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Issue 99

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“Spectacular” £11.8m redevelopment of St Botolph's Circus unveiled after you had your say on plans

n ambitious multi-millionpound regeneration plan for the future of “Colchester's gateway” has been unveiled, showcasing the new St Botolph's Circus vision. It follows a consultation involving over 2,000 local people who had a say in shaping the future of the city for decades to come.

between pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists for decades to come.

Over the summer months, Essex and Colchester councils engaged with the community to gather insights into their preferences, ideas, and concerns regarding the Colchester City Centre Masterplan. The aim was to ensure that the vision for the future of Colchester city centre is shaped by the community it serves.

However, during the consultation, a conversation point surrounded the proposed crossroad design, with concerns raised about potential congestion, traffic movement, and the duration of construction. Having listened to these views, the councils have revisited the plans to make significant adjustments. They have maintained a smaller roundabout design which will better support traffic flow, while also offering the opportunity to regenerate the area, improve walking and cycling links, and retain the much-needed accessibility improvements.

Of the 2,000 respondents, over 530 provided their views on the critically and strategically important St Botolph's development. Many of those who participated live in the vicinity of St Botolph's or use it regularly as a transport gateway. Their support to improve and modernize the area has put both councils on the path to give the “green light” for the project. The project aims to improve accessibility while connecting the area to the city centre, creating a better balance

There was also strong support for the need to improve the look and feel of the area, remove the outdated underpasses, and reclaim road space to create a vibrant public space that will contribute to the regeneration of the city centre.

Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, welcomed the proposed changes, stating: “Both Councils, as Team Colchester, are doing all we can to consult and listen, to welcome support and challenge from any, like us, who care deeply about their

city. We thank the thousands of constituents who have shared their views. We are pleased to adapt our St Botolph’s Circus plans in response to them. It is exciting that we can work in such a collaborative way, to shape the future of our city together.” Cllr Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, said: “As Team Colchester, it brings me immense joy to witness the remarkable collaboration that has gone into this extraordinary project. The redevelopment of St Botolph's Circus will revolutionise connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, allowing them to seamlessly coexist. By reclaiming road space, people can now relax and enjoy exciting new businesses and pop-up retail experiences. This remarkable scheme meets the needs of our community today and for the decades to come.” The St Botolph's Circus redevelopment marks the beginning of wider regeneration plans for the area. This includes laying the foundations for a future bus interchange and a new heritage walking route from St Botolph's Circus, through St Botolph's Priory, to Colchester Castle, encouraging visitors to

explore the city's rich history and awe-inspiring past. This redevelopment will make better use of the existing bus and train station links as part of the wider city centre regeneration. The funding for these projects includes £19.6 million from Levelling Up, £2.5 million from Section 106, and £19.2 million from the Town Deal. Together, the funding will contribute to regenerating Saint Nicholas Square, Balkerne Gate, improving cycling infrastructure, creating a new digital hub on the site of the old bus station, bringing heritage assets back into public use, and much more for Colchester's city centre. The public is invited to ask questions and learn more about the Masterplan and St Botolph's Circus remodelling at an information event on Wednesday, 29th November, from 2 pm. This will be at the One Colchester Community Hub, 4-6 Long Wyre Street, Colchester CO1 1LH. For more information on the Masterplan, visit www.colchester. gov.uk/colchester-city-centre .

Issue 99

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A Good Read somehow travels back in time to Bethlehem. This dual narrative connects the ancient past to the present, reminding readers of the timeless resonance of the Christmas story.

The Christmas Mystery, by Jostein Gaarder Gaarder, is an author renowned for weaving intricate philosophical musings into compelling narratives. His best-known novel is probably Sophie’s World, but here he gifts readers with a story, that at its heart is an advent calendar in prose, where every chapter unlocks a door to the mystery of Christmas. Beginning in modern-day Norway, the tale unravels as young Joachim discovers a magical advent calendar in an old bookstore. As he opens each window, not only does he unveil a portion of the nativity story, but he also follows the journey of a little girl named Elisabet, who

Gaarder's prose manages to make the vast journey across time and space seem intimate. The cast of historical figures and the diverse landscapes they traverse offer a panoramic view of human history, all leading to that poignant moment in Bethlehem. Through Elisabet's innocent eyes, readers experience the wonder, challenges, and humanity that has always surrounded this sacred event. Beyond its captivating story, the book is also a reflection on faith, hope, and human connection. While it may appear to be a children's book on the surface, its layers of meaning will resonate deeply with readers of all ages. I came to it as an adult and love it every bit as much as Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Like Dickens’ work, it serves as a delightful reminder of the profound significance of the Christmas story, and I think it is a must-read during the holiday season.

The Girl Who Saved Christmas by Matt Haig Matt Haig weaves a whimsical, heartwarming tale that blends magic, adventure, and a potent message about the power of hope. Written as a follow-up to A Boy Called Christmas, the story easily stands on its own, inviting readers into a Victorian world where the magic of Christmas is threatened, and only a young girl's belief can restore it. Amelia is an ordinary girl with an extraordinary heart. Living in Victorian London, she faces the kind of adversity that could easily douse her Christmas spirit. Yet her unwavering belief catches the attention of Father Christmas. When trolls, elves, and a festive calamity put Christmas in jeopardy, Amelia's hope becomes the beacon that might save the holiday for everyone. Haig's language is imaginative and touching, weaving a rich tapestry of fantasy elements with real human emotions. His portrayal of Victorian London is atmospheric, juxtaposing the city's grimy reality with the luminous world of festive magic.

Amelia's character development throughout the story is poignant, and readers will be rooting for her every step of the way. The illustrations by Chris Mould further enhance the narrative, bringing Haig’s world to life and adding visual depth to the prose. In The Girl Who Saved Christmas, Haig reminds readers young and old of the enduring magic of belief and the strength to be found in hope. It's a delightful, touching read that deserves to become a modern Christmas classic. By Tash Donovan

Crossword

In the Deep Midwinter

What is the Winter Solstice? In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice occurs when the ‘top half’ of the Earth tilts away from the Sun at its most extreme angle. This gives us the longest night and shortest day of the year. It normally falls on 21 December, and from this point on, the days will begin to lengthen until the Summer Solstice on 21 June. The word ‘solstice’ comes from the Latin phrase for ‘sun stands still’. This is because the sun appears to rise and set in the same two places for several days in a row. Cultures through the ages have marked the Solstice and celebrated the triumph of light over dark. Massive prehistoric monuments such as Stonehenge were built to

align with the Winter Solstice sunrise. The ancient Romans had a sevenday festival called Saturnalia, when everything would be reversed – men would dress as women and masters dressed as servants. People decorated their houses with greenery, lit candles and gave presents. Celtic druids gave pieces of mistletoe as a blessing. They also began the tradition of the Yule log, which was burned to conquer the darkness and bring luck for the year ahead. Many people still celebrate the Solstice today, and many of the customs have now become part of our traditional Christmas festivities. By Kate McCarthy

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Title, label (5)

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Type of seafood (5)

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Indian rice-based dish (7)

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Bag a Great Christmas

A Song Through Time

What do YOU keep in your evening bag? The Enduring Tradition of which bits of paraphernalia can I do Christmas Carolling without for four whole hours? It’s tempting to grab my normal bag, but I know I’ll regret this when I spy more elegant souls clutching their diminutive designer numbers. So, for all of us who struggle I have devised a definitive and minimalist evening bag contents list… Lipstick / gloss: An absolute must to keep your pout looking perfect throughout the evening.

The story of my life can be told in the handbags I have owned. In my tiny, trendy youth I carried a tiny, trendy beaded pouch. As a student I switched to practical-but-cool leather rucksacks. Through the years I gained two degrees, one husband, four children, two grandchildren, a dog, and a larger handbag...much larger. The amount of stuff I lug around on a daily basis now is more than I once took on a two-week trip round Europe when I was 18. Make-up for starters (who knows when I might run into Hugh Jackman at the post office), a mobile phone, spare tights (me), spare pants (grandson), scrunchie (granddaughter) tissues, baby wipes, a set of keys that would put a prison officer to shame, a purse of gargantuan proportions (though sadly lacking in cash), a notebook and wi-fi-enabled tablet (because I’m a writer and inspiration may strike at any moment), my kindle, assorted pens, spectacles (one pair for driving and another for reading), a hairbrush, and several plastic cast members from the series Paw Patrol. I bet I’m not unusual either. My life (and clearly the lives of some of my family members) reside in my oversized bag, but while fine for everyday purposes, when I go out in the evening I face a dilemma. I know my outfit would benefit from a petite, chic clutch, but

puzzle solutions:

Compact mirror: Useful for quick make-up adjustments and contact lens emergencies. Coin purse: Ditch your usual purse with its useful pockets and pouches, for a dinky coin purse in which to keep your cash for the evening. Mobile phone: Doubles as a camera which is handy to capture those rare child-free moments. Blister plasters: These special plasters are lifesavers when breaking in new shoes and, even if you don’t need them, they’ll make you very popular when others are hobbling. Mints: Whether you’re single or part of a couple, if you’re hoping to steal a few kisses under the mistletoe, keep your breath fresh throughout the evening. Don’t forget: Your house key. You don’t need to take the whole bunch, just remove the one you need. Also, if you’re not driving, do remember to take the number of a reliable taxi firm, just in case your lift falls through. And the bag? With evening bags anything goes. Sequins and sparkles, buttons and bows, funky or sophisticated, whatever your style, your bag should make a statement. Now go and bag some festive fun! By Sarah Davey

Christmas carolling, the beloved tradition that heralds the festive season, is steeped in history, and has evolved over centuries. It is an embodiment of communal spirit, joy, and the celebration of Christmas through song and verse. The origins of carolling can be traced back to the pagan celebrations of the Winter Solstice. People would dance and sing to commemorate the passing of the shortest day of the year, celebrating the impending return of the sun. As Christianity spread across Europe, these customs were absorbed into the Christian traditions, particularly the celebration of Christmas. The word 'carol' originally meant a dance or a song of praise and joy, and carols were not necessarily associated with Christmas. However, by the late Middle Ages, carols became synonymous with the festive season, often narrating the story of the birth of Christ. These early carols were composed in Latin and were primarily sung in churches as part of the Christmas liturgy. The tradition of door-to-door carolling began to take shape in the Middle Ages. Carollers, known as 'wassailers', would go from house to house, singing and offering good tidings in exchange for food, drink, or money. Wassailing was part of a wider tradition of celebrating the season, which included feasting, drinking, and merriment.

The practice of carolling saw a decline during the 17th century when Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans came to power in England. They frowned upon the frivolity and celebrations associated with Christmas, leading to a suppression of carols and public festivities. However, the tradition did not die out entirely and continued in more subdued forms. The Victorian era marked a significant revival of Christmas traditions, including carolling. The publication of 'Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern' by William Sandys in 1833, along with Queen Victoria's enthusiasm for Christmas, helped rekindle interest in carols. Songs like God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, The First Noel, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing became staples of the Christmas repertoire. In contemporary times, carolling remains very much part of Christmas celebrations. Community choirs sing carols in public spaces, churches hold candlelit carol services, and groups of carollers continue the tradition of singing door-to-door. The history of Christmas carolling is a tapestry woven through centuries of cultural and religious change but the essence of spreading cheer and goodwill through music has remained unchanged. By Louise Addison

Tartiflette This is a decadent, savoury French gratin made with potatoes, salty bacon lardons, onions, and plenty of cheese. It's creamy yet crunchy, making it a perfect cold-weather comfort dish. It is traditionally made with Reblochon, but you can use any other firm washed-rind cheese or any pungent melting cheese like Fontina or Raclette. Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour

Serves: 6

Ingredients 1.2kg new/waxy potatoes, we used Charlotte 250 g smoked bacon lardons or diced pancetta 1 large onion, finely sliced

Method Bring a large pan of water to the boil and cook the potatoes for 15-20min, until just tender. Drain well, rinse briefly under cold water and set aside to cool. Fry the lardons over a medium heat until they are beginning to turn golden. Using a slotted spoon, lift them into a bowl, leaving any fat behind.

175 ml white wine 1 garlic clove, crushed 200 ml crème fraiche 400 g Reblochon cheese (or substitute), chopped into 2cm pieces

Add the onions and a pinch of salt to the pan, lower the heat and cook gently for 10min, until softened. Turn up the heat and cook until the onions are become golden. Return the lardons to the pan along with the wine and garlic. Bring to the boil and allow to reduce until most of the liquid has evaporated (about 5 minutes). Set aside to cool to room temperature, then stir in the crème fraîche and add some seasoning.

Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) gas mark 6. Slice the cooled potatoes into bite-size pieces, then transfer half of the slices to the base of a 2.5-3 litre ovenproof casserole dish. Spoon over half the crème fraîche mixture, followed by half the cheese. Repeat

the layers to use up the other half of the ingredients. Cook in the oven for 20-25min, or until golden and bubbling. Leave to rest for 5min before serving with a green salad.

One particularly harsh Christmas Eve, a mysterious ailment fell upon the children of the village. One by one, they succumbed to a deep slumber, their breaths as faint as the whispering wind. The villagers were stricken with fear and sorrow, for no remedy seemed able to wake them.

Garden View -

This month - The Christmas Hellebore Miracle

love hellebores. Their beautiful flowers in subtle colours brighten my garden at this time of year, hence they are also known as the Christmas rose or the Lenten Rose because they bloom from late winter to early spring. My elderly neighbour was admiring my display last year and asked if I knew the folk story of The Christmas Hellebore Miracle. Well, I love a good story, especially one related to gardening so I asked her to tell me. In a forgotten corner of the world, shrouded in perpetual winter, there lay a village with an unpronounceable name.

The villagers never knew the warmth of the sun, nor the vibrant hues of spring. Their world was an endless canvas of white, save for a brief season when the Christmas Star would appear in the heavens, casting a faint, ethereal glow. In the village there lived an old herbalist named Helmi. She was known for her wisdom in healing and her knowledge of plants. But of all the plants, Helmi cherished the Hellebores the most. These rare flowers, also known as Christmas Roses, bloomed in the heart of winter, defying the frost with their resilient beauty.

In desperation, the villagers turned to Helmi. The old herbalist thought deeply. She had read in ancient scrolls of a forgotten ritual, one that could summon the healing grace of the Christmas Star itself. But to perform it, she needed a bloom from the rarest of all the Hellebores, one kissed by the Christmas Star's shining light. Under the watchful gaze of the Christmas Star, Helmi ventured into the heart of the frozen forest, guided only by the star’s gentle luminescence. Deep within the woods, she found a solitary Hellebore, its petals aglow with a celestial radiance. Carefully she plucked the bloom, whispering words of gratitude. Returning to the village, Helmi began the ritual. She crushed the petals of the star-kissed Hellebore and mixed them with many herbs and snowmelt to create a potion of shimmering silver. One by one, she visited all the villagers’

houses, and used the potion to paint a tiny star on the forehead of each sleeping child. As the potion touched their skin, a miracle unfolded. The children began to stir, their cheeks flushing with life's warmth. The villagers, once cloaked in despair, now embraced in jubilation. Their tears, once cold with sorrow, now warmed by relief. From that day forth, the villagers held a Hellebore festival every year on Christmas Eve with Helmi as their honoured guest. They planted the beautiful resilient little flowers all over the village throughout the year, and every Christmas Eve as the Star returned to the heavens, the villagers hung hellebore wreaths intertwined with stars on the doors of their houses. Then they would gather to sing carols of gratitude and hope, their voices carrying the tale of the little Hellebore that held the light of the stars in its petals and the love of a village in its roots. Isn’t that lovely? She said that her grandmother told it to her as a child and she’s loved hellebores ever since. Happy Christmas gardening. Love from Rachael

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And the Christmas Number 1 is... eponymous song Bob the Builder (2000)

When I hear the words ‘Christmas Number 1’ I think about Slade’s glam rock classic Merry Xmas Everybody (1973) or Fairytale of New York (1987) or even Cliff Richard’s Mistletoe and Wine (1988). But over the years some…erm…less conventional songs have also made it to the top of the festive charts.

Probably the most unconventional Christmas chart topper though was Killing in the Name by the American band Rage Against the Machine (2009), some 17 years after its original release. It was adopted by a Facebook campaign and promoted heavily with the ultimately successful goal of blocking X Factor's winner Joe McElderry from claiming the top spot. It was also the first song to reach the Christmas number one through downloads alone.

Like Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West) by Benny Hill (1971): An innuendo-heavy ditty of a milkman who falls in love with a widowed customer and later fatally succumbs to a pork-pie-wielding love rival in a dairy-versus-baked-goods duel.

The 2023 Official Christmas Number 1 will be announced on Friday, December 22. The full Christmas Top 40 will be counted down on BBC Radio 1's The Official Chart with Jack Saunders from 4pm.

Or Mr Blobby by Mr Blobby (1993), a novelty song created as part of a character on the show Noel’s House Party, and which became a surprise hit.

By Kerrie Connor

And talking about TV shows, Bob the Builder got in on the act with his

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ACROSS

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Optimistic for certain (8) DOWN ACROSS Working as a monk is? (2,5)

1 Flexible tree possibly includes one (6) 1 4 Delightful prince (8) 2 9 Spa got alternative power as temporary measure 3 (7) 5 11 Giving away nothing but obsolete vessel (7) 6 12 Neat tequila is drunk initially – why, you say? 7 (4) 8 13 Turner that can be viewed from both sides (5) 10 14 Gave birth to dull person (4) 15 17 Part of the Caribbean populated by chaste 16 women? (6,7) 18 19 50 invest in city carelessly and without thinking (13) 19 22 Publicity fellows turned up first (4) 20 23 Surprisingly nitre is unreactive (5) 21 24 Most put up with him (4) 27 Ilona staggered across road first perhaps (7) 25 28 Some electricity is present (7) 26 29 Law a yob broke outside university city in Africa (8) 30 Glamorous former lover with old nervous habit (6)

ACROSS 7 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 20

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1 Caught a straying coil of cloth (6) DOWN 2 Type of polecat is a diligent searcher (6)

French writer shows real bias unfortunately (8) Insulted a British and American journalist (6) He’s found among entomologists (3) See about unusually bitter book (8) Thus employed drunk (6) So old article offers comfort (6) Some memory of what cobra has, you say? (8) In court, one questions angry inspector (5-8) Fellow always is hot, running high temperature (8) Chap, see, is punctual (6) Pants and comes back to life? (6) Isn’t love misrepresented by ths writer? (8) Some work is therefore cut short (3) Lyricist is a beginner, it’s said (6) Former partner rang and praised highly (8)

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What an Experience!

Embrace the trend of giving experiences rather than physical gifts. In an era dominated by consumerism the traditional approach to gift-giving has been anchored in the tangible: gadgets, clothes, jewellery, and the like. However, these material possessions, while often appreciated, can contribute to a cycle that emphasizes acquisition over connection. In contrast, the gift of an experience offers a memorable and engaging alternative. One of the most compelling arguments for experiential gifting is its emphasis on human connection. Experiences, whether shared or given for someone to enjoy solo, have the unique capacity to bring people closer. They create stories and memories that can be cherished and revisited, long after the physical gift may have lost its lustre or fallen into disuse. Moreover, experiences are inherently more personal than their material counterparts and from an environmental perspective, they leave a much lighter ecological

footprint, aligning with principles of sustainability and responsible consumption. And experiences can contribute to personal growth and learning, whether it's mastering a new skill, discovering a hidden talent, or gaining a new perspective, the intrinsic value of experiences is often educational and enriching. Here are ten ideas that could make for memorable and thoughtful presents:

can be a wonderful gift for the creatively inclined.

performance can be a culturally enriching experience.

Cooking Class: Perfect for the foodie or aspiring chef, a cooking class can be a fun way to learn new culinary skills and recipes.

Spa Day: Offer the gift of relaxation and pampering with a day at a spa, complete with massages, facials, and other treatments.

Wine Tasting Tour: A tour of a vineyard with wine tasting is a delightful experience for wine aficionados.

Hot Air Balloon Ride: For those who appreciate a touch of adventure and breathtaking views, a hot air balloon ride is a unique and exhilarating experience.

A Masterclass subscription: For the lifelong learners, a subscription to an online platform like Masterclass allows them to delve into a variety of subjects taught by experts.

Adventure Sports Experience: For the thrill-seekers, consider gifting an experience like skydiving, scuba diving, or rock climbing.

Concert Tickets: Music lovers would cherish the opportunity to see their favourite artist or band live in concert. Art Workshop: A session with a local artist or a day at an art studio

Theme Park Annual Pass: For rollercoaster-lovers. It provides a year's worth of fun.

Why not gift your loved one an experience this year? Happy Christmas. By Louise Addison

Theatre Tickets: A night out at a play, musical, or dance

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.

The Scent of Individuality The Rise of Independent Perfumiers rare and high-quality ingredients that aren't typically found in commercial perfumes.

It’s that time of year when we buy perfume for each other. But how about instead of heading for a wellknown name we explore some of the new perfumiers who have entered the market recently. In a world saturated with massproduced fragrances, the allure of something unique and personal has led to the burgeoning rise of independent perfumiers. This shift marks a significant change in the perfume industry, highlighting a growing trend towards individuality and artisanal craftsmanship. For decades, the perfume industry was dominated by big-name brands,

churning out scents designed to appeal to the widest possible audience. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards niche, independent scent creators who offer bespoke and unique fragrances. This trend is probably due to a number of factors. Firstly, consumer fatigue with ubiquitous, mainstream fragrances has created a demand for more unique scents. More of us are seeking olfactory experiences to set us apart from the crowd, reflecting our personal style and identity. Independent perfumiers cater to this desire by crafting distinct, often handmade, scents in small batches, using

on Word Search Answers page 8

candles candy carols chimney Christmas elves fairy

family festive frankincense fruitcake gold holly jolly

merry mistletoe myrrh nativity presents reindeer rudolph

Santa sleigh stocking tinsel turkey yuletide

Secondly, the rise of the 'slow' movement, which advocates for a more considered, sustainable, and ethical approach to consumption, has influenced the perfume industry. Independent perfumiers often source their ingredients ethically, use ecofriendly packaging, and produce in a way that respects both people and the planet. This resonates with those of us who are increasingly conscious of our environmental footprint and the ethical implications of our purchases. Thirdly, advancements in technology and social media have lowered the barriers to entry for small-scale perfumiers. Independent scent creators can now connect with a global audience, market their products online, and sell directly to consumers without the need for a physical storefront. This has democratized the industry, allowing for a more diverse range of voices and scents. The rise of independent perfumiers has significant implications for how we purchase scent. The traditional model of perfume buying, often based on brand reputation or celebrity

endorsement, is being replaced by a more personal and experiential approach. Consumers are increasingly seeking out scent experiences, such as personalized consultations with perfumiers, scent workshops, and the ability to customize their own fragrances. Moreover, there is a growing appreciation for the artistry and storytelling behind independent perfumes. The emerging crop of indie brands are not only unique but have incredibly thoughtful backstories that resonate with their digital audiences. Many of the independent brands produce sample sets which make rather lovely gifts and will allow the recipient to experiment and find something that works well for them. The rise of independent perfumiers reflects a broader cultural shift towards individuality, authenticity, and conscious consumption. The movement is not just reshaping the perfume industry but also changing the way we think about and purchase scent. Have a super scent-filled Christmas. By Kate McCarthy

Langham Christmas Handmade Fair returns!

The fifth annual Langham Christmas Handmade Fair is set to return once again on Saturday 18th November. Featuring a stunning selection of makers, artists and curators, you'll certainly find distinctive and unique gifts for loved ones this Christmas.

Located in the beautiful village of Langham, just outside of Colchester. It's free entry and the event includes indoor and outdoor stalls plus a pop-up cafe. For more details follow them on Facebook and Instagram @ langhamhandmadefair or visit www.langhamhandmadefair.co.uk.

Solar powered drinking troughs set to improve water quality on River Colne river increases the growth of plants like duckweed. This joint initiative is set to rejuvenate the meadow's environment and enhance its water quality.

As a result of these efforts, Cymbeline Meadows is expected to regain its status as a thriving and ecologically rich area, benefiting the environment, local communities, and water users downstream.

collaborative effort involving Colchester City Council, the Environment Agency, and Essex Wildlife Trust has begun at Cymbeline Meadows. The initiative aims to address the damage caused by cows drinking directly from the River Colne and its effect on the river's ecosystem. A river restoration project will take place, including the installation of solar-powered pumps to provide drinking water for cattle. Cymbeline Meadows, a natural area renowned for its scenic beauty, has been grappling with the challenges of soil erosion on the riverbanks due to the weight of heavy animals drinking from the river. This, in turn, has caused sedimentation and compromised water quality. Excessive nutrients from animal waste entering the

the immediate environmental challenges but also create longterm sustainability and raise public awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats.

Key components of the project include the installation of solarpowered drinking troughs, designated drinking bays, fencing to protect the riverbanks, and the strategic use of coir rolls to narrow the river. These efforts will enhance water quality, reduce animal waste in the river and promote the recovery of local biodiversity. The restoration project will be carried out in phases, with active involvement from volunteers, contractors appointed by Colchester City Council, and community engagement initiatives. It aims to not only address

Cllr Andrea Luxford Vaughan, Colchester City Council Portfolio Holder for Planning, Environment and Sustainability, said: “The Cymbeline Meadows Restoration Project embodies our dedication to sustainable land management and clean rivers. By implementing innovative solutions and engaging our community, we are taking a significant step toward revitalising this precious ecosystem."

project which will improve water quality, help wildlife to thrive and prevent damage to the river.” Darren Tansley, Wilder Rivers and Protected Species Manager at Essex Wildlife Trust, added: “By restoring the river channel and protecting the banks this partnership project is providing fantastic habitat for water voles, which were reintroduced to the river in 2010.” The Cymbeline Meadows Restoration Project aligns with local priorities for rural land management and supports the Defra 25 Year Environment Plan for Clean and Plentiful Water.

Kirk Markham, fisheries specialist at the Environment Agency, said: “It is great to collaborate with the council and other partners on this

Council unveils comprehensive report on housing crisis

olchester City Council has unveiled a comprehensive report that provides insights into the housing crisis and challenges facing the council regarding local housing. The in-depth Housing Insights Report 2023 examines the scale and impact of the current housing situation using local data and evidence. The report reveals that like many councils nationally, Colchester is facing a number of challenges, including a shortage of affordable housing, rising homelessness costs, and an aging housing stock. The report also outlines the council's efforts to identify and understand the problems and proposes an approach to tackling the crisis by working more closely with partners. The report's findings highlight the following key challenges, including: 1. Affordability: Housing unaffordability is significant both nationally and locally. House prices in Colchester are higher than the England average, and private sector rents for some properties have risen by 9.6% since 2019.

2. Homelessness and temporary accommodation: The number of people experiencing homelessness in Colchester has increased in recent years, in line with the national trend. The shortage of affordable accommodation is leading to an increase in people presenting as homeless and needing to access temporary accommodation, at a significant cost to the council. This is very difficult for those individuals and families affected and is a real challenge to already stretched council budgets. 3. Housing quality: An estimated 23% of private sector homes nationally fall below the Decent Homes Standard. Poor quality housing can have a detrimental impact on the health and well-being of residents. 4. Environment, climate change and net zero: There are challenges in relation to decarbonising homes for both private sector and public sector housing. The cost of decarbonisation comes on top of a gap in the skills needed to decarbonise homes. 5. Finance, supply and delivery: Total housing delivery performance for Colchester is good, but there are challenges to the future supply

of social and affordable housing including cost pressures due to inflation, labour market issues, and supply chain shortages. The cost of delivering housing is added to by the need for infrastructure to support it, which will be challenged by future environmental and energy reduction regulations. The report also outlines the council's current strategic work to address the housing crisis, calling for further collaboration with partners and lobbying the government for more funding and support. The council's Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Paul Smith, said: “The housing crisis is a complex and challenging issue, and one of the biggest challenges facing councils nationally. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges we face and the steps that are being taken, and will need to be taken, to address them. "We are working hard to deliver more affordable housing, prevent homelessness, and improve the quality of our housing stock. However, we cannot do this alone. We need the government to provide more funding and support. We also need the

support of our partners and the wider community. “There are currently just over 300 families in temporary accommodation in Colchester and we’re expecting more in the coming months. The sad reality means that around 300 families will have to spend Christmas in temporary accommodation. Central government needs to understand the impact on those families and the financial cost to the council. “By working together with the government, partners, and the wider community, we can make a real difference to the lives of people in Colchester who are affected by it and make Colchester a place where everyone has a safe and affordable home.” The council is working on a number of initiatives to address the challenges identified in the report including working with partners on an action plan to address the crisis and a housing summit to bring partners together to discuss the challenges and explore creative solutions. Read the full report here: www. colchester.gov.uk/housing-insightreport

WHAT... IT’S CHRISTMAS AND YOU STILL HAVEN’T SOLD? Call our Colchester team of little helpers on 01206 576999 who’ll arrange a free, no obligation valuation of your home today... we’ll get you moving in the new year!

62 Head Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1PB Tel: 01206 576999 Email: sales@michaelsproperty.co.uk Web: www.michaelsproperty.co.uk