Issue 64
Cover photo by Jon Sturdy Photography
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RY MERTMAeSar IS w Y CHRHappy Nestomers a a n d of our cu l a o t l
New showrooms now open at Bypass Nurseries, Capel St Mary and Glasswells, Ipswich
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What’s new at Colchester Zoo!
Join Colchester Zoo this Christmas and immerse yourself in the wonderful festive atmosphere! Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 Colchester Zoo are unable to host their usual, ever-popular, Magic of Christmas events. However, the festivities are far from cancelled as they’ve have put together a host of activities for everyone to enjoy safely! On the 12th & 13th, 19th – 24th December you can enjoy festive fun during your day out at Colchester Zoo as well as the chance to see the Magical Animal Illuminations as they remain open into the early evening*. See Santa’s beautiful reindeer in their stables throughout the day, get involved with some Christmas crafts, walk amongst the fairies in the Enchanted Woodland and enjoy tasty festive treats and seasonal hot drinks! Santa is also coming to Colchester Zoo this December, but he will not be in his grotto this year, instead, Santa is helping the Animal Care Team and caring for his animal friends! See if you can spot Santa as you explore the zoo, he may be cleaning windows, feeding, or giving presents to the animals or
simply spreading Christmas cheer from afar! Of course, it would not be Christmas without the delights of the magical illuminations to bring that sparkle back into your year. Walk amongst the twinkling Christmas lights and enjoy the sight of a number of beautifully lit life-size animal sculptures and other festive scenes along the Merry & Bright Trail. Colchester Zoo’s Outpost Gift Shop will also be open offering many unique gifts and festive themed presents - this will be a one stop shop for all your Christmas gifts at amazing prices! Colchester Zoo also has a range of vouchers to choose from, including monetary, Zoo Pass and Animal Experience vouchers to offer unforgettable memories to your loved ones this Christmas! Christmas at Colchester Zoo is sure to bring festive cheer to all the family and your visit will also play an important part in supporting the Zoo’s future. *Closing times vary, please check website for event dates and details at www.colchesterzoo.org
Issue 64
For any information or to submit an article or advert contact David Cook:
Call: Out Of Office: Email: Head Office:
Cover photo by Jon
y Sturdy Photograph
ies, More Propert More Space, onal Ser vice! Same Excepti on Free Valuati Letting or Your 572233 FFor Sales & t Us On 01206 Please Contrac partner s.com Sales@ palmer
01206 233717 07734 171985 SimplyColchester@gmail.com Simply Magazine, 1 George Williams Way, Colchester, Essex CO1 2JS
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Issue 65: 18/12/20 Issue 66: 20/01/21
Simply Magazine assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by such individual, event organizers or organization without verification by us. The opinion expressed 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
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The UK’s Largest BBQ festival experience is coming to Colchester in 2021 Colchester Events is proud to announce that ‘Smoke and Fire’, the largest BBQ festival experience in the UK, is coming to Colchester for the first time in its four-year history. The three-day event, in aid of Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, will take place in Colchester Castle Park on 2022 August 2021. This alternative and all-inclusive food festival will be hosting the first annual British Open BBQ Championships, where expert judges and the public will get to decide who will be crowned the undisputed British BBQ Champion 2021. The festival will also feature some of the true legends of USA, European and British BBQ and open-fire cookery, pitmasters, live demonstrations, and masterclasses – sparking interest in the alchemy and techniques of cooking with smoke and fire. Visitors can explore new and exciting taste sensations from a wide variety of BBQ’d and open-fire cooked food, wine and dine in one of many firecooked or pop-up BBQ restaurants, enjoy music and dancing with live bands and international DJs, and enjoy a wide selection of bubbles, cocktails, wine or local craft beer and cider. Ashley Peniston-Bird, Festival Director, said: “We can’t wait to bring Smoke
and Fire to Colchester, which was a popular choice among the team. We think that most families will want to put this year behind them and will be ready to let their hair down and enjoy themselves, and we plan to make next year’s festival one to remember! With cooking and eating competitions, children’s fun, games and entertainment, live music and dancing the event will provide an unforgettable summer weekend for everyone to enjoy.â€? Councillor Theresa Higgins, Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, added: “It’s great news that this exciting three-day festival is coming to Colchester in the summer of 2021. In these challenging times, it’s vital to have something to look forward to and this celebration of food, music and entertainment will not only attract festival-goers from far afield but, with many visitors staying in the area over the three days, is sure to help local businesses too.â€? The Colchester event is part of a UK-wide ‘Smoke and Fire’ festival tour, which takes in Southport, Hastings and Weston-Super-Mare. Early bird tickets, available from now until 21st March 2021, cost ÂŁ12.50 per adults and children 0-12 years go free. To book visit: www. smokeandfirefestival.com
Quick Crossword Puzzle
ACROSS 1 Goal’s beginning to stir up game (6) 4 Ray waits nervously for flight (8) 9 Tart performs turn to entice (7) 11 Takes permanent possession of building extensions (7) 12 Runs into policeman with whip (4) 13 In discussion, brought up money (5) 14 Caught old king with Ecstasy and another drug (4) 17 Take back a sum fellow distributed to earn money quickly (4,1,4,4) 19 He said I’ll test new TV receiving equipment (9,4) 22 Chap providing article about Los Angeles (4) 23 Edible bulb used in canneloni only (5) 24 Sick son takes seat in church (4) 27 Search for drink before playing game (7) 28 I plunged into one river then another with lack of success (7) 29 Exciting tale involved her till end of November (8) 30 He needs new teacher for London area (6) DOWN 1 In Georgia a locum cured eye disease (8) 2 Viewpoint of striking appearance (7) 3 Slovenly woman is scum (4) 5 Angrily remove football shirt and give reprimand? (4,1,5,3) 6 For starters, it’s now no smoking in pubs (4) 7 Increase labour of one in Tussaud’s (7) 8 Enemy’s confused by sycophants (3,3) 10 Pretend not to have seen Annie belt Rudy viciously (4,1,5,3) 15 The world is heartbroken (5) 16 Accepting rule finally, leave in peace (5) 18 Food, reportedly chief Chinese dish (4,4) 19 M-master possibly showing this speech defect (7) 20 Take legal possession of one thousand quid (7) 21 Repeat standard codswallop (6) 25 Bucket gives Penny trouble (4) 26 Concealed English leather (4) SOLUTIONS ACROSS 11 grouse. 4 stairway. 9 attract. 11 annexes. 12 crop. 13 bread. 14 coke. 17 make a fast buck. 19 satellite dish. 22 Alan. 23 onion. 24 spew. 27 rummage. 28 failure. 29 thriller. 30 Hendon. DOWN: 1 glaucoma. 2 outlook. 3 slag. 5 tear a strip off. 6 inns. 7 waxwork. 8 yes men. 10 turn a blind eye. 15 earth. 16 quiet. 18 chow-mein. 19 stammer. 20 impound. 21 parrot. 25 pail. 26 hide.
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Colchester’s £25 million Town Deal bid submitted Issued jointly with Essex County Council A multi-million-pound bid by We Are Colchester to fund several projects around the town has been submitted to the Government. At the start of 2020, Colchester was chosen as one of 101 towns across the country that could apply for up to £25 million from the Government’s Town Deal Fund. Over 1000 individuals, groups and businesses submitted their views on how Colchester can be improved following a successful bid. These ideas were developed into several projects under the broad themes of how we live, grow, and connect. The bid to fund these projects has now been submitted by the We Are Colchester Board. We Are Colchester is a dynamic partnership involving public, private and voluntary organisations that was formed in January 2020. Board Chair and local businessman, Simon Blaxill, said: “I believe that we have submitted a very strong bid for this money. The list of projects chosen, will make a long lasting, positive difference to our town. “They will promote skills
development, create jobs for local people, make our communities more attractive and with better facilities. The Town Deal provides Colchester with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make our town an even better place to live, work and visit.” The list of projects includes: •
The creation of digital work hubs
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Transforming facilities for young people
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A digital skills hub at the Wilson Marriage Centre (Magdalene Street)
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Public realm improvements in the town centre
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Restoration of 1000 year old Holy Trinity Church and the first phase in restoring our iconic Victorian water tower ‘Jumbo’
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Transformation of community facilities in Greenstead
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The accelerated introduction of 5G
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Improved walking and cycling links across the town.
Cllr David King, Colchester Council Portfolio Holder for Business and Resources, who also Chairs the We Are Colchester Advisory Group, added: “We have already secured £1M. If successful, this further £25 million bid will enable big improvements to be made across the whole town. Our public consultations showed that people want Colchester to be ‘greener’, to provide greater opportunities for young people and to make it easier for people to walk and cycle. “Local people want the town to be made more attractive and for improvements to be made to infrastructure. The projects that We Are Colchester have submitted to the Government address all these issues. “With the help of other investors, we can make a huge difference to residents and help businesses and those they employ at this difficult time to have confidence in Colchester’s future, as a great place to live, work and visit’.
Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and We Are Colchester Board Member said, “The investment proposed as part of Town Deal submission to Government provides a great opportunity for sustainable economic growth in Colchester and its surrounding area. “We have established a bold vision that will help the town to embrace the future, with a strong package of investment programmes and projects around active travel, employment and skills, regeneration, young people, heritage and culture. “We look forward to continuing the work with the community, local stakeholders, Colchester Borough
Council and Central Government to take forward the Town Deal bid and the many opportunities it offers.” We Are Colchester expects to hear before February 2021 whether it has been successful in getting all or part of the money.
Cllr Tony Ball, Essex County Council
Free Christmas parking Colchester Borough Council is offering shoppers an early Christmas present with free parking in the town during Late Night Shopping again this year. In a change to previous Christmas parking offers, motorists wishing to take advantage of this parking offer, will need to register their free parking stay using MiPermit, a contactless parking system.
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to support shoppers and businesses. “This year, motorists will be able to take advantage of this fantastic free parking offer by registering their stay with MiPermit. MiPermit is quick and easy to use and usage in our car parks has grown significantly over the past year and is now the most popular car parking payment method in Colchester. It’s also where customers can access our best parking deals all year.
For motorists who register their parking stay in a council-owned town centre car park after 3pm on Wednesdays 9, 16 and 23 December, parking charges will be waived. Many of Colchester’s huge selection of boutique and big-name stores are opening until late on these nights.
“We hope this offer will encourage people to support local businesses and enjoy the festive atmosphere in town.”
Councillor Mike Lilley, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “2020 has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone and we’re really pleased to be able to offer free parking for late night shopping again this Christmas,
For more information about Christmas in Colchester, visit the Christmas in Colchester website
To find out more about parking in the town, including locations of car parks and year-round deals, visit www. colchester.gov.uk/parking
Colchester Borough Council welcomes investment to support the most vulnerable this winter The Leader of Colchester Borough Council, Cllr Mark Cory, has today welcomed the announcement that £3.9m of Covid-related funding is being invested to support the most vulnerable residents of Essex through the winter and beyond. The package will provide direct support to adults, children and families across Colchester facing hardship or needing practical, emotional or mental health support. Colchester Borough Council will also work with Essex County Council to distribute grants to grassroots clubs and activities for children and young people who have lost income or face extra costs adapting to Covid-safety rules. The countywide programme is funded by £3.7m of COVID-related funding from central government and £200,000 from Essex County Council reserves.
Cllr Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: “I welcome this additional funding to help protect the most vulnerable in our community and which comes less than a week after our successful bid for an additional £315,192 to provide longer term support and accommodation for rough sleepers in the borough. “Throughout this crisis, I have lobbied hard for support to be given to our communities. The move to another national lockdown has brought huge challenges for our local communities and we are committed, alongside Essex, to support them during this time. With winter fast-approaching, this additional funding provides a timely and necessary boost for our work to coordinate and support initiatives across our communities that safeguard the wellbeing of residents who need our help the most.”
Firstsite Festive Fun: Ice-Skating
Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH Grab your skates and enjoy Firstsite’s first ever pop-up skating rink.
Calling all comedy fans – Sarah Millican announces stand-up show at Charter Hall, Colchester Colchester Events is excited to announce that award-winning comedian Sarah Millican is to make her debut appearance at Colchester’s Charter Hall – bringing her new show ‘Bobby Dazzler’ to the town on Thursday 4th November 2021. Since winning the 2008 Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for her debut solo show, Sarah Millican’s Not Nice, Sarah has rapidly-established herself as a household name regularly appearing on top comedy TV shows including QI, Mock the Week, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Big Fat Quiz and Live at the Apollo. Councillor Theresa Higgins, Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, said: “There’s nothing like laughter to lift the spirits and this event promises laughs galore. Securing this first-time performance from such a well-loved performer as Sarah Millican shows the ambition and success of Colchester Events to make Charter Hall a ‘must-go’ destination, where some of the UK’s best comedians can reach audiences across Essex.”
In this, her sixth international tour, Sarah will reveal ‘what happens when your mouth seals shut, trying to lose weight but only losing the tip of your finger, a surprisingly funny smear test, and how truly awful a floatation tank can actually be. Sarah has spent the last year writing jokes and growing her backside. She can’t wait to get back on the road and make you laugh. Ticket Information Colchester Events, part of Colchester Amphora Trading (CATL), will open general ticket sales from 10am on Friday 27 November 2020 : https:// www.colchester-events.co.uk/event/ sarah-millican/ Subscribers to ‘Colchester Events E-News’ can secure pre-sale tickets from 10am on Thursday 26 November 2020. To sign-up visit: www. colchester-events.co.uk For more information visit www. sarahmillican.co.uk @sarahmillican75
latest Government safety guidelines relating to Covid-19 will be in place to maintain everyone’s safety and security, both on and around the ice. OPENING TIMES
Get in the Christmas spirit by whizzing round the open-air artificial skate rink, then take a wander around the pop-up stalls selling tasty treats and winter warmers. Each ice-skating session lasts for 45 fun-filled minutes and is priced from £12 for adults and just £6 for children under 14-years old. Groups of up to 6 people will be able to enjoy the 45 minute session. All the
SEASON DATES: 4 DEC 2020 - 23 DEC 2020 MONDAY - FRIDAY 16:00 SATURDAY - SUNDAY 10:00 GUIDE PRICE ADULTS FOR £12 AND CHILDREN UNDER 14 YEARS £6
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Merry Ch
from all a
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hristmas!
at Simply
And a Happy New Year!
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Catch some classic Christmas movies from your car as a spectacular drive-in movie experience come to Colchester 2nd 18:00 The Polar Express
10th 21:00 How the Grinch Stole Christmas
18th 18:00 Elf 18th 21:00 Love Actually
2nd 21:00 Elf 11th 18:00 The Polar Express
19th 17:00 The Polar Express
3rd 18:00 Paddington 11th 21:00 Home Alone
19th 20:30 Arthur Christmas
3rd 21:00 Back to the Future 12th 18:00 Arthur Christmas
20th 17:00 Home Alone
4th 18:00 Jurassic Park 12th 21:00 Love Actually
20th 20:30 Elf
4th 21:00 A Star Is Born Located at the old Sainsbury’s site Nightflix movies provides fantastic covid-safe festive entertainment for all the family. Films scheduled for 2020 include: Elf, Paddington, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, A Star IS Born, The Greatest Showman, Rocketman, The Grinch, Bridget Jones’ Diary, The Muppets Christmas Carol, Home Alone, The Holiday, Nativity!, Die Hard, The NIghtmare Before Christmas, Arthur Christmas, Love Actually, It’s A Wonderful Life, The Polar Express and more!
5th 18:00 The Greatest Showman 5th 21:00 Rocketman 6th 18:00 The Grinch 6th 21:00 Bridget Jones’s Diary 7th 18:00 The Muppet Christmas Carol
13th 18:00 How the Grinch Stole Christmas
21st 17:00 Elf
13th 21:00 How the Grinch Stole Christmas
21st 20:30 How the Grinch Stole Christmas
14th 18:00 The Polar Express
22nd 17:00 The Muppet Christmas Carol
14th 21:00 Elf 22nd 20:30 It’s a Wonderful Life 15th 18:00 Elf 23rd 17:00 How the Grinch Stole Christmas
7th 21:00 Elf
15th 21:00 Elf
8th 18:00 Home Alone
16th 18:00 How the Grinch Stole Christmas
8th 21:00 The Holiday 9th 18:00 Nativity!
Visit the Nightflix website for full details and to book tickets.
9th 21:00 Die Hard
Tel: 0203 9833383
10th 18:00 Elf
23rd 20:30 Die Hard 24th 17:00 The Polar Express
16th 21:00 Arthur Christmas 24th 20:30 Elf 17th 18:00 The Polar Express 17th 21:00 Home Alone
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Quick Crossword Puzzle Council gets tough on littering
A new campaign is being launched by Colchester Borough Council calling on people to take responsibility for their own litter by taking it home or putting it in a bin rather than throwing it on the borough’s pavements, verges and open spaces.
ACROSS 1 Composer from Harlem originally (6) 4 The morning after, head of government is seen in German city (8) 9 One makes tolls double (6) 10 Secret surrounding the French bedspread (8) 11 27 Across could be empty (6) 12 Put order out for project (8) 13 Coal-carrier is somewhat methodical (3) 14 A female just for romantic intrigue (6) 17 Study excursion in outline (7) 21 Little fellow swallows drug to show complete DNA sequence (6) 25 Oddly, Gladys is happy (3) 26 Envoy says emir must reform (8) 27 Tom takes Eva back with a warning (6) 28 He is included in plan finally (2,3,3) 29 Spot the woman with an instrument (6) 30 Writer who looks after the trees? (8) 31 Slept soundly (6) DOWN 1 Five in Romania cavorting with a Czech (8) 2 Help copper with two fellows to prevent their escape? (8) 3 Currently operational? (8) 5 On ship in foreign parts moving down river (6) 6 Get hot wandering around ethnic area (6) 7 Material that can be made into louvres mostly (6) 8 More willingly desert hero when love’s lost (6) 12 Show parrot off at start of year (7) 15 Steal from some subordinates on return (3) 16 Computer problem is a virus perhaps (3) 18 Telling story for daughter maybe (8) 19 At the same time, what a male admirer wants? (8) 20 Signed guest out, looking embarrassed (8) 22 Outstanding artwork provides comfort (6) 23 This chap is the winner (6) 24 Property of Treasury chiefly guarded by fools (6) 25 Country house offers good variety (6)
In a bid to crackdown on increased levels of littering, the council has launched a new hard-hitting campaign asking residents a series of questions via posters and social media posts. These questions include: ‘Does litter make you feel rubbish?’; ‘What’s your dirty secret?’, and ‘Are you a (litter) tosser? The new campaign aims to encourage more people to do their bit to keep Colchester clean and make them think differently about simply throwing their rubbish on the ground. During the first national lockdown, the number of incidents of littering and fly-tipping increased across the borough. When the lockdown restrictions eased there was instances of furniture, household waste, asbestos and more being dumped. Now we are in a second national lockdown period, the council is urging residents and visitors in Colchester to play their part in keeping the borough clean and free from litter. Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment & Transportation, said: “Not only is littering and fly-tipping unsightly, harmful to the environment and potentially dangerous, it takes time and puts additional strain on our already stretched resources to clear up. It is unacceptable that people’s enjoyment of our town is spoilt by those who see fit to clutter the pavements with their litter and discarded food. We are not going to let up putting pressure on those who blight our Town through littering.
“One of our key priorities is to keep our borough clean and an attractive place to live and visit. The vast majority of people work with us and dispose of their litter responsibly. However, if people insist on throwing their litter in the streets or from vehicles, then we will act. So please, under any circumstances, do not just leave your rubbish laying around – take it home or put it in the bin. It really isn’t worth the risk of being fined for throwing it in the street.â€? Leaving rubbish next to a bin is classed as fly-tipping and where there is enough evidence, anyone caught littering or fly-tipping faces a Fixed Penalty Notice and fine of ÂŁ100 and could end up with a criminal conviction. Several Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued recently due to fly-tipping, with perpetrators identified through items left in the rubbish. The campaign mirrors the steps being taken nationally. The District Councils’ Network, which represents 187 district councils in England, has also been calling on the public to act responsibly, disposing of litter correctly such as by taking it home if bins are full. It is also asking dog walkers to make sure they clean up after their pets. Last month the council supported the Keep Britain Tidy Great British September Clean 2020. This saw 174 bags of general waste and a further 28 bags of recyclable material being collected at 23 special litter picking events. Anyone seeing any acts of littering or fly tipping can report it to the council via their website.
SOLUTIONS ACROSS:71 Mahler. 4 hangover. 9 ringer. 10 coverlet. 11 vacate. 12 protrude. 13 hod. 14 affair. 17 contour. 21 genome. 25 gay. 26 emissary. 27 caveat. 28 in the end. 29 zither. 30 forester. 31 snored. DOWN:1 Moravian. 2 handcuff. 3 electric. 5 aboard. 6 ghetto. 7 velour. 8 rather. 12 portray. 15 rob. 16 bug. 18 relation. 19 together. 20 gestured. 22 relief. 23 victor. 24 assets. 25 grange.
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Quick Crossword Puzzle
New Christmas lights for Colchester town centre
There will be a variety of new ‘present’ themed lights popping up across the town centre. The new lights will be displayed across Head Street, High Street, on lampposts in St John’s Street and in trees in Crouch Street. The Covid-19 pandemic means there will be no big switch-on event this year, with the lights being turned on when ready, after 25 November. The council is working with the Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) to create a virtual light switch on video, which will be premiered on social media at the beginning of December. Cllr Martin Goss, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “This year has been difficult for everyone, with so many changes already and a very different Christmas on the cards, it’s more important than ever to show that Colchester’s festive spirit is alive and well.
“We will still be turning the Colchester lights on, albeit with no ceremony because encouraging a large crowd into the town centre during a pandemic would be inappropriate, and hope families will visit the town centre to see them in the run-up to Christmas when it is safe to do so adhering to social distancing and government guidelines.� This year there will be more lights than ever before, as the Our Colchester Business Improvement District are investing in additional light installations across the town, including Crouch St, St Johns St and Eld Lane. Sam Good, Our Colchester BID Manager, said: “During the never ending doom and gloom, our town centre businesses are ready and waiting to give you that warm nostalgic feeling of Christmas. With the cancellation of the annual Light Switch-on event that we normally organise, we have invested in a wealth of fun, socially distanced activities for residents to bring their families to. “The new Christmas lights are a very exciting addition to our wonderful town centre this winter and we look forward to welcoming you all in�.
Issue 64
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:
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
Issue 65: 18/12/20 Issue 66: 20/01/21
ACROSS 1 Thus the present may be seen (9) 6 Ourtageous quote for a hat (5) 9 The lingo confused flier in Herts town (8,7) 10 Boy runs inside for a haircut perhaps (4) 11 Dog imbibes nothing but tea (5) 12 Somewhat nasty encounter providing discomfort for the viewer (4) 15 Put up with computer problem first of all, but it’s a pet hate (7) 16 Settles for old-fashioned types (7) 17 After a bit of drink old fellows fall asleep (4,3) 19 Irritable if constrained to give evidence (7) 20 Fruit found in fridges on odd visits (4) 21 Egg producer wants zero change (5) 22 One vehicle or another heading for Telford (4) 26 Being made, but not enough being made (15) 27 After short time I beat giant (5) 28 He doesn’t approve of new residents (9) DOWN 1 With solar illumination, first off? Yes and no (5) 2 I go into Watford, perhaps to take in good play (7,3,5) 3 Former tennis player wants a woman (4) 4 Innovator, one needing external support (7) 5 Suspicious American friend returns and promises to pay (7) 6 It is heard in confusion (4) 7 One of eight competing in qualifier rants wildly about team’s leader (7-8) 8 Ned’s yells unsettled continually (9) 13 Brave fellow meets new bird (5) 14 Visitor made an estimate for the audience (5) 15 But fey lad comes unstuck because of failure to act (2,7) 18 Excited always when given meal outside (7) 19 Gets bored taking in a daughter’s rants (7) 23 He sings a number at start of opera, right? (5) 24 Rex gets stuck into booze with a smile (4) 25 Spots champion outside Nag’s Head (4)
SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 unwrapped. 6 toque. 9 Leighton Buzzard. 10 trim. 11 pekoe. 12 stye. 15 bugbear. 16 squares. 17 drop off.19 testify. 20 figs. 21 ovary. 22 cart. 26 underproduction. 27 titan. 28 dissenter. DOWN: 1 unlit. 2 Waiting for Godot. 3 Ashe. 4 pioneer. 5 dubious. 6 tizz. 7 quarter-finalist. 8 endlessly. 13 heron. 14 guest. 15 by default. 18 fevered. 19 tirades. 23 tenor. 24 grin. 25 acne.
Present themed Christmas decorations will light up Colchester this Christmas, thanks to Colchester Borough Council’s new festive display, as part of a planned approach to maintaining Colchester’s Christmas lights.
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Visit Santa at Colchester Castle this December Visiting Santa is a Christmas tradition for many families and marks the start of the festive season. This year we are delighted to announce that Santa will once again be visiting Colchester Castle and we hear that he’s looking forward to spreading plenty of Christmas cheer! Families can visit Santa on selected dates throughout December for just £6.95 per child which will include a Christmas gift. Timed booking slots will be in operation and can be booked by calling the Castle on 01206 282949. Bookings must be made in family
groups up to a maximum of 6 people. Additional safety measures have been put in place but rest assured visiting Santa at Colchester Castle this year will be filled with plenty of safe yuletide fun and festive cheer! Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council said: “Christmas is a magical time of year and the Castle at Christmas is a truly enchanting place. Santa and the friendly team cannot wait to spread plenty of festive cheer but hurry as places are limited and are likely to sell out fast!”
Local Council Tax Support scheme set to continue to help residents through the Covid-19 pandemic On 23 November 2020, Colchester Borough Council’s Cabinet agreed that its current Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) scheme, which this year has helped 9,300 residents reduce their council tax bill and provided around £8.6million of support, should remain the same for 2021/22 – continuing to help residents through the coronavirus pandemic. 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 aid recovery in the borough. The 2021-22 LCTS scheme has already been considered by the council’s Scrutiny Panel and will now be discussed by Full Council on 3 December 2020, with an implementation date of 1 April 2021. Councillor David King, Portfolio Holder for Business and Resources, said: “This
year has been incredibly challenging for residents and the Local Council Tax Support scheme ensured that the most vulnerable had additional aid for the first and current national lockdown. “Reducing the costs for 9,300 of the most deserving and vulnerable of our residents has always had support from councillors across the political spectrum and we will recommend we continue again next year, despite the economic climate. “But this is just one part of the support we have been giving this year. We are helping businesses and those they employ. We are distributing benefits quickly, despite extra demand and our officers working from home, and frontline staff have been aiding residents who need additional support throughout the pandemic. This is a package of council support for the most vulnerable, when they are at their most low and it is great that despite a socially distanced, lonelier world we can continue to help so many.”
Colchester Borough Council and Colchester Borough Homes mark National Tree Week Colchester Borough Council and Colchester Borough Homes will be marking National Tree Week (28 November – 6 December), the UK’s largest annual tree celebration, by planting 145 standard trees across the borough, as part of the Colchester Woodland and Biodiversity Project. This will kick-off planting activity for the second year of the Colchester Woodland and Biodiversity Project. Launched by Colchester Borough Council in 2019, the project strives to make the borough greener through tree planting, managing green spaces without harming existing habitats, enhancing environments to create more space for nature to grow and thrive, and by encouraging communities to love and care for the environment. Further tree planting this year will include a Mayoral Woodland at Riverside Walk, and planting at High Woods Country Park and Cymbeline Meadows, in addition to nine public planting events that will be open for residents and visitors to come along and help plant. To ensure they can safely hold planting events and comply with social distancing rules, the council will require anyone wanting to come along and help plant to register and book a time slot online. The dates and booking form will be live on the council website soon. Colchester Borough Homes will be planting trees across communities where council tenants live. This includes Stanley Wooster Way, Miranda Walk, Roosevelt Way and Queen Mary Avenue. Once planted, tenants will be encouraged to take further pride in the outdoor space their community offers and understand the importance of trees
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in our landscapes, as well as the benefits they provide to the environment and people’s wellbeing. This year, the council has already reduced its grass-cutting regime in areas across the borough to help wild-flowers and insect life, including butterflies and bees, committed to the reduction of glyphosate-based weed killer and encouraged residents and organisations to take part in seed-gathering activity and grow their own trees for the future. Cllr David King, Portfolio Holder for Businesses and Resources, said: “Trees and woodlands are a vital part of our eco-system. We are committed to preserving them, helping them to flourish and planting thousands more each year. “The Colchester Woodland and Biodiversity Project is a fundamental part of our pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030, and we are delighted to join forces with Colchester Borough Homes to mark National Tree Week by planting 145 trees across the borough. Together we can all make our borough even greener, and we will help our community to know, love and use our green spaces.” Colchester Borough Homes Chief Executive, Gareth Mitchell, added: “It’s great to be working in partnership with the Council to increase the number of trees across the borough. “We’re committed to supporting the council to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, and we’ll be delivering further projects to improve energy efficiency in council homes and to help tenants reduce their fuel costs.”
Give the gift of a whole castle this Christmas! With the festive season nearly upon us, many of us are looking to start purchasing our Christmas gifts. This year why not give the gift of a whole castle and support Colchester Castle, Europe’s largest Norman Keep. For residents of Colchester, a Resident Pass is a fantastic gift to receive. For the price of standard admission, give the history-lover in your life the opportunity to visit Colchester Castle as many times as they like during 2021! The Castle is Europe’s largest Norman Keep and was built on the foundations of the Temple of Claudius, the central focus for Boudica’s revenge on the Romans. Packed full of internationallyimportant treasures, a Castle Resident Pass is the perfect gift this Christmas. Costing £10 per adult and £6.95 for children or alternatively family passes are available from just £23. Find out more at www.cimuseums.org.uk/ residentpass For the adventurous, why not purchase a gift voucher for one of the Castle’s sell-out Escape experiences? Choose from the Serpents Curse, a fast-paced game that requires team work to solve the mysterious puzzles and crack the clues, or the Family Quest which is a great experience
for little ones! Involving the whole family, you’ll have to solve the riddles to rescue one of the Castle’s famous residents who is trapped in the prison! Both experiences cost £60 for a bubble of up to six people. Find out more at http://www.colchester.cimuseums. org.uk/afterhours Lastly, be guided around Colchester Castle’s displays, hear the fascinating history of Colchester and the remarkable story of what happened beneath your very feet! The Castle’s expert guides can tailor a tour specifically to what you want to hear about. So, this Christmas, purchase a gift voucher for someone special and give them a truly unique experience. Gift Voucher’s cost £60 for a bubble of up to 6 people. Call 01206 282939 to find out more. Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “This Christmas give the gift of a whole Castle! With the choice of a Resident Pass, Private Guided Tour or one of the Castle’s sell-out Escape experiences our Castle gift vouchers are a truly unique Christmas present. This Christmas choose a local unforgettable gift and support the Castle during these difficult times. To book please call 01206 282939.”
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