Simply Brightlingsea Issue 45

Issue 45

New showroom now open at Bypass Nurseries, Capel St Mary

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Town Council Update Brightlingsea Town Council would like to both thank and update our residents on the various enhancements and projects that we have undertaken Cllr Graham during this Steady summer. During this particularly difficult COVID period your town council are pleased to report a continuation of service with key workers undertaking the majority of administration work at home. Our groundkeepers, have been working hard outside in the fresh air, adopting social distances guidelines.

The Parish Hall has been used by various agencies to provide a service to the community, namely Diabetic Eye clinic, Flu injection centre and the food bank. Our Deputy Mayor Councillor Chapman rallied both Councillors and Volunteers within the town to provide a prescription delivery service and “buddy” service for the more vulnerable. This initiative kept Councillor Chapman and her band of volunteers very busy.

Our Town had more day visitors than we would normally expect.

Unfortunately, we had to close Pawsons playground due to the recent flood damage and social distancing guidelines, however Councillors Howard and Chasney are working very hard to rebuild the play area with a new surface. Councillor Chasney was successful in replacing the bench seating areas outside the Sailing Club with new benches, Councillor Carr arranged a buoyed off area, by splash point to protect swimmers from powered vessels, an initiative that we hope to extend for next season.

Both Councillors Carr and Chasney are grateful to Tendring District Council for their assistance and collaboration for these projects. In the meantime, our Mayor Councillor Steady was busy

with a tree planting initiative. Working closely with Springmead Gardener Julie Ford, Brightlingsea Nature Network coordinator Susie Jenkins and local volunteer Tracey Tierney, our Grounds Manager Terry will be kept quite busy digging holes.

One of the fatalities from the tidal surge was our CCTV system at the Western Promenade, with input from our Grounds Manger, the finance committee were pleased to add to the insurance monies for the damage to update our cctv systems. We now have high resolution cameras with visibility from Batemans Tower area, the high-rise poles by the paddling pool and Lido along with a better camera on the pole by the memorial gardens. The surge made the Lido inoperable for the season due to flood damage in the pump rooms. Councillor Barry has been working with his Lido voluntary team to bring the Lido back into service next season, and in the meantime is discussing with Tendring District Council measures that will help to stop flooding in the small outbuilding that holds the pumping equipment.

An aspiration that Councillor Chapman has had for some time was given the green light in November. Tidying up the brickwork and low walls in Victoria Gardens, along with the installation of low steel fencing at the memorial gardens was well researched when we found many trip hazards and the impossibility of purchasing like for likes bricks to repair the wall at the memorial gardens. The council finance committee agreed a budget of £25,000 and with financial donations and sponsorship from local residents and stakeholders to fund the purchase of new benches, Jayne’s “Town Centre tidy up” is now in progress

continued on page 4

Issue 45

Bricklesea Bygones By Roy Birnie MEETINGS----CRICKET----JOKES Recently I found a book that I didn’t realise I had, it is a book on Yachting, the big Yachts from the early 1800’s through to WW2, yarns, the builders, the captains, the crews, smuggling ,local yachts in the Mediterranean, War time yachting and much, much, more.

It was purchased by my Great Aunt Edith Prior for 1guinea in May 1956, I presume because of the inclusion of local yachts that her father Capt. George Prior and her brother “Shipwright” George “Jody” served on, and what a treasure it is, titled “60 Years of Yachts” by Herbert E Julyan. In the first few pages there are graphic details of Brightlingsea life in the 1800’s I was not aware of and to avoid treading on the toes of copyright the following , and future jottings are snippets from Herbert’s masterpiece.

He covers the vivid description of the old Inn on the hard “The Anchor” a small house with a Bar in the front and a cosy Parlour and an open fire on the right hand side; behind the parlour was the kitchen, a scruffy place and not very clean, a sink in the corner where Gerty the maid did her washing up and a long table where she prepared food. The kitchen was known by the local racing captains as their Anchor Kitchen and when in port they frequented it every morning with the exception of the Sabbath, famous Captains, Sycamore, Chamberlain, Wringe, Mascell, Fisher etc, etc, sitting on the bench behind the long table, they discussed all subjects related to the sea, navigation, racing, fishing, oysters, and they had the rule of “Masters only “to share these discussions and if a lower rating came in the kitchen the conversation instantly ceased.

The origin of the Kitchen being used for such gatherings was not clear but apparently in large shipyards such as at Gosport, they had a Captains Room where skippers met and talked to owners and surveyors and it was surmised this is how the Anchor meetings came about. Old Bob Aldous the most genial popular Yacht builder used to summon any yacht Captains present in his yard to an “Elevener” at the Anchor and if strangers were in the bar parlour Old Bob would say “let’s go

in Gerty’s Kitchen” for a bit of privacy and this became a constitution until the Anchor Inn was knocked down and the Anchor Hotel was built on the same site. These few revelations of the Anchor failed to name the Landlord and the surname of Gerty the maid but the census of 1892 list’s William Bacon as the Inn Keeper, Gerty’s surname remains a mystery.

Herbert then leaves the smoke, sawdust and filth of the Anchor and fills three pages with the arrival of a man whose name is automatically planted into the mind of all Brightlingsea residents soon after birth or if a new resident within 24 hours of arrival; the eccentric American Millionaire McEvers Bayard Brown. He arrived in the Colne on the recently purchased S Y Lady Torfrida a fine vessel of 453 tons, and she lay off Brightlingsea for about 20 years.

(The Purchase and the renaming of the Steam Yacht to the Valfreyia and the numbers of years BB kept her, varies in the many publications of BB’s life) The Captain was Local man W Fieldgate. Bayard Brown lived aboard, without guests and had a full crew of 35, several of the crew were Negro’s, probably close relatives of the slave trade a generation before them, these crewmen formed a “Minstrel Troupe” and came ashore on many occasions to entertain for local charities.

The Crew had a useful cricket team and played many a match against local teams on the Hurst green where Bayard Brown attended and treated all present with a drink from the nearby Pub and as news spread of his generosity the crowd grew match by match. The crew suffered the owner’s eccentricities backon board, one trick was to throw cold buckets of water over them while they slept and as he made a hasty retreat he could be heard laughing out loud, but in the morning by way of an apology he would give the woken wet crewmen a gift.

In future editions I will reveal more of Bayard Browns unusual life and many more stories that have had very little airing over the years.

Roy Birnie

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Issue 46: 20/10/20 Issue 47: 20/12/20

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What’s new at Colchester Zoo!

6th White rhino calf born at Colchester Zoo! Following the announcement in February that our female calf Astrid was expecting, we are excited to announce that she has given birth to a healthy male calf on the 14th October at around 9.45pm!

The new arrival was born after the zoo had closed to the public in the late evening. The Animal Care Team had been viewing Astrid’s behaviour out of hours on a camera system for 2 weeks prior to birth as they were sure little one would be imminent from Astrid’s behaviour. During the evening on Wednesday 14th October the Animal Care Team noticed Astrid’s behaviour change which indicated that she was in labour therefore staff came into the zoo at 9.00pm to monitor Astrid close by via the cameras so they were on hand if any problems arose.

Astrid’s birth progressed really well, and luckily there was no need for intervention by the Animal Care Team as the healthy calf was born at 9.45pm and keepers could identify the calf as male via the cameras. Within the hour of being born he managed to stand and Astrid offered him reassurance, it was not long after he was then suckling from mum.

Operating Fund there will be the opportunity for supporters to vote for their favourite name with the name which raises the most funds being chosen. We will be sure to keep you up to date with his progress over the coming weeks and advise when the vote is open.

Colchester Zoo has had great success as part of the breeding programme for White rhinos and this new arrival is the 6th calf to be born at the park.

Previous youngsters have departed to join other zoos in the hope that they too become part of a successful breeding programme.

White rhinos are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, this is due to the poaching crisis and ivory trade, so this birth is brilliant news for the conservation of this magnificent species.

This rather large bundle of joy arrived 10 months after Astrid’s fellow White rhino Emily gave birth to young female rhino Lottie! Not only will Astrid’s new arrival be a play mate for young Lottie but he is also her half sibling, with their father being male White rhino, Otto!

Despite Astrid being a first-time mum at 7yrs old, Astrid took the labour and birth in her stride. Since the birth, the bond between mother and calf is becoming stronger day by day and the young calf is already showing a mischievous character!

Astrid’s pregnancy was confirmed in late 2019 via hormone analysis from faecal samples sent to a specialised lab with the youngster arriving after a 16-month gestation period. Although Astrid is a first-time mum she showed signs of her mothering nature with young calf Lottie before her calf was born so we’re sure she is going to be a fantastic mum.

Astrid and her calf will stay inside, off-show, during these early days and the team will monitor their progress before gradually allowing him to explore further and eventually head outside with the chance to meet his new neighbours when he is big enough.

Born in 2013, mum Astrid arrived at Colchester Zoo in July 2016 and shares her home with the rest of the rhino crash, Otto, Emily, Binta and Lottie as well as our other African species in our mixed paddock. Astrid can be spotted by a small nick in her left ear which she has had since she was young.

The Animal Care Team are waiting to name the calf until he is a little older and his personality grows but to help raise funds for Colchester Zoo’s

This wonderful news has come at a very important time whilst Colchester Zoo has been negatively affected by the pandemic and the recent loss of

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Lioness, Malika. To have such lovely news gives a great boost of morale to the team and shows how important zoos are to the conservation of the animal kingdom. We need your help to continue this vital conservation

continued from page 3 Our Harbour area was also well visited during the summer. The harbour installed social distancing screens on their ferry’s and we understand that visitor numbers were acceptable. An area of the hard has for many years been identified for additional community activity and Councillor Carr has led a small team to see if we could realise the desire to build an extension of the paved area and heritage dock. The scheme, known as the Heritage Quay and pier scheme, has now gone to the planning, consultation and bidding stage. The Town Council are working in partnership with the harbour to bring two projects to the attention of our residents. The sets of consultation boards which will be affixed to the windows at the shelter of the hard will show the Heritage Quay along with the planned foot ferry landing stage at St Osyth.

work, you can help by visiting the zoo, becoming a Zoo Passholder, adopting an animal, or simply donating to the Colchester Zoo Emergency Operating Fund via the zoo’s website at www. colchesterzoo.org.

Councillor Smith has formulated an Environmental Policy, which is available to view on the town council website. Councillor Smiths project for the future is to bring into operation a Town and Neighbourhood Plan, a project that he needs input from our residents. If you feel that you can assist with the input of the plan please contact Cllr Smith via the Town Clerk.

The road junction at Spring Chase/ Church Road has been under review for some time now and alternative schemes are now being discussed with Essex County Council by Councillors Judson and Beckett.

Finally, in order to bring the town councils land register up to date Councillors Steady and Carr have spent the latter part of last year and the summer to study and review any Land registry issues.

Your council hopes that we will have a “normal” season next year +++++++????

CALL 01206 561335 FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION SURVEY

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Colchester’s Northern Gateway Sports Park opening has been postponed amongst Covid-19 uncertainty

Free devices given to residents to help them stay connected during coronavirus

The opening of the new Colchester Northern Gateway Sports Park has been postponed until Easter 2021 by Colchester Borough Council, amidst continuing Covid-19 uncertainty.

The North East Essex Digital Access Support Team - which is funded and managed by Colchester Borough Council, Tendring District Council and North East Essex Clinical Commission Group - has been awarded 40 smartphones and ten tablets (with 24 gigabytes each) to give to residents to help them stay connected during Covid -19.

The delay will help ensure that the Northern Gateway Sports Park, which was on track to open by January 2021, can open safely to residents and visitors and help shape healthy, active lifestyles.

Cllr Theresa Higgins, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, said: “We cannot wait to welcome each and every one of you to the Northern Gateway Sports Park, but we don’t want the opening of Colchester’s newest attraction overshadowed by the risk of Covid-19.

“Though all council facilities are Covidsecure, we have taken the decision, with a heavy heart, to reschedule the opening until Easter 2021, in the hope that the worse of this terrible pandemic will have passed.”

The new facility is unique in Essex in featuring a one-mile floodlit cycle track consisting of six loops. The track, with provisions for cycling for people with disabilities and also for those with special needs, will provide leisurely cyclists a safe space to ride their bikes, whilst providing serious cyclists with a facility to challenge themselves and to improve.

sports centre, indoor cricket, a fitness suite, exercise and cycle studios, and a new state-of-the-art rugby facility that will become the new home of Colchester Rugby Football Club, two all-weather pitches, additional grass pitches, an archery range for local clubs to enjoy, a café and meeting rooms.

The facility will also incorporate green open spaces for families and future generations to enjoy at their leisure. The area will benefit from the initial planting of over 500 native and ornamental trees, almost 87,000 native saplings and 31,000 shrubs, perennials, grasses and wild meadow species.

The £28.7 million development is part of a wider sport and leisure development, all being project managed by Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd.

The devices were awarded to the team in August and October by the Good Things Foundation, FutureDotNow and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, as part of an emergency campaign.

The campaign, Everyone Connected, aims to reach 1.9 million UK households who don’t have access to the internet and are digitally excluded.

them in person.

“I get so much joy from learning new things, especially at my age, and using my tablet is so educational and makes me very excited.”

The Digital Access Support Team worked with partners to identify residents who would benefit most from the scheme and met the Everyone Connected criteria, which included no existing access to the internet, amongst other things.

The devices awarded in October will be given to residents already identified in November, in time for Christmas.

Cllr Mike Lilley, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “The Digital Access

The Sports Park received funding from multiple partners, including £590,000 from British Cycling and £100,000 from England and Wales Cricket Club.

Anyone interested in finding out more about hiring the new sport facilities, which will be managed by the council, can complete an expression of interest form by visiting colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/ northerngatewaysportspark.

The 76-acre site, located off junction 28 of the A12, also features a multi-use

The North East Essex Digital Access Support Team has been helping vulnerable residents get online since 2018, offering free support across Colchester and Tendring.

Since coronavirus first reached the area the team has been helping residents download and use apps to ensure they can stay connected with their loved ones, access medical appointments remotely, order groceries online, and much more.

The new devices provided by Everyone Connected will help residents not to become excluded as they face a socially distanced world. Before devices are donated the team will install essential apps for customers, whilst updating paperwork to aide them to use the device and how to access online information.

Residents are given one-to-one support to provide knowledge, understanding and confidence to use their new device; as well as contact details to ensure they can call the team for further assistance.

Pam Merrick, a Colchester resident, said: “I received my tablet in August and get so much pleasure in seeing my grandchildren when I can’t see

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Support Team is committed to helping every resident to stay connected during these turbulent times.

“They may be a small team, but they’ve already helped hundreds of residents to get online during the pandemic so they can connect with friends, family, and the wider world.

I applaud each and every one of them.”

Cllr Lynda McWilliams, Portfolio Holder for Partnerships at Tendring District Council, said: “With continued restrictions on close contact with people the Digital Access Support Team is perfectly placed to help people – and while they have done great work finding those who need help, we need your support too.

“So, if you, or someone you know needs help with digital technology or could benefit from being online in some way, then please get in touch.”

If you or a loved one need help with digital technology, call the team (Colchester 01206 282452 or Tendring 01255 686497) or visit the Digital Access Support Team website, colchester.gov.uk/ digitalaccesssupport, to find out more or book onto a free online tutorial.

Fang-tastic Halloween Trails at High Woods Country Park Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good time at High Woods Country Park this October half term.

The whole family can enjoy four frighteningly good Halloween themed walking trails, suitable for ages 4-8 and 7-11yrs. Venture into the woods and follow the trail to solve the creepy clues and uncover spooky myths and legends.

Saturday 24 October to Tuesday 27 October: •

Halloween Joke Trail (4-8yrs)

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Magical Myths Tree Trail (7-11yrs)

Thursday 30 October to Sunday 1 November: •

Halloween Bingo Trail (4-8yrs)

•

Witches of Macbeth Trail (711yrs)

Grab your fang-tastic trail sheet from High Woods Country Park visitor centre, for just £1 (per sheet).

Complete the trail for a sweet treat, why not get into the spirit and dress up too!

There’s no need to book, you can just turn up! Suitable for thrill-seekers aged 4 to 11 years old and their families. Please bring your own pen or pencil to complete your trail sheet.

Cllr Martin Goss, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “Autumn is a great time of year to visit our beautiful parks and this year is no exception. Halloween celebrations will look a lot different this year, and these self-guided Halloween Trails are a safe way to have some family Halloween themed fun, whilst exploring our beautiful award-winning park.”

High Woods Country Park visitor centre is open every day between 11.30am-4pm, except for Wednesday 29 October when it is closed. Please check visitor centre and car park opening times before you visit at www.colchester.gov.uk/country-park/ Car park users are encouraged to make contactless parking payments using MiPermit which is available via an app, online portal, text or phone call. Parking information, including opening times and fees can be found at www.colchester.gov.uk/parking

A Turner At The Castle 26/09/2020 - 04/03/2021 Colchester Castle Included in admission Suitable for Everyone Arts and Craft, Special About This Exhibition ‘Walton Bridges’ was painted by Turner in 1806 close to his home on the River Thames. It is widely regarded as the first oil painting by Turner to have been based on oil sketches made in the open air, a practice that was to become a significant element to his work, and one that makes this painting so important.

Colchester + Ipswich Museums were instrumental in a bid to help save this important painting for the nation when, in 2019, a rescue bid was launched with Norfolk Museum Service. With the aid of major grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Art Fund, the Friends of Ipswich Museums and a private donor, this nationally important painting was successfully saved for the East of

England and the nation. Further support from the Friends of Colchester Museums has enabled us to bring this stunning artwork to Colchester Castle.

This display has also been made possible as a result of the Government Indemnity Scheme. Colchester + Ipswich Museums would like to thank HM Government for providing Government Indemnity and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England for arranging it.

Tickets This event is included as part of Castle admission.

How To Book For your safety and comfort, we are asking visitors to book a ticket in advance for a timed entry to visit Colchester Castle.

You will be able to book your visit up to 14 days in advance by calling our booking line on 01206 282939 between the hours of 10am – 4.30pm (11am – 4.30pm on Sundays)

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Colchester’s Natural History Museum to reopen for October HALF TERM One of Colchester’s most popular museums for families will re-open its doors to the public for the October half term holiday.

the natural environment, whilst keeping them engaged through play and interactive exhibits, such as magnifying glasses and microscopes.

Colchester + Ipswich Museums were thrilled to have been awarded £84,500 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, last week. The grant will help Colchester + Ipswich Museums face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and ensure it has a sustainable future.

Please note that whilst the museum endeavours to have as many interactive exhibits open as possible, some may not be available, to ensure all visitors can safely enjoy the museum.

Thanks to this grant, Colchester’s awardwinning Natural History Museum, which is hugely popular with younger families, will be able to reopen its doors for the first time since the pandemic began.

The museum will open its doors on Tuesday 27 October and remain open until further notice. There will be no need to book in advance, but visitors are reminded to visit in family bubbles of no more than six people, including babies and children. Face masks must be worn inside the museum. A queuing system will be in operation and track and trace details will be gathered.

The Natural History Museum displays a vast array of collections that focus on wildlife and geology in Britain and North-East Essex in particular. The museum allows children to learn about

Visitors will be guided through a new one-way system, but don’t worry – there will be plenty of signage to help guide you through safely, and hand sanitiserstations will be freely available. Above all, the friendly museum team will be on hand to help everyone have a wonderful visit.

The museum is free of charge to visitors and has plenty to keep the whole family occupied.

Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors, once again, to this hugely popular museum in the heart of Colchester, and just in time for half term. Why not combine a trip with a visit to Colchester Castle, where I’ve heard Wally is hiding just across the road!”

Re-engage offer a safe way for older generations to make new friends and, for those living alone or without family, to stay connected with the outside world.

The charity does its best to match people according to their interests so that, over time, they get to know one another and create a genuine friendship.

Hazel has been receiving calls since late May

As Essex begins to open its doors to the public, Re-engage (formerly Contact the Elderly) understands that older people are at risk of being forgotten. While many social hot spots such as pubs and restaurants have been given the green light to re-open, social clubs and community centres more typically frequented by older people have remained closed, leaving thousands without the prospect of social contact while the pandemic continues.

Re-engage traditionally provides social gatherings for older people who live alone and have little family support. While these activities have been suspended due to the virus, we have launched a new telephone befriending service, call companions, in its place. This service offers friendship and support to those feeling alone or isolated.

Our volunteers provide regular calls to older people who live alone or in sheltered accommodation. These calls

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‘I’m really enjoying my conversations with Michelle. We just hit it off.

She calls me every Sunday and we chat about everything – families, memories… you name it. We have so much to talk about, the time just flies,’ she said If you would like a call companion or know of someone who would benefit from a call companion, please contact us on 0800 716543 or take a look at our website, www.reengage.org.uk.

Alternatively, you can contact Alex Berwick, Development Officer for the East of England on 01279 356122 or at alexandra.berwick@reengage.org.uk.

Call today for a no obligation quote

01206 564179 01473 780477 9

November Countryside Events New Castle Park walking trails Discover Castle Park this October halfterm with three new downloadable historic and wildlife walking trails, giving locals and visitors the chance to step into Colchester’s past.

Created by Colchester Borough Council’s Castle Park Ranger team, the free trails are for ages 6-12yrs and teens and adults. The trails can be downloaded from colchester.gov. uk/castle-park and can be enjoyed on a smartphone, tablet or printed at home.

Visitors will have the chance to see Castle Park through new eyes, whilst finding out interesting facts on the oldest tree, tank traps from WWII, the Civil War obelisk, Roman sewers and much more.

Cllr Martin Goss, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Waste,

Environment and Transportation, said: “I’m really pleased to be launching these new downloadable walking trails for Castle Park. They have been developed by our Castle Park Ranger Team to help visitors discover and learn about the park, whist enjoying the award-winning green space.

“Castle Park is home to a wealth of wildlife, as well as being home to over 2,000 years of history. The park has many stories to tell and these history and wildlife themed walks are the first in a range of trails for Castle Park that will make it a great place to visit and enjoy.”

Follow @YourColchester on Twitter, @ EnjoyColchester on Facebook and @ BetterColchester on Instagram to be the first to know when the next free trails are launched.

Castle Park trails also supports the aims of Livewell Colchester, a campaign which helps to support residents to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. To find out more

about the Livewell campaign in Essex, please visit livewellcampaign.co.uk.

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Quick Crossword Puzzle Don’t waste your Halloween pumpkin

ACROSS 7 Misshapen lump contains a metal, a preciousone (8) 9 At home with Sean possibly or out to lunch (6) 10 Anger displayed by some firemen (3) 11 Given somewhere to sleep outside public school(8) 12 Somehow pistol is ruined (6) 13 Ragged dress covers old person sleeping rough(6) 15 Trouble over one lad’s love affairs (8) 16 Calm but haunted by one’s own ghosts? (4-9) 20 Mineral discovered by wicked sort, we hear, bypub (8) 22 Nearly everyone, not quite the majority (6) 25 Odds on present will be a ball (6) 26 And German retains right to be nameless (8) 27 Comedian’s payment is docked (3) 28 English miner sporting fur (6) 29 One on course has this useful sounding headgear (8) DOWN 1 This is one party game (6) 2 Figure’s losing European standing (6) 3 Plant needs freezing weather and a bit of rain (8) 4 Is fat drunk going around Spain for holiday? (6) 5 Gives support to European partners (8) 6 Having a desire for popular recording, Neil dashed inside (8) 8 Centre’s beginnning to become rowdy in Yorkshire town (13) 14 Understand only odd bits of scene (3) 16 Footwear at start of year is difficult to get hold of (8) 17 Backed the Italian, one wearing kinky green underwear (8) 18 Former substitute could be demanding (8) 19 I will need energy to travel (3) 21 His products could make you stout, and so could he! (6) 23 System of measuring crime developed around middle of century (6) 24 To observe present and past is child’s play (6)

As families get ready to celebrate Halloween, Colchester Borough Council is urging residents to make the most of their leftover pumpkins this Halloween by making, munching and mulching them.

Every October, the UK wastes 18,000 tons of squash, however, every part of a pumpkin can be used or recycled – they are a real jack o’ all trades.

Once you have made your spooky decoration, the scooped-out flesh can be used to make tasty pies, soups, hummus or even smoothies. Toasted and seasoned pumpkin seeds make a delicious and healthy snack too. Pet hamsters will happily munch them raw, or you can plant them to grow your very own pumpkins for next year.

Once Halloween has ended, pumpkins with the candles removed can be composted or placed in your food waste caddy. Colchester’s recycled food goes to an anaerobic digestion plant where it is then turned into fertiliser that feeds crops. This process also produces a gas that is used to generate electricity so in a few months’ time, your pumpkin could

help to power your Christmas lights!

Cllr Martin Goss, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “Halloween is a hugely popular event, but one of the scariest parts for us is the thought of all those pumpkins going to waste. “We must all do our bit for the environment and recycle or compost our food waste, including leftover pumpkins. By doing so, households will reduce their waste and save money. “We’re asking Colchester residents to recycle their pumpkin leftovers by cutting them up and placing them in with their weekly food waste or, if they are too large, place them on top or next to their caddy.�

The Love Food Hate Waste website at lovefoodhatewaste.com features lots of great recipes for leftover food, including pumpkins.

Further information about recycling in Colchester can be found at colchester. gov.uk/recycling.

SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 7 platinum. 9 insane. 10 ire. 11 bestowed. 12 spoilt. 13 dosser.

15 liaisons. 16 self-possessed. 20 cinnabar. 22 almost. 25 sphere. 26 untitled. 27 wag.

28 ermine. 29 handicap. DOWN:1 Cluedo. 2 status. 3 snowdrop. 4 fiesta. 5 espouses. 6 inclined. 8 Middlesbrough. 14 see. 16 slippery. 17 lingerie. 18 exacting. 19 ego. 21 brewer.

23 metric. 24 seesaw.

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Fun, private experiences at Colchester Castle!

As the evenings begin to draw in and winter approaches, plan an evening out at Colchester Castle.

Colchester Castle is thrilled to be offering private after-hours guided tours, all designed around individual group needs. Simply tell the team what you want to see and hear about, and our expert staff will devise the perfect tour of the Castle just for you.

Fancy descending into the Roman vaults, climbing the biggest Norman spiral staircase in England and hearing tales of victory, defeat and hard-fought battles that have made Colchester the town it is? Then, you can!

Why not try a ‘History Stinks’ tour (popular with our younger visitors), where you can really smell the highs and lows of the Castle’s historic past?

With all tours suitable for big kids to little knights, they offer a unique visitor experience. Book today, by calling 01206 282939. Tours cost just £60 for a family ‘bubble’ of six and fully comply with Government Covid-19 guidelines.

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Alternatively, if your family bubble of six are master codebreakers, why not book one of the Castle’s sell-out Escape Experiences. Escape at the Castle calls for quick-witted individuals, who are good at unravelling clues and cracking codes.

Explore the mysterious goings-on that have caused several members of the Castle team to go missing. Can YOU break the Serpents Curse?

Book your visit today by calling 01206 282939. Suitable for 11+ plus. Escape at the Castle costs just £60 for a family ‘bubble’ of six and is fully compliant with Government Covid-19 guidelines.

Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “Fun, private experiences at Colchester Castle cost less than you think. With bookable events suitable for big kids to little knights, the Castle tours and escape experiences offer not only great value for money, but plenty of historical fun! Support your local heritage and come to the Castle this winter.”

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Colne Medical Centre

Due to the pandemic, open surgery has been replaced by morning telephone consultations which can be booked online through Patient Access or the NHS app from 8am the same day, or over the phone from 8.30am. GPs, nurse practitioners and GP registrars carry out these consultations. If the clinician decides a face to face appointment is necessary they will book an appointment at the surgery or arrange a video consultation if appropriate.

After an initial dip in the number of appointments available and requested by patients the practice is now offering more appointments than ever with our clinicians to meet the increased demand. Routine appointments for blood tests, blood pressure checks, NHS health checks and many other services are available at the surgery or through the Extended Access service at alternative sites in the evenings and at weekends.

Audiology clinics run by Scrivens have recommenced at the surgery and physiotherapy telephone consultations with First Point Physio can be booked online or by speaking to reception.

To reduce risk the practice asks that patients do not come into the surgery unless they have a booked appointment. If you have been asked to provide a sample this can be put in the bucket in the lobby before 11am and prescription requests can be put through the letterbox or made online. Receptionists are now checking temperatures in the lobby for patients who have appointments before they enter the main building and we need to restrict the number of patients in the lobby and waiting room in order to prevent spread of

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•

•

A home visit from a doctor or nurse practitioner

•

Call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

•

Mental Health

•

NHS is here to support your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as your physical health.

•

If you are concerned about the mental health of your child, please contact the surgery or check online self-referral options for under 18 years olds at www. nhs.uk/conditions/stressanxiety-depression/

infection.

If you have an appointment and you or anyone in your household experiences any symptoms of coronavirus please phone the surgery and rearrange.

Our website www. colnemedicalcentre.nhs.uk has useful information about the practice, coronavirus and a form to contact us if your enquiry is not urgent.

If you are ill please contact the surgery during opening times 08:30 to 18:00 weekdays. Regular cleaning is taking place in the building throughout the day and we have a separate area of the building which has been designated a ‘hot site’. This means that patients that need to be seen who have symptoms of Covid 19 do not use any part of the building that is used by patients that are not symptomatic.

It is important that you speak to someone if you are unwell. The doctors and nurses are able to make referrals in the same way as before the pandemic.

Outside normal surgery hours you can still phone us, but you will be directed to an out-of-hours service.

The out-of-hours period is from 18:30 to 08:00 on weekdays and during bank holidays.

Call NHS 111 if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation. You can also call NHS 111 if you’re not sure which NHS service you need. The NHS 111 team will assess your condition over the phone and if it is clinically appropriate, they will refer your case to the out-of-hours service. This will then result in either: •

A telephone consultation with a doctor or nurse practitioner

A face to face appointment to attend a primary care centre to see a doctor or nurse practitioner, or

•

If you’re experiencing stress and anxiety, you can get further information, including how to self-refer to psychological therapies at www.nhs.uk/

conditions/stress-anxietydepression/ •

If you are facing a mental health crisis, use the NHS111 online service. If you cannot get help online, call 111.

Get downloading the app.

The NHS COVID-19 app The new NHS COVID-19 app, now available to download for free in England and Wales, is the fastest way to see if you’re at risk from coronavirus. The faster you know, the quicker you can alert and protect your loved ones and community.

The app has a number of tools to protect you, including contact tracing, local area alerts and venue check-in. It uses proven technology from Apple and Google, designed to protect every user’s privacy.

Thank you for reading.

Katie Pirie Practice Manager

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01206 302039

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