Posted on by

Gary Takes on Movember: Raising Awareness for Men’s Health

We are putting the spotlight on Gary today — who is spreading awareness and raising funds for Movember this month by sporting a 10/10 moustache and sharing his story. Watch the full TikTok video here 🙌

“Movember is a leading charity changing the face of men’s health. We know what works for men – and what doesn’t..”

Since 2003, Movember has been inspiring millions of people to join the movement and make a difference by growing a moustache, getting active, or hosting events — all with the aim of shining a light on important issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.

movember

“I am taking part in support of men’s health, such a worthy cause. I have had issues with mental health in the past and appreciate how isolating it feels to suffer in silence and how difficult it can be to finally open up about troubles, even to loved ones.

For me, this resulted in having a blackout at the wheel suffering physical injuries but more so emotional damage which took me a long while to fully recover from.

My wife was my absolute rock during this time and she is. She stood strong through it all and got me through basically. So, my “MOtivation” is all linked to this time in my life” – Gary Bloomfield

Click here to support Gary 🙏

movember

For all the dads, brothers, sons and mates in our lives. Let’s join forces to support men’s health this Movember.

There are many ways to join the Movember movement

  • Grow a Mo: The traditional way to participate is by growing a moustache and raising awareness
  • Move for Movember: The Order of Mo remembers the 60 men lost to suicide globally, every hour. To take part, all you have to do is run or walk 60km. Cover the distance in one go or over the month.
  • Host an Event: Get your community together to raise funds for Movember
  • Donate: Even if you can’t participate, you can always make a donation to support Movember‘s life-changing work

For more information on Movember and how you can get involved, visit Movember UK.

Posted on by

Jasper’s Hedgehog Highway! Building Wildlife-Friendly Gardens

“The Adventures of Sheriff Prickles 🦔”

We’re thrilled to share the inspiring efforts of our Purchasing Manager, Jasper Smathers, who has transformed his garden into a haven for local wildlife. He has built a selection of safe-houses and tunnels from extra building materials, and used a Diamond Core Drill to create a custom hedgehog highway through the brickwork.

Hedgehog hut

“We are good at building boundaries to protect our homes and land but don’t spend enough time thinking about the impact this has on our rapidly diminishing local flora and fauna.” – James Park

core drill Hedgehog highway
hedgehog tunnel

Jaspers commitment to keeping hedgehogs (and friends) well-fed with “safe snacks” has earned admiration from us all. The star resident? None other than Mr Sheriff Prickles, a charming hedgehog who has made Jasper’s garden his home.

hedgehog
Hedgehog GIF

Here are a few simple ways to make your garden more wildlife-friendly:

  • Build a Hedgehog Highway: Hedgehogs are struggling to survive due to habitat loss and barriers like fences and walls. By creating small gaps at the base of fences (around 13cm x 13cm), you can help them roam freely between gardens.
  • Add Shelters and Tunnels: Hedgehogs, frogs, and other creatures love to hide in cozy, dark places. You can use timber, bricks, pipe and products like paving slabs to create tunnels and shelters where wildlife can hide from predators or rest during the day.
  • Install Wildlife-Friendly Ponds: Adding a small pond can attract frogs and insects. Use landscaping materials, stone aggregates, and paving to safely build a pond with gradual slopes for climbing in and out.
  • Create Wildflower Areas: Wildflowers are essential for pollinators like bees and butterflies. With topsoil, mulch, and decorative aggregates, you can build a wildflower patch that provides food and shelter.
  • Build a Bug Hotel: A bug hotel is an easy, affordable, and a fantastic way to reuse old building products while supporting your local ecosystem by creating a safe haven for insects.
hedgehog

Support declining wild animal populations within our built environment:

  • Bat Boxes: Three standard brick courses high and half a brick course in width, so is easy to build in to a wall during construction. Available to pre-order.
  • Nest Boxes: Designed to provide a sheltered nesting refuge for small birds, specifically blue tits. Available to pre-order.
  • Wildlife Gully Ladders: Helps amphibians, reptiles and other small creatures to escape from drainage gullies. Available to pre-order.
  • Wildlife Kerbs: Designed to allow amphibians to bypass gully grating. Available to pre-order.
  • Wildlife Refuge: The five ACO Wildlife Refuges have been designed to provide shelter and sanctuary for various types of small animal. Available to pre-order.
frog ladders
wildlife highway
bird house

Start your own Sheriff Prickles adventure and turn your home and garden into a wildlife haven today.

For more inspiration and to explore our range of garden materials, visit our website or pop into one of our branches in Colchester, Ipswich, or Lawford. Let’s help local wildlife thrive, one garden at a time.

Posted on by

Collier & Catchpole Proudly Supports Colchester Institute Wood Occupations

“Helping to build the future”

We are proud to announce our sponsorship of the Colchester Institute Wood Occupations Department. Our first delivery of MDF and sawn timber marks the beginning of a valuable partnership that aims to nurture the next generation of skilled woodworkers and carpenters in Colchester and the surrounding areas.

Colchester Institute

Chris from Colchester Institute commented: “Collier & Catchpole have made a substantial and lasting impact on the lives of budding woodworkers and carpenters. 

Their commitment to nurturing talent and fostering craftsmanship is truly commendable! With their support. We can provide our apprentices with the tools, training, and resources they need to excel in their craft. 

Thank you Collier & Catchpole, for believing in our mission and investing in the next generation of woodworkers. Your partnership is a shining example of corporate social responsibility and community empowerment.”

We believe that investing in woodworking education not only empowers students but also helps build a skilled workforce for the future.

Our partnership sign has now been installed at Colchester Institute above the doors of the new woodworking suite. We would like to thank Hardwood Signs for their 10/10 craftsmanship, quality and attention to detail.

“Thanks to Collier & Catchpole for sponsoring our new apprenticeship suite. The partnership has allowed for the Level 2 Year 2 Site Carpenter and Joiners to build 2 bungalows inside our new workshop space” – Chris Coe, M.E

Colchester Institute

Supporting the development of skilled trades is not just about providing materials—it’s about ensuring a strong foundation for the future of construction in our region. Together with Colchester Institute, we are committed to creating opportunities for students to hone their skills and contribute to the local economy.

Thank you to the team at Colchester Institute, so much to look forward to. Let’s build the future together!

Our range of timber products and building materials is available for both delivery and collection from our Colchester, Ipswich, and Lawford branches. Whether you’re working on a self-build, home improvement, or a commercial project, we have everything you need to get the job done.

Posted on by

September Sizzler Trade Event: Success at Our Ipswich Branch

Our very first September Sizzler at the newly revamped Ipswich branch was a huge hit! Held on Thursday, 7th September 2023, the event brought together local builders, landscapers, and DIY enthusiasts for a day filled with great food, exciting product demos, and lively discussions about upcoming projects in the community.

Visitors enjoyed everything from live demonstrations to a delicious hot dog courtesy of The Hot Sausage Co.

September Sizzler Trade Event: A Smashing Success at Our Ipswich Branch

The highlight of the day was the Build a BBQ demonstration, where Kevin showed attendees how to craft an outdoor BBQ using Pavestone Moodul Walling.

Although it was one of the hottest days we’ve seen, the live project showed how easy it can be to create your own BBQ from building materials, inspiring many to plan their next garden upgrade.

We were joined by top suppliers including: Pavestone, Azpects, OX Tools, TuffStuff, and Fernco. A fantastic opportunity for local tradespeople to network, explore the latest products, and discuss projects.

Combine two loves, DIY and BBQ’s. Building a BBQ from our Pavestone Moodul Walling. Kevin will show you how.

September Sizzler – BBQ Demo

THE HOT SAUSAGE CO.

Founded in 1989, the Hot Sausage Company was originally based in Ipswich. As a family endeavour, the business is now mainly run from Ipswich by a father and son team.

PAVESTONE

Pavestone has been synonymous with natural stone paving and walling for over a decade. Pavestone is focused on creating trading alliances with independently, privately owned builders’ merchants. Importing, manufacturing and supplying landscaping and construction products.

AZPECTS

Our revolutionary EASYJoint has become the UK’s top-selling jointing compound amongst landscaping and building professionals.Our complete range of cleaning, sealing, repairing and establishment products deliver assured results in less time with less effort.

Sizzler

OX TOOLS

Our mission drives us to do everything possible to expand every tradesperson’s potential. Creating ground-breaking tool innovations, by making products more sustainably, by building a creative and diverse global team.

September Sizzler at the newly revamped Ipswich branch was a huge hit!

TUFFSTUFF

TuffStuff is an extensive range of clothing and safety footwear which has been specifically created to provide you with quality, durability, and exceptional value for money.

FERNCO

Fernco has been at the heart of the civils and drainage sectors, playing a vital part in shaping the way contractors repair and refurbish drainage and sewer pipelines across the globe.

Thank you to everyone who attended and made the day such a success. We’re already looking forward to our next trade event and continuing to support the local building community with top-quality products and expert advice.

Posted on by

Celebrating 19 Years of Partnership with Essex Wildlife Trust

We are proud to celebrate 19 years of membership with the Essex Wildlife Trust, a leading conservation charity dedicated to protecting local wildlife and fostering a lifelong connection to nature.

Since July 2004, our commitment as an Investor in Wildlife Corporate Member has been an important part of our mission to support the Essex community and promote sustainability.

In recognition of this partnership, our Managing Director Tim Rowbottom collected all of our certificates, showcasing the evolving designs over the past 19 years—a symbol of our ongoing dedication to local conservation efforts.

The Essex Wildlife Trust shared a special post on LinkedIn marking this significant milestone, expressing their gratitude for our long-standing support. As they beautifully put it, “Thanks to you, we can continue to protect wildlife and inspire the next generation to care for wildlife too.”

Essex Wildlife Trust

ROCKWOOL – a leading choice for sustainable building solutions

Made from natural stone wool, ROCKWOOL provides superior thermal insulation, acoustic performance, and fire resistance, all while having a minimal impact on the environment.

One of the key sustainability features of ROCKWOOL insulation is its composition—crafted from volcanic rock, an abundant natural resource. This allows ROCKWOOL products to be both highly durable and recyclable, making them an eco-friendly option for a wide range of construction and renovation projects.

ROCKWOOL’s insulation properties contribute to reducing energy consumption in buildings, cutting down on heating and cooling needs, and therefore lowering carbon footprints. By using ROCKWOOL in your projects, you not only improve the energy efficiency of homes and buildings but also contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.

For more information on ROCKWOOL insulation and other sustainable building materials, visit Collier & Catchpole or stop by our branches in Colchester, Lawford, and Ipswich for expert advice and product availability.

Posted on by

Collier & Catchpole Sponsors Colchester Racer Jessica Fitch-Hall

We are proud to share our sponsorship of Jessica Fitch-Hall — Colchester based, Senior TKM racer, Club 2000 O Plate Winner 2022 and British Championship contender 2023 🏁

Jess, now 17, began her karting career at just 8 years old, and her passion and determination have made her a formidable competitor on the track.

We are delighted to support Jess in her motorsport journey, helping her pursue her dreams and continue making strides in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Jessica

“I want to thank my new sponsors for the opportunity. It means a lot. Their support has been amazing, especially empowering females in the motorsport community,” said Jessica.

By investing in individuals like Jess, we’re not only supporting her personal and professional growth but also reinforcing our commitment to the wider Colchester and Essex communities. This partnership reflects our values of hard work, dedication, and excellence— Qualities that Jess embodies both on and off the track.

Jessica

Follow Jess on Instagram for race reports, sponsorship opportunities, updates and insights into Jess’s exciting journey as she continues to excel in her motorsport career.

Posted on by

Yard Expansion Completed at Collier & Catchpole Lawford

We are excited to announce the completion of a major 600m² external yard expansion at our Lawford branch, with the fantastic support of D A Cant.

This new expansion will significantly enhance the availability and accessibility of building materials and products for both collection and delivery.

construction lawford expansion

Thanks to our friends at C & W Fencing, who made essential upgrades to our front gates. The expanded space allows for quicker loading and easier access to the yard, so you can get in, get loaded, and get back to work faster than ever.

As part of this expansion, we’re excited to offer improvements in our stock ranges, including a larger selection of:

  • Bricks & Blocks – Offering everything from standard bricks to specialist blocks for all types of building projects.
  • Timber – A wide variety of high-quality timber products perfect for construction, roofing, and landscaping needs.
  • Landscaping Materials – From decorative aggregates to paving slabs and sleepers, we have everything you need to transform outdoor spaces.
  • Lintels – Stocking a variety of lintels for different structural applications.
  • Drainage Solutions – We provide a full range of drainage products, from drain pipes to manhole covers.
  • Insulation – High-performance insulation materials to meet energy-efficiency requirements for residential and commercial builds.

What’s Next?

With Lawford 2.0 officially open, keep an eye out for new products rolling in over the coming weeks. Whether you need bricks, timber, landscaping materials, or insulation, our Lawford, Colchester, and Ipswich branches are here to help.

Visit us today or explore our range online at Collier & Catchpole for delivery and collection options across Essex and Suffolk.

Posted on by

Collier & Catchpole Hosts 1st Summer Bonanza Trade Show Event

On Friday, 23rd June, Collier & Catchpole hosted its first-ever Summer Bonanza Trade Show Event at their Colchester branch. The event brought together customers, suppliers, and industry experts for a day packed with networking, demonstrations, and fun activities.

bonanza

The event was an opportunity for customers to meet the Collier & Catchpole team and discuss their projects with over 60 industry professionals.

Experts representing a range of product categories, including bricks, blocks, timber, and drainage, were available to provide advice and guidance. Customers could also explore the vast selection of building materials and landscaping products that Collier & Catchpole offers for both delivery and collection from their Stanway, Ipswich, and Lawford branches.

Guests had a blast playing on the retro Pac-Man machine, racing in driving simulators and everyone who visited had a chance to win a 50-inch Samsung TV—which was taken home by Graham from IFIX at the end of the event. To keep energy levels high, over 280 freshly cooked wood-fired pizzas from The Mobile Pizza Co were served to customers throughout the day, as well as burgers and hot dogs.

bonanza

The first 50 visitors were treated to gift bags filled with goodies, including Pavestone mugs, Collier Hats, Pick&Mix sweets and TuffStuff workwear socks, making the experience even more memorable.

32 leading building material brands came to exhibit including, Ox Tools, Haemmerlin, Pavestone, Toolbank, Azpects, ACO Group, TuffStuff Workwear, and Brett Martin.

bonanza

Velux brought their famous show-trailer, featuring a fully fitted loft space with Velux skylights, giving visitors a tangible experience of how these products can enhance their homes.

Rockwool demonstrated their fire and water insulation capabilities in a 10m-long mobile display and Millboard impressed attendees with their exhibition showroom.

rockwool insulation

Colchester Branch Manager Matt Whymark said, “It was fantastic to see customers and suppliers come together. It was a brilliant turnout, and the entire team put in an amazing effort. We can’t wait for the next Summer Bonanza!”

Commercial Manager and Event Organiser Karl Flintoff added, “The event was an excellent opportunity for our suppliers to demonstrate their expertise and product range. The feedback has been phenomenal, with many asking, ‘When’s the next one?‘ It’s a testament to the strong relationships we’ve built with our suppliers.”

bonanza

The success of the event, with some calling it “the best trade show they had ever been to” sets the stage for more exciting events at Collier & Catchpole. Keep an eye on our social media for event highlights, supplier updates, and news on future trade shows.

Posted on by

Charity Fundraisers: Supporting Causes Close to Our Hearts

At Collier & Catchpole, we are incredibly proud of our team’s commitment to giving back to the community. Over the past few months, several of our staff members have taken on impressive challenges to raise funds for charities that are making a real difference.

Pier to Pier Walk for St Helena Hospice

On Sunday, 14th May, Sarah Adye, along with her friend Daniella Quanch, participated in the Pier to Pier Walk. They walked from Clacton Pier to Walton Pier and back again, raising over £700 for St Helena Hospice. St Helena provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care to people with incurable illnesses in north-east Essex, supporting patients, their families, and caregivers during difficult times.

RideLondon-Essex 100 for ESSW Charitable Trust

On Sunday, 28th May, Tim (Collier & Catchpole) and Paul (Walkers the Builders Merchant) took part in the 2023 Ford UK RideLondon-Essex 100. The cycling event saw them cover 100 miles through the streets of Essex and London, raising over £1,000 for the ESSW Charitable Trust.

The charity focuses on helping children affected by humanitarian crises and starvation across the world, and Tim and Paul’s hard work will go a long way toward providing essential support for those in need.

Tim and Paul charity bike ride

Colchester Half Marathon for Epilepsy Action Charity

On Sunday, 21st May, Chris ran the Colchester Half Marathon to raise money for Epilepsy Action, raising jsut over £600 for the charity. Epilepsy Action provides support and advice to those affected by epilepsy, including young people like 11-year-old Amelia, who has lived with epilepsy her entire life.

“I have had Epilepsy since I was born. Epilepsy Action have provided support and advice to me and my family as well as many others which helps a lot as it can be scary. MASSIVE good luck Chris, you are funny and make me laugh. GO ON CHRIS. You can do it” – Amelia Marshall 🫶

charity colchester epilepsy

Well done to everyone involved! We are incredibly proud of Sarah, Tim, Paul, and Chris for their hard work and dedication to making a difference.

St Helena Hospice – St Helena Hospice is a Colchester based charity which provides specialist palliative and end of life care to local people facing incurable illness in north east Essex, supporting them, their families, friends and carers.

ESSW Charitable Trust – ESSW Charitable Trust is a local Devon charity focused on raising money for children caught up in humanitarian crises or at threat of starvation throughout the world

Epilepsy Action – Epilepsy Action believe that every person with epilepsy deserves to feel supported and reassured. No-one deserves to be alone and isolated.

Posted on by

How to Make a Bug Hotel Using Old Building Materials

Building a bug hotel is a fantastic way to reuse old building materials while supporting your local ecosystem by creating a safe haven for insects. Not only does it help with wildlife conservation, but it also attracts beneficial insects like bees, ladybirds, and butterflies to your garden that help pollinate plants and control pests.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own bug hotel using materials you may already have left-over from previous projects.

bug hotel

What You’ll Need

Bricks and Blocks: To provide the main structure and framework

Old Timber: Any offcuts or leftover pieces of wood are perfect for making different-sized compartments

Roofing Tiles: Use old tiles to make a roof that shields the bugs from rain

Drainage Pipes or Gutters: These create tubular spaces that many insects love to nest in

Decorative Aggregates: Fill gaps with decorative stones, pebbles, or slate to add texture and additional hiding spaces

Bamboo Canes: Insert bamboo or other hollow tubes to provide ideal homes for bees

Broken Terracotta Pots: Perfect for additional hiding spots

Dry Leaves, Bark, and Twigs: These are essential for filling gaps and creating a more natural habitat for wildlife

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose Your Location

Select a sheltered spot in your garden that gets both sun and shade. Ideally, it should be close to flowering plants to attract pollinators.

2. Create the Base Structure

Use old bricks and blocks as the base structure for your bug hotel. Stack them like you would when building a wall, leaving gaps between them. Make sure the structure is stable.

3. Add Layers with Timber

Use old timber to create multiple levels in your bug hotel. The idea is to offer a variety of spaces where different bugs can thrive. Make sure you alternate the size of spaces to cater to different types of insects.

bug

4. Fill the Gaps

Use bamboo canes, hollow stems and drainage pipes to fill any large spaces. These tubular materials provide great nesting sites for solitary bees and other small creatures. You can also pack in twigs, dry leaves, and bark to fill smaller spaces. 

5. Create Hiding Spots

Insert broken terracotta pots and smaller stones from decorative aggregates to create dark, damp places for bugs like woodlice, centipedes, and beetles to hide.

6. Make a Roof

Use roofing tiles or slabs to make a roof for your bug hotel, helping to keep it dry during wet weather. You can also add slate chippings to give it a stylish finish while protecting the bugs from the elements.

7. Decorate and Finish

Get creative by decorating the bug hotel with additional materials you have on hand. Paint some parts of the timber if you like, or add moss and grass to encourage insects to move in quicker.

bee

By reusing building materials such as bricks, timber, and slate, you not only create a haven for insects but also reduce waste, making this project both eco-friendly and sustainable.

Creating a bug hotel is an easy, affordable, and fun project that contributes to the conservation of local wildlife while also adding a unique feature to your garden. Share your own bug hotel project (big or small) with us on completion for a feature on our social media. Good luck! 🐛