Tenpin, the UK’s leading bowling and entertainment operator, is unveiling a brandnew look and feel in its Colchester site following a complete refurbishment.
Customers can bowl up to try the activities on offer at the revamped entertainment hub on Cowdray Avenue, which now features 20 LED lit bowling lanes, two karaoke rooms,
laser tag and upgraded arcade games, making it the ultimate competitive socialising experience for families and friends to enjoy.
After scoring strikes on the bowling lanes, guests can channel their inner pop stars and sing their hearts out to the latest tunes in two brand-new, high-tech karaoke rooms before pausing to refuel with the wide range of food and drinks on offer.
Those looking for an adrenaline rush can ‘split’ into teams and battle it out in Tenpin’s futuristic Sector 7 laser tag arena, with fog and strobe lighting creating the ultimate interactive experience. Arcade-lovers are also in for a treat following the update of Tenpin’s games area, which now boasts the latest video games in a family friendly setting.
This entertainment centre also serves fabulous cocktails in its modern bar area, and you’ll never miss a match
with large TVs showing all live games on Sky Sports and BT Sport!
Heather Allwin, General Manager at Tenpin Colchester, said: “Following significant refurbishment, we are delighted to showcase our new and improved Tenpin venue and we can’t wait to welcome those in the local area to experience all the exciting activities on offer. We’re proud to provide a wide range of competitive socialising activities that cater to guests of all ages, from bowling and arcades to karaoke and laser tag, Tenpin Colchester is the perfect place for friends and families to spend time together, no matter the occasion!”
One of 49 locations, Tenpin Colchester boasts a range of competitive socialising activities, making it the perfect place for groups of friends and families. For more information or to make a booking, please visit https:// www.tenpin.co.uk/our-locations/ colchester/.
Tangerine
by Christine ManganTangerine is a gripping psychological thriller set in the 1950s that follows the tumultuous friendship between two women, Alice Shipley and Lucy Mason, and the dark secrets that bind them.
Alice Shipley is a fragile and reclusive young woman who resides in Tangier, Morocco, with her husband, John. She is haunted by a tragic incident from her college days. One day she receives an unexpected visit from Lucy Mason, her former roommate and estranged friend, whom she hasn't seen in over a year.
Lucy's arrival triggers a series of unsettling events. Alice is plunged into a state of paranoia and uncertainty over her visitor’s ambiguous intentions and begins to question Lucy’s motives. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that both Alice and Lucy are harbouring secrets and that their past is deeply intertwined.
When something momentous happens under suspicious circumstances, tensions escalate and Alice must confront the truth about her past, the nature of her friendship with Lucy, and the true identity of the people around her.
Mangan skilful storytelling delves into themes of obsession, identity, and betrayal. The intense atmosphere of Tangier serves as a backdrop for the complex relationship between Alice and Lucy. A gripping cat-and-mouse game unfolds, with high stakes, and a shocking revelation.
Tangerine is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that explores
Material and Breathability: The material of the sunhat plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. Opt for hats made from tightly woven fabrics like cotton or polyester. These materials offer better UV protection compared to loosely woven ones. Additionally, choose a hat that is breathable, allowing air circulation to prevent excessive sweating and promote comfort.
the dark corners of friendship and the consequences of deceit.
The Buried Crown
by Ally Sherrick
The year is 1940, and George Penny is evacuated from London to live with his Aunt May in the countryside. While exploring the nearby ruins of an old castle, George discovers a hidden underground chamber. Inside, he stumbles upon a medieval crown that belonged to King Alfred the Great, the legendary English king. But George soon realizes that the crown is more than just a relic. It is rumoured to possess mystical powers and is sought after by a group of sinister individuals, known as the Skull brothers, who are determined to use it for their own nefarious purposes.
With the help of a brave and resourceful girl named Kitty, George embarks on a dangerous quest to keep the crown safe from the Skull brothers. Along the way, they encounter secret codes, ancient riddles, and unexpected allies. Their journey takes them
across the English countryside, from hidden tunnels to perilous cliffs, as they race against time to protect the crown and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
As George and Kitty unravel the secrets surrounding the crown, they uncover a deeper connection to King Alfred and his legacy. The fate of the crown becomes intertwined with their own personal journeys of courage, friendship, and discovering the true meaning of heroism. Sherrick’s fast-paced prose writing will keep her young readers on the edge of their seats.
By Tash Donovan
Answers on page 8
When it comes to protecting ourselves from the harmful effects of the sun, a reliable sunhat is an indispensable accessory. While fashion may play a role in our choice, it is crucial to prioritize the protective aspects of your head gear.
Wide Brim: A wide brim helps shield your face, neck, and ears from direct sunlight, minimizing the risk of sunburn and long-term damage caused by UV radiation. Opt for a hat with a brim that extends at least three inches (7.5cm) all around, providing ample coverage.
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor)
Rating: Did you know that any hat marketed as a ‘sunhat’ has to have a UPF rating? UPF measures the level of UV radiation that can penetrate the fabric. Look for sunhats with a high UPF rating, ideally, one with a UPF rating of 50+ as this will block more than 98% of harmful UV rays.
Neck Flap: If you plan to be out for a long time, consider a sunhat with a neck flap. This additional feature provides coverage for the delicate skin on the back of the neck, an area often neglected but highly vulnerable to sunburn. A neck flap can be a detachable or built-in feature, allowing you to adapt to different conditions.
Fit: Finally make sure you choose the right size! A too-tight hat can cause a headache, while one that’s too loose can be annoying. If you plan to be out in the wind look for hats with adjustable chin straps or drawstrings.
People with thin hair are more susceptible to sun-related skin cancers on their head. A good sunhat can save your life.
By Jamie Maxfield
Navy Neon Periwinkle Picotee Powder Royal
Sapphire Savoy Sky Steel Teal Ultramarine
from a Tupperware tub along with a packet of crisps, some soggy custard creams, and lukewarm orange squash or (equally lukewarm) wine for the grown-ups.
Ah, the British picnic! That delightful tradition combining outdoor dining with unpredictable weather, and an assortment of eccentricities. The main ingredients for a truly traditional British picnic are, a dash of optimism, a splash of stoicism, a sprinkling of humour and a tiny pinch of disappointment.
First and foremost, there is the weather dance. No discussion about picnics in our green and pleasant land would be complete without someone looking upwards dubiously, sucking their cheeks in, and saying, ‘Looks like rain.’ As a nation we have mastered the art of packing for all four seasons in a single picnic basket. From sweltering sun to sudden showers, we have evolved into experts at adaptive picnic planning. If there was an ‘official British Picnic checklist’ it would include sunscreen, insect repellent, a thick sweater an umbrella and a pac-a-mac!
Every Brit is born knowing exactly what a picnic should look like: a wicker hamper, a checked picnic blanket, and an array of finger foods including dainty cucumber sandwiches, iced buns and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, all washed down with ginger beer. This is because Enid Blyton and her Famous Five have somehow entered our collective subconscious, but we have been cruelly lied to. In reality it’s usually slightly curled ham and cheese sandwiches dispensed
Finding the perfect picnic spot is a grand adventure in itself which involves scouting out picturesque meadows, secret gardens, or a sandy beach. With Google maps on our phones, and determined expressions, we brave stinging nettles, cow pats, aggressive swans, persistent wasps, bickering kids and the occasional sheep all hell bent on thwarting us in our quest.
Games are compulsory at a British picnic. People whose idea of exercise for the rest of the year is getting up from the sofa to answer the front door, suddenly get all competitive and suggest a game of rounders, or croquet, or French cricket! This quickly descends into arguments about who is on which team, who gets (or shouldn’t get) Grandma, and whether there should be second chances at hitting a ball. But it’s all about the friendly competition and the odd black eye is just part of the fun.
But us Brits know that all the shenanigans is just a warm-up for the main event. As the afternoon rolls on, the time nears for the one British tradition everyone looks forward to, Pimms o'clock. This refreshing cocktail, filled with fruits, herbs, and a splash of gin, is the quintessential picnic libation. As the glasses clink and laughter fills the air, the true spirit of the British picnic finally comes alive. It's a time to relax, enjoy the company of friends and loved ones, and revel in the joy of this whimsical outdoor affair.
Across
1 Refuse Collector (7)
5 Brown ink (5)
8 Destructive fire, blaze (13)
9 Hand tool (3)
10 Church state (9)
12 Speeding, competing (6)
13 Diverse (6)
15 Freak out, lose it (2,7)
16 Social insect (3)
18 Condition caused by toxic paint and dust (4,9)
20 Inspection, investigation (5)
1 Aquatic birds (5)
2 Advertising worn by a person (8,5)
3 Hormone produced at night (9)
4 Small lump of gold (6)
5 Ocean (3)
6 Transferring from public ownership (13)
7 Bothered, miffed (7)
11 Lecture hall (9)
12 Finery (7)
14 Hijinks (6)
17 Big cat (5)
Cheers!
By Kate McCarthy21 Conference, discussion (7)
19 Place somewhere (3) >>>
The smack of leather on willow is the quintessential sound of a British summer. The bright red cricket ball is almost iconic, but its design and construction have undergone significant changes over the course of history.
by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2000 for having a negative impact on the game.
If you want to be the host with the most this summer I have two recommendations for you.
First up is the Ooni Karu 12, a multi-fuel outdoor pizza oven. This portable pizza oven, which can be fired by wood or gas was the hit of our summer last year.
We used ours for a backyard birthday, two camping trips, at the beach and random summer Saturdays. The pizzas are delicious with an authentic stone-baked taste, while the fact its multi-fuel provides flexibility and convenience. It had surprisingly high heat retention for its size and price which resulted in perfectly crispy crusts and delectably melted toppings. It definitely made us feel like accomplished hosts, and everyone enjoyed topping their own pizzas. Highly recommended.
Next I want to give a shout out to the Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream & Frozen Dessert Maker. I was gifted one for my birthday by my husband who knows I am an ice-cream-aholic. It's not cheap at nearly £200 but when you consider that a small tub of Ben and Jerry's is now around £5 it will pay for itself in 20 weeks at one tub a week...and we are definitely more than a one tub a week family!
puzzle solutions:
Simple to use with no setup required, it works differently to most ice cream makers, which require you to pre-freeze the bowl. The Ninja model requires you to pre-freeze the mixture, so you can make several flavours in advance and whip them up as you need them. It even comes with three bowls. One upside of this is not having to permanently store the bulky ice cream maker bowl in your freezer. The other is that the ice cream is ready in under 5 minutes. My previous ice cream maker took 20-30 minutes of churning. Even better, the Ninja CREAMi works brilliantly for non-dairy ice creams, which is good news for those with dairy allergies because 'specialist' dairy-free ice creams are stupidly expensive and prone to freezer burn. I made ice cream with coconut milk, and it was divine.
There is an accompanying recipe book to get you started but I quickly branched out on my own. If you love ice cream then I really can't recommend the Ninja CREAMi enough, and bonus...it doesn't take up a lot of space.
NOTE I am not affiliated with either company. These are my own recommendations.
By Caroline CookeThe earliest cricket balls were made of leather, stuffed with rags. They were heavy, hard to hit, and needed to be replaced after a few overs. In the 18th century, the cork cores were introduced. These were wound tightly with string before they were covered in leather. This went a long way towards improving durability and bounce.
Until the mid-19th century, there was a lot of variation in ball size. It was decided to standardise the balls and the size was fixed at 9 inches (22.86cm) in circumference, with a weight of 5.5 ounces (156g). The ball was also required to be round, smooth, and covered with leather.
In the early 20th century, the introduction of machine stitching improved the quality and consistency of cricket balls. The stitching created a more uniform seam, which made the ball easier to grip and allowed bowlers to impart more spin. The use of machine stitching also made the ball more durable, which reduced the need for frequent replacements. Bowlers began to use the seams on cricket balls to achieve different types of movement in the air and when bounced off the pitch, leading to the development of seam and spin bowling.
During the 1960s, the introduction of synthetic materials such as PVC and polyurethane led to the development of the plastic cricket ball. These balls were lighter and more durable than traditional leather balls, but they were mostly rejected by the cricketing community, and their use was eventually banned
Today, cricket balls come in a variety of type for different formats of the game. For example, red balls are used in test cricket, while white balls are used in one-day international (ODI) matches and pink balls are used in day-night test matches.
The evolution of the cricket ball has been driven by a desire to improve the game, and its design and construction continue to be refined to meet the needs of modern cricket.
Seam Bowling - When a bowler holds the ball with the seam facing towards them, it is known as seam bowling. This technique is used to achieve lateral movement in the air or off the pitch. By angling the seam towards the batsman, the bowler can make the ball swing towards the batsman or away from them. This movement can make it difficult for the batsman to judge the ball's trajectory and can lead to wickets being taken.
Finger Spin and Wrist Spin Bowling - In finger spin, the bowler holds the ball with their fingers, with the seam running perpendicular to their fingers. By rotating the ball with their fingers, the bowler creates spin causing the ball to turn in the air or off the pitch. Wrist spin is a similar technique, but the bowler releases the ball with a flick of the wrist, which adds extra spin to the ball.
By Tom HancockPreparation time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
240 ml double cream
3 eggs at room temperature
260g plain flour
200g caster sugar
1 tsp baking powder
zest of 1 lemon, finely chopped.
400g fresh cherries
Icing sugar for dusting
Requires a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33cm) traybake tin.
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Serves: 12
Preheat the oven to 170°C / 150°C Fan / Gas mark 3.
Wash the cherries to remove any remaining dirt, then stone them. Leave in a colander or sieve to drain.
Grease the baking tin and dust with flour.
Break the eggs into a large bowl then beat them using a food mixer or hand mixer until they are foamy. Gradually add the caster sugar while increasing the speed. It takes about five minutes to produce a voluminous silky mixture.
Reduce the mixer speed to its slowest setting and sift in the flour and baking powder as you mix, then add the cream, mixing slowly all the time. Finally, add the lemon zest. Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin. The batter is thick, which helps to stop the fruit from sinking.
Sprinkle the drained cherries over the top.
Place the bublanina into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, until the surface turns golden brown.
Allow to cool, then dust with icing sugar before slicing into squares.
You can substitute most summer fruits for the cherries, including strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
NOTE -
Don't be tempted to substitute the double cream for a 'light' version though. There is no other fat in the cake so the fat content of the cream is important (it should be at least 30%)
Its real name is bublanina and it is a traditional Czech cake, perfect for a summer afternoon tea.
Keeping our gardens healthy and hydrated can be a challenging task, especially during hot summers or when we're away from home. The days when gardeners used hosepipes liberally are long gone. An automatic watering system can offer an efficient solution to keeping the garden looking great while not destroying the environment.
Watering systems provide a handsfree approach to watering the garden. They consist of pipes, valves, and sprinklers or drippers strategically placed throughout your garden. They can be connected to a timer and a water source, such as a tap. The timer allows you to set specific watering schedules, ensuring your plants receive water even when you're not around. This is particularly handy for busy individuals or holiday periods.
Installation requires some basic plumbing skills, but it is quite manageable for most gardeners. The system needs to be connected to a
water source, and the pipes, valves, and sprinklers or drippers need to be positioned accordingly. Personally, I prefer drippers to sprinklers as they are less wasteful. Proper planning and layout are crucial to ensure efficient water distribution. There are lots of helpful videos on YouTube offering great advice.
Watering systems can also be used with stored rainwater from a water butt. This makes them even more eco-friendly. If you’re going to do this make sure to use appropriate filtration and pump system to ensure the rainwater is suitable for distribution through the watering system.: Even if you have to use tap water, automatic systems are designed for efficient use. By targeting specific areas and delivering water directly to the plants' roots, they minimize wastage. Additionally, the use of timers allows for precise scheduling, preventing overwatering, thus further conserving water. Compared to using
a hosepipe, which can lead to water runoff and inefficient coverage, automatic systems provide better control use far less water.
Mulching further conserves water by preventing the underlying soil from drying out in warm weather. It creates a protective layer on the soil surface, acting as a barrier to reduce evaporation.
Organic mulch materials include straw, wood chips, bark, leaves, grass clippings, and compost. These materials break down over time, enriching the soil with nutrients while simultaneously retaining moisture. Organic mulch also improves soil structure, promotes beneficial microbial activity, and helps prevent
weed growth. It needs to be reapplied as it breaks down.
Inorganic mulch materials such as gravel, stones do not break down and can very decorative. Its more expensive so better suited to small spaces.
Apply a layer of mulch that is 2-4 inches thick around plants, leaving a gap around the stem or trunk to prevent rotting. Ensure the mulch extends to the drip line of trees and shrubs to cover the entire root zone. When used alongside an automatic drip watering system, mulching goes a long way towards reducing water usage in the garden.
Happy gardening. By
Rachael LevertonWhen I was a teen I was convinced I shouldn't wear shorts unless I was a skinny size 6. As an adult I now know that's total rubbish. There are shorts for every size and shape, the trick is to pick the right pair for you. A style that flatters your body shape and enhances your best features will make you feel confident and comfortable.
Pear-Shape - Your hips are wider than your shoulders and you probably have a neat waist, so choose shorts with a slight flare or A-line silhouette. These will help to balance your proportions. Look for mid-rise shorts that sit on the natural waist, as they accentuate the waistline and create a nice hourglass. Styles without pockets look more slimline.
Hourglass - The hourglass shape is supposedly ideal but Women with an hourglass figure can feel selfconscious in skimpier summer clothes, especially if they are curvier. If you are longer-waisted, high-waisted shorts are particularly flattering, as they accentuate the waistline and highlight your curves without creating bulges. Shorter-wasted hourglass figures often feel 'cut-in half' when they wear shorts, especially if they have a fuller bust, so opt for shorts without a defined waistband, and wear a slightly fitted top that doesn't need to be tucked in .A-line styles or skorts work really well with this shape.
Apple-Shaped - Your midsection is fuller with a poorly defined waist, but you probably have legs to die for! Mid-
rise or high-waisted shorts with a wide waistband create the illusion of a waist and provide support. Tailored shorts with a more relaxed fit through the hips and thighs will ensure comfort while balancing your proportions.
Rectangular - If your bust, waist, and hips have similar measurements, you can benefit from shorts that create curves and add definition. Go for high-waisted shorts with pleats or embellishments to add visual interest and create a curvier appearance. By embracing your body shape and choosing shapes that flatter, you'll rock your shorts with confidence this summer.
By Sarah Davey
Children's Art Week (it’s actually three weeks) is run by Engage - the National Association for Gallery Education. During this time, schools, art galleries, museums and community groups are encouraged to plan and provide art activities and events with the goal of providing opportunities for children, young people, and families to take part in practical activities with artists and art educators.
Artistic activities play a vital role in children’s development, fostering creativity, imagination, and selfexpression. Engaging in drawing, painting, sculpting, and music, provides children with a wealth of benefits that extend far beyond the artistic realm.
Creativity and Imagination - Artistic activities encourage children to think outside the box, fostering their creativity and imagination. Through art, children can freely explore and express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas in unique and innovative ways. This creativity helps them develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and the capacity to approach challenges from different perspectives.
Fine Motor Skills – Drawing, painting, and sculpting require precise
movements and coordination of the hands and fingers. As children manipulate brushes, pencils, or clay, they develop dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and control over their motor skills. These skills not only benefit their artistic endeavours but also translate to other areas of their lives, such as writing, typing, and playing sports.
Emotional Development - Art provides a safe and expressive outlet for children to process and communicate their emotions. Children can explore a range of feelings and experiences, giving voice to thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to express verbally. Art fosters emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-awareness, allowing children to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others.
Self-Confidence and Self-Expression
- Creating something unique and meaningful instils a sense of pride and accomplishment in children, which boosts self-esteem. Art also encourages self-expression, allowing children to communicate their thoughts and ideas in a nonjudgmental environment.
Cultural Appreciation and Diversity
- Through art, children can learn
about different art movements, styles, and artists from around the world, expanding their knowledge and understanding of different cultures. This exposure encourages tolerance, respect, and acceptance of diverse traditions and beliefs.
Cognitive Development - Creating art stimulates the brain, improving memory, concentration, and problemsolving skills. Art also enhances spatial awareness, visual-spatial reasoning, and pattern recognition. Engaging in artistic activities allows children to
make connections, explore cause and effect relationships, and develop their cognitive abilities.
Participating in artistic activities is a valuable and enriching experience for children. Encouraging and supporting children in their artistic endeavours is an investment in their overall development and well-being. But over and above all the benefits mentioned here art is quite simply FUN! Why not find out what’s going on in your area?
By Louise AddisonFill 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.
It’s estimated that between one in 300 people to one in 100 people will experience schizophrenia during their lives. Attitudes towards mental health problems have changed dramatically over the past 20-30 years but the stigma surrounding schizophrenia remains stubbornly high. This is mainly because there is a lack of understanding about the condition.
First-off, people with schizophrenia are not ‘crazy,’ but they do experience reality differently from the general population.
Schizophrenia can result in a person having trouble distinguishing between what is real and what is not real. It can affect their thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. Some common symptoms of schizophrenia include hearing or seeing things that others don't (like voices), having strange beliefs that others find hard to understand, and feeling like someone is trying to harm them. These symptoms can be scary and confusing for the person experiencing them, and for their friends and family.
Scientists are still trying to figure out
exactly what causes schizophrenia. They believe that a combination of different factors can contribute to its development. These factors include genetics, which means it can run in families, chemical imbalances in the brain, and certain environmental factors. Schizophrenia usually develops during early adulthood and there are different types.
The symptoms are varied and can be ‘positive’ or ‘negative’. Positive symptoms are when you experience things in addition to reality; for example, you might see or hear things that others do not or believe things that other people don’t. Negative symptoms are when you lose the ability to do something; for example, losing motivation to do task or take part in activities you previously enjoyed, becoming withdrawn. The negative symptoms often last longer than positive ones.
When we talk about hereditary factors, we mean that there is a possibility that schizophrenia can be passed down from parents to their children. If someone in your family has schizophrenia, it increases the chances that you might develop it
too. However, it's important to know that having a family member with schizophrenia does not automatically mean that you will develop it. Fortunately, there are now treatments available for people with schizophrenia. These treatments usually involve a combination of medications and face-to-face therapy. Medications help to balance the chemicals in the brain, which can reduce the symptoms of schizophrenia. Therapy, such as talking to a psychologist or psychiatrist, can help a person better understand their thoughts and feelings as well as learn coping strategies.
The long-term outlook for someone with schizophrenia varies from person to person. Some individuals are able to manage their symptoms well with treatment and support. Others may have more difficulty and require more ongoing day-to-day assistance. It's important to remember that with the right help and support, many people with schizophrenia can live happy and productive lives. Extending empathy and understanding to people with schizophrenia goes a long way towards making them feel less isolated and misunderstood.
By Louise AddisonPop along to St Helena Hospice’s Magdalen Street furniture shop on Friday 14th July, where St Helena will be hosting an exciting auction and raffle event to help raise vital funds to support local people across north east Essex facing incurable illness and bereavement.
Join the fun at Magdalen Street furniture shop in Colchester from 7pm to 10pm on Friday 14th July where you will find many hidden treasures and incredible bargains to be had. The night will see a wide range of fantastic gems up for auction, while there will also be a raffle on the evening with lots of brilliant prizes up for grabs.
The auction and raffle will include a range of great prizes such as restaurant vouchers, limited edition artwork, a signed Tottenham Hotspur playsheet, gin, a florist voucher and much more! You don’t want to miss out!
All the money raised on the night will be going to St Helena Hospice, allowing the hospice to be there every step of the way, helping life to go on in the face of dying, death and bereavement. Please help us to raise money to ensure St Helena Hospice continues to be here for those who need hospice services at the most difficult time of their lives.
The furniture shop will be open throughout the evening for you to browse at your leisure, and there is ample parking on-site for your convenience.
St Helena Hospice is delighted to announce that there will also be a variety of craft stalls in attendance on the evening selling their goods to help raise funds of the Hospice, in addition to the Munchbox Mummas who will
be serving delicious Caribbean Street food on the night.
Come along to win some fantastic prizes, have a great time and show your support to ensure more local people can live and die well with compassion, dignity and choice.
Find out more at www.sthelena.org.uk/events
disabled people to take party in enjoyable and stimulating cycling sessions, providing a boost to their overall wellbeing.
The sessions will run from 1pm to 3pm and cost £5 per child, with parents and carers cycling for free. A wide range of non-standard cycles (as well as two-wheelers) are available to ride, with helmets provided and support from our trained staff and volunteers. Sessions can be booked in advance by clicking here.
Wheels for All Colchester has expanded its offering to include weekend family cycle sessions, catering to disabled people and their families, after receiving a significant £58,000 investment.
Colchester City Council’s new Portfolio Holder for Communities, Cllr Natalie Sommers, visited Wheels for All on Saturday, 10 June to celebrate the investment.
The NHS funding – which was received in July 2022 – has enabled Wheels for All to offer families in Colchester a unique opportunity to
take part in fun and engaging cycling activities with their loved ones, regardless of their abilities. It has already paid for additional cycle track sessions at the Colchester Sports Park to meet demand; purchased more adaptive bicycles for differing abilities; financed staffing and support; and helped identify individuals who would benefit from Wheels for All who may be unaware of the scheme.
Wheels for All is a nationally recognised charity that encourages fun cycling activities for anyone regardless of their needs, using a range of adapted bikes. This allows
Ian Tierney, Wheels for All Charity Director, said: “Wheels for All has been hosting sessions in Colchester since 2021 and the reception has been fantastic. We’ve steadily grown, and new participants turn up each week.
“Until now, we’ve only been able to support Wednesday sessions. I’m really excited to see this funding support weekend sessions so even more people – of any ability – can enjoy the benefits of cycling. During the school holiday families will often join in on sessions so running sessions on weekends will mean even more families can come together.
“Though the £58,000 contribution is a significant help, we invite additional donations. Our aim is to broaden our initiative to guarantee every disabled
individual in our communities is afforded the opportunity to experience and profit from cycling. If cycling isn't your cup of tea, we encourage you to contribute to any other charitable organisation or help raise funds. Collaborative efforts across multiple organisations will be crucial in making a positive impact in the lives of many disabled people.” As a result of the investment, the charity anticipates a significant increase in participation, helping to promote a healthy lifestyle whilst delivering a rewarding experience for all involved.
Cllr Natalie Sommers, Colchester City Council Portfolio Holder for Communities, said: “Projects in Colchester such as Wheels for All, Park Play, Street Tag, Care Home Games, and others, are supporting individuals who may face difficulties becoming physically active to enjoy benefits from such activities. Colchester City is striving to increase the community's physical engagement, reducing health issues and discomfort, enhancing sleep, reducing stress and tension, and improving heart and brain health. Wheels for All deserves special commendation for this contribution, which complements our city's cycling heritage.”
St Helena Hospice has received a £12,000 donation, thanks to Colchester Crematorium’s participation in a national recycling scheme.
Each year, the Institute of Crematorium and Cemetery Management (ICCM) scheme, which Colchester Crematorium joined in 2018, asks members to nominate a charity to receive a share of the cash from the combined sale of metals recovered by crematoriums nationwide.
This is the fourth year Colchester crematorium has nominated St Helena Hospice for a donation. Last year, they were presented with a cheque for £12,000.
The ICCM scheme ensures that hard metals, such as coffin staples and nails, as well as medical implants, are recycled with the consent of the
family of the deceased. This initiative not only helps the environment but also provides a means to give back to the community through charitable donations.
Cllr Natalie Sommers, Portfolio Holder for Communities presented the £12,000 cheque to James MartinWhymark, Fundraiser at St Helena Hospice, on 5 June.
Cllr Sommers said: “This contribution is a testament to the enduring legacy that can be created through the passing of a loved one, providing comfort to families during an unbearably difficult time.
“The metal recycling scheme not only benefits charities financially but also helps to conserve natural resources. The bereaved families who contributed to this donation can take pride in knowing that their loved one's passing has made a significant impact
in supporting the hospice's wonderful work in caring for people in the final stages of life.
“This donation will undoubtedly aid in their mission to provide comfort and dignity to patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to ICCM for their unwavering commitment to supporting such a worthy cause.”
James Martin-Whymark, Fundraiser at St Helena Hospice, added: “We are so grateful to Colchester Crematorium for nominating St Helena Hospice to receive this incredible donation of £12,000 and for choosing to support us for the fourth year running.
“Our services are more in demand than ever as the local NHS faces extreme pressures and turns to us for support, so this amazing amount will go towards providing vital
and essential care to the growing number of patients and families who desperately need hospice care or bereavement support.
“As a charity, 25% of our funding comes from the NHS, but the remaining 75% is raised from the local community, including through generous donations such as this. Without the support of local people and organisations like Colchester Crematorium, we couldn’t continue to help local people face incurable illness and bereavement, so a huge thank you to them and to all the families who contributed.”
ICCM’s recycled metals scheme, which launched in 2006 in partnership with Dutch company Orthometals, has raised more than £7m for charities up and down the country since it launched. Read more about the ICCM scheme at https://www.iccm-uk.com/ iccm/recyclingmetal/
A final act of kindness: Crematorium
scheme raises thousands for local hospice
