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Issue Number 154 - August 14 - September 14th 2026
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City Times Intro Hello readers, Welcome to The City Times July/August edition. There are many festivals still to come during this warm summer - and we are including next month’s Heritage Open Days Festival, where every event is FREE entry; see pages 12 & 13. Also do remember to check our Whats’ On Guide in the centre for all other events happening in the area! Please remember to tell our advertisers that you saw their advert in The City Times, as it really helps both them and us to know that their adverts are working. Paul & Nick
www.thecitytimes.co.uk www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia Advertising Nick Garner 07970 206682 ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk
Editorial Paul Mclean 07595 949701 editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk
It’s Your Media Ltd Disclaimer: It’s Your Media Ltd publish The City Times. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of It’s Your Media Ltd. No part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of It’s Your Media Ltd. Registered offices: 15 Hayes Close, Chelmsford. Reg No 9154871. Printed by Warners (Midlands) PLC.
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Time for more true tales from my days involved in music, which I hope you enjoy. Today, I am going back to the early eighties when I ended up in Spain working with Ginger Baker. We were on our European tour for the Spanish promoter who also managed Spain’s biggest band, Baron Rojo (The Red Baron). When we were back in the UK after the tour had ended, I got a call from one of Baron Rojo asking if I could help them as they were coming to to London to record their next album. I said yes. When they finished the album, they asked if I would like to help them on a tour back in Spain and I thought why not. So over I went and the two brothers, Armando and Carlos (vocals and guitar) met me and put me up and wanted me to look after them and help to move them into the 20th century which I hope I did my best to do. I soon got my own place to live in and started to make my own friends. I was based in Madrid which I loved. The band was a heavy rock band and they are all superb musicians - and they were very loud but I got used to that. We played a lot of shows and I got to see almost everywhere in Spain as we would play most of the fiestas which meant almost every town, city and village. These fiestas were often a strange mix of acts from pop, covers bands, to Flamenco and more. We were usually the headline act and often supposed to go on in the late evening, though it often ended up in the early hours of the morning! Each band used their own PA which I found quite weird as it took a long-time to change over. We had the biggest and best though and we had our own sound and lighting crew as well as us backline guys. I moved to a few different places over my time there as I ended up staying with the band for a couple of years. They did come to the UK and toured with Hawkwind and I introduced them to Michael Schenker who they got on well with. I also introduced them to the co-lead singer and bass player of the band, Jose Luis, who ended up writing with Michael. During the tour they played the Reading Festival in 1982 along with Iron Maiden, Michael Schenker Group, Twisted Sister, Gary Moore, Marillion and others. We also went to Venezuela and played in Caracas. Baron Rojo were a massive band around much of the world. Still today over 40 years on if I mention them to younger Spaniards most of them know of them. Next month Armando, one of the founders and the superb lead guitarist, is coming to London with his family and we are going to meet up, which I am looking forward to. There is more to tell from that period which I will do later in future editions. I have just been to The Wickham Festival in Hampshire with my caravan which was very good. I stayed with my friend nearby for the first night. I was there as a photographer as usual and it was great to meet up with friends as well. On my way back I almost got to my caravan storage when I hit a telegraph pole on a narrow lane and ended up in a ditch, I was unhurt and no one else was involved but I had to wait for 9 hours to be taken home and it was over 2 hours more before they recovered my van and caravan.
Music I was at Hot Box with All Star Blues who put on a superb show with Martin McNeill, West Weston and Franca Shaw playing. The audience was great and they loved the show. The next day was the Social Club with Bad Influence for their 40th anniversary. What a great show, as the band played songs from their 40 years. THe band consists of Val Cowell, Richard Dickie Hayes, Pete Stroud and Brendan O’Neill. Sadly the show with Doris Brendall at Hot Box has been postponed until Saturday afternoon on 6th February 2027 due to Doris having had an accident. Next was our last gig for now at The Social Club with The Small Fakers playing. Boy, they were so good we have rebooked them for 2027. The next day was our last for now at Hot Box with The Jaywalkers, who are a bluegrass/Americana act. They had two girls on stage, one on lead vocals, fiddle and guitar, and the other was on double bass and backing vocals. There was also Mike on mandolin, guitar and backing and some lead vocals. They were outstanding. So far for 2027 we have Happinin Boy, Los Amigos, Don’t Stop Queen Now, Held By Trees, Greene, Soho Dukes, Doris Brendel, Dick Taylor (Pretty Things), Big Yellow Tambourine Band Man (a tribute to Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan), James Oliver, Martin Turner, Limehouse Lizzy, Kossoff The Band Plays On, Common People (playing Pulp), The Paul McCartney Project, Fleeting Rumours, the John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett 50th anniversary, Hamish Stuart, Clive Carroll, Brave Rival, Robbie McIntosh, and Small Fakers. These are just some of the acts we have playing at Hot Box and the Chelmsford Social Club - dates and more will follow soon. Keep an eye on our website for information: www.blackfrogpresents.com. Do please remember that if you want to book tickets for any of our shows you can do so with a simple text to 07508 496 411 - text the show and date, your name and how many you want to book for and we will text back to confirm your booking. Please do also remember to support all live events - especially in your local area to help keep the events and the acts, as well as the venues, going. If you can, please do book in advance as it really does make a difference to the organisers, venues and the acts. If you have anything that you think could be of interest to our readers for either publication, either this or the Moulsham Times, then please let us know by emailing to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk. It may be an event or a topic of interest. If you know of someone who may wish to advertise with us, then please ask them to contact ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we can send over the full details for this and the Moulsham Times. You can get tickets for all our Black Frog Presents shows at The Social Club in Chelmsford from Intense Records, The Hop Beer Shop and Chelmsford 4Good - please pay in cash when you buy from them as well. Tickets for all shows, including Hot Box, are also available online from www.wegottickets.com/BlackFrogPresents, or via our ticket hotline at no extra charge - call or text us at 07508 496 411 and you can then pay the advance price on entry and without paying any commission as well for the show rather than the walk-up price.
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City Times Food! Another month has flown by, and I can’t believe we’re already in August! Hopefully we’ve all managed to enjoy some sunshine over the summer holidays. August is one of my favourite months for cooking, because so many delicious fruits and vegetables are at their very best. Whether you’re growing your own or picking them up from your local farm shop or supermarket, seasonal produce always tastes better and is often much better value too.
My Favourite Courgette and Tomato Pasta Ingredients: • 300g pasta. • 2 courgettes, sliced. • 2 garlic cloves, crushed. • 250g cherry tomatoes, halved. • 1 tbsp olive oil. • 1 tsp dried oregano. • Handful of fresh basil. • 40g grated Parmesan. • Salt and pepper to taste.
Did you know that courgettes are actually a fruit because they grow from the flower of the plant? Or that tomatoes were once thought to be poisonous in Europe? Thankfully someone was brave enough to give them another chance because I couldn’t imagine cooking without them!
Method Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan and gently cook the garlic for 1 minute. Add the courgettes and cook for around 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and oregano and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the tomatoes start to burst. Drain the pasta, keeping a splash of the cooking water, then add the pasta to the vegetables. Stir everything together with the fresh basil, adding a little pasta water if needed. Sprinkle over the Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
One of my favourite ways to use up seasonal vegetables is by making a simple courgette and tomato pasta. It’s quick, healthy and perfect for busy summer evenings when nobody wants to spend hours in the kitchen.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this month’s article and maybe even found some inspiration to make the most of the wonderful seasonal produce that August has to offer. Happy cooking, and I’ll catch up with you again next month!
Hello everyone! I hope you’re all having a lovely summer. If you’re looking for somewhere a little different to visit or need some inspiration for keeping the kids entertained over the school holidays, I have just the place for you.
the café has a rustic aviation feel, with both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the runway. It’s dog-friendly and a wonderful place to take the kids, who I’m sure will be just as fascinated by watching the planes come and go as the adults.
This month, I’ve been making the most of all the fresh ingredients that August has to offer. Tomatoes are beautifully sweet, courgettes seem to grow overnight, sweetcorn is at its best, and berries such as blackberries, raspberries and blueberries are everywhere. Eating food that’s in season not only supports British farmers, but it also means your food has travelled fewer miles and is often packed with more flavour.
Rosey Lea Café has three locations across Essex and Hertfordshire, but The Squadron in Essex stands out thanks to its unique setting within the grounds of North Weald Airfield. There aren’t many places where your visit begins with a drive across an active airfield, but that’s all part of the experience at The Squadron. Before we had even parked, we were already watching planes taking off and landing. Set within a modern hangarstyle building, Page 6
There is plenty to choose from on the menu, but I couldn’t resist the pancake stack topped with crispy bacon and maple syrup. We also tucked into a full English breakfast with all the classics, including sausage, mushrooms and hash browns. The pancakes were the highlight for me, though. I loved the combination of sweet maple syrup with the crispy bacon - and the portion was huge! The Squadron is a popular spot, especially at weekends, and doesn’t take bookings, so you may need to wait for a table. However, with the unique setting and the chance to watch the planes, it’s well worth the wait. You can find The Squadron at North Weald Airfield, Merlin Way, Epping, CM16 6HR. Follow me on Instagram, @thehungrykp, for more local foodie finds.
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COURSE BENEFITS
• 90% government funded • 50 hours of SME-specific learning • 10 hours of 1-2-1 mentoring
Next course:
ARU Chelmsford 18/09/26
• Peer networking
Scan the QR code to find out more:
• Growth Action Plan • Developed by SME experts
ARU is committed to making this opportunity as accessible as possible for SMEs across the region, contact us to discuss funding options:
• Access to Alumni Network
help2grow@aru.ac.uk
"As owners of Intense Records in Chelmsford, we've always been passionate about music, but the Help to Grow: Management course at ARU helped us think differently about growing our business. After more than 25 years in retail, it gave us the opportunity to step back from the day-to-day, focus on the bigger picture and develop a clearer strategy for future growth. The Growth Jon & Jen Smith — Owners,
Action Plan helped us look at the business with fresh Intense Records eyes, identify new opportunities and put practical ideas into action. We'd recommend the course to any ambitious SME's looking to grow and plan for the future." www.intenserecords.co.uk Intense Record stores are located on Viaduct Road and in The Meadows shopping Centre, Chelmsford.
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Jon & Jen Smith - Intense Records
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August. Removing a few of the oldest stems from the centre improves air circulation, allows more light into the plant and encourages flowering on younger growth. Unlike a hard prune, this selective thinning maintains the shrub’s natural shape while improving its overall health. Early to Mid-August: Preparing for Autumn While Enjoying Summer’s Peak Early August is a month of abundance. Borders are filled with late-summer colour, vegetable gardens are producing almost daily harvests, and ornamental grasses are beginning to provide movement and texture. Although summer is far from over, experienced gardeners know this is also the time to start preparing for autumn. Small, timely jobs carried out now will extend the garden’s performance and reduce the workload later in the year. Task 1: Sow Hardy Green Manures As beds become vacant following the harvest of early potatoes and peas, avoid leaving bare soil exposed. Sow green manures such as Phacelia tanacetifolia (phacelia), Sinapis alba (white mustard) or Trifolium incarnatum (crimson clover). These crops suppress weeds, reduce nutrient leaching and improve soil structure. Before they flower, cut them down and either compost the material or dig it lightly into the topsoil several weeks before replanting. Task 2: Propagate Bearded Irises After flowering, mature clumps of Iris germanica (bearded iris) often become congested, producing fewer blooms. August is the ideal time to lift, divide and replant healthy rhizomes. Retain vigorous outer sections, trimming foliage to approximately 15cm to reduce moisture loss. Replant with the rhizome partially exposed above the soil surface in a sunny, well-drained position, spacing plants around 30-40cm apart.
Task 5: Inspect Stored Tubers and Bulbs If you’ve already lifted Tulipa gesneriana (garden tulip) bulbs or stored dahlia cultivars from previous seasons, inspect them carefully. Remove any showing signs of mould, rot or pest damage, ensuring healthy stock remains dry and well ventilated. Regular inspection prevents a single infected bulb from affecting the rest of the collection. Plant of the Month Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ (Orange Coneflower). Few perennials provide such reliable late-summer impact as this award-winning coneflower. Introduced into European gardens in the twentieth century, Goldsturm produces masses of rich golden-yellow daisies with dark chocolate centres from August well into October. Growing to around 60-70cm tall, it thrives in full sun and moistureretentive, but well-drained soil. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, while the seed heads provide winter interest and food for finches if left standing. It combines beautifully with Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (feather reed grass), Persicaria amplexicaulis (mountain fleece) and Verbena bonariensis (purpletop vervain). Kitchen Garden Focus Continue harvesting Phaseolus coccineus (runner bean), Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (beetroot) and Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) regularly. Pick courgettes while young to prolong cropping. Now is also an excellent time to sow Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa (rocket) and Valerianella locusta (corn salad) for autumn harvests. These crops germinate rapidly in warm soil but benefit from light shade during exceptionally hot weather. Wildlife Watch Hedgehogs begin increasing their feeding activity during August as they prepare for autumn. Leaving a shallow dish of fresh water and avoiding slug pellets helps these valuable garden allies. Seed heads of plants such as Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower) and Dipsacus fullonum (wild teasel) should be left wherever possible, providing food for birds and insects later in the year. Professional Gardener’s Tip Late summer is the ideal time to assess the structure of your borders. While everything is in full growth, identify areas that lack height, seasonal succession or contrasting foliage. Photograph the border and make notes now - it’s much easier than trying to remember improvements during winter when the garden is dormant.
Task 3: Root Layer Flexible Shrubs Late summer provides ideal conditions for simple layering. Select a healthy, flexible shoot from shrubs such as Cornus alba (red-barked dogwood), Hamamelis × intermedia (witch hazel) or Magnolia stellata (star magnolia). Make a wound to the underside of the stem slightly, pin it into the soil and cover the wounded section with compost, leaving the tip exposed. By next year, roots should have formed, allowing the new plant to be detached from the parent. Task 4: Reduce Congestion in Hardy Fuchsias Fuchsia magellanica (hardy fuchsia) can produce dense growth by
Five Quick Jobs • Harvest herbs such as Ocimum basilicum (basil) before flowering for maximum flavour. • Brush accumulated debris from alpine troughs to improve air circulation. • Remove any ivy climbing into roof spaces before it becomes woody. • Check compost heaps for moisture, watering lightly if they become excessively dry. • Begin cleaning and storing empty pots no longer needed for summer displays. Happy gardening! For personalised gardening advice, feel free to contact Tom Cole, Freelance Horticulturist and online tutor, at tomcole8@hotmail.com or visit www.learningwithexperts.com for online RHS courses.
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Honouring the Past, Designed for Today - A Kitchen Transformation in Thaxted
Designing a kitchen for a period property is about far more than choosing cabinets and worktops. It’s about understanding the history of a home and creating a space that complements its character while meeting the demands of modern living. At Regal Kitchens, one of our most rewarding projects this year involved transforming the kitchen of a beautiful pre-1900 home in the historic market town of Thaxted. The existing kitchen had served the family faithfully for many years. Traditional oak cabinetry, tiled worktops and decorative shelving reflected the design trends of decades past, but the room no longer made the most of the available space or the home’s remarkable architectural features. The challenge was to modernise the kitchen while respecting the property’s heritage. One of the home’s defining characteristics is its original exposed oak beams, which have stood for well over a century. Rather than competing with these period features, our design sought to celebrate them, creating a calm and elegant backdrop that allows the craftsmanship of the building to shine. The chosen design was a bespoke Slim Shaker kitchen in a rich Indigo finish. The slim shaker profile offers a contemporary interpretation of a classic style, making it an ideal choice for period homes where traditional detailing and modern simplicity work in harmony. The deep blue cabinetry introduces warmth and sophistication, creating a striking contrast against the crisp walls while complementing the natural tones of the original timber. To further brighten the room, the existing tiled worktops were replaced with Bianco Shimmer quartz. The seamless surface reflects natural light from the windows, creating a fresh, spacious feel while providing the durability and low maintenance that busy households appreciate. The clean lines of the quartz allow the kitchen’s materials
and architectural features to take centre stage. At the heart of the room, a new island creates valuable preparation space and a natural gathering point for family and friends. A ceramic Belfast sink and Quooker gunmetal tap complement the timeless design, while Regal Kitchens’ status as NEFF MasterPartners enabled the specification of a suite of integrated NEFF appliances, delivering exceptional performance without compromising the clean, elegant aesthetic. The completed transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can breathe new life into a historic property. What was once a dated kitchen has become a sophisticated, lightfilled space that feels entirely at home within its pre-1900 surroundings. The exposed beams remain the stars of the room, framed by elegant Indigo cabinetry, bright quartz worktops and carefully selected contemporary finishes. For Regal Kitchens, projects like this are a reminder that great kitchen design is about more than aesthetics. It is about understanding a property’s history, listening to the people who live there and creating spaces that will continue to serve families for generations to come. This Thaxted kitchen perfectly illustrates how heritage and innovation can sit comfortably side by side, resulting in a space that honours the past while embracing the future.
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Our Archive Is Now Online!
We’re delighted to share that we have a brand-new website, designed to make it easier than ever to discover everything happening at Chelmsford Community Radio. Whether you’re a regular listener, a former presenter, a local business, or simply curious about what we do, the new site brings together all aspects of the station in one place. You can listen live, browse our programme schedule, meet our presenters, discover opportunities to get involved and find out more about the community projects that take place behind the scenes.
The website also makes it easier to explore the wide variety of programmes we broadcast each week. From specialist music shows and local news features to interviews, entertainment and community discussion, there is something for everyone. One of the features we’re most excited about is our new programme archive. Since our first broadcast on 11th January 2014, we’ve aired more than 36,000 programmes and welcomed over 3,000 guests onto our shows. Thanks to the new website, listeners can now explore and search through more than twelve years of broadcasting history. Looking for an interview you heard years ago? Want to revisit a favourite presenter or rediscover a local story that captured Chelmsford’s attention? Our archive makes it possible in just a few clicks. As far as we’re aware, no other community radio station in the UK has made its entire available broadcasting history accessible in this way. It means thousands of interviews, conversations, performances and community stories have been preserved rather than disappearing into the background once they have been broadcast. For us, the archive is about more than radio. It is a record of local life. Over the years we have spoken to charities, community groups, businesses, performers, schools, local leaders and residents from across Chelmsford and beyond. Those conversations tell the story of our city and the people who make it such a special place to live. The archive also celebrates the contribution of the hundreds of volunteers who have helped shape Chelmsford Community Radio since we were founded in 2013. Many have gone on to careers in broadcasting, journalism and media, while others continue to share their time and talents with our listeners every week. We’re proud of what has been created over the past twelve years and excited to make it available for everyone to explore. We’d love you to take a look around and discover the new website for yourself at: www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com
City Sound will be entering a new phase this autumn, covering even more new local original music, starting with a rebrand of our popular and award-winning live broadcasts from Hot Box here in Chelmsford.
time live on City Sound.
Titled ‘Live At The Hot Box’, each month three acts will be invited to perform their music to their fans at the venue, with the sound specially mixed for radio broadcast at the same
Our August 26th event will feature the bands, Dear Boy and The Noise, plus Kerosene, with solo artist Vincent Vermilion. Advance tickets to be in the audience are available from the DICE website or from the venue - and keep your eyes peeled for our future monthly line-ups. In addition, we will be out and about a lot more, talking to and asking local musicians to play at various locations which we will present on air, including at HMV where their well-attended Live & Local series will be kicking off again very soon. And it won’t just stop at music, we will also be featuring the rest of the arts scene in their natural habitat - in performance spaces, in studios, wherever you find arts and culture happening. So get in touch
if you have something original that you think our listeners would be interested in. We hope to feature the likes of painters, bookwriters, comedians and travelling theatre companies. As usual, if you would like any topic raised on air, or use our facilities to make a point, or perform to our growing audience, or a feature on you or your business, or advertise regularly for a small fee, let us know at studio@ citysound.radio. Catch us live 24/7 on citysound.radio, on our website, on our app downloadable from your app store, on your smart speaker (‘play City Sound Radio’), on numerous radio apps, and now on DAB across the city. City Sound - The Voice Of Chelmsford
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Chelmsford Stories: Green Spaces - By Amara Agwo When Chelmsford received city status in 2012, the City Council reworked their brand image. They created a new circular logo, split into four quarters to represent key historical, cultural and environmental components of the city. The top right quarter is a green leaf. According to Inscribe, the brand design agency in charge of the project, this leaf represents ‘over 1,700 acres of beautiful parks and rural areas within Chelmsford’. More recently, you may have seen local media celebrating our 19 Green Flag accredited parks and green spaces - the highest number in the East of England. It’s clear that green spaces are an important part of the identity of our city. And ramblers groups are one way for local people to experience these spaces. The Ramblers is a charity that supports people to enjoy the world around them through walking. In July, I joined the East Essex Friends group for an evening walk in Broomfield. Our group met in the car park of The Angel pub, where the walk leader gave an introduction. There was a chorus of joyful exclamations when he announced that the walk didn’t involve any
stiles! We were a group of 18, led from the front and shepherded from behind by two guides in matching T-shirts and hi-vis jackets. Several of the group remarked how, within mere minutes of leaving Broomfield, we had felt like we were in another world, completely removed from urban life. We passed wheat fields and hay bales and woods until we came to the ‘secret surprise’ of the trip - the 17 acre Tufnell Mere lake. The group leader took us to a gap in the trees and we got a glimpse of the lake as it sparkled in the setting sun. A couple of walkers used an app to identify birdsong - the honk of the greylag geese on the lake stood in contrast to the tuneful song of the thrushes in the trees above us. As we continued on, the Melbourne tower block let us know that we were returning to civilisation. Being outdoors that evening felt restorative - I find that the natural world often puts my personal problems into perspective. Ramblers groups offer an organised way to connect with both people and nature. But often, our interactions with nature are much more mundane. Whether it’s Hylands Park or a grassy verge on the way to Tesco’s, green spaces contribute to the story of our city. To find out more about ramblers visit: www.ramblers.org.uk. To find out more about our local green spaces, visit: loveyourchelmsford.co.uk/green-spaces.
Drinks in the Caribbean Rum Spirit - By Trevor Langley Caribbean rums are highly respected and hugely appreciated throughout the world. Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are well known producers of Caribbean rums, as well as other Caribbean islands, that create delectable beverages of this type. The Caribbean is very much recognised as the ‘birthplace of rum’ and the distilleries located in the Caribbean are amongst the world’s very best. Differing ingredients and different processes of productions define the appearances, bouquets, pleasures for the mouth and sensations on the palate.
Multi award-winning Diablesse Rum is UK-based and was founded by Cleo Farman. The Diablesse Company produces small-batch blends of fine, aged rums, especially selected from Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica. The quality plus several unique profiles of flavour that create distinctive productions are now recognised globally. The rums are created using historic methods and matured in charred American oak ex-bourbon casks. Diablesse Caribbean Rum (40% vol): Diablesse Caribbean Rum is a very regular choice for rum lovers. Caribbean rum is renowned around the world and this production (in my opinion) justly deserves the high rating it constantly receives. Little introduction is required for this delightful small-batch rum, which is produced utilising a blend of fine aged rums from Jamaica, Guyana and Barbados, to a great advantage. Diablesse Clementine Spiced Rum (40% vol): This is a favourite with many spiced rum devotees. I found the Clementine contribution for this popular beverage to be evident throughout.
Flavoursome and with a blend of warming Caribbean-inspired spices, including a hint of ginger, this small-batch production continues to gain in popularity. Diablesse Coconut & Hibiscus Rum (38% vol): I found Diablesse Coconut & Hibiscus Rum to be most pleasant indeed. From the bouquet to the mouth’s delight, with the flavours of fresh, natural coconut, plus hibiscus and ripe red berries certainly coming through. The palate’s sensation continues with the pleasures of this unusual small-batch delectation. The very informative website has all details of stockists and information about long-standing, proven methods of productions. I also found the website text able to enlighten me about the centuries old stills, which are used in the productions. Online ordering is easy and orders are dispatched efficiently and quickly. You can find their products by search Google.
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August
Friday 14th Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noon booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com) Hot Box - K.O.G Saturday 15th Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos Jamaican Style (5pm) Hot Box - The March Fleet + Third Dart + Elysium RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am - 1pm) Sunday 16th The Ale House - Quiz Hot Box - Guitar Club Hot Box - Blues Jam Great Baddow Recreation Ground - Family Funday Monday 17th Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club The Wheatsheaf - Club Tuesday 18th Hot Box - Open Mic Hot Box - Retro Gaming from Melee Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) Riverside Leisure Centre - Ice Skating Beginner Courses Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660) Worlds Pantry Coffee Shop (Moulsham Mill) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com) Woolpack - Quiz Wednesday 19th Cheerful Chai (Broomfield) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential at www.engagefitnessservices.com) Hot Box - Sam Grassie + Dean Frost Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666) Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music Supper Club: ‘Simply Frank’ Stephen Triffitt (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075) Thursday 20th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night Hot Box - Gasoline Green Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) The Rising Sun - Quiz night St Cedd’s School Hall (New London Road, Chelmsford) - Waltham Singers open rehearsals (7.30pm - www.walthamsingers.org.uk) South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre - Your Marine Biologist in the Making! (scuba diving courses) Friday 21st Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noon booking essential: theengagecollective.com) Hot Box - Ovation Radio - Musical Theatre Anthems Saturday 22nd Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos Jamaican Style (5pm) Hot Box - The Danny Murphy Trio Hot Box - Alt Electrik RAFA Club (Hall Street) - coffee morning (10am - 1pm)
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Saturday 22nd Continued... South Hanningfield Village Hall (CM3 8HL) - Summer Garden Party (3pm: live music, Craig Joseph, food and drinks stalls - To book, email shvhall@gmail.com or call Clive on 07891 653 238) The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke Sunday 23rd The Ale House - Quiz Monday 24th Riverside Leisure Centre Ice Skating Beginner Courses! The Wheatsheaf - Club Tuesday 25th Hot Box - Chelmsford Creative Collective Monthly Meet Hot Box - Waxes Lyrical Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660) Worlds Pantry Coffee Shop (Moulsham Mill) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com) Woolpack - Quiz Wednesday 26th Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666) Thursday 27th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night Hot Box - Evil Empire Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) The Rising Sun - Quiz night South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre - Your Marine Biologist in the Making! (scuba diving courses) St Cedd’s School Hall (New London Road, Chelmsford) - Waltham Singers open rehearsals (7.30pm - www.walthamsingers.org.uk) Friday 28th Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noon booking essential: theengagecollective.com) Chelmsford Theatre Hot Box - Dirty Nice - Katy for Kings Saturday 29th Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos Jamaican Style (5pm) RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am - 1pm) St Peter ad Vincula Church (CO6 1UD) - Coggeshall Flower Show Sunday 30th The Ale House - Quiz St Peter ad Vincula Church (CO6 1UD) - Coggeshall Flower Show Monday 31st Chelmsford Theatre - The Lion Inside Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club Riverside Leisure Centre Ice Skating Beginner Courses! Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.30 9.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk) St Peter ad Vincula Church (CO6 1UD) - Coggeshall Flower Show
Free What’s On Listing Send us your events between 15th September and 14th October for inclusion in the next edition of the City Times Email paul@itsyourmedia.co.uk Venues in Chelmsford, unless mentioned as being elsewhere.
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September Tuesday 1st Chelmsford Theatre - The Lion Inside Hot Box - Open Mic Hot Box - Retro Gaming from Melee Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) Riverside Leisure Centre - Ice Skating Beginner Courses Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660) Worlds Pantry Coffee Shop (Moulsham Mill) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com) Woolpack - Quiz Wednesday 2nd Cheerful Chai (Broomfield) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential at www.engagefitnessservices.com) Chelmsford Theatre - Baga Chipz: Bagz to Riches Hot Box - Andy Riley & Friends Spoken Word Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666) Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music Supper Club: ‘Love Letter to Broadway’ Catherine Lima (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075) The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz Thursday 3rd Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night Chelmsford Theatre - Jay Rayner: Nights Out in the Kitchen Hot Box - Snakes + Koyo Bloom Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) The Rising Sun - Quiz night St Cedd’s School Hall (New London Road, Chelmsford) - Waltham Singers open rehearsals (7.30pm - www.walthamsingers.org.uk) Friday 4th Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noon booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com) Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Focus Chelmsford Theatre - Laura Lexx: Yo-Yo Chelmsford Theatre - Thanks ABBA for the Music Hot Box - Hot Haus Drag Presents: Gagglebox Saturday 5th Chelmsford Social Club - Record Fair Chelmsford Theatre - Andre Rieu’s Summer Concert: Viva Maastricht! Chelmsford Theatre - Daniel O’Reilly: Let’s Have It Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos Jamaican Style (5pm) Hot Box - Nemisis Hot Box - Soul, Northern Soul, Disco & Motown night RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am - 1pm) Sunday 6th The Ale House - Quiz Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens (CM7 9AE) - Braintree Classic Car and Motorbike Show Chelmsford Theatre - Andre Rieu’s Summer Concert: Viva Maastricht! Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box Presents: Leavin’ Trunk Monday 7th Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.30 9.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk) Tuesday 8th Chelmsford Theatre - The Go Between Hot Box - Glass Eye Comedy Club Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660) Worlds Pantry Coffee Shop (Moulsham Mill) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com) Woolpack - Quiz
Wednesday 9th Cheerful Chai (Broomfield) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential at www.engagefitnessservices.com) Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666) Thursday 10th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night Hot Box - Bones Ate Arfa Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) The Rising Sun - Quiz night St Cedd’s School Hall (New London Road, Chelmsford) - Waltham Singers open rehearsals (7.30pm - www.walthamsingers.org.uk) Friday 11th Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noon booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com) Chelmsford Theatre - Lucy Porter: Let Yourself Go! Chelmsford Theatre - Pride & Predjudice* (*Sort of) Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: The Jeff Beck Experience Heritage Open Days - See www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk Anne Knight Building - Women that Rocked the Boat Walk Patch - Ray Clarke History Of Radio Patch - Marconi to O’Rahilly Talk Anne Knight Building - Chelmsford Black History Walk Hot Box - Kill Bosco + No Idea + Crisis with Y Saturday 12th Chelmsford Theatre - Lucy Porter: Let Yourself Go! Chelmsford Theatre - Pride & Predjudice* (*Sort of) High Chelmer - RAFA Wings Appeal Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos Jamaican Style (5pm) Hot Box - Shade of Envy + Gurn Victim Hot Box - Foxymop RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am - 1pm) Heritage Open Days - See www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk Heritage Open Days - Tindal Square - 1960s Day (10.30am - 3.30pm) Springfield Lyons Bronze Age Tours Chelmsford Cathedral Open Day St John’s Church Moulsham Street Open Day St Mary’s Broomfield Open Day Sunday 13th The Ale House - Quiz Chelmsford Theatre - Pride & Predjudice* (*Sort of) Heritage Open Days - See www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk St Mary’s Broomfield Open Day Hylands House Open Day Monday 14th Chelmsford Theatre - Pride & Predjudice* (*Sort of) Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box Presents: Mighty Bosscats Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.30 9.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk) Heritage Open Days -See www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk Mayoral Parlour Tours Patch - The Essex Executionor Talk Tuesday 15th Chelmsford Theatre - Pride & Predjudice* (*Sort of) Hot Box - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660) Worlds Pantry Coffee Shop (Moulsham Mill) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com) Woolpack - Quiz Heritage Open Days - See www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk Galleywood Heritage Centre Archives Tour Patch - Caught, Caged and Condemned Talk Galleywood Heritage CentreCommon Walk Patch - Chelmsford Star & Our Co-op History Talk
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City Times Poems After the Honeymoon is Over After the honeymoon is over When dress and clothes, yes once adored Are all packed in boxes, neatly stored When the music no longer plays a single note And when the holiday album lies quiet afloat In cupboards now ignored. When all that’s left are treasured memories There buried deep fondly in their dreams When they think of those who danced, such scenes, The night away, with knowing glance ‘Please just one last dance’ And of the laughs and children’s happy screams. When sitting lost in commuting noise As wedding gown turns to clothes for town They together, as though of one mind Think of those days, a slow rewind When the world was theirs And theirs alone The sites, the sounds there mixed inside their heads Wishing they were back there instead But now the daily nine to five A must to keep themselves alive
Their earnest wish, unspoken just Of nothing to crowd out, no daily cares No work, no money, no ringing phone That time when none other existed But themselves alone A united legal pair, When he said ‘A band of gold to match her golden hair’ The honeymoon, the island’s sea and sky so blue Still there on the phone - now new Reminders of a wedding day, a blissful honeymoon All over quickly, yes way too soon Now that the honeymoon is over. By Richard Simmonds
Poetry All of this poetry All of this prose Is wasted on many It’s wasted by loads Are you one of them? I beg you to counter A pound says you wouldn’t A pound says you’ll flounder A winner of pounds A winner of banter It’s all in the phrasing Let’s start a new chapter By Martin Klibey martin.kilbey@gmail.com
With memories of their life they now share
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Chelmsford Library Bringing Stories to Life - Story-Telling Sessions
home.
Are you a parent/ grandparent or carer? Then join Bringing Stories to Life, a fantastic story-telling session where you can build your skills and confidence with reading to children, plus learn useful tips and tricks for supporting reading enjoyment at
These are free events, run by the ACL and are open to families with children of all ages. Sessions will be taking place on Tuesday 18th August and Tuesday 1st September from 11.15am to 12.30pm in partnership with ACL and the Early Words Matter campaign by the National Literacy Trust. ACL website: www.aclessex.com.
Book your free place through the
Check Out Our Online Offer With Borrowbox and Epress Enjoy thousands of e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and manga.
Borrow up to 10 e-books, 10 e-audiobooks and 20 e-magazines for three weeks. Age restrictions apply for child accounts. No overdue charges and items return automatically. Download the BorrowBox app on Apple, Android or Kindle Fire and start reading anywhere, all free with your library card: libraries.essex.gov.uk/home. Youth Creative Writing Programme Our Youth Creative Writing Programme is for young people aged 12 to 18 who are interested in creating, improving or just sharing their work. This could be anything, from short stories to poetry. With a relaxed approach, we aim to give ideas, share each other’s work (if they want to) and be a supportive place for those who want to create. Come along, have fun and let’s get writing! Join us every third Thursday of the month from 5pm to 6pm. This programme is part of the Essex Young Writers initiative.
away in Utopia Planitia (48° N, 226° W). 29th September - Moon Near Hamal: Hamal is 14.9 times larger than our sun. Currently, a cool orange star which has exhausted its supply of core hydrogen and is now evolving towards becoming a red giant star. Distance: 65.8 light years. 30th September 0 Moon Rises With the Pleiades: Again, we’re using our Moon to easily locate this fine open star cluster. The cluster is a lovely blue colour and comparatively new, having formed within 100 million years. This Just in! June 14th 2026: ESA’s new Rosalind Franklin rover will land on Mars in 2028. Its mission is to search for evidence of past or present Martian life.
20th August Moon near Antares: Antares, often referred to as ‘the heart of the scorpion’. It is distinctly reddish when viewed with the naked eye. It is also on average the fifteenth-brightest star in the night sky.
The region it will land in, Oxia Planum, has even more clay than previously thought. Clay deposits might indicate the site of an ancient Mars ocean. So scientists are encouraged that this is a good place for a life search. New Moon: On 11th September, 10th October and 9th November there will be a new Moon. This means the skies will be extra dark which is a great opportunity to see planets, galaxies and deep space objects.
Distance: 550 light years.
Email me with any questions.
24th August Moon Near Saturn: I love these ‘Moon near’ posts - it’s a great help to easily point your binoculars, your telescope or even your naked eye.
Mark Willis presents The Retro Chart Show every Monday morning at 10am on Chelmsford Community Radio online and also across Chelmsford and beyond on 104.4 FM.
September 3rd 1976 - On Mars 50 Years Ago Today: Viking 2, which landed on Mars 50 years ago today, landed 6,500km (4,000 miles)
www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com mark.willis@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com
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Hero Pose - By Steve Johansen, Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga
Over the past couple of years of writing these articles, I’ve often referred to my ten favourite yoga poses. Hero Pose is not among them - not even close. It is, in fact, my least favourite yoga pose. Not because I find it especially difficult or cannot do it well (most yoga poses are challenging when practised with effort and awareness). For me, Hero Pose is uncomfortable at best and, on some days, painful. Even so, I still practise it almost every day. Hero Pose or Virasana in Sanskrit pronounced (VEE-rah AA-sah-nah). vira, meaning ‘hero’, and asana, meaning ‘posture’ or ‘seat’. Supta Virasana is considered to be the full pose, sometime referred to as Reclining Hero Pose; supta meaning ‘reclined’. This variation provides a far deeper stretch through the groin, thighs and knees. Hero Pose is a simple kneeling asana that can also serve as a meditation posture, offering an alternative to a comfortable crosslegged seated position, such as Easy Pose or the more advanced Lotus Pose. I’m often asked why it is called Hero Pose. The best explanation I have heard is that a hero is someone who protects others, like a warrior. Historically, warriors wore swords at their belts, and it was quicker to rise and draw a sword from kneeling than from a cross-legged seated position. As I often say, ‘If you can sit comfortably in Hero Pose for any length of time, I think you are a hero!’ How to Get Into Hero Pose • Kneel in the centre of your mat with the knees together. Feet point straight backwards. • If you can’t sit on the floor between the feet. like me, you can sit on your heels. • If you can, Separate the feet so that the buttocks can rest on the floor between the feet. • Keep the toes pointing straight back! Never out to the sides. • Sit tall by tilting the pelvis so the pubic bone presses into the mat. • Gently engage Mula Bandha the pelvic floor and draw the lower abdomen in and up. • Draw the navel inward and sternum forward and upwards. • Roll the shoulder blades back and inward to engage the pectoral muscles. • Lift through the crown of the head and gently tuck the chin, lengthening the neck. • Find your Drishti: a soft, unfocused gaze at eye height or higher. Hero Pose On your next inhalation: • Press the tops of your big toes into the mat, allowing the thighs to rotate slightly inward. • Sit taller, engage Mula Bandha, and draw the lower abdomen inward. • Lift the sternum and lengthen through the crown of the head towards the ceiling. Holding Hero Pose On your exhalation: • Relax a little deeper into the pose, if possible.
• • • • •
Let the sit bones sink towards the floor or the heels. Draw the shoulder blades back and in to create space across the collarbones. Lengthen the neck by gently tucking the chin and lifting through the crown of the head. Rest your hands gently on your thighs. Maintain your Drishti: a soft, unfocused gaze at eye level or slightly higher.
Maintaining Hero Pose With each exhalation: • There is no set holding time for Hero Pose, as it is considered a resting pose. • I often find five long, slow breaths challenging enough. With each inhalation: • Press the tops of your feet into the mat, engage your core and sit tall. • Draw your shoulder blades back and towards each other. • Rest your hands in your lap or on your thighs while maintaining your Drishti. Coming Out of Hero Pose On your next exhalation: • Fold forward into Child’s Pose, resting your forehead on folded forearms. • Alternatively, rest your forehead on the mat, palms facing up beside your feet. • Or, as I prefer, rest your forehead on the mat and reach your arms forward into Extended Child’s Pose. • Use your arms to lift your torso, then roll your hips to one side and extend your legs out. • Give your legs a gentle shake to bring movement back into them. Teacher Tip • You should always keep the knees together with the toes pointing back. • Hold Hero Pose for as long as feels comfortable - anything from five slow breaths to 20 minutes for meditation. • Beginners often find kneeling on a blanket more comfortable folding the blanket under the ankles takes pressure off the tops of the feet on the floor. Sit upright on the heels. • Alternatively, sit on a cushion, folded blanket, or yoga block placed between the sitbones and your heels to reducing pressure on the knees. • If you able to sit between the feet, but your sit bones do not reach the floor, place a folded blanket or yoga block between the feet to support the buttocks and help the knees relax. • Avoid this pose if you have an existing knee injury. For all those of you who would like to know more about Hero Pose and how to incorporate it within your practice, join me at my studio using this free pass code, ‘HPYFREECLASS’. My gift to you. www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk
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CT History The Conditions of the Chelmsford Union Workhouse - By Stephen Norris Diet in the Chelmsford Union Workhouse 1838- 1871 Food in the workhouse after the 1834 Act was designed to be a deterrent. Conditions outside were to be always more attractive even for the lowest paid labourer. In 1835 the PLC issued 6 dietary plans which covered the weekly meals and each union had to choose one for use in its workhouse, though the calorific value of each of the diets were less than those in prison. These dietaries were deliberately plain and repetitive. In all the different diets, meat was only served twice a week, which was considerably less than under the typical old parish workhouse. Generally, there was a substantial proportion of bread and cheese. Gruel was also common. It was a porridge-like substance but usually much thinner in workhouses. Gruel was usually made out of cereal, such as oatmeal, rye flour or rice boiled in milk or water. The quality of food varied considerably but was generally very poor. There were several reasons for this. Bread and meat were bought by tender, almost always at the lowest price, which led to short-changing and commonplace adulteration. Mass production of cooked food in poorly equipped kitchens also contributed to poor quality food. In the 1860s the PLB produced proper dietaries with suggestions for cooking and the composition of food, as well as the distribution and serving. Improvements were slow, however. There was also the novel idea that a knife, fork and spoon should be supplied! It was several decades before unions such as Chelmsford followed this instruction. The Diet for the Chelmsford Union Workhouse In December 1835 the Chelmsford Guardians chose diet no 3 from the 6 diets issued by the PLC. This was to be used initially in the chosen parish workhouses. It was not officially the most generous nor least generous diet. Diets including amounts in ounces were given for able-bodied men and able-bodied women, the aged and infirm, as well as specific amounts for children 1-3, 3-7 and 7-14. The diet was approved by the PLC and 50 copies were provided for Guardians and staff. The amounts distributed by the cook and her inmate assistants had to be checked by the master and porter.
In 1849 the new national PLB sent a letter regarding children dietaries. They said soup should not be given more than once a week. The workhouse MO, Barlow, opposed this restriction on children’s diet because the soup did include meat. Three years later the dietary committee were looking into the increased consumption of meat, and they concluded too much meat was being used in soup. Also, the workhouse MO was ordered not to ask for extra meat to patients longer than was necessary. A number of Guardians regularly voiced the opinion that the workhouse MO was too liberal in giving extra diet to sick paupers in the workhouse. Extra dietary periods for individual patients were to be put in the medical relief book. The following year the PLB asked the guardians to look into the diet of children from 2-5 and 5-9. The workhouse MO was to look into this having previously only produced one for 2-9. An inspection of the children by some of the Guardians occurred in 1856 when they were all healthy and the Board wanted the existing dietary continued. The following year however, the Guardians had produced two separate dietaries for the different age groups of children. In 1866 the PLB was worried that there was too much variation in the dietaries of different workhouses. The Chelmsford Guardians thought that the nourishment provided was what was necessary. A new committee was founded, to look again at the dietary because the PLB still wanted more uniformity. In 1869 Corder, the Chair of the committee, thought there was no need for any changes. Extra Diets for the Sick The workhouse MO was officially allowed to give extra food to the sick in the workhouse infirmary. Beer and spirits were also routinely given to those who were sick to aid their recovery! Extra Rations for Special Inmate Workers From the early days of the new Chelmsford Union workhouse, extra food and beer and occasionally spirits were given to those doing extra work, particularly those doing heavy work in the laundry. This was doubtless done both to reward them and to make sure they were capable of completing the work. Officially this was against the rules. To begin with, this was also probably hidden from the Chelmsford Guardians and the Clerk, who was a stickler for the rules of the PLC. By the time of the era of the PLB it was established that to induce a female inmate nurse to stay awake during the night in the infirmary she probably needed the encouragement of extra food in addition to the standard very restricted diet, as well as at least some alcohol. Those who helped in the kitchen needed similar inducements. The fact that the staff, until much later in the century, ate the same food as the inmates gave extra incentive to the master to allow such additions. It quickly became accepted that essential work would be completed very badly by paupers, unless extra rations were provided.
The Workhouse Diet of Able-Bodied Men and Women in the Chelmsford Union In the following decade, minor alterations were made to the official diet. Pork and green beans were substituted for general butcher’s meat once a week and rice pudding was included for the children.
Christmas in the Workhouse Christmas had been celebrated in parish workhouses up and down the country before the 1834 Act. Well before that, Christmas hospitality was common for the poor in monasteries and almshouses in the early modern period. Immediately following the 1834 Act the PLC ordered that no extra food was to be given at Christmas. Inmates were to have no wine, beer or spirits unless ordered by the workhouse MO. Some workhouses ignored the rules from the start. It was accepted, however that no extra work in the workhouse by paupers, except for the necessary cooking and cleaning etc, were to be carried out.
The Commission asked the clerk to write to other local Unions regarding their dietaries, but this didn’t result in any alterations. The Guardians did set up a committee of 6 to look into dietaries and as a result, minimal changes were made. One extra ounce of bread was to be given at breakfast and then only for able-bodied women, aged and infirm women and children!
In 1840 the PLC decided that extra food etc could be provided as long as there was no cost to the ratepayers. Local dignitaries paid the bill. Some unions continued to pay for the celebration out of their funds and it was not uncommon for auditors to make boards of Guardians pay the cost for this. By the middle of the century, it had become common for Guardians to visit the workhouse, usually on
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Boxing Day and give out food and gifts. After 1847 Guardians could pay for the meal out of the rates but there was no compulsion to do so. The total cost was only a couple of shillings per head. Beer, which had always been given in workhouses under the OPL, was still given to the inmates of the new Union workhouses. Christmas in the Chelmsford Union Workhouse Billericay workhouse was still giving no Christmas meal in 1843. In Chelmsford, however, the inmates were given plum pudding during their first Christmas in the new workhouse in 1838. 323 sat down to food, 60 of whom were between 60 and 84. There were 350 in the workhouse: so presumably some were not fed, possibly because of transgressions. The Billericay Workhouse Today In 1841 the Chronicle noted that the PLC objected to beef and plum pudding being given from ‘private benevolence’ because this ‘exhibits hostility to the law’. Three years later the paper was saying that it now didn’t object to Christmas treats in the workhouse and the Assistant Commissioner himself was bringing them in! During the 1850s, Christmas in the Chelmsford Union workhouse was usually organised by 3 Guardians - in 1852 it was Durrant and Wray. At Christmas 1855 Hasler, Wells and Copland were involved. Christmas festivities had not yet reached the fullness and complexity that they were to after 1871. The meals were, however, fulsome, when compared with the paupers’ meagre daily fare. Doubtless they satisfied the motives both genuine and dubious of those who contributed. The workhouse Christmas dinner became an event for the local middle classes to be seen at.
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Crafts - By Magali Ellis and Scrap-Circle Where Do You Get Inspiration From? Holidays are about so much more than the destination. Whether you’re jetting off to an exotic beach, exploring a bustling city, enjoying a countryside escape, or simply embracing a relaxing staycation at home, the most valuable souvenir you bring back isn’t something you can buy - it’s the memories you create. Time spent with family and friends is precious. Long conversations over dinner, children laughing together, discovering new places, celebrating special moments, or simply enjoying the slower pace of a break from everyday life all become part of your family’s story. These are the moments that deserve to be remembered for years to come.
become the inspiration for beautiful scrapbook pages, albums, journals, and handmade keepsakes that allow you to relive every special moment. Every photo tells part of your holiday story, and every page you create helps preserve those memories for future generations. So this summer, don’t worry about taking too many pictures - you’ll never regret having more memories to look back on. Capture the laughter, the scenery, the food, the funny moments, and everything in between. Your future crafting self will thank you! If you’re looking forward to turning your holiday memories into beautiful scrapbook layouts, why not join us at Scrap-Circle? Our friendly events are the perfect opportunity to relax, get creative, and finally print and scrapbook those treasured holiday photos.
One of the easiest ways to preserve those memories is by taking plenty of photographs. Don’t just capture the famous landmarks or the perfect sunset. Photograph the little moments too - the ice cream that melted before it could be eaten, sandy feet after a day at the beach, a family game around the table, the morning coffee with a beautiful view, or the smiles shared during an unexpected adventure. These everyday snapshots often become most treasured memories.
Join us for our Craft Weekend on 26th - 27th September, or treat yourself to one of our popular Craft Retreats on 9th - 11th October, 13th - 15th November, or 4th - 6th December. Whether you’re catching up on unfinished albums or starting a brand-new holiday scrapbook, you’ll enjoy great company, plenty of inspiration and dedicated time to create lasting keepsakes. Check www.scrap-circle.co.uk for more details.
When the holiday is over and life returns to normal, those photographs become much more than images on a phone. They
Take the photos today. Tell the stories tomorrow. Your memories deserve to be celebrated, one scrapbook page at a time.
Around the World in a Few Words! The Fascinating Origins of the Aubergine Over the next few months, we’ll be exploring the world through the medium of food. I’m lucky to encounter many world foods through my work which makes my kitchen the best place on earth! Today we’re exploring aubergines, which are my perfect comfort food... The aubergine is called eggplant in North America and brinjal in South Asia and has a history as rich as its deep purple skin. Although often mistaken for a vegetable, it is actually a fruit belonging to the nightshade family, alongside tomatoes and potatoes. Today, the aubergine is a staple ingredient in cuisines around the world, but its journey began thousands of years ago in Asia. Most historians believe the aubergine was first cultivated in India and parts of China over 2,000 years ago. Ancient farmers selected wild varieties for their larger, less bitter fruits, gradually creating the aubergines we know today. From Asia, traders carried the plant west along the Silk Road into the Middle East, where it quickly became a favourite ingredient. By the Middle Ages, Arab traders had introduced aubergines to North Africa and southern Europe, particularly Spain and Italy, where they became firmly established in local cooking traditions. Today, aubergines thrive in warm climates and are grown across the globe, with China and India now growing the majority of the world’s crop. They are also widely cultivated in Turkey, Egypt, Italy, Spain, Greece, Japan and many other Mediterranean and Asian countries. In cooler regions, including the United Kingdom, aubergines are commonly grown in greenhouses during the summer months. One of the reasons aubergines are loved worldwide (and by me) is their remarkable ability to absorb flavours. Their soft, creamy flesh pairs beautifully with herbs, spices and sauces. In Italy, they are layered with tomato sauce, basil and cheese to create the classic Parmigiana di Melanzane, while Greece is famous for moussaka, where sliced aubergines are baked with minced meat and a rich béchamel sauce. Across the Middle East, smoky roasted aubergines Page 26
are blended with tahini, garlic and lemon juice to make the popular dip baba ganoush. For a simple everyday meal, try brushing sliced aubergines with olive oil, seasoning with salt, pepper and garlic, then grilling or roasting until golden and tender. They also work wonderfully in curries, stirfries, pasta dishes and hearty vegetable stews. On the right is a delicious Afghan Borani Banjan which is one of the most popular Afghan dishes, not only in Afghanistan, but around the world. It is vegetarian but can be made vegan with a plant-based yoghurt. Simply made with slices of fried eggplant that are simmered in an aromatic tomato Photo: Thank you Laliuma, Safa & Marwah sauce and served topped with a thick yogurt. This article was written by Edith Miller, CEO of Ideas Hub Chelmsford. For more information about our work, projects, workshops and support offered, please visit: www.ideashubchelmsford.org and follow us on Facebook by searching ‘The Art Place Chelmsford’ (for The Art Place) and ‘Ideas Hub Chelmsford’ for the charity in general, and on Instagram.
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Interior Design Tips for Your Home - By Tania Dadd Cool, Calm Interiors: Interiors That Keep You Cool This Summer When the temperatures rise, our homes should become a place to retreat - somewhere we can relax, recharge and escape the heat. While we may not be able to control the weather, thoughtful interior styling can help create spaces that feel cooler, lighter and more comfortable throughout the summer months. One of the simplest ways to refresh your home is by swapping heavier winter textiles for lighter, breathable fabrics. Linen and cotton cushion covers, lightweight throws and natural table linens instantly create a fresh, airy feel while helping rooms feel less heavy during warmer weather. Colour also has a huge effect on how a room feels. Soft whites, gentle blues, sage greens and warm stone tones evoke a sense of calm and freshness. These shades reflect natural light beautifully and work together to create interiors that feel open, peaceful and inviting. Natural light should be embraced, but it can also be managed. Sheer curtains or lightweight blinds help soften harsh sunlight while still allowing daylight to flood the room. Keeping windows clear and positioning mirrors to bounce light around the space can make interiors feel brighter without adding unnecessary warmth. Bringing nature indoors is another timeless way to cool your home visually. Houseplants, fresh flowers and leafy stems introduce life, texture and colour while creating a stronger connection to the outdoors. Pair them with natural materials such as oak, rattan, woven baskets and ceramics for a relaxed, effortless look that perfectly complements the season. Finally, think about airflow. Ceiling fans or stylish freestanding fans
can become part of your interior scheme rather than simply serving a practical purpose. Position furniture to encourage airflow through the room and open windows during the cooler parts of the day to allow fresh air to circulate naturally. Top Tips for Staying Cool at Home • Choose breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton. • Decorate with calming shades of white, sage, soft blue and stone. • Use sheer curtains to filter strong sunlight. • Keep windows clear to maximise natural light and airflow. • Add greenery and fresh flowers to bring the outdoors in. • Introduce natural textures like oak, rattan and woven baskets. • Declutter surfaces for a lighter, calmer feel. • Choose stylish fans that complement your décor as well as keeping you cool. Creating a cool and comfortable home isn’t about making dramatic changes. By embracing lighter fabrics, calming colours, natural materials and thoughtful styling, you can transform your interiors into a peaceful retreat that feels fresh, elegant and perfectly suited to summer living. If you would like any assistance, we do offer a free consultation. Our services include interior design, colour advice and styling. 07979 66 3339 info@saltmarshinteriors.co.uk www.saltmarshinteriors.co.uk
Tales From the Circle - By Sylvia Kent
Brentwood Writers’ Circle may have reached its special eighty‑fifth birthday this year, but it is by no means slowing down or running short of fresh ideas. Our August meeting at Brentwood’s Bardswell Social Club proved exactly that: offering members an unusual and imaginative workshop designed to stretch our creative muscles in a new direction.
chose to read monologues, while others paired up to present short scenes, complete with a few simple props that added charm and atmosphere. The results were wonderfully varied: humorous, dramatic, inventive and, above all, enormous fun. Laughter rippled around the room, and there was a shared sense of discovery as writers explored a form they might not otherwise have attempted.
We regularly hold themed sessions that introduce different approaches to writing, but on a scorching Saturday afternoon, this particular challenge felt especially invigorating.
One of the Circle’s great strengths is the diversity of its membership. Among us are researchers, young journalists, poets, business consultants, social historians and those simply curious about the craft of writing. Each brings a different perspective, and each is eager to learn, experiment and support others. Workshops like this remind us how energising it can be to step outside our usual habits and try something new.
This month’s gathering departed from our usual format. Instead of prose, poetry or memoir, members were invited to try their hand at a short play or film script. Ahead of the meeting, everyone was encouraged to prepare a piece of around 150 words, using dialogue only, apart from a brief introductory scene‑setting paragraph. For many, this was a completely new venture - and that was the point. The first half of the session was spent discussing the craft of scriptwriting and refining ideas. After our customary teatime break, the room came alive as members performed their pieces. Some
As we celebrate our eighty‑five years of continuous activity, Brentwood Writers’ Circle remains a welcoming place for anyone who loves words. If you are interested in joining us, or simply curious about what we do, you are warmly invited to enjoy a free first visit please see our website, www.brentwoodwriterscircle.com. You may find your next creative adventure waiting there.
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Here is this month’s quiz. The first 30 questions are general knowledge and the last 10 a specific subject. This month: Drinks. By Tim Brooks 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
What is the name of the peninsula located in the northern part of Norway, Finland and Russia? In which year did the First World War end? Who composed the music for The Messiah? Who succeeded Neville Chamberlain as Prime Minister in 1940? What is the currency of Hungary? Which animal can be seen on the Porsche logo? Who played Queen Elizabeth II in the first two seasons of The Crown? In The Simpsons, what is Homer’s catchphrase? What is the name of the sea located between Italy and Tunisia? What famous man became president of his country after being in jail for 18 years? When did Four Weddings and a Funeral premiere? In which 1963 classic film did Charles Bronson appear? Who was the British monarch at the time of the Abdication Crisis? What is the official currency of India? Who played the character of Jack Dawson in the movie Titanic? Who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia? Which country is known as the Land of the Long White Cloud? The Needles off the western tip of the Isle of Wight are an example of what type of geographical feature? How many faces does a dodecahedron have? In what year did the Russian Revolution occur?
21. Which country was occupied by Germany, Italy and Hungary in 1941? ( Hint: the country no longer exists) 22. What is the capital of Cambodia? 23. How many noble gasses are there? 24. Who painted The Hay Wain? 25. Who was the last prophet in Islam? 26. What kind of turtle can’t retract into its shell? 27. Which actor starred as the main character in The 28. Terminator? What is the name of the British band known for hits like 29. Yellow and Fix You? What is a leprechaun’s profession? 30. What are the four March sisters in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women called? 31. What is the world’s most consumed non-alcoholic beverage after water? 32. What’s the traditional soft drink in Scotland known for its bright orange colour? 33. What’s the main ingredient in tonic water that gives it bitterness? 34. What drink is made from fermented rice and commonly served in Japan? 35. What is the term for a beer made without pasteurisation or filtering? 36. What cocktail is made with vodka and coffee liqueur? 37. What country is known for Malbec wine? 38. What spirit is made from sugarcane or molasses? 39. What is the primary ingredient in lemonade? 40. What’s the purpose of a sommelier?
Wordseach by thewordsearch.com - answers on page 31
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Quiz & Wordsearch Answers
1. Fennoscandian Peninsula 2. 1918 3. George Frideric Handel 4. Winston Churchill 5. Forint 6. Horse 7. Claire Foy 8. D’oh! 9. Mediterranean Sea 10. Nelson Mandela 11. 1994 12. The Great Escape www.thecitytimes.co.uk
13. Edward VIII 14. Indian rupee 15. Leonardo DiCaprio 16. CS Lewis 17. New Zealand 18. Stack 19. 12 20. 1917 21. Yugoslavia 22. Phnom Penh 23. 7 24. John Constable
Muhammad Sea turtle Arnold Schwarzenegger Coldplay Shoemaker/Cobbler Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy Tea - it is drunk in nearly all countries 32. Irn-Bru - often called ‘Scotland’s other national drink’ 33. Quinine 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31.
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34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40.
Sake - can be served warm or chilled Craft beer (or unfiltered beer) Black Russian (add cream to make it a White Russian) Argentina - though the grape originates from France Rum - white, dark, and spiced Lemon juice - combined with water and sugar Wine expert - specialises in pairing food and wine Page 31
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