Simply Brightlingsea Issue 88

Calling all Brightlingsea bakers!

Now’s the time to dust off your recipe books and whip up those favourite tasty treats again.

We would love to showcase your cakes, scones and savouries in Brightlingsea Foodbank’s legendary tea tent at Brightlingsea Free Music Festival on August 3rd and 4th.

Your signature sensations will be sold for festival visitors to enjoyand all the proceeds will be divided between Brightlingsea Foodbank and Brightlingsea Free Music Festival.

Win Pomroy who coordinates Brightlingsea Foodbank said: “Our tea tent has become a hugely popular fixture at the festival, thanks to the skill and generosity of Brightlingsea people. We are so very grateful for the mouthwatering array of food items people create for us.

“This is the moment for our major call out to invite contributions for the forthcoming 2024 festival.

“We would be delighted to receive donations of home-made cakes, tray bakes, scones, sausage rolls and any other savouries.

“Gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian and vegan options are also warmly welcomed so we have something to offer to everyone.

“Please bring your goodies to the tea tent itself at the festival on Hurst Green, Brightlingsea on Saturday 3rd or Sunday 4th August. Or you could deliver them to 42 Planton Way, Brightlingsea. Tel: 01206 303902.

“The money we raise will give vital support to the Foodbank, so we can keep helping Brightlingsea people in need – and it will also enable our fabulous free music festival to continue giving everyone a glorious weekend of open-air free live entertainment.”

“Meanwhile, don’t forget to label your cake tin/container so we know who to return it to!”

New Connections

A Guide for Men on Making Friends After 50

Making friends as an older man can be a daunting challenge. Our social networks often change or diminish as we age, through career changes, retirement, or relocation. However, the importance of maintaining social connections cannot be overstated, as they significantly contribute to our mental and emotional well-being.

There are reasons that us men find it harder to make friends later in life. For many of us, work is our primary venue for social interaction. Once retired, these daily connections can quickly fade. Quite often our social lives are tied to our partner’s and bereavement may mean that those bonds weaken. Additionally, we find it less culturally acceptable to express feelings of loneliness, compared to women. These factors can lead to social isolation unless proactive steps are taken.

Fortunately, there are ways that we can widen our social circle:

Volunteer – What skills such as gardening or DIY skills can we share? Contributing time to a cause can offer a sense of purpose as well as putting us in touch with others who care about similar issues.

Join a gym or a sport club – This can be a great way to stay active and socialize. We don’t have to be super fit; there are now walking football and basketball clubs, as well as calisthenics, which works on core strength, and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) where exercise is done in short intense bursts.

Join a book club – Most book clubs are dominated by women though they are usually open to anyone. There are some men only book clubs though. The local library is a good place to start, and if there isn’t one in our area, we could always start one up.

Join a choir – Choir directors up and down the country are crying out for men, who knew? There are also male choirs which usually have a great social life attached to them.

Join a Shed! - Men’s Sheds is a UK network for men who want to pursue practical interests, while making social connections through sharing skills and knowledge. Many Sheds get involved in community projects: restoring village features, helping maintain green spaces, and building things for schools, libraries and individuals in need. Check out menssheds.org.uk.

Adopt a dog – Not for everyone because a pet is a big responsibility, but dogs are great company and there are many more dog-friendly places these days. A dog is a reason to get up and get out of the house. It doesn’t have to have a puppy; there are many older dogs looking for a good home. Dog-training classes and dog agility classes are a great place to meet fellow animallovers.

While making friends later in life can be challenging if you are a bloke, it's far from impossible. By engaging in community activities, embracing shared interests, and being prepared to get out of the house, we can expand your social network and enrich our lives with new, meaningful friendships. Remember, the first step is often just reaching out.

By Tom Hancock

Brightlingsea Foodbank volunteers inspiring people to get baking!

There are many books about the Olympics but Goldblatt’s insightful and thoroughly researched narrative of the sporting event stands out for its depth and breadth. He is known for his detailed sociological insights and doesn’t disappoint here as he explores the development of the Olympics throughout its modern existence, beginning in 1896. He examines how the Olympics have been a stage for not only showcasing athletic prowess but also for playing out international conflicts and alliances. His analysis spans the ideological battles during

A Good Read

the Cold War, the controversies of boycotts, and the dynamics of gender and race that have evolved over the decades. He even digs into the commercialization and the corruption that have plagued the Games, providing a critical look at the bodies that organize and profit from them.

Goldblatt does not shy away from discussing how the Games have both challenged and reinforced social norms and inequalities, making it a reflective mirror for the host cities and nations. His discussions on the urban and economic impacts on host cities like Montreal, Beijing, and Rio are particularly enlightening, revealing the sometimes devastating aftermath of the Games.

Don’t be put off by the fact this is a weighty non-fiction. The prose is engaging and accessible, ensuring that The Games is not just for historians or sports enthusiasts but for anyone interested in the broader implications of this global event. The inclusion of personal stories and athlete perspectives adds a human element to the historical facts, making the narrative even more compelling.

This is a critical, comprehensive, and captivating read. Goldblatt’s prowess as a historian is well-established, but he’s also a terrific storyteller, and I think the book will enhance anyone’s enjoyment of The Paris Olympics this summer.

Ready Steady Mo! By Mo Farah and Kes Gray, illustrated by Marta Kissi

Ready Steady Mo! is a delightful children's book that encourages young readers to get moving, have fun, and embrace the joy of running. Co-authored by Olympic champion Mo Farah and seasoned children's author Kes Gray, this book is a playful, energetic read that will captivate kids with its rhyming text and vibrant spirit.

The narrative follows a simple rhythmic structure that mimics the pace of running, making it an excellent read-aloud choice. The text encourages children to run anywhere and everywhere – through parks, into jungles, and even up to the moon, suggesting a limitless world of possibilities.

Marta Kissi's illustrations add a dynamic and colourful layer to the

story. Her artwork is lively and full of motion, perfectly capturing the exuberance of the text. Kissi's use of bright, bold colours and expressive characters from a variety of backgrounds means that each page bursts with energy and promotes diversity and inclusivity.

Ready Steady Mo! is more than just a story; it's an invitation for kids to explore and enjoy the physicality of their world. The book is an excellent tool for parents and educators to inspire activity and imagination in children. Farah, Gray, and Kissi have collaborated to create a vibrant and motivational book that is sure to become a favourite among young readers.

By Tash Donovan

Not only will you be giving a brighter future to teenagers and young adults with cancer but also a future to bees, wildlife, and the environment.

The Games: A Global History of the Olympics by David Goldblatt

Olympic Oddities: The Games' Strangest Sports

The International Olympic Committee surprised everyone when it announced that breakdancing would debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, this is not the first instance of an unexpected sport appearing at the Olympic Games.

Tug-of-War was part of the Olympics from 1900 to 1920. Nations could enter multiple teams, allowing them to win more than one medal in the same event. The US and GB achieved this, securing gold, silver, and bronze in 1904 and 1908 respectively. Personally, I hope they reintroduce it soon.

Rope Climbing was featured in the 1896 Olympics as one of eight gymnastics events in the first modern international Olympic Games held in Athens. The sport demanded significant upper body strength, requiring competitors to ascend a 14-metre unknotted rope using only their hands. Only two of the five competitors reached the top. Rope climbing appeared in the Olympics four more times between 1904 and 1932, with rope lengths varying from 8 metres to 10 metres. If you're after something similarly impressive, try watching Olympic sport climbing.

Pistol Dueling was featured at the unofficial 1906 Intercalated Games in Athens as a male-only event where competitors shot at plaster dummies. It returned as a demonstration event at the 1908 London Olympics, where competitors fired at each other using wax bullets while wearing protective gear. No injuries occurred. I can see this working with modern paintballs. Who wouldn't love to watch that?

Obstacle Swimming was another unusual event in the 1900 Paris Olympics. Competitors navigated a 200-metre course in the Seine River, climbing over poles, scrambling over boats, and swimming under others. Australian swimmer Fred Lane won the event, narrowly beating the second-place finisher by two seconds. I'm putting in a bid for some sort of obstacle course event to feature in the next Olympics...something in the style of Total Wipeout would be a great spectator sport.

What sports would you like to see at the Olympics?

By Bev Stone

Sip Smart This Summer Why staying hydrated matters

Hydration is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being, yet a significant number of us (studies suggest 75% of us) are regularly dehydrated.

Even mild or moderate dehydration can have noticeable effects on the body. Mild dehydration, characterized by a loss of 1-2% of body water, can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dry skin, and decreased cognitive performance. As dehydration progresses to a moderate level (a loss of 2-5% of body water), more severe symptoms can arise, including dizziness, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, and impaired physical performance. Chronic dehydration can also contribute to long-term health issues, such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

To maintain proper hydration, it is generally recommended that women consume about 2.7 litres of fluids per day, and men consume about 3.7 litres! These recommendations include all fluids consumed though, not just water. It’s important to note that individual needs can vary based on factors such as age, weight, activity level, and climate.

puzzle solutions:

For those of us who find plain water unappealing, there are plenty of alternatives to ensure adequate hydration. Infusing water with fruits like lemon, lime, or berries can add a refreshing flavour. Herbal teas, which are naturally caffeine-free, are also a good option, hot or iced. Additionally, consuming waterrich foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges can contribute to your daily fluid intake. Even the milk you splash over your cornflakes counts!

Staying properly hydrated is crucial for maintaining energy levels, supporting bodily functions, and promoting overall health. By the time we register the feeling of thirst we are already suffering mild dehydration. Invest in a water bottle with volume measurements marked on the side and carry it about with you. Set alarms on your phone or smart watch to remind you to top up your fluid levels. Try it for a week or two and note how much better you feel. Your body will thank you.

By Louise Addison

Sun Smart Fashion

Choose clothing with built-In UV protection this summer.

As public awareness of the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation grows, clothing manufacturers have begun to create garments in fabrics designed to shield the skin from the sun's harmful rays, reducing the risk of sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer.

What Makes Fabrics UV Protecting?

UV-protective fabrics are engineered to block or absorb harmful UV radiation. The effectiveness of these fabrics depends on several factors:

Weave Density: Tightly woven fabrics provide better protection as they limit the amount of UV light that can penetrate through the material.

Material Type: Certain fibres, such as polyester and nylon, naturally offer higher UV protection compared to others like cotton. These synthetic fibres can be treated or blended with other materials to enhance their UVblocking capabilities.

Chemical Treatments: Some fabrics are treated with UVabsorbing chemicals or dyes that

enhance their ability to block UV radiation. These treatments can significantly increase the fabric’s UV protection factor.

Colour and Thickness: Darker and heavier fabrics generally offer more UV protection than lighter and thinner ones because they absorb more UV radiation.

When shopping for UV-protective clothing, it is important to look for specific labels that indicate the level of protection provided. The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating system is commonly used, similar to the SPF rating for sunscreens. A UPF rating of 30 to 49 indicates very good protection, while a UPF of 50+ offers excellent protection.

Additionally, look for label markings such as the British Standard BS EN 13758-1 certification, which ensures the fabric meets the required standards for UV protection. Garments with these labels provide assurance that they offer effective protection against harmful UV radiation, allowing you and your children to enjoy outdoor activities safely.

By Louise Addison

Preserved Tomatoes

The perfect way to use up a glut of seasonal tomatoes. They will lend a touch of the Mediterranean to pasta dishes or a summer sandwich.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 2-3 hours

Makes: 1 medium-sized jar

Ingredients

300g cherry or small tomatoes

Olive oil to brush and store.

Sterilized jar

Method

Preheat the oven to 120°C (fan) / gas mark 1. Cut the tomatoes in half and arrange them cut-side up on an oiled baking tray. Lightly brush the tomatoes with olive oil and season with salt. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until they are reduced in size and appear dark and wrinkled. For storage, transfer the tomatoes into a sterilized jar and fill with olive oil until the tomatoes are fully submerged. They can be kept refrigerated for up to two weeks.

For longer preservation, place the sealed jars in a large pot of water and heat until it simmers, then let them simmer gently for 45 minutes. Allow the jars to cool in the water. Stored this way, the tomatoes will keep for up to six months in a cool, dark place. After opening, consume the tomatoes within two weeks and store them in the refrigerator. You can have fun with flavourings, adding herbs like fresh rosemary or thyme, peeled garlic cloves or chilli flakes.

Garden View - This month - Fancy foliage

We all love flowers. They’re what gardening is all about and the fact that they’are relatively short-lived makes them extra-special.

But my garden can’t survive on flowers alone. It needs to look attractive all year round. This is where friendly foliage plants come in to their own.

Many non-evergreen plants have beautiful showy foliage between April and November, and we’d be mad not to take full advantage of it.

Rodgersia pinnata is an excellent example. It has huge, attractive bronze, leathery leaves which are almost sculptural in appearance. As a bonus it sends up feathery cream flowers in the summer.

It like soil which doesn’t dry out so a pebble mulch will work brilliantly, and it complements the plant.

Hostas have truly beautiful leaves, but I’ve tried and failed with them on many occasions because my garden is home to a race of hosta-chomping super slugs. I’ve had some success

with the variety “Frances Williams” which is less prone to attack though I still need to go on slug patrol every evening! Mostly though, I now plant them in pots armed with copper rings. Slugs hate copper and my hostas can grow (mostly) unmolested.

Hostas do like a moist soil so if yours is on the dry side work in plenty of compost or manure at planting time and mulch well...preferably with something sharp to act as a deterrent to the slimy brigade.

I have had much more success with ferns. They are the most useful plant for shade. My favourite is the ostrich-plume fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris. Plant them under trees and shrubs and watch the stunning lime-green foliage unfold each spring.

New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax has bold, dramatic fountains of spiky purple foliage is my absolute favourite foliage plant. It isn’t frosthardy, so during extended sub-zero temperatures it will need protecting. If you’re concerned, choose the much

hardier green variety…but honestly, the purple on is worth the risk.

Many people overlook grasses when they think about foliage but there are some seriously attractive varieties. Try Miscanthus sinensis “Zebrinus.” The leaves look like green ribbons, striped with yellow and reach chest height. Cut it down to ground level each February.

Finally, if you have the space, for a real ‘in-your-face’ fancy foliage try the

golden-leaved Catalpa bignonioides “Aurea.” Grow it as a large bush. Prune each stem back to a sprouting bud around knee-height each spring and mulch with manure at the same time. It will reward you with leaves as big as Frisbees! Now that’s really fancy foliage.

Happy gardening,

By Rachael Leverton

Crossword

Answers on page 14

ACROSS

1 Mostly training and skill show how easily

something can be done (14)

9 Admires new weapon (7)

10 Company chief ordered to get a small house (7)

11 A fool rejected Turner perhaps (4)

12 Transaction includes black fur (5)

13 Endlessly show respect by going down on one?(4)

16 Cut head off...cut head off exotic flower first (7)

17 Get together for prayer (7)

DOWN

11 Launch sailing vessel and celebrate lavishly (4,3,4,3)

2 Composition by an Italian poet (7)

3 Melt some of the path away (4)

4 Announcer on the radio for match (7)

5 Rustic leaders of British union get tummy ache (7)

6 Permit takes time for Latvian (4)

7 Apprentice from Aintree messed up (7)

8 Again advanced smaller sum to head, showing persistence (14)

18 A very short dance? (3-4)

21 The weather worried Tim and Alec (7)

23 Transport for vagrant mostly (4)

24 Embargo on nobleman (5)

25 God whose reflection is seen in canal (4)

28 Spoke but spoke indistinctly first off (7)

29 He worked with vicar to keep records (7)

30 Deborah started changing act (5,3,6)

14 Damp has to destroy finally (5)

15 The King lives – that’s crazy! (5)

19 One demands former thespian (7)

20 I put lad off with praise (7)

21 Piece of music for choir at end of perfomance (7)

22 Studio is refurbished late – that’s right (7)

26 River associated with a waste product (4)

27 Copy Spain and Switzerland, love (4)

A Taste of Tradition- The Joy of Dim Sum Dining

Dim sum is culinary tradition originating from Cantonese cuisine. It refers to a delightful array of bite-sized dishes typically served with tea.

Dim sum, translates to "touch the heart." The small portions were designed merely to touch the heart not sate the appetite, and were originally enjoyed as a light snack to complement tea drinking. It has since evolved into a full dining experience featuring a variety of savoury and sweet dishes, traditionally served in small bamboo baskets or on small plates, making it easy to share among diners.

The preparation of dim sum is an art form that requires skill and precision. Each dish is meticulously prepared using fresh ingredients, most commonly pork, prawns, chicken, and vegetables, all combined with spices and seasonings to create unique flavours. Dumplings are crafted from delicate dough filled with savoury or sweet fillings, then steamed or fried to perfection. Bao are another staple; the buns are steamed to achieve a soft, fluffy texture and filled with ingredients like barbecued pork or custard.

Dim sum encompasses a wide variety of dishes, catering to a

range of tastes and preferences. Some of the most popular items include:

Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings): Translucent dumplings filled with succulent prawns.

Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings): Openfaced dumplings filled with a mixture of pork, prawns, and mushrooms.

Char Siu Bao (Barbecued Pork Buns): Steamed buns filled with a sweet and savoury barbecued pork.

Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls): Soft, slippery rice noodles rolled around prawns, beef, or vegetables and drizzled with soy sauce.

Spring Rolls: Crispy, deep-fried rolls filled with vegetables, meat, or seafood.

Egg Tarts: Small, flaky pastries filled with a creamy custard.

Dim sum is traditionally enjoyed during brunch hours, typically from late morning to early afternoon. In many cultures, it's a weekend ritual, a time for family and friends to gather and share a leisurely meal. The experience is as much about the social interaction as it is about the food.

Ordering dim sum can be daunting if you've never done it before, especially in traditional Cantonese restaurants. Typically, servers would push carts laden with various dim sum dishes around the dining room, allowing diners to select items that catch their eye, but in the UK restaurants mostly use a menu system where customers can order specific dishes. It’s common to start with a pot of Chinese tea, then gradually choose dishes, allowing the meal to unfold at a relaxed pace. Don't feel you have to order everything at once. Take your time, and sharing is encouraged; definitely don't order one dish per person. The idea is to sample a wide variety of dishes in one sitting. If you aren't sure, ask your waiter to recommend a few dishes to get you started.

Dim sum is more than just a meal; it's a cultural and social experience. So, if you've ever wanted to be a little more adventurous when you go out to eat in a Chinese restaurant, I recommend going out for brunch and trying dim sum.

By Joan Li

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.

DR SAMIR B PATEL • DR JAMIE NIGHTINGALE • DR BHAVINI MUIR 40 STATION ROAD •BRIGHTLINGSEA •COLCHESTER •ESSEX •CO7 0DT

Tel: (01206) 302522 •Email: colne.medicalcentref81116@nhs.net www.colnemedicalcentre.nhs.uk• facebook.com/Colnemedical

Skin Cancer Awareness

Non-melanoma skin cancer is a common type of cancer that starts in the top layer of skin. The main types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Non-melanoma skin cancer can often be easily treated.

The main cause is ultraviolet light, which comes from the sun and is used in sunbeds. Things that increase your chances of getting non-melanoma skin cancer include your age, having pale skin and having had skin cancer in the past.

It's possible to reduce your risk of skin cancer by being careful in the sun –for example, by using sunscreen and reapplying it regularly.

Main symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer

The main symptom of non-melanoma skin cancer is a growth or unusual patch on the skin. Any part of your skin can be affected, but it's most common in areas exposed to the sun, such as the:

head, face and ears

neck and shoulders back hands lower legs

The growths or patches can vary in colour, size and texture.

See a GP if:

you have a growth on your skin that's getting bigger or has changed colour or texture. you have a growth or area of skin that hurts, itches, bleeds, crusts or scabs for more than 4 weeks.

Finding non-melanoma skin cancer early can mean it's easier to treat.

Staffing

Dr Syeda Batoolstarts maternity leave at the end beginning of July. While she is off, we will welcome back Dr Charles Nkanor, who previously worked at the practice. He will be working two days a week from August and will cover Dr Batool’s patient list.

Thank you for reading.

Katie Pirie, Practice Manager

Enhanced Access Clinics

Enhanced Access appointments are available for ColTe patients on Saturdays in July as follows:

Riverside Health Centre, Manningtree–6th Rowhedge Surgery, Colchester–13th Tiptree Medical Centre–20th

Walton Medical Centre–27th

Please contact reception to book an appointment.

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.

Email: wivenhoe@michaelsproperty.co.uk

Web: www.michaelsproperty.co.uk