Issue 37
Cover photo by Jon Sturdy Photography
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Bricklesea Bygones By Roy Birnie
Bygone Warming At the fine old, sorry, young age of 70 with my memory more sound on my first 65 years than the recent 5 and my keen interest on the daily coverage by the media on the plastic pollution of the oceans killing the oceanic wildlife and the Planet warming and rising sea levels all worry me. The plastic problem I have seen at first hand over many years a mentioned in last month’s Bygones, in my 20 years of trawling and rod fishing off the Essex Coast and in the Colne we hauled masses of discarded fishing nets even before the plastic bottlecup-straw-wraps-carrier and bin bag revolution came into being and turned the sea into an everlasting soup of plastic which can only get worse if we humans do not try to control it, and I believe at last we or some countries are. On the other hand, the climate and the sea levels looking back on my earlier years seem to my make me wonder is what we are told really strikes true on what our history tells us. Some of the following I have penned before in my two books, this magazine and other publications but to me is there seems to be a contradiction on facts. In the 1950’s in our little town 99% of all family dwellings were heated by coal, coke, logs or gas and Paraffin lamps and heaters, also many used fossil fuels as the source of cooking and light. In the
very cold winters, which were quite grim in the 40’s 50’s and 60’s a vast majorities of homes had more than the main living room heated, some had fireplaces in several rooms and paraffin stoves were widely used, some dwellings having two or three and also the one bar electric fires were common in most homes as a standby. Without a doubt winters at home were warmed and meals cooked by Fossil Fuels, even the electric was produced by coal as nuclear power stations were in their infancy. Coal Gas was produced in the Gas Works in Sydney Street by heating Gas Coal in an oven and extracting the gas into the giant Gasometer nearby, imagine the stench it was awful. Many years after the strong coal gas could be smelt in the brick walls of the cottages nearby , and how did the Gas Coal get here? By Coal fired Steam Trains hauling trucks from St Botolph’s goods yard at Colchester Point of interest, Bradwell Nuclear Power Station, now shut down, was supplied with Sand for Concrete by the “Ham River” Quarry off of Robinson Road, carted by Barge some crewed by several Brightlingsea Mariners. In a nutshell most of the businesses and our schools in our little Town survived by power, heat and refrigeration sourced by Fossil Fuels. Residents will remember the vendors of local Paraffin, Coal,
Log’s’ Gas and Electric, > Dove’s, Tom Marsh and Sons, Orton and Wenlock, Lords Garage, Osborn’s Garage, Keeble’s, Eastern Gas, Eastern Electricity.< And of course, the end of line fossil fuel industry was the clean-up teams of Dustmen and Chimney Sweeps of which there were several, one being me, part time 79 to 84 now there lies another story, Perhaps? Just imagine all those hundreds of chimney pots belching out pollution for many months every year, and in the early 50’s we still had some gas house and street lights, and fossil fuel was being burnt all over the UK and Europe, that was pollution big time. As mentioned earlier the experts tell us of the rising sea levels in the world, yes we are told there are rises in some tidal regions of the world but as a keen watcher of levels in this region and until recent years I was forever afloat, as a child I saw the 53 flood at first hand and ice in the creek, I stood by Hard Shelter bombarded by a thick green slime, a mix of mud, seaweed pine needles and rubbish at 5-15 AM on the morning of the 1987 Hurricane after seeing the trees crashing to the ground at All Saints on my effort to get to work as no one knew the Tempest was coming, not even BBC’s Weather Man Michael Fish. We never had a flood that day just masses of structural damage and a smothering of mud and debris all over the town.
Most folk know all the highs and lows of the tides and the wind conditions are controlled by the Moon and atmospheric pressures, and to me and many others our tide marks are still much the same as they have been all my life. The Gales and Tides alter the contours of the shore lines of the Creek and the Colne and perhaps the most noticeable which seems to change most is from the Salting’s opposite the hard on Point Clear along to the sand bar at the mouth of the Creek. The recent work on 1st and 2nd Cindery by the Harbour Board will hopefully slow the erosion but the Great Divide between the two and the remains of Pin Cushion island at the mouth of Toosey Creek are just memories. Yes there is great concern World Wide on some rising tides, erosion, and pollution but our little town along with most of the UK seem to be “Doing Their Bit”. Every day we all pollute by being alive but our little Town seems to be headed in the right direction. As for the aim to have all electric cars it seems a huge task, especially on narrow streets in our town. for charging them, we shall see! The evolution of World life carries on, what will be will be with a little help from us all. ROY BIRNIE
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Town Council Update At the time of writing, it has been 70 days since the local elections and various projects existing and new have been progressing, the Lido goes from strength to Cllr David King strength, grants were applied for and received to the tune of £62000 allowing the pump room to be redesigned and the café enlarged to allow for more seating, the kitchen facilities have also been upgraded. The refurbishment of the swimming and changing areas was underpinned by the Town Council, all in all it equates to an investment of over £160000 in the past 18 to 24 months. On top of which there is the time and effort given by the fantastic band of volunteers, a real community effort! Another community scheme has just been announced, the formation of Brightlingsea Nature Network, local resident Susie Jenkins is leading on this, and her initial statement is as follows, Do you remember Housemartin nests under the eaves right along New Street? Or hundreds of Moths in your car headlights at night? Or hedgehogs snuffling about in your garden? Then you probably won’t be surprised about the media reports of a sixty percent decline in our native wildlife. Brightlingsea Nature Network is being set up to try to slow down the losses. By linking up our wild places with the help of volunteers, local experts, organisations, landowners and businesses we hope to champion a nature rich Brightlingsea. Brightlingsea Town Council is supporting us, as part of their Green Lung initiative, to plant a native wildflower meadow stretching from Lower Park road down to the sea wall behind the leisure village. We hope this will create a wildlife corridor which will connect the lane with The Lozenge nature area. Supported by Margaret Stone we will be collecting your nature memories and artefacts for a wild Brightlingsea exhibition at the new museum later next year. A big event in 1963, which my Dad remembers, was the 40 foot whale being washed up on the salt marshes. Quite exciting until it started to smell and had to be buried under what I call the whale fields off Mill Road. You can see the lady in the photo is covering her nose.
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Angie Davey remembers walking down her garden one year to see a grass snake had half swallowed a frog, it saw someone was coming and spat the frog out which hopped back into the pond. “That’s nature for you” says Angie. Brightlingsea Nature Network will also be supporting residents to have a go at making a wildlife friendly area in their own gardens. Our newsletter and face book page will be looking at micro ponds, log-piles, plants and flowers loved by the bees and butterflies. It’s always a good idea to remember with a wildlife garden that it’s not just about the pretty things - often nature just needs to be left undisturbed to do it’s own thing which can be as simple as letting a pile of leaves gather in a corner, so that insects and worms will move in. These tiny and less popular creatures need to be encouraged because they are the real foundation of the food chain. If you want to hear Robins or Blackbirds singing from your fence or see Hedgehogs, Frogs and Toads even Badgers - don’t be too tidy! They all need insects and worms to eat. See what happens in your garden when you leave a little pile of leaves, some logs, soil and stones undisturbed in the corner. You might be surprised! This brings me around to our second project, Hedgehog Highways, which was suggested to me by one of the All Saints Church wild cemetery volunteers. According to hedgehogstreet.org “Hedgehogs travel around one mile every night through our parks and gardens in their quest to find enough food and a mate. We now know that one of the main reasons why hedgehogs are declining in Britain is because our fences and walls are becoming more and more secure, reducing the amount of land available to them.” To start the ball rolling with the Brightlingsea Nature Network we are encouraging residents to make a 13cm by 13cm hole in their fence or a tunnel underneath. This will allow any hedgehog to pass through more gardens and find more food in the town. In return we will be giving away hand-made terracotta ‘Brightlingsea hedgehog highways’ plaque to nail up next to the first 50 holes you make. To volunteer with Brightlingsea Nature Network, tell us a wildlife related local story or register your hedgehog highway holes you can contact us though The Parish Hall in Victoria Place, via our face book page or at suzepostbox@hotmail.co.uk As can be seen by Susie’s statement Brightlingsea Town Council is
continually looking at ways to improve the quality of our open spaces and council owned grounds. Following representations from residents a number of proposals and initiatives have been formulated which will create a cleaner town environment. There will be a ban on dogs on the ornamental gardens in Victoria Place. The grass area around the fountain will become a dog free zone under the section 55 and 56 of the clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. The area has been subject to persistent dog fouling and in order to protect its use by children and families the council feel the only solution is to put a total ban on dogs in this area. All Grounds Staff, Office Staff and Councillors will be trained and authorised to give on the spot fines for breaches of this ban. The public can also advise council staff and provide information which may result in a penalty or warning. The council have installed a new fountain and have plans to upgrade the whole area. The ban on dogs from the grassed areas will contribute to this overall improvement. As announced at the last full council meeting a plan to tidy up our
streets and alleyways. Following representations by District Councillors paths and verges have been sprayed by TDC to kill weeds and overgrowth but there is a need to follow this up by further clearance. We are asking all residents and shop keepers if they could help by removing the dead weeds from outside their homes or shops. With the reduction in their budgets by Essex County Council and Tendring District Council we will only get the streets sprayed once a year with little or no follow up. A relatively small effort by many residents would support the magnificent efforts of our town ‘bloomers’ and litter pickers in improving the Brightlingsea environment. Following on from the successful “Feet on the Street” scheme or “Operation Quasar” the Town Council will again be funding extra police Officers during the summer. People liked to see the Police walking around during the day and their presence in the evening. The above shows that the current town council are committed to improving services and facilities for local residents to this end more initiatives will be announced as they evolve.
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Join Colchester Zoo for an action packed summer! family day out! Check out their play areas including the indoor soft play area Jungle Tumble so the kids can release their wild side! Learn more about the animals and see them up close by watching an array of displays with the chance to quiz keepers about your favourite animals!
Throughout the summer holidays you can join Colchester Zoo for a fantastic
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You can also feed some of their gentle giants at FREE public feeding sessions with the elephants and giraffe! PLUS the Colchester Zoo Crew will also be making appearances at various locations throughout the day!
And don’t forget to pop into the ‘Sensation Station’ and have a go at handling some furry friends and scaly species before visiting the Discovery Centre! Our Lost Madagascar Road Train will also be in action so you can take a ride to Lost Madagascar walkthrough area and see the lemurs!
Dates for your diaries Wake Up with Colchester Zoo 6th July
Starlight Safari Nights 14th & 28th September
If you are a Colchester Zoo passholder then why not join them for this exclusive early morning passholder event for the chance to see the zoo in a whole new light!
Enjoy a summer evening at Colchester Zoo with a whole host of extra encounters as the zoo stays open into the evening!
£30,000 to tackle rural crime Quick Crossword Puzzle
The funding application process will be launched in September 2019 when the council, supported by the Safer Colchester Partnership, launches its new Rural Crime Toolkit. The Toolkit, which has been developed to work alongside the Essex Police Rural Crime Strategy, provides advice and guidance to rural communities to help identify what the problems are, practical solutions about how they can go about addressing them, preventative measures and a guide on how to apply for funding. Cllr Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for
Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “We all have a part to play in making our communities safer, friendlier and more liveable. We’re building on the council’s investment in Police numbers, by developing this toolkit and committing to £30,000 funding to support the implementation of schemes to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in rural areas. “This toolkit and funding support the delivery of our promise to make safer streets and communities for the whole borough, helping to create a better Colchester.” Information about the Toolkit and associated funding application process will be published on the council’s website in September 2019.
ACROSS 1 3 9 10 12 13 14 18 20 22 24 25 26 27
One with limited freedom to ride the waves, say(4) Ideas came unstuck in these places of learning (9) Avoid Donald perhaps (4) Sign one’s not healthy and fit? (10) One paddles in ocean, swimming first (8) Young Tom needs gear, camping equipment mostly (6) After awful experience Dad takes on new role extremely quickly (4,3,7) Desires land law reforms in part of the Pacific (7,7) Pondering evil, sucker goes outside (6) Aunt Dot’s resolved to be conspicuous (5,3) So slur I spread about scoundrel is libellous? (10) Short memorial column (4) Snakes shed tears when exposed to the elements (9) A little memory to get yout teeth into, say (4)
DOWN 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 11 15 16 17 19 21 23
01206 564179 01473 780477
Right away secured criminal to corrupt (6) Never once arranged to meet again (9) This is one angry expression! (9) Engaged finally, I have to take the plunge! (4) Breaking law, guilty man in the soup (12) Former partner is given short time to live (5) Anne’s upset about trap (7) Thoroughly stilted but polite (4-8) Final high-ranking card – it’s played on Judgement Day (4,5) Hand buoys around in Canadian water (6,3) To some extent problem is horrendous for Mark (7) Sculpture from university in Iowa? (6) Arab’s second car (5) Good student starts to overcome weariness and shine (4)
SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 serf. 3 academies. 9 duck. 10 convulsion. 12 canoeist. 13 kitten. 14 hell-for-leather. 18 Leeward Islands. 20 musing. 22 stand out. 24 scurrilous. 25 obit. 26 windswept. 27 byte. DOWN: 1 seduce. 2 reconvene. 4 crossword. 5 dive. 6 mulligatawny. 7 exist. 8 ensnare. 11 well-mannered. 15 last trump. 16 Hudson Bay. 17 blemish. 19 statue. 21 Saudi. 23 glow.
Colchester Borough Council has committed £30,000 to help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in rural areas.
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Garden Community plans could support more than 21,000 jobs by 2050 More than 21,000 jobs could be created over the next 30 years across North Essex as a result of proposed Garden Communities, leading economic consultants have said. Assessing the economic impact as part of new Local Plan evidence set to go before the Planning Inspector later this year, the Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR) has set out how, with the right investment, the Garden Communities can play a major role in boosting the North Essex economy through the provision of high-quality business space and the right sorts of homes to support employees. While discounting construction jobs, its findings show the Garden Communities would help support 6,500 new jobs by 2033, 21,500 by 2050 and 45,000 once the new settlements are completed, either in the proposed communities or the surrounding area. Braintree, Colchester and Tendring councils have published the further information on their joint plans for the purpose-built Garden Communities in response to questions raised by the Planning Inspector last year.
The Garden Communities, which would be built over 40-50 years, are a long-term strategy of the three North Essex councils, in partnership with Essex County Council, to help meet future growth of the area in a more strategic way. A different model to traditional building, Garden Communities are ‘holistically planned’ developments which have an emphasis on how design and layout are used in a way that creates healthy, green, vibrant new communities, delivering a range of homes alongside jobs, accessible open spaces, health, education and community assets – places people can live, work and play. The new evidence shows the council’s infrastructure-led approach is viable, meaning the schools, health, and leisure facilities needed to support the stand-alone settlements would be developed at the same time as the homes – not afterwards as is the usual practice. The plans also set out that substantial commercial space will be provided within each of the new communities, supporting new, existing and growing businesses, to help meet the councils’ commitment of ensuring at
least one job is created for each home built. Cllr Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: “We have too often been let down by development which is little more than housing estates without the infrastructure we desperately need. “Homes, jobs, infrastructure: they are all interlinked and should not be treated as independent to one another. They are also the things that matter to local people and local businesses and it is vital we get them right.” Cllr Graham Butland, Leader of Braintree District Council, added: “The Garden Communities, like our Horizon 120 business park, offer the opportunity for us to continue creating high quality employment space for new and existing businesses to enable them to thrive and grow,
close to a range of high-quality homes and supported by the infrastructure needed for families to live, work and play.” Cllr Neil Stock, Leader of Tendring District Council, said: “The work done by CEBR shows that with the right focus in the right areas, particularly in terms of embedding the latest technologies, the creation of good quality employment space and provision of digital infrastructure means the Garden Communities offer a real opportunity to help drive forward the North Essex economy.” The findings of the revised and new Local Plan evidence will be considered by Local Plan Committees across the three authorities through July and then by full council meetings in Braintree and Tendring ahead of a period of consultation. It is expected that the Local Plan examination will re-open this winter.
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Popular Comedy Store show
Quick Crossword Puzzle
returns to Charter Hall this July shows as Have I Got News For You, The Clive James Show, The Brian Conley Show, The Des O’Connor Show, The Stand Up Show, Edinburgh Nights, Best of Edinburgh, The Royal Variety Show, and Never Mind the Buzzcocks.
Taking place on 26 July, the show will present a star-studded line up of special guest comedians in a night guaranteed to keep audiences rolling in the aisles. MC Alistair Barrie is amongst the most sought-after comedians on the international comedy circuit. Alistair has performed all over the UK, and across Europe, as well as further afield as Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Macau, Malta, Singapore, Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur, Afghanistan, and at the world’s highest gig on top of a mountain in France. Barrie is also a key member of The Cutting Edge team at London’s Comedy Store. He has also made numerous TV appearances around the world. Dominic Holland has been doing stand-up comedy since 1991 and has become one of the most regarded comedians of his generation, playing regularly at The Comedy Store and performing full length at theatres all over the country. In addition, Dominic has made numerous guest appearances on such television
Dane Baptiste – After the incredible success of his debut show Citizen Dane (which saw him nominated for Best Newcomer at both the Foster’s Comedy Awards at 2014’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival and again in 2015’s Chortle Awards), Dane has completed two sold-out runs at The Soho Theatre (with additional dates added due to phenomenal demand), written and starred in his own sitcom for the BBC and performed at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Cllr Theresa Higgins, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, said: “The Comedy Store is a great addition to this year’s excellent line-up of shows at Charter Hall and is certain to draw a great crowd as usual.” The Comedy Store takes place at Charter Hall, Colchester, on the 20 October 2017. Doors open at 7pm. The event is 18+ and I.D. may be required. Tickets: £17 plus £2.50 booking fee. A fully stocked bar will be available on the night serving a selection of drinks and snacks. To find out more and to book tickets visit: https://www.colchester-events. co.uk/event/the-comedy-store-2/
For any information or to submit an article or advert contact David Cook:
Call: Out Of Office: Email: Head Office:
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Issue 56: 21/07/19 Issue 57: 21/08/19
ACROSS 1 Be dismissed from septet Hugh formed (3,3,4) 9 Cut in magnitude, say (6) 10 Villa under renovation is without equal (10) 11 Sounds like a lot to celebrate (4) 12 Score goal in game (7) 15 After nonsense was convulsed with laughter (7) 16 Symphony’s finale stays with listeners a long time (5) 17 Organ’s beginning to worry old doctor (4) 18 Go crazy when rejected (4) 19 Sophisticated unionist enters bar (5) 21 One real mad woman! (7) 22 Glut bridge opponents with Cheddar perhaps (7) 24 Principal player of heavy metal (4) 27 Introduce popular soothsayer at start of Easter (10) 28 Colin upset oriental girl (6) 29 I screened new second homes (10) DOWN 2 Woman from French city supporting European Union (6) 3 Slight contribution to healthiness (4) 4 Demand 50 yen precisely (7) 5 Fruit said to be repulsive (4) 6 5 Down drunk housed outside island’s capital (7) 7 Graves may be recommended by him (4,6) 8 Right weird believers can be overruled (10) 12 Country’s fresh enthusiasm excited Dan (3,7) 13 Abstinence meant creep reformed (10) 14 Creature that climbs the wall in Paris? (5) 15 Girl started to wander in wood (5) 19 One comes in to join serviceman (7) 20 Busy when given a ring (7) 23 Try article about east German writer (6) 25 Quiet fool gets to achieve the required standard (4) 26 Smooth metallic element (4) SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 get the push. 9 incise. 10 unrivalled. 11 fête. 12 netball. 15 guffaws. 16 years. 17 womb. 18 stab. 19 suave. 21 Eleanor. 22 engorge. 24 lead. 27 inaugurate. 28 Nicole. 29 residences. DOWN: 2 Eunice. 3 thin. 4 exactly. 5 ugly. 6 hideous. 7 wine waiter. 8 reversible. 12 New Zealand. 13 temperance. 14 lemur. 15 grove. 19 soldier. 20 engaged. 23 Goethe. 25 pass. 26 iron.
Comedy connoisseurs rejoice! Once again, Colchester Events Company is teaming up with London’s infamous Comedy Store to bring some of the hottest comedic talents in the UK to Charter Hall.
Bethany Black is a stand-up comedian from Chorley in Lancashire. Described as “Britain’s only Goth, lesbian, transsexual comedian”, she is known for performing black comedy and dealing with controversial subjects!
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Alumno pre-lease information released Colchester Borough Council has today released information about its pre-lease agreement with developers Alumno to help ensure transparency ahead of a planning inquiry in October. The council’s planning committee in February unanimously rejected plans by Alumno for 336-student rooms, an 87-bed Travelodge hotel, retail units and public open space to be created off Queen Street. The developers have now submitted an appeal against this decision which is scheduled to start on 16 October. While the council will fully support the committee’s decision, it has released information on the pre-lease agreement with Alumno to ensure it is as open as possible ahead of the inquiry. Under this agreement, which is dependent on the planning appeals process: • there are two leases between the council and Alumno - one for the student site and one for the hotel site. The lease period is 250 years. • a price of £980,881 has been agreed for the leases which would be used to invest in services and initiatives benefiting the whole borough.
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• the £40m investment by Alumno could also have supported the local economy through creating new jobs and encouraging more people to visit the centre of Colchester. • the contract is not invalidated by the refusal at planning committee but would be if appeals were refused at every stage of the planning process. • the only way the council could withdraw or terminate the lease with Alumno without any consequences would be if the developer were in material breach of the contract or became insolvent.
but we respect the different views on the merits of this scheme. We will provide transparency, to be as open as possible about the agreement with Alumno so everyone has the facts before we go into the planning inquiry. “Due to commercial sensitivities, we can’t publish the whole agreement, but we want to answer the key questions people have raised. The agreement will of course be held pending the appeal and throughout
the inquiry the council will, as is again our duty, vigorously and fully supporting the decision of our planning committee.” At the inquiry, which will be heard by planning inspector Melvyn Middleton, the main parties’ legal representatives will be able to present their cases and cross examine any other witnesses. Based on the evidence provided during the inquiry the inspector will provide a written decision several weeks after the end of the hearing.
The council’s planning committee refused planning permission for the scheme due to concerns about its design, overdevelopment, disabled access and lack of public consultation. Councillor David King, Portfolio Holder for Resources, said: “We have an important balance to strike and must do so without prejudice to the appeals process. “We will honour our agreement with Alumno, if they are successful, mindful of the benefits and income that brings. “We have already invested millions of pounds in St Botolph’s Quarter,
For any information or to submit an article or advert contact David Cook:
Call: Out Of Office: Email: Head Office:
01206 233717 07734 171985 SimplyColchester@gmail.com Simply Magazine, 1 George Williams Way, Colchester, Essex CO1 2JS
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Issue 56: 21/07/19 Issue 57: 21/08/19
Quick Crossword Puzzle
Mysterious ancient Roman ‘crown’ to go on display at Colchester Castle Museum A mysterious Roman priest’s headdress goes on display at Colchester Castle from Saturday 27 July, as part of its new exhibition Adorn: Jewellery, the Human Story. Adorn is the first exhibition to be held at Colchester Castle since it reopened in 2014 following a major refurbishment and has been two and a half years in the planning. The crown is one of two found at Cavenham, Suffolk, in 1925, and is believed to have been ritually buried. It is exceptionally rare and of unusual design making its use and what it represented hard to interpret. This fascinating ancient object is being reexplored in ‘Adorn’ and will, for the first time, be displayed alongside a replica of what it may have looked like when it was worn by a Roman priest more than 1600 years ago.
ACROSS 1 Mother takes girl back to a Spanish resort (6) 5 Goer is excited by wild parties (6) 9 Board needs agreement from two countries (5) 10 Give me erotic dancing fast! (8) 12 Waste food (7) 13 Go with lad on special boat (7) 14 Joint provides soothing effect to some extent (5) 16 Easy election victory but everything going downhill? (9) 18 Tart’s mega upset by plan (9) 21 Permit everyone to be in debt endlessly (5) 22 Footwear for lazy people (7) 24 Italian scorer in libel wrangle (7) 26 One who’s twice hitched illegally (8) 27 Student covered in a great deal of stuff used by gardeners (5) 28 Take ages to be a member (6) 29 Give another title to nobleman erroneously, some reflected (6)
These headdresses are poorly understood and probably represent a fusion of Roman and Celtic religious practices. A far older crown in a burial in Deal, Kent even implies a possible link with the enigmatic druids who
were supposedly wiped out by the Roman invaders. Is the Cavenham crown a lost link with this ancient religion? The mystery doesn’t end there. Colchester Museums’ curators now believe that the crown may date to the 4th century AD adding to growing evidence of a pagan revival at a time when Christianity was dominant in Britain. The crown would have originally dazzled: appearing golden and was probably adorned with metal feathers and glass or gems. Its front would have been decorated with Roman or ancient British gods, pictured in their temples. Glynn Davis, Senior Curator for Colchester + Ipswich Museums Service said: “This is an extraordinary object. It may not be as obviously beautiful as the other jewellery in the exhibition but the mystery behind its wearer and what it would have represented make it intriguing. “Was it indeed worn by a Roman priest? And if so, what power would this individual have held in ancient Roman society?”
DOWN 2 Bail out with independent proof of innocence (5) 3 Annoyed at parent taking 1000 for flat (9) 4 Most respect a trainee officer (7) 5 Rocky too can keep in grand shape (7) 6 Adult’s heard making painful sound (5) 7 Real idiot somehow becomes leader (9) 8 Annoyed with fellow’s coarse behaviour towards woman (4-7) 11 It stops leaves flying about (11) 15 Story of river rat with green clothing (9) 17 One working with horses for firm on island (9) 19 Perhaps oxygen fix good when breathing with difficulty (7) 20 Gangster is more active around summer time (7) 23 Time in history to muse (5) 25 I severely criticise religion (5)
SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 Malaga. 5 orgies. 9 ouija. 10 meteoric. 12 fritter. 13 gondola. 14 hinge. 16 landslide. 18 stratagem. 21 allow. 22 loafers. 24 Bellini. 26 bigamist. 27 mulch. 28 belong. 29 rename. DOWN: 2 alibi. 3 apartment. 4 admiral. 5 octagon. 6 groan. 7 editorial. 8 wolf-whistle. 11 paper-weight. 15 narrative. 17 stable-man. 19 gasping. 20 mobster. 23 Erato. 25 Islam.
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Colchester awarded multiple Green Flags To be able to fly the prestigious Green Flag, these parks and open spaces are checked regularly throughout the year to ensure they’re clean and well maintained, offer a welcoming place to visit, and encourage community involvement.
The Green Flag Awards, which shine a light on the UK’s very best parks and green spaces, have been announced this week with Colchester Borough Council once again scooping the national award for Castle Park, High Woods Country Park and Colchester Cemetery and Crematorium. The three sites are among a recordbreaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces and 131 in thirteen other countries around the world, that have received a prestigious Green Flag Award from Keep Britain Tidy – the mark of a quality park or green space. This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
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Castle Park, which has a vision to be the jewel in the crown of Colchester ‘s Parks and Open Spaces, has also received the much-coveted additional Green Heritage Site Accreditation for the management of the historic features. Councillor Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “I’m delighted that all three sites have once again received Green Flag Awards. These prestigious awards recognise the continuous hard work and dedication that our staff and volunteers put in to maintaining these areas and their facilities to such a high standard all year-round.” Councillor Gerard Oxford, Portfolio Holder for Customers, said: “These awards celebrate the dedication that goes into maintaining our parks and open spaces to such a high standard, and I’m delighted we have retained the Green Flag status. The cemetery
and crematorium site is a community resource, providing a green space for people to take a quiet walk or a moment to think. “As a working cemetery there are accessible pathways connecting areas which are kept clean and tidy. At the same time, the overwhelming sense is one of a home for wildlife and nature.” International Green Flag Award Scheme Manager Paul Todd said: “It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners. “Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”
Further information about Colchester Borough Council’s park and countryside spaces and Colchester Cemetery and Crematorium is available at www.colchester.gov.uk
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Colne Medical Centre Where’s the cake? Dehydration With warmer weather on the way it is important to stay hydrated as well as protecting your skin from the sun. Dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in. If it isn’t treated it can get worse and become a serious problem. Babies, children and the elderly are more at risk of dehydration. Check if you’re dehydrated. Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include: • feeling thirsty • dark yellow and strong smelling pee • feeling dizzy or lightheaded • feeling tired • dry mouth, lips and eyes • peeing little, and fewer than 4 times a day Dehydration can happen more easily if you have: • diabetes • vomiting or diarrhoea • been in the sun too long (heatstroke) • drunk too much alcohol • sweated too much after exercising • a high temperature of 38C or more • been taking medicines that make you pee more (diuretics) How you can reduce the risk of dehydration • Drink fluids when you feel any dehydration symptoms. Keep taking small sips and gradually drink more if you can. • You can use a spoon to make it easier for your child to swallow the fluids. • You should drink enough during the day so that your pee is a pale clear colour. • Drink when there is a higher risk of dehydrating. For example, if you’re vomiting, sweating or you have diarrhoea. Carers: making sure someone drinks enough. Sometimes people you care for don’t have a sense of how much they’re drinking. To help them:
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We’ve got the tea, but where’s the cake? Can you help? • make sure they drink during mealtimes • make drinking a social thing, like “having a cup of tea” • offer them food with a high water content – for example, soups, ice cream or jellies, or fruits like melon A pharmacist can help with dehydration If you’re being sick or have diarrhoea and are losing too much fluid, you need to put back the sugar, salts and minerals that your body has lost. Your pharmacist can recommend oral rehydration sachets. These are powders that you mix with water and then drink. Ask your pharmacist which ones are right for you or your child. Smoking cessation services The practice will not be offering smoking cessation appointments in house, if you would like help to stop smoking please contact the surgery who will refer you to Essex Lifestyle Services for treatment and support.
That’s the appeal from Brightlingsea Foodbank Volunteers who need heaps of home-made cakes for their fund-raising tea tent at Brightlingsea Free Music Festival. They are hosting the tent for the third time at the popular annual festival, running this year from 2nd to 4th August at Hurst Green, Brightlingsea. Win Pomroy, who coordinates Brightlingsea Foodbank Volunteers said: “We are very grateful to the Music Festival organisers for enabling us to have this tea tent again. In previous years it has raised a total of around £2,600 which has been shared equally between the Foodbank and the Music Festival itself. “This success is all thanks to the wonderful home-made cakes people have given to us, the volunteers who serve them and the customers who enjoy them.
“With the festival coming up soon, it is time to call on the generosity of keen baking fans to see if they can rustle up some tasty treats for us again. We welcome cakes of all kinds including vegetarian and vegan ones.” To offer a cake, or for any other enquiries about Brightlingsea Foodbank, please call Win on 07970 480968. Brightlingsea Foodbank opens every Wednesday between 10:30am and 12:30pm at the Parish Hall, Victoria Place, Brightlingsea, CO7 0BP.
Preferred method of contact As many of you are aware the practice offers a text messaging service. In addition to this we will soon be contacting patients via email if consent has been given and we have a valid email address. You may be asked at reception for your preferred method of communication. Handrails YOU SAID... WE DID! It has taken a while but we have finally had some new hand rails fitted at the front of the practice. This was a suggestion from the Patient Participation Group and we hope it will make access easier for many of our patients. Please be aware that the paintwork is still wet. If you have any suggestions for improvements at the practice please let us know or join the Patient Participation Group by completing an online form at http://www. colnemedicalcentre.nhs.uk/ppg.aspx or collecting a form from reception. Thank you for reading Caroline Bowden, Practice Manager
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OPENING HOURS Monday
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Friday
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Tuesday
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Saturday
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Wednesday
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Sunday
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Thursday
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Tel: 01206 302939 14 High Street, Brightlingsea, Essex CO7 0AE
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