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Issue Number 149 - March 16th - April 14th 2026
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City Times Intro Hello readers, Welcome to The City Times March/April edition. There will be lots to do for children over the Easter holidays - check out our What’s On Guide and pages 21 and 23 for a Wizard of Oz ice show at Riverside, and City and Mini Camps all over the area. Remember too that the clocks go forward this month, so lighter evenings are on their way! 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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They say this is one of the wettest starts to a year we have had and I can believe it. As we head into spring, we have had one warm day so far but I know that we are also in for another cold spell too. So what do we do with our gardens? Mine is starting to get into bud so I just hope it all survives. In my mind we have just had three big days: we had International Book Day where many school children get dressed up and have fun. I think it is great that youngsters still seem to be reading books. After this we had International Women’s Day - and of course I think women need to be celebrated. As an aside, it is sad that it’s mainly men who are ruining and destroying this planet. We are also heading towards Mothering Sunday where we celebrate mothers, both past and present though the generations. I now have my new computer which so far seems to work well, what I must remember to do is the backing up so that I don’t lose all my information again. I must thank my friend Jevon for his help with all of this. I also want to take a moment to thank all of the pubs, shops, bars, hairdressers and the many other places that take our City Times in for their customers to pick up and read and take away. Music I now have 2026 fully booked! At the Social Club I have filled the last remaining date on Friday 17th July with The Small Fakers along with The Veras returning - for all fans of The Small Faces these guys are the best we think. At Hot Box I have now filled Monday 19th October with Adam Norsworthy of The Milk Men, The Mustangs and others. He has a new solo album out to promote, so we are really looking forward to this one. We have a very busy week ahead of us with two sold-out shows at Hot Box. We begin with our first sell out on Thursday 19th March with Kossoff The Band Plays On playing on the 50th anniversary of the sad death of Paul Kossoff (guitarist of Free and Back Street Crawler) with the original singer from Back Street Crawler Terry Wilson Slesser. On guitar is John Buckton, on drums is Clive Edwards (UFO and Lionheart), on bass is Clive’s cousin John ‘Rhino’ Edwards (Status Quo). Next at the Chelmsford Social Club we have The Paul McCartney Project and we are looking forward to this - they do not play The Beatles, it’s all Wings and the Paul McCartney band. We also have a Saturday afternoon at Hot Box coming up with a show of music and stand up comedy from Tony De Muer aka Ronnie Golden. His band was The Fabulous Poodles from the ’70s - they were very big in the USA. After they split Tony went on to do voices for Spitting Image for four seasons doing voices for the likes of David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen. He also worked with The Comic Strip and appeared in The Young Ones. Ronnie was also the best friend of the late great Barry Cryer and they went on to write and perform together a lot. On the Sunday we have another afternoon show and another sellout. This time with The Milk Men who are a great, lively band. This is their first show since Milk Fest 2 which was on Sunday 1st March at The Indigo at The O2 London. It’s a great event raising funds for Dementia UK. Adam Norsworthy is the guitarist and on second
vocals. They also have Lloyd Green on bass who’s dad was Mick Green of The Pirates. This is a very busy few days for us at Black Frog Presents! Back to the Social Club on Friday 27th March and we have Diva Purple, the only all female Deep Purple band out there - and we all love them. At Hot Box we welcome back Mim Grey on Tuesday 31st March. Mim is Sir Tom Jones’ favourite singer and one of Sir Paul McCartney’s also, so do not miss this rare opportunity to see her with her own band. There’s no gig for us on Friday 3rd April as its Good Friday but on Sunday 5th April we have another afternoon show with Nothing In Rambling, which features Andy Twyman and Sister Suzie, so we’re looking forward to this. On Thursday 9th April we have Steve Young & The Real Time Players; so don’t delay book today! In April we’re back to The Social Club for some Friday shows. We start on Friday 10th with a return from ReFloyd who were so good before that we had to get them back. Then we have Hamish Stuart, the voice and main writer for The Average White Band. He also played with Sir Paul McCartney and wrote for and played with Chaka Khan. He is now part of Ringo Starr’s All Star Band. The last Friday of April we have Stray performing. They have played other venues for me over the years and Del Bromham has also played solo for us a few times too. Then we have a couple of afternoons at Hot Box with Kings & Bears on the Saturday and Bad Pennies on the Sunday. 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 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. Or have you done anything unusual or are you planning something? If so, we want to know about it. And 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. To find out more about Black Frog Presents and our shows go to www. linktr.ee/BlackFrogPresents or scan the QR code in our adverts.
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Homelessness: What to Do When Things Start to Slip Homelessness can affect anyone. It can begin with a rent increase that tips the balance, a relationship ending, work drying up, or health problems. By the time someone asks for help, life has usually been getting tougher for a while.
In our city, the top causes of homelessness are eviction by landlords, eviction by friends or family and domestic abuse. Asylum seekers are not eligible for housing by local councils - they are accommodated by the Home Office while their cases are considered. The truth is that across the UK, there just isn’t enough affordable and social housing and rents are soaring. That’s not a quick problem to fix. In 2024-25, Chelmsford City Council enabled 195 more affordable homes through the planning system, and it lists homelessness as a top priority in its plans. Previously, it used private rentals to bridge the gap, but this is no longer possible. Rent on a two-bed family home in Chelmsford is around £500pcm higher than the government’s housing benefit rates.
In Chelmsford, the city council’s housing team is dealing with rising demand, at the same time as the supply of homes they can offer is reducing. Behind the numbers are families trying to stay near schools and childcare, people moving between spare rooms and sofas and life under constant stress. The Work You Don’t Always See The city council is putting huge effort into stopping situations from reaching crisis point wherever possible. Over the past year, the council has prevented around 300 households in Chelmsford becoming homeless. Around two-thirds of these were families with children. Prevention can mean negotiating with landlords, help sorting out benefits, debt advice, or helping find somewhere else to live before eviction happens. This work can make a huge difference when it succeeds. If you’re worrying about becoming homeless, contact Chelmsford City Council early - don’t wait until the situation is irreversible.
Temporary Accommodation Is a Stopgap While this imbalance exists, temporary accommodation is often needed. Nearly 600 households (families with children in the main) have been made homeless recently and are currently housed this way. An emergency shelter keeps a roof over your head - but it isn’t a real home and can mean travelling further to school or work or moving multiple times. When nothing suitable is available locally, some may even be placed outside the Chelmsford district. This sort of accommodation is not stable, it’s also in short supply, and its high cost draws funds that could be used for better housing solutions. What Might Change Extra government funding aimed at preventing homelessness is starting to reach councils, including Chelmsford. The focus is likely to stay on earlier help and stopping people losing their homes in the first place.
Local Demand, but Few Local Homes Even so, the waiting list for housing is long. More than 2,000 people are on the list with hundreds in urgent need. But from April 2025 to January 2026, only around 140 homes became available. Why? There’s a myth in the UK that ‘affordable homes are for people outside the area’ - but this isn’t correct: 100% of the new, affordable rented homes built in Chelmsford go to people on the city council’s housing list.
Longer-term change depends on bigger factors too. Building more, truly affordable homes, easing the cost-of-living crisis and tackling the financial pressures that push people towards homelessness. These problems stretch beyond any one city and require society to work together to fix them. In the meantime, if you’re worried about losing your home, getting advice early really does make a difference. It might feel easier to ignore letters or hope things sort themselves out, but speaking to someone sooner usually opens up more options. The council can talk through your situation and explain what help might be available. Find out more at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/housing/advice-abouthomelessness.
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City Times Food! Spring is nearly here and these lighter evenings and mornings are very welcome. It’s very refreshing to drive to work not in the pitch black.
a lovely touch.
I’ve treated myself to a few new cookery books this month. One I actually picked up in a charity shop for £3, Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Cookery Course. If you have the chance to buy this book then please do! It has lots of tips and knowledge about equipment and ingredients, which I think is
The other book I would like to recommended is another of his books, Ramsay in 10. Featured are recipes that take 10 minutes, which I think is fantastic for quick easy meals - even if they may take a little longer than 10 minutes as not all of us are going to be able to chop as fast as he can! That being said, they are designed to be quick meals. My first proper chef job at the age of 18 was actually working for Gordon, so I have to admit I am a bit of a cheerleader when it comes to his work. At this time of year, it’s hard to know what to cook sometimes when we are in between seasons. A comforting stew or soup perhaps, but with the weather constantly changing we don’t always want that! My recipe this month tries to mix the two together to have a healthy midweek dinner. I’ve spoken about diets many times over the last few years in my articles (I can’t believe I’ve been writing for over 3 years now...). A healthy diet doesn’t have to be an all or nothing, You don’t have to be perfect, you don’t have to completely eliminate foods you enjoy. My recipe this month is a low carb recipe but one that definitely leaves you feeling full and full of flavours. Another thing that I’ve learnt over the years is that not all fats are bad fats. Foods high in good fats include vegetable oils, avocados, eggs, And just like that, spring has officially sprung. The evenings are lighter, the daffodils are out, and there is that welcome feeling that winter is behind us. If you’re looking for something a little bit different, The Wild Table returns to Essex this May, and it’s genuinely one of the most unique dining experiences I have ever had. Created by Brixton restaurant The Laundry in collaboration with Browning Bros, the event takes place at Tey Brook Orchard, which is transformed into a magical off-grid dining space. The evening begins with a stroll through the woodland, where guests enjoy a seasonal cocktail and delicious canapés. Guests then take their seats at shared tables beneath the trees, beautifully styled with pretty fairy lights and flowers all around. Dining alongside people you may not have met before is one of the nicest parts of the evening and a great way to meet like-minded food lovers. Chef Melanie Brown and her team cook everything over open flames right in front of you, using locally sourced ingredients and produce grown nearby. Each course has that subtle smokiness from cooking over fire, paired with excellent local wines that complement the menu beautifully. My standout dish was the lamb cutlet, beautifully cooked and full of flavour. The focaccia was some of the best I’ve tasted, served warm with whipped smoked butter. For dessert, we toasted mini bombe Page 6
fish, dark chocolate, cheese and nuts. I’m not sure why, but beetroot and feta pair so beautifully and I just had to make a meal that included both of these as well as some good fats. I used pork loin steaks, but you can use pork chops or even a chicken breast Pork With Feta and Beetroot (Serves 2) • 4 pork loins. • 2 beetroots, roughly chopped. • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar. • 2 tbsp roasted hazelnuts. • 2tbsp olive oil. • 2 spring onion sliced. • 60g feta. • 1 avocado sliced. • 2 handfuls of spinach leaves. Method • Preheat your oven to 180 degrees. • Heat 1tbsp of your oil in a frying pan and seal your meat on both sides in a hot frying pan this keeps the meat juices within the meat. • Transfer to an ovenproof dish and cook for 15-20 minutes until cooked all the way through. • Meanwhile, place the beetroot, vinegar, hazelnuts, olive oil and spring onions in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss to mix. • Place your cooked pork chop on a plate, pile up the beetroot salad, crumble the feta all over and serve with the avocado and spinach. This is truly a delicious midweek meal that will take hardly any preparation time and will definitely spice up a boring pork chop. Enjoy! Alaska’s over the fire, which was the perfect way to end the evening. Tickets are £80 per person, with lunch and dinner sittings available from 15th - 17th May. Glamping accommodation is also available for anyone wanting to make a full weekend of it. If you miss out on May tickets, don’t worry. September dates from 18th - 20th will be released very soon and are expected to sell just as fast. The Wild Table takes place at Tey Brook Orchard, Brook Road, CO6 1JE, and tickets can be booked online at www.thelaundrybrixton. com/the-wild-table. Follow me on Instagram by searching ‘@thehungrykp’ for more local foodie finds.
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Baddow Road, Chelmsford - Places to Eat
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Perennials that benefit from early support include: Delphinium elatum (candle larkspur), Paeonia lactiflora (Chinese peony), Digitalis purpurea (common foxglove). By mid to late March the garden is beginning to move decisively into spring. Soil temperatures gradually rise, daylight hours extend noticeably, and plants that have been dormant through winter begin active growth. While it is tempting to rush into planting everything at once, careful timing and preparation during this period helps ensure stronger plants and a more resilient garden later in the season. Mid to late March is particularly important for preventative care, establishing crops early and supporting plants as they transition into active growth. The following five tasks focus on practical jobs that prepare the garden for the months ahead. 1. Plant Summer-Flowering Perennials Many summer-flowering bulbs and tubers can be planted once soil temperatures begin to warm in March. Planting now allows them to establish roots before the rapid growth of late spring. Suitable bulbs include: Dahlia pinnata (garden dahlia), Lilium regale (regal lily), Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus (Byzantine gladiolus). Plant bulbs at a depth roughly two to three times their height. For most Lilium bulbs this means planting approximately 15cm deep, while gladiolus corms are typically planted 10-12cm deep. Space plants 20-40cm apart depending on their mature spread. Choose a well-drained location and incorporate organic matter if the soil is heavy. Dahlia tubers can also be started in containers indoors before being planted outside once the risk of frost has passed. 2. Install Plant Supports Early Installing plant supports while shoots are still small prevents damage later in the season and avoids disturbing established roots.
Place supports when shoots are around 10-15cm tall. Circular metal supports or grids placed around the plant allow stems to grow naturally through the framework. Alternatively, natural supports made from hazel or bamboo stakes work well in informal planting schemes. Allow spacing of around 40-60cm between plants to ensure good airflow, which helps reduce fungal disease later in the year. 3. Pot On Seedlings Seedlings that were sown earlier in late winter often require potting on by mid March. When plants develop two to four true leaves, they begin to need more space and nutrients. Move seedlings into individual pots approximately 7-9cm in diameter filled with fresh peat-free potting compost. Plants commonly potted on at this stage include: Solanum melongena (aubergine), Capsicum annuum (sweet pepper), Antirrhinum majus (snapdragon). Handle seedlings carefully by their leaves rather than their stems to avoid damage. After potting on, water well and keep plants in bright conditions at around 15-18°C to promote steady growth. Potting on prevents overcrowding, improves root development and reduces the likelihood of damping-off disease. 4. Refresh Mulches Around Trees and Shrubs Organic mulches applied during winter often become thin or disturbed by weather conditions. Refreshing mulch in March helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds before vigorous spring growth begins. Apply a layer of mulch around plants such as: Malus domestica (apple tree), Ribes rubrum (redcurrant), Hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf hydrangea). Spread composted bark, leaf mould or well-rotted garden compost to a depth of around 5-7cm. Leave a gap of about 5cm around trunks and stems to prevent rot. Mulching improves soil structure, encourages earthworm activity and gradually releases nutrients as the organic material breaks down. 5. Begin Hardening Off Young Plants Plants raised indoors or in heated greenhouses must gradually adjust to outdoor conditions before planting out. Hardening off involves placing plants outdoors in a sheltered location for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure over a period of 7-10 days. Plants often hardened off at this time include: Viola × wittrockiana (garden pansy), Calendula officinalis (pot marigold), Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea) Avoid placing plants outside during strong winds or frost and bring them back indoors at night during the early stages. This process helps plants develop stronger stems and thicker leaf surfaces, enabling them to cope with outdoor conditions. 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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Regal Kitchens: Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom 40th Anniversary Event Celebrating four decades of industry progress, this year’s Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom (KBB) 40th anniversary event brought together leading voices from across the kitchen and bathroom sector to reflect on the past and explore what comes next. For Regal, the event provided an opportunity not only to celebrate the milestone but also to gain fresh inspiration from the ideas, innovations and design trends shaping the future of the industry. Over the last forty years, the kitchen and bathroom sector has evolved dramatically. What were once purely functional spaces have become some of the most important areas in the modern home. Kitchens now sit at the centre of everyday living, while bathrooms increasingly reflect personal wellness, comfort and design expression.
Sustainability also featured strongly in many conversations across the event. From responsibly sourced materials to water-saving technologies and energy-efficient appliances, manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on environmentally conscious design. As consumer awareness grows, the demand for sustainable solutions is becoming a key driver for innovation across the sector. “It’s clear that sustainability is no longer a future trend - it’s already a major part of how the industry is evolving,” Stacey added. “Customers are increasingly aware of the choices they make and manufacturers are responding with smarter, more responsible products.” Technology continues to play a growing role as well. Smart appliances, integrated lighting systems and digital controls are becoming more refined, allowing technology to enhance everyday convenience without dominating the design of a space. “What stood out was how seamlessly technology is now being incorporated into kitchens and bathrooms,” Stacey said. “It’s no longer about novelty - it’s about improving usability and making homes work better for the people who live in them.” Beyond the products and presentations, the anniversary event also reinforced the importance of collaboration across the industry. Designers, manufacturers and retailers gathered to exchange ideas and build relationships that will help shape the next phase of growth. “The energy and creativity across the event were incredibly motivating,” Stacey said. “It’s events like this that remind you how innovative and forward-thinking this industry really is.” As the sector celebrates forty years of progress, one message was clear: the pace of innovation shows no signs of slowing down. For Regal, the inspiration gained from the event will continue to inform its approach as the industry moves confidently into its next chapter.
For Regal, attending the anniversary event reinforced just how far the industry has progressed. “KBB’s 40th anniversary really highlighted the incredible journey our industry has been on,” said Stacey, Senior Interior Designer at Regal. “It was inspiring to see how innovation, design and technology have transformed kitchens and bathrooms into spaces that truly enhance the way people live.” While the event celebrated the past, the focus was firmly on the future. Throughout the day, discussions and exhibitions highlighted the trends and ideas expected to influence the next generation of kitchen and bathroom design. One of the most prominent themes was the continued shift towards integrated living. Designers are increasingly creating kitchens that blend seamlessly with open-plan living areas, using refined materials, concealed storage and thoughtful layouts to create spaces that feel both functional and stylish. “The move towards more connected living spaces is something we’re seeing more and more,” Stacey explained. “Homeowners want kitchens that work as part of the wider home environment, not separate from it.”
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50 Years of Broadcasting - Thanks to Local Newspaper Ad An afternoon of star-studded stories, backstage gossip and musical bingo is coming to South Woodham Ferrers in April to mark a broadcasting milestone.
Alan will be revealing how much he paid Stevie Wonder when he booked him for a local gig and how he was shocked to see him turn up in a Ford Popular with just his tutor and no entourage.
Steve Scruton’s love of radio began in the 1960s listening to the pirate stations broadcasting from just off the Essex coast. It fired his own desire to broadcast, with his break coming on Hospital Radio Chelmsford in 1976 when he answered an advert in a local newspaper for volunteers - and many years broadcasting to patients followed… he remains president of the service to this day.
Alan says he’s not embarrassed to admit why he turned down Tom Jones and decided not to book The Rolling Stones. He’ll also explain the difficulties he had staging nights for mods and rockers and how he had to make sure the venues and artists were right for each tribe.
Bit parts with Radio Orwell, Essex Radio and Radio Cambridgeshire eventually led to a full time job at BBC Essex, which came after Steve again saw an advert in the paper, this time for a broadcast assistant at the new BBC station.
“I’m hoping people will love to hear about the fees I paid to the stars, and the demands and tantrums I had to juggle to get the acts on stage! Was it really all sex, drugs and rock n’ roll? You’ll find out!” Alan has so many great stories from his lifetime in entertainment and he’s still promoting gigs to this day - over 60 years on. Films clips accompanying the entertainment will include rare footage of death-defying arena stunts at events organised by Alan in an era before health and safety. Along with the chat, the afternoon will also include several rounds of fun musical bingo with some great prizes to be won. Radio Rock Bingo is at the Champions Manor Hall in South Woodham Ferrers on Tuesday 14th April at 2pm. Tickets are £15 and include your card to play our fun musical bingo. To book, search ‘Radio Rock Bingo’ on www.eventbrite.com or click tinyurl.com/RRBSouth-Woodham-Ferrers. Radio Rock Bingo is also heading to New Windmill Hall in Upminster on Tuesday 28th April at 2pm. Tickets are £15 and also include your card to play musical bingo. To book search ‘Radio Rock Bingo’ on www.eventbrite.com or tinyurl.com/RRB-Upminster.
Steve’s career included a 22-year stint presenting the Afternoon Show and involvement in many of the stations big events and outside broadcasts. He finally achieved his dream of broadcasting from a ship through the recreation of pirate radio on the LV18 anchored off Harwich in 2004. He has also recently broadcast the live Christmas Day Show - something he’s done for three decades. Steve will be sharing his memories of interviewing thousands of guests on his radio shows, including Rod Stewart who gave him an unexpected hug, and a former East End gangster who made him a shocking offer. “From working with my radio hero Johnnie Walker, to meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II, it’s been a blast! I’m looking forward to sharing stories about the people I’ve met in the studio and worked with on stage. I’m often asked about the best and worst moments of being on air, so I’ll be including those too! Thank goodness I saw that ad in the Essex Chronicle!” Radio Rock Bingo also features one of the last ’60s music and show promoters, Alan Goldsmith, who has featured regularly on the radio with Steve over the years and the pair are excited to be working together on stage. Alan began in the business when he was just 18 and it wasn’t long before he was working with the biggest names in music including Elton John, The Who, Small Faces and Dionne Warwick.
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Introducing Presenter Evan Harmes Joining CCR in October of 2025, Evan has been enthusiastically presenting his love of music. He appreciates a wide range of music across a lot of genres and plays an eclectic mix of classic tracks and lesser known tunes.
Sonny Rollins, Red Garland and Blue Mitchell. Evan has started presenting a jazz show on CCR, with an aim of proving that jazz still has a place in the modern world. In his shows, he plays an enormous range of jazz music; traditional styles like swing, blues and bebop all the way to modern interpretations with fusion and funk. Evan often interviews guests, gathering a mix of opinions and illustrating the depth to jazz music.
However, his biggest passion in music is for jazz. Evan joined the Essex Youth Jazz Orchestra in 2021 with very little experience of jazz. He quickly became engrossed in the genre and has been quickly expanding his repertoire. With the band, he has played concerts in various venues, including concerts in Austria.
Outside of jazz, Evan has also played in several gigging bands on bass, playing local venues around Essex. One of his biggest highlights has been performing alongside Frank Turner.
Evan plays a range of instruments, with his main being piano and bass. After leaving EYJO, Evan is now the pianist for the Essex Youth Dectet and will be playing with them in gigs across Italy. Some of Evan’s favourite musicians include Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, As we mentioned to you last month, we at City Sound have extended our broadcasts to Chelmsford’s new small-scale DAB multiplex, expanding local digital radio choice across the city. Chelmsford Digital Radio officially launched on 14th February, marking exactly 104 years since 2MT Writtle began regular entertainment broadcasts in 1922.
Alongside his passion for music, Evan is also a top performing ballroom and latin dancer. Last year, he became a national solo vice champion and has won multiple national titles over the years. He started his dance career in 2019 and slowly worked his way up. He has competed in many prestigious competitions across the UK, including the beautiful Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the magnificent Winter Gardens. His favourite dance is the quickstep, due to its fast but flowing movements. Evan recently began presenting the Wednesday Drive at 5 show solo. Having worked alongside other team members, he is steadily gaining confidence. Evan’s enthusiasm and humour is infectious and sure to improve your mood. Why not join him for the ride? For more information visit www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com long broadcasting heritage. Rebecca Steers, Founder of Chelmsford Digital Radio, who also attended the ceremony, said: “It’s an honour to build on Chelmsford’s incredible broadcasting legacy. DAB gives local, independent and community stations the ability to flourish and be heard.” Rebecca added that the multiplex would help local voices reach listeners across the city and continue Chelmsford’s tradition of innovation in radio. Our directors, Tony Knight and Paul Morrish, said: “We are very pleased to partner with Chelmsford Digital Radio as a launch station.” The launch event brought together supporters, volunteers and members of the local community to celebrate the milestone. For a city that quite literally helped invent broadcasting, seeing a modern digital transmitter go live carries special significance. It’s easy to listen to City Sound if you have access to a DAB radio. Simply scroll through the alphabetical list of available stations, or choose the Chelmsfd DAB group and find us there. 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.
The mayor attended the opening ceremony at City Sound and highlighted the city’s role in the origins of wireless communication, referencing Guglielmo Marconi’s work in Chelmsford and the area’s
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’), or on numerous radio apps - and now on DAB across the city. City Sound - The Voice Of Chelmsford
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March
Monday 16th Ale House - Beery Bingo Chelmer Village - Pilates classes Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.30 9.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk) The Wheastsheaf - Club Tuesday 17th Chelmsford Theatre - Ivo Graham: Orange Crush Hot Box - Open Mic Night Hot Box - Retro Gaming from Melee 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 18th Bootmaker - Salsa dancing Cheerful Chai (Broomfield) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com) Chelmsford Theatre - The Magic of the Bee Gees Hot Box - Control Voltage: Electronic Music Open Mic Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666) The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz Thursday 19th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening Chelmsford Theatre - When Vincent Met John Chelmsford Theatre - Lindisfarne Hot Box - Blues Box Presents: Kossoff... The Band Plays On (sold out) 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 20th Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Paul McCartney Project Chelmsford Theatre - Comedy Special with Rhys James Chelmsford Theatre - Friends of Chelmsford Museum Annual Lecture Hot Box - Soft Machine Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noon booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com) Saturday 21st Beaulieu Community Centre - Family Horse Race Night (£4 per person - grab your tickets on Eventbrite by searching ‘CGC Trust Events’) Chelmsford Theatre - Adam Frost Chelmsford Theatre - The Comedy Store Players Chelmsford Theatre - Alasdair Beckett-King: King of Crumbs Hot Box - Roots Chelmsford Dominos Jamaican Style (2pm) Hot Box - Blues Box Presents: Ronnie Golden (Tony De Meur) (1pm) Hot Box - 1000 Volts of Holt RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am - 1pm) Station Arms (Southminster) - Richard Townend The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke
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Saturday 21st (continued...) Wickham Bishops Jazz Club (Village Hall, CM8 3JZ) - Alan Gresty & Friends with Pete Neighbour & Colin Bray (contact 07548 775 777) Sunday 22nd Chelmsford Theatre - An Evening with Toyah: Songs and Stories Hot Box - Blues Box Presents: The Milk Men (sold out) Monday 23rd Chelmsford Theatre - Dementia Accessible Cinema: Calamity Jane Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club Hot Box - Crymwav Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.30 9.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk) The Wheatsheaf - Club Tuesday 24th Chelmsford Theatre - Flabbergast Theatre’s Macbeth Chelmsford Theatre - EOS: Turner & Constable Hot Box - Chelmsford Creative Collective Monthly Meet Up Hot Box - Waxes Lyrical: Poetry & Spoken Word 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) Woolpack - Quiz Worlds Pantry Coffee Shop (Moulsham Mill) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am -booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com) Wednesday 25th Cheerful Chai (Broomfield) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com) Chelmsford Theatre - Simon Evans is Staring at the Sun Chelmsford Theatre - Taylormania Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666) Thursday 26th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night Chelmsford Theatre - Kane Brown: Crowd Work King Hot Box - Jamie WIlliams and the Roots Collective + GT Willian 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 27th Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Diva Purple Chelmsford Theatre - Josh Baulf: Lovely Stuff Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noon booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com) Hot Box - HotHaus Drag Presents: HotShots Saturday 28th Chelmsford Theatre - Tiny Planet Chelmsford Theatre - The ELO Experience Chelmsford Theatre - Russel Hicks: This Time It’s Personal Hot Box - Roots Chelmsford Dominos Jamaican Style (2pm) Hot Box - Cornelius + Sam Dunn (1pm) Hot Box - Gary Powell DJ Set + Freak + Home Games + DJs RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am - 1pm) Wessex Auditorium (Brentwood School, Brentwood) - Waltham Singers with Brentwood & Ingatestone Choral Society (performing Martin Palmeri’s ‘Magnificat’ with the composer at the piano. Tickets: www.brentwoodandingatestonechoral.org.uk or via social media) The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke Sunday 29th The Ale House - Quiz Chelmsford Theatre Hot Box - Ragga Food and Vybz Monday 30th Chelmsford Sport and Athletic Centre, Riverside Leisure Centre and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre - Mini Camps Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club The Wheatsheaf - Club
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Tuesday 31st Chelmsford Sport and Athletic Centre, Riverside Leisure Centre and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre - Mini Camps Hot Box - Blues Box Presents: Mim Grey 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
April
Wednesday 1st Bootmaker - Salsa dancing Cheerful Chai (Broomfield) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential at www.engagefitnessservices.com) Chelmsford Sport and Athletic Centre, Riverside Leisure Centre and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre - Mini Camps Chelmsford Theatre - Pete Firman: Tricks and Giggles Chelmsford Theatre - Ray Bradshaw: CODA Friends Meeting House (Rainsford Road) - CRAG Retirement Group monthly meeting (9.30 for 10am. First visit free) Hot Box - Independance 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: Derek Nash’s Picante Latin Sextet (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075) South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre - Try Scuba Diving Thursday 2nd Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night Chelmsford Sport and Athletic Centre, Riverside Leisure Centre and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre - Mini Camps Chelmsford Theatre - The UK Pink Floyd Experience Hot Box - N0TRIXX + Dharma Hounds + Sludhe 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 - Inflatable Fun St Cedd’s School Hall (New London Road, Chelmsford) - Waltham Singers open rehearsals (7.30pm - www.walthamsingers.org.uk) Friday 3rd Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noon booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com) Chelmsford Sport and Athletic Centre, Riverside Leisure Centre and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre - Mini Camps Chelmsford Theatre - The Tiger Who Came to Tea Hot Box - Euphoria Complex Saturday 4th Chelmsford Theatre - Alfie Moore: Apocalypse Now Tour Chelmsford Theatre - The Tiger Who Came to Tea Chelmsford Social Club - Record Fair The Compasses - Karaoke Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos Jamaican Style (2pm) Hot Box - Boogie in the Box RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Easter themed coffee morning (10am - 1pm) Station Arms Southminster - Trevor Gentry The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke Sunday 5th The Ale House - Quiz Chelmsford Theatre - The Tiger Who Came to Tea Chelmsford Theatre - RBO: Siegfied Chelmsford Theatre - Susi Dent: Word Perfect Hot Box - Blues Box Presents: Nothing in Rambling (Sister Suzie & Andy Twyman) (3pm) Monday 6th Chelmsford Sport and Athletic Centre, Riverside Leisure Centre and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre - Mini Camps Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club
Monday 6th (continued...) Chelmsford Theatre - Ministry of Science Live The Wheatsheaf - Club Tuesday 7th Central Baptist Church (Victoria Road South) - ECC Retirement Fellowship monthly meeting (2-4pm - new members welcome) Chelmsford Sport and Athletic Centre, Riverside Leisure Centre and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre - Mini Camps Hot Box - Retro Gaming from Melee 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 8th Beaulieu Community Centre - Tiny Traders Market (our young entrepreneurs, age 7-14, have over 20 stalls filled with creations) Cheerful Chai (Broomfield) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential at www.engagefitnessservices.com) Chelmsford Sport and Athletic Centre, Riverside Leisure Centre and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre - Mini Camps Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre - Parkour Adventure Chelmsford Theatre - Mushroom Theatre: Entertain You Hot Box - Big Music Quiz Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666) Riverside - The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Ice Show Trinity Methodist Church (CM1 2XB) - Chelmsford National Trust meeting (a talk about Assembly Rooms in Essex during 18th and 19th centuries, by Thelma Wilson & Olive Baldwin. Starts at 7.45pm) South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre - Try Scuba Diving Thursday 9th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night Chelmsford Sport and Athletic Centre, Riverside Leisure Centre and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre - Mini Camps Chelmsford Theatre - Mushroom Theatre: Entertain You Hot Box - Blues Box Presents: Steve Young Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) The Rising Sun - Quiz night Riverside - The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Ice Show South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre - Inflatable Fun St Cedd’s School Hall (New London Road, Chelmsford) - Waltham Singers open rehearsals (7.30pm - www.walthamsingers.org.uk) Friday 10th Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noon booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com) Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: ReFloyd Chelmsford Sport and Athletic Centre, Riverside Leisure Centre and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre - Mini Camps Chelmsford Theatre - Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote Riverside - The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Ice Show Saturday 11th Chelmsford Theatre - Thank You For the Music The Compasses - Karaoke Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos Jamaican Style (2pm) Hot Box - The Trial + The Handles + Connection Propaganda RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am - 1pm) Riverside - The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Ice Show Sunday 12th The Ale House - Quiz Champions Manor Hall (South Woodham Ferrers) - Radio Rock Bingo Show (see page 12 for more info) Chelmsford Theatre - The Cheryl & Kitty Show Riverside - The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Ice Show (Continues on next page)
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Monday 13h 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 14th Central Baptist Church (Victoria Road South) - ECC Retirement Fellowship monthly meeting 2-4pm (new members welcome) 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 15th Beaulieu Community Centre - Coffee Morning with RSPB (10am protecting swifts in our community FREE EVENT - grab your tickets on Eventbrite by searching ‘CGC Trust Events’)
Ice Show and Easter Camps This April, Chelmsford City Sports is bringing stories and school holiday fun to life in the most magical way. From 8th - 12th April, follow Dorothy, Toto and their friends down the Yellow Brick Road in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre. With dazzling skating, awesome costumes and a sprinkle of real Oz magic, it’s a special Easter treat for the whole family. Perfect for all ages, this fun-filled performance invites the whole family to laugh, cheer and be swept away by the adventure. Experience the twists, excitement and charm of Oz like never before in a relaxed, magical atmosphere. Don’t miss this chance to witness the magic - grab your tickets now and join Dorothy on her wickedly magical journey! www.chelmsford.gov.uk/ice-show Our Kids Camps and Courses Are Back This Easter! And the excitement doesn’t stop there... From 30th March to 10th April, kids can jump, race and create their way through our Easter City Camps and courses.
packed with action!
With everything from gymnastics and trampolining, to parkour, arts and crafts and team games, every day is
Our experienced staff keep things safe, fun and full of adventure. From fast‑paced sports to creative challenges, every day is designed to keep children moving, learning and smiling from drop‑off to pick-up. All our camps are Ofsted registered and run by friendly, DBS‑checked coaches who know how to create a safe, supportive environment where every child can shine. With flexible half‑day and full‑day options, we’re here to make school holiday planning easy for busy families. Don’t miss out - save your camp spaces and make this Easter unforgettable! Page 18
Wednesday 15th (continued...) Cheerful Chai (Broomfield) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential at www.engagefitnessservices.com) Chelmsford Theatre - West Side Story Hot Box - Dan Owen 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: Rag & Bone Club Sextet (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075) The Swan (High Street, Maldon) - Rant ‘n’ Rave: Bewicks Rock ’n’ Roll The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz Venues are in Chelmsford, unless mentioned in the listings as being elsewhere.
City Times Poems Feelings
To be greeted like you’ve been away To be missed with all their heart To feel wanted on a special day Now that would be a start To show your reactions and be rejoiced To show just how your feeling To live within the present tense Now that would be appealing To love one another with all your heart To have someone to hold you To see your way, to play your part Now that would be on cue By Martin Kilbey
A Distant Gaze
A magic moment trapped In endless time, filed A glimpse across An unfamiliar room, A half recognised smile Returned ,,,,.. But in an instant over Oh so soon; As her lips lift In half familiar, yes She stands guarded By her handsome guest As her mind suppresses To him, I A hidden smile A face, those lips, those eyes Beguile That moment over, A flash in time; He left sadly thinking ….. She was once Mine. By Richard Simmonds
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Record Store Day Is Coming Soon!
Record Store Day returns on Saturday 18th April 2026 at Intense #2 in the Meadows Shopping Centre, Chelmsford High Street. Now in its 19th year, Record Store Day celebrates independent record shops, with over 300 stores across the UK and Ireland taking part. Bringing a stacked list of exclusive and limited-edition releases spanning rock, pop, soul, jazz, hip-hop, reggae, classical and folk, and even a Sleepy Pokémon Beats soundtrack. This year’s features releases from Taylor Swift, Laufey, Blur, Charli XCX, Elton John, Madonna, Primal Scream, The Cure, David Bowie, Joy Crookes, Wicked Live, Paramore, plus The Human League. Brit Award nominated artists include Olivia Dean, Bruno Mars, Calvin Harris, CMAT, HAIM, Myles Smith, PinkPantheress, Raye, Self Esteem, Sleep Token, The Last Dinner Party and Wolf Alice. There may also still be some surprises to be announced! You can find out about the Record Store Day releases through our website and submit a wish list so we know what you’re after. Releases are available on a first-come-first-served basis in store. We will open at Intense #2 from 8am - people do queue up on the High Street outside the front of the Meadows Shopping Centre overnight, so get down early! Any releases that are left go on sale online Monday 22nd April. There will be live DJs instore at Intense #2 and a live stage with musicians and DJs entertaining the crowd, you can follow by searching ‘@intenserecords’ on Facebook or Instagram for up-todate information. intenserecords.com/music/record-store-day-event
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How to Make This Spring Work for You - By Freddie Trevanion Longer and warmer days mean spring is a great time to reinvent yourself and organise many areas of your life. Brushing off the dirt of a long and wet winter, spring brings about a wonderful sense of hope for the year ahead, which we all need to feel motivated. Embrace Nature Watching nature blossom in spring can be a great foil for making changes in your own life. Just as spring sees subtle changes each day, set yourself small goals to achieve big goals in your life. With the saturation of AI and all things digital permeating nearly all areas of our lives, it is more vital than ever to connect with the real world. Instead of looking down at your phone while walking through a park, make a conscious effort to really focus on the blooming flowers and the growing leaves.
patterns to reflect the season’s surroundings. Put your blacks and browns aside and browse the many clothing shops Chelmsford has to offer for colours that are likely to boost your mood and vitality. According to the website Aesthetics of Joy, some psychologists suggest that bright colours trigger a positive visual feedback loop by acting as ‘caffeine for the eyes’. Seeing yourself in bright colours is more likely to put you in a hopeful, uplifted mood. I hope these tips will help you have a joyful and productive start to spring.
Analogue Activities It is more essential than ever to introduce more analogue activities into your life. These are digital-free, hands-on activities that are popular for people seeking to reduce their stress levels and become more connected to the world around them. Examples could be anything from drawing, playing an instrument or gardening. This will help to draw you out of the over-stimulation that the digital world brings and remind you to concentrate on the tangibility of the world. Diet Everyone can be excused for indulging in carbohydrates and sugary foods during the winter, as the dark and cold days see a desire for comfort-eating and quick hitting dopamine hits. As spring sees a change in crops, introduce more leafy greens and stem vegetables to replace all that stodge of winter. To go a step further, why not try your hand at growing a few crops? According to Royal Botanical Gardens, spring onions, lettuces and radishes are perfect to sow in early spring as they are quick and reliable growers. Cooking This final one ties in a couple of my previous tips, as cooking is an analogue task and it helps you to take more control of what exactly you’re putting into your body. Aim to introduce more nutrient-rich produce into your meals. Delicious Magazine lists a variety of great seasonal dishes you could try your hand at, such as a trout, spring onion and wild garlic quiche, or a risotto with radishes, asparagus and artichokes. Brighten Up Your Wardrobe Spring fashion trends see the return of bright colours and floral
Chelmsford Library
Winter Reading Challenge 2026 Huge congratulations to all the children and families who took part in this year’s Winter Reading Challenge, The Pawfessionals! Don’t forget to scan the QR code on your certificate of completion to enter the prize draw for a chance to win some amazing goodies.
The Winter Reading Challenge was made possible through the Essex Year of Opportunity. Join a Book Group Joining a book group is a fantastic way to meet new friends through a shared love of books and reading. We support many book
groups that you can join but if you’d like to start your own, head on to our website for all the details: libraries.essex.gov.uk/ digital-content/join-a-bookgroup. 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.
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Wide Legged Seated Forward Fold - By Steve Johansen, Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga At first, I found this pose particularly challenging. To even to sit upright, I required the support of my hands placed behind me. Observing others around me accomplishing the pose with greater ease highlighted my own difficulties. Although I generally appreciate overcoming challenges, I recognised that I was comparing myself to others rather than focusing on personal growth. Over time - and it did take a long time - I have developed a genuine appreciation for the pose. I’ve always referred to this pose as Wide-Legged Seated Forward Bend, though it’s commonly known as Wide-Legged Seated Forward Fold. Some also call it Seated Straddle Fold or Seated Straddle. Its official name is Seated Angle Pose, derived from its Sanskrit title Upavistha Konasana (oo-pah-VEESH-tuh kone-AHS-uh-nuh), where upavistha means ‘seated’ or ‘sitting’, kona means ‘angle’, and asana means ‘pose’. This posture helps open the hips and deeply stretches the legs and spine, while calming the mind and easing stress. It’s typically practiced near the end of a yoga class, when the body is warmed up, as preparation for even deeper forward bends.
• • • •
If you find you’re leaning towards your Dristi, you can place your hands between your thighs. Focus on your core and the sensation of the stretch through your inner thighs. Maintain the position for several breaths, I like to hold for 3 to 5 long slow breaths. Use the inhalation to draw yourself forward and the exhalation to relax into the pose.
Coming Out of Wide-Legged Seated Forward Bend Pose On your next inhalation: • Press firmly through your hand and engage your core to lift yourself up and exit the pose. • Return to Staff Pose by sitting upright with your legs extended straight out together.
Where to Start • Start in Staff Pose, sitting on the sit bones with legs extended together straight out. • Flex your feet, your calf muscles will tighten, the heels might lift off the floor, your kneecaps and tops of your thighs will be draw up and engage. • Roll the pelvis to sit taller, engaging abdominal and pelvic floor muscles or Mula Bandha. • Draw the shoulder blades inwards and downwards, to engage the pectoral muscles. • Lift the crown of the head, tuck in the chin backwards to lengthen the neck. • Relax the shoulders and stretch the elbows down, hands resting by the side of your body. • Find your Dristi, an unfocused gaze, on a point at eye height. Moving Into Wide-Legged Seated Forward Bend Pose On your next inhalation: • Keep sitting tall, your core engaged and your shoulders back and hands resting by your side. • Widen your legs comfortably to stretch your inner thighs, but not so far that you lose hip flexibility. • Keep legs active, feet flexed and toes pointing straight upwards. • Sit a little taller by rolling the pelvis slightly and engaging abdominal muscles. • Draw shoulder blades down and lift the crown of your head, tucking the chin slightly. • Maintain your Dristi at eye level. You’re not trying to go down, but forward to that point. On your next exhalation: • Try to rotate the thighs inwards, this will help to draw your sputum forwards.
Teacher Tip There are a variety of different modifications: • Sit on a block or folded blanket if your hamstrings are partially tight. • For a deeper stretch, you can lower yourself down onto your elbows. • Or take hold of the ankles or big toes and use your arms to draw yourself forward. • For the full pose, hinge at the hips and lower your torso between your thighs. For all those of you who would like to know more, about WideLegged Seated Forward Bend 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 Chelmsford Charity School Charity Schools Nationally Charity schools were seen as the duty of those who were involved in them. They evolved from the foundation of the Society For The Promotion of Christian Knowledge (SPCK) in 1699. The only difference between charity schools and national and British schools was that the former were free. In Essex, charity schools were mainly financed by subscriptions, not endowments. The poor who sent their children were well off enough to be able to give up any potential earnt income from them because they went to school. The Chelmsford Charity School The Charity School in Chelmsford lasted for over 150 years until the 1870 Education Act eroded the need for such schools. The Boys Chelmsford Charity School (CCS) was founded in 1713 for 50 boys, and the Girls School in 1714 for 20 girls. It was one of 37 charity schools in Essex in 1807. There were very few subscriptions by the end of the 18th century but in the last century of the schools’ existence, 12 people left £1,200 to the institution. After the death of Ann Johnson in 1774, her money was invested by the trustees. She left £87. In 1773 the leaving age was 13. This was raised to 14 in 1815. The school put an increasing emphasis on health and regularly, pupils were not allowed to attend until they had been vaccinated. Early in the 19th century 1 in 9 children at the school were in receipt of some form of relief. Some children were refused relief because their parents were capable of earning their livelihood. Six absences a quarter would result in expulsion, and in 1716 Elizabeth Hills was expelled for theft. Abuse of the master by a parent could also result in expulsion. The school hours were very long. A pupil would also be flogged if they behaved badly in church. The best hand writer received a prize of 10 shillings when leaving the school. pupils wore distinctive clothes with many of them being made by girls at the school. To some parents, the clothes were of more significance than the education. The clothes were issued once a year. The End of the Chelmsford Charity School After the 1870 Act, the Charity School was too small to justify its existence. The winding up of the CCS gave the local national school the chance to fund new buildings. Frederic Chancellor and other governors of the national school had to be careful not to use all the money that had accumulated in the Ann Johnson Fund, but the money was used to build a new two-story building in Victoria Road. The rest of the Ann Johnson Fund was to be used for exhibitions and scholarships for elementary school pupils who went to the grammar school. Initially, this was just for boys but later on for girls as well, when the County High School for Girls opened. Many generations of Chelmsford citizens have benefited from these scholarships. Initially, the CCS managers had petitioned the Charity Commissioners to divert the funds to establish a middle school but this idea was dropped due to a lack of support and opposition from the LGB.
Chelmsford Stories: Concrete Canvas - By Amara Agwo Since 2022, the Concrete Canvas street art festival has transformed Chelmsford’s urban spaces. Last month I met with Candy Joyce, the Project Manager of the festival. We walked around the Indoor Market building, where swathes of grey concrete have been adorned by beautiful murals. Candy pointed out the mural called Healing by Peachzz, inspired by the Chelmsford witch trials. There’s also Philth’s Poppies, which features the county flower and brightens up the walls of the High Chelmer car park. I particularly like a piece by Roo, which depicts an animal music band, including a violin-playing fox and a bat on the flute. Over 100 murals have been created through Concrete Canvas Festival, and you can also find work by local artists on lampposts, bollards and Openreach cabinets around the city.
she was looking for a way to connect with other creatives. She set up the Chelmsford Creative Collective, as a way to “bring artists out of the woodwork”. They’re an informal group where creatives of all disciplines can share their projects, successes and advice.
A number of murals have been created by internationally renowned street artists, giving locals a unique chance to learn from them. This includes Candy herself, who works under the name Flipping Zombies.
Through Concrete Canvas, the public have the chance to encounter art in their everyday lives. It fosters pride and helps people feel more invested in their community. So during the festival, why not take a moment to interact with the artists as they work? And in your daily lives, look up and look around - you may discover something beautiful.
Candy has come to see that even the most well-established creatives aren’t so different from her - like everybody else, they still experience doubts. As she puts it, they may “have a few more fans” than her, but “the human condition continues”. In this spirit of learning, this year’s festival will feature a collaborative ‘skills share’ mural, giving three local artists an opportunity to work with experienced street artist Zabou. For Candy, the importance of supporting local creativity goes beyond the street art festival. When she moved to Chelmsford ten years ago,
After a hiatus in 2025, the street art festival is back as Concrete Canvas: Reimagined, and has been developed in partnership with Culture Chelmsford and SPARK, a group of young people who lead cultural projects in Chelmsford. This year, the team is working to spotlight creativity across the wider district. Street artists are collaborating with residents in Broomfield, Great Baddow and South Woodham Ferrers to design community murals.
The Concrete Canvas street art party takes place on Saturday 16th May. To find out more search ‘@concretecanvaschelmsford’ on Instagram, or ‘Culture Chelmsford’ on Facebook. Chelmsford Creative Collective meets every fourth Tuesday at Hot Box, 7.30pm. Everybody is welcome. You can search for them on Facebook and Instagram.
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Crafts - By Magali Ellis and Scrap-Circle New Hobbies Starting a new hobby often brings a unique kind of excitement. There is the thrill of learning something unfamiliar, the satisfaction of creating with your own hands and the quiet joy of slowing down in a busy world. In recent years, many people have rediscovered hobbies that were once thought of as oldfashioned - crafts such as crochet, knitting, embroidery and scrapbooking. What was once associated with previous generations has become surprisingly trendy again.
old embroidered tablecloths into stylish clothing, turning vintage crochet blankets into colourful jumpers, or sewing unique tote bags from repurposed fabrics. These projects breathe new life into forgotten materials while reducing waste, giving traditional crafts a contemporary purpose.
Part of the appeal lies in the sense of mindfulness these crafts provide. Stitch by stitch, row by row, the repetitive movements help people relax and focus. At a time when many activities revolve around screens and constant notifications, hands-on hobbies offer a refreshing break. They allow people to make something tangible something that can be held, worn, gifted, or displayed.
Bullet journaling is a flexible organisational system that combines planning, note-taking and reflection in a single notebook. Instead of using a pre-printed planner, people create their own layouts using simple bullet points, symbols and lists. A bullet journal might include monthly calendars, daily to-do lists, habit trackers, creative doodles, or personal reflections. The beauty of the system is that it can be completely customised to suit the individual.
These traditional crafts have also gained new visibility in modern culture. Athletes, celebrities and influencers have proudly shared their crafting hobbies online. Even Olympic athletes and their relatives have been spotted knitting between competitions, showing that creativity and relaxation can coexist with high performance. Moments like these help remove the stereotype that crafts are outdated or only for a particular age group. Another reason for the renewed popularity is the modern twist people are bringing to these skills. Upcycling has become a major trend, blending sustainability with creativity. Crafters are transforming The Art Place @Meadows Shopping Centre: More Than a Shop - Community, Caring, Learning, Hope and Love We’re on the move in our 10th anniversary year - just a few doors away! We exist thanks to that first pop up space and the enormous work that was ploughed in by Heather Hall and Janet Jacob to keep the space open at the end of the first Ideas Festival organised by Leonie Ramondt. Below is Heather’s recount of the first pop-up. The Early Days of the Ideas Hub: A Personal Account The Ideas Hub was Leonie Ramondt’s idea. In 2012 she created it as part of Chelmsford’s month-long Ideas Festival - a temporary events space full of talks, workshops and creative gatherings. At the same time, the Community Pop-Up Shop - led by Evelyn Fitz Patrick with volunteers like Cherry Ann Hall and Andrea Farmer - was already inspiring people by showing how empty spaces could be filled with art, ideas and community. I had just graduated in Interior Architecture from Writtle College, alongside my friend Janet Jacobs, both mature students. We were extremely community-minded and particularly interested in Chelmsford, its history and future. Attending a lecture at Anglia Ruskin University, we made a connection with Leonie who told us about the Ideas Festival. With jobs scarce, the UK was still in recession, we decided to volunteer for the Ideas Festival and soon found ourselves helping Leonie turn an empty market square shop into the first Pop-Up: an upstairs gallery and a downstairs events space. Holding on After the Festival When the festival ended, Janet and I didn’t want the hub to disappear. We had no funding, no heating and no resources - but we had enthusiasm. With the blessing of Leonie and the support of Mick McDonagh, manager of High Chelmer at the time, we continued to open the space to encourage the community to get involved. The Ideas Festival had been a great success. People were intrigued by the concept, so we continued to host art exhibitions, invited Page 26
Scrapbooking has also evolved beyond simply arranging photos in albums. Many people now combine scrapbooking with journaling, creating pages that capture thoughts, memories and everyday moments alongside images and decorations. This has naturally connected with the growing popularity of bullet journaling.
Whether it’s stitching yarn into a cosy blanket, preserving memories on a scrapbook page, or designing a personalised journal, these hobbies show that traditional crafts still have a place in modern life. In fact, their mix of creativity, relaxation and self-expression may be exactly what many people are looking for today. Whatever you are into, come along to one of our craft events and share your skills around and inspire us to start something new. The list of our craft events can be found on our website: www.scrap-circle. co.uk. volunteers to run workshops, and held coffee mornings. There was no café at that time, so Janet’s husband created us a rudimentary kitchen and soft palette seating from donated wood and palettes. Together we attended a food and hygiene course and gained a certificate allowing us to sell tea and cake. Janet and I baked cakes and scones and we hosted small sale inviting creatives from the pop-up shop to sell their handmade crafts. This event raised our very first £80. That small sum gave us the courage to keep going. Design and innovation became our focus at that time. By December 2012 momentum was gathering, with ambitious plans for a hot desking work hub to bring an income stream to the hub. We commissioned a local furniture maker, Henry Harvey, to design and make desks for the space.
First pop-up in Market Square Anglia Ruskin ran a workshop installing their CNC Wiki House. To raise funds, we staged a Recycled Christmas Craft Fair, with an emphasis on upcycling and making do. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was alive with creativity and community.” To be continued.... 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 by searching, ‘Art Place Chelmsford’. This article was written by Edith Miller, CEO of Ideas Hub Chelmsford
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Interior Design Tips for Your Home - By Tania Dadd Spring Refresh: Interior Design Ideas to Brighten Your Home As spring arrives, bringing lighter mornings and longer evenings, it naturally inspires a sense of renewal. After months of darker skies and cosy interiors, this is the perfect time to refresh your home and embrace a brighter, lighter way of living. Spring interiors don’t require a full renovation. Often, the most effective changes are the simplest - small adjustments that transform how a space feels and functions. Top Tips for a Spring Home Refresh 1. Start with a clear out: Before adding anything new, edit what you already have. Clear surfaces, restyle shelves and store away heavier winter accessories to instantly create breathing space. 2. Switch soft furnishings seasonally: Pack away chunky knits and faux fur. Replace them with linen cushions, lightweight throws and breathable cotton fabrics in soft, natural tones. 3. Introduce fresh greenery: A simple vase of tulips, blossom branches or eucalyptus can completely lift a room. Even one well-placed plant adds life and movement. 4. Refresh your scent: Spring isn’t just visual - it’s sensory. Swap woody winter candles for lighter fragrances such as citrus, fresh linen or subtle florals. 5. Rearrange before you rebuy: Sometimes a room feels new simply by repositioning furniture or moving accessories from one space to another. Shop your own home first. 6. Layer light thoughtfully: Clean light fittings, update lampshades if needed and ensure darker corners are softly illuminated. Spring light should feel gentle and uplifting. 7. Add one statement detail: Whether it’s a new piece of artwork, a
sculptural vase or a fresh rug, one considered addition can transform a room without overwhelming it.
If you would like any advice on interiors we offer a consultation free of charge. Our services include interior design. colour consultation and styling. 07979 66 3339 info@saltmarshinteriors.co.uk www.saltmarshinteriors.co.uk
Tales From the Circle - By Sylvia Kent Spring has arrived at last. Yet with world problems filling our newspapers day after day, it is hard for many to enjoy the sunshine while so much turmoil continues. Our thoughts remain with all those affected. As we grow older, time seems to spin ever faster. It is astonishing to think that five years have passed since Brentwood Writers’ Circle celebrated its 80th anniversary in May 2021. In the months leading up to that milestone, our committee began planning a fitting celebration. As one of the oldest continuously running writers’ organisations in the UK, the Circle has long enjoyed connections with eminent authors and entertainers who - even during wartime - travelled to Brentwood to speak at our meetings. For our 80th year, we decided to create a special anthology showcasing members’ work. A generous grant from Brentwood Arts Council made this possible and work on the book began in earnest. Many of our members had been published over the years - some occasionally, some extensively - while others had never before seen their writing in print. Through dedication and teamwork, the manuscript was completed in time for our May celebrations. Our anthology entitled A Circle of Words was the result: an eclectic collection of fiction and non-fiction reflecting the breadth of our membership. Within its pages are pieces that evoke happiness, poignancy, sadness, humour and reflection. Some entries had previously won competitions or appeared in print, but all were original contributions written to entertain, inform, or inspire.
Despite the challenges of the covid pandemic, our committee also managed to produce a video featuring interviews with several longstanding members, some of whom are sadly no longer with us. Later that year the then Mayor of Brentwood Councillor Olivia Sanders and her Consort Mrs Sheila Murphy joined us to celebrate the life and legacy of our remarkable Circle. Our anthology A Circle of Words remains available on Amazon and, while stocks last, we will present a copy to new members of our Circle. Visitors are warmly welcomed at our monthly gatherings, held on the first Saturday of each month from 2.30pm - 4.30pm at Bardswell Social Club, Weald Road, Brentwood CM14 4TJ. Your first visit is free. Full details can be found at www.brentwoodwriterscircle.com.
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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: ‘Flowers’. - By Tim Brooks What is the meaning of the symbol ‘fn’ on a keyboard? 2. The ancient city of Rome was built on how many hills? 3. Which empire was ruled by Genghis Khan? 4. What wall fell in 1989, symbolising the end of the Cold War? 5. Who was known as the ‘Iron Lady’? 6. Who painted the Mona Lisa? 7. The sculpture The Thinker was created by which artist? 8. What is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding called? 9. Ballet originated in which country? 10. What cloud is mainly associated with thunderstorms? 11. Who is the author of The Lord of the Rings? 12. What primarily carries sugars in flowers? 13. How many continents are there on Earth? 14. What is the largest ocean? 15. Who discovered penicillin? 16. What is the postcode for Wimbledon? 17. How many elements are there in the periodic table? 18. What year was eBay founded? 19. Who painted The Starry Night? 20. What is the main gas found in the Earth’s atmosphere? 1.
21. What is the name of the school in the film Grease? 22. How many legs does a lobster have? 23. What is the longest bone in the human body? 24. Who wrote The Catcher in the Rye? 25. What is the name of a baby rabbit? 26. What type of race is the Tour de France? 27. Which shoe was left behind by Cinderella in the animated 1950 film? 28. What are the 2 main languages spoken in Canada? 29. Who painted The Persistence of Memory? 30. What was the first vegetable to be grown in space? 31. What flowers are associated with Remembrance Sunday? 32. What flowers is the Netherlands famous for? 33. What flower is also part of the human eye? 34. What was the Christian name of Kate Winslett in Titanic? 35. What flowers were often depicted by Monet? 36. The oil of which plant is often used to aid sleep? 37. Helianthus is the botanical name for which flower? 38. What type of flowers are given as gifts on French labour day (or Fête de Muguet)? 39. The Iranian spice saffron is derived from what flower? 40. What flower is sometimes known as the ‘Peruvian Lily’ or ‘Lily of the Incas?’
Wordseach by thewordsearch.com Answers page 31
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20th March - March Equinox: The Sun will shine directly on the equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world. This is also the first day of spring (vernal equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere. From here on in, the nights will grow progressively shorter as the days get progressively longer.
dark which is a great opportunity to see planets, galaxies and deep space objects. Don’t forget! The clocks go forward 1 hour at 1am on 29th March. Email me with any questions. 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. www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com mark.willis@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com
26th March - 20:00: Moon and Jupiter In Conjunction: Looking at the Moon, which will be half-lit, at ‘5 o’clock’ you will see the planet Jupiter. Looking at ‘11 o’clock’ you will see one of the heavenly twins, Castor, which is around 33 light years distant. 29th March - Moon Occults Regulus: Regulus, in the constellation of Leo, appears to be a singleton, but it’s part of a four part system of stars. Its surface temperature is 12,460 degrees Celsius, compared to our Sun’s 5,772 degrees Celsius. Regulus is often occulted by the Moon. This occurs in spates every 9.3 years. 3rd April (Good Friday) - Moon Near Spica: Spica is the 15th brightest star in the sky and the brightest in the Virgo constellation. The star is also known as Alpha Virginis and is situated around 250 lightyears from Earth. This means that the light we’re seeing now from Spica, actually left the star around 1776. Spica is not a single star, but a binary system, meaning that the two stars are orbiting closely around one another, every four days. 19th April - Crescent Moon Above Venus and the Pleiades: The Pleiades are often referred to as the Seven Sisters, 444 light years distant and nowhere near Tottenham after all! 22nd April - April Lyrid Meteor Shower Peak: Meteor showers are ice and dust left behind by Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher). New Moon: On 17th April and 16th May there will be a new Moon. This means the skies will be extra Page 30
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Quiz & Wordsearch Answers 1. Function 2. Seven 3. The Mongol Empire 4. The Berlin Wall 5. Margaret Thatcher 6. Leonardo da Vinci 7. Auguste Rodin 8. Origami 9. Italy 10. Cumulonimbus www.thecitytimes.co.uk
11. JRR Tolkien 12. Phloem 13. Seven 14. Pacific Ocean 15. Alexander Fleming 16. SW19 17. 118 18. 1995 19. Vincent Van Gogh 20. Nitrogen
21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30.
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Rydell High 10 Femur JD Salinger Kit Bicycle Left English and French Salvador Dalí Potato
31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40.
Poppy Tulip Iris Rose Water lilies Lavender Sunflower Lily of the Valley Crocus Alstroemeria Page 31
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