising.

Littlegarth moved from Dedham to Horkesley Park, Colchester over twenty years ago and the school has just celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a wide range of activities involving past and present friends.

2016 will be one of the most exciting years in the history of Littlegarth as the school embarks on a building project that will see the children benefit from a significant number of new ELITE MAGA ZINE

Elite_150.indd 29

facilities including six classrooms, a library incorporating extra IT facilities, art and DT facilities, a learning support centre and a performing arts department incorporating specialist music and drama facilities.

Littlegarth Headmaster, Peter Jones, feels that the new build will help the children become even more successful. He says: “each child is unique and our teachers work extremely hard to identify where individual

strengths lie. Our broad and balanced curriculum ensures that all our children are provided with numerous opportunities to succeed across a wide range of curriculum subjects. The excellent new facilities will only serve to enhance the learning experience of each child and we are all looking forward to seeing our School develop in such an exciting way in 2016�.

29

12/01/2016 13:29

2IS0CO% UNT

D OUGHOUT 20R16T WITH THR

DVE

THIS A

SPECIAL OF

Elite_150.indd 30

FE

R

g eddin w d e n desig l day e k o p s ia fer be your spec f o e r W e ery fo s s f re n e r o i t t s a , u st for yo e r a ke n c RSVP All ta NS • O I T A

T INVI ES TE • NAM A E D C E A H L T P S AV E P L A N S • S D E R L .uk TA B U CA O g n . co Y i s K e N d tive THA

ea urecr Design p @ o l / hel ative reCre 1189 4 u 5 P / 6 0120 k.com ceboo a f . w ww

12/01/2016 13:29

SOCIAL CLUB

MEET NEW PEOPLE, MAKE REAL FRIENDS Essex IVC is part of a national network of social and events clubs aimed at professionals, graduates and like-minded people. We have 41 clubs and around 4,000 members across the UK. With over 300 members, Essex IVC is one of the largest and most successful.

T

he idea of IVC, Intervarsity Club, was conceived in the summer of 1946.

Its purpose then was to continue the practice of holding regular dances in the vacations similar to those held in term time.

A committee was formed and in 1947 the constitution was drawn up.

There have been changes since those early days.

Notably, in addition to graduates the club now welcomes professional and like-minded individuals and couples, the focus being on “like minded,” and the range of activities has grown beyond the dances of yesteryear.

The events are put on or “hosted” by the members themselves and there is an event nearly every day or evening of the week. Because it’s the members themselves who choose the events there is a wide and varied programme of social, cultural and sporting events and activities. These include dining out, pub evenings, music, festivals, theatre and cinema visits, walking, dancing, games and card evenings and lots more, even holidays in both the UK and abroad.

Previous summer activities included a visit to Hever Castle, a day in Aldeburgh, punting on the river Cam, a games afternoon, a summer ball, garden parties and a rock & roll festival. Future events include theatre visits, table tennis, a quiz,

ELITE MAGA ZINE

Elite_150.indd 31

an art exhibition, a barn dance, switching on the lights in Blackpool, meals and walks. The sky’s the limit! Occasionally IVC members get together with associated IVCs across the country to share holiday breaks and weekends away.

The members of Essex IVC are scattered all over the county, so there will be a member near you! They all have a common goal, to participate in events and activities with like-minded people who above all enjoy life. So why not join IVC for a 3 month trial membership and meet new people, make some real friends and expand your social network?

WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR SOCIAL LIFE? MEET NEW FRIENDS? Are there things you would like to do but not on your own? Then consider joining IVC

FREE TRIAL MEMBERSHIP FOR 3 MONTHS Full membership is from £23 a year, for more details or an application form ring 07891 927046 or email info@essexivc.org.uk

www.essexivc.org.uk 31

12/01/2016 13:29

BRING YOUR COMPANY’S PRODU C with the full Microsoft ® Office 365 software package installed by Pegasus IT

Microsoft ® Office 365 is a powerful software solution that provides you extended business benefits while using the familiar Office software environment.

Don’t hesitate to contact us and ask for more!

0845 459 4091 Monday-Friday 08:30am - 5:30pm

With cloud-based Microsoft ® Office 365, sharing calendars and files with your team becomes easy, and you will have access to effective communication tools via instant messaging and group video conferences.

with full support service and predictable monthly costs, allowing your company the benefits of:

Microsoft ® Office 365 allows for you and your team to work offline, keeping track of all your progress with automatic backup features.

You can work fully on the go, on your smartphone or on your laptop!

• Centralised administration for complete account maintenance and access control.

At the same time, you are protected from malware and spam by intuitive Microsoft ® Office 365 protection tools.

We will provide, install and maintain your Microsoft ® Office 365 software package

• Full cloud-based information storage, sharing and synchronisation.

• Diverse reporting and project management tools.

• Familiarity and convenience of use.

• Business email solutions, document co-editing and full data access from anywhere.

www.pegasusitsolutions.co.uk / info@pegasusitsolutions.co.uk Elite_150.indd 32

12/01/2016 13:29

U CTIVITY TO A NEW LEVEL

Pegasus IT combines the best service with effectiveness and cost-consciousness – we tailor our services to fit your company’s unique needs. We are at your service via phone, Skype, email and on location.

ELITE MAGA ZINE

Elite_150.indd 33

33

12/01/2016 13:29

MUSIC

W E S T B E R G H O LT

CONCERT AND TRAINING BAND The fun band for all ages and abilities since 1978

A

fter a busy Autumn term, the Christmas concert at one of the band’s favourite venues – the church of St Peter ad Vinculum in Coggeshall – was a showstopper which certainly lived up to its billing as a cracker of a concert!

hit ‘Grandma got run over by a Reindeer.’ As always, there was the opportunity for audience participation in several carols.

It was a chance for the band to show its versatility across the various musical genres and reinforce its reputation as the area’s leading community band.

events to look out for, but the main concert is a return to the band’s spiritual home at the Westcliff Theatre in Clacton, on Sunday 13 March at 3:00pm.

It was a chance for the band to show its versatility across the various musical genres and reinforce its reputation as the area’s leading community band Raising funds for Macmillan, this undoubted highlight of the band’s year included a mix of new pieces and old favourites, together with lots of festive cheer. The audience, which filled the church to capacity, was treated to music ranging from Mariah Carey’s ‘All I want for Christmas’ to Holst’s ‘Christmas Day’ and to John Rutter’s beautiful ‘Christmas Lullaby,’ as well as the You Tube 34

Elite_150.indd 34

The next open rehearsal, which is an excellent way to try out the band for an evening without any obligation to join, is on Friday 22 January but new players of any age are always welcome to come along to Heathlands School in West Bergholt from 6:00pm on any Friday in term time.

Over the course of the term there will be additional weekend school-workshop

As always, details of all our events are available on the band website, please visit www.wbcb.co.uk

ELITE MAGA ZINE

12/01/2016 13:29

Elite_150.indd 35

12/01/2016 13:29

WELL-BEING

TripAdvisor-style service launched for health and care

E

ssex residents will now have the chance to review the quality of the health and care they receive, thanks to a “TripAdvisor”–style feedback service launched by Healthwatch Essex today.

The online Feedback Centre gives the general public the opportunity to share their experiences of health and social care and read about the experiences of others, in much the same way as TripAdvisor allows people to review hotels and holidays.

The Feedback Centre will be locally managed and help Healthwatch Essex gather the lived experience of people who use health and care services in the county. By analysing the feedback and sharing it with the authorities who design and deliver local health and care services, Healthwatch Essex will be helping to put local people at the heart of decision-making.

Service providers will also have direct access to the website.

36

Elite_150.indd 36

By reading reviews of people’s experiences, they will have a greater understanding of patients’ experiences and this will help them develop their services accordingly.

We’re here to understand the lived experience of people who use health and care services in the county and to make sure their voices are heard

The first wave of services that the public will be able to review are local hospitals and hospices.

Over the coming months, other services will be added, including GP practices, dentists, pharmacies, opticians, care homes and mental health services. Voluntary and community providers will also have the opportunity to list their services in the future.

The Feedback Centre has been developed in direct response to a recommendation made in the 2014 ‘Who will Care?’ commission that looked at the future of health and care services in Essex.

It builds on the success of the information phone line that Healthwatch Essex launched in

2014 to help local people access, navigate and understand the complicated health and care service. The number for the phone line is 0300 500 1895. Calls are charged at the local rate and the line is open Mondays to Fridays.

Dr Tom Nutt, Chief Executive Officer, Healthwatch Essex, said, “We’re excited to be launching this new online service. The idea is to create a safe, constructive space where people can share their own experiences of health and care and read other people’s views. We’ll be encouraging providers to use feedback from the website to drive improvements to their services.”

ELITE MAGA ZINE

12/01/2016 13:29

Accredited Heating Services Ltd Your complete heating solutions company

Specialists in installation, servicing and repair on gas and oil central heating systems

:7,*0(3 6--,9

+0:*6<5;

6-- (33 6<9 73<4)05. :,9=0*,:

Contact us Mon-Sat 9am-7pm Tel: 01206 855856 Mob: 07950 652181

Email: iain.jack@accreditedheating.com Elite_150.indd 37

12/01/2016 13:29

10,000 L E A FL ETS

PRINTED & DISTRIBUTED

We would love to help you promote your business and reach new customers

ÂŁ450

+VAT

WITH ELITE MAGAZINE

material Leaflets are still an effective and important promotion zine Maga Elite utilise not for your business or event so why the within ers custom distribution and reach potential new CO postcode area CONTACT US TODAY ian@elitemagazine.co.uk or call 07816 074511 SPECIFICATION:

10,000, A5, 130 gsm, full colour both sides, printed

and distributed IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Elite_150.indd 38

12/01/2016 13:29

Base your business at our address

First impressions count â&#x20AC;&#x201C; get ahead this year

Virtual oďŹ&#x192;ce solutions

Subscri be online o r in-store

telephone: 01206 368881 email: info@mbecolchester.co.uk

mbe.co.uk/colchester

Elite_150.indd 39

12/01/2016 13:29

Imagine. Design. Create.

3D technology could revolutionise your life Do you run a company or a society?

PRIN T E RS FR O M

ÂŁ750 (PLUS V AT )

Would you like to turn your ideas into a business?

Do you want to know how 3D printers could enhance and expand your organisation?

TDO 3D Printers is offering a 3-hour presentation on 3D printers, for up to 30 delegates.

This will include two working machines, hands-on time, demonstrations and model making, and how to create a business from your own imagination. Individual samples will be available; these can be personalised with company logos if required.

Come and explore how to bring your ideas to life with this amazing technology.

Learn how to transform a design on a page into a 3D print, which you can hold in your hand. Discover how easy it is to transfer 3D files from the web. See how cost-effective it is to make your own design.

These innovative personal fabrication devices are able to use multiple techniques and materials for home and office digital fabrication. They can 3D print in all types of available plastics, metal (including gold and silver), wood fibre, biodegradable

materials, ceramics and even chocolate! It can also work as a 3D milling machine.

These devices are being used in schools and colleges where they form part of the national curriculum teaching. In industry, they are being used to make replacement parts and provide prototypes.

THE PRICE FOR THE ALL-INCLUSIVE 3-HOUR PRESENTATION, IS ONLY ÂŁ500 (PLUS VAT)

To fully understand the capabilities of our 3D printers book an appointment or demonstration today on 07779 637345 or email info@tdo3dprinters.co.uk

www.tdo3dprinters.co.uk/demo-videos Elite_150.indd 40

12/01/2016 13:29

D O YO U N E E D A N AC C O U N TA N T ?

Helping individuals and businesses achieve their full potential

We understand that whether you are already established in business or a start-up, your choice of accountant will make a significant difference to your success.

We are a small firm, committed to high levels of customer service and work with our clients to help them to enjoy running profitable and successful businesses.

We don’t offer a “one solution for all” package, but we do tailor our services so that our clients get what they need.

Why not call us today on 01708 320596 to arrange your complimentary accounts review or email info@holgatecourt.co.uk

BENEFIT from our Profit Improvement and Business Growth programmes

SELF ASSESSMENT. ACCOUNTING. BOOKKEEPING. ACCOUNTING FOR SOLICITORS. COMPLIANCE

8 Holgate Court, 4-10 Western Road, Romford RM1 3JS

www.holgatecourtaccountants.co.uk

M E M B E R S O F T H E A SSOCIAT I O N O F CHART E RE D CE RT I FI E D ACCO U NTANTS . REG IST E RE D AU D ITO R S .

Elite_150.indd 41

12/01/2016 13:29

Colchester Free FitClub Free fun workout for all levels of fitness Every Saturday

Colchester Free FitClub For your FREE guest pass and further info contact: Ritch Harden Mobile: 07545786794 Email: ritchie.healthyliving@gmail.com Elite_150.indd 42 Elite_149_SinglePages.indd 42

12/01/2016 30/11/2015 13:29 17:32

NEWS COMMUNITY MATTERS

Waitrose, Colchester gives £330 to St. Aubyn Centre

A

cheque for £330.00 from Waitrose, Colchester has been presented to the St Aubyn Centre as part of their monthly donation to good causes.

Each month Waitrose donates £1,000 to three local causes, the amounts given being determined by shoppers ‘voting’ with green discs in the supermarket.

The St Aubyn Centre, a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit in Colchester, which is run by North Essex Partnership (NEP,) was nominated by a member of the public to receive the donation.

ELITE MAGA ZINE

Elite_150.indd 43

Andrew Geldard, Chief Executive at NEP said: “Thank you to Waitrose for their generous donation.

It will go some way towards improving facilities at the St Aubyn Centre. This is a good example of community engagement. For a long time now we have been trying to get local businesses involved in mental health and Waitrose is brilliant for supporting us. 1 in 4 people will be affected by mental illness at some point in their life and we need more businesses like Waitrose to help us raise awareness.”

43

12/01/2016 13:29

NEWS

New help point opens for patients, relatives and carers

A

new help point has opened in the reception area of the main entrance at Colchester General Hospital.

“This is a tremendously positive development for patients, relatives and carers who are the most important people of all at our hospital.

It was opened on Thursday 7th January by Alan Rose, Chairman of Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust; Barbara Stuttle CBE, Director of Nursing; and Tammy Diles, the Trust’s Head of Patient Experience.

“PALS provides free, confidential, on-the-spot advice and support in order to help resolve any concerns, queries or difficulties about the care the Trust provides as soon as possible.

A tremendously positive development for patients, relatives and carers who are the most important people of all The facility, located next to the reception desk, will be an additional office of the Trust’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and will be staffed 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

Ms Diles said: “This new help point will achieve the Trust’s ambition to get PALS located into the hospital’s main entrance, where the service will be seen by thousands of people every day.

44

Elite_150.indd 44

“PALS also gives out information about organisations which can advise, represent and support patients, relatives and carers and who can liaise with Trust staff on their behalf.”

The Trust currently has one PALS officer (Sandra Gates) but two more will join later this month.

Ms Diles, Mr Rose and Dr Stuttle jointly cut the ribbon to open the new facility.

Ms Diles added that some of the most common reasons why

people contacted PALS are: • to find out if the results of diagnostic tests are available • for help if they are unable to resolve issues at ward level • because they are unable to get through to a ward or department by phone • to report that they have encountered staff who were not helpful.

In addition to PALS officers, Trust governors and a representative from Action for Family Carers (a registered charity providing support and information to unpaid carers), will also be regularly available at the new help point.

Please note, the other PALS office at Colchester General Hospital, on the first floor of the main hospital building, will remain open.

THE TRUST’S PALS SERVICE CAN ALSO BE CONTACTED FREE OF CHARGE BY PHONE ON 0800 783 7328 OR BY EMAIL AT pals@colchesterhospital.nhs.uk

ELITE MAGA ZINE

12/01/2016 13:29

PART-TIME JOB OPPORTUNITY

EARN ON YOUR TERMS DISTRIBUTORS NEEDED

WORKING TOGETHER WITH

Distributors needed for the following areas: Kelvedon, Feering, Stanway, West Bergholt and Wivenhoe.

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

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for people who are well organised and can work independently but are also real team players. Is that you?

Elite_150.indd 45

SOUND GOOD? Want more information or to apply for the position, please contact Ian Goldsworthy on 01206 500543 / 07816 074511 ian@elitemagazine.co.uk Previous experience not essential.

12/01/2016 13:29

NEWS

Foundation brings the magic of Christmas to children’s ward A pop-up panto performed by t he Starlight Children’s Foundation brought the magic of Christmas and festive fun to children in hospital at Colchester General.

Four actors performed a pop-up pantomime on the Children’s Ward at Colchester General Hospital for patients, their families and staff.

Sarah Amos, a play specialist on the Children’s Unit at Colchester General Hospital, said: “We know that play can significantly help to improve a child’s hospital experience and we are very grateful to Starlight’s Christmas pantomime for providing some festive fun to the ward.

“It really does allow our young patients to forget about their illness for a short while and experience the magic of Christmas that every child deserves.”

Sue Wildman, Head of Children’s Services at Starlight Children’s Foundation, said: “Starlight’s Christmas pantomime is a fabulous way of spreading some much needed festive cheer to poorly children and their families spending time in hospitals and hospices over the Christmas period… just what the doctor ordered!”

A cast photo of the Aladdin panto

The actors who took part were Ryan Duffy (Aladdin), Harriet Hommers (Twankey/Abanazer), Maria May Thompson (Jasmine) and Jonathan Boyd (Genie/Wishey).

A brand-new adaptation of the classic children’s story Aladdin was brought to the hospital by the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which provides entertainment in hospitals and hospices across the UK. During an eight-week tour, the panto will visit 91 children’s wards throughout the country, starting in London and finishing in Sunderland.

46

Elite_150.indd 46

For more information about the Starlight Children’s Foundation, visit www.starlight.org.uk ELITE MAGA ZINE

12/01/2016 13:29

NEWS IN

BRIEF Colchester Bride and Groom wanted for TV show Don’t tell the Bride is looking for a Colchester couple to take part in the next series later this year. The groom is given £14,000 to plan a wedding in three weeks – without any input from the bride! The show will be seen on Sky One. If you are interested in taking part email: ddtb@applyfortheshow.com

Crocuses planted at the Priory: Volunteers wanted Volunteers from Friends of the Priory in Colchester have planted crocus bulbs there. The aim of the group is to give a sense of community pride in the area.

To volunteer with Friends of the Priory or Colchester in Bloom email: dave.harris3@msn.com

Clare Balding walks with Colchester Samaritans Clare Balding spent a day walking from Bures to Assington with the Colchester Samaritans. She was recording a programme for her series on Rambling, which will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on 4th March.

ELITE MAGA ZINE

Elite_150.indd 47

47

12/01/2016 13:29

WHAT’S ON? LOCAL EVENTS

JANUARY / FEBRUARY

JANUARY / FEBRUARY

Colchester Arts Centre

The Headgate Theatre

The Barn Brasserie

CHURCH STREET, CO1 1NF

14 CHAPEL STREET NORTH, CO2 7AT

BROOK ROAD, GREAT TEY, CO6 1JE

www.colchesterartscentre.com

www.headgatetheatre.co.uk

www.thebarnbrasserie.co.uk

22 JAN Whole Lotta Led: 20th Anniversary Tour

30 JAN Back Story

29 JAN Dinner & Soul Music Night

Four Essex-based storytellers celebrate National Storytelling Week with their performances of the stories behind, before, and even a little beyond the ones which are more widely known.

Join us for a superb four course meal and ever popular live soul music!

23 JAN Sing! With Nick Cope kids 25 JAN Chris Wood folk 27 JAN Winter Beer Festival 28 JAN Winter Beer Festival 29 JAN Winter Beer Festival 30 JAN Winter Beer Festival

Tickets: £10, £8 (conc) 5 FEB Fly to Neverland 6 FEB by Claire Morris

5 FEB Farmers’ Market

Join Wendy and Peter as they journey to Neverland in this beautiful musical adaptation. A production filled with music, dance, puppetry and, of course, a little magic for all those who still believe in fairies and those who never grow up!

5 FEB The Laughter Zone

Tickets: £10, £8 (conc)

6 FEB Tiff Stevenson: Mad Man

8 FEB An Evening of Clairvoyance Ronnie Buckingham

1 FEB

The Churchfitters folk

2 FEB Helm + Drew Mcdowall (Coil) + Acolytes

7 FEB

Teddy Bear’s Concert kids

7 FEB Tom Harrison Quartet featuring Cleveland Watkiss: The Music of Duke Ellington 8 FEB The Changing Room folk 10 FEB Conway Cohort Colchester Mix performance 11 FEB Sixth Form College Battle of the Bands 2016 12 FEB Shazia Mirza: The Kardashians Made Me Do It 13 FEB Travelled Companions Presents Where Caterpillars Go... (3 Shows) kids 13 FEB The Good/Bad Film Night Double Bill: Showgirls and This is Spinal Tap 14 FEB Black Peaks 15 FEB Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin folk 16 FEB Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle 17 FEB Byron Vincent: Talk About Something You Like 18 FEB Free For All: Eclectic Folk / Acoustic Night

48

Elite_150.indd 48

Come and decide for yourself about the existence of a spirit world, on the evidence given by Ronnie as he passes on communications to members of the audience from their friends and relatives who have passed over.

JANUARY

Tickets: £35

JANUARY

Colchester Jazz Club PARISH HALL, OLD LONDON ROAD, MARKS TEY, CO6 1EN www.colchesterjazzclub.co.uk

31 JAN Colin Kingwell Jazz Bandits Playing New Orleans style music. The band has been in existence since 1956 and have toured the UK also Denmark, Holland, Sweden, France, Switzerland and the USA.

Tickets: Members £8, Non £10

FEBRUARY

St Botolph’s Music Society ST BOTOLPH’S STREET, CO2 7EE

Tickets: £13

www.sbms.org.uk

17 FEB The Marriage of Figaro 20 FEB by Beaumarchais, translated and adapted by Rod Green

6 FEB Gala Concerto Concert

The original revolutionary play on which Mozart based his famous opera. Figaro is now in the employ of Count Almaviva and his wedding plans are thrown into disarray – all in a day’s work at Castile Almaviva. Are the servants as good as or better than their masters?

Tickets: £10, £8 (conc) 24 FEB Assassins 27 FEB by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman Thirteen people have tried to kill the president of the United States. Four have succeeded. These murderers and wouldbe murderers are generally dismissed as maniacs and misfits. ‘Assassins’ suggests otherwise...

Tickets: £12, £10 (students)

Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor, op.18 (Soloist Noriko Ogawa) Piano Concerto No.3 in D minor, op.30 (Soloist Philip Smith) Conducted by Jonathan Abbott and Colin Nicholson.

Tickets: £15

FEBRUARY

Colchester Central Library 21 TRINITY SQUARE, CO1 1JB www.essex.gov.uk/libraries

11 FEB FREE Kids Craft Event KIDS! Come rain or shine, bring a grown up and enjoy free recycled craft activities! A range of activities will be available to try while you make new friends. Wear old clothes in case you get messy!

ELITE MAGA ZINE

12/01/2016 13:29

EVENTS

FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY

Signals Media Arts Centre

Natural History Museum

Firstsite

ST. RUNWALD STREET, CO1 1HF

HIGH STREET, CO1 1DN

LEWIS GARDENS, CO1 1JH

www.signals.org.uk

www.cimuseums.org.uk

www.firstsite.uk.net

11 FEB Stop-motion Animation

18 FEB Go Live! Fantastic Fossils

24 FEB Art in the Community

Using a range of artist materials such as card, paint and modelling clay, you will create a short animated film from beginning to end using professional animation software.

Are you fascinated by fossils? Come and meet the fossil experts and have your own fossils identified. Learn more about the fossilised creatures that are found in this area and see specimens from the collections. Drop-in 10-12pm and 2-4pm

Join us at one of the beautiful spaces in firstsite to create your own art.

Price: £25

FEBRUARY

Hedingham Castle BALEY STREET, CO9 3DJ www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

14 FEB Snowdrop Sunday The Castle’s winter gardens are possibly the most romantic in the East of England, with at least 13 varieties of snowdrops covering the steep slopes of the motte and bailey and setting off the trees and lakes in front of the Georgian Mansion House.

Prices: Adults £8.50, Under 18s £6, Over 65s £7.50, Family £25

FEBRUARY

Colchester Castle Museum CASTLE PARK, CO1 1TJ www.cimuseums.org.uk

15 FEB Queen of the Iceni Come and meet Boudica, the brave warrior Queen. Journey back to the Iron Age and find out why she needs your help to fight the Romans. The future of Colchester depends on you!

Interactive storytelling sessions at 11am, 2pm and 3pm.

Price: Free after normal admission to the Castle

FEBRUARY

Natural History Museum HIGH STREET, CO1 1DN www.cimuseums.org.uk

17 FEB Monkey Business Celebrate the Chinese year of the Monkey with us at the Natural History Museum. Create, personalise and take home your own glove monkey. Booking required, please call 01206 282941.

ELITE MAGA ZINE

Elite_150.indd 49

Price: Free

FEBRUARY

Signals Media Arts Centre ST. RUNWALD STREET, CO1 1HF www.signals.org.uk

18 FEB Minecraft Hack (Ages 9+) Are you a fan of Minecraft? If so this workshop is for you. Use a Raspberry Pi (a small computer system) to Hack into Minecraft and use code to create anything you like!

Price: £25

FEBRUARY

Wivenoe Farmers’ Market HIGH STREET, CO7 9AB www.enformfarmersmarkets.org.uk

20 FEB Farmers’ Market Support your local farmers and small producers! Flourishing Farmers Markets are the place to get all your supplies.

Price: Free

FEBRUARY

Colchester Jazz Club PARISH HALL, OLD LONDON ROAD, MARKS TEY, CO6 1EN www.colchesterjazzclub.co.uk

A Firstsite staff member will be on hand along with a basic range of materials.

Please bring any specialist materials that you need. On occasion a guest artist will be invited to support and input into the session.

The sessions are open to people who have previous attended Art in the Community with Clive Wakeford but also welcome any new participants.

Price: Free

FEBRUARY

St Helena Hospice Man Trek 2016 MILL ROAD, MILE END, CO4 5JF www.sthelenahospice.org.uk

27 FEB Stop-motion Animation Man Trek is a one-of-a-kind event for dads, sons, uncles, grandads and cousins to join together and trek through Colchester. We are calling on you to join us for a day of walking, rugby and fun (and the chance to support your local charity at the same time).

Registration will close on Monday 22 February at 5pm.

Price: Adults (18+) £15, Children (11-17) £12, Children (Under 11) £5

FEBRUARY

Hedingham Castle BALEY STREET, CO9 3DJ www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

28 FEB Wedding Open Day

George (Kid) Tidiman – Trombone and vocals – George is no newcomer to Colchester Jazz Club, he has been there almost from the start. In the 70’s he brought his New Era Jazz Band, always an exciting band, playing music of King Oliver and Jellyroll Morton.

A Wedding Open Day at Hedingham Castle provides the perfect opportunity to look round this most romantic of venues. In 2016, for the first time ever, couples will be able to hold their entire day within the majestic medieval grandeur of the Castle itself. Our wedding coordinators will be on hand to answer any of your questions.

Tickets: Members £8, Non £10

Prices: Free

21 FEB George Tidiman

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

49

12/01/2016 13:29