Colchester’s new St Botolph’s Square Unveiled
Public feedback shapes £7m “spectacular” transformation
A major £7 million regeneration plan for the future of Colchester’s historic southern quarter has taken a significant step forward, as updated plans for St Botolph’s Quarter are unveiled – shaped by the voices of more than 800 local residents, businesses, and community groups.
Funded by a one-off government grant, this investment represents a unique opportunity to transform a key part of the city centre – bringing longterm benefits to residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Over the winter, Colchester City and Essex County Councils invited the public to help shape the future of this key part of the city centre. There was strong support to improve and modernise the area: people want to see the area revitalised – with better access to St Botolph’s Priory, improved connections to Colchester Town Station, and a welcoming new public space that celebrates the city’s rich heritage.
There was also support for a play area close to the priory to encourage families to visit the ancient monument.
During the consultation, conversation points included the proposed loss of parking spaces, the need for a highquality public square, accessibility from the train station, and the importance of preserving the special character of the Priory ruins. Having listened to these views, the councils have revisited the plans to make major adjustments, integrating the play area into the north end of the public square to allow it to be located outside the formal Priory gardens, retaining more open green space around the monument for visitors to enjoy. The new play area will feature bespoke equipment inspired by the Priory’s architecture and natural play
elements, creating a playful, engaging transition from the public square into the green setting of the historic ruins.
Paths and planted areas within Priory Gardens around St Botolph’s Church are re-aligned to trace the potential original layout of the Priory, as well as catering for desire lines.
Other revisions include plans to retain Blue Badge parking and the retention of the access road, which is a vital resource for local organisations and businesses as a delivery point. Additional improvements include lowlevel bollard lighting along pathways in the Priory Garden to enhance safety without detracting from the site’s beauty, and additional LED lighting into plants in the public square. The area already has state-of-the-art CCTV.
Both councils have worked closely with groups representing people with sensory impairments and physical disabilities to ensure the scheme is inclusive and accessible to all. Their input has shaped key aspects of the layout and navigation. In parallel, collaboration with Historic England and English Heritage has ensured that the scheme not only safeguards the historically significant Priory, but actively enhances its setting and visibility.
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “We’re proud to be working with our community to shape a city centre that reflects our shared values – heritage, accessibility, and ambition. It’s been great to hear people’s passion and concerns and to take these into account. St Botolph’s will be a place for everyone, and we’re grateful to the hundreds who took the time to share their views.
“There was a real sense of excitement around the plans to enhance the grounds of St Botolph’s Priory, with many suggesting that the scheme will help it to become a ‘must-see’ destination. This project, together with
our great castle and wider heritage, the upcoming Jumbo Experience, and the ambitious £5 million vision for the Natural History Museum, will help position Colchester as a flagship city for anyone with an interest in British history.”
Timed to coincide with St Botolph’s Day, the city is proud to announce that the public has voted to name the new public space St Botolph’s Square, in honour of the nearby St Botolph’s Priory and the patron saint of boundaries, travel, and trade – a fitting tribute to Colchester’s heritage and future ambitions.
Cllr Lee Scott, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Planning and Regeneration at Essex County Council, said: “Naming this new space St Botolph’s Square is a powerful tribute to Colchester’s rich heritage and a symbol of our city’s forward momentum. St
Botolph stands for travel, trade, and transformation – values that resonate deeply with our ambitions for this quarter of the city. This name, chosen by the people of Colchester, reflects our shared pride in the past and our confidence in the future.”
Located directly alongside the £12 million St Botolph’s Circus redevelopment, the Quarter scheme is part of a wider transformation of Colchester’s city centre. Together, these projects will improve travel, support local businesses, and create a more vibrant, accessible, and welcoming city.
Updated visuals reflecting further changes to St Botolph’s Quarter will be shared in the coming months, and final designs will be made publicly available ahead of the planning submission in July 2025.
Reasons to Stay Alive
by Matt Haig
Reasons to Stay Alive is a deeply personal memoir that explores the author’s journey through depression and anxiety. At the age of 24, Haig found himself on the edge of a cliff in Ibiza, contemplating suicide. The book recounts what led him to that moment, and more importantly, what brought him back. Written
A Good Read
in a mix of narrative, short reflections, lists, and quotes, it captures the raw, chaotic nature of mental illness while offering hope and perspective. Rather than a linear story, it’s an intimate, fragmented look at surviving the darkest moments, embracing vulnerability, and finding meaning in life again.
Haig writes with striking honesty and simplicity, making complex feelings feel understandable and shared. What sets this book apart is its lack of pretension - there are no grand prescriptions or one-size-fits-all cures, just a gentle, persistent reminder that pain passes. Haig touches on love, literature, and the little things that make life worth living. This isn’t a how-to book - it’s a how-Idid book, and that makes all the difference. Poignant, uplifting, and at times humorous, it’s a must-read for anyone navigating their own darkness or supporting someone who is.
The Grand Hotel of Feelings by
Lidia Brankovich
In the award-winning The Grand Hotel of Feelings, Lidia Brankovic invites young readers into an imaginative establishment where emotions are personified as guests, each with their own unique characteristics and needs. The attentive hotel manager ensures that every feeling, from the boisterous Anger who requires ample space to vent, to the soft-spoken Sadness who occasionally floods the bathroom, is accommodated with care and understanding. The creative narrative serves as a gentle metaphor for acknowledging and managing one's own emotions, emphasizing that all feelings are valid and transient.
resonate with readers of all ages, sparking the imagination and prompting further discussions about the nature of feelings. The book is great for reading aloud and provides an accessible entry into discussions on the complexity of emotions, encouraging children to recognize and articulate their own experiences.
Brankovic's whimsical illustrations bring each emotion to life with distinctive visual traits that will
By Tash Donovan
Garden Toys
Gardens are a great place for kids to run around and get that all important fresh air and exercise. The addition of a toy or two will mean you can keep them happily occupied for hours.
Swings are perennially popular. Make sure the size and style is appropriate to the age of the child. Better still buy one which has changeable seats so you can upgrade as the child grows, or simply ring the changes now and then.
Slides come in all sizes. They can be independent structures or attached to climbing frames. You really do get what you pay for in this instance. Do your homework. Is a metal or wooden frame best for your garden. How much use will it get and how many and what ages of children does it need to support? Get the best you can afford and it will serve you for many years.
Trampolines are a relative newbie to the UK garden compared with slides and swings but they are rightfully popular. Even adults can’t resist them. You’ll need a flat surface, and a safety net is highly recommended. Most trampolining injuries occur when one child lands on another so buy the biggest your garden will allow. It’s almost impossible to police the ‘one child at a time’ recommendation so bigger is safer as each child has more space.
Kids love dens. Provide a Wendy house or a tepee and let their imagination run wild. If you have the funds you can buy an elaborate fort or tree house. If you don’t have space for a permanent Wendy house, provide poles and old blankets and let them construct their own!
If you have space for a sand and water area your children will love it. There are simple small plastic tables designed for the purpose and huge wooden luxury models complete with seats and sunshade. Use specialist play sand to fill it. Make sure you buy one with a cover to protect it from the weather and prevent neighbourhood cats from using it as a toilet.
We can’t all have a proper pool in the garden but most of us have room for a paddling pool. Add a couple of supersoaker water pistols and a waterslide made from heavy duty silicon and you’re set for an afternoon of splashy delight.
If you have a large space you could invest in some football goals or a badminton set. But for those who love to play games and have a smaller space there’s croquet or outdoor skittles. And there are now outdoor giant versions of family favourites like Connect 4, Jenga and Chess.
Time for some outdoor fun.
By Tracey Anderson
Across
1 Corpulent, fat (5)
4 Waterside, beach (5)
9 Rip to pieces (4,2)
10 Trivial, superficial (6)
12 Global, cosmopolitan (13)
13 Capacity, talent (7)
18 Enduring, forbearing (4-9)
19 Singer songwriter ______ Keys (6)
20 Loud and harsh laugh (6)
21 Buff, tan (5)
22 Better, greater (5)
2 Physical attractiveness (6)
3 Repetitive military drill (6-7)
5 Automatic cash dispenser (coll) (4-2-3-4)
6 Ruler (6)
7 T read (5)
8 Flair, mode (5)
11 Gradually diminish (4, 3)
14 Austere (5)
15 Not late (2, 4)
16 Three stumps and two bails (6)
17 Gawked (5)
Tickets are live for the much anticipated Oktoberfest, returning to Colchester to celebrate 10 years of Oktoberfest with a bigger and better show than ever before! A celebration of beer, food, music and community is taking place on the 3rd and 4th of October 2025 at Lower Castle Park. Oktoberfest offers an incredible selection of traditional German
Bier that can be served in up to 2 pint steins. Amazing German food including bratwurst and pretzels, plus a range of other drinks including cider, prosecco, spirits and wine.
Brand new for 2025, customers can expect an ALL NEW Bavarian Beer Bar, Mini Trader village Photo Booth and Glitter. As well as Oktoberfest favourites such as, Oompah bands performing their very own blend of ‘oompop’, amazing support bands and DJs across all sessions. XL Bier Steins, Gourmet Bratwurst, Pretzels, Lederhosens, Drindles, Singalongs and much more!
Choose from 3 huge sessions: Friday evening 17:30 - 22:30
Saturday Afternoon 11:30 - 16:30
Saturday evening 17:30 - 22:30
Tickets are available as; standing, unreserved bench seating and our exclusive VIP tables. VIP Tables include entry for up to 10 people, table service from waiters/waitresses, incredible views of the stage and a free gift per person on the table.
A message from Tom Cullen –Marketing Manager Oktoberfest
“Get ready for foot stomping and thigh slapping as tickets are selling
fast for Oktoberfest Colchester! Join us to celebrate 10 years of Oktoberfest with an even bigger show and many exciting additions for 2025!”
Tickets are selling fast HEREhttps://ticket.oktoberfestuk.co.uk/ events/octoberfestuk/1606572
This is an 18+ event.
For more information, visit www.oktoberfestcolchester.co.uk or email us at info@oktoberfestuk.co.uk
Traditional quiche is worth the effort. It’s a creamy delicacy requiring very few ingredients, and surprisingly no cheese!
Preparation: 10 mins
Chill: 20 mins + 20 mins
Cooking time: 1 hr 10 mins
Serves 6
Method
Sift the flour with a pinch of salt into a large bowl. Grate the chilled butter into the flour. Use your hands to gently squeeze everything together, so the flour combines with the lumps of butter until it looks 'rough' (as the name suggests), NOT like breadcrumbs.
Sprinkle a little iced water over the mixture and stir it into the mixture. Continue to add just enough water to bring it into a dough but don't over mix it, then cover with clingfilm and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Traditional Quiche Lorraine
For the rough puff pastry:
225g plain flour
225g very cold butter
100ml iced water
For the filling:
200g dry cure smoked streaky bacon, chopped
320ml double cream
4 eggs and 2 egg yolks (use 1 of the egg whites for brushing the pastry)
Lightly flour the work surface and shape the dough into a rectangle. Roll it out until it's about three times its original length.
Fold the top third over to the centre, then fold the bottom third over the top third, so the dough has three layers. Turn it one quarter turn (90 degrees) and roll out again until three times the length, repeat the folding, wrap in clingfilm, and chill for another 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven along with a baking tray to 180C / fan 160 / Gas mark 4. Roll out the chilled pastry and line a deep 20cm
diameter tin. Leave an extra couple of centimetres of pastry to overhang the tin to account for shrinkage. Line with foil (shiny side down) and weight down with baking beads or rice. Place the tin on the baking tray and blind bake in the oven for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and beads. Bake for a further 8 minutes, then brush the base with egg white and put back into the oven for 5 minutes. Carefully trim the overhanging pastry to neaten. Fry the bacon for 8–10 minutes, until cooked through, but not crisp. Drain and spread
half over the hot base. Place the cream along with the eggs and yolks into a large bowl with a pinch of salt, and beat together slowly until combined, then give it a fast whisk for 30 seconds until frothy. Fill the cooked pastry case, then sprinkle over the rest of the bacon. Bake for 20 minutes but keep checking –it's cooked when it puffs up but remains wobbly at the centre. It tastes best at room temperature so allow to cool before serving.
Garden View - This month - Create
As summer arrives and the days stretch long into the evening, our gardens become more than just places to grow plant - they become outdoor living rooms, perfect for barbecues, garden parties, or simply unwinding with a drink at sunset. Whether we have a sprawling lawn or a compact courtyard, with a few thoughtful touches, we can transform our space into a welcoming haven perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Set the Scene with Lighting - Good lighting is key to creating atmosphere once the sun goes down. Think soft, warm glow rather than harsh overhead illumination. Solar-powered fairy lights strung along fences or pergolas add instant magic, while lanterns or LED candles on tables create a cosy, flickering ambiance. For a touch of rustic charm, drape festoon lights across trees or between posts.
If you want something more permanent, consider solar path lights to guide guests around the garden, or uplighting to highlight feature plants or architectural elements. And consider a firepit - a central focal point
that provides warmth, light, and a place to gather.
Bring Colour and Life with Container Planting - Container gardening is an easy and versatile way to add beauty and personality to your outdoor space. Group pots of varying heights around your seating area to soften the edges and add lushness. Aromatic herbs like rosemary and lavender work particularly well, alongside bright blooms like geraniums and petunias. Add texture with ferns ornamental grasses.
If you have the space and the budget consider a small tree such as an olive tree or bay laurel in a large container. It will help define the space and give it structure. Hanging baskets and vertical planters are also great options for smaller gardens or balconies.
To keep your containers looking their best through the season, use high-quality compost, water them regularly, and deadhead faded flowers to encourage new blooms.
Furniture That’s Stylish and Functional - The right garden furniture can elevate your outdoor
entertaining experience. If you’re short on space, foldable or stackable pieces are ideal. A simple bistro set is perfect for morning coffee or an intimate evening chat. For larger gatherings, opt for a dining table with comfortable chairs, or a modular sofa that can be reconfigured as needed.
Don’t forget comfort - add outdoor cushions, throws, or even a rug to bring indoor warmth outside. Choose weather-resistant fabrics and materials like rattan, teak, or powder-coated metal for durability.
If you entertain often, consider a barbecue / cooking area. A drinks
trolley, ice bucket, or outdoor bar shelf adds a touch of sophistication and keeps refreshments within easy reach.
Final Touches - Potted candles, a wireless speaker for soft background music, and garden games for guests are all great choices. Ultimately, a welcoming garden is one that feels like an extension of your homerelaxed, beautiful, and ready to be enjoyed.
Happy gardening,
By Rachael Leverton
Save the date for Leisure World's Festival of Fun this summer
Leisure World's Festival of Fun is back for its 4th year – and it's going to be amazing! Join us on Saturday 5 July at Colchester Sports Park and Sunday 6 July at Colchester Leisure World for a weekend full of free fun for the whole family.
Enjoy two days of free family fun with inflatables, swimming sessions, exciting displays, and the chance to try new sports. Highlights include the Extreme Bike Battle Show at both sites, Bounce trampoline and fitness classes at Colchester Sports Park, and a packed programme featuring free swimming assessments, water polo demos, gaming bus, skating and arcade games at Leisure World. Plus, don’t miss the ice cream vans available on both days!
Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure at Colchester City Council said: “We’re excited to welcome back the Festival of Fun at Leisure World and Colchester Sports Park. Join us as we showcase a fantastic variety of free activities designed to help you start—
or continue— your health and wellbeing journey. We can’t wait to welcome everyone for a weekend packed with fun!”
Spaces are limited and fill up fast – secure your spot today!
Book sessions here: Festival of Fun - Leisure World
Also, don’t miss the Barclays Big Tennis Weekend – a national event where everyone can play tennis for free! This event is part of a national Barclays Big Tennis Weekend campaign promoted by the LTA taking place all over Britain, encouraging people to head to their local tennis courts for free. Anyone can come along and play.
Book a slot on one of the courts for free here: Clubspark / Leisure World Tennis Centre / Coaching / Summary
Stay Cool and FreshThe Best (and Worst) Fabrics to Wear in Summer
When the temperature rises, choosing the right fabrics can make all the difference between feeling comfortably cool or hot, sticky, and downright miserable. The best summer clothes not only help your skin breathe but also wick away sweat and resist those unwanted odours. Here’s a guide to the best (and worst) fabrics for summer, plus tips on keeping clothes fresh all season long.
Best Fabrics for Summer
Cotton - An all-time favourite, cotton is lightweight, breathable, and soft. It allows air to circulate and absorbs moisture well, helping to keep you dry. Opt for lighter weaves like cotton lawn or voile for the best cooling effect.
Linen - Another summer superstar. It’s looser in weave, so it allows for more airflow and dries quickly. It even feels cool to the touch. Yes, it wrinkles easily, but its relaxed, breezy charm is part of the appeal. It is however, one of the most expensive fabrics.
Bamboo - Soft, breathable, and naturally moisture-wicking and antibacterial, bamboo is excellent for hot, sweaty days. It’s also eco-
friendly, which is a nice bonus.
Tencel (Lyocell) - Tencel is a sustainable, silky-soft fabric known for its excellent moisture-wicking properties. It’s lightweight, gentle on the skin, and doesn’t trap heat.
Chambray - Chambray looks like denim but is far lighter and more breathable. It’s great for those who want that denim style without the weight or heat.
Fabrics to Avoid in Summer
Polyester - Durable and wrinkleresistant, but it traps heat and moisture, making it one of the worst choices for hot weather. It can also cling to damp skin, adding to the discomfort.
Nylon - Much like polyester, nylon doesn’t breathe and can make you feel like you're wrapped in plastic. It’s best kept for gym gear with high-tech ventilation or avoided altogether in everyday summer wear.
Acrylic - Another synthetic fabric that doesn’t allow skin to breathe, traps heat, and tends to retain body odour.
Keep Clothes (and You) Smelling Fresh
Even breathable fabrics can trap odours if not cared for properly. Here are a few simple tips:
Wash clothes promptly after sweating - don’t let them sit damp in a pile.
Use white vinegar or baking soda in the wash to neutralise smells.
Avoid fabric softeners, which can coat fibres and reduce breathability.
Choose clothes with looser fits to allow air circulation and reduce sweat buildup.
Shower and use an antibacterial soap to reduce odour-causing bacteria on the skin.
By picking the right fabrics and caring for them well, you’ll stay cool, comfortable, and confident - no matter how high the mercury climbs.
Outdoor Cinemas - The UK’s Summer Movie Revival Word Search
Can you find all of the holiday words hidden in the grid?
Picture this: You’re sat outside with your favourite people, curled up on a deck chair and tucked up in blankets, sipping your favourite drink and munching popcorn.
Over the past few summers, outdoor cinemas have made something of a comeback across the UK - and it’s a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s in a park, a castle courtyard, or even a rooftop, the magic of watching a film under the open sky has captured our collective British imaginations.
Much of this resurgence in popularity can be traced back to the COVID-19 pandemic. With indoor gatherings limited and social distancing the norm, many of us sought safer ways to enjoy entertainment with friends and family. Outdoor cinemas offered the perfect solution - fresh air, plenty of space, and a sense of occasion that we had all been missing.
From drive-in screenings to deckchairs on the lawn, these alfresco film nights gave us a chance to reconnect - not just with each other, but with the simple pleasure of watching a movie together. For many, it was the first
time experiencing cinema outside the confines of four walls.
Today, outdoor cinema events are bigger and better than ever. Organisers are pairing cult classics and new releases with food trucks, cocktails, and stunning settings, turning a night at the movies into a full summer experience. And let’s face it—there’s something truly magical about watching The Greatest Showman or Top Gun beneath the stars.
Outdoor cinemas are now a beloved part of the UK’s summer landscape - a silver lining from a time we’ll never forget…don’t forget to pack a poncho or a large umbrella.
By Gemma Brown
Sudoku
How to play Sudoku It’s simple!
Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.
You don’t need to be a genius. These puzzles use logic alone. Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.
SAMIR
PATEL
JAMIE
Tel: (01206) 302522
BHAVINI MUIR
www.colnemedicalcentre.nhs.uk• facebook.com/Colnemedical
Appointments
• All GP services must offer an online appointment system —this is a requirement.
• Our chosen system is called Anima. It is not an app.
We understand there has been some confusion between Anima and the NHS App.
• Anima cannot be accessed via the NHS App.
• When setting up Anima, you can use your NHS App login details —this means you use the same username and password for convenience.
• However, you’ll need to add Anima as a shortcut on your phone or device's home screen for easy access.
Booking medical appointments
• To request a GP or nurse practitioner appointment, a digital form must be completed —this helps the GP assess your needs before offering an appointment.
• If you don’t have internet access or feel unsure about filling in the form, our reception team can help —either over the phone or in person.
Booking nursing appointments
• You can still call or visit reception to book general nursing appointments, such as: Smear tests
Blood tests
Injections
Dressings
Health checks
Asthma, Diabetes and COPD checks
Appointment Availability
• Appointment numbers are limited and may vary each day —this is to make sure our clinical team works safely.
• Same-day appointments are given based on clinical need —a GP decides whose needs are most urgent. Extra Support
• Over 7,000 patients use Anima, including many of our elderly patients.
• If you have additional communication needs,please let us know so that we can make reasonable adjustments.
• You can add elderly relatives or children as dependants to your Anima account and manage their appointments on their behalf.
Phone system
The practice phone system has been upgraded so that you can now request a callback rather than holding on the phone or making multiple attempts.
If you're unsure about anything or need support, please contact the practice and ask our reception team or contact the Digital Access Support Team at 01206 587277.
Enhanced Access Clinics
Enhanced Access appointments areavailablefor Colte patients on Saturdays in Aprilas follows: 5th –Walton Medical Centre
12th –Colne Medical Centre
19th –Wivenhoe Surgery
26th –Riverside Health Centre, Manningtree
Telephone appointments are also available everyweekdayevening from 6.30-8pm. Please contact reception to book an appointment in any of these clinics.
Easter Opening Hours
The surgery will be closed between Good Friday, 18th April and Easter Monday, 20th April. Shouldyou need a GP while the practice is closed,please call 01206 302522 where you will be redirected to the out of hours service.
Thank you for reading. Katie Pirie, Practice Manager
New showrooms now open at Bypass Nurseries, Capel St Mary and Glasswells, Ipswich
The waters around the property market may be choppy, but with the Michaels crew at the helm, we’ll get you to where you really want to be... simply pop in or call our Wivenhoe office to arrange a free mortgage health check and to register with us for updates on property prices and interest rates today.
Email: wivenhoe@michaelsproperty.co.uk
Web: www.michaelsproperty.co.uk