Latest news with #LesleyScott-Boutell
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pictures: Colchester Greek grill opens with help from Easter bunny and special guests
VIP guests were present as a new Colchester Easter-themed attraction opened in Colchester. Popina, a Greek inspired bar and grill, has officially opened in The Courtyard at Red Lion Walk... and even the Easter Bunny was present. Special guests including Colchester's Olympic boxing star Lewis Richardson and mayor of Colchester, Lesley Scott-Boutell. Festive - the Easter bunny enjoying the opening (Image: KAT Marketing) Live music from singer Yazmin Wood and face-painting created a festival atmosphere in The Courtyard, which also saw the launch of the Easter bunny bungalow. Medal winner Lewis said: 'The weather is starting to brighten up now and Popina is a really beautiful location in the heart of the city. Colourful - the Easter bunny bungalow (Image: KAT Marketing) VIP's - (left to right) Mary Poppins, Colchester Town Crier, Lesley Scott-Boutell and Lewis Richardson (Image: KAT Marketing) "It's a unique venue and it's so close to everything. It looks great and it's got a nice vibe to it as well. "When I get some free time, I'll certainly look forward to spending a few evenings here.' Greeting - the Easter bunny with two guests (Image: KAT Marketing) Outside - the exterior of the Easter bunny bungalow (Image: KAT Marketing) The event took place on Tuesday, April 8. Centre manager at Lion Walk, Martin Leatherdale said: 'It was incredible to see The Courtyard packed with families for the opening of Popina. Welcoming - the Easter bunny with some of his guests inside the bungalow (Image: KAT Marketing) Performing - Yazmin Cook (Image: KAT Marketing) "The community spirit, the performances and the excitement on everyone's faces made it a truly memorable launch. "With Popina now open, we're offering something fresh and vibrant right in the heart of Colchester. "The Easter bunny bungalow has added a sprinkle of magic that's been lovely to see, it's exactly the sort of experience that families are looking for, and we're proud to bring it to the city centre." Open daily from 11am, Popina offers a mix of delicious street food, refreshing summer cocktails and a calendar packed with live music and social events. A treat for the youngsters, the Easter bunny bungalow proved an instant hit. Running daily until April 20th, the interactive experience invites children to meet the Easter bunny, have complimentary photo opportunities and receive a chocolate treat, for the price of £10 per child.
BBC News
17-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Colchester mayor backs Essex fire safety scheme for deaf people
People who are deaf or hard of hearing have been encouraged by a city's mayor to book a fire safety assessment at their County Fire & Rescue Service said standard smoke alarms may not be suitable for all, especially those who took their hearing aids out at mayor Lesley Scott-Boutell, who describes herself as severely deaf, said she used a sensory alarm that gave alerts by flashing."It's peace of mind for if the unthinkable happens," said Ms Scott-Boutell, who became the city's 191st mayor in May 2024. The Lib Dem councillor has been trying to break down barriers for people with hearing loss during her year in said her specialist alarm had only gone off once - when she burnt her toast."It takes the fear away," Ms Scott-Boutell added. "When I have all my hearing kit off, I can't even hear the shower running." As part of its awareness drive, launched on Monday, the fire service incorporated British Sign Language into a video explaining how the sensory alarm of the life-saving devices have flashing lights, while others have vibrating Monk, the fire service's live safe manager, said she wanted to ensure fire risks in people's homes were as minimal as possible."We hope this new awareness campaign will help ensure that more people know about the specialist equipment available and encourage them to reach out for support," she added. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Memorial marks 5 years since Covid pandemic began
A city has unveiled a Covid-19 memorial to mark five years since the start of the pandemic. The permanent tribute to those who lost their lives lost - and to acknowledge people's resilience - has gone on display at Colchester Crematorium. Monday's unveiling came ahead of a day of reflection on the profound impact of the pandemic, being held in the city on Friday. "This day is not only a chance to remember those we have lost, but to celebrate the courage and compassion that helped us navigate such difficult times," said Lesley Scott-Boutell, the Mayor of Colchester. Covid-19: Milestones of the global pandemic On 7 March, 2020, global cases of Covid-19 are thought to have reached 100,000. Several days later, on the 11 March, Covid-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. Colchester residents who will be remembering loved ones include Debby, who lost her father and eldest sister within 10 days. But she said becoming a grandmother to two grandsons gave her hope. "They keep me going, and for them, I am truly blessed." She emphasised the need for a space in Colchester where people can reflect on their loss. "Knowing others have experienced the same pain provides comfort. "Those of us who have survived this dreadful pandemic can support each other." Debby recalled what it was like to lose her sister. She said: "My children lost their aunt and godmother without a chance to say goodbye. "She never got to know she was going to be a great-aunt, she would have loved that." The figure of a kneeling woman holding a dandelion sits on top of the marble Covid-19 memorial. One inscription reads: "Overcoming hardship by standing strong and proud, the dandelion is a symbol of hope, healing and resilience." The city also has other plans to mark the impact of Covid-19. Soon, after restoration work at Holy Trinity Church is complete, a memorial stone will be placed in Trinity Square, in the city centre. The mayor added: ""The memorial stone at Trinity Square will provide another important place for quiet reflection, ensuring the legacy of those we lost is honoured for generations to come." An event to mark the day of reflection takes place at 11:00 GMT on Friday 7 March at Firstsite in Lewis Gardens. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Memorial trees to be planted to mark Covid deaths Kites made to remember people lost during pandemic UK shines a light as it remembers Covid victims Colchester City Council
BBC News
07-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
New memorial in Colchester marks 5 years since pandemic began
A city has unveiled a Covid-19 memorial to mark five years since the start of the permanent tribute to those who lost their lives lost - and to acknowledge people's resilience - has gone on display at Colchester unveiling came ahead of a day of reflection on the profound impact of the pandemic, being held in the city on Friday."This day is not only a chance to remember those we have lost, but to celebrate the courage and compassion that helped us navigate such difficult times," said Lesley Scott-Boutell, the Mayor of Colchester. Covid-19: Milestones of the global pandemic On 7 March, 2020, global cases of Covid-19 are thought to have reached 100,000. Several days later, on the 11 March, Covid-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. 'They keep me going' Colchester residents who will be remembering loved ones include Debby, who lost her father and eldest sister within 10 she said becoming a grandmother to two grandsons gave her hope."They keep me going, and for them, I am truly blessed."She emphasised the need for a space in Colchester where people can reflect on their loss."Knowing others have experienced the same pain provides comfort."Those of us who have survived this dreadful pandemic can support each other."Debby recalled what it was like to lose her said: "My children lost their aunt and godmother without a chance to say goodbye."She never got to know she was going to be a great-aunt, she would have loved that." The figure of a kneeling woman holding a dandelion sits on top of the marble Covid-19 inscription reads: "Overcoming hardship by standing strong and proud, the dandelion is a symbol of hope, healing and resilience." The city also has other plans to mark the impact of after restoration work at Holy Trinity Church is complete, a memorial stone will be placed in Trinity Square, in the city mayor added: ""The memorial stone at Trinity Square will provide another important place for quiet reflection, ensuring the legacy of those we lost is honoured for generations to come."An event to mark the day of reflection takes place at 11:00 GMT on Friday 7 March at Firstsite in Lewis Gardens. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
