Simply Brightlingsea Issue 85

Colchester’s oldest standing building to

transformational funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Colchester's historical landmark and oldest standing building, the Grade I listed Holy Trinity Church, is a vital step closer to undergoing a remarkable transformation thanks to securing a development grant of £147,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The significant works pave the way for the restoration and adaptation of the church and its associated tower, which will be refurbished to inject new life into the space.

The funding from the Development Application will be used to develop plans on how to repair, insulate, and improve accessibility of the building, as well as to upgrade its heating system, ensuring its suitability for future use.

This significant step forward paves the way for a delivery

application of £1.7m from the Heritage Fund, along with an additional application of £250k to Historic England for the restoration of the church tower, and a further application of £250k to the Community Ownership Fund which, if successful, along with the £500k contribution from government grants already secured, will bring the total project budget to around £2.8m.

Robyn Llewellyn, Area Director for the Midlands and East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to support the transformation of Colchester's iconic Holy Trinity Church into a vibrant community hub. This project aims to honour the site's rich heritage while making it more accessible for generations to come. Thanks to National Lottery players, places of worship like Holy Trinity that form important parts of our

national heritage can be preserved while also evolving to meet community needs.”

This project will see the removal of Colchester’s oldest standing building from the Heritage at Risk register and secures its long-term future. The transformation compliments the work already underway to enhance the green space in Trinity Square, largely funded by government grants, aimed at transforming the previously underutilised churchyard into a vibrant and accessible green space for the community.

Cllr Natalie Sommers, Portfolio Holder for Communities, welcomed the funding for Holy Trinity Church: “This is wonderful news, the result of years of consultation and planning. I would like to thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for supporting this great project.

“The Saxon Tower of Holy Trinity Church, dating back to the 11th century, before the Norman Conquest, holds a special place in our city's history. I cannot think of a better way to honour Colchester’s proud past than by ensuring our historic church has a great future.”

Holy Trinity Church is just one of over 15 City Centre regeneration projects which will be completed before 2030. Most of the funding for these projects includes £19.6 million from Levelling Up and £2.5m from Section 106, as well as £19.2 million from the Town Deal. Together, the funding will contribute to regenerating Balkerne Gate, improve cycling infrastructure, bring heritage assets back into public use, and much more for Colchester’s city centre.

A Good Read

each host, but failure to identify the killer by the eighth cycle means a reset to day one, with all memories wiped, a cycle he has already undergone numerous times.

story but it’s well worth the effort. Turton’s debut novel is inventive, chaotic, and brilliantly bonkers. Buckle up and hold on tight.

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by

Stuart Turton

Our hero awakens in a mysterious, damp forest, clad in an unfamiliar tuxedo and inhabiting a body that isn't his own. With no recollection of his identity or how he came to be in this situation, he makes his way to Blackheath House, and soon discovers he is Aiden Bishop, trapped there for a purpose. A masked figure reveals to him that a disguised murder is set to occur that day. Bishop has eight attempts to unravel it, reliving the same day in different bodies, each termed a "host." He retains memories from

As Bishop gradually begins to make sense of his predicament, he learns of competitors: two others at the country house party are also inhabiting foreign souls, each racing to solve the murder to escape the time loop. As if this was not enough peril, a relentless psychopath is also pursuing him, threatening each of his hosts.

Author Turton masterfully orchestrates a narrative replete with diverse, enigmatic characters, while scattering random clues throughout. The ‘rules’ of the story rules evolve as Bishop navigates his way through each day. I’m doubting that many readers will solve the mystery before the final plot twist.

It’s Agatha Christie, Cluedo, and Groundhog Day, with a twist of time loop chaos. It takes a while to orientate yourself within the

Look Up! by Nathan Bryon and illustrated by Dapo Adeola Rocket dreams of becoming the most brilliant star-catcher, and space explorer in the world, like her idol Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space. Fizzing with excitement about an imminent meteor shower, Rocket makes an announcement about it over the supermarket loudspeaker while the cashier is distracted. She makes and distributes flyers to all the shoppers, despite her older brother Jamal's disapproval and embarrassment. Jamal is usually engrossed in his phone and video games and finds Rocket annoying. When he's too absorbed in gaming to take Rocket to the park to see the meteor shower, Rocket faces a dilemma. But an unexpected visitor at their door turns out to be a delightful could save the day in the most delightful manner.

Bryon and Adeola's captivating picture book introduces us to chatty, Rocket, a character whose passion for space is all-consuming. Adeola’s characterful illustrations capture Jamal's angsty teenage moodiness and Rocket's excitement about stargazing. Packed with space facts and insights into meteors, this book also beautifully depicts family dynamics, sibling bonds, and a young girl's contagious zeal for the cosmos.

By Tash Donovan

National Unicorn Day

April 9th

National Unicorn Day, inaugurated in 2015, is celebrated every April 9th to honour the enchanting unicorn. Surprisingly, the unicorn is Scotland's official national animal, a fact that might astonish those unfamiliar with Scottish heraldry (I had to triple check that fact!)

This mythological creature, symbolizing purity, innocence, and power, has been revered across various cultures since the classical age, including by the ancient Babylonians and the Indus civilization. According to Celtic mythology, the unicorn's horn possesses the miraculous ability to purify poisoned water, highlighting its healing prowess.

The unicorn's portrayal as a proud, indomitable force resonates deeply with Scottish history and identity. Scotland's association with the unicorn traces back to the mid1500s, where it prominently featured in the royal coat of arms. This emblematic use persisted until the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when King James VI of Scotland, becoming James I of England, introduced the

English lion alongside the unicorn to symbolize the countries' unity. The lore often depicts unicorns and lions as adversaries, competing for the title of the 'king of beasts.'

In Scottish heraldry, unicorns are depicted with gold chains, a detail thought to represent the Scottish monarchs' power to 'tame' such a formidable creature. This emblematic imagery underscores the unicorn's significance in Scottish culture, embodying the strength and independence that Scotland prides itself on.

I asked my 13-year-old daughter Casey whether she knew about National Unicorn Day, “There’s a Unicorn Day?” she asked incredulously, her eyes lighting up. “That’s awesome…they are so cute. Can we have unicorn cupcakes?”

Ignore the majesty of the unicorn and its association with Scottish kings and go straight for cuteness and cake…that’s my girl. But unicorn cupcakes does sound like a plan!

By Gemma Peters

Crossword

Across

1 Material used to make tents (6)

5 Skimpy knickers! (6)

8 Earth, compost (4)

9 Green vegetable (8)

10 Bendy fruit (6)

11 Hard yellowish tooth deposit (6)

12 Area, region (4)

14 Frozen water (3)

15 Nip, chomp (4)

16 Expression, brief utterance (6)

18 Lightweight waterproof jacket (6)

20 Sticky insect trap (8)

22 Barrage, bombardment (4)

23 Undercover, secret (6)

24 Brine (6)

Down

2 Odour, scent (5)

3 Group of houses, rural community (7)

4 The Beatles sang about a yellow one! (9)

5 As well, also (3)

6 Coveted film award (5)

7 Dashing, debonair (7)

11 Dictionary of synonyms and antonyms (9)

13 Shakespearean play (7)

15 House of ill repute! (7)

17 Bramley, Granny Smith, Cox (5)

19 Extra-terrestrial (5)

21 Container, vessel (3)

Shakespeare Day April 23rd

Shakespeare Day celebrates the iconic playwright and we thought we’d join in by sharing some intriguing facts.

He wanted to be an actorWilliam moved to London, closely followed by his brother Edmund who pursued the same dream of treading the boards. However, Shakespeare found his true calling in writing, quickly becoming adept at crafting tragedies and comedies that captivated audiences.

He was prolific - Shakespeare's literary output was remarkable; he authored at least 37 plays that we are aware of, which works out to an impressive rate of about two plays per year. Additionally, he crafted many poems, particularly sonnets, publishing 154 of them in 1609 alone.

He survived a pandemic – Like us, Shakespeare experienced the devastation of a pandemic, surviving several outbreaks of the bubonic plague. Tragically, his son Hamnet succumbed to the disease at the age of 11, a loss that deeply influenced Shakespeare's work, infusing his plays with themes

puzzle solutions:

of illness, death, and mourning. It's speculated that the character Hamlet was named in homage to his late son.

He invented words and phrases - Shakespeare also contributed numerous phrases to the English language, including "vanished into thin air," "wild goose chase," "not a wink of sleep," and "break the ice." Known for his wit, he crafted memorable insults such as "Thy face is not worth sunburning," "Thou art as fat as butter," and the magnificent "You scullion! You rampallian! You fustilarian! I'll tickle your catastrophe!"

He was a savvy businessman - Beyond his literary genius, Shakespeare understood how to get ahead in business. He was a co-owner of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men and the Globe Theatre, an open-air venue established in London in 1599. He also ventured into the more luxurious Blackfriars Theatre, underscoring his dual talent as both a visionary playwright and a shrewd entrepreneur.

By Kate McCarthy

Upsell Your Home

Before putting your house on the market, check out our nine effective strategies to enhance its appeal and value:

Redecorate - A fresh coat of paint in neutral tones can revitalize your home at a minimal cost, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

Fix Minor Issues - Addressing small defects like peeling paint, squeaky doors, and dripping taps can significantly improve the overall impression of your home, suggesting it has been wellmaintained.

Enhance the Front Door - The entrance to your home sets the initial tone for viewers. If replacing the door isn't an option, a clean, freshly painted door with new hardware can make a big difference.

Declutter - A tidy, spacious environment, especially in key areas like the kitchen and bathroom, makes the property appear larger and more inviting.

Heating and Lighting - Ensure the heating is on for viewings to create a warm atmosphere and use lamps effectively to brighten up dark corners and enhance the home's ambiance.

Garden Appeal - A neat front garden and a well-maintained

back garden, especially if there is an eating area, decking or a summerhouse, can significantly boost your home's kerb appeal, making it more inviting and potentially adding value.

Smart and Energy Efficient Upgrades - Incorporating smart home technology and energyefficient features like double glazing and smart heating controls can attract buyers and potentially increase the sale price by improving your home's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating.

Kitchen Makeover - Without the need for a full renovation, updating cabinet doors, handles, and ensuring a clutter-free, well-lit space can make the kitchen more appealing to buyers.

Refresh the Bathroom - Simple updates like re-grouting, replacing taps, and ensuring the space is clean and neutral can make bathrooms more attractive. A recent survey revealed that a nice bathroom was a key selling point for over 25% of buyers.

Implementing some or all of these strategies can make your home more appealing to potential buyers, possibly speeding up the sale process and increasing the sale price.

By Gemma Peters

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

225g plain flour

2 level tsp baking powder

80g softened or spreadable butter

1 large egg (beaten)

110g caster sugar

4 medium bananas (peeled)

Preheat oven to 180C / gas 4. Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin.

Mash three bananas to a pulp and chop the fourth.

Sift the flour and baking powder together into a separate bowl. Add the butter, egg and caster sugar. Using a mixer mix everything together for a minute or two. Add the mashed and chopped bananas and briefly whisk them into the mixture. Fold in the chopped walnuts and lemon zest.

Banana and Wulnut Loaf Teatime Cake

Cooking time: 60-70 times

50g walnuts (chopped)

Zest 1 lemon

Demerara sugar for sprinkling

Spoon the cake mixture into the prepared tin. Sprinkle with Demerara sugar.

Place in the pre-heated oven so that the top of the tin is in the centre. Bake for 60-70 minutes until a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes then turn out on to a cooling rack.

This cake is good served warm with crème fraiche, cold, or even toasted.

Garden View - This month - An annual pleasure

Every year since I began to garden, come spring, I grabbed my spade and in a fit of enthusiasm I dug over the soil. Then I filled any empty spaces with annuals. These might be carefully nurtured in my greenhouse, sprinkled direct from the packet, or purchased in packs at my local garden centre.

Several years ago, due to an injury, I was unable to get out and begin this frenzy of activity. I resigned myself to the fact than my garden simply wouldn’t be as colourful that year. Nature however had other plans.

As I waited for my perennials to surface something wonderful happened. Hundreds of self-sown annuals from the previous year also began to surface. They’d been there all along, just waiting for the warm spring sun to bring them to life.

It occurred to me that my habit of stopping deadheading towards the end of the season (to leave some interesting seed heads which feed the birds and look so pretty covered in frost) had benefitted me in more ways than the one I’d intended.

Calendula, Candytuft, Cosmos, Larkspur, Nicotiana, Poppies, Sweet Alyssum and Love-in-a-Mist were popping up everywhere I looked. I’ve never been so delighted.

I waited until they were a couple of inches tall then on a slightly drizzly day I eased some out and transferred them to barer soil.

My reward was a display of annuals every bit as lovely as if I’d spent hours with my spade and trowel.

So last year I experimented. Throughout the flowering season I noted where I might need an extra patch or two of colour and then, when I stopped deadheading, I simply grabbed a few seed heads and dropped them in the appropriate spot.

That spring and summer I had another beautiful display of annuals. Why hadn’t I discovered this lazy way to garden before?

Of course, there are some teeny disadvantages. The main one is that annuals grown from seed flower

later than those bought as plugs or plants from garden centres. Don’t let this put you off though. If you have a good range of perennials the annuals can take their time, taking over when the others begin to fade. Also, noone says it has to be all or nothing. I have a passion for cosmos, so I bring in a few plants early on every year. That way I can savour their pretty blooms right through the season.

So, if you’re planting annuals this spring, plan ahead a little. Look at

your garden as an evolving piece of work and let at least some of them self-seed. Then next year don’t be so quick to brandish a spade…you’ll gain two commodities gardeners always need more of...time and money.

Happy gardening,

By Rachael Leverton

The Ibiza Orchestra Experience Colchester Act Announcement - Professor Green

The Ibiza Orchestra Experience will be bringing their brand new Ibiza Sunsets Tour to Colchester’s Castle Park, on Friday 12th of July 2024! The Orchestra will perform on a large outdoor stage to create the perfect festival environment.

We are delighted to announce a special guest - PROFESSOR GREEN!

Firmly established as one of the crossover superstars of British music, Professor Green has notched up two

Top 3 albums since starting out as a revered battle MC. From groundbreaking hits like 'Read All About It' to ‘Jungle,’ Professor Green will be bringing his chart-topping charisma to the Ibiza Orchestra Experience!

With an even bigger show in 2024, customers can expect a silent Disco, Stilt Walkers, Fire Breathers, Laser Show, Pyrotechnics, a huge festival market and much more! This is an 18+ event that will run from 18:00-22:30.

A message from Tom Cullen –Marketing Manager Ibiza Orchestra Experience

DOWN

2 Oaty chocolate biscuit (6)

“We are delighted to be bringing the brand new Sunsets tour to Colchester with a huge special guest, Professor Green. Following this incredible announcement, we expect remaining tickets to sell out quickly!”

Tickets available HERE - https:// www.ibizaorchestraexperience. co.uk/colchester

For any partnership or hospitality enquiries you can email infoibizaorchestralive.co.uk

1

6

9

10

11 Merriment (5)

12 Luke warm (5)

13 Anxieties (7)

15 Weaken, drain (3)

17 Reed instrument (4)

18 Coax, wheedle (6)

19 Earlier (5)

20

22

24

25 Infers (7)

26

27

28

29

30

31

3 Clothes, garments (6)

4 Could be pork, apple or steak! (3)

5 Loathes (5)

6 Alike (7)

7 Could be citric, hydrochloric or sulphuric! (4)

8 Deadly (6)

12 _____ Wogan, radio presenter (5)

13 Adult female (5)

14 Journey, itinerary (5)

15 Hedgehog, hero of a video

game (5)

16 Destructive insects or small animals (5)

18 Mask, disguise (5)

19 Ploy, ruse (7)

21 Far away (6)

22 Change, alter (6)

23 Group of seven things (6)

25 Beelzebub (5)

26 Blunt-ended sword used for fencing (4)

28 Outer edge (3)

National Pet Day- Thursday April 11th

The companionship of pets has been cherished across cultures and epochs. The bond between man and animal, while emotionally fulfilling, also harbours significant psychological and physical benefits, contributing to an owner's well-being. From the wag of a dog's tail to the purr of a cat, pets offer more than just companionship; they provide a unique form of support that enhances human health.

Psychologically, pets serve as a constant source of comfort and companionship, effectively reducing feelings of loneliness and depression. The presence of a pet can offer a sense of unconditional

acceptance and love, which can be particularly therapeutic. Studies have shown that pet owners, on average, exhibit lower levels of stress and anxiety compared to those without pets. This calming influence is partly attributed to the increase in levels of oxytocin, a stress-reducing hormone, which is released during interactions with animals. Engaging with a pet can also elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters associated with happiness and tranquillity.

Pets require a routine of care, providing structure and purpose to their owners' lives. This responsibility can significantly

benefit individuals suffering from mental health issues by offering a distraction from troubling thoughts, encouraging mindfulness, and promoting a sense of achievement and selfworth. For instance, walking a dog not only demands physical activity but also encourages social interaction with other dog owners, combating isolation and promoting community belonging.

Physically, the benefits of owning certain types of pets extend to improved cardiovascular health. Dog owners, are more likely to meet daily physical activity recommendations, leading to lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol levels, and decreased risk of obesity. The act of walking a dog or engaging in play provides moderate exercise, contributing to the owner’s overall physical health. Furthermore, pet owners have been found to have a lower risk of heart disease, with some studies suggesting that they may also experience faster recovery rates from heart attacks.

Pets also play a role in child development, teaching children responsibility, empathy, and

compassion. The presence of pets in a home can reduce the likelihood of developing allergies and asthma in children, as exposure to pet dander and the microorganisms that pets carry from outdoors can strengthen the immune system during its developmental stages. In addition to these benefits, pets can serve in therapeutic roles, such as in animal-assisted therapy programs, helping individuals recover from or cope with health challenges such as PTSD, autism, and stroke. The interaction with therapy animals has been shown to improve motivation, engagement, and overall mood in patients undergoing rehabilitation or treatment for chronic conditions.

The benefits of pet ownership extend well beyond companionship. From enhancing mental health through the alleviation of stress and loneliness to promoting physical activity and heart health, the presence of a pet in one’s life can be profoundly beneficial, fostering a healthier, happier life.

By Kate McCarthy

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.

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

The waters around the property market may be choppy, but with the Michaels crew at the helm, we’ll get you to where you really want to be... simply pop in or call our Wivenhoe office to arrange a free mortgage health check and to register with us for updates on property prices and interest rates today.