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Issue 54

Cover photo by Jon Sturdy Photography

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Colchester Labour Party News Liberal Democrats Party News The Borough Council and European Parliament elections are over but the dust isn’t really settling in the worlds of Colchester, Cllr Tim Young national or global politics. We are in a heightened state of tension and if you are watching the brilliant BBC TV series, Years and Years, written by the excellent Russell T Davies, an argument could be made that life may well imitate art. The Conservatives took a battering at the local elections and an even bigger hammering at the Euro elections. The Prime Minister has fallen on her sword and, as I type, a full football or cricket team of Tory leadership hopefuls are lined up to replace Theresa May. Labour also did badly and the main beneficiaries have been the Brexit Party and, to a lesser extent, the Liberal Democrats. I suppose at least those two Parties were clear on where they stood on Brexit although it could be argued that by being part of the Coalition government between 2010-15 not only were the LibDems jointly responsible for the cruel austerity policies that have blighted our country they also helped pave the way for Brexit by supporting David Cameron (remember him?). In Colchester the Tories, of course, only needed to make one net gain to take control of the Borough Council but, as it happened, they actually lost two seats; one to the LibDems and Castle ward, spectacularly, to the Green Party. By losing Castle they lost Darius Laws, their Group Leader, and he has been replaced by their former Leader, Robert Davidson. It means that the Progressive

Alliance coalition administration of Labour, Liberal Democrats and Highwoods Independents continue to run the local authority. Sadly, although I comfortably won my Greenstead ward, I have been usurped as Labour Group Leader and removed from the Cabinet by my Labour ‘colleagues’. My 27 years of experience as a Borough Councillor and more than two decades as Group Leader plus all my successes and achievements as a Portfolio Holder and Deputy Leader of the Council have gone unrecognised as I have essentially been frozen out and sidelined without explanation. Solidarity and comradeship? You decide! I will now serve on the Licensing Committee, on the Heritage & Tourism Task & Finish Group and the Board of Colchester Commercial Holdings Limited. It does mean I have more time for writing, performing and campaigning while I plan my comeback. Many, many local people including constituents, leading figures in the arts, business, charity and voluntary sectors as well as those involved in politics have expressed their shock, sympathy and support in equal measure for my situation and this has been of some comfort. The main opinion that has been expressed is that the Labour Group and the Borough Council has been diminished and weakened by the changes made. I will still play a part, certainly as an active ward councillor (unlike some!) and by making my opinions known on all the crucial subjects facing our wonderful Borough going forward. I hope to continue writing for this excellent publication and let’s hope we have a brighter future than the one that seems to be panning out in Years and Years.

As the rain runs down the window it is good to think of Summer. As I did when listening to Rod Stewart in a downpour last Cllr David King week. Looking at a sea of the damp and middle aged, I muttered those very British words ‘what Summer?’ I blame Brexit. But it will return. Summer that is and then we can all look forward to sunshine and shade and opportunities to enjoy our parks, lanes and countryside. Although politicians are a little different (who sensibly wants to sit in committee rooms for hours) we love what you do, fresh air included. And with the elections over the new Lib Dem led administration can get back to governing. Like others the aim is simple, and to try and make things better, where we can. Not Summer. Sadly. But access to the countryside, air pollution, and biodiversity, all these are topical issues that matter and will get time and attention, a real priority over the coming year. For the voters it is an opportunity, if they want, to look up from the phone, and if the 10000 pieces jigsaw has been completed, to see whether promises we all made might emerge as policy and then fact. We said we have a duty to preserve and protect our environment. We have and we will. We have pressed central government and we are doing our best locally. This requires us to tackle pollution (and we have won a grant to help), to set an example in reducing waste, improve recycling

still further (we are amongst the best in the country already) and reduce single use plastics. In parallel we have another big aim, to conserve and strengthen our natural habitats around our beautiful borough, helping our community to know, love and use our woods and parks, and to plant more trees. As we start another new municipal year, with a new Mayor our very own Nick Cope, we have to go through the debates and disagreements that make for democracy. But your Councillors, whatever their party, should agree that a great green agenda helps everyone, not least our children and grandchildren. Oak trees live for centuries. More would be great. Trees help with carbon and they soothe the soul.

And they see us come and go. It’s a nice thought that what we do well now in the coming year, planting and preserving, despite a growing population, means those who follow on might look out of the window one future day, ignore the summer ‘showers’ and look forward to a walk round the Colchester Orbital, Castle Park, Highwoods or a new Colchester wood. Looking for locations now.

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

C Call: O Out Of Office: EEmail: H Head Office:

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Issue 55: 21/06/19 Issue 56: 21/07/19

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

Become a museum trainee with Colchester Museums If you would like to become a trainee at one of five partner Museums across Essex and Suffolk, then applications are now open. Colchester Museums, The High Street Museum and Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich, along with the Long Shop in Leiston, Palace House in Newmarket and the Museum of East Anglian Life in Stowmarket, are all seeking applicants for one-year posts – thanks to a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant. Transforming People to Transform Museums welcomes applications from local people, aged 18+ with a GCSE grade C in English (or equivalent) and no paid museum experience, to join their teams in discovering, interpreting and sharing museum stories and collections. Nine one-year placements will be available, from October, across several sites in Essex and Suffolk. Posts, including marketing, retail, community engagement and events management, are available at Colchester Museums, Palace House: National Centre for Horseracing, the Museum of East Anglian Life and

Quick Crossword Puzzle

the Long Shop Museum in Leiston. Successful trainees will receive a bursary of £14,400 per year (paid monthly), visit all other partner museums throughout the extensive training and partner day events and will be expected to complete a Level 3 Diploma in Cultural Heritage. Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for local people to get paid workexperience and discover the rewards that come from working in a museum environment. “Colchester has a wealth of history and heritage and this is a great opportunity to become involved in preserving this for future generations. Applications are now open until the 15 July.” To register your interest and apply, please complete an online form on the Association for Suffolk Museums website at https://suffolkmuseums. org/ by Monday 15th July 2019. For further information please email transform.museums@colchester.org.uk

ACROSS 7 French writer shows real bias unfortunately (8) 9 Insulted a British and American journalist (6) 10 He’s found among entomologists (3) 11 See about unusually bitter book (8) 12 Thus employed drunk (6) 13 So old article offers comfort (6) 15 Some memory of what cobra has, you say? (8) 16 In court, one questions angry inspector (5-8) 20 Fellow always is hot, running high temperature (8) 22 Chap, see, is punctual (6) 25 Pants and comes back to life? (6) 26 Isn’t love misrepresented by ths writer? (8) 27 Some work is therefore cut short (3) 28 Lyricist is a beginner, it’s said (6) 29 Former partner rang and praised highly (8) DOWN 1 Caught a straying coil of cloth (6) 2 Type of polecat is a diligent searcher (6) 3 Time to perform more infrequently? That’s unsubtle! (8) 4 Young girl soundly curses English student (6) 5 Vehicle picked up Pope in the outskirts of town (8) 6 Could be protected first off with smoke sensor? (8) 8 Trite conversation where brokers work (5,8) 14 Old, old city belonging to us (3) 16 Daily gets hold of second detergent perhaps (8) 17 Compliant with order to somehow end it (8) 18 Give incentive to team playing around four (8) 19 Ultimately people follow like sheep (3) 21 Put in stern, I work (6) 23 Slightly miffed at first by ruined idyll (6) 24 Taking part, journalist endeavours to pay attention (6)

SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 7 Rabelais. 9 abused. 10 tom. 11 libretto. 12 soused. 13 soothe. 15 kilobyte. 16 cross-examiner. 20 feverish. 22 timely. 25 undies. 26 novelist. 27 erg. 28 Lerner. 29 extolled. DOWN: 1 calico. 2 ferret. 3 tactless. 4 damsel. 5 suburban. 6 detector. 8 stock exchange. 14 our. 16 cleanser. 17 obedient. 18 motivate. 19 ewe. 21 insert. 23 mildly. 24 listen.

Work to start on Colchester’s new drinking water fountains Work to install Colchester’s three new drinking water fountains is due to begin on Monday 17 June. Colchester Borough Council announced earlier this year that it would be installing the new fountains as part of its Better Colchester campaign.

Business and Resources, said: “Our new drinking water fountains will not only offer residents and visitors the opportunity to easily keep hydrated and healthy, they also support our commitment to reduce single use plastic.

A new drinking water fountain will be installed on the High Street, by the area formerly known as Angels Yard, the week commencing Monday 17 June. During the same week, from Wednesday 19 June, work to install a new drinking water fountain at the Lower Castle Park toilets will also take place.

“This council is setting an example. We have reduced our plastic waste. We recycle. We encourage businesses to do the same. And we encourage everyone – as the BBC have with their ‘War on Plastic’ series – to use reusable bottles.

The drinking water fountain at Hollytrees Museum will be temporarily unavailable, from Wednesday 19 June, while it is replaced with a new one. The three new drinking water fountains are being introduced to make Colchester an even better place to live, work in and visit. They support Colchester’s Plastic Pledge to reduce the use of single use plastic items, as well as the national Refill campaign to keep Britain hydrated and to help prevent plastic pollution. Cllr David King, Portfolio Holder for

“We all need to cut back or stop using single use bottles and other plastics. Refill your bottle! There are over 25 town centre businesses already signed up to the national Refill campaign. Please download the app and find them and over 20,000 other places. Each will provide free tap water. “With our fountains and the Refill campaign, we really can make a difference in Colchester and prevent unnecessary plastic pollution. We must act now. And I urge our residents to go out and get a reusable bottle to make the most of the available drinking water in our town.”

Colchester Museums are appealing for volunteers to get involved with Colchester Castle’s new exhibition opening this summer.

Museums are offering a great opportunity to get up close to the stunning objects, develop skills and be part of a team.

Adorn: Jewellery, The Human Story opens on the 27 July and will feature loans from the British Museum and other major collections. It will explore the glitz and glamour of personal adornment, from the Bronze Age through to the 21st Century, Pompeii to Colchester.

Anyone can take part, as Colchester Museums will deliver all the necessary training. The role is also designed to be flexible and Colchester Museums will work with the volunteers to ensure the role fits into any commitments that volunteers may already have.

To help deliver the exhibition, Colchester Museums are appealing for people to get involved. A team of volunteers are being recruited to help showcase the hidden stories behind the displays.

To express interest, prospective volunteers should visit Colchester Museums website and register their interest at cims.volunteermakers.org

Volunteers will have the opportunity to support a range of activities, from welcoming and engaging visitors to recording feedback and even giving short talks about their favourite objects.

Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council said: “Volunteering can be a truly rewarding experience for everyone involved. We’re so grateful to anyone who would like to share their skills, time and enthusiasm with us.

Whether you’re someone interested in local history, jewellery or simply love talking to people, or know someone who does, we would urge you to get in touch. Colchester

Adorn: Jewellery, The Human Story runs from 27 July 2019 until the 16 February 2020 at Colchester Castle. Find out more at colchester. cimuseums.org.uk/adorn

Quick Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS 3 Old East German follows river to find perch (5) 8 Fool is one from Italian city (6) 9 Everyone is accommodating English friends (6) 10 Two notes from operatic heroine (4) 11 Not moving goods yet (5-5) 12 Thus African country produces African (6) 13 Capsize open vessel (8) 16 Gaunt young Irene performs in musical (5,3,4,3) 18 Teen reformed with gaol stretch (8) 21 Police force has those people on film (3,3) 23 New peer’s given ring portraying Zeus’s daughter (10) 25 US general’s the dregs (4) 26 Give daughter a note perhaps (6) 27 The Italian is after fast food (6) 28 Play about District Attorney in the present time (5) DOWN 1 American who inhabits the White House? (6) 2 One toiling at unravelling lawsuit (10) 3 Wine gets Sir Nigel drunk (8) 4 Over the moon, having climbed Everest? (2,3,2,3,5) 5 Deal with equipment (6) 6 Idiot wants 150 books (4) 7 Retailer of wine collection, say (6) 12 Very hard worker is left inside bar (5) 14 Back home, I’ll follow cake with pasta (10) 15 Group of musicians not touring Tyneside (5) 17 Working honestly or dishonestly? (2,3,3) 19 Ollie upset wife so keep out of sight (3,3) 20 Computer manufacturer needs time to produce program (6) 22 Quote me retrospectively? It’ll make you sick (6) 24 Openers for Sussex caught and bowled but this chap’s not out (4)

SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3 roost. 8 Assisi. 9 allies. 10 Mimi. 11 stockstill. 12 Somali. 13 overturn. 16 Annie Get Your Gun. 18 elongate. 21 the Met. 23 Persephone. 25 lees. 26 donate. 27 lentil. 28 today. DOWN: 1 Eskimo. 2 litigation. 3 Riesling. 4 on top of the world. 5 tackle. 6 clot. 7 seller. 12 slave. 14 tortellini. 15 nonet. 17 on the sly. 19 lie low. 20 applet. 22 emetic. 24 scab.

Colchester Museums are looking for Adorn Volunteers

Armed Forces Day to be marked with Colchester fanfare A fanfare of trumpets from The Band of The Parachute Regiment is set to herald Armed Forces Day in Colchester, at 10am, on Monday 24 June 2019. Colchester Borough Council will join local authorities and community groups across the country by flying the Armed Forces Day flag in support of servicemen and women and for the wider Armed Forces community of families, veterans and cadets. The raising of Armed Forces Day Flags across the country will herald a week of celebrations around the country culminating in a national event in Salisbury on Saturday 29th June. Colchester will be raising its Armed Forces Day Flag alongside the Pegasus flag of 16 Air Assault Brigade from the Town Hall. The Mayor of Colchester, Councillor Nick Cope, will lead the ceremony, accompanied by the Commander of Colchester Garrison Lieutenant Colonel Steve Caldwell, Garrison Sergeant Major WO1 Billy Biggar and members of 16 Air Assault Brigade. Other attendees include HM LordLieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, and the High Steward of Colchester, Sir Bob Russell. The public is

also invited to attend the event, which takes place on the steps of the Town Hall. The Mayor of Colchester, Councillor Nick Cope, said: “The raising of the Armed Forces Day flag gives us the opportunity to thank the military community who have devoted their lives to protecting our nation. “This year’s Armed Forces Day event is particularly poignant as it marks key anniversaries in World War 2, notably D-Day and the Battle of Arnhem, both of which involved men of the 1st and 6th Airborne Divisions. “We owe our serving military personnel, particularly the British Army’s airborne forces based here in Colchester, and veterans everywhere, a huge debt of gratitude. Their commitment and sacrifice at home and abroad help ensure our freedom and safety.” Commander of Colchester Garrison Lieutenant Colonel Steve Caldwell said: “It is with a great sense of pride, especially in this the 75th year in which we reflect on the sacrifices made by those involved in the liberation of Nazi occupied Europe, to accept and give thanks on behalf of 16 Air Assault

Brigade and all those stationed at the Garrison for the support given and the appreciation shown by the people of Colchester.” Before Monday’s ceremony the Mayor, council leader Cllr Mark Cory and Cllr Lyn Barton, Colchester Borough Council’s armed forces champion, showed their support for service personnel past and present by posing for a #SaluteOurForces selfie. A friendship agreement is also being signed by the Mayor of Colchester and exchanged with the Municipality of Renkum (in Holland) at the 16 Air Assault Brigade and Colchester Garrison Show on Saturday 29th June.

As part of its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, the council is inviting Armed Forces personnel living in the borough to register their name and address so they can be kept informed about events and issues regarding the covenant, council help available and anything else that may be of interest. Colchester Castle will be supporting Armed Forces Day again this year, by offering free entry on Saturday 29 June to serving personnel and their families with military ID or a Defence Privilege Card. For more information about Armed Forces Day, visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk

01621 893834 t 07900 332795 8

Wivenhoe Neighbourhood Plan oﬃcially adopted Identifying a limited number of sites where new homes can be built to avoid speculative development and added protection for the River Colne are among the benefits of a new plan for Wivenhoe that has been formally adopted by Colchester Borough Council.

Road; expanding the allotments on the existing site and at a site adjacent to Broomgrove School;

The Wivenhoe Neighbourhood Plan, spanning 2019-2033, outlines 32 policies Colchester Borough Council will now follow when making any planning decisions affecting Wivenhoe. These include:

new cycle/footways.

• providing protection for valued natural areas such as University Marshes, Ferry Marsh and the River Colne; • Ensuring that new homes contribute to improved infrastructure including the following: a new cemetery on Elmstead

providing playing fields on two hectares of the land adjacent to Broad Lane Sports Ground; new open spaces;

In 2013 the council agreed a Neighbourhood Plan covering the whole of the Wivenhoe ward should be developed. A working group, in consultation with the local community, have developed the plan over the last six years and it was overwhelmingly backed by residents in a referendum held on Thursday 2 May with 2,771 people in favour and 342 against. Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council said: “This is an important moment for the Wivenhoe area as it gives a clear outline of how the area will be shaped over the next 14 years.”

01206 564179 01473 780477

ACROSS 1 New store keeps British ice-cream (6) 4 Noblewoman wants pub on old headland (8) 9 Request comes in to get engine part (6) 10 Emit a fug perhaps and use it to disinfect (8) 11 Gate of harbour by a lake (6) 12 Chief of staff blasted lenient guard (8) 13 Container in grate (3) 14 One looks for member of 60s group? (6) 17 ly devil loses one pound then promises to pay (7) 21 Occupier of temporary shelter outside centre of Gdansk (6) 25 A chap to tease (3) 26 One working with Norma on hill? (8) 27 Nation accepts popular playwright (6) 28 Going across river involves guts (8) 29 Six vehicles for clergymen (6) 30 Member of audience is unusally silent before the Queen (8) 31 To give protection from French fiend, I must go (6) DOWN 1 One gives direction to put name to letters (8) 2 Kept quiet (8) 3 Raised tax in east Leeds endlessly (8) 5 One mistreats Jack and his employer? (6) 6 After work I swallowed drug (6) 7 Woman finds Pamela inebriated to some extent (6) 8 Yes, elm could be suitable (6) 12 Relish entertaining one with the Messiah (7) 15 The German turned up for wine (3) 16 Small building is closed first off (3) 18 Calm about intravenous drug (8) 19 Banter that’s not lasted well? (8) 20 Emphasised puddings should rise (8) 22 Con the healthy and prosper (2,4) 23 Churned up salted deposits at river mouths (6) 24 Girl engrosses soldiers with martial art (6) 25 Leave a story for footballer (6) SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 sorbet. 4 baroness. 9 gasket. 10 fumigate. 11 portal. 12 sentinel. 13 jar. 14 seeker. 17 devious. 21 tenant. 25 guy. 26 operator. 27 Racine. 28 entrails. 29 vicars. 30 listener. 31 defend. DOWN: 1 signpost. 2 reserved. 3 elevated. 5 abuser. 6 opiate. 7 Elaine. 8 seemly. 12 saviour. 15 red. 16 hut. 18 sedative. 19 badinage. 20 stressed. 22 do well. 23 deltas. 24 karate. 25 goalie.

• identifying sites for 250 new homes in Wivenhoe over the next 14 years;

Quick Crossword Puzzle

Schools and community groups urged to create Ecobricks to help tackle plastic waste Schools and community groups across the borough are being urged to create Ecobricks to support Colchester Borough Council’s drive to reduce the amount of non-recyclable plastic being sent to landfill. The council, which is committed to protecting the environment by reducing waste particularly plastic, has written to all Colchester schools and community groups to encourage them to help achieve their ambition. It has invited them to turn any plastic waste that cannot be recycled into Ecobricks – an empty plastic bottle tightly packed with nonbiodegradable materials to form a ‘brick’. These can then be used to build furniture or help create picturesque gardens for example. In some parts of the world Ecobricks are used to build homes. Last year the council launched the Colchester Plastic Pledge as part of a push to create a Better Colchester. Residents and local organisations were invited to make a pledge to reduce their own use of single-use plastics. Creating Ecobricks supports this aim by providing an alternative use for non-biodegradable rubbish. They can

be joined together using things like silicone, tire bands and cement to create a range of structures. Now the council has contacted schools and community groups to encourage them to take up the Ecobrick challenge and share their creations. Councillor Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Transport and Environment, said: “Through our plastic pledge campaign not only have we encouraged people to think about their own use of single-use plastics, we have led by example by looking at own use as well. “As a borough we are among the very best in the country for recycling. However, there is so much more all of us can do to help protect the environment. “There are so many things people can make out of an Ecobrick and I will be fascinated to see how creative our schools and community groups can be.” While making an Ecobrick is simple there are important guidelines to follow including: • bottles should only be stuffed with non-biodegradables – for example biscuit wrappers, carrier bags, cling film, packing tape, popped bubble

wrap. No paper, glass or sharp metals should be added. • all materials put into the bottle must be clean and dry. • people should use a stick to pack the bottles as tightly as possible.

is also continuing to reach out to and work with local organisations to encourage them to offer residents and customers reusable and more environmentally friendly alternatives to single-use plastics.

• coloured plastic should be used to fill the bottom of the bottle and any air pockets to give the Ecobrick its colour.

More information about how to make an Ecobrick, including the minimum weight they need to be depending on the size of the bottles, can be found at www.ecobricks.org/how/

As well as working to reduce its own use of single-use plastics and urging others to follow its lead, the council

For more information on the Colchester Plastic Pledge see www. colchester.gov.uk/colplasticpledge

Quick Crossword Puzzle

Council reaﬃrms ambition to deliver up to 350 social homes for Colchester residents The ambition to deliver up to 350 new affordable homes for local people on Colchester Borough Council’s housing waiting list over the next seven years has been reaffirmed by councillors. Last night’s (Wednesday) meeting of the council’s Cabinet restated the aim while backing plans supporting the transfer of council-owned land in Creffield Road to Colchester Amphora Homes Limited (CAHL) – the council’s wholly owned housing company – to develop. The council’s ambitious plans include: • CAHL delivering 100 affordable homes as part of developments totalling 300 homes across sites at Creffield Road, Military Road, Mill Road and St Runwald Street;

ACROSS 7 Rogue can’t hope for memorial (8) 9 I sat outside when ready (6) 10 Obese, gobbling seconds? Don’t eat! (4) 11 Free of suspicion, hence trial collapsed (2,3,5) 12 Sounds like education cut (6) 14 One likely to lose is urged on anyhow, maintaining decorum initially (8) 15 Bag of cash confused alien (6) 16 Going up a trail (6) 19 Limit a large town’s size (8) 21 Shrink cured loony with drug (6) 23 Passing on work to representatives (10) 24 American police hit heavily (4) 25 Subtle changes creating a stir (6) 26 Find out one’s caught in port (8)

• building around 35 new homes on former garage sites – expanding on the 34 affordable homes delivered on former garage sites in 2014; • buying back up to 50 properties across five years using the Right to Buy clauses on former council homes and a further 100 over five years on the open market;

• looking at alternative ways of delivering social housing It is also seeking to borrow up to £75m over five years to support the delivery of these much-needed homes. This has been made possible by the Government scrapping its one per cent rent reduction which has been in place since 2015, as well as removing a previously imposed “debt cap” so that councils can once again borrow funds to build affordable homes. Councillor Adam Fox, Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “It is no secret there is a dire need for more affordable homes across the country. However, while we have had the desire to deliver them in Colchester, we have been hamstrung for years by a variety of Government policies and procedures. “Now we can drive forward our ambitious commitment to deliver the affordable homes our residents need and want, by building on the partnerships we have through Colchester Borough Homes and our housing company CAHL.”

DOWN 1 Money back for a beer that’s off – about time (6) 2 Disease giving a taste of France? (4) 3 Artist, one into ballet, shows brilliance (8) 4 Add a couple of pages to conclusion (6) 5 Loved one is riling Fred unfortunately (10) 6 Begin attack (3,5) 8 Strongly attack greeting by solicitor (3,3) 13 Escort a man around state capital (10) 15 Bet placed on unfashionable police operation (5-3) 17 Sees runs hit with certainty (8) 18 Army I’d assembled is countless (6) 20 One magazine starts to employ sexy pictures (6) 22 Top of column’s black and yellow (6) 24 Display is partly British owned (4)

SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 7 cenotaph. 9 poised. 10 fast. 11 in the clear. 12 lessen. 14 underdog. 15 sachet. 16 ascent. 19 capacity. 21reduce. 23 delegation. 24 swat. 25 bustle. 26 discover.. DOWN: 1 rebate. 2 gout. 3 radiance. 4 append. 5 girlfriend. 6 set about. 8 hit out. 13 Sacramento. 15 stake-out. 17 sureness. 18 myriad. 20 images. 22 craven. 24 show.

Why is Poo so Taboo? I recently overheard eldest daughter explaining in detail to her friend what a ‘normal’ poo should look like, much to the horror of said friend – she is her mother’s daughter!

• infrequent bowel movements and hard stools - normal can range from three times a day to three times a week • sensory dysfunction - not having the urge to go or a sense of incomplete evacuation • flatulence and bloating - noisy or smelly wind

Alison Lambert

Poo consists of food, bacteria, mucus and dead cells. Food travels through eight meters of intestine from the time it enters the mouth of an adult until it comes out the other end, this can take between 24 – 72 hours. The time it takes for ingested food to travel through the human gut – also called transit time – affects the amount of harmful degradation products produced along the way. This means that transit time is a key factor in a healthy digestive system. Research suggests that a shorter transit time is associated with improved bowel health. Transit time is a key factor in the activity of the intestinal bacteria and this emphasizes the importance of preventing constipation which effects 1 in 7 people. Constipation can be considered a risk factor for some diseases including bowel cancer;

• faecal incontinence - uncontrolled leakage or rectal bleeding However, most people would include:• spending a long time on the toilet unable to pass a stool diverticular disease – inflamed or infected pockets in the large bowel; and anal fissures - a tear or sore near the anus. How experts define constipation can be different to the general public’s perception - they would suggest the following could be used to format a definition of constipation:• abdominal discomfort, pain and bloating - clothes not fitting as well as usual • rectal discomfort - bleeding from pushing too hard, pain or burning sensation in the anal area

• straining • needing to use laxatives One key message is that you need to know what is normal for you and then look out for changes. Any persistent change, either diarrhoea or constipation, of more than 3 weeks should necessitate seeing your GP. It is generally accepted that our Western diet is linked to constipation and bowel disease. Epidemiological studies demonstrate far less incidence of bowel cancer and diverticular disease for example, in countries where a high fibre diet is the norm.

To help food pass through the colon, eat regularly and follow a diet rich in fibre (fruit, vegetables, pulses, nuts, wholegrain bread, pasta and rice). The recommendation for adults of 30g of fibre per day is on average double our current intake. Drink plenty of water – this is even more important when you increase the amount of fibre in the diet – fibre adds bulk to stools but water is needed to maintain moistness and as such, makes it easier to pass through the large bowel and ultimately have a poo. Meat slows down the transit time and should be reduced in the diet whilst physical activity speeds up the rate food passes thorough the bowel. If you are a little skittish about discussing your poo, may I recommend a perusal through the Bristol Stool chart – this will allow you to identify your poo without the need to describe it in graphic detail. · Type 1–2 indicate constipation · Type 3–4 are ideal stools as they are easier to pass. Type 5–7 may indicate diarrhoea and urgency. For the rest of us – lets keep talking poo and get rid of the taboo!