New showrooms now open at Bypass Nurseries, Capel St Mary and Glasswells, Ipswich
From Colchester with love: unveiling the life of Margaret Cavendish
This Valentine's Day, Colchester Museums announces the opening of a new exhibition at Hollytrees Museum: Margaret Cavendish: Trailblazer. Running from 14 February to 31 August 2025, the exhibition celebrates the life and legacy of Margaret Cavendish, a remarkable figure born and raised in Colchester during the turbulent Civil War era.
Margaret Cavendish, formerly
Margaret Lucas, defied the expectations of her time, becoming one of the earliest writers of dystopian science fiction, as well as a playwright and poet. Her bold critiques of academia and exploration of feminist
Portrait illustration of Margaret Cavendish by Catalina Carvajal, commissioned for theMargaret Cavendish: Trailblazer exhibition. This contemporary response to the exhibition will be displayed in the Portrait Gallery at Hollytrees.
ideas through literature made her a trailblazer for women in a society that often stifled their voices. Known for her extravagant fashion and independent thinking, Cavendish captivated audiences across England, so much so that Samuel Pepys noted how crowds flocked to see her in London in 1667.
Her story is also a touching love story, making the exhibition’s Valentine’s Day launch especially fitting. Cavendish found steadfast support in her husband, William Cavendish, the Earl of Newcastle, who championed her work and even wrote a sonnet in praise of her masterpiece, The Blazing World. Their partnership exemplifies a union built on mutual admiration and shared creativity.
Ali Wong’s Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets & Advice for Living Your Best Life is a candid, hilarious, and heartfelt collection of essays written as a letter to her two daughters. In the book, Wong weaves her trademark raunchy humour with deep personal reflections on love, career, motherhood, and identity. The essays explore her journey from a struggling comedian to a celebrated star, with insights into her VietnameseChinese heritage, her unconventional marriage, and the challenges of being a working mother in comedy.
A Good Read
Wong’s voice is unapologetically bold and refreshingly honest, providing a raw look into topics that are often taboo, such as bodily functions, sexual escapades, and the gritty realities of childbirth. The book balances laugh-out-loud anecdotes - like tales of wild nights in her youthwith touching reflections on her immigrant parents’ sacrifices and the legacy she hopes to leave for her daughters. Wong’s ability to blend humour with heartfelt wisdom is a testament to her skill as a storyteller.
While Dear Girls is riotously funny, it is also a love letter to her daughters and a guide for navigating life’s complexities. The book’s strength lies in its authenticity; Wong never sugarcoats her struggles or triumphs. The explicit content and unabashed humour may not appeal to more demure readers…you have been warned, but I laughed so hard I gave myself rib-cramps! Enjoy.
Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
This a masterfully crafted book set
in an anonymous city in the US, which explores the interconnected lives of children as they navigate their journeys home from school across ten city blocks. The book is divided into ten chapters, each focusing on a different set of characters with their own challenges, joys, and discoveries.
From a boy struggling to care for his sick mother while managing school, to a girl leading a double life of mischief and kindness, all the stories stand alone, yet they are subtly linked. Reynolds captures the nuances of friendship, family, and resilience beautifully. His use of humour, keen observation, and lyrical prose brings makes the ordinary feel extraordinary. Themes such as bullying, grief, first love, and bravery are handled with sensitivity and a deep understanding of childhood.
The narrative celebrates diversity, both in terms of the characters’ backgrounds and the ways they perceive the world. Reynolds uses each story to highlight universal truths about growing up while
respecting the unique experiences of each character. Books aimed at the 12-15 age-group can be notoriously downbeat, so it is much appreciated that Reynolds balances more poignant scenes with laugh-out-loud funny moments.
While the book’s structure may initially seem fragmented, it ultimately reinforces the central theme: that everyone has their own story, but we are all connected.
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.
Not only will you be giving a brighter future to teenagers and young adults with cancer but also a future to bees, wildlife, and the environment.
As a thank for your monthly donation, you will receive Your very own handmade, native bag of Beebombs to sow
A special thank you print to frame
Updates on how your donation is changing lives
Dear Girls by Ali Wong
The Seven Bore Nature's Tidal Phenomenon and the Thrill of Surfing It
The Severn Bore is one of the most remarkable tidal phenomena in the world, occurring along the River Severn in England. It is caused by the river’s funnel-shaped estuary, which amplifies the incoming tide, creating a powerful wave that travels upriver. The bore varies in size, depending on factors like the moon’s phase and tidal conditions, with the largest bores typically happening during the March Spring tides.
The Severn Bore is famous not just for its natural spectacle but also for its unique appeal to surfers. Brave enthusiasts take to the water to ride the wave as far upstream as possible. While ocean surfing requires catching wave after wave, surfing the Severn Bore is a single, prolonged ride, sometimes lasting for miles. This challenge attracts surfers from
around the globe who are drawn to the novelty and the difficulty of the experience.
Riding the bore is not for the faint-hearted. The wave itself can reach heights of up to several feet, and the fast-moving current and unpredictable riverbed add to the challenge. Surfers must navigate a narrow and often crowded wave while avoiding obstacles like submerged rocks and debris.
Beyond the thrill of the ride, the Severn Bore has built a community of dedicated riders and onlookers.
Spectators gather along the riverbanks to cheer on surfers as they test their skills against the tide. For those who conquer the bore, it’s not just a surf— it's a badge of honour and a unique connection to nature’s raw power.
Crossword
Across
1 Clairvoyant is to support the nuts in charge (9)
6 One with the hump caught male out (5)
9 Wife perhaps is inactive business associate (8,7)
10 Split reported initially by one newspaper (4)
11 Dance follows live jazz (5)
12 Song for that man on the radio (4)
15 Warm review read out (7)
16 Betray one’s principles in very popular show (4-3)
17 Completely finished with a Latin paramour (3,4)
19 Old king hugs wayward son for comfort (7)
20 Part of azalea, for example (4)
21 Vietnamese perhaps is like Scot (5)
22 Oddly ignored fondness for poetry (4)
26 Quick excursion to see small railway stations? (7-4,4)
27 Act on desire to find most senior member (5)
28 Evil bank acquires church, honestly! (9)
Dowm
1 Awkward question for affected sort (5)
2 Poor formality, I aver, involves one showing this? (4-11)
3 Writer’s optimism (4)
4 Hide treatment from the workers here? (7)
5 Generous policeman promises to pay (7)
6 Low-life needs time with brief (4)
7 Fed poorly no more, somehow getting easy cash (5,3,3,4)
8 Left regent to change spectacles (9)
13 Start court proceedings? (5)
14 Criticism involving northern side (5)
15 Drank with heads of state when permitted (9)
18 More reckless son provides the bacon (7)
19 Punish devious cheats to a point (7)
23 Sprinkle water on some flowers (5)
24 Most put up with this chap (4)
25 Sword turns up in Dundee perhaps (4)
Progress continues on Middle Mill weir and bridge repairs
Colchester City Council is pleased to report continued progress towards the removal of the collapsed Middle Mill weir and the repair of the adjacent footbridge. Weekly meetings with Essex Highways and contractors have been taking place, and pre-application advice is being sought from the Environment Agency to support the permit application process, which is now being drafted.
A key milestone was reached this week with the completion of a hydrology survey, providing essential data to inform the permit application. This will also help determine the design heights for temporary dams that will be installed to enable safe working conditions under the bridge. Ensuring safety and preventing any increased flood risk remains a top priority.
To facilitate access for plant and machinery needed for the works, some tree management is required. While every effort is being made to
puzzle solutions:
keep these works to a minimum, one tree will need to be felled, and several willows will be coppiced. None of the affected trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order or located within a Planning Conservation Area.
As part of the council’s commitment to environmental responsibility, two new Oak trees will be planted in a nearby location on Kings Meadow to offset the loss of the London Plane tree.
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “The complexity of the work, in and out of water, subject to river flows and weather, has meant a frustratingly long wait for a way ahead. But I hope residents will take some comfort from progress being made, and from the joint commitment of both councils to work together and reopen the bridge as soon as possible.”
The council will continue to provide updates as the project moves forward, ensuring the community remains informed every step of the way.
Cutting-edge cars and legendary circuits.
The Formula 1 season starts again this month. It has a rich history dating back to the early post-war era. Officially launched in 1950, the inaugural F1 World Championship race took place at Silverstone Circuit in the United Kingdom. Since then, the sport has grown into a global phenomenon, blending cutting-edge technology with fierce competition.
Formula 1 cars are marvels of engineering, combining speed, precision, and cutting-edge technology. Since the sport’s inception, the development of F1 cars has been a relentless pursuit of performance, with teams pushing the boundaries of innovation within the constraints of ever-evolving regulations.
In the early days, F1 cars were relatively simple machines with front-mounted engines, tubular steel frames, and minimal aerodynamics. By the late 1950s, rear-engine designs revolutionized the sport, offering better weight distribution and handling. The 1960s saw advancements in aerodynamics with the introduction of wings, which increased downforce and allowed cars to corner faster.
The 1980s were defined by the rise of turbocharged engines, producing incredible power but posing challenges with reliability and control. This era also saw advancements in materials, such as carbon fibre monocoques, which improved strength and safety while reducing weight. Active suspension systems and semi-automatic gearboxes have further enhanced performance.
Modern F1 cars are a fusion of hybrid power units, advanced aerodynamics, and sophisticated data analysis. The current power units combine a turbocharged V6 engine with energy recovery systems, making them not only powerful but also highly efficient. Aerodynamic regulations mandate intricate designs, including front
and rear wings, diffusers, and groundeffect floors, to optimize downforce while minimizing drag.
The FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, enforces strict rules to ensure safety, competition, and sustainability. Regulations govern car dimensions, weight, engine performance, and fuel usage. Recent initiatives, such as the budget cap introduced in 2021 and the shift to sustainable fuels by 2026, aim to level the playing field and reduce the sport’s environmental impact.
This constant interplay between innovation and regulation has made Formula 1 a testing ground for automotive technology, which in turn influences road car design.
The cars are only part of the story though. The circuits are every bit as important, and they each pose different challenges. Monaco’s narrow streets are legendary for their difficult tight corners, elevation changes, and barriers inches away from the cars. It demands absolute precision. Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, known for its picturesque setting and challenging layout, is a driver favourite. Its high-speed Eau Rouge corner and unpredictable weather make it a test of courage and adaptability.
Silverstone, with its fast corners like Maggots and Becketts, remains a cornerstone of the calendar and a fan favourite. Modern circuits like Singapore’s Marina Bay, featuring night races under stunning lights, and the Circuit of the Americas in Texas, designed with a mix of iconic corner replicas, blend traditional and contemporary thrills. There’s something for everyone.
As Formula 1 continues to evolve, the combination of technology, driver skill, and amazing circuits ensures its place as one of the most exciting and enduring forms of motorsport.
By Adam Getz
Photo shows Cllr David King at Middle Mill weir.
Sweet Potato and Cauli Coconut Curry
Infused with spices, this is a delicious creamy curry for a cold January evening. Its also perfect for Veganuary month!
Preparation and cooking time combined: 40-45 mins
Ingredients
2 tbsp rice flour (or substitute baking powder)
900g chicken wings - pat dry with kitchen paper
4 tbsp soy sauce
2 garlic cloves - finely diced.
Thumb-sized piece of gingerfinely chopped.
4 tbsp light soft brown sugar
Method
Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan/ gas mark 8.
Line a large baking tray with grease proof paper. Place the dry chicken wings in a large bowl. Sprinkle over the rice flour or baking powder and mix well with your hands until the chicken wings are coated. Season well with salt and pepper.
Serves: 4
1 tbsp cornflour
1 lime - zested and juiced.
2 spring onions -sliced.
1 red chilli - remove seeds and chop finely.
Jasmine rice to serve.
Spread the coated wings across the baking tray in a single layer. Bake for 20 mins.
While the chicken is cooking, make the teriyaki glaze. Into a small pan add the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar and 150ml water. Cook over a medium heat for 4-5 mins until the glaze is bubbling and slightly thickened. Mix two tbsp of the glaze with the cornflour, then pour
the mixture back into the pot, whisking continuously. Simmer for 2-3 mins until thickened. Squeeze in the lime juice.
Remove the chicken from the oven at 20 minutes and tip them into a bowl. Reserve a few tablespoons of the glaze and pour the rest over the wings, making sure they're well coated. Spread them over the
baking tray again and return to the oven for another 20 mins.
When they're cooked, remove from the oven, top with the reserved glaze, then sprinkle with the lime zest, spring onions and chilli. Serve with fluffy jasmine rice.
Garden View - This month - Bedding plants
Bedding plants are a staple of springtime gardening and nurseries are full of them at the moment. They’re little powerhouses of vibrant colours which we as gardeners can use to brighten our plot.
Bedding plants are simply short-term plants, usually annuals or biennials, which are grown for their decorative flowers or foliage. They’re typically planted in beds, borders, containers, or hanging baskets to provide a stunning display for a specific season, such as spring or summer. Unlike perennials, which return year after year, bedding plants complete their life cycle in one season, making them ideal for gardeners who love to experiment and refresh their displays annually.
At the moment I’m planting up pansies, petunias, begonias, geraniums, and marigolds. There are so many varieties, with something to suit every garden and colour scheme.
They are such a quick and affordable way to inject colour and interest into a garden. Their fast-growing nature means you can create an eyecatching display in a matter of weeks,
perfect for filling gaps in borders or brightening up patios and balconies.
They’re also incredibly versatile, thriving in various settings, from formal gardens to informal cottage styles. Many bedding plants attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which as you know I love to encourage because they contribute to a healthy ecosystem. Additionally, they allow gardeners to experiment with assorted colour schemes and layouts each year.
How to Use Bedding Plants
Plan Your Display - For a formal look, plant them in neat rows or symmetrical patterns in flowerbeds. For a more relaxed vibe, mix different species in containers or hanging baskets.
Prepare the Soil - Bedding plants thrive in free-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Before planting, prepare the ground by removing weeds, loosening the soil, and adding compost or slowrelease fertilizer.
Planting Tips – Spring bedding can be planted straight away. Wait until
the risk of frost has passed (usually late May in the UK) before planting summer bedding plants. Space them according to their requirements to ensure healthy growth and avoid overcrowding.
Caring for Your Plants - Regular watering, especially during dry spells, is essential. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering and use liquid feed every few weeks for the best display.
For a year-round garden display, consider seasonal bedding. Spring
bulbs like tulips and daffodils can take centre stage early in the year, followed by vibrant summer bedding, and finished off with hardy winter options like violas or ornamental cabbages.
Versatile, affordable, and pretty, bedding plants are an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels. Whether you’re filling a formal border or adding flair to a balcony, they will bring a splash of joy to any outdoor space.
Happy gardening,
World Book Day 2025 Remember Mothers Day
Even if your mother cannot
World Book Day returns on Thursday, 6 March 2025, with its inspiring mission to transform lives through the joy of reading. This annual celebration aims to encourage children and young people to discover the magic of books and embrace reading on their own terms.
The 2025 campaign introduces an innovative approach called "Read Your Way", which addresses a critical challenge in children's reading habits. Research has shown that many children view reading as a mandatory task rather than an enjoyable activity. This year's initiative seeks to empower children to explore reading without pressure, allowing them to discover books that genuinely spark their interest.
Current research highlights that 1 in 5 kids feel judged for what they read, but that children are more likely to enjoy reading when they can choose what, when, and how they read.
How to empower kids to read their way?
Every child learns at their own pace and has unique interests. Tailor reading activities to their preferences and skill levels. For beginners, focus on books with repetitive patterns, simple words, and engaging illustrations. As they grow more confident, gradually introduce more challenging texts. Letting children choose their own books empowers them to take ownership of their learning.
Foster Patience and Encouragement
The process of learning to read can be frustrating. Offer patience and positive reinforcement to create a safe space for learning. Avoid criticism and instead focus on their progress. Acknowledge their efforts and remind
them that making mistakes is all part of learning.
Incorporate Technology Thoughtfully
Digital tools like e-books, educational apps, and interactive games can complement traditional methods and may appeal to certain kids. Look for resources designed to build specific reading skills, such as phonics or comprehension.
Don’t underestimate reading to children
Reading to children is one of the most beneficial activities for their development. It helps build their vocabulary, language skills, and comprehension, all while fostering a love for books. Stories stimulate their imagination, improve concentration, and introduce them to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives. Reading aloud also strengthens the bond between caregiver and child. Furthermore, it lays the foundation for academic success by nurturing literacy skills and developing critical thinking. By regularly reading to children, parents and teachers foster curiosity and confidence.
The aims of World Book Day are to help children develop a lifelong reading habit; improve the life chances of children from disadvantaged backgrounds, and to make reading more fun and accessible.
By fostering a love for reading, offering personalized support, and celebrating every milestone, parents and teachers can empower children to become confident readers and open the door to imagination, knowledge, and a lifetime of learning opportunities.
By Tracey Anderson
My mother was diagnosed with dementia three years ago and her cognitive decline has been rapid. This time of year, is difficult. She always loved Mothers’ Day and delighted in cards and flowers and being spoiled. When I became a mother she reciprocated by making sure my husband knew he was responsible for spoiling me until my son was old enough to take responsibility. It made me smile when I found her little reminder notes for him.
But now things are different. Mum only remembers me sometimes and my brother hardly at all. Yet some days she’s lucid and funny and quite like her old self. All we can do is celebrate Mothers’ Day on her terms.
Reminisce - Familiar faces and old photos can bring joy and comfort to someone living with dementia, even if the person can’t remember the names. Look at old photos together and describe them for your loved one as you go through them. Avoid asking questions like, “Do you remember?” as that might make your mother one feel embarrassed and ashamed.
Adapt old favourites - Dementia can impact a person’s ability to do things as they previously did, so it’s important to be adaptable. If your mother enjoyed going to a certain restaurant, order-in food from that establishment instead. If they enjoyed playing a musical instrument but can’t anymore, listen to their favourite music with them.
The gift of time - Quality time together is one of the best Mother’s Day gifts we can give. Focus on those activities that bring joy and let go of activities that seem too stressful.
Flowers – These can be especially good for someone living with dementia; the scent can trigger memories, promote positive feelings, and stimulate the brain.
Make your own Mother’s Day cardWrite a Mother’s Day card and read it out loud. Even if she can no longer grasp the full meaning, the act of writing it and communicating your love can help lift your own spirits.
How to Throw a Fun and Festive
St. Patrick’s Day Party
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17, honours St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. St. Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland during the 5th century and is famously associated with the shamrock, which he used to explain the Holy Trinity. Over time, the day has evolved into a worldwide celebration of Irish culture, featuring parades, music, food, and vibrant green decorations.
Throwing a St. Patrick’s Day party is a great way to embrace the Irish spirit! Start with themed decorations: adorn your chosen space with shamrocks, green tableware, leprechaun hats, and twinkling fairy lights for a festive atmosphere. A banner that says “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” will complete the look.
For food, serve traditional Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, or Irish soda bread. Add green to your menu with spinach dip, green-tinted cupcakes, and green cocktails like a shamrock martini. Make sure there’s plenty of Irish coffee.
No party is complete without entertainment! Create a playlist of Irish folk music or modern Irish bands like U2, Pillow Queens or Lankum. Consider hosting fun games like a gold coin scavenger hunt, an Irish trivia quiz, or a "best-dressed" contest for guests in creative outfits.
Lastly, offer guests a taste of Irish heritage by reading an Irish blessing or a fairy story. Your St. Patrick’s Day party will leave guests feeling lucky to have celebrated with you!
Mars comes to Colchester Castle – experience the Red Planet like never before!
Following the phenomenal success of Gaia, Colchester Castle is thrilled to announce the arrival of Luke Jerram’s awe-inspiring touring artwork Mars. From 20 March to 9 May 2025, visitors can experience this breathtaking installation that brings the mysterious Red Planet to life.
This six metre diameter spherical sculpture created using 120dpi detailed NASA imagery*, offers an unparalleled view of Mars’ surface. It’s as if you’re a satellite orbiting the planet, mapping every crater, volcano, valley, and mountain with incredible
precision. Every centimetre of this internally-lit artwork represents 11 kilometres of the Martian landscape – giving you a sense of the planet's vastness, despite being nearly half the size of Earth.
Cllr Natalie Sommers, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Heritage, and Public Protection said: “Prepare to be transported to Mars’ desert wasteland and imagine what it would be like to set foot on this incredible planet. Mars is not just an art installation; it’s an invitation to explore the beauty and mystery of another world. I can’t wait for it to arrive at the Castle and visitors to see its splendour.”
Pre-book your tickets online now. Admission will include access to the Castle Museum where you can dive into 2,000 years of history while marvelling at the wonders of the uninhabited Red Planet.
Don’t miss this unmissable fusion of art, science, and history – book your tickets today!
How to play Sudoku It’s simple! Sudoku
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.
4 9 8 1 6 4 7 1 6
Word Search
Can you find all of the ex British Prime Ministers hidden in the grid?
Colchester Castle receives £1.3
million
for urgent repairs
Colchester Museums is set to receive a significant boost with a £1,293,625 award from the Museums Estate and Development Fund (MEND). This funding, provided by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Arts Council England, will be used to refurbish the historic building's roof and repair stonework on the Castle's northwest tower.
Colchester City Council has also allocated significant match funding to support this project. The Castle, which was first built nearly 1,000 years ago, requires ongoing maintenance and repairs to ensure the safety of the building and its important collections for everyone to enjoy.
Colchester Museums have worked closely with Historic England to find a solution that addresses long-standing issues of damp while being sensitive to the Castle's historic fabric. The repairs will not only improve the Castle for visitors and collections but also make it more environmentally sustainable and protect the historic building for the future.
Works are scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025. While visitors
will see scaffolding on the building, the museum is not anticipating any closure during the works. The Norman Castle, a Grade I listed, Scheduled Ancient Monument, boasts the largest Keep of its kind in Europe, built on the foundations of a Roman Temple. Last year, the award-winning museum welcomed over 83,000 visitors, including nearly 20,000 school children.
Councillor Natalie Sommers, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Heritage and Public Protection, said: “We are incredibly grateful to DCMS and Arts Council England for their generous funding, which will enable us to carry out these essential repairs. Colchester Castle is a vital part of our heritage, and these works will ensure that it remains a cherished landmark for future generations. The exceptional craftsmanship involved in this project will preserve the Castle's historic character while making it more sustainable and accessible for all.”
What To Wear in Spring 2025
A Celebration of Joy and Individuality
In contrast to everything grim happening in the world right now the upcoming Spring 2025 fashion season is full of a refreshing blend of optimism, creativity, and personal expression.
Standout Prints and Patterns
Stripes: The nautical look is going to be strong. Stripes have emerged as the
Crossword
breakout trend. Designers like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Prada showcased stripes in unexpected ways - from oversized monochrome linear designs to clashing colours. Try experimenting with different stripe directions. Vertical stripes can be particularly flattering on wide-leg trousers.
Gingham: Gingham is so fresh and easy to wear in warmer weather and it
suits everyone, young and old.
Plaid: Plaids are usually associated with autumn and winter but in the new spring pastel shades they look as fresh and pretty as gingham. Pair them with solid colours or be daring and layer plaid on plaid.
Colours
Pantone’s colour of the year is Mocha Mousse, an elegant light brown. This fits perfectly with the soft, neutral spring palettes. Designers also showcased ice blue, pale pink, butter yellow and pale apple green, but also deeper hues of the same colour families, electric blue, hibiscus red chocolate and lime.
Silhouettes and Styling
Business chic is back with a feminine twist. There is tailoring, blazers, high waisted trousers, skirts, striped shirts, white shirts, and pretty ties. You can go ‘full businesswoman’ or take individual elements, such as a blazer to elevate a casual outfit like jeans and T shirt.
Designers favoured feminine draping, ruffle details, and soft chiffon layers.
There was also a lot of mixing prints and textures on the catwalk with layering of unexpected combinations. Over all designers have taken a playful approach to spring styling, inviting us all to experiment, express ourselves
ACROSS
1 Adorn the platform (4)
3 Diana’s touring severe regions (9)
9 Kelvin abandons fortunate girl (4)
10 Best end of lamb with inedible coating (10)
12 Non-professionals in area must struggle (8)
13 Alternatively, agreement could be a nightmare (6)
14 Cobra contorts flexibly around one different snake (3-11)
18 How a British comedy drama is presented? (14)
20 Without hesitation train for duty (6)
22 Prosperous, with source of oil on the agenda (42-2)
24 Egalitarian comic rated badly (10)
25 Collection of myths is somewhat dated, darling (4)
26 California is not so perfect! (9)
27 Cart needs ro reverse three feet (4)
boldly, and celebrate our personal style through colours, dynamic prints, and tailored silhouettes.
Handbags are finally practical again. Go for totes, doctor style bags or bowling bags. Suede was the most popular material, though this might be slightly less practical!
Finally, shoes which can make or break any outfit were loafers, ballet flats, trainers and slingbacks, so we can all stride comfortably in Spring 2025!
But what about the guys?
Preppy styles are making a strong comeback, featuring cardigans and polo shirts, slim-fit suits in soft neutrals, with elegant, refined detailing.
Prints for men are also big this spring, with stripes, plaids, and even bold florals.
If I can persuade my husband to dress a little more playfully I’ll count Spring 2025 as a win!
Not sure I’d want him to go for the see-through shirts and mini leather shorts featured by some designers though, so I’d better be careful what I wish for.
DOWN
1 Daughter is on a roll, changing currency (6)
2 Dead chuffed to give bird a ring (4-1-4)
4 Not knowing or caring, one messed up (9)
5 Supports for flower (4)
6 I’m in eternal bother, chiefly – put another way it’s endless (12)
7 Submit story about bishop (5)
8 Cleared off to make a statement (7)
11 Artistic style, one wrongly associated with Mozart’s type of music (12)
15 Attempts to go round posh French island, a feature of Paris (9)
16 Unreasonable request by Watutsi monks? (4,5)
17 A tiresome chore, removing Ned’s cigarette butts (3,4)
19 Italian meets unknown gypsy (6)
21 Butterfly makes mark on the page (5)
23 Listen to man in armour (4)
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 Colchester office to arrange a free mortgage health check and to register with us for updates on property prices and interest rates today.