Simply BrightlingseaIssue 98

Issue 100

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FLOOK : CELEBRATING 30 YEARS IN 2025!

After 30 years Flook show no sign of letting up in their brilliance, their dynamism, or their inventive flair.

What began in 1995 as a groundbreaking union of musicians and instruments, has continued as a unique musical offering through one live album, four studio albums and countless outstanding performances.

In 2025, Flook’s enduring class shines bright as they step into their 4th decade with an exhilarating new release, Sanju, and an extensive tour schedule, taking them around UK, Europe and Japan.

The band early on evolved an inimitable trademark sound and hold fast to their rightful reputation as exceptional musical innovators; the whistles and flutes of Brian Finnegan and Sarah Allen, the guitar of Ed Boyd and the bodhran of John Joe Kelly weaving and spinning tunes rooted in tradition over precise acoustic grooves, with a rare blend of fiery technical brilliance, delicate ensemble interaction and a bold, adventurous musical imagination.

There is an ever-present abundance of individual virtuosity amongst Flook’s four members, but there is also something wholly unique when this iconic Anglo-Irish band step on stage together, their playing always an intuitive, almost symbiotic, exchange between the various flutes, whistles, frets and skins.

Sanju is a timely reminder at this landmark juncture of what a potent artistic force Flook still remain, in their perpetual push to grow creatively - fondly acknowledging where they've come from while reaching outward and forward, their hunger for innovation burning brighter than ever.

An evening and a celebration you don’t want to miss out on.

More information and tour dates: https://flook.co.uk/ ‘An absolute powerhouse, a flute and whistle-led, eight-legged jig machine.

Jigs, reels and waltzes whirl by. Each as glorious as the last, the musicianship

Issue 114

as extraordinary, the mood never any less than euphoric' FATEA Live Review, November 2023 ‘Nothing short of transcendent… No other band sound like Flook and the new material has pushed them to new, exhilarating heights’ Songlines

23rd May 2025 The Gate CARDIFF 24th May 2025 Stamford Arts Centre STAMFORD 25th May 2025 National Centre for Early Music YORK

‘Never have I seen so many people so completely and utterly spellbound… the most magical of experiences’ The Irish Post

4th June 2025 Music Room at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall LIVERPOOL

Flook May/June Tour Dates:

5th June 2025 The Met BURY, Gt MANCHESTER

19th May 2025 Colchester Arts Centre COLCHESTER

6th June 2025 Brewery Arts KENDAL

20th May 2025 The Cornerhouse TOLWORTH, Nr SURBITON

7th June 2025 The Reeling GLASGOW

21st May 2025 The Fleece BRETFORTON, Nr EVESHAM

8th June 2025 The Glasshouse GATESHEAD

22nd May 2025 The Lantern BRISTOL

To Advertise in Simply Magazine: 01206 233717 F any information or to submit an article or advert contact David Cook: For Call: C 01206 233717 Out Of Office: O 07734 171985 EEmail: SimplyColchester@gmail.com Head Office: H Simply Magazine, 1 George Williams Way, Colchester, Essex CO1 2JS

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Simply Magazine assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by such individual, event organizers or organization without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Simply Magazine. Therefore, Simply Magazine carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. Any form of reproduction of any content without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. For information on advertising or submitting a article please email David Cook at: Simplycolchester@gmail.com or call 01206 233717 / 07734 171985

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A Good Read As Tom digs deeper, he uncovers a web of lies surrounding the victim, who led a seemingly perfect life.

Friends, family, and colleagues all claim innocence, but each of them harbours a hidden truth. Among them is Olivia, a woman whose past is tightly linked to the victim’s.

She becomes embroiled in the investigation, though her own secrets raise suspicions about her involvement in the murder.

Only The Innocent by Rachel Abbott Rachel Abbott is a consummate storyteller with a knack for peeling away the perfect facades her characters present to the world.

Only the Innocent is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of guilt, innocence, and the dark secrets people try to bury. The story centres around the mysterious death of a young woman, found murdered in her home, seemingly without a trace of the killer. The case is handed to Detective Tom Douglas, a seasoned investigator with a keen eye for details and a deep commitment to finding the truth.

The story twists and turns as Tom navigates a maze of false leads and buried emotions, all while questioning whether he can trust anyone, including those closest to him. As the investigation reaches its peak, startling revelations about the victim and the suspects begin to surface, leaving Tom (and the reader) wondering if anyone is truly innocent.

Tom is no maverick detective. His team are a dedicated and tightknit group. The details of police procedures offer a fascinating insight into how good policing works, but they never get in the way of the plot.

If you fall in love with Tom and his team you're in for a treat because there are ten more books after this

one; each as intricately plotted as the last.

Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens This the first book in the captivating Murder Most Unladylike series, blending mystery, friendship, and adventure in a delightful setting. The story follows two schoolmates, Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong, who attend Deepdean School for Girls in 1934 England.

Daisy, the fearless and clever leader, and Hazel, her thoughtful and observant companion, form the Wells & Wong Detective Society, determined to solve any mystery that comes their way.

When the school's gym teacher, Miss Bell, is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Daisy and Hazel take it upon themselves to investigate, despite the potential danger of going against the grown-ups' advice.

The girls quickly discover that Miss Bell's death is not an accident— it's murder. But the more they investigate, the more secrets about their school and its staff begin to surface, and the deeper they find

themselves entangled in a web of mystery.

As the duo navigates the clues, they must rely on their wits, bravery, and unshakeable friendship to uncover the truth. Along the way, they learn that not everything is as it seems, and that even in the safest of places, danger can lurk just around the corner.

Murder Most Unladylike is a fastpaced mystery that will have young readers hooked from the first page to the thrilling final reveal.

By Tash Donovan

Give the gift of a brighter future Your regular gift of just £5 a month could go towards supporting young cancer patients through our Care Packages, Age-appropriate Rooms in hospitals and Research.

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Crossword

Stay Safe This Summer Essential BBQ Safety Tips

Barbecues are a beloved part of summer, but a fun afternoon can quickly turn dangerous without the right precautions. Whether you’re firing up a gas grill in the garden or using a disposable BBQ in the park, here are key safety tips to keep in mind.

Lighting a BBQ - Always read the manufacturer’s instructions. For charcoal BBQs, use firelighters or a chimney starter—never petrol or paraffin. Let flames die down and coals turn white before cooking.

With gas BBQs, check connections for leaks and light with the lid open to avoid gas buildup.

Food Hygiene - Prevent food poisoning by following proper hygiene. Keep raw meat separate from cooked foods and use separate utensils and chopping boards. Cook meat thoroughly especially chicken, sausages, and burgers - until juices run clear and no pink remains. Keep cold items chilled until needed and don’t leave food sitting out in the sun.

Portable and Disposable BBQs - If using a portable or disposable BBQ in public spaces, place it on a flat, non-flammable surface away from grass, wooden benches, or tents. Never leave it unattended, and ensure it’s completely cooled before disposal. In some areas of the country there is a ban on portable and disposable BBQs so check local rules before you light up.

Other Precautions - Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby in case of fire, and never BBQ in enclosed spaces because carbon monoxide can be deadly. Keep children and pets at a safe distance and always supervise your BBQ.

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Chris Edgerley to play Lord Farquaad in Charter Hall’s Shrek the Musical Colchester Events and Stage Right Productions are delighted to announce that Chris Edgerley will return to Charter Hall this December to take on the hilarious and much-loved role of Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical.

Fresh from his standout performance in last year’s hit production of Elf, Chris is set to bring his comedic brilliance and stage presence to the role of the flamboyant ruler.

Chris Edgerley said: “Lord Farquaad is an iconic role. He is just so funny.

You might dislike him a little at the

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start… but you’ll love him in the end.”

Chris’s stage and screen credits include appearances in Hi5 (CiTV/ ITV4/Cartoonito), Emmerdale (Yorkshire TV), and The Big Cases (BBC1). He also toured the UK in The Bodyguard: The Musical alongside Alexandra Burke.

Shrek the Musical reunites the creative team behind the hugely successful Elf the Musical, which sold over 21,500 tickets at Charter Hall last Christmas.

Also joining the team this year is

Solution to June Quick Crossword

award-winning choreographer Adam Scown, whose international career includes credits across Australia, the UK, Europe, and Asia. Adam was one of the choreographers for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony and has worked with global stars such as Kelly Clarkson and Tina Arena.

With a sensational cast including Danny John-Jules as Donkey, and now Chris Edgerley as Lord Farquaad, Shrek the Musical promises to be a magical, laughout-loud, family favourite this Christmas.

Adam Scown said: “To be asked to join the team at Stage Right after the incredible success of Elf last year is unbelievable. I can’t wait to work with Danny John-Jules and Chris Edgerley. I am so looking forward to this show.”

For full details and bookings, visit: www.colchester-events.co.uk/ event/shrek-the-musical

Solution to June Sudoku

Tickets are on sale now - don’t miss out!

Or follow Colchester Events on social media for updates.

Solution to June Word Search

Sublime Strawberry Hazelnut Shortbread Perfect for afternoon tea Ingredients For the hazelnut shortbread:

For the strawberry purée:

4 oz (110 g) hazelnuts

8 oz (225 g) fresh strawberries, hulled

5 oz (150 g) softened butter

1 level tablespoon golden caster sugar

2½ oz (60 g) unrefined golden icing sugar, plus extra to serve

For the strawberry filling:

2½ oz (60 g) rice flour, sifted (or use dried semolina)

1 lb (450 g) fresh strawberries, hulled, reserving 8 for decoration

5 oz (150 g) plain flour, sifted, plus a little extra for rolling out

7 fl oz (200 ml) crème fraîche 5 fl oz (150 ml) fresh custard 2 drops vanilla extract

Method Toast the hazelnuts by spreading them out on a baking tray and placing them in the oven for 5 minutes. Use a timer so they don't burn.

When cool, grind them to a sandlike consistency in a blender, or chop finely, pop them in a polyethene bag and crush them as finely as possible with a rolling pin.

Cream the butter and icing sugar together in a large bowl until light

and fluffy, then gradually beat in the sifted flours or semolina, followed by the ground hazelnuts.

Bring the mixture together to make a dough. Place this in a polythene food bag and leave it in the fridge to rest for about 30 minutes. Then roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 5 mm (¼ inch).

Use a 9cm cutter to make 16 rounds of shortbread dough.

Arrange the biscuits on the baking

trays and lightly prick each one with a fork. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Remove them from the oven and leave to cool on the trays for 10 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.

custard and vanilla extract and whisk again until thick.

Cover the mixture and chill until just before serving.

Cover and set aside.

Reserve 8 strawberries for decoration. Roughly chop or slice the remainder. Spread equal quantities of the cream mixture over the biscuits, then arrange the strawberry pieces on top of eight.

Spoon some purée over each one, then sandwich with the remaining cream-covered rounds.

Whisk the crème fraîche in a mixing bowl with an electric hand whisk until it becomes stiff, then add the

Now place a reserved strawberry on top of each one and finish off with a light dusting of icing sugar.

Place the puree fruit in a bowl, sprinkle them with the sugar and leave for 30 minutes. After that, purée them in the food processor, then press them through a nylon sieve to remove the seeds.

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Garden View - This month - Create a pollinator friendly garden As our gardens burs into life tis month, so too do the essential workers of the natural world – the pollinators. Bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and even some beetles and birds play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring our food crops thrive.

Without them, many of the fruits, vegetables, and flowers we love would cease to exist.

But pollinators are under threat.

Habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change have all contributed to a worrying decline in their numbers.

The good news is that we gardeners can make a real difference. By creating pollinator-friendly spaces, we support wildlife and also enjoy more vibrant, biodiverse, and resilient gardens.

Start with Nectar-Rich Plants - One of the most effective ways to attract pollinators is by planting flowers rich in nectar and pollen. Bees and butterflies are drawn to brightly coloured, open-faced blooms that are easy to access. In June, classic choices like lavender, catmint (Nepeta), foxgloves, alliums, and single dahlias are excellent options. For continuous feeding, aim to stagger blooms from

early spring to late autumn. Start with crocuses and primroses in spring, then echinacea and verbena bonariensis in summer, followed by Michaelmas daisies and sedum in the autumn.

Include single-flowered varieties instead of (or as well as) doubles, which may look impressive but often lack accessible nectar. Herbs like thyme, oregano, marjoram, and borage do double duty - delicious in the kitchen and brilliant for bees.

Create a Wildflower Patch - Even a small corner of our garden can be transformed into a haven with a wildflower patch. Native wildflowers are perfectly suited to local pollinators and usually require less care than cultivated plants. A wildflower mix containing cornflowers, poppies, oxeye daisies, and red clover can be sown on bare soil or incorporated into a lawn. These not only attract a wide range of insects but add natural charm to an outdoor space.

Letting parts of your lawn grow long or reducing mowing frequency is another easy win. Long grass provides

shelter for insects and allows naturally occurring wild plants like clover and buttercups to bloom.

in and hang up a bee hotel. Provide a shallow dish of water with stones for insects to land on to offer crucial hydration during hot spells.

Embrace Wildlife-Friendly Gardening - Beyond planting, there are simple techniques that make a big impact.

Avoid pesticides and herbicides, which can harm pollinators directly or deplete their food sources. Choose organic or natural alternatives where possible.

By turning our gardens into mini sanctuaries for pollinators, we play an active role in protecting biodiversity.

And in return, we will enjoy a garden buzzing with life - more flowers, more fruit, and the joyful hum of nature in balance.

Provide shelter and water by leaving a pile of logs or twigs for insects to hide

Happy gardening,

By Rachael Leverton

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Unforgettable Fun Awaits at Leisure World’s May Holiday Camps!

Leisure World is thrilled to announce the launch of its May Half Term Holiday Camps taking place from the 27-30 May, designed to provide children aged 5–12 years old with an exciting, active, and safe way to spend their half term.

The Ofsted-rated camps are packed with energy, laughter, and memorable moments that will keep your child entertained long after the holidays are over.

Each day begins with welcoming games and team-building activities, making everyone feel at home and fostering new friendships. Children then engage in age-appropriate sports and mini competitions, building confidence and teamwork. After a well-earned lunch, the fun continues with pool activities or cycling adventures.

Exciting Locations include: Leisure World Camps: Kids can splash, slide, and conquer the inflatable assault course in the Leisure and Fitness Pools or boost their confidence in the Teaching Pool.

Colchester Sports Park Camps: Afternoons feature cycling skills and bike adventures on the Learn to Ride and Pump Tracks – bikes provided!

Don't miss our magical grand finale! On Friday, 30 May, James Magic – one of Essex’s favourite children’s entertainers – joins us for a spectacular show filled with tricks, balloons, and disco fun.

Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure at Colchester City Council said: “Our holiday camps are all about fostering friendships, engaging with the community, and having fun! We believe in creating a supportive environment where children can build lasting memories, develop new skills, and enjoy every moment of their holiday.”

Spaces fill fast, so book your child’s place today and let the adventure begin!

Secure your spot now by visiting the website and booking online.

Third electric car hire location added in Colchester for pay-as-you-go travel Colchester residents now have even more ways to travel conveniently and sustainably, with the addition of the third location for the Car Club. An electric car is now available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis from St Peter’s Street, adding to the existing hire points at Priory Street and Sheepen Road.

The Car Club, operated by Enterprise, provides an environmentally friendly alternative to private car ownership. By signing up for an annual membership at the cost of £10, residents can access electric vehicles for short-term hire, whether by the hour or the day, with hourly rates starting from £7.50.

Insurance, tax, and basic maintenance are all included in the hire cost, offering a hassle-free way to drive. Members can enjoy 24/7 booking and unlocking via the Enterprise mobile phone app, ensuring seamless access to vehicles whenever they need them.

The Car Club is perfect for those who need occasional access to a vehicle without the expense of owning one.

Members can use it for a variety of purposes, such as a trip to the supermarket, a day out with family or friends or even to attend appointments or meetings outside the city. With the

new St Peter’s Street location, it’s even more convenient to pick up a car and go, allowing Colchester residents to embrace a more flexible, cost-effective and sustainable way of traveling around the city and beyond.

This expansion aligns with Colchester City Council’s broader environmental initiatives, promoting cleaner air and encouraging sustainable transport choices.

Councillor Andrea Luxford Vaughan, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Environment, and Sustainability, said: “The expansion of the Car Club to St Peter’s Street is another great step towards making sustainable transport options more accessible to residents.

By offering convenient and affordable access to electric vehicles, we are helping people reduce their reliance on private car ownership and supporting our city’s commitment to becoming cleaner and greener. I encourage residents to take full advantage of this service and experience the benefits of pay-as-you-go driving.”

For more information and to sign up for the Car Club, visit Enterprise Car Club.

A Walk Through Time: Explore the UK's Historic Trails This Summer

There’s something uniquely powerful about walking where thousands have walked before you - along tracks worn

by Roman legions, medieval pilgrims, or ancient Britons. The UK is crisscrossed with footpaths steeped in history, offering walkers the chance to immerse themselves not just in nature, but in the stories of the land.

One of the most iconic historic walks is Hadrian’s Wall Path, an 84-mile National Trail that follows the route of the Roman wall built in AD 122 to mark the northern boundary of the Roman Empire. Stretching from Wallsend on the River Tyne to Bowness-on-Solway on the Irish Sea, the route offers a dramatic blend of windswept moors, rolling farmland, and incredible archaeological remains.

Along the way, walkers can explore Roman forts like Housesteads and Vindolanda, where centuries-old artefacts continue to emerge from the soil.

In the south, The Pilgrims’ Way offers a spiritual journey through England’s pastoral heart. This ancient route, once used by pilgrims travelling to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury

Cathedral, overlaps with the North Downs Way. It passes through chalk hills, beech woodlands, and centuriesold villages, each with a church, inn, or legend of its own. It’s a gentler walk, both in terrain and tone, but rich in atmosphere and meaning.

For those drawn to prehistoric mystery, the Ridgeway is Britain’s oldest road, in use for over 5,000 years.

Running from Wiltshire to the Chiltern Hills, it passes Iron Age forts, Neolithic burial mounds, and the awe-inspiring stone circle at Avebury. There’s a real sense of walking in the footsteps of ancient peoples whose beliefs and traditions still whisper through the landscape.

To make the most of these journeys, preparation is key. While many of the UK’s trails are well-signposted, a good Ordnance Survey map and compass— or a reliable GPS hiking app—can be invaluable, especially in more remote areas like Northumberland or the South Downs.

Footwear is arguably the most important choice: opt for wellbroken-in hiking boots with good

ankle support and grip, particularly on uneven Roman roads or muddy footpaths. Lightweight, weatherproof clothing is also essential - the British weather is nothing if not unpredictable.

Depending on the length of your walk, pack energy-rich snacks, a refillable water bottle, a basic first aid kit, and a power bank for your phone. For longer treks like Hadrian’s Wall or the

Ridgeway, a comfortable daypack, blister plasters, and even trekking poles can make all the difference.

Historic walking in the UK is more than just exercise - it’s an experience that blends landscape with legacy.

Whether you’re tracing the Roman frontier, following a pilgrim’s path, or walking among ancient stones, each step brings you closer to the lives, struggles, and stories of our ancestors.

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Grass Court Glory Wimbledon is the crown jewel of the tennis calendar with its long and glorious history, strict traditions, and celebrity spectators. It’s also known for presenting players with one of the sport’s most unique and demanding surfaces: grass. Unlike clay or hard courts, grass courts offer a fast-paced, low-bounce game that demands quick reflexes, precision, and adaptability. For some players, it’s a dream: for others, a nightmare.

The primary challenge of grass lies in its unpredictability. Fresh grass is slick and causes the ball to skid and bounce lower than on any other surface. This can throw off a player’s timing, particularly baseline players, who prefer long rallies and high bounces. On grass, hesitation is costly. The margins are slimmer, and reactions need to be sharper. Games are shorter, and there's less time to recover.

The environment naturally favours aggressive, attacking players - especially those with a strong serve-and-volley game. A big serve is even more potent on grass, often resulting in aces or weak returns that can be finished at the net.

Historically, this has been the domain of legends like Pete Sampras, Boris Becker, and, more recently, Roger Federer players who mastered quick points and the ability to control the tempo of a match.

Footwork also plays a pivotal role. Grass can be slippery, particularly in the first week of Wimbledon when the turf is lush and untouched. Players who move well and can maintain balance during fast exchanges have the edge. The ability to stay low and adjust quickly is essential, and those who struggle with foot speed or stability will find themselves at a disadvantage.

Players who dominate on clay - like Rafael Nadal in his early career - have to adapt significantly to succeed at Wimbledon. Clay allows for long, grinding rallies and favours heavy topspin, which grass tends to neutralise.

However, Nadal’s evolution as a more complete, all-surface player is a testament to his desire to win on the green stage.

Modern tennis has seen a blending of styles, and adaptability is now king.

Players who can blend power with finesse, aggression with defence, and can do so quickly, tend to thrive.

In many ways, Wimbledon’s grass courts act as the sport’s great equalizer. They reward boldness and punish hesitation.

To win here is to conquer not only your opponent, but the nature of the game itself.

Five Delicious Marinades to Elevate Your BBQ Game

A great marinade can transform your barbecue from basic to brilliant, infusing meat, fish, or vegetables with bold flavours and tender juiciness.

Here are five standout marinades to try this summer: Sweet & Smoky BBQ Ideal for ribs, wings, or burgers.

4 tbsp tomato ketchup 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp smoked paprika 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp cider vinegar 1 tsp mustard powder Spicy Harissa & Yogurt Perfect for chicken thighs or halloumi.

3 tbsp natural yogurt 1 tbsp harissa paste 1 garlic clove, crushed Juice of ½ lemon Pinch of cumin

Classic Garlic & Herb Perfect for chicken or lamb.

3 tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped Zest and juice of 1 lemon Salt and pepper Mediterranean Balsamic & Basil Ideal for vegetables or pork.

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 3 tbsp olive oil 1 garlic clove, mince 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil Salt and pepper Marinate for at least an hour longer for deeper flavour - and get grilling!

Asian-Inspired Soy & Ginger Great with beef, salmon, or tofu.

3 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp honey 1 garlic clove, grated 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated Juice of ½ lime

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.

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DR SAMIR B PATEL • DR JAMIE NIGHTINGALE • DR BHAVINI MUIR 40 STATION ROAD • BRIGHTLINGSEA • COLCHESTER •ESSEX • CO7 0DT Tel: (01206) 302522 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 are available for Colte patients on Saturdays in April as follows: 5th – Walton Medical Centre 12th – Colne Medical Centre 19th – Wivenhoe Surgery 26th – Riverside Health Centre, Manningtree Telephone appointments are also available every weekday evening 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. Should you 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

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