Simply Brightlingsea Issue 74

£20,000 boost for Family Support Charity

Families in Focus, an independent Chelmsford-based charity supporting families with disabled children, has received a £20,000 donation from Essex-based health and social care organisation Provide Community Interest Company (CIC).

Founded in 1996 by a group of parents, Families in Focus’ mission is to enable children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities to thrive and feel stronger, empowered, and confident. The charity provides specialised and tailored support, advice, and peer-

to-peer support services for SEND children and their siblings across Chelmsford and Colchester.

CEO of Families in Focus, Kirsty Cornell commented on the £20,000: “The grant is helping to fund our Family Support Service across Essex. Our service provides practical and emotional support to families who have a child with any kind of Special Educational Need or Disability. Family Support Advisors listen to the family, find out what they need, and then work with them to access the right support.

“We currently support over 1,500 families a year with education, for example applying for an Education and Health Care Plan or appealing a school placement, and we help over 300 families a year complete complex benefits forms, meaning they are more able to fund the additional costs of raising a SEND child. Our approach is to empower families so they can develop solutions for themselves and their child.”

Provide Community, delivers more than 50 health and social care services to children and adults in NHS and community settings. As a social enterprise, Provide Community

reinvests in supporting the community it serves. To date, Provide Community has donated over £3.5 million in grants, donations and match funding to charities and organisations in the communities it serves .

Chair of Provide Community Council of Governors Nicola Yarnall said, “As an organisation we are committed to supporting the essential work delivered by charities and community groups in the communities we serve that make a positive difference to people’s lives every day.” It is a privilege to be able to gift charities, like Families in Focus, this significant amount of funding.”

ZOOBILEE CELEBRATIONS

27th May - 4th June 2023

Throughout May Half Term, we are hosting a variety of fun daily activities in celebration of turning 60!

BOOK TODAY!

2nd June 2023 BIRTHDAY BONANZA Open

party.

PARTY AWAY with a host of entertainment on our Main Stage!

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

The Alice Network is set in the aftermath of World War Il though it straddles both world wars, and follows two women, Charlie St. Clair, and Eve Gardiner, as they navigate the dangerous world of espionage in search of a lost relative.

Charlie St. Clair is a young American woman who is pregnant out of

A Good Read

wedlock. She is sent to Europe by her family to have the ‘problem’ taken care of. But she breaks free to search for her cousin Rose, who disappeared during the war. She meets Eve Gardiner, a former spy for the Alice Network, a secret organization of female spies, who now spends her day drunk, haunted by her past. Together, the two women embark on a journey to find Rose and uncover the truth about her disappearance.

As they delve deeper into the world of espionage and the aftermath of the war, they encounter a cast of characters, including former spies, soldiers, and politicians, who each have their own secrets. The two women must navigate this dangerous world, relying on their wits and the support of each other to stay alive.

The novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the aftermath of war. Its powerful narrative is a testament to the bravery and resilience of women in a time when their roles were often limited. Quinn’s

Get Smart - Your Smartphone Can Make You Smarter

fiction books. You can either listen or read the key points distilled from the text and decide whether that’s enough, or whether you want to devote the time to read the whole book.

novel is well-researched and beautifully written that will appeal both to fans of historical fiction and anyone who enjoys a pageturning spy thriller.

Letters from the Lighthouse

by Emma Carroll

Letters from the Lighthouse is set during World War II. The story follows two siblings, Olive and Cliff, who are evacuated from London to a coastal town in Devon. Their older sister Sukie went missing during an air raid and they have no idea where she is, though a note found in Sukie’s coat pocket suggests that she was involved in something dangerous. Then, among the close-knit community where they’ve been evacuated, Olive discovers something which ties Sukie to a plot as dangerous as it is puzzling.

What do the mysterious letters that the children receive from the lighthouse on the coast mean? Written by a shadowy figure known only as "The Keeper", they provide Olive and Cliff with clues which send the

siblings off on a dangerous adventure that takes them through the streets of the town and the surrounding countryside. Through their encounters with a spy, a resistance fighter, and a band of smugglers, they must use their wits and their courage to stay alive and uncover the truth.

By Tash Donovan

Word Search

on page 8

With the right apps, you can improve your general knowledge, learn a language, or

Trivia Crack - The app is filled with interesting facts and trivia. In 5 minutes a day to the app, you can learn something interesting from fields as varied as culture and computer science.

The app is a fun trivia game that you can either play alone or you can challenge friends. There are six different categories of quizzes to explore and thousands of questions every day. It’s Trivial Pursuit for the smartphone generation.

Blinkist – So many books, so little time to read right? Blinkist can come to your rescue. It provides 15-minute insights into more than 4000 non-

The app also offers original content in the form of podcasts and you will receive recommendations based on what your interests are.

Duolingo - Do you want to learn a foreign language? Duolingo has got you covered, providing courses for more than 40 different languages. As well as many popular European languages there are endangered languages like Hawaiian and Navajo, and even fictional languages like High Valyrian from Game of Thrones and Klingon from Star Trek. There is a paid version but it is perfectly possible to complete all the courses for free.

Smartphones can be used productively if you find the apps that really interest you. The ability to learn something new every day can be at your fingertips. So, what are you waiting for?

By Tracey Anderson

Hoedown Showdown - Organise a Successful Barn Dance

Crossword

Barn Dances and Ceilidhs are social dances. Designed to let everyone enjoy themselves. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary to join in and have fun. They appeal to all ages and are one of the few activities that an entire community can do and enjoy together.

A successful barn dance relies on good planning, so to make sure that your barn dance really goes with a swing we’ve put together a simple checklist.

Venue - A traditional barn is ideal, but not always convenient, especially for city-dwellers, so any large, open space with a sturdy floor will work - such as a community hall or gymnasium works well. Think about how many people might come and make sure the venue is large enough to accommodate them all AND their enthusiastic dancing! Consider factors such as accessibility, parking, and bathroom facilities.

Date and time – A Friday or Saturday night is ideal as most people won’t have to go to work the following morning, which means they’ll relax and enjoy themselves more. Check to see that your event doesn’t clash with any others.

Don’t skimp on the band and hire a professional caller – THE important element of a successful barn dance is the music and dancing. A good caller will help you to create a dance program that caters to all ages and abilities. On the night they’ll teach the dances and guide guests through the dance steps, making sure that

everyone has fun, regardless of their dancing ability. The band should be experienced performing traditional music. Bands are often able to suggest callers and vice versa.

Refreshments - Finger foods and buffet-style offerings work well as they allow guests to eat when they please and accommodate varied dietary needs. Alternatively, a hog roast is always a hit. Even if you have decide to have a bar, don't forget to provide plenty of water and non-alcoholic drinks; dancing is thirty work.

Decorate Your Venue – It’s not compulsory but it is fun. A few hay bales, gingham tablecloths and fairy lights create an inviting atmosphere.

Send out the invites – If it’s a charity event spread the word on social media and posters in popular venues such as pubs, churches, and local shops. Tell people where the funds are going. If it’s a birthday party or a wedding invite, tell people to dress for a barn dance, or to bring a change of clothes and / or footwear for the dancing.

Just before the event – Confirm and finalise venue arrangements, and check in with your caller, band, and caterers if you’re using them. Enlist some volunteers on hand to help with setup, clean-up, and supervision.

Then put on your dancing shoes, take your partner, and dance!

By Gemma Peters

Down

1 Zealous, fierce (6)

2 Flat-bottomed boat (4)

3 Wreath (7)

4 Ambiguous (5)

5 Scholarly world (8)

6 Unit of measurement (6)

12 Most unshaven (8)

14 Bragged (7)

16 Church (6)

18 Unbleached cotton cloth (6)

19 Type of farm (5)

21 Hum, murmur (4)

Walk This Way - The Benefits Of walking For Exercise Long Live the King - A Brief History Of Coronations

On May 6th King Charles’ coronation will take place, an event steeped in centuries of tradition and symbolism.

Coronations mark the formal investiture of a monarch with regal power, typically by the placing of a crown upon their head. They can be traced back to the early Middle Ages, with the first recorded coronation in Britain of King Egbert of Wessex in 802. However, it was not until the Norman Conquest in 1066 that the tradition of coronations as we know them today truly began. William the Conqueror's coronation at Westminster Abbey laid the foundation for the ceremonies that followed, and the Abbey has since served as the primary venue for all but two coronations.

Spring is in the air, so put at spring in your step too by getting out in the fresh air for a walk. Walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise as well as being FREE, good for these financially difficult times.

Improves Physical Health: Walking is low-impact exercise that increases your heart rate, strengthens your muscles, and helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Enhances Mood: Walking releases endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals that improve your mood and help to reduce anxiety and depression. Walking outdoors in nature is particularly beneficial, as studies have shown that exposure to green spaces enhances the mental health benefits.

Increases Energy Levels: Walking helps to boost your energy levels and reduce fatigue. Regular walking can improve the quality of

puzzle solutions:

your sleep, increase your metabolism, and reduce sluggishness.

Boosts Cognitive Function: Walking has been proven help to improve cognitive function, including memory and attention span. Regular walking has even been linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Encourages Social Interaction: Walking with a group is social activity that encourages interaction with others. Walking with friends, family, or a regular walking group helps to increase motivation, accountability, and make walking a more enjoyable experience.

There are no downsides to walking. It’s kinder on the knees than running, requires no specialist equipment other than sturdy shoes and can be done at any time convenient for you, so, take a step towards better physical and mental health and start walking today!

By Cass Holton

The ceremony itself is a blend of religious, political, and cultural elements. Historically, the Archbishop of Canterbury has been responsible for presiding over the ceremony.

One of the most iconic aspects of the coronation is the anointing of the monarch with holy oil, symbolizing their consecration to God and their role as defender of the faith. The origins of this practice date back to biblical times, and the anointing of the kings of Israel. The oil used for the anointing is traditionally held in the Ampulla, a gold, eagle-shaped vessel, and applied using the Anointing Spoon, which dates back to the 12th Century.

The crowning of the monarch is the climax of the coronation ceremony. The crown is a symbol of the continuity of the British monarchy. Over the centuries, various crowns have been used, but the most famous is St. Edward's Crown which was originally used for the coronation of Charles ll in 1661, will be used to crown King Charles lll this month.

The ceremony also involves the presentation of other regalia, including the orb, sceptre, and ring. The Sovereign’s Orb is a golden globe surmounted by a cross to remind monarch that their power is derived from God. The sceptre represents the crown’s power and governance, and the ring is a symbol of royal dignity. The monarch takes an oath to uphold the laws of the land and to protect the Church of England. Following this, they are robed in coronation garments and seated on the Coronation Chair, also known as King Edward's Chair, which has been used for this purpose since the 14th century.

One of the most famous coronations in British history is that of Queen Elizabeth I in 1559, which followed a period of cultural and political change, and reflected the power and prestige of the Tudor dynasty.

The coronation of King Charles II in 1661, followed the restoration of the monarchy after the English Civil War and the rule of Oliver Cromwell.

More recently, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 was the first to be broadcast on television, allowing millions of people around the world to witness the historic occasion.

The coronation of King Charles lll will be a captivating blend of history, tradition, and pageantry, and I for one will be glued to the television.

By Kate McCarthy

Bombay Potatoes -

A spicy supper or side dish made with in season Jersey Royals

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time:

Up to 20 mins for boiling potatoes, 10-12 minutes to fry.

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

900g Jersey Royals

Thumb-sized piece of root ginger, peeled.

3 garlic cloves, peeled

2 large ripe tomatoes

4 tbsp vegetable oil

¾ tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 large onion, roughly chopped

2/3 tsp turmeric

2 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp garam masala

½-¾ tsp chilli powder

Large handful of chopped coriander leaves

Salt, to taste

Method

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the potatoes and boil until just tender, Allow to cool a little.

Quarter one tomato then blend together with the ginger and garlic. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan, then add the cumin and mustard seeds. When the cumin starts to darken, add the onion. Cook for one minute then add the ginger and garlic mixture, the ground spices and salt. Sauté gently for one to two minutes

until the garlic smells cooked but is not burnt.

Slice the second tomato into thin wedges and add them to the frying pan. Stir well and cook the mixture for three to four minutes. Tip the potatoes into the pan and cook for three to five minutes allow the flavours to be absorbed. Season to taste and finally stir in the chopped coriander before serving.

Garden ViewThis month - Granny’s Bonnets

There is something quite lovely about Aquilegias, bobbing in the breeze. They provide exquisite flowers, which a great for cutting, in May and early June, and come in a variety of colours. Even the foliage is attractive.

Known as Granny’s bonnet or Columbine, this delicate-looking flower is actually and undemanding hardy perennial, is unfussy about soil and tolerant of full sun, or partial shade. What’s not to like? The plants grow to about 60cm so work well in the middle of a border, where they will happily self-seed and spread the joy.

If you want to plant seedlings rather than seeds, sow thinly on to moist compost in a seed tray. If they are slow to germinate, they may need stratification, the posh word for subjecting seeds to a cold - warm cycle to trick them into thinking they have been through a cold winter. Cover the seed tray with polythene and put in a fridge at 0-5°C for two to three weeks. Remove the tray and place in a greenhouse or on a windowsill at approx. 18-21°C.

Remove the polythene when the seeds start to germinate. Transplant the seedlings into 7cm pots and allow to grow on into sturdy plants. Plant out in the border about 45cm apart in groups of three – five plants for a more naturalistic look.

However, at this time of year I just sow directly outdoors, where I want them to flower.

If you are planting established plants from a garden centre, remove the packaging and stand the pots upright in a bucket of water for 20 minutes, to give the roots a good drink. Then plant in prepared ground in small groups. Once the aquilegia plants have established, they shouldn’t need additional watering. You might want to cut back the foliage after flowering if the leaves are beginning to look scruffy. Give the plant a drink and a mulch of compost, and it will reward you with a fresh flush of foliage in a few weeks.

Aquilegias need very little after care once they are established. They will

self-seed and although offspring rarely look like their parents, they will still be very pretty. I personally like the naturalistic look.

The plant is a member of the poisonous Ranunculus family and all parts of the plant, including the seeds, are poisonous if ingested.

To collect the seeds from your aquilegia plants, wait for the flower to die back to an attractive papery seed head. Use a paper bag to hold over the stem and tap until all the seeds land in the bag. Alternatively cut the stems and hang upside down inside

a large paper bag to dry and catch all the seed in the bag. Store in a paper envelope once they are completely dry and label carefully, noting that they are toxic if eaten.

Aquilegias are quintessential cottage garden favourites with nectarrich flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bumblebees, butterflies, and moths. This makes them a fantastic, easy-to-grow wildlife-friendly choice.

Happy gardening.

By Rachael Leverton

Pocket-Sized - The Invention Of The Pocket Calculator

The pocket calculator, was a groundbreaking invention of the 20th century which transformed the world of mathematics and made complex calculations accessible to the general public,

In the early 1960s integrated circuits (ICs) and semiconductor technology developed rapidly. These provided the foundation for creating compact, battery-powered electronic devices. The first portable electronic calculator was the Sharp QT-8D, introduced by Sharp Corporation in 1969. It was still relatively cumbersome and expensive though. The true pocket calculator, emerged in 1970 with the release of the Busicom LE-120A HANDY, designed by the Japanese company Busicom and Texas Instruments. It still weighed around 750g (1.6lbs) and

measured 19cm (7.6 inches) long. It used an LED display and was powered by a rechargeable battery.

This spawned a rapid proliferation of pocket calculators. Texas Instruments became a key player in the development of pocket calculator technology and released the TI-2500 Datamath in 1972. This iconic device featured an LED display and a sleek design that made it highly popular among consumers.

Mass production meant the cost of pocket calculators dropped dramatically and they were widely adopted by schools, businesses, and homes. They revolutionized the way people approached mathematical calculations, eliminating cumbersome slide rules and log tables. They allowed students to focus on

understanding mathematical concepts rather than getting bogged down with manual calculations.

Nowadays we take it for granted that a calculator app is standard issue on

Crosswords

every smartphone, though students still need a separate pocket calculator for GCSEs and A levels because phones are not allowed in exam rooms!

Britain's mould Problem - Why are our homes so damp?

Britain’s homes have a damp problem. Damp can cause damage to your home and if left untreated for a long period of time, it can also cause health problems too. It’s estimated that at least 20% of renters in the UK are affected by damp and mould.

The main problem is the age of the housing stock. The UK has some of the oldest housing stock in Europe. During the industrial revolution many houses were erected quickly in towns and cities to house the influx of workers, and many have not been properly maintained. Houses built before 1925 were constructed with solid walls which needed insulating, but the costs were prohibitive for many homeowners and councils.

New build properties in Britain have damp proof cavity walls, but demand exceeds supply, and many renters have no option but to stay in properties unsuitable for habitation. Incorrectly installed cavity wall insulation can cause damp problems too. There are properties that had cavity wall insulation installed in error because they were not suitable for the treatment. In these cases, the insulation can act as bridge for the

moisture to penetrate its way through into the inner walls of the house.

Any gaps in the walls or windows of a house, will also mean your home is more vulnerable to damp problems.

The UK is a pretty damp place in general, and climate change means that while we are not necessarily experiencing more rainfall, we are experiencing more extreme rainfall, which adds to underlying problems.

Condensation occurs when moisture laden air comes into contact with a cold surface e.g., a window or a wall. Normal activities such as bathing and cooking are the source of condensation. If heating is not turned on regularly or there is not sufficient ventilation, then moisture starts to build up on cold surfaces. Black mould spots as a result of condensation start to appear and will eventually lead to more serious damp problems. High energy costs mean many people are trying to use their heating as little as possible at the moment, and this is adding to the issue.

If damp and mould are a problem in your home. contact a member of the Property Care Association (PCA) who can arrange for someone to assess dampness within your walls and check

whether or not cavity wall insulation is the root cause of the problem.

Any gaps in the walls or windows should be sealed as soon as possible to stop damp from penetrating its way through. A qualified structural engineer should carry out any remedial works to fix structural defects allowing moisture to enter the house.

Ventilation and heating are key areas that have to be addressed to stop condensation from forming.

Check your boiler efficiency. It might be worthwhile upgrading it.

Proper ventilation can have a significant impact on reducing the amount of moisture laden air in your home. Ventilation can be improved by the installation of extractor fans or positive input ventilation systems.

https://www.property-care.org

By Tom Hancock

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.

How to play Sudoku

Why Weight Train?

Mood boost - Had a grueling day at work and need to release some tension? Pick up those weights. Like any form of exercise, strength training can enhance your mood by releasing feel-good hormones called endorphins.

Posture - If you have a desk job, it’s easy to develop poor posture and a limited range of motion in the shoulders, which should be the most flexible joints in the body. Lifting weights can help reverse this by opening up the chest, strengthening the back muscles, and improving freedom of movement.

Weights should be a crucial part of your workout regimen. For older adults strength training is almost more important than cardio because preserving muscle becomes more important than losing fat as you age. In every decade, starting in our mid-30s, we lose a percentage of muscle, which affects our metabolism, balance, and also the ability to brace ourself in the event of an injury.

Weight training helps us to build more muscle.

In addition to building strength, lifting weights has other benefits.

Weight loss - Lifting weights helps you build more muscle, which can help you burn more calories. Muscles are metabolically active, burning calories even when you're not exercising.

Bone health - As we age, our bones become more brittle and weaker.

May Day - A day to celebrate

This is especially the case for postmenopausal women who have lower oestrogen, the hormone responsible for maintaining bone mass. Lifting weights helps you build bone mineral density through Wolff 's Law, which states that bone can grow in response to forces that are placed upon it. Strength training involves muscles contracting against the bones they’re attached to. This force helps improve bone density over time.

Reduction of back pain - There’s no one reason for back pain, but muscular imbalances, like weak knees and an unstable core, can contribute, among other things. Most people think aches and pain are due to strains, but sometimes, it’s a result of bad biomechanics. Your muscles work in a kinetic chain, so if there’s a weak link, it can often manifest into a bigger problem in different areas of the body. By building total-body strength, you can bypass most injuries.

By Sarah Davey

to the burgeoning labour movement. Workers were campaigning for better working conditions and shorter hours and May Day became intertwined with this in 1889, when the International Socialist Conference declared May 1st as International Workers' Day.

The May Day bank holiday, observed on the first Monday of May each year, is a cherished tradition in the UK. It marks the advent of spring and provides a welcome day off from work for many people. So how come we get a national holiday at this time of year?

May Day has its roots in ancient traditions that celebrated the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. The Celts observed Beltane, a festival that marked the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, while the Romans held

the festival of Flora, the goddess of flowers and springtime. Over time, these traditions merged and evolved, giving rise to the modern May Day celebrations.

It was during the medieval period that May Day festivities became increasingly popular in England. The celebrations often included the crowning of a May Queen, a young girl chosen to represent the spirit of spring, and the performance of Morris dancing, a traditional English folk dance. One of the most iconic symbols of May Day is the maypole, a tall

wooden pole adorned with colourful ribbons that are woven into intricate patterns by dancers.

In the 17th century, the rise of Puritanism in England led to a decline in the popularity of May Day celebrations. The Puritans sought to rid society of what they considered to be immoral and decadent practices, and they viewed the festivities as pagan and inappropriate. As a result, May Day celebrations were suppressed for several decades.

In the 19th century, May Day experienced a revival, largely thanks

Despite this, May Day did not become an official bank holiday in the UK until 1978. It was instituted by Michael Foot, then the Labour Employment Secretary, and Prime Minister James Callaghan as a means of providing workers with an additional day off and bolstering support for the government's policies. The May Day bank holiday was initially met with some resistance, as opponents argued that it would disrupt business and promote socialist ideology. However, it quickly gained widespread acceptance and is now an integral part of the British calendar.

Traditional customs, such as the crowning of the May Queen, Morris dancing, and the maypole dance, continue to be observed in many towns and villages. There can’t be many nicer ways to spend a sunny May Day than to wander around a village fete and enjoying the holiday atmosphere. I wonder if the Morris dancers have any vacancies this year…

By Tom Hancock

New showrooms now open at Bypass Nurseries, Capel St Mary and Glasswells, Ipswich

UNLOCK YOUR PROPERTY POTENTIAL