New showrooms now open at Bypass Nurseries, Capel St Mary and Glasswells, Ipswich
Colchester City Council and Colbea are proud to announce their collaboration on the cutting-edge Digital Forum, a visionary project set to launch in Spring 2025 with a £6.25 million investment.
The Digital Forum – which had been referred to as the Digital Working Hub –will boast unparalleled 5G connectivity, attracting forward-thinking technology companies, including those from tech hubs in Cambridge, to Colchester.
As a key partner in this venture, Colbea will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Digital Forum. Colbea is a respected not-for-profit business support agency with over 40 years’ experience and a strong local presence. The company is dedicated to leveraging the buildings advanced technology to attract tech companies seeking a vibrant and innovative base in East England.
Simon Mead, Chief Executive of Colbea, highlighted the Forum’s potential impact on Colchester's digital landscape: "We have a vision to bolster Colchester’s digital industry, contributing to the city’s goal of becoming a digital powerhouse in the East of England. The Digital Forum, through its connectivity and 5G access, will allow us to target technology companies that have previously not considered Colchester as a viable base for their innovation businesses. The building will undoubtedly help shape
Colchester school pupils make their pledges for tackling air pollution – supporting this year’s Clean Air Day
Pupils from a primary school in Colchester are marking tomorrow’s national Clean Air Day (20 June) by making their own pledges for how they can help to reduce air pollution in the city.
Year 5 pupils from St John’s Green Primary School took part in an assembly and workshop this week run by representatives from Colchester City Council’s CAReless Pollution no idling campaign and Clean Air Colchester, a local volunteer group committed to making the air in Colchester cleaner for everyone to breathe.
While learning about what causes air pollution and why it’s a problem for their young lungs, using activities and materials from the CAReless Pollution Toolkit for Schools, the pupils were also asked to write down one pledge each that they could make to improve
air quality in the city – something either personal to them, their family, their community, or the wider city.
The children pledged: “To walk everywhere I can”, “To try my hardest to convince others to stop driving to places and ask them ‘why not take the bus or train?’” and “To tell anyone possible to save polluting our air and try to bike more.”
Cllr Andrea Luxford Vaughan, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Environment and Sustainability at Colchester City Council, said: “I have loved reading through all the pledges that have been made this week by some of our youngest residents. As a council, we are committed to tackling poor air quality in our city to ensure everyone, but particularly vulnerable groups like children, have clean air to breath.
the future of Colchester’s digital sector and to support incredible local talent.”
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Colbea: “Colbea have a track record of success in fostering business growth in the community. Our growing reputation as a location for digital businesses is contributing to our economy and I look forward to new and innovative businesses settling in the Forum.”
Simon Blaxill, Chair of We Are Colchester, emphasised the significance of attracting innovative tech companies to Colchester, saying: "Our city's digital and creative industries are flourishing, providing employment opportunities and driving economic progress. Together with Colbea, we aim to create an environment that appeals to tech innovators seeking new investment opportunities."
Colchester's commitment to digital advancement is further evidenced by substantial investments in fibre and 5G infrastructure. As the city transforms its digital landscape, plans are underway to revolutionise leisure and tourism experiences, including the introduction of an immersive virtual reality tourism venture by 2026.
Colchester also successfully launched the ACL Digital Learning Hub in October, highlighting the city’s dedication to enhancing digital literacy among adults, further solidifying its position as a leader in digital education and innovation.
For more information on Colchester's digital initiatives and transformative projects, including the Digital Forum, visit Colchester City Council's interactive map showcasing over £40 million worth of projects shaping the city's future by 2030 at www.colchester.gov.uk/citycentre.
“Our work includes reminding drivers to switch their engines off when stationary, a loan scheme for e-bikes and e-cargo bikes, city centre secure bike parking, cycling and walking maps to encourage people to switch to alternative cleaner forms of transport.
"We hope that children and their adults will be keen to take up these actions, as well as their own ideas for improving local air.”
When walking to school, children are exposed to 30% more air pollution than adults, because their shorter height means they are in closer proximity to vehicle exhaust fumes. This is especially worrying because air pollution affects every organ in the body, stunts
young lung growth and worsens conditions like asthma.
Launched in 2020, the CAReless Pollution campaign asks drivers to switch off their vehicle engines when stationary at traffic lights, level crossings and outside schools, to help improve air quality. An idling engine produces up to twice as many exhaust emissions as when an engine is moving. That’s why switching off your engine every time you wait can immediately cut your vehicle’s pollution by up to 30%.
The campaign’s Toolkit for Schools is free and includes curriculum based activities for key stages 1, 2 and 3. It can be accessed here. For more information visit www.cleanaircolchester.org
The Games: A Global History of the Olympics by
David GoldblattThere are many books about the Olympics but Goldblatt’s insightful and thoroughly researched narrative of the sporting event stands out for its depth and breadth. He is known for his detailed sociological insights and doesn’t disappoint here as he explores the development of the Olympics throughout its modern existence, beginning in 1896. He examines how the Olympics have been a stage for not only showcasing athletic prowess but also for playing out international conflicts and alliances. His analysis spans the ideological battles during
the Cold War, the controversies of boycotts, and the dynamics of gender and race that have evolved over the decades. He even digs into the commercialization and the corruption that have plagued the Games, providing a critical look at the bodies that organize and profit from them.
Goldblatt does not shy away from discussing how the Games have both challenged and reinforced social norms and inequalities, making it a reflective mirror for the host cities and nations. His discussions on the urban and economic impacts on host cities like Montreal, Beijing, and Rio are particularly enlightening, revealing the sometimes devastating aftermath of the Games.
Don’t be put off by the fact this is a weighty non-fiction. The prose is engaging and accessible, ensuring that The Games is not just for historians or sports enthusiasts but for anyone interested in the broader implications of this global event. The inclusion of personal stories and athlete perspectives adds a human element to the historical facts, making the narrative even more compelling.
This is a critical, comprehensive, and captivating read. Goldblatt’s prowess as a historian is well-established, but he’s also a terrific storyteller, and I think the book will enhance anyone’s enjoyment of The Paris Olympics this summer.
Ready Steady Mo! By Mo Farah and Kes Gray, illustrated by Marta Kissi
Ready Steady Mo! is a delightful children's book that encourages young readers to get moving, have fun, and embrace the joy of running. Co-authored by Olympic champion Mo Farah and seasoned children's author Kes Gray, this book is a playful, energetic read that will captivate kids with its rhyming text and vibrant spirit.
The narrative follows a simple rhythmic structure that mimics the pace of running, making it an excellent read-aloud choice. The text encourages children to run anywhere and everywhere – through parks, into jungles, and even up to the moon, suggesting a limitless world of possibilities.
Marta Kissi's illustrations add a dynamic and colourful layer to the
story. Her artwork is lively and full of motion, perfectly capturing the exuberance of the text. Kissi's use of bright, bold colours and expressive characters from a variety of backgrounds means that each page bursts with energy and promotes diversity and inclusivity.
Ready Steady Mo! is more than just a story; it's an invitation for kids to explore and enjoy the physicality of their world. The book is an excellent tool for parents and educators to inspire activity and imagination in children. Farah, Gray, and Kissi have collaborated to create a vibrant and motivational book that is sure to become a favourite among young readers.
By Tash Donovan
A special thank you print to frame Updates on how your donation is changing lives Your regular gift of just £5 a month could go towards supporting young cancer patients through our Care Packages, Age-appropriate Rooms in hospitals and Research.
Not only will you be giving a brighter future to teenagers and young adults with cancer but also a future to bees, wildlife, and the environment.
As a thank for your monthly donation, you will receive Your very own handmade, native bag of Beebombs to sow
The International Olympic Committee surprised everyone when it announced that breakdancing would debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, this is not the first instance of an unexpected sport appearing at the Olympic Games.
Tug-of-War was part of the Olympics from 1900 to 1920. Nations could enter multiple teams, allowing them to win more than one medal in the same event. The US and GB achieved this, securing gold, silver, and bronze in 1904 and 1908 respectively. Personally, I hope they reintroduce it soon.
Rope Climbing was featured in the 1896 Olympics as one of eight gymnastics events in the first modern international Olympic Games held in Athens. The sport demanded significant upper body strength, requiring competitors to ascend a 14-metre unknotted rope using only their hands. Only two of the five competitors reached the top. Rope climbing appeared in the Olympics four more times between 1904 and 1932, with rope lengths varying from 8 metres to 10 metres. If you're after something similarly impressive, try watching Olympic sport climbing.
Pistol Dueling was featured at the unofficial 1906 Intercalated Games in Athens as a male-only event where competitors shot at plaster dummies. It returned as a demonstration event at the 1908 London Olympics, where competitors fired at each other using wax bullets while wearing protective gear. No injuries occurred. I can see this working with modern paintballs. Who wouldn't love to watch that?
Obstacle Swimming was another unusual event in the 1900 Paris Olympics. Competitors navigated a 200-metre course in the Seine River, climbing over poles, scrambling over boats, and swimming under others. Australian swimmer Fred Lane won the event, narrowly beating the second-place finisher by two seconds. I'm putting in a bid for some sort of obstacle course event to feature in the next Olympics...something in the style of Total Wipeout would be a great spectator sport.
What sports would you like to see at the Olympics?
By Bev Stone
Hydration is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being, yet a significant number of us (studies suggest 75% of us) are regularly dehydrated.
Even mild or moderate dehydration can have noticeable effects on the body. Mild dehydration, characterized by a loss of 1-2% of body water, can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dry skin, and decreased cognitive performance. As dehydration progresses to a moderate level (a loss of 2-5% of body water), more severe symptoms can arise, including dizziness, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, and impaired physical performance. Chronic dehydration can also contribute to long-term health issues, such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
To maintain proper hydration, it is generally recommended that women consume about 2.7 litres of fluids per day, and men consume about 3.7 litres! These recommendations include all fluids consumed though, not just water. It’s important to note that individual needs can vary based on factors such as age, weight, activity level, and climate.
puzzle solutions:
For those of us who find plain water unappealing, there are plenty of alternatives to ensure adequate hydration. Infusing water with fruits like lemon, lime, or berries can add a refreshing flavour. Herbal teas, which are naturally caffeine-free, are also a good option, hot or iced. Additionally, consuming waterrich foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges can contribute to your daily fluid intake. Even the milk you splash over your cornflakes counts!
Staying properly hydrated is crucial for maintaining energy levels, supporting bodily functions, and promoting overall health. By the time we register the feeling of thirst we are already suffering mild dehydration. Invest in a water bottle with volume measurements marked on the side and carry it about with you. Set alarms on your phone or smart watch to remind you to top up your fluid levels. Try it for a week or two and note how much better you feel. Your body will thank you.
By Louise Addison
As public awareness of the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation grows, clothing manufacturers have begun to create garments in fabrics designed to shield the skin from the sun's harmful rays, reducing the risk of sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer.
UV-protective fabrics are engineered to block or absorb harmful UV radiation. The effectiveness of these fabrics depends on several factors:
Weave Density: Tightly woven fabrics provide better protection as they limit the amount of UV light that can penetrate through the material.
Material Type: Certain fibres, such as polyester and nylon, naturally offer higher UV protection compared to others like cotton. These synthetic fibres can be treated or blended with other materials to enhance their UVblocking capabilities.
Chemical Treatments: Some fabrics are treated with UVabsorbing chemicals or dyes that
enhance their ability to block UV radiation. These treatments can significantly increase the fabric’s UV protection factor.
Colour and Thickness: Darker and heavier fabrics generally offer more UV protection than lighter and thinner ones because they absorb more UV radiation.
When shopping for UV-protective clothing, it is important to look for specific labels that indicate the level of protection provided. The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating system is commonly used, similar to the SPF rating for sunscreens. A UPF rating of 30 to 49 indicates very good protection, while a UPF of 50+ offers excellent protection.
Additionally, look for label markings such as the British Standard BS EN 13758-1 certification, which ensures the fabric meets the required standards for UV protection. Garments with these labels provide assurance that they offer effective protection against harmful UV radiation, allowing you and your children to enjoy outdoor activities safely.
By Louise Addison
The perfect way to use up a glut of seasonal tomatoes. They will lend a touch of the Mediterranean to pasta dishes or a summer sandwich.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 2-3 hours
Makes: 1 medium-sized jar
Ingredients
300g cherry or small tomatoes
Olive oil to brush and store.
Sterilized jar
Method
Preheat the oven to 120°C (fan) / gas mark 1. Cut the tomatoes in half and arrange them cut-side up on an oiled baking tray. Lightly brush the tomatoes with olive oil and season with salt. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until they are reduced in size and appear dark and wrinkled. For storage, transfer the tomatoes into a sterilized jar and fill with olive oil until the tomatoes are fully submerged. They can be kept refrigerated for up to two weeks.
For longer preservation, place the sealed jars in a large pot of water and heat until it simmers, then let them simmer gently for 45 minutes. Allow the jars to cool in the water. Stored this way, the tomatoes will keep for up to six months in a cool, dark place. After opening, consume the tomatoes within two weeks and store them in the refrigerator. You can have fun with flavourings, adding herbs like fresh rosemary or thyme, peeled garlic cloves or chilli flakes.
We all love flowers. They’re what gardening is all about and the fact that they’are relatively short-lived makes them extra-special.
But my garden can’t survive on flowers alone. It needs to look attractive all year round. This is where friendly foliage plants come in to their own.
Many non-evergreen plants have beautiful showy foliage between April and November, and we’d be mad not to take full advantage of it.
Rodgersia pinnata is an excellent example. It has huge, attractive bronze, leathery leaves which are almost sculptural in appearance. As a bonus it sends up feathery cream flowers in the summer.
It like soil which doesn’t dry out so a pebble mulch will work brilliantly, and it complements the plant.
Hostas have truly beautiful leaves, but I’ve tried and failed with them on many occasions because my garden is home to a race of hosta-chomping super slugs. I’ve had some success
with the variety “Frances Williams” which is less prone to attack though I still need to go on slug patrol every evening! Mostly though, I now plant them in pots armed with copper rings. Slugs hate copper and my hostas can grow (mostly) unmolested.
Hostas do like a moist soil so if yours is on the dry side work in plenty of compost or manure at planting time and mulch well...preferably with something sharp to act as a deterrent to the slimy brigade.
I have had much more success with ferns. They are the most useful plant for shade. My favourite is the ostrich-plume fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris. Plant them under trees and shrubs and watch the stunning lime-green foliage unfold each spring.
New Zealand flax, Phormium tenax has bold, dramatic fountains of spiky purple foliage is my absolute favourite foliage plant. It isn’t frosthardy, so during extended sub-zero temperatures it will need protecting. If you’re concerned, choose the much
hardier green variety…but honestly, the purple on is worth the risk.
Many people overlook grasses when they think about foliage but there are some seriously attractive varieties. Try Miscanthus sinensis “Zebrinus.” The leaves look like green ribbons, striped with yellow and reach chest height. Cut it down to ground level each February.
Finally, if you have the space, for a real ‘in-your-face’ fancy foliage try the
golden-leaved Catalpa bignonioides “Aurea.” Grow it as a large bush. Prune each stem back to a sprouting bud around knee-height each spring and mulch with manure at the same time. It will reward you with leaves as big as Frisbees! Now that’s really fancy foliage.
Happy gardening,
By Rachael Leverton
Answers on page 14
1 Mostly training and skill show how easily
something can be done (14)
9 Admires new weapon (7)
10 Company chief ordered to get a small house (7)
11 A fool rejected Turner perhaps (4)
12 Transaction includes black fur (5)
13 Endlessly show respect by going down on one?(4)
16 Cut head off...cut head off exotic flower first (7)
17 Get together for prayer (7)
11 Launch sailing vessel and celebrate lavishly (4,3,4,3)
2 Composition by an Italian poet (7)
3 Melt some of the path away (4)
4 Announcer on the radio for match (7)
5 Rustic leaders of British union get tummy ache (7)
6 Permit takes time for Latvian (4)
7 Apprentice from Aintree messed up (7)
8 Again advanced smaller sum to head, showing persistence (14)
18 A very short dance? (3-4)
21 The weather worried Tim and Alec (7)
23 Transport for vagrant mostly (4)
24 Embargo on nobleman (5)
25 God whose reflection is seen in canal (4)
28 Spoke but spoke indistinctly first off (7)
29 He worked with vicar to keep records (7)
30 Deborah started changing act (5,3,6)
14 Damp has to destroy finally (5)
15 The King lives – that’s crazy! (5)
19 One demands former thespian (7)
20 I put lad off with praise (7)
21 Piece of music for choir at end of perfomance (7)
22 Studio is refurbished late – that’s right (7)
26 River associated with a waste product (4)
27 Copy Spain and Switzerland, love (4)
Dim sum is culinary tradition originating from Cantonese cuisine. It refers to a delightful array of bite-sized dishes typically served with tea.
Dim sum, translates to "touch the heart." The small portions were designed merely to touch the heart not sate the appetite, and were originally enjoyed as a light snack to complement tea drinking. It has since evolved into a full dining experience featuring a variety of savoury and sweet dishes, traditionally served in small bamboo baskets or on small plates, making it easy to share among diners.
The preparation of dim sum is an art form that requires skill and precision. Each dish is meticulously prepared using fresh ingredients, most commonly pork, prawns, chicken, and vegetables, all combined with spices and seasonings to create unique flavours. Dumplings are crafted from delicate dough filled with savoury or sweet fillings, then steamed or fried to perfection. Bao are another staple; the buns are steamed to achieve a soft, fluffy texture and filled with ingredients like barbecued pork or custard.
Dim sum encompasses a wide variety of dishes, catering to a
range of tastes and preferences. Some of the most popular items include:
Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings): Translucent dumplings filled with succulent prawns.
Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings): Openfaced dumplings filled with a mixture of pork, prawns, and mushrooms.
Char Siu Bao (Barbecued Pork Buns): Steamed buns filled with a sweet and savoury barbecued pork.
Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls): Soft, slippery rice noodles rolled around prawns, beef, or vegetables and drizzled with soy sauce.
Spring Rolls: Crispy, deep-fried rolls filled with vegetables, meat, or seafood.
Egg Tarts: Small, flaky pastries filled with a creamy custard.
Dim sum is traditionally enjoyed during brunch hours, typically from late morning to early afternoon. In many cultures, it's a weekend ritual, a time for family and friends to gather and share a leisurely meal. The experience is as much about the social interaction as it is about the food.
Ordering dim sum can be daunting if you've never done it before, especially in traditional Cantonese restaurants. Typically, servers would push carts laden with various dim sum dishes around the dining room, allowing diners to select items that catch their eye, but in the UK restaurants mostly use a menu system where customers can order specific dishes. It’s common to start with a pot of Chinese tea, then gradually choose dishes, allowing the meal to unfold at a relaxed pace. Don't feel you have to order everything at once. Take your time, and sharing is encouraged; definitely don't order one dish per person. The idea is to sample a wide variety of dishes in one sitting. If you aren't sure, ask your waiter to recommend a few dishes to get you started.
Dim sum is more than just a meal; it's a cultural and social experience. So, if you've ever wanted to be a little more adventurous when you go out to eat in a Chinese restaurant, I recommend going out for brunch and trying dim sum.
By Joan LiFill 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.
When you’re handed a wine list at a restaurant how do you feel?
Do you feel flustered and mumble, ‘I’ll have the Chardonnay please,’ because it’s the only one you’ve heard of?
Wine has such snobbery attached to it, but choosing wine can be fun, if you know where to start.
Start by asking yourself whether the wine is for quaffing, maybe with a few nibbles, or whether it’s to accompany a special meal, where the food will take centre stage.
If it’s the former then New World wines (Australian, Californian etc) are a sure bet. They’re fruity and ripe and perfectly suited to drinking on their own.
If you need wine to accompany a meal then you’re generally safe with an Old World (European) wine. The French, Italians, and Spaniards have been creating wine to complement food for a couple of hundred years and they’re good at it, producing wines rich in tannins with lots of natural acidity.
These are just guidelines though. If you like an Australian Shiraz
with your burger, go for it. No-one should ever make you feel you’re ‘wrong.’
What about the cost of wine? Is expensive always better? Well mostly yes. Consider this: many of the fixed costs of wine production (bottle, cap, cork, label etc.) are the same, so any extra you pay should guarantee you an increase in the quality of the wine. A good way to test this is to treat yourself to a more expensive bottle of a wine you already know you like. So if you like Spanish Merlot and usually pay £7 per bottle, next time you have a special occasion try one at £15 and taste the difference.
There’s a lot of confusion about corks vs screw caps. Cork is actually bark and it imparts flavour to wine over time. Try leaving a cork in a glass of water over night then taste the water in the morning if you don’t believe me.
Unfortunately, corks can taint, producing 2.4.6 trichloroanisole (TCA) which makes wine taste horrid. This is corked wine. Screw caps don’t suffer from this and are therefore an excellent seal.
Recent research has revealed that different wine styles are suited to different closure types, depending on the phenolic composition of the wine. Phenolic compounds are probably the most important group of flavour chemicals in wines, especially the reds. The new findings call into question the idea that all fine or aged wines must be sealed under cork. Instead, wine production companies are now focussing on which closure is best suited to an individual wine.
Finally, a few rules about matching food with wine.
Well as I said, there aren’t any hard and fast rules, but a good guide is that lighter foods such as fish and sea food go best with lighter wines but this doesn’t necessarily mean white: a light red, such as Beaujolais can work very well.
Equally if you are having something rich and fatty, a heavier wine with plenty of tannins would make a good match. The answer is to experiment...now that does sound like fun.
By Cora McNeil
It's wedding season, and it's time to bust out the pretty dresses and fancy hats. A hat? Oh no... HELP! How many of us have made an unfortunate choice millinery choice at weddings past? Most of us don’t wear hats all the time, so when we’re suddenly called upon to do it - we panic. Too many styles and colours. But there is a hat for everyone...honest. You just have to know which one to choose, and with a few handy tips you can banish your fears, buy with confidence, and get ahead...see what I did there?
Do you know your face shape? Faces can be oval, round, square or heart-shaped. They can also be long or short.
If you really haven’t got a clue try this trick. Pull or clip your hair back off your face and sit in front of a mirror. Use an old lipstick or eyebrow pencil to outline your reflection. The shape you’ve drawn on the glass is the shape of your face.
Armed with this information you can narrow down the styles you want to browse.
Round - A hat with a high crown will add length to your features. Choose a medium brim because a narrow one will make your face look wider and a very wide one will emphasise broadness elsewhere on your body.
Heart - Your jaw is narrow compared to your forehead so don’t choose too wide a brim or these proportions will be emphasised.
Square - A medium to wide angled brim is the most flattering for this face shape. If your face is also short, choose a higher crown too.
Oval - You can take most hat shapes so choose one with which you feel comfortable, or it will stay in the box!
If you wear spectacles you can still wear a hat. Choose a style with an upturned brim at the front and your face will be nicely framed, not overpowered. Or try a fascinator, which my mother refers to as the ‘hat-free hat!’
Think very carefully about colour. Don’t try to match the hat to the colour of your outfit. Instead, choose a colour which flatters your skin tone and compliments your over-all look. Pale hats make older skin look drained so choose a beautiful bold colour instead.
If your outfit is tailored choose a sharp, structured hat. If you’re wearing a floaty summer dress choose a softer style, perhaps with flower or feather trim.
Hats should be worn forward, either tilted to one side or square on the head. When you look into the mirror adjust the hat with one hand at the front and one at the back until you find the perfect position. Tuck your hair behind your ears and choose slightly larger earrings than you’d usually wear.
Finally, hats should be worn completely unselfconsciously, as though you wear one every day. Head up, shoulders back and smile, you look fabulous.
By Sarah Davey
Making friends as an older man can be a daunting challenge. Our social networks often change or diminish as we age, through career changes, retirement, or relocation. However, the importance of maintaining social connections cannot be overstated, as they significantly contribute to our mental and emotional well-being.
There are reasons that us men find it harder to make friends later in life. For many of us, work is our primary venue for social interaction. Once retired, these daily connections can quickly fade. Quite often our social lives are tied
to our partner’s and bereavement may mean that those bonds weaken. Additionally, we find it less culturally acceptable to express feelings of loneliness, compared to women. These factors can lead to social isolation unless proactive steps are taken.
Fortunately, there are ways that we can widen our social circle: Volunteer – What skills such as gardening or DIY skills can we share? Contributing time to a cause can offer a sense of purpose as well as putting us in touch with others who care about similar issues.
Join a gym or a sport club – This can be a great way to stay active and socialize. We don’t have to be super fit; there are now walking football and basketball clubs, as well as calisthenics, which works on core strength, and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) where exercise is done in short intense bursts.
Join a book club – Most book clubs are dominated by women though they are usually open to anyone. There are some men only book clubs though. The local library is a good place to start, and if there isn’t one in our area, we could always start one up.
Join a choir – Choir directors up and down the country are crying out for men, who knew? There are also male choirs which usually have a great social life attached to them.
Join a Shed! - Men’s Sheds is a UK network for men who want to pursue practical interests, while making social connections through sharing skills and knowledge. Many Sheds get involved in community
projects: restoring village features, helping maintain green spaces, and building things for schools, libraries and individuals in need. Check out menssheds.org.uk.
Adopt a dog – Not for everyone because a pet is a big responsibility, but dogs are great company and there are many more dog-friendly places these days. A dog is a reason to get up and get out of the house. It doesn’t have to have a puppy; there are many older dogs looking for a good home. Dog-training classes and dog agility classes are a great place to meet fellow animallovers.
While making friends later in life can be challenging if you are a bloke, it's far from impossible. By engaging in community activities, embracing shared interests, and being prepared to get out of the house, we can expand your social network and enrich our lives with new, meaningful friendships. Remember, the first step is often just reaching out.
By Tom Hancock
The waters around the property market may be choppy, but with the Michaels crew at the helm, we’ll get you to where you really want to be... simply pop in or call our Colchester office to arrange a free mortgage health check and to register with us for updates on property prices and interest rates today.