Issue 63
Cover photo by Jon Sturdy Photography
More Space, More Properties, Same Exceptional Ser vice! For Sales & Letting or Your Free Valuation Please Contract Us On 01206 572233 Sales@palmerpartners.com
New showroom now open at Bypass Nurseries, Capel St Mary
2
What’s new at Colchester Zoo!
6th White rhino calf born at Colchester Zoo! Following the announcement in February that our female calf Astrid was expecting, we are excited to announce that she has given birth to a healthy male calf on the 14th October at around 9.45pm! The new arrival was born after the zoo had closed to the public in the late evening. The Animal Care Team had been viewing Astrid’s behaviour out of hours on a camera system for 2 weeks prior to birth as they were sure little one would be imminent from Astrid’s behaviour. During the evening on Wednesday 14th October the Animal Care Team noticed Astrid’s behaviour change which indicated that she was in labour therefore staff came into the zoo at 9.00pm to monitor Astrid close by via the cameras so they were on hand if any problems arose. Astrid’s birth progressed really well, and luckily there was no need for intervention by the Animal Care Team as the healthy calf was born at 9.45pm and keepers could identify the calf as male via the cameras. Within the hour of being born he managed to stand and Astrid offered him reassurance, it was not long after he was then suckling from mum. Despite Astrid being a first-time mum at 7yrs old, Astrid took the labour and birth in her stride. Since the birth,
the bond between mother and calf is becoming stronger day by day and the young calf is already showing a mischievous character! Astrid and her calf will stay inside, off-show, during these early days and the team will monitor their progress before gradually allowing him to explore further and eventually head outside with the chance to meet his new neighbours when he is big enough. The Animal Care Team are waiting to name the calf until he is a little older and his personality grows but to help raise funds for Colchester Zoo’s Operating Fund there will be the opportunity for supporters to vote for their favourite name with the name which raises the most funds being chosen. We will be sure to keep you up to date with his progress over the coming weeks and advise when the vote is open. Colchester Zoo has had great success as part of the breeding programme for White rhinos and this new arrival is the 6th calf to be born at the park. Previous youngsters have departed to join other zoos in the hope that they too become part of a successful breeding programme. White rhinos are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, this is due to the poaching crisis and ivory trade, so this birth is brilliant news for
the conservation of this magnificent species. This rather large bundle of joy arrived 10 months after Astrid’s fellow White rhino Emily gave birth to young female rhino Lottie! Not only will Astrid’s new arrival be a play mate for young Lottie but he is also her half sibling, with their father being male White rhino, Otto! Astrid’s pregnancy was confirmed in late 2019 via hormone analysis from faecal samples sent to a specialised lab with the youngster arriving after a 16-month gestation period. Although Astrid is a first-time mum she showed signs of her mothering nature with young calf Lottie before her calf was born so we’re sure she is going to be a fantastic mum. Born in 2013, mum Astrid arrived at
Colchester Zoo in July 2016 and shares her home with the rest of the rhino crash, Otto, Emily, Binta and Lottie as well as our other African species in our mixed paddock. Astrid can be spotted by a small nick in her left ear which she has had since she was young. This wonderful news has come at a very important time whilst Colchester Zoo has been negatively affected by the pandemic and the recent loss of Lioness, Malika. To have such lovely news gives a great boost of morale to the team and shows how important zoos are to the conservation of the animal kingdom. We need your help to continue this vital conservation work, you can help by visiting the zoo, becoming a Zoo Passholder, adopting an animal, or simply donating to the Colchester Zoo Emergency Operating Fund via the zoo’s website at www. colchesterzoo.org.
Issue 63
For any information or to submit an article or advert contact David Cook:
Call: Out Of Office: Email: Head Office:
Cover photo by Jon
y Sturdy Photograph
ies, More Propert More Space, onal Ser vice! Same Excepti on Free Valuati Letting or Your 572233 FFor Sales & t Us On 01206 Please Contrac partner s.com Sales@ palmer
01206 233717 07734 171985 SimplyColchester@gmail.com Simply Magazine, 1 George Williams Way, Colchester, Essex CO1 2JS
COPY DEADLINES:
Issue 64: 20/11/20 Issue 65: 20/12/20
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
3
Community Recognition Award nominees celebrated In August, Colchester Borough Council launched its first community recognition awards, Together We Can. Recognising and celebrating community pride in neighbourhoods, the awards offer thanks to individuals and community groups who give their time and effort for the benefit of their communities. Due to Covid-19, the groups nominated groups for recognition were not able to participate in a ceremony to collect their plaque. Instead they are to be congratulated by personal telephone call from the outgoing Mayor, Cllr Nick Cope, or the Mayoress Mrs Elizabeth Cope, who have been great supporters of the project. The plaques will then be hand-delivered to the groups over the next few weeks. The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Nick Cope, said: “These awards recognise the many great ideas and projects in the community, which help make Colchester a better place. It is touching to see so many people put in great effort for the benefit of others. I have been proud to support these awards and look forward to speaking to some of the recipients and thanking them personally for the great work they do.� Cllr Mike Lilley, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, added: “When we launched this project, we hoped we would be able to celebrate with a small ceremony. Sadly, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we cannot host a ceremony this time. But I want to say a big thank you to all those community groups
who will be receiving their plaques. I hope they display them with great pride. It is people like this that really make a difference to the community and I celebrate them.�
Quick Crossword Puzzle
The winners of the Together We Can plaques are: •
Colchester In Bloom
•
The Munch Club
•
The not so secret sewing club
•
Tots2Teens
•
The Boaz Project
•
Colchester Foodbank and Greenstead Foodbank
•
Anti Loo Roll Brigade
•
Focus Crafty Wise
•
Sunflower Project
•
Colchester Chinese Association
•
Multi Schools Council
•
Refugee Action - Colchester
•
African Families in the UK
•
Colchester Life in the UK
•
Uruhu Woman’s Voice
•
Wivenhoe Mutual Aid
•
Home-Start Colchester
ACROSS 1 Posh sort needs place to shoot in New Orleans (6,6) 9 Have means to live, needing loans first (7) 10 Composer from this country given a hearing (7) 11 Terrace of museum sheltering the Queen (7) 12 Empress from Amritsar in Asia (7) 13 Performing only new material (5) 14 Where people are late for party in good measure (9) 16 Past agreement affected trade at start of year (9) 19 One party then another beginning to search for extinct birds (5) 21 I chat endlessly with Scotsman from Naples perhaps (7) 23 Mother’s wise to get this treatment (7) 24 Shout about working in US city (7) 25 Sentry shows concern (7) 26 Article by attractive woman makes a considerable sum (1,6,5) DOWN 2 Politician is mostly reliable, if eccentric (7) 3 Go in van, moving around French city (7) 4 European wandered around street when alienated (9) 5 He’s top of the order (5) 6 Pull a face as Bill is covered in dirt (7) 7 Tries an exotic wine (7) 8 Old Peruvian ancestry is brilliant (12) 9 Triple score with three sixes – it’s a record (7-5) 15 Jack mistreated my Sally dreadfully (9) 17 Row over university student with a blade (7) 18 One turfs out English champion (7) 19 Get rid of Diana’s attitude (7) 20 Be boring about old soldier (7) 22 Music group turning joint upside down (5) SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1 Sloane Ranger. 9 subsist. 10 Britten. 11 veranda. 12 tsarina. 13 nylon. 14 graveyard. 16 yesterday. 19 dodos. 21 Italian. 23 massage. 24 Houston. 25 lookout. 26 a pretty penny. DOWN: 2 liberal. 3 Avignon. 4 estranged. 5 abbot. 6 grimace. 7 retsina. 8 incandescent. 9 seventy-eight. 15 abysmally. 17 spatula. 18 evictor. 19 dispose. 20 dragoon. 22 nonet.
4
CALL 01206 561335 FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION SURVEY
5
Colchester’s Northern Gateway Sports Park opening has been postponed amongst Covid-19 uncertainty
Free devices given to residents to help them stay connected during coronavirus
The opening of the new Colchester Northern Gateway Sports Park has been postponed until Easter 2021 by Colchester Borough Council, amidst continuing Covid-19 uncertainty.
The North East Essex Digital Access Support Team - which is funded and managed by Colchester Borough Council, Tendring District Council and North East Essex Clinical Commission Group - has been awarded 40 smartphones and ten tablets (with 24 gigabytes each) to give to residents to help them stay connected during Covid -19.
The delay will help ensure that the Northern Gateway Sports Park, which was on track to open by January 2021, can open safely to residents and visitors and help shape healthy, active lifestyles. Cllr Theresa Higgins, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Commercial Services, said: “We cannot wait to welcome each and every one of you to the Northern Gateway Sports Park, but we don’t want the opening of Colchester’s newest attraction overshadowed by the risk of Covid-19. “Though all council facilities are Covidsecure, we have taken the decision, with a heavy heart, to reschedule the opening until Easter 2021, in the hope that the worse of this terrible pandemic will have passed.” The new facility is unique in Essex in featuring a one-mile floodlit cycle track consisting of six loops. The track, with provisions for cycling for people with disabilities and also for those with special needs, will provide leisurely cyclists a safe space to ride their bikes, whilst providing serious cyclists with a facility to challenge themselves and to improve.
sports centre, indoor cricket, a fitness suite, exercise and cycle studios, and a new state-of-the-art rugby facility that will become the new home of Colchester Rugby Football Club, two all-weather pitches, additional grass pitches, an archery range for local clubs to enjoy, a café and meeting rooms. The facility will also incorporate green open spaces for families and future generations to enjoy at their leisure. The area will benefit from the initial planting of over 500 native and ornamental trees, almost 87,000 native saplings and 31,000 shrubs, perennials, grasses and wild meadow species. The £28.7 million development is part of a wider sport and leisure development, all being project managed by Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd.
The devices were awarded to the team in August and October by the Good Things Foundation, FutureDotNow and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, as part of an emergency campaign. The campaign, Everyone Connected, aims to reach 1.9 million UK households who don’t have access to the internet and are digitally excluded.
them in person. “I get so much joy from learning new things, especially at my age, and using my tablet is so educational and makes me very excited.” The Digital Access Support Team worked with partners to identify residents who would benefit most from the scheme and met the Everyone Connected criteria, which included no existing access to the internet, amongst other things. The devices awarded in October will be given to residents already identified in November, in time for Christmas. Cllr Mike Lilley, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Wellbeing and Public Safety, said: “The Digital Access
The Sports Park received funding from multiple partners, including £590,000 from British Cycling and £100,000 from England and Wales Cricket Club. Anyone interested in finding out more about hiring the new sport facilities, which will be managed by the council, can complete an expression of interest form by visiting colchesterleisureworld.co.uk/ northerngatewaysportspark.
The 76-acre site, located off junction 28 of the A12, also features a multi-use
The North East Essex Digital Access Support Team has been helping vulnerable residents get online since 2018, offering free support across Colchester and Tendring. Since coronavirus first reached the area the team has been helping residents download and use apps to ensure they can stay connected with their loved ones, access medical appointments remotely, order groceries online, and much more. The new devices provided by Everyone Connected will help residents not to become excluded as they face a socially distanced world. Before devices are donated the team will install essential apps for customers, whilst updating paperwork to aide them to use the device and how to access online information. Residents are given one-to-one support to provide knowledge, understanding and confidence to use their new device; as well as contact details to ensure they can call the team for further assistance. Pam Merrick, a Colchester resident, said: “I received my tablet in August and get so much pleasure in seeing my grandchildren when I can’t see
6
Support Team is committed to helping every resident to stay connected during these turbulent times. “They may be a small team, but they’ve already helped hundreds of residents to get online during the pandemic so they can connect with friends, family, and the wider world. I applaud each and every one of them.” Cllr Lynda McWilliams, Portfolio Holder for Partnerships at Tendring District Council, said: “With continued restrictions on close contact with people the Digital Access Support Team is perfectly placed to help people – and while they have done great work finding those who need help, we need your support too. “So, if you, or someone you know needs help with digital technology or could benefit from being online in some way, then please get in touch.” If you or a loved one need help with digital technology, call the team (Colchester 01206 282452 or Tendring 01255 686497) or visit the Digital Access Support Team website, colchester.gov.uk/ digitalaccesssupport, to find out more or book onto a free online tutorial.
Fang-tastic Halloween Trails at High Woods Country Park Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good time at High Woods Country Park this October half term. The whole family can enjoy four frighteningly good Halloween themed walking trails, suitable for ages 4-8 and 7-11yrs. Venture into the woods and follow the trail to solve the creepy clues and uncover spooky myths and legends. Saturday 24 October to Tuesday 27 October: •
Halloween Joke Trail (4-8yrs)
•
Magical Myths Tree Trail (7-11yrs)
Thursday 30 October to Sunday 1 November: •
Halloween Bingo Trail (4-8yrs)
•
Witches of Macbeth Trail (711yrs)
Grab your fang-tastic trail sheet from High Woods Country Park visitor centre, for just £1 (per sheet). Complete the trail for a sweet treat, why not get into the spirit and dress up too!
There’s no need to book, you can just turn up! Suitable for thrill-seekers aged 4 to 11 years old and their families. Please bring your own pen or pencil to complete your trail sheet. Cllr Martin Goss, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “Autumn is a great time of year to visit our beautiful parks and this year is no exception. Halloween celebrations will look a lot different this year, and these self-guided Halloween Trails are a safe way to have some family Halloween themed fun, whilst exploring our beautiful award-winning park.” High Woods Country Park visitor centre is open every day between 11.30am-4pm, except for Wednesday 29 October when it is closed. Please check visitor centre and car park opening times before you visit at www.colchester.gov.uk/country-park/ Car park users are encouraged to make contactless parking payments using MiPermit which is available via an app, online portal, text or phone call. Parking information, including opening times and fees can be found at www.colchester.gov.uk/parking
A Turner At The Castle 26/09/2020 - 04/03/2021 Colchester Castle Included in admission Suitable for Everyone Arts and Craft, Special About This Exhibition ‘Walton Bridges’ was painted by Turner in 1806 close to his home on the River Thames. It is widely regarded as the first oil painting by Turner to have been based on oil sketches made in the open air, a practice that was to become a significant element to his work, and one that makes this painting so important. Colchester + Ipswich Museums were instrumental in a bid to help save this important painting for the nation when, in 2019, a rescue bid was launched with Norfolk Museum Service. With the aid of major grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Art Fund, the Friends of Ipswich Museums and a private donor, this nationally important painting was successfully saved for the East of
England and the nation. Further support from the Friends of Colchester Museums has enabled us to bring this stunning artwork to Colchester Castle. This display has also been made possible as a result of the Government Indemnity Scheme. Colchester + Ipswich Museums would like to thank HM Government for providing Government Indemnity and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England for arranging it. Tickets This event is included as part of Castle admission. How To Book For your safety and comfort, we are asking visitors to book a ticket in advance for a timed entry to visit Colchester Castle. You will be able to book your visit up to 14 days in advance by calling our booking line on 01206 282939 between the hours of 10am – 4.30pm (11am – 4.30pm on Sundays)
7
Colchester’s Natural History Museum to reopen for October HALF TERM One of Colchester’s most popular museums for families will re-open its doors to the public for the October half term holiday.
the natural environment, whilst keeping them engaged through play and interactive exhibits, such as magnifying glasses and microscopes.
Colchester + Ipswich Museums were thrilled to have been awarded £84,500 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund, last week. The grant will help Colchester + Ipswich Museums face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and ensure it has a sustainable future.
Please note that whilst the museum endeavours to have as many interactive exhibits open as possible, some may not be available, to ensure all visitors can safely enjoy the museum.
Thanks to this grant, Colchester’s awardwinning Natural History Museum, which is hugely popular with younger families, will be able to reopen its doors for the first time since the pandemic began. The museum will open its doors on Tuesday 27 October and remain open until further notice. There will be no need to book in advance, but visitors are reminded to visit in family bubbles of no more than six people, including babies and children. Face masks must be worn inside the museum. A queuing system will be in operation and track and trace details will be gathered. The Natural History Museum displays a vast array of collections that focus on wildlife and geology in Britain and North-East Essex in particular. The museum allows children to learn about
Visitors will be guided through a new one-way system, but don’t worry – there will be plenty of signage to help guide you through safely, and hand sanitiserstations will be freely available. Above all, the friendly museum team will be on hand to help everyone have a wonderful visit. The museum is free of charge to visitors and has plenty to keep the whole family occupied. Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors, once again, to this hugely popular museum in the heart of Colchester, and just in time for half term. Why not combine a trip with a visit to Colchester Castle, where I’ve heard Wally is hiding just across the road!”
Re-engage offer a safe way for older generations to make new friends and, for those living alone or without family, to stay connected with the outside world. The charity does its best to match people according to their interests so that, over time, they get to know one another and create a genuine friendship. Hazel has been receiving calls since late May
As Essex begins to open its doors to the public, Re-engage (formerly Contact the Elderly) understands that older people are at risk of being forgotten. While many social hot spots such as pubs and restaurants have been given the green light to re-open, social clubs and community centres more typically frequented by older people have remained closed, leaving thousands without the prospect of social contact while the pandemic continues. Re-engage traditionally provides social gatherings for older people who live alone and have little family support. While these activities have been suspended due to the virus, we have launched a new telephone befriending service, call companions, in its place. This service offers friendship and support to those feeling alone or isolated. Our volunteers provide regular calls to older people who live alone or in sheltered accommodation. These calls
8
‘I’m really enjoying my conversations with Michelle. We just hit it off. She calls me every Sunday and we chat about everything – families, memories… you name it. We have so much to talk about, the time just flies,’ she said If you would like a call companion or know of someone who would benefit from a call companion, please contact us on 0800 716543 or take a look at our website, www.reengage.org.uk. Alternatively, you can contact Alex Berwick, Development Officer for the East of England on 01279 356122 or at alexandra.berwick@reengage.org.uk.
Call today for a no obligation quote
01206 564179 01473 780477 9
November Countryside Events New Castle Park walking trails Discover Castle Park this October halfterm with three new downloadable historic and wildlife walking trails, giving locals and visitors the chance to step into Colchester’s past. Created by Colchester Borough Council’s Castle Park Ranger team, the free trails are for ages 6-12yrs and teens and adults. The trails can be downloaded from colchester.gov. uk/castle-park and can be enjoyed on a smartphone, tablet or printed at home. Visitors will have the chance to see Castle Park through new eyes, whilst finding out interesting facts on the oldest tree, tank traps from WWII, the Civil War obelisk, Roman sewers and much more. Cllr Martin Goss, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Waste,
Environment and Transportation, said: “I’m really pleased to be launching these new downloadable walking trails for Castle Park. They have been developed by our Castle Park Ranger Team to help visitors discover and learn about the park, whist enjoying the award-winning green space. “Castle Park is home to a wealth of wildlife, as well as being home to over 2,000 years of history. The park has many stories to tell and these history and wildlife themed walks are the first in a range of trails for Castle Park that will make it a great place to visit and enjoy.” Follow @YourColchester on Twitter, @ EnjoyColchester on Facebook and @ BetterColchester on Instagram to be the first to know when the next free trails are launched.
Castle Park trails also supports the aims of Livewell Colchester, a campaign which helps to support residents to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. To find out more
about the Livewell campaign in Essex, please visit livewellcampaign.co.uk.
Senior Citizen Discount - Best Prices Given LOGS FOR SALE 10
Call now for a FREE quotation
10% this ad
Quick Crossword Puzzle Don’t waste your Halloween pumpkin
ACROSS 7 Misshapen lump contains a metal, a preciousone (8) 9 At home with Sean possibly or out to lunch (6) 10 Anger displayed by some firemen (3) 11 Given somewhere to sleep outside public school(8) 12 Somehow pistol is ruined (6) 13 Ragged dress covers old person sleeping rough(6) 15 Trouble over one lad’s love affairs (8) 16 Calm but haunted by one’s own ghosts? (4-9) 20 Mineral discovered by wicked sort, we hear, bypub (8) 22 Nearly everyone, not quite the majority (6) 25 Odds on present will be a ball (6) 26 And German retains right to be nameless (8) 27 Comedian’s payment is docked (3) 28 English miner sporting fur (6) 29 One on course has this useful sounding headgear (8) DOWN 1 This is one party game (6) 2 Figure’s losing European standing (6) 3 Plant needs freezing weather and a bit of rain (8) 4 Is fat drunk going around Spain for holiday? (6) 5 Gives support to European partners (8) 6 Having a desire for popular recording, Neil dashed inside (8) 8 Centre’s beginnning to become rowdy in Yorkshire town (13) 14 Understand only odd bits of scene (3) 16 Footwear at start of year is difficult to get hold of (8) 17 Backed the Italian, one wearing kinky green underwear (8) 18 Former substitute could be demanding (8) 19 I will need energy to travel (3) 21 His products could make you stout, and so could he! (6) 23 System of measuring crime developed around middle of century (6) 24 To observe present and past is child’s play (6)
As families get ready to celebrate Halloween, Colchester Borough Council is urging residents to make the most of their leftover pumpkins this Halloween by making, munching and mulching them. Every October, the UK wastes 18,000 tons of squash, however, every part of a pumpkin can be used or recycled – they are a real jack o’ all trades. Once you have made your spooky decoration, the scooped-out flesh can be used to make tasty pies, soups, hummus or even smoothies. Toasted and seasoned pumpkin seeds make a delicious and healthy snack too. Pet hamsters will happily munch them raw, or you can plant them to grow your very own pumpkins for next year. Once Halloween has ended, pumpkins with the candles removed can be composted or placed in your food waste caddy. Colchester’s recycled food goes to an anaerobic digestion plant where it is then turned into fertiliser that feeds crops. This process also produces a gas that is used to generate electricity so in a few months’ time, your pumpkin could
help to power your Christmas lights! Cllr Martin Goss, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: “Halloween is a hugely popular event, but one of the scariest parts for us is the thought of all those pumpkins going to waste. “We must all do our bit for the environment and recycle or compost our food waste, including leftover pumpkins. By doing so, households will reduce their waste and save money. “We’re asking Colchester residents to recycle their pumpkin leftovers by cutting them up and placing them in with their weekly food waste or, if they are too large, place them on top or next to their caddy.� The Love Food Hate Waste website at lovefoodhatewaste.com features lots of great recipes for leftover food, including pumpkins. Further information about recycling in Colchester can be found at colchester. gov.uk/recycling.
SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 7 platinum. 9 insane. 10 ire. 11 bestowed. 12 spoilt. 13 dosser. 15 liaisons. 16 self-possessed. 20 cinnabar. 22 almost. 25 sphere. 26 untitled. 27 wag. 28 ermine. 29 handicap. DOWN:1 Cluedo. 2 status. 3 snowdrop. 4 fiesta. 5 espouses. 6 inclined. 8 Middlesbrough. 14 see. 16 slippery. 17 lingerie. 18 exacting. 19 ego. 21 brewer. 23 metric. 24 seesaw.
11
Fun, private experiences at Colchester Castle! As the evenings begin to draw in and winter approaches, plan an evening out at Colchester Castle. Colchester Castle is thrilled to be offering private after-hours guided tours, all designed around individual group needs. Simply tell the team what you want to see and hear about, and our expert staff will devise the perfect tour of the Castle just for you. Fancy descending into the Roman vaults, climbing the biggest Norman spiral staircase in England and hearing tales of victory, defeat and hard-fought battles that have made Colchester the town it is? Then, you can! Why not try a ‘History Stinks’ tour (popular with our younger visitors), where you can really smell the highs and lows of the Castle’s historic past? With all tours suitable for big kids to little knights, they offer a unique visitor experience. Book today, by calling 01206 282939. Tours cost just £60 for a family ‘bubble’ of six and fully comply with Government Covid-19 guidelines.
12
Alternatively, if your family bubble of six are master codebreakers, why not book one of the Castle’s sell-out Escape Experiences. Escape at the Castle calls for quick-witted individuals, who are good at unravelling clues and cracking codes. Explore the mysterious goings-on that have caused several members of the Castle team to go missing. Can YOU break the Serpents Curse? Book your visit today by calling 01206 282939. Suitable for 11+ plus. Escape at the Castle costs just £60 for a family ‘bubble’ of six and is fully compliant with Government Covid-19 guidelines. Councillor Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “Fun, private experiences at Colchester Castle cost less than you think. With bookable events suitable for big kids to little knights, the Castle tours and escape experiences offer not only great value for money, but plenty of historical fun! Support your local heritage and come to the Castle this winter.”
Residents invited to celebrate Colchester’s annual Oyster Feast online
Quick Crossword Puzzle
With Covid restrictions continuing to shape major events in the town’s civic calendar, plans for this year’s Oyster Feast have been put on hold and instead it is being marked with a virtual celebration of the event’s history. This is the first time (other than in wartime) that the event has had to be postponed in the Oyster Feast’s 175-year history and the first time that the details of the famous event, in its traditional Moot Hall setting, will be available online. A variety of online resources are available to view, including a video statement by the Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Robert Davidson, alongside a photograph of him being presented with a Native Oyster from Colchester Oyster Fishery, by the Town Serjeant. These can be seen at www.colchester. gov.uk/oyster-feast Also included on the dedicated
webpage is a history of the Oyster Feast, by distinguished local author and academic Andrew Phillips; photographs and menus from past Oyster Feasts, and facts about the world-famous Colchester Native Oysters, which were venerated by the Romans 2,000 years ago. Mayor Robert Davidson said: “While we must reluctantly forego the traditional pageantry of the Oyster Feast for something less sociable this year, I am delighted that we can still mark the occasion and celebrate the borough’s rich history and heritage through the marvels of modern technology. “I very much hope the public, be they residents or living further afield, will find the time to visit our special Oyster Feast webpage� For more information on civic events in the Mayor’s calendar, visit: www. colchester.gov.uk/mayor
Issue 63
ACROSS 1 Heard van crashing from terrace (8) 6 He’s entering wager by request (6) 9 Alternatively, daughter is captivated by month in the country (6) 10 Old woman can have energy drink (8) 11 Tease the awfully arty type (8) 12 Agent gets around centre of Leeds fast (6) 13 Telling off for wearing casual clothes (8-4) 16 Felt sympathy for semi-democrat in trouble (12) 19 Say no to rubbish (6) 21 Drinking vessel on table may be put away in here? (8) 23 Friend is to help, we hear, with fence (8) 24 Model posed around university, being pretentious (6) 25 Its passengers have already departed (6) 26 Was barely seen in public (8) DOWN 2 Upset, East European director initially ran away (6) 3 Examine car before start of trip (5) 4 Ned’s sense is confused with stupidity (9) 5 Owls’ noses (7) 6 Supporter starts to send some money (5) 7 Easily angered, he had to tangle with editor (9) 8 Expel student and put him in prison (4,4) 13 Foolishly I am rude about old city’s writer (2,7) 14 Mark exam questions, written on this? (9) 15 Reporting anger in bay? (8) 17 Disease from insects, first off (7) 18 Tramp needs time with Barnaby (6) 20 Destroy part of camera’s equipment (5) 22 Work a long time producing piece for the stage (5)
For any information or to submit an article or advert contact David Cook:
01206 233717 07734 171985 SimplyColchester@gmail.com Simply Magazine, 1 George Williams Way, Colchester, Essex CO1 2JS
COPY DEADLINES:
Cover photo by Jon Sturdy Photography
More Space, More Properties, Same Exceptional Ser vice! For Sales & Letting or Your Free Valuation Please Contract Us On 01206 572233 Sales@palmerpartners.com
Issue 64: 20/11/20 Issue 65: 20/12/20
SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1 verandah. 6 behest. 9 Jordan. 10 Ovaltine. 11 aesthete. 12 speedy. 13 dressing-down. 16 commiserated.19 refuse. 21 cupboard. 23 palisade. 24 pseudo. 25 hearse. 26 streaked. DOWN: 2 eloped. 3 audit. 4 denseness. 5 hooters. 6 brass. 7 hotheaded. 8 send down. 13 Du Maurier. 14 notepaper. 15 coverage. 17 rickets. 18 trudge. 20 erase. 22 opera.
Call: Out Of Office: Email: Head Office:
13
Spooky Fun Pumpkin Colouring Sheet Get creative this Halloween with our spooktacular pumpkin colouring sheet. The Explore Essex team are sorry that
14
we could not bring you Spooky Fun at Cressing Temple Barns and other Halloween activities this year, however we’ve pulled together our own Spooky Fun Pumpkin colouring sheet to help
children (and adults) join safe, sociallydistanced, ‘Hunt the Pumpkin’ fun, to spread a little seasonal cheer in your communities.
You can use our colouring template to create your own spooktacular pumpkin design and share it in your window ready to be spotted by families over half-term and Halloween.
15
Thank you In appreciation of the incredible dedication of all NHS workers, Gemstone Mortgages will waive our usual broker fee of £399 and process all mortgage applications for any NHS member of staff completely free of charge until the end of 2021. If you’re an NHS hero and would like details of this offer, call the Gemstone team on 01206 564776.
clarity in the mortgage market.
36 North Hill, Colchester, Essex CO1 1QR Telephone: 01206 564776 Mobile: 07484 097569 Email: g.cuff@gemstonemortgages.co.uk Web: www.gemstonemortgages.co.uk
Gemstone Mortgages Limited is an appointed representative of Sesame Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered Office: 36 North Hill, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1QR. Registered in England. Registered number: 10045238. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.