Simply Brightlingsea Issue 73

Walk Pier to Pier for St Helena Hospice this May

Lisa Chenery, St Helena Hospice fundraiser, said: “We are so excited to launch everyone’s favourite event, Pier to Pier! Last year over 500 people joined us on the beautiful Essex coast to walk for their local hospice and this year we hope to see even more.

St Helena Hospice’s popular sponsored walk is returning on Sunday 14th May 2022 and the local charity is urging people to sign up to help ensure more patients and families facing incurable illness and bereavement can receive the support they desperately need.

The family-friendly event is a favourite amongst local people, supporters of the hospice, and local businesses, attracting hundreds of people year on year.

The scenic walk starts from either Clacton or Walton Pier and participants can choose to walk the 7 miles between the two piers or challenge themselves to make the return journey – 14 miles in all! Many people walk to remember their loved ones, while others take part in groups, with their work colleagues, or simply just to support their local hospice.

“Our services are more in demand than ever as the local NHS faces extreme pressures and turns to us for support. Without the support of our incredible local community, we cannot continue to provide vital and essential care to the growing number of patients and families who desperately need it. So please sign up to Pier to Pier and raise as much as you can to help ensure St Helena Hospice can continue to be here for those who needs us at the most difficult time of their lives.”

Registration is just £5 for adults and children over 5, with under 5’s and furry friends walking for free. Sign up now at www.sthelena.org.uk/ piertopier.

St Helena Hospice’s Pier to Pier walk has kindly been sponsored by Pickering Electronics Ltd.

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

My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

It’s Mothers’ Day this month and in spite of all the saccharine cards in the shops we know that mother and daughter relationships are often not straightforward. Lucy Barton is both a mother and a daughter. She has a floundering marriage and is in hospital

A Good Read

with complications following what should have been a routine operation. Her husband who dislikes hospitals and declines to visit, arranges instead for her estranged mother to sit with her.

Strout’s novel is about a mother and daughter relationship steeped in sadness. Lucy spent her childhood craving maternal love, while her mother seemed incapable of providing it.

This poignant and deeply moving novel explores the complexities of family, love, and forgiveness. Told from Lucy’s viewpoint, the story takes us on a journey through her childhood and into adult life, as she reflects on events in her past and her relationship with her mother.

The novel is written in a simple and straightforward style that somehow belies the emotional depth of the story. Strout's writing is evocative and powerful; she’s a master of capturing the nuances of human emotion. The characters and their relationships are richly drawn, and relatable. Lucy's relationship with her mother is at the core of the novel, and Strout explores its dynamics with sensitivity and insight.

Declutter Your Home

Sort items into piles - As you declutter, sort items into piles such as "keep," "donate," "sell," or "throw away" This can make it easier to decide what to do with each item.

Themes of family, love, and forgiveness are woven throughout and Strout’s writing reflects on the passage of time, the power of memory and the strength of the human spirit. There is much in this novel that is not stated explicitly. The reader is left to do some work and the result is a wise, thought-provoking book.

The Invisible String by Patricia Karst, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

The Invisible String is a charming children's book that teaches about the bonds of love and connection that exist between all people. The story tells of two siblings who learn about the "invisible string" that connects everyone to everyone else, and how this connection can bring comfort and reassurance during difficult times.

Joanne Lew-Vriethoff ’s colourful illustrations, perfectly capture the warmth and love that the story conveys. The text is simple and easy to understand, making it perfect for very young children. The message of the

book is one of hope and reassurance, and it would be a valuable tool for parents and caregivers to help children understand the concept of connection and the importance of loving support network.

The Invisible String is delightful and uplifting, and will resonate with readers of all ages. It is a perfect addition to any child's library, and will be read and enjoyed for years to come.

By Tash Donovan

Word Search

Spring is a time when we often get the urge to clean and declutter our homes.

If you have the urge, here are a few useful strategies:

Start small - It can be overwhelming to try to declutter a whole room or house at once. Instead, start with a small area, such as a closet or a single shelf, and work your way up to larger areas.

Follow the "one year" rule - When deciding whether to keep something, ask yourself if you have used it or worn it in the past year. If the answer is no, consider getting rid of it.

Use storage solutions - Invest in storage solutions, such as bins or shelves. This can help you to keep your home organized and clutter-free BUT declutter first. It’s easier to organise stuff when you have less of it!

Let it go - It can be difficult to get rid of things, especially if they have sentimental value. However, it's important to remember that keeping things that you don't use or need can add unnecessary stress to your life.

Finally - be patient and take breaks when needed. Decluttering can be a time-consuming process, but the end result of a more organized and clutterfree home is worth the effort.

By Sarah Davey

Chess - Chess has a long and interesting history

Crossword

Chess is a popular strategic board game that has been played for centuries. It originated in northern India or ancient Persia, around the 6th century AD, and quickly spread to the rest of the world. The game has undergone several modifications over the years, but the basic rules and objective remain the same: to checkmate your opponent's king.

The game was introduced to the Western world through the Islamic Empire and quickly became popular among nobles and royalty. In the early days, the pieces had different names and moves, but slowly evolved over time until the 16th century in Europe when it began to resemble the game we know today.

During the 19th century, chess experienced a surge in popularity, thanks to the invention of the printing press and the production of the first commercially available books on the game. The first international chess tournament was held in London in 1851, and the first world championship was held in 1886. The tournament format and time controls used in modern chess were established during this period.

The United States and Russia’s longstanding rivalry peaked during the Cold War years. Chess matches provided a somewhat unlikely means for these two superpowers to fight proxy wars, using their chess champions in battles for intellectual and cultural superiority.

In the 1960s and 70s, chess was a major source of national pride for the Soviet Union. The country's top chess players were seen as ambassadors of Soviet superiority and Soviet chess players

were considered the best in the world. In response, the United States began to invest heavily in its own chess program, seeking to prove that American chess players were just as good as their Soviet counterparts. This rivalry reached its peak in the 1970s, with several highprofile matches being played between top players from each country. The matches were widely covered by the media and became major events in the cultural landscape, with each victory being seen as a sign of superiority of one side or the other in the larger struggle between the two nations.

Probably the most famous of these matches was the 1972 World Chess Championship, where American Bobby Fischer defeated Soviet Boris Spassky in a legendary showdown that was seen as a major victory for the US and a significant blow to Soviet prestige. The match was dubbed the "Match of the Century" and its impact was felt far beyond the chess world, with many people viewing it as a symbol of American superiority over the Soviet Union.

In the late 20th century, the popularity of chess reached new heights, thanks to the rise of computers and the development of chess software. The first computer chess program was written in 1951, and the first computer vs. human chess match was held in 1997, in which the computer, Deep Blue, defeated the reigning world champion, Garry Kasparov.

Despite the growth of computer chess, the game continues to be played by millions of people all over the world, both online and offline. Chess clubs and tournaments are held regularly, and the game is taught in schools as a way to improve critical thinking and problemsolving skills.

If you have a chessboard tucked away in a cupboard somewhere, isn’t it time you learned to play?

By Tracey Anderson

Across

1 Nightclub entertainment (7)

4 Strange and frightening (5)

7 System for detecting aircraft (5)

9 Vertical, erect (7)

10 Passivity, paralysis (7)

11 Emperor, king, monarch (5)

12 Tyrannical dictator (6)

14 Priest or religious leader (6)

18 Plentiful (5)

20 Gaunt, exhausted (7)

22 Scottish pouch worn with a kilt (7)

23 Ceremonial headdress (5)

24 Item in a diary, or notebook (5)

25 Spiny Australian egg-laying mammal! (7)

Down

1 Nightclub entertainment (7)

4 Strange and frightening (5)

7 System for detecting aircraft (5)

9 Vertical, erect (7)

10 Passivity, paralysis (7)

11 Emperor, king, monarch (5)

12 Tyrannical dictator (6)

14 Priest or religious leader (6)

18 Plentiful (5)

20 Gaunt, exhausted (7)

22 Scottish pouch worn with a kilt (7)

23 Ceremonial headdress (5)

24 Item in a diary, or notebook (5)

25 Spiny Australian egg-laying mammal! (7)

A Different Kind of Mother's day

Could you be a foster mother?

Cosmetic Caution

Are you considering lip fillers?

Lip fillers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to enhance the appearance of the mouth. If you’ve been considering this cosmetic procedure it is important to understand the possible dangers associated with it.

One of the main risks is the possibility of an adverse reaction. Allergic reactions, swelling, and redness are common side effects of lip fillers, and in some cases, they can be severe. If not properly managed, these reactions can lead to scarring.

reputation by reading reviews and testimonials from past patients. Look for a surgeon with a proven track record of successful results and satisfied patients.

Sunday 19th March is Mothers’ Day. Many of us will wake up to our offspring proudly offering us a wobbly tray of breakfast. But for the 400,000 children in the social care system there may be no-one in their lives to appreciate their efforts of burned toast and soggy cereal.

This is where foster parents are invaluable. Fostering is an opportunity for individuals and families to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable children who are unable to live with their biological families, by providing a safe and loving environment for them. Fostering provides opportunity to make a difference in their lives and help them reach their full potential.

Children in the care system have often experienced significant trauma or upheaval in their lives, and foster families provide children with a sense

puzzle solutions:

of stability and security, creating an environment in which they can heal and grow and learn to form positive relationships with others.

There is currently a shortage of foster carers, leading to long waits to place children. The basic requirements for fostering are that you are at least 21 years old (there is no upper age limit as long as you are fit and healthy), have a spare bedroom, and have permanent leave to remain in the UK.

Foster carers receive an allowance for each child they foster and training is available.

If you feel that you have what it takes to be a foster mother there are resources and information available at https://www.fosteringpeople.co.uk/

By Jamie Maxfield

Another risk is that of infection. Fillers are typically injected into the lips using a needle, and if the needle is not properly sterilized or if the injection is not properly performed, there is a risk of infection, which can cause severe swelling, redness, and pain, and in some cases, lead to permanent disfigurement.

Overfilling of the lips is a potential danger of lip fillers. This is where too much filler is injected and the lips can become overly plump and unnatural looking. This can be unsightly and cause the lips to lose their natural elasticity and pliability, which can lead to wrinkles, sagging, and other changes to the shape of the lips.

It’s important to choose a cosmetic practitioner with care. Cosmetic surgeons are the best professionals to use:

Check qualifications and credentials. Make sure that your cosmetic surgeon is certified by a reputable organization and has the necessary training and experience to perform the procedure you are interested in.

Choose a surgeon who specialises in lip procedures. Research the cosmetic surgeon's

Ask about experience. Ask the cosmetic surgeon about their experience with the procedure you are interested in. A surgeon with more experience is likely to have a better understanding of the procedure and the potential risks and benefits.

Ask about their approach. Discuss the surgeon's approach to the procedure and make sure that their approach aligns with your goals and expectations.

Look at before-and-after photos. Ask the cosmetic surgeon to show you before-and-after photos of patients who have undergone the procedure you are interested in. This will give you an idea of the results you can expect.

Consider the location. Choose a cosmetic surgeon who is located near you, so that you can easily attend follow-up or emergency appointments if necessary.

Choosing a cosmetic surgeon is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By following these tips, you can ensure that you receive safe and effective treatment. Take your time, do your research, and choose a cosmetic surgeon who meets your specific needs and goals.

By Louise Addison

Garlic & Herb Prawns - A light & tasty supper

Preparation time:

25 minutes + marinating time

Cooking time: 5-6 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients

12 Raw prawns in their shells

Juice of half a lemon

2 Garlic cloves - crushed

3 tbsp Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 tbsp chopped fresh dill

3 tbsp softened butter

Salt and pepper

Method

Rinse the prawns. Use a sharp knife to slice along the back of each prawn from head end to tail and remove the thin black intestine.

Mix the lemon juice with the garlic, herbs and butter to form a paste. Season well with salt and pepper and spread the paste over the prawns.

Leave to marinate for 30 minutes. Preheat a frying pan. Fry the prawns until cooked, tossing them several times to distribute the heat evenly. Turn out on to warm plates and drizzle with the juices from the pan. Serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread..

Garden ViewThis month - Delightful dahlias

I’m a fairly recent convert to the delights of the Dahlia. When I first began gardening seriously, I considered them a bit vulgar and blousy…not to mention needy. Then I saw a fantastic display in my friend’s garden and in a Damascene moment I suddenly saw the light, and I’ve been growing them ever since. With just a little know-how, they are actually easy to grow and care for.

When choosing Dahlias consider the size and type of flower head you want, as well as the height of the plant. Dwarf varieties are great for patio pots, but there are also varieties tall enough be used as a centrepiece in a border. They are planted as tubers right about now. Look for strong, healthy tubers and check the labels carefully to make sure they are suitable for your climate and soil type. They should be planted after the last frost, in a well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. By well-drained I mean soil which allows water to percolate through it reasonably quickly and not pool. If your soil is too heavy, or alternatively too free draining (so nutrients wash away), the best remedy is to dig in lots of organic

matter such as compost, well-rotted farm manure, or shredded leaves This will condition the soil so it maintains the right amounts of water and air for better plant growth and increased biological activity

Dig a hole about 10-15cm deep and position the tuber, with the eye (the little dip) facing upward, then cover with soil. Water well and mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Dahlias are quite thirsty plants so require regular watering, especially during dry spells, and they should be fed every two weeks with a high-potash fertilizer. Pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.

Stake tall varieties to prevent them from falling over in windy weather. This sounds needy but they will repay this attention handsomely with their glorious blooms. Deadhead by removing the faded blooms regularly to encourage even more flowers. Cut the stem back to just above the next pair of leaves.

Unfortunately, Dahlias are not frosthardy, so it's important to lift the tubers in the fall before the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place. Leave the stems and foliage to die back, then carefully lift the tubers, brushing off any soil, and let them dry out for a few days. Store them in a frost-free place, such as a shed or garage, until the spring when you can plant them out again.

My absolute favourite is Dahlia ‘Chimborazo’ which is a pretty collarette dahlia, bearing deep crimson-red outer petals around an

inner collar of pale yellow. It is about a metre tall so will need to be staked and is suited to growing in a mixed, herbaceous border. It also makes an excellent cut flower.

If you are after a dwarf plant try ‘Figaro’ which is a dwarf “landscape” dahlia with semi-double flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. It works well as bedding and in containers, and blooms from planting time until the first frosts.

Happy gardening,

By Rachael Leverton

Sofa So Good

So, you want a new sofa. What are the factors you need to consider?

Size matters - Measure the space where the sofa will go, including doorways and stairways, to make sure the sofa will fit. It sounds obvious but it’s an incredibly common oversight! Also consider the scale of the room and the other furniture in it, and choose a sofa that is appropriately sized.

Style - Think about the overall decor of the room and choose a sofa that complements it. You might fall in love with a sleek ultra-modern purple number, but if you live in a cottage with original period décor, you have to consider whether you love it enough to change your entire interior scheme. If you want something to fit into your existing home, consider how the colour, fabric, and design will

complement it. Then consider any additional features you might want, such as reclining seats or a pull-out guest bed.

Comfort - Sounds obvious but sit on the sofa in the store to get a feel for it. Consider the depth of the seat, the height of the back, the angle of the backrest, and the density of the cushions.

Durability - Look for a sofa that is well-constructed and made of durable materials. Check the frame, springs, and legs to ensure they are sturdy.

Maintenance - Consider the ease of cleaning and care the sofa might need. Some materials, such as leather, are easier to care for than others.

Budget - Work out your budget and stick to it. Keep in mind that a higher price does not always equate to better

quality. Look for sales and discounts. You can also get a great deal if you’re prepared to buy a used sofa.

Crosswords

By Gemma Peters

Meditation Benefits

Meditation has associations with monks, hippies and bearded gurus. But meditation I s a mental and physical practice that has been around for thousands of years. It has its origins in ancient spiritual and philosophical traditions.

In recent years, the benefits of meditation have been increasingly recognized and studied by the scientific community, leading to a growing understanding of its impact on mental and physical health.

Stress reduction: One of the most significant benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety levels. When practicing meditation, individuals are taught to focus their thoughts and become present in the moment, which can help to decrease feelings of stress and worry. Regular meditation has also been found to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, thereby reducing its negative effects on the body.

Improved emotional regulation: Meditation can help individuals develop better emotional regulation by providing a space for introspection and self-reflection. This can lead to improved emotional resilience and a greater ability to manage and respond to negative feelings and thoughts.

Increased selfawareness: By practicing mindfulness and selfreflection, we can develop a deeper understanding of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This increased self-awareness can help us identify and address negative thought patterns, which can improve mental health and overall well-being.

Better sleep: Meditation has been found to have a positive impact on sleep quality, helping individuals fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer. This improved sleep can have a significant impact on mental health, reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Improved cognitive function: Research has shown that meditation

can help improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and concentration. This can have a positive impact on work performance, academic performance, and daily life.

Physical health benefits: In addition to its mental health benefits, meditation has also been found to have physical health benefits. Regular meditation has been associated with improved immune function, reduced blood pressure, and decreased inflammation, all of which can help reduce the risk of chronic illness.

Increased happiness: Regular meditation has been found to increase feelings of happiness, contentment, and well-being. This is believed to be due to its impact on brain function, including increased activity in areas associated with positive emotions and decreased activity in areas associated with negative emotions.

Meditation has a wide range of benefits for both mental and physical health. From reducing stress and improving emotional regulation to improving sleep and physical health, meditation is a simple and effective tool for improving overall well-being. Whether practiced in a quiet space at home or in a group setting, meditation is a valuable addition to any self-care routine.

By Louise Addison

Sudoku

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box, contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

You don’t need to be a genius. These puzzles use logic alone. Watch out! Sudoku is highly addictive.

How to play Sudoku

DR SAMIR B PATEL • DR JAMIE NIGHTINGALE

DR BHAVINI MUIR • DR THAMARA GUNASEKERA

40 STATION ROAD •BRIGHTLINGSEA •COLCHESTER •ESSEX •CO7 0DT

Tel: (01206) 302522 •Email: colne.medicalcentref81116@nhs.net

www.colnemedicalcentre.nhs.uk • facebook.com/Colnemedical

Better Health Campaign

After successfully kickstarting the nation’s health at launch in 2020, the Better Health campaign returned in January 2021 with positive and motivating messages to support us all to take action to improve our health.

Check out the website: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/ for free tools and support in these areas:

- Lose weight

- Get active

- Quit smoking

- Drink less

There is also a section on simple ways to lift your mood with Every Mind Matters, with advice and support if you are feeling lonely, a free mind plan, sign-up for anxiety-easing emails and a video giving some ideas of things you can do if you know someone who is lonely.

You can also use some of the free tools to improve other aspects of your wellbeing, such as the NHS Food Scanner app, Active 10 app, BMI calculator or How Are You? Quiz.

Physiotherapy Service

We currently have a physiotherapist from First Point Physio running clinics at the surgery three mornings and one afternoon a week. The specialist team can see patients with recent muscle or joint pain in any part of the body as well as recent injuries-sprains/ strains, arthritis, neck or back pain including sciatica without a referral from a GP. Appointments can be booked in advance online or by contacting reception and same day appointments are available by attending the walk-in open access surgery or phoning after 8.30am on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday.

Easter Opening Hours

Good Friday 7th April 2023 – Closed

Easter Monday 10th April 2023 – Closed

In case of emergency during these times, please call 01206 302522.

Thank you for reading

Katie Pirie Practice Manager

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

LOOKING TO MOVE HOME?... THEN NOW’S THE PERFECT TIME TO SPRING INTO ACTION!

Spring has arrived and the property market is nicely bouyant, and our pack of property pooches are busy sniffing out homes for our growing list of buyers. So if you want a new home, get things moving and pick up the dog n’ bone and call us on 01206 820999 to set up a free no obligation valuation of your property, or just pop in for an informal chat about your needs for you and your family’s future. Get valued, get sold... get moving!