Issuu

Issue 59

Cover photo by Jon Sturdy Photography

More Space, More Properties, Same Exceptional Ser vice! For Sales & Letting or Your Free Valuation Please Contract Us On 01206 572233 Sales@palmerpartners.com

Come rain or shine there’s fun General Election Local Results to be had at Colchester Zoo! Other indoor areas include Australian Rainbows, a tropical walkthrough exhibit home to a group of rainbow lorikeets; Sensation Station, a great place to stay dry and get up close to a number of small species at this interactive centre! PLUS so many more areas for you to explore you’ll be spoilt for choice! There’s plenty of fun to be had at Colchester Zoo throughout the winter months with their many undercover enclosures and indoor areas to protect you from the elements! Travel through Colchester Zoo’s underwater sealion tunnel to watch the sealions swim above your head; this tunnel leads you on to Orangutan Forest which includes an atmosphere which replicates that of the rainforest! You can also stop by the Kingdom of the Wild building, a large indoor area home to a number of species from leaf cutter ants to pygmy hippopotamus!

As well as a large number of other undercover viewing areas Colchester Zoo’s catering outlets also offer hot drinks, snacks and seasonal meals with indoor seating to warm up and plan your route! With so much to see and do including the zoo’s very own indoor soft play area Jungle Tumble, Colchester Zoo is a great place to visit all year round! For more information and to book E-tickets online visit www.colchesterzoo.org

Following the General Election on December 12, 2019:

• 51,963 votes were cast for candidates in the Harwich and North Essex Constituency

• Will Quince was elected Member of Parliament for the Colchester Constituency;

• there were 190 rejected votes in the Colchester Constituency

• Bernard Jenkin was elected Member of Parliament for the Harwich and North Essex Constituency.

• there were 162 rejected votes in the Harwich and North Essex Constituency

We can announce that:

• overall turnout was 64.9% in the Colchester Constituency

• the total electorate for the Colchester Constituency was 82,625 • the total electorate for the Harwich and North Essex Constituency was 74,153 • 53,373 votes were cast for candidates in the Colchester Constituency

• overall turnout was 70.5% in the Harwich and North Essex Constituency For further information, please see the full election results here: http:// colchester.gov.uk/electionresults

For any information or to submit an article or advert contact David Cook:

Call: Out Of Office: Email: Head Office:

01206 233717 07734 171985 SimplyColchester@gmail.com Simply Magazine, 1 George Williams Way, Colchester, Essex CO1 2JS

COPY DEADLINES:

Issue 60: 27/12/19 Issue 61: 25/01/20

Simply Magazine assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, t ddelayed l d or iincomplete l t iinformation, f ti 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 in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Simply Magazine. Therefore, Simply Magazine carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. Any form of reproduction of any content without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. For information on advertising or submitting a article please email David Cook at: Simplycolchester@gmail.com or call 01206 233717 / 07734 171985

Memorial carol service at Quick Crossword Puzzle Colchester Crematorium

The ever-popular Memorial Carol Service takes place in the Colchester Crematorium Chapel on Tuesday 17 December, at 2pm. Everyone is welcome to this informal and friendly service led by Reverend Canon Richard Tillbrook, the Vicar of Old Heath. The festive proceedings will include readings, poems and traditional carols. The very talented musician Stephen Evans will play the organ and representatives from The Colchester People’s Choir will sing festive songs. Following the service, visitors will be offered tea and mince pies, kindly provided by the Starlight Tea Room.

Cllr Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council said: “This will be my first time attending the carol service and I’ve been told it’s a warm and uplifting event. I look forward to joining many local people, their families and friends, to get the festive season off to a perfect cosy and Christmassy start. I can’t sing very well, but I’ll give it a go!” The Crematorium Chapel, which opened in 1957, is located within the Garden of Remembrance, at Colchester Cemetery, Mersea Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8RU. Visitors are advised to use the gate entrance close to the mini-roundabout junction with Abbott’s Road and to park in the Crematorium Car Park.

ACROSS 7 Liking for swansong? (8) 9 A woman, first to kiss a nerd (6) 10 Poor actor in first half of play (3) 11 Possibly make bread low-calorie with this material (8) 12 One lays down golf club (6) 13 Slowly going round a shed (4-2) 15 Great fire trick endlessly rehashed (8) 16 Ann quoted girl uncharacteristically speaking pompously (13) 20 Song about a...a curse (8) 22 Assume former partner will need training before court (6) 25 Wine is left in crate anyhow (6) 26 To abandon plane is not unusual (8) 27 Some ambassadors create fuss (3) 28 Dark-sounding piece (6) 29 Runs into trouble with southern relations (8) DOWN 1 Threat from males by a church (6) 2 Show or hide (6) 3 Leaders of manufacturing association equip ancient plant (8) 4 One sleeping in tent is more affected (6) 5 Remorseful criminal gets tired (8) 6 Cosmetic surgery changed life in fact (8) 8 Film depicting very patient person from Rome? (3,7,3) 14 Song listened to in Scottish town (3) 16 Awkward crowd wants fish (8) 17 Modify, for example, ring for trusted friend (5,3) 18 Who can start such a sentence? (8) 19 Born in endless poverty (3) 21 Car in ultimately pristine condition (6) 23 Difficult situation for Penny, not rich (6) 24 Many sheets, we hear, needed for singing groups (6)

SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 7 penchant. 9 anorak. 10 ham. 11 Bakelite. 12 putter. 13 lean-to. 15 terrific. 16 grandiloquent. 20 anathema. 22 expect. 25 claret. 26 jettison. 27 ado. 28 knight. 29 brothers. DOWN: 1 menace. 2 screen. 3 marigold. 4 camper. 5 contrite. 6 face-lift. 8 The Italian Job. 14 Ayr. 16 gangling. 17 alter ego. 18 question. 19 née. 21 estate. 23 plight. 24 choirs.

Christmas and New Year Recycling and Rubbish collection changes Residents are being reminded that their recycling and rubbish collection days will change over Christmas and New Year and are advised to check their recycling calendars for their collection dates. During Christmas week, there will be no collections on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. Collections which would normally fall on a Tuesday, will take place on Saturday 21 December and collections which usually take place on a Wednesday will take place on Tuesday (Christmas Eve). Thursday and Friday collections will be one day later than usual. During the week commencing 31 December, the Wednesday to Friday collections will be one day later than usual. In Colchester, different recycling and waste types are collected on alternating weeks, known as Green and Blue Weeks. The order of these will remain the same. The Council is also encouraging people to be mindful of what they waste over the Christmas and new year period. Nationally, we create 30 per cent more waste than usual over

the Christmas period, however most of what is used at Christmas can be recycled: • Wrapping paper, cards and envelopes can all be placed in the clear paper recycling bag, unless it’s covered in glitter or metallic foil. Ribbons, bows and other adornments must be removed too • Glass bottles and cans can all be placed in green recycling boxes. • Turkey bones and other food scraps can go into the food waste caddy. Many leftovers can be frozen or reused. • Christmas trees can be recycled through St Helena Hospice’s Treecycle scheme by signing up here, or sawn up and placed in the garden waste sacks/bin. • Many plastic items such as bottles, pots and tubs can be recycled A full list of what items can and cannot be recycled in the borough is available online at colchester.gov.uk/recycling. Following the changes to kerbside plastic recycling earlier this year, residents are encouraged to visit

colchester.gov.uk/plastics to view Frequently Asked Questions about local plastic recycling. Councillor Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: “Due to the way the Christmas and New Year bank holidays fall this year, our recycling and rubbish collections dates are changing during 21 December – 4 January. We’re therefore encouraging residents to check their recycling calendar early, so they know when their collections are in this period. “We would also encourage everyone to be mindful of the environment this Christmas and think about the items they purchase, such as wrapping paper without glitter or foil which can be recycled. It’s also important to consider whether some items are really needed and if so, can they be recycled or reused or are there more sustainable alternatives.”

Collection days for householders will return to normal on Tuesday 7 January. To find your recycling and rubbish collection calendar, enter your postcode at www.colchester.gov.uk/ recycling.

Tree planting launch a great success Around 100 people got involved in planting trees at Spring Lane Park on Saturday, at the launch of Colchester Borough Council’s Colchester Woodland Project. The project, part of the Better Colchester campaign, will see over 200,000 trees planted across the borough over the next five years – including the planting of a new community woodland which is hoped to begin at the end of 2020. It’s one of the first green steps the council is taking since all Colchester councillors declared a climate emergency in July. The Leader of the Council, Cllr Mark Cory, and the Portfolio Holder for Business and Resources, Cllr David King, planted the first tree at the site. They then joined the volunteers in planting a variety of trees, including hawthorn, field maple, beech, lime, oak, rowan, silver birch and hazel. Nearly 2,000 trees were planted in total, with people of all ages working together to plant the trees in just

over two hours. A selection of tools were available, with a planting demonstration given by Colchester Borough Council staff. Volunteers also received a reusable aluminium water bottles as a thank you for taking part. Local resident and admin of Eco Colchester, an online environmental forum, Grace Darke, said: “It was a really fun and active way to spend a morning, the kids loved getting involved and we will treasure the memories we made. It felt so good taking part and left us feeling very proud and hopeful that our combined efforts as a community will really help to make a difference in Colchester.” Cllr King said: “It was fantastic to see so many people, young and old, turn up to help us launch such an important project. “The atmosphere and sense of community spirit was simply amazing, and this is at the very heart of the project. The Colchester Woodland Project is as much about community and demonstrating the

importance of trees as it is about planting new trees and preserving the mature woodlands we already have. We want to continue to build on this voluntary network of passionate people to not only plant but maintain and help our trees flourish for a greener future. I would urge everyone to come along to one of our tree planting events and get involved.” Cllr Cory added: “A huge thank you to everyone who came along to Spring Lane Park. It’s astounding to see what can be achieved when we work together as a community for such an important cause.

“We hope that more and more residents, businesses and local schools will join us over the coming months, and together we can continue to grow a Better Colchester.” The names of people who plant a tree as part of the Colchester Woodland Project will appear on an online register, which will go live on the on the council’s website in the next few weeks. This will continue throughout the duration of the project, so that residents can see the part they are playing in helping Colchester become carbon neutral by 2030. Details of all future planting events can be found at www.colchester.gov.uk/ colchesterwoodlandproject.

We work with people in pain, struggling to do what they love, and want to keep ﬁt and active. Physiotherapy

Sports Massage

Shockwave Therapy

Led by a clinical specialist who specialises in getting results where others don't, our service gives you quick access to clinicians who are best suited to helping you using a combination of: Rehabilitation Plans Massage Manipulation Taping

01206 564179 01473 780477

Gait Analysis Hydrotherapy Acupuncture Shockwave Therapy

“If you are in need of pain relief or management, I would highly recommend a visit to see Josh at his clinic. Not only is he an extremely good physio, his manor and method of explanation is always clear and understandable and instantly puts the patient at ease.” Client with neck pain You Fit Colchester, The Holiday Inn, Eight-Ash-Green, Abbotts Lane, Colchester, CO6 3QL. T 07814 674 283 E admin@reﬂex18.co.uk

www.reﬂex18.co.uk

Merry Ch

from all a

hristmas!

at Simply

And a Happy New Year!

Local Council Tax Support scheme set

Colchester’s Voluntary Welfare Grant

to provide vital help to residents

fund open for applications

On 20 November, Colchester Borough Council’s Cabinet agreed that its current Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) scheme, which this year has helped 9,000 residents reduce their council tax bill and provided around £8.5million of support, should remain the same for 2020-21 and will be discussed by Full Council.

Voluntary and community groups that provide valuable services to the borough are invited to apply for a share of the council’s £190,000 Voluntary Welfare Grant funding scheme for 2020/21, applications accepted from the 29 November 2019.

Colchester’s current LCTS scheme provides a Council Tax reduction for residents who need additional support. The scheme is one of the most generous in Essex and aligns with the council’s strategic plan to make Colchester an even better place to live and to support those who need help. The 2020-21 LCTS scheme has already been considered by the council’s Scrutiny Panel and will now be discussed by Full Council on 5 December, with a proposed implementation date of 1 April 2020. Councillor David King, Portfolio

Holder for Business and Resources, said: “We remain committed to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community and providing a better Colchester. The Local Council Tax Support scheme is one great way in which we are achieving this aim. Reducing the costs for 9,000 of the most deserving and vulnerable of our residents has always had support from Councillors across the political spectrum and we will recommend we do again next year, despite the costs. But this is just one part of the support we give. We distribute benefits quickly – an award-winning performance that has meant national recognition for our teams. “Our frontline staff are also available to support residents who need specialist welfare benefit advice, and other officers are available to provide employment assistance.”

The three-year grant aims to support projects or services that strengthen communities, reduce social isolation and loneliness and help the physical and mental wellbeing of residents. Organisations that help safeguard the vulnerable with better support, provide facilities for young people and help enhance community safety are also invited to apply. Organisations can apply for a one-off grant – from a minimum of £5,000 up to a maximum of £30,000. Funding is available to registered charities, constituted voluntary and community groups and not-for-profit organisations.

Councillor Mike Lilley, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “The Voluntary Welfare Grant is a great way for local groups and charities to obtain additional funding for worthwhile projects and good causes that help build strong local communities across the borough. I would urge any interested organisations to apply online by the closing date.” The application form and further information about the Voluntary Welfare Grant Fund can be found online at www.colchester.gov.uk/ voluntarywelfaregrant. The funding will be confirmed to the successful organisations in January 2020 and allocated in April 2020. The closing date for applications is 5pm on the 10 January 2020. Late applications will not be accepted.

Senior Citizen Discount - Best Prices Given LOGS FOR SALE 10

Call now for a FREE quotation

10% this ad

Quick Crossword Puzzle

Festive park fun High Woods Country Park is holding two seasonal events in the coming weeks, including a children’s Woodland Wreath Marking event on 20 December and a New Year’s Day Walk, which includes a three-mile ranger-led walk through the park followed by mulled wine and a mince pie. For further information about these events, including timings, locations, booking details and costs, visit www. colchester.gov.uk/parkevents. Councillor Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: “High Woods Country Park is a fantastic green space which everyone can enjoy, and these seasonal events are perfect for those wanting to get outdoors, enjoy the environment and get their new year off to a great start.”

ACROSS 1 One keeps characters apart when depressed (5- 3) 6 Glaring error in his rag (6) 9 Son gets conned, say – that’s harsh (6) 10 Courtesy shown by Greek character to girl by railway (8) 11 Elected party fast becomes lazy (8) 12 Jack has to fetch Mark (6) 13 Determined bachelor paid attention (6-6) 16 Unexpectedly unable to get Sky? (3,2,3,4) 19 Company fellow is powerful (6) 21 Cut price record released around start of November (8) 23 Inexperienced worker ruined green bin (8) 24 Some mathematicians we reckon will provide the solution (6) 25 Seize east wing (6) 26 Still current late in the day (8)

Tickets for bookable events can only be purchased through the Visitor Information Centre in Hollytrees Museum, in person at Hollytrees

Museum, Castle Park, CO1 1UG or by telephone on 01206 282920, purchases cannot be made at the events. For more information about any of the Council’s parks and countryside locations, visit colchester.gov.uk/ parks.

DOWN 2 Powerful omen seer ultimately missed (6) 3 Feature old material (5) 4 Fathead identifies tree (9) 5 Reading affects literacy mostly (7) 6 Good material for dressing flash (5) 7 Again sort out bottom oven (9) 8 Thus Catholic monarch doubled as enchanter (8) 13 Herons lie scattered by the coast (9) 14 Married sort’s given fish and a soft drink (4-5) 15 Swede perhaps wants purée...no, a stew (8) 17 Second goal gets Rose excited (7) 18 Really popular act (6) 20 Stretched for time (5) 22 Notes frenzied attack (5)

SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 space-bar. 6 garish. 9 strict. 10 chivalry. 11 indolent. 12 target. 13 single-minded. 16 out of the blue. 19 cogent. 21 discount. 23 beginner. 24 answer. 25 annexe. 26 eventide. DOWN: 2 potent. 3 chino. 4 butternut. 5 recital. 6 glint. 7 rearrange. 8 sorcerer. 13 shoreline. 14 milk-shake. 15 European. 17 endorse. 18 indeed. 20 tense. 22 onset.

Armed Forces Gold Award celebration event A special event was held on Thursday 28 November to celebrate the partnership between Colchester Borough Council and Colchester’s military community. Representatives from the Armed Forces community, reservist and veteran members of staff from Colchester Borough Council, the Mayor of Colchester and other local dignitaries came together at Colchester Town Hall for the special event. The event was hosted by Cllr Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, who said: “Achieving the Gold Award is a wonderful recognition for the council and the work we do with the Armed Forces community. As signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant, we are committed to supporting all members of the military community. We aim to maintain and develop this work going forward, providing our service personnel with the support they rightly deserve and create a Better Colchester for all.” At the event, Colchester Borough Council was presented with its Gold

Award from the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Deputy Lieutenant-Colonel (Retd) Peter Christian OBE DL, for its work to support the Defence and Armed Forces community. It is the first time the Council has received the Gold Award, having previously received the Silver and Bronze accolade.

Cllr Lyn Barton, Armed Forces Champion, added: “I am delighted that Colchester Borough Council has received this outstanding award. I would encourage other businesses and organisations in the area to look at the criteria for the award and ask if there is anything they can do to be more Armed Forces friendly.”

Colchester has a historic and established relationship with the Armed Forces, thanks to the centuriesold link between the town and its garrison. The council was also one of the first local authorities to sign up to the official Defence Discount Service, in 2017, offering military discounts and concessions at Leisure World and Colchester Castle, as well as on Colchester Events Company weddings.

Lieutenant Colonel Jim McManus, Commander of Colchester Garrison, said: “The Garrison enjoys a close

Cllr Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “We are one of two organisations in Essex to be awarded this prestigious Gold Award. It’s a tremendous endorsement of our promise to support the local Armed Forces community.”

and productive working relationship with Colchester Borough Council. The council is aware of and responsive to the needs of the town’s military community. I congratulate the council on receiving the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.” For more information on the Council’s work with the Armed Forces, please visit colchester.gov.uk/armedforces

Colchester Borough Council’s services over the festive period

While the key council services will continue operating over the Christmas and New Year period, the council’s main offices will be closed on Tuesday 24 December and will re-open at 9am on Monday 30 December. They will also be closed on New Year’s Day – reopening for normal business from Thursday 2 January 2020. To find out more information about all the council’s services, visit www.colchester.gov.uk. Residents wishing to access council services via their online account will be able to do so 24-hours a day over Christmas at www.colchester. gov.uk/online. This is the place to quickly and easily set up a Direct Debit, check Council Tax, apply for a Single Person Discount and switch to e-billing. Housing Benefit recipients can also view their entitlement, check correspondence and the income on a claim. The key information and dates of council services over the Christmas period are as follows… Waste and Recycling collections Recycling and rubbish collection days over Christmas and New Year are changing and residents are advised to check their recycling calendars. During Christmas week, there will be no collections on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. Collections which would usually fall on a Tuesday, will take place on Saturday 21 December and collections which usually take place on a Wednesday will take place on Tuesday (Christmas Eve). Thursday and Friday collections will be one day later than usual. During the week commencing 31 December, the Wednesday to Friday collections will be one day later than usual. Collection days will return to normal on Tuesday 7 January. Information about Essex County Council’s Shrub End Recycling Centre opening times and items accepted can be found here If you are looking to recycle your real Christmas tree following the festive period, you can ask St Helena Hospice to take it away for a small donation. This year, they will be collecting trees from properties in CO1-CO9 and CO11 on 11 January. Collections needs to be booked by midday on 8 January. More information can be found here.

Community Hub The Community Hub in Colchester Library will be open on Tuesday 24 December until 1pm and will reopen all on Friday 27 December to Monday 30 December. It will be open until 1pm on New Year’s Eve, 31 December, and reopen as usual from Thursday 2 January. For more information and also the library opening times, visit the council’s website here. Helpline The emergency alarm, response and monitoring service, Helpline, will operate 24 hours-a-day, as normal, during the Christmas and New Year period, providing support and equipment for elderly and vulnerable residents. Helpline users can contact the service on 01206 769779. More information can be found at www. helplineplus.co.uk/ For anyone who finds themselves homeless or threatened with homelessness over Christmas, more information can be found here. Leisure World Residents looking to burn off the extra calories consumed over Christmas, de-stress in the spa or who want to make the most of the school holidays will find plenty to do at Leisure World Colchester and Aqua Springs. The leisure centre and spa will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, but open every other day over the festive period with restricted hours. Please check the gym, pools and spa festive opening times on the website before visiting. Normal opening hours will resume on Thursday 2 January 2020. More information can be found at: www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk Colchester Castle Colchester Castle will be closed over the Christmas period from Tuesday 24 December to Friday 27 December 2019. It will be open as usual from Saturday 28 December. The Castle will close again for the day on Wednesday 1 January 2020. More information can be found here. The Natural History Museum The Natural History Museum will be closed over the Christmas period from Tuesday 24 December to Friday 27 December. It will be open as usual from Saturday 28 December. The Museum will close again for the day on Wednesday 1 January 2020. More information can be found here.

ACROSS 1 Backing horse and making a killing (6) 4 I’m trapped by racist waving a sword (8) 9 Pirate lives out by river (6) 10 Violate home by border (8) 11 About to ring to cancel (6) 12 Fresh local pie is a source of inspiration (8) 13 Criminal swindle (3) 14 Opt for mixture of steel containing carbon (6) 17 It’s close enough to catch sound of gunfire, as Cockney says? (7) 21 Trouble experienced over plant (6) 25 Animal starts to play in garden (3) 26 Royal commander twice turned to jelly (4-4) 27 Monk craftily conceals one old Japanese garment (6) 28 Article on Spain confused actor (8) 29 Saudi unusually takes time to make financial checks (6) 30 Beat side struggling with illness (8) 31 Make tough woman a corporal finally (6) DOWN 1 I’m upset by tension with lover (8) 2 Fatty pudding (4-4) 3 Angel represented in English church shows refinement (8) 5 Half of Canada is able to dance (6) 6 Yours truly gets to bank – just (6) 7 Noted problem with new tissue (6) 8 Joint from freezer cooked without zeal initially (6) 12 Pirate from Cairo’s drunk, right? (7) 15 Bill is not entirely suitable (3) 16 Upstanding professor has to show agreement (3) 18 Quiet diplomacy involving one on vessel (8) 19 Element in fuel or explosive (8) 20 Have great fun with student in musical (8) 22 Was profligate and very drunk (6) 23 Woman harassed male in Pennsylvania (6) 24 Bird of prey’s first to appear in new image (6) 25 Mate has excellent, luxurious house (6) SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 murder. 4 scimitar. 9 silver. 10 infringe. 11 repeal. 12 Calliope. 13 con. 14 select. 17 ear-shot. 21 dahlia. 25 pig. 26 agar-agar. 27 kimono. 28 thespian. 29 audits. 30 diabetes. 31 anneal. DOWN: 1 mistress. 2 roly-poly. 3 elegance. 5 cancan. 6 merely. 7 tendon. 8 reefer. 12 corsair. 15 tab. 16 nod. 18 taciturn. 19 fluorine. 20 carousel. 22 wasted. 23 Pamela. 24 magpie. 25 palace.

Residents are being reminded of the amended opening times of Colchester Borough Council services and venues this festive period.

Quick Crossword Puzzle