Issue 46
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New showrooms now open at Bypass Nurseries, Capel St Mary and Glasswells, Ipswich
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Town Council Update A busy few week, the refurbishment of the War Memorial Gardens and the Victoria Gardens continues at a pace, there is still a bit Cllr Graham Steady to do but most of it was completed for the Remembrance Day Service. It was the first time in many years that the Town Council had organised the service which was hailed as a success by all. Another piece of good news was concerning the towns hard, which was the subject of a Land Registry Tribunal in 2018, which led to the deregistering of part of the hard. The cost to the council of defending against the action was £52762, after various communications with the land registry a payment of £54007 was received by the council from the land registry. The issue is being reviewed, maybe they realised that the judgement was flawed. The council’s policy of updating our systems and introducing new initiatives and including the local community in them is progressing well, the Neighbourhood Plan is one which needs community involvement, details as follows. Council looks to develop new Neighbourhood Plan In 2009 Brightlingsea Town Council produced a Town Plan, and after almost 10 years it needs to be reviewed. Since that time legislation has come in that allows town and parish councils to have their own Neighbourhood Plans. The real benefit of a Neighbourhood Plan is that subject to following the process specified in the legislation the Neighbourhood Plan, unlike the ‘Town Plan’ would, on completion be
A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO ROY BIRNIE
adopted by Tendring District Council. In essence it allows a local community to have a greater say in planning matters. Planning applications within Brightlingsea would need to conform to both the Tendring District Local Plan and the Brightlingsea Neighbourhood Plan. We are looking to establish a steering group, as this project could take up to three years, but once finished the neighbourhood plan could have a real say in planning matters in the future. The government are producing a White Paper on Local Government Reorganisation, which will have consequences for Town and Parish Councils.
After years of writing for us at Simply magazine Roy has made the decision to spend more time with his family, which we completely understand. So we would like to say a massive thank you to Roy for all of his hard work and very interesting memories over the years in Brightlingsea. We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Brilliant New Year Roy and Family. Thank you again Roy from David and the Simply Team.
For more information please visit: https://neighbourhoodplanning.org. If you would like to have an informal chat please telephone Councillor Ben Smith, Chair of Planning, Brightlingsea Town Council, on 07565 529610.
To be involved in the Steering Committee please contact the council on 01206 303535 or email townclerk@ bseatc.org.uk
Please note that meetings would be initially via Zoom and meetings in person would only commence when government guidelines allow.
Issue 46
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C Call: O Out Of Office: EEmail: Head Office: H
01206 233717 07734 171985 SimplyColchester@gmail.com Simply Magazine, 1 George Williams Way, Colchester, Essex CO1 2JS
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Issue 47: 18/12/20 Issue 48: 20/01/21
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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What’s new at Colchester Zoo!
Join Colchester Zoo this Christmas and immerse yourself in the wonderful festive atmosphere! Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 Colchester Zoo are unable to host their usual, ever-popular, Magic of Christmas events. However, the festivities are far from cancelled as they’ve have put together a host of activities for everyone to enjoy safely! On the 12th & 13th, 19th – 24th December you can enjoy festive fun during your day out at Colchester Zoo as well as the chance to see the Magical Animal Illuminations as they remain open into the early evening*. See Santa’s beautiful reindeer in their stables throughout the day, get involved with some Christmas crafts, walk amongst the fairies in the Enchanted Woodland and enjoy tasty festive treats and seasonal hot drinks! Santa is also coming to Colchester Zoo this December, but he will not be in his grotto this year, instead, Santa is helping the Animal Care Team and caring for his animal friends! See if you can spot Santa as you explore the zoo, he may be cleaning windows, feeding, or giving presents to the animals or
simply spreading Christmas cheer from afar! Of course, it would not be Christmas without the delights of the magical illuminations to bring that sparkle back into your year. Walk amongst the twinkling Christmas lights and enjoy the sight of a number of beautifully lit life-size animal sculptures and other festive scenes along the Merry & Bright Trail.
The goodwill gift that keeps on giving
Colchester Zoo’s Outpost Gift Shop will also be open offering many unique gifts and festive themed presents - this will be a one stop shop for all your Christmas gifts at amazing prices! Colchester Zoo also has a range of vouchers to choose from, including monetary, Zoo Pass and Animal Experience vouchers to offer unforgettable memories to your loved ones this Christmas! Christmas at Colchester Zoo is sure to bring festive cheer to all the family and your visit will also play an important part in supporting the Zoo’s future. *Closing times vary, please check website for event dates and details at www.colchesterzoo.org
Brightlingsea couple Roger and Libby Arnold shared in a vital COVID-19 survey and are now sharing their reward. They received two £50 Tesco vouchers to thank them for participating in a national testing project, run by Oxford University and the Office for National Statistics, and spent these entirely on festive food for Brightlingsea Foodbank. Libby said: “We were very surprised to be given such high value vouchers and wanted other people to enjoy the benefit of them. “We were randomly selected to take part in this survey, and agreed to take part to try and do our bit to help fight the virus. We had blood tests and swabs taken once a week, and will now be tested once a month for a year. The results all go to the Office for National Statistics.” Win Pomroy, who coordinates
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Brightlingsea Foodbank Volunteers said: “We really appreciate this extremely generous donation. The vouchers have enabled us to buy a host of Christmas treats for our clients tackling very difficult challenges, and who cannot afford food. “These extra festive items will give a real boost to people in crisis, and this donation is especially welcomed during the current lockdown. “Previously we have been able to stock up for Christmas by running special food drives each November, but the pandemic has prevented us doing so this year.” Brightlingsea Foodbank operates every Wednesday morning at the Parish Hall, Victoria Place, Brightlingsea, CO7 0BP between 10am and 12:30pm. For more information, please call: Win or Frank on 07970 480968.
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Colchester’s £25 million Town Deal bid submitted Issued jointly with Essex County Council A multi-million-pound bid by We Are Colchester to fund several projects around the town has been submitted to the Government. At the start of 2020, Colchester was chosen as one of 101 towns across the country that could apply for up to £25 million from the Government’s Town Deal Fund. Over 1000 individuals, groups and businesses submitted their views on how Colchester can be improved following a successful bid. These ideas were developed into several projects under the broad themes of how we live, grow, and connect. The bid to fund these projects has now been submitted by the We Are Colchester Board. We Are Colchester is a dynamic partnership involving public, private and voluntary organisations that was formed in January 2020. Board Chair and local businessman, Simon Blaxill, said: “I believe that we have submitted a very strong bid for this money. The list of projects chosen, will make a long lasting, positive difference to our town. “They will promote skills
development, create jobs for local people, make our communities more attractive and with better facilities. The Town Deal provides Colchester with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make our town an even better place to live, work and visit.” The list of projects includes: •
The creation of digital work hubs
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Transforming facilities for young people
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A digital skills hub at the Wilson Marriage Centre (Magdalene Street)
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Public realm improvements in the town centre
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Restoration of 1000 year old Holy Trinity Church and the first phase in restoring our iconic Victorian water tower ‘Jumbo’
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Transformation of community facilities in Greenstead
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The accelerated introduction of 5G
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Improved walking and cycling links across the town.
Cllr David King, Colchester Council Portfolio Holder for Business and Resources, who also Chairs the We Are Colchester Advisory Group, added: “We have already secured £1M. If successful, this further £25 million bid will enable big improvements to be made across the whole town. Our public consultations showed that people want Colchester to be ‘greener’, to provide greater opportunities for young people and to make it easier for people to walk and cycle. “Local people want the town to be made more attractive and for improvements to be made to infrastructure. The projects that We Are Colchester have submitted to the Government address all these issues. “With the help of other investors, we can make a huge difference to residents and help businesses and those they employ at this difficult time to have confidence in Colchester’s future, as a great place to live, work and visit’.
Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and We Are Colchester Board Member said, “The investment proposed as part of Town Deal submission to Government provides a great opportunity for sustainable economic growth in Colchester and its surrounding area. “We have established a bold vision that will help the town to embrace the future, with a strong package of investment programmes and projects around active travel, employment and skills, regeneration, young people, heritage and culture. “We look forward to continuing the work with the community, local stakeholders, Colchester Borough
Council and Central Government to take forward the Town Deal bid and the many opportunities it offers.” We Are Colchester expects to hear before February 2021 whether it has been successful in getting all or part of the money.
Cllr Tony Ball, Essex County Council
Free Christmas parking Colchester Borough Council is offering shoppers an early Christmas present with free parking in the town during Late Night Shopping again this year. In a change to previous Christmas parking offers, motorists wishing to take advantage of this parking offer, will need to register their free parking stay using MiPermit, a contactless parking system.
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to support shoppers and businesses. “This year, motorists will be able to take advantage of this fantastic free parking offer by registering their stay with MiPermit. MiPermit is quick and easy to use and usage in our car parks has grown significantly over the past year and is now the most popular car parking payment method in Colchester. It’s also where customers can access our best parking deals all year.
For motorists who register their parking stay in a council-owned town centre car park after 3pm on Wednesdays 9, 16 and 23 December, parking charges will be waived. Many of Colchester’s huge selection of boutique and big-name stores are opening until late on these nights.
“We hope this offer will encourage people to support local businesses and enjoy the festive atmosphere in town.”
Councillor Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “2020 has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone and we’re really pleased to be able to offer free parking for late night shopping again this Christmas,
For more information about Christmas in Colchester, visit the Christmas in Colchester website
To find out more about parking in the town, including locations of car parks and year-round deals, visit www. colchester.gov.uk/parking
Colchester Borough Council welcomes investment to support the most vulnerable this winter The Leader of Colchester Borough Council, Cllr Mark Cory, has today welcomed the announcement that £3.9m of Covid-related funding is being invested to support the most vulnerable residents of Essex through the winter and beyond. The package will provide direct support to adults, children and families across Colchester facing hardship or needing practical, emotional or mental health support. Colchester Borough Council will also work with Essex County Council to distribute grants to grassroots clubs and activities for children and young people who have lost income or face extra costs adapting to Covid-safety rules. The countywide programme is funded by £3.7m of COVID-related funding from central government and £200,000 from Essex County Council reserves.
Cllr Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: “I welcome this additional funding to help protect the most vulnerable in our community and which comes less than a week after our successful bid for an additional £315,192 to provide longer term support and accommodation for rough sleepers in the borough. “Throughout this crisis, I have lobbied hard for support to be given to our communities. The move to another national lockdown has brought huge challenges for our local communities and we are committed, alongside Essex, to support them during this time. With winter fast-approaching, this additional funding provides a timely and necessary boost for our work to coordinate and support initiatives across our communities that safeguard the wellbeing of residents who need our help the most.”
Firstsite Festive Fun: Ice-Skating
Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH Grab your skates and enjoy Firstsite’s first ever pop-up skating rink.
Calling all comedy fans – Sarah Millican announces stand-up show at Charter Hall, Colchester Colchester Events is excited to announce that award-winning comedian Sarah Millican is to make her debut appearance at Colchester’s Charter Hall – bringing her new show ‘Bobby Dazzler’ to the town on Thursday 4th November 2021. Since winning the 2008 Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for her debut solo show, Sarah Millican’s Not Nice, Sarah has rapidly-established herself as a household name regularly appearing on top comedy TV shows including QI, Mock the Week, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Big Fat Quiz and Live at the Apollo. Councillor Theresa Higgins, Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, said: “There’s nothing like laughter to lift the spirits and this event promises laughs galore. Securing this first-time performance from such a well-loved performer as Sarah Millican shows the ambition and success of Colchester Events to make Charter Hall a ‘must-go’ destination, where some of the UK’s best comedians can reach audiences across Essex.”
In this, her sixth international tour, Sarah will reveal ‘what happens when your mouth seals shut, trying to lose weight but only losing the tip of your finger, a surprisingly funny smear test, and how truly awful a floatation tank can actually be. Sarah has spent the last year writing jokes and growing her backside. She can’t wait to get back on the road and make you laugh. Ticket Information Colchester Events, part of Colchester Amphora Trading (CATL), will open general ticket sales from 10am on Friday 27 November 2020 : https:// www.colchester-events.co.uk/event/ sarah-millican/ Subscribers to ‘Colchester Events E-News’ can secure pre-sale tickets from 10am on Thursday 26 November 2020. To sign-up visit: www. colchester-events.co.uk For more information visit www. sarahmillican.co.uk @sarahmillican75
latest Government safety guidelines relating to Covid-19 will be in place to maintain everyone’s safety and security, both on and around the ice. OPENING TIMES
Get in the Christmas spirit by whizzing round the open-air artificial skate rink, then take a wander around the pop-up stalls selling tasty treats and winter warmers. Each ice-skating session lasts for 45 fun-filled minutes and is priced from £12 for adults and just £6 for children under 14-years old. Groups of up to 6 people will be able to enjoy the 45 minute session. All the
SEASON DATES: 4 DEC 2020 - 23 DEC 2020 MONDAY - FRIDAY 16:00 SATURDAY - SUNDAY 10:00 GUIDE PRICE ADULTS FOR £12 AND CHILDREN UNDER 14 YEARS £6
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Merry Ch
from all a
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hristmas!
at Simply
And a Happy New Year!
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Catch some classic Christmas movies from your car as a spectacular drive-in movie experience come to Colchester 2nd 18:00 The Polar Express
10th 21:00 How the Grinch Stole Christmas
18th 18:00 Elf 18th 21:00 Love Actually
2nd 21:00 Elf 11th 18:00 The Polar Express
19th 17:00 The Polar Express
3rd 18:00 Paddington 11th 21:00 Home Alone
19th 20:30 Arthur Christmas
3rd 21:00 Back to the Future 12th 18:00 Arthur Christmas
20th 17:00 Home Alone
4th 18:00 Jurassic Park 12th 21:00 Love Actually
20th 20:30 Elf
4th 21:00 A Star Is Born Located at the old Sainsbury’s site Nightflix movies provides fantastic covid-safe festive entertainment for all the family. Films scheduled for 2020 include: Elf, Paddington, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, A Star IS Born, The Greatest Showman, Rocketman, The Grinch, Bridget Jones’ Diary, The Muppets Christmas Carol, Home Alone, The Holiday, Nativity!, Die Hard, The NIghtmare Before Christmas, Arthur Christmas, Love Actually, It’s A Wonderful Life, The Polar Express and more!
5th 18:00 The Greatest Showman 5th 21:00 Rocketman 6th 18:00 The Grinch 6th 21:00 Bridget Jones’s Diary 7th 18:00 The Muppet Christmas Carol
13th 18:00 How the Grinch Stole Christmas
21st 17:00 Elf
13th 21:00 How the Grinch Stole Christmas
21st 20:30 How the Grinch Stole Christmas
14th 18:00 The Polar Express
22nd 17:00 The Muppet Christmas Carol
14th 21:00 Elf 22nd 20:30 It’s a Wonderful Life 15th 18:00 Elf 23rd 17:00 How the Grinch Stole Christmas
7th 21:00 Elf
15th 21:00 Elf
8th 18:00 Home Alone
16th 18:00 How the Grinch Stole Christmas
8th 21:00 The Holiday 9th 18:00 Nativity!
Visit the Nightflix website for full details and to book tickets.
9th 21:00 Die Hard
Tel: 0203 9833383
10th 18:00 Elf
23rd 20:30 Die Hard 24th 17:00 The Polar Express
16th 21:00 Arthur Christmas 24th 20:30 Elf 17th 18:00 The Polar Express 17th 21:00 Home Alone
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Quick Crossword Puzzle Council gets tough on littering
A new campaign is being launched by Colchester Borough Council calling on people to take responsibility for their own litter by taking it home or putting it in a bin rather than throwing it on the borough’s pavements, verges and open spaces.
ACROSS 1 Composer from Harlem originally (6) 4 The morning after, head of government is seen in German city (8) 9 One makes tolls double (6) 10 Secret surrounding the French bedspread (8) 11 27 Across could be empty (6) 12 Put order out for project (8) 13 Coal-carrier is somewhat methodical (3) 14 A female just for romantic intrigue (6) 17 Study excursion in outline (7) 21 Little fellow swallows drug to show complete DNA sequence (6) 25 Oddly, Gladys is happy (3) 26 Envoy says emir must reform (8) 27 Tom takes Eva back with a warning (6) 28 He is included in plan finally (2,3,3) 29 Spot the woman with an instrument (6) 30 Writer who looks after the trees? (8) 31 Slept soundly (6) DOWN 1 Five in Romania cavorting with a Czech (8) 2 Help copper with two fellows to prevent their escape? (8) 3 Currently operational? (8) 5 On ship in foreign parts moving down river (6) 6 Get hot wandering around ethnic area (6) 7 Material that can be made into louvres mostly (6) 8 More willingly desert hero when love’s lost (6) 12 Show parrot off at start of year (7) 15 Steal from some subordinates on return (3) 16 Computer problem is a virus perhaps (3) 18 Telling story for daughter maybe (8) 19 At the same time, what a male admirer wants? (8) 20 Signed guest out, looking embarrassed (8) 22 Outstanding artwork provides comfort (6) 23 This chap is the winner (6) 24 Property of Treasury chiefly guarded by fools (6) 25 Country house offers good variety (6)
In a bid to crackdown on increased levels of littering, the council has launched a new hard-hitting campaign asking residents a series of questions via posters and social media posts. These questions include: ‘Does litter make you feel rubbish?’; ‘What’s your dirty secret?’, and ‘Are you a (litter) tosser? The new campaign aims to encourage more people to do their bit to keep Colchester clean and make them think differently about simply throwing their rubbish on the ground. During the first national lockdown, the number of incidents of littering and fly-tipping increased across the borough. When the lockdown restrictions eased there was instances of furniture, household waste, asbestos and more being dumped. Now we are in a second national lockdown period, the council is urging residents and visitors in Colchester to play their part in keeping the borough clean and free from litter. Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment & Transportation, said: “Not only is littering and fly-tipping unsightly, harmful to the environment and potentially dangerous, it takes time and puts additional strain on our already stretched resources to clear up. It is unacceptable that people’s enjoyment of our town is spoilt by those who see fit to clutter the pavements with their litter and discarded food. We are not going to let up putting pressure on those who blight our Town through littering.
“One of our key priorities is to keep our borough clean and an attractive place to live and visit. The vast majority of people work with us and dispose of their litter responsibly. However, if people insist on throwing their litter in the streets or from vehicles, then we will act. So please, under any circumstances, do not just leave your rubbish laying around – take it home or put it in the bin. It really isn’t worth the risk of being fined for throwing it in the street.â€? Leaving rubbish next to a bin is classed as fly-tipping and where there is enough evidence, anyone caught littering or fly-tipping faces a Fixed Penalty Notice and fine of ÂŁ100 and could end up with a criminal conviction. Several Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued recently due to fly-tipping, with perpetrators identified through items left in the rubbish. The campaign mirrors the steps being taken nationally. The District Councils’ Network, which represents 187 district councils in England, has also been calling on the public to act responsibly, disposing of litter correctly such as by taking it home if bins are full. It is also asking dog walkers to make sure they clean up after their pets. Last month the council supported the Keep Britain Tidy Great British September Clean 2020. This saw 174 bags of general waste and a further 28 bags of recyclable material being collected at 23 special litter picking events. Anyone seeing any acts of littering or fly tipping can report it to the council via their website.
SOLUTIONS ACROSS:71 Mahler. 4 hangover. 9 ringer. 10 coverlet. 11 vacate. 12 protrude. 13 hod. 14 affair. 17 contour. 21 genome. 25 gay. 26 emissary. 27 caveat. 28 in the end. 29 zither. 30 forester. 31 snored. DOWN:1 Moravian. 2 handcuff. 3 electric. 5 aboard. 6 ghetto. 7 velour. 8 rather. 12 portray. 15 rob. 16 bug. 18 relation. 19 together. 20 gestured. 22 relief. 23 victor. 24 assets. 25 grange.
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01206 564179 01473 780477 12
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Practice Newsletter Website: www.colnemedicalcentre.nhs.uk Facebook:@Colnemedical
Christmas opening times Brightlingsea Christmas Eve
Christmas Day Boxing Day 28th December 29th – 30th December New Year’s Eve
8.30am-6.00pm Please note the doors will be locked between 12.30-2.00pm Closed Closed Closed 8.30am- 6.00pm 8.30am- 6.00pm
Alresford 8.30am10.30am Closed Closed Closed 8.30am – 10.30am 8.30am – 10.30am Closed
New Year’s Day Closed Normal opening hours will resume on 2nd January. Please note that Alresford surgery is only open for collection of prescriptions at present. Should you need to see a GP while the practice is closed please call 01206 302522 where you will be directed to the out of hours service.
Extended Access Service Christmas Day 10.00 – 11.30am Telephone Consultations Boxing Day 10.00 – 11.30am Telephone Consultations Monday 28th December 6.30 – 8.00pm Rowhedge Surgery New Year’s Day – 6.30 – 8.00pm Rowhedge Surgery
On behalf of everyone at the practice may I wish you a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year. Thank you for reading Katie Pirie Practice Manager
Please remember that you can access a wealth of information on minor illness and injuries, self referrals, local services and much more via the practice website
www.colnemedicalcentre.nhs.uk
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