Simply Brightlingsea Issue 79

Turnstone Estates Sign Five New Restaurants at Colchester

Northern Gateway Leisure Park

Turnstone Estates has announced the signing of five new restaurants to the line-up of operators at its £70 million leisure park development in Colchester, which is currently under construction.

The announcement marks another leap forward in the delivery of Colchester City Council’s vision for a leisure park within its 10-acre Northern Gateway development on Colchester’s northern fringe at Junction 28 of the A12.

Agreement for leases have been signed with Mexican operator, El Guaca (3,305 sq ft), dessert seller, Kaspa’s (3,132 sq ft), global buffet company, Nines (3,832 sq ft), Slim Chickens (4,000 sq ft)] and Italian food specialist, Taste of Italy (2,131 sq ft) to create a diversity of high quality, casual dining outlets that offer widespread appeal to future visitors. The lettings will complement the park’s flagship leisure attractions - Cineworld’s 12 screen cinema; Hollywood Bowl’s 20 lane bowling alley; Puttstars’ adventure golf centre and a Travelodge 90-bed hotel.

Having previously secured deals with Kervan Kitchen and Wendy’s and Greggs drive-thru restaurants, Turnstone has just two remaining restaurant units now available.

Chris Goldsmith, Managing Director, Turnstone Estates, said: “We are delighted to welcome these new tenants on board. Colchester Leisure Park’s fantastic location on the edge of this fast-growing city, adjacent to Colchester United FC’s JobServe Community Stadium and the recently opened Colchester Sports Park, has proved to have enormous appeal to many enterprising food and drink operators. We look forward to the

coming months as we move into the final phase to bring this landmark project to completion.”

Cllr Mark Cory, Deputy Leader of Colchester City Council and Cabinet member for Resources, said: "Today's announcement is great news for Colchester. It is further evidence of the attraction our city holds as a great place to invest, visit, live and work.

“The signing of five new restaurants to the line-up of operators is a major milestone in the delivery of a vibrant and attractive leisure destination at Northern Gateway. We have been clear from the start that this new leisure park has no retail units and brings new businesses that are additional to the offer in our City. These new restaurants and leisure units add to the attraction of Colchester, bringing people from all over Essex, Suffolk and beyond.

“I am delighted that this project is progressing so well, despite economic woes across the country, and I look forward to seeing more attractions opening their doors to the public in the coming months.”

Colchester Leisure Park, which is in the last stages of construction, forms part of the wider Northern Gateway development delivered by Colchester City Council.

Alongside the recently opened Northern Gateway Sports Park, this will include new homes, a healthcare hub and commercial floorspace. The whole development will benefit from an integral digital network providing ultra-fast broadband to local homes and businesses as well as a district heat network.

Turnstone Estates was advised by Whybrow and Wareing & Partners.

Word Search

Answers on page 8

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fork hedge trimmer hosepipe ladder lawnmower mallet

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toolbox trestle twine wood stain

Terry Pratchett's "Good Omens," a collaborative masterpiece co-written with Neil Gaiman, is an imaginative tour de force that seamlessly melds humour, fantasy, and social commentary. Published in 1990, the novel has become a timeless cult classic that continues to captivate readers with its wit and irreverence. The original book was adapted into a successful TV series, but the original book is definitely worth seeking out.

The story revolves around an angel, Aziraphale, and a demon, Crowley, who have grown accustomed to

A Good Read

life on Earth and have developed a certain fondness for humanity. When the apocalypse looms, they join forces to prevent the end of the world, inadvertently misplacing the Antichrist in the process. What ensues is a delightful romp through absurd situations, satirical jabs at religious norms, and a heartwarming exploration of friendship.

Pratchett and Gaiman's unique writing styles blend seamlessly. Pratchett's penchant for witty wordplay and Gaiman's darkly enchanting storytelling combine to produce a tale that's as intellectually stimulating as it is entertaining. The duo weaves together multiple storylines, including the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, a quirky witch named Anathema Device, and a bumbling witchhunter, creating an intricate tapestry of characters and events.

At its core, "Good Omens" is a celebration of the human experience. It nudges readers to question the conventions they take for granted while delivering laugh-out-loud moments that provide much-needed levity. It’s no wonder that this book

has become a cherished favourite among readers.

The School for Good and Evil (Book 1) by

Soman Chainani

Continuing the theme of ‘good and evil’ this month, the first book in Chainani's series provides fresh take on fairy tales. Set in the mystical realm of Gavaldon, the story upends conventional notions of good and evil, sending readers on a journey of friendship, self-discovery, and moral complexity.

Sophie and Agatha are best friends, who are unexpectedly whisked away to the School for Good and Evil, an institution that trains children to become either heroes or villains in classic fairy tales. However, when their destinies seem to be swapped – Sophie, who embodies all things charming, is placed in the School for Evil, while Agatha, with her gloomy demeanour, is sent to the School for Good – the story takes a riveting turn. Chainani skilfully deconstructs stereotypes and delves into the depths of character motivations, making the reader question the nature of goodness and wickedness.

Chainani nicely balances whimsy with darkness in the exploration of friendship which is central to the novel. Sophie and Agatha navigate challenges that strain their bond, and face dilemmas that force them to confront their true selves.

The accessible, engaging prose makes the book suitable for a wide range of readers. The story invites readers to question the shades of grey between good and evil, and to embrace the power of friendship and self-acceptance. Young readers will almost certainly go searching for the sequels.

By Tash Donovan

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

Halloween Movie Night!

For lovers of the classics

Halloween (1978) -

An iconic film featuring Michael Myers as a killing machine and featuring a wonderful score by John Carpenter.

Rosemary's Baby (1968) -

Mia Farrow is chilling as the pregnant young Rosemary, who must face the truth about the secret origins of the mysterious child she's carrying. It's a true, slow-burn terror.

Psycho (1960) - From the stringfilled score to the creepy twist at the end, everything about Hitchcock's Psycho, from its string-filled score to its creepy twist ending is classic horror. For hardcore terror-lovers

Hereditary (2018) - This one is a truly terrifying paranormal horror — starring Toni Collette as the secretive matriarch of the Graham family. This is one to watch if you don't want to sleep for at least a week!

A Quiet Place (2018) - This is a post-apocalyptic thriller / horror which takes place in a world where

even the slightest sound can spell your imminent death. It plays to every parent's nightmare about how we can never really keep our children safe.

It (2017) -

Stephen King's Pennywise the Clown is one of the most sinister horror movie characters ever to grace the silver screen. Nuff said.

For family-friendly Halloween fun

Beetlejuice (1988) -

From the imagination of Tim Burton, Beetlejuice follows the story of a young couple who find themselves stuck haunting their home in the afterlife. It's very funny!

The Addams Family (1991) -

It's a classic and an easy choice for a spooky — but not nightmareinducing — Halloween movie night.

ParaNorman (2012)A misunderstood boy takes on ghosts, zombies, and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.

By Louise Addison

Down

1 Convulsion, fit (7)

2 Object or objects for sale at an auction (3)

3 Accord, concurrence (9)

4 Peninsula between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf (6)

5 Japanese kimono sash (3)

6 Anglo-Saxon King, Edward the _________ (9)

7 Rent out a property again (5)

10 Dispute, question (9)

12 Skin injury caused by extremely low temperature (9)

15 Conclusions, denouements (7)

16 Leased, chartered (6)

17 Appear suddenly (3,2)

20 Dastardly person (3)

21 Small barrel (3)

5 Fun Things to do in October

Get lost!There will almost certainly be a Maize Maze near where you live, often accompanied by other attractions such as pumpkin patches and hayrides. Go and get lost with family or friends for an hour, then hit the farm shop after to stock up on goodies.

Pick your own pumpkinThis is a fun activity (and cute photo op) for all the family. Head to your local pumpkin patch and choose your favourite. You might be able to carve or paint it on site too.

Take a guided ghost walkThere might be one in your town, or nearby. The guide dresses up and tells stories of hauntings and horror. Some are kid-friendly too.

Go leaf-collecting - Dress up warm and head out to the local woods. See how many different colours and types of leaves you can collect. Press them between sheets of blotting paper when you return home and use them to make pictures or decorate cards.

Read a creepy bookCool autumn evenings are just right for curling up with a good book. Try Erin. E Adam's Jackal, about a Black woman, Liz Rocher, returning to her predominantly white hometown in Pennsylvania to attend a wedding, and discovering a horrifying secret, that children have been vanishing in the nearby forest for years. All of them Black. All of them girls. Can Liz find the latest missing child before she's consumed by the darkness?

Tracey Anderson

Speedy Sparkle - Cleaning Hacks for When Time is Short

We all know how wonderful our homes look and smell after a deep clean. But real life is crazy busy and sometimes we might let things slide for a week…or several (or is that just me? Tell me it’s not just me!) and suddenly we realise that friends or relatives are arriving imminently, and the house is not quite as sparkly as it might be.

Don’t panic if your house looks like the aftermath of a natural disaster, it’s actually not that difficult to fake a clean-ish house with only 30-60 minutes to spare. It’s mainly about perception. Concentrate on where the visitors will be rather than the whole house.

Clutter isn’t exactly unclean, but it can make your space look uncared for. Hot spots are the porch and hallways, the living room, and the kitchen. Mentally divide clutter into five categories: rubbish, laundry, dirty dishes, items which have a designated home and items which don’t have a designated home. Whip round the three hotspots with a bin bag. Throw obvious rubbish straight into it then take it to the bin.

puzzle solutions:

Then whizz round again collecting all dirty cups and plates, take them to the kitchen and deposit them in the sink. Do the same for dirty laundry, depositing it all in the laundry bin. Do a final sweep for items with and without homes. Return all the ‘homed’ items to their designated places and dump the rest in the tub to be dealt with later. Put somewhere your guests won’t be (even if that’s in the boot of your car!)

Return to the kitchen, wash the dishes, and put them away. Clear kitchen surfaces give the impression of a house under control, so put as much as you can into cupboards, then wipe the counters.

Empty the kitchen bin and open the windows to air the space.

Your home should be looking better already.

If the visitors are arriving in the daytime, open the curtains and blinds to let light flood in; well-lit spaces are perceived as cleaner than those that are dimly lit. Cast an eye around

for obvious dust (the TV can collect a surprising amount, ditto for coffee tables and mirrors!) If the visitors are arriving after dusk, ambient lighting is your friend. Cosy lamplight can hide a multitude of dusty sins.

Plump up cushions and put out fresh towels in any bathroom your guests might use (flush the loo too, especially if you have teens who routinely forget…just me again?)

Finally spritz a little scent around. Anything citrussy brightens the space

because we are conditioned to think that ‘lemon smells clean’.

Add a plant or flowers. If you have time, grab a bunch of flowers. It doesn’t have to be big or showy. Even a few sprigs of greenery in a vase will make it look as though you have your act together.

Then open the wine, order a takeaway, and enjoy spending time with your guests.

By Sarah Davey

Roasted Cauliflower with Spinach, Saffron, Pine Nuts & Raisins

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets.

3 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion thinly sliced.

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground turmeric

Cooking time: 20 minutes Serves: 4

Pinch of saffron, infused in 150ml boiling water.

Method

Blanch the florets for 1 minute, then drain.

How to blanch.

Have ready a large bowl of ice-cold water, a slotted spoon, and a plate lined with a clean cloth or paper towel for draining.

3 tbsp pine nuts, lightly toasted 75g raisins, soaked in warm water.

300g spinach leaves

1 tbsp butter (optional)

Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat.

Just before adding the vegetables, add a generous pinch of salt.

Add the florets to the pot in small batches so that the water continues to boil. After about 1-2 minutes remove them from the boiling water with

a slotted spoon and plunge them into the ice bath to stop the cooking process in a process called 'shocking'.

When the florets are completely cool, remove them from the ice bath and drain on the towel-lined plate.

Heat the olive oil in a heavy saucepan then add the onion and a pinch of salt. Cook on a low heat until soft then

add the ground spices and cook for another couple of minutes.

Add the blanched cauliflower florets. Pour in the saffron water, add the pine nuts, drained raisins and spinach leaves. Cook until the leaves have wilted and cauliflower is soft, and you have a thin sauce. Season to taste and add the butter, if using.

If you can’t think of anything to do with cauliflower other than steam it or make cauliflower cheese with it, try this tasty, delicious recipe, either as a side dish, or as the main supper event with crusty rolls or garlic bread.

Garden View -This monthBlue is Beautiful

Gentians have a reputation for being tricky little things to grow and it isn’t entirely undeserved. They’re a temperamental lot. They will only grow from fresh seed; they require the gardener to jump through hoops to get them

to germinate; they don’t like being transplanted; they insist on freedraining but not impoverished soil... the list goes on. But those gorgeous ultra-marine trumpet flowers are so desirable, especially at this time of year when not much else is flowering.

I’ve had my fair share of failures with autumn gentians over the years but still I keep trying to grow them.

Like most of us I haven’t the time to devote to primping and preening the truly diva-ish varieties: those are best left to alpine devotees. I’ve had most success with Gentian sino-ornata. These form low growing clumps some 15cm / 6inches high and 30cm / 12inches across. In the right conditions they will produce gorgeous bright blue trumpets with pale green stripes from September all the way to November.

Gentians prefer shade for at least part of the day and, I can’t stress this bit enough, there must be no lime in the soil, or they’ll turn up their pretty blue toes and expire. Unfortunately, as I garden in an area rich in limestone, (our house is actually built on a limestone ridge!) the only way I can grow them is in low, dish-shaped containers where they can spread out a bit. If you’re making up your

own pots, use ericaceous compost with added grit to promote drainage. An even easier way to grow them is to buy them ready-potted. Garden centres will sell them at this time of year.

In spite of their fussiness, they are hardy perennials. If you can get them established they’ll proliferate. In the garden divide them carefully, disturbing the roots as little as possible, every three years in the spring. If you’re growing them in pots then at the start of spring carefully scrape out some of the top compost and redress it with ericaceous compost. Keep it moist and in a partially shaded area and the flowers should return in the autumn. When the pot looks overcrowded you can try splitting them once the flowering season is over but often it is better just to buy new plants.

The trouble with gentians is that they’re addictive. Grow a few successfully and you’ll get greedy for those startling blue flowers and want more. Then you’ll start to think, ‘I wonder if they really are that difficult to grow from seed…’ and you’re lost. Happy gardening.

By Rachael Leverton

FryDay Every DayHow to choose the perfect air fryer

Air fryers have become something of a kitchen staple recently. They are quick, easy, and economical to use, and provide the crispiness of fried food without the guilt. They work by circulating hot air around the food, producing a crispy layer similar to frying but with a fraction of the oil. If you've decided to join the air fryer revolution, here are essential features to consider:

Capacity – How big is your household? For singles or couples, a 2 to 3-litre unit might suffice. Families or those who entertain frequently might want to consider a larger model, 5,7 or even 10 litres. There is an air fryer for almost every family.

Temperature Range - A broad temperature range provides versatility in cooking. The ability to hit temperatures between 80-200C should be a minimum requirement.

By Tom Hancock

Controls - Digital touchscreens offer precision, and some advanced models

Crosswords

feature preset options for specific foods like fries, chicken, or fish.

Footprint - Some models are BIG, so consider how much counter space you have available.

Ease of Cleaning - Non-stick, removable parts, particularly the cooking basket, make cleaning a breeze. Many models have dishwasher-safe components for added convenience.

Additional Features - Some air fryers come with added functionalities like rotisserie, dehydration, or the ability to bake and roast. While these can increase the price, they provide added versatility.

Safety - Look for air fryers with safety features like auto shut-off, cool-touch exteriors, and ‘overheat’ protection. Your perfect air fryer will align with your cooking needs, kitchen space, and budget. Do your research and then every day can be Fry-day!

Roam With a Home Is a camper van right for you?

The Motorhome and Caravan Show is on at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre this month (17th -22nd October). If you’ve ever hankered after life on the open road there is lots of choice, from day campers to micro campers and motorhomes.

Day campers - Camper vans or Class B motorhomes are compact vehicles for 2-4 people. They can be used for both daily commuting and weekend getaways. They feature basic amenities like sleeping space, a small kitchen, and sometimes a bathroom and are a great introduction to the world of camper vans.

Micro campers are even more compact, focusing on essential amenities while maintaining an easy-to-drive profile. They are ideal for solo travellers or couples seeking cost-effective adventure. Despite their much smaller size, micro campers can still offer a comfortable sleeping area and a functional kitchenette, though you might have to stand outside to cook.

Motorhomes are larger, spacious, and well-equipped mobile homes, from Class C, with attached cabins to the luxurious Class A type which resemble buses. Motorhomes provide the most

comprehensive amenities, including full kitchens, bathrooms, and even entertainment systems. They're suitable for families or individuals looking for a more comfortable and extended traveling experience.

Motorhomes and campervans definitely offer the freedom to explore new places while having your accommodation readily available, allowing for spontaneous detours and unique experiences. In a motorhome the journey becomes an integral part of the holiday, encouraging you to take the scenic route and discover hidden gems along the way.

Enthusiasts will extol the costefficiency of motorhomes and campers. It’s true that they can save you money on accommodation and dining expenses. With a kitchen on board, there is the option to prepare your own meals, reducing the need to eat out, but…campervans and particularly motorhomes can be extremely expensive. New models can come in over £30000! That would pay for a fair few self-catering holidays, so if you only plan to use your motorhome once a year you might be better staying in a luxury lodge for a fortnight.

You also need to consider that regardless of the size, camper vans have limited living space compared to traditional homes. This requires careful organization and packing skills, plus an ability to get along very well with any travelling companions.

Maintaining any motorhome involves regular upkeep, storage, and servicing, and this can be more expensive than a regular vehicle.

Motorhomes can also be challenging to manoeuvre and park, especially in crowded areas, multistorey car parks or on narrow roads.

If you’re still keen, establish a budget before you start shopping. Decide which amenities are essential for your comfort and convenience. If a full bathroom or a spacious kitchen is high up on your list of priorities, accept that you are not going to get away with a micro camper.

Before committing it’s wise to rent the size and model you are considering for a few days to see whether it suits your needs. You might decide that the motorhome holiday is not for you… or you might just kickstart a whole new lifestyle.

By Greg Palmer

Sudoku

How to play 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.

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

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

Flu Season

The practice has now opened flu vaccination clinics for bookings from mid-September and October. These appointments are available to book online as well as by calling or visiting the practice.

This year the eligibility for the flu vaccine is as follows: 2–3-yearolds, anyone with a chronic disease, pregnant women, anyone aged 65 and over, carers, close contacts of immunocompromised individuals, housebound patients, those living in long-stay residential care homes or nursing homes, frontline workers in social care settings, patient facing staff in general practice.

We will not be offering flu vaccinations for 50–64-year-olds with no clinical conditions this year. If you are in this category and would like a vaccination, please speak to a local pharmacy.

Flu clinics will be held at the Brightlingsea practice and at our Alresford branch site on a variety of dates and times. All information about clinics will be posted on the practice website, facebook page and displayed in practice.

Autumn Covid booster vaccinations WILL NOT be given by the practice this year. For further information about eligibility and appointments, please call 119.

If you know of someone who is eligible for a flu vaccination who cannot attend the surgery due to frailty, old age or ill health please contact reception who can organise a visit from a nurse practitioner.

Shingles and Pneumonia Vaccinations

The surgery offers shingles and pneumonia vaccinations to our eligible patients. The vaccination against shingles is available to any patient aged between 70 and 79 who has not previously had one and in addition, anyone turning 65 from 1st September 2023 will also be eligible. The pneumonia vaccine can be given to anyone over the age of 65 and those patients who are immunosuppressed. Generally, only a single vaccination is required for this as well, although sometimes a second is advised. Please contact reception to check your eligibility for either of these vaccinations or to book an appointment.

Therapy For You

Therapy For You is the free NHS counselling and talking therapies service for people in South East and North East Essex. They offer online CBT courses, 1-1, Group and Phone Therapy. They also offer video calls and online therapy. If you would like more information or a self-referral, you can visit their website: https:// therapyforyou.co.uk or phone 01206 334001 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

Thank you for reading

Katie Pirie Practice Manager

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

THE KIDS...

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