The City Times - May/June 2017

The City Times

Including: Boreham, Broomfield, Danbury, Great Baddow, Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers, The Walthams and Writtle 10000 copies distributed monthly

Issue Number 44: 20th May - 16th June 2017

Unwanted camera gear in the attic? …or, cupboards, under the stairs, behind the sofa. Why not sell them to us for extra spending money. We buy all sorts of photographic equipment – digital or film cameras, autofocus and manual lenses, camera bags, tripods and accessories – it’s SO easy & fast!

Get in touch Give us a call and have a chat or fill out our simple form at www.cameraworld.co.uk/used

Get free pick-up Pop it in the post or we can collect it when convenient (dependant on value).

uying b w o N as amer c m l fi

Get paid fast Take advantage of one of our super Trade-Up Offers, or just take the money & ENJOY!

We buy more | We pay more | We smile more Just call or email us for expert valuation and advice: 01245 255510 Email: chelmer@cameraworld.co.uk

“

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY:

Thank you CameraWorld for confirming that the great customer experience is alive and kicking in the high street!

Scott D | 10.11.16

To all staff at Chelmsford Branch. Thank you so much for your excellent help and support with choosing a new camera... Absolutely brilliant shop.

Alan H | 09.03.17

The sales assistant, Jordy, was extremely helpful, offering unbiased and useful advice...

I could not have asked for a better level of service.

Kevin G | 05.03.17

100’S MORE ONLINE AT: www.cameraworld.co.uk/testimonials

”

High Chelmer Shopping Centre

CHELMSFORD

Essex CM1 1XB | 01245 255510 chelmer@cameraworld.co.uk Also: 14 Wells St (off Oxford St) LONDON W1T 3PB | 020 7636 5005 sales@cameraworld.co.uk

cameraworld.co.uk Most brands considered. DSLR, Mirrorless and Top Compacts. 35mm and Medium Format. Auto and Manual Focus Lenses. Items must be in excellent condition and complete with relevant accessories.

Subject to inspection. E. & O. E. Goods and delivery services subject to stock and availability. Prices subject to change. Pictures are for illustration purposes only. All prices include VAT@ 20%. E. & O.E.

*

CT Welcome Hello readers, Welcome to the May/June edition.

This month we have a competition for you; a chance to win tickets to Chelmsford’s Mind, Body and Spirit event (see page 16).

Please also remember to email us at editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk with your events for inclusion in the next issue.

Regards Nick & Paul

www.thecitytimes.co.uk | www.moulshamtimes.com

Advertising Editorial Nick Garner Paul Mclean 07970 206682 07595 949701 ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

it’s your media Ltd

Disclaimer: It’s Your Media Ltd publishThe 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 Printwize.

Is your conservatory roof leaking?

Is it freezing in the winter and roasting in the summer?

Noisy when it rains?

A tapco UPVC lightweight slate roof is what you need making your old conservatory roof cool in the summer warm in the winter never leaks again and looks amazing!!! Save thousands of pounds with us!

• New roofs • Roof repairs • Soffits • Fascias • Guttering • Moss removal • Fibre glass flat roofing 01206 807 598 / 07506 367 774 www.roofservicesessex.com info@roofservicesessex.com

Before

After

Colchester based family run business Public Liability Insurance

All major credit cards accepted

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Page 3

CT Fashion - Take off on Holiday in Style – Your Perfect Capsule Wardrobe So you’ve booked your holiday, you’ve prepped the bikini body (okay, you have a body to put in a bikini or something resembling a swimsuit, at least) and you’ve got a minimal amount of cash to splash on a few necessary holiday bits, but there’s always a problem isn’t there; what to pack - what do you really need?

Well, the answer my friends is this: You need the perfect holiday capsule wardrobe. 10kg hand luggage? No problem. Sharing a suitcase with your kids, your husband and your second cousin twice removed? No problem. Only got a back pack to your name? I salute you, and absolutely no problem. I’ve rounded up a list of the best and most useful - pieces to buy for your pre-holiday budget.

1. The Comfy Sandal: There is literally nothing worse than being miles away from home with sore feet (or worse, a twisted ankle) because the heels you brought with you would give the Burj Khalifa a run for its money. Now, listen, sensible and comfy doesn’t have to mean ugly, sister. This season’s sandal is the slider, and they are a wonderful flip flop hybrid for donning en route to the beach (Primark have some really affordable offerings). If you’re walking a bit further, try a flat pair of T-bar sandals or low heeled mules in tan or black (Clarks and Office both offer some great styles). If ‘flat shoes’ isn’t in your vocabulary, you could also go for super comfy flatforms - see River Island for some cool pairs.

2. The Flattering Swimsuit: I can feel you recoiling from here. I know, swimsuit shopping is not for the faint hearted, but it can definitely be made easier with a few foolproof tips.

If you’re just bringing one swimsuit (which, if you’re following the capsule wardrobe idea, then you probably should be) make sure you feel good in it. Should be easy, right? Go for a cut that suits you and select a colour that makes you feel happy. It’s a personal thing. If you need more guidance than that, opt for the classic black swimsuit with a halter neck - elegant and simple. New Look and Boohoo. com offer some flattering, affordable styles.

3. The Longline Jacket: Think light and in a sensible colour. By ‘sensible’ I mean a colour that will match the majority of your wardrobe - I’ve got a great one from Primark that’s a beautiful mink colour, but black, navy and tan are just as good. Make an informed decision about what suits the majority of your outfits.

You’ll need it to be heavy enough to layer for cooler evenings, and light enough to wear when you’re out and about during the day. You can pick the longline jacket up from most high street stores this spring/summer, but in my opinion the best ones can be found in Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and River Island.

4. The Multipurpose Scarf: Every savvy capsule wardrobe connoisseur takes a scarf on holiday. Choose a design that matches the majority of your capsule wardrobe (a vibrant print, or a simple one with soft hues) and wear it according to your itinerary. Let me explain: Going out for drinks of an evening?

Wrap your scarf around your neck, under your longline jacket.

Sightseeing in the daytime? Use your scarf, which is now a wrap, as a cover for your shoulders or for your lap if you’re

having drinks. Not sure if you’ll need the extra warmth your scarf brings? Tie it to your bag as a cute accessory to be worn when you need it. If you’re feeling brave, wear it wrapped around your hairline as a snazzy headpiece.

All you need is imagination, my friends. Either way, the scarf is your capsule wardrobe staple.

5.

A Dress for all Occasions: These are tricky to come by but so worth it when you get the right one. The dress for every eventuality. The dress that says, ‘yes, I am wearable all day, but if you fancy that extra glass of wine, or two, and oops, now you’re having dinner and… it’s 1am and I’m still completely suitable.’

What would a dress like this look like? Well, it would be midi length, and - as this season knows - it would have a tie waist. It could have a print such as gingham or floral, but it would definitely have a V or button up neckline. You can find a dress like this in Warehouse or H&M. 6. The Beach-Ready Bag: Not sure what you’re doing for the entirety of the day? You’ll need something to carry that’s perfectly sized and functional enough to carry around with you from beach to bar. There’s nothing better than the oversized tote for this. Look for styles with a large, comfortable strap and a fun print - Mango and Accessorize have some wonderful offerings. Don’t forget to pack your sunnies, eReader and sun cream and you’re ready to set off.

Rebecca Forde is a writer with a penchant for fashion, great literature and drinking a lot of coffee. She writes for pleasure on her blog and is creator of Scribble Panda - a small business offering tutoring and writing services. You can contact her by emailing rebeccaforde@hotmail. co.uk. © All Images copyright Primark

Page 4

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Beer by Simon Tippler of roundtowerbrewery.co.uk With spring fully sprung and summer just round the corner, golden beer and pale ales are coming into their own.

Not everyone is a seasonal drinker, but we all know someone who drinks red wine in the winter and white wine in the summer, and stout in the winter and golden ales in the summer. There is probably a reason for that, when it’s hot (which we hope it will be this year) everyone enjoys a cold drink.

Cask beer (the ones out of the barrels that you see at beer festivals) should be served at 12C but the recent trend for keg beer has seen some great beer served at nearer 4C. Obviously when serving beer at 4C some of its flavour is muted, but this is often counteracted by only kegging a really flavourful beer. These beers are often brewed with extra hops. The flavour components of the hops are carried in natural oils and when there are lots in a beer, they can start to affect the clarity of the beer. This is not a problem, after all, some of the best cider is cloudy. Also when beer is chilled it can often exhibit a ‘chill haze’ where some of the proteins and hops oils start to fall out of suspension and become visible.

A lot of the new keg beer around (you may have seen them in The Ale House, the Hop Beer Shop, The UB etc) are undines. This means that they have not had finings added to aid the clarity. The fined versus unfined beer is a whole other discussion that I will cover in a later article.

Chelmsford & Mid Essex Pub of the Year 2016, 2017

• 5 gravity real ales • English and Belgian keg beers • Draught and bottle cider & perry • Large selection of German and Belgian bottled beers.

Drink in or take out

Opening times Tuesday to Saturday 12-9pm

173 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 0LD T: 01245 353 570

New Sandon Park and Ride Sunday market

The new Sunday market at Sandon Park and Ride has started. The new market is open every Sunday from 10am until 4pm.

The market is put on by Lazybones who also run bootsales. Some of the stalls you can expect are: • • • • • • • •

Greengrocers Butchers Clothes Garden ornaments and accesories Pet supplies Gifts Food and drink Tools

If you would like at rent a pitch, please call Lazybones on 07956 826 730.

June/July Issue Deadlines: Artwork - 8th June Articles - 2nd June

Music by Nick Garner News Flash: We have been contacted by Albert Lee’s people who said Albert is returning to the UK at end of June to play a couple of shows.

They said he would like to return to Chelmsford to record a show for a possible live DVD, so we are pleased to announe that the gig is booked at the football ground for Friday 30th June.

Tickets are now on sale, but as you would expect they are selling well, so do not delay (see the advert in this magazine for full details).

The Hot Red Chili Peppers played at the football club the other week with local band Party at Your House opening the show with our own sound engineer at the helm. They played a rousing set of original songs that were very well received - a great three-piece outfit.

The Hot Red Chili Peppers were on next and they blew us all away.

They sounded really like the real thing and quite a few people came up to us saying they have seen the originals and how good and how much like them these guys were. About 85% of the audience were up and dancing for most of the set. A great time was had by one and all and a band we think we will have to get back at some point.

Coming up next on Saturday 10th June at the football club are a Killers tribute band called the Killerz, with local band Sound Mirrors supporting. We are sure this will be a good night.

Blues in the City had two first timers play in April, with Danny ‘Boy’ Piper Taylor playing the delta blues on his resonator guitar in great style. With his chocolatey voice and good humour he won the audience over very quickly - another who we will have back to play again. Next on was Troy Redfern and his band. These are a real power blues trio who are simply awesome with great songs, a tight rhythm section and Troy’s vocals and fabulous guitar playing - he is also a great slide player. They made a fine night complete for all who attended.

There are also lots of things going on over the May Bank Holiday with various beer and music festivals, so do check out our What’s On guide.

I am also putting together and running a festival near Epping at the Theydon Oak pub in Coopersale Street (CM16 7QJ). It is a lovely country pub where they are having a music, beer, cider and hog roast festival. It all starts on the Friday 26th May through till Sunday.

The music starts on the Friday night at around 8.45pm with the Mike Lenson Band, who are a funky soul blues band who have played for me a couple of times before. On Saturday from 1.30pm we have Foxtrot Oscar, Sheri Kershaw, Paolo Morena, Hemingway and Ash Mandrake. The White Gospel end the day’s proceedings on stage at 9pm.

On Sunday from 1.30pm it’s the Jamie Williams Collective, Danny Piper Taylor, Rough’n’Ready, Dave Ferra, Connor Selby and Joe Anderton and Jimi Whitewolf, with the Band of Tramps finishing things off on stage at 9pm. As you can see there is a good mixture of acts playing and most have played in and around Chelmsford at some point.

As ever, please do try to come out and support the great live music scene we have in Essex because if you do not, we may lose it.

For more information on all of the above and more, see the links below and go to our What’s On page to see what else in happening in your area. www.bluesinthecity.co.uk www.facebook.com/bluesinthecitychelmsford Twitter: @BluesintheCity1 www.itsyourmusic.co.uk; www.facebook.com/itsyourmusic Twitter: @itsyourmusic

Troy Redfern Band In June we have the wonderful Guy Tortora making a welcome return.

This is going to be either a duo with Janos on keys but Costa may join them on the bass as well. Support is in the form of two of our brightest young hopes for the future of live music; Connor Selby and Joe Anderton who both front their own bands. Both are gaining momentum as everyone who sees them loves them. So with them playing together, prepare to be blown away.

We are now getting into the festival season. Cosmic Puffin is one of the early festivals and it was a massive success raising many thousands of pounds for charity. Next, we are off out Thetford way for Red Rooster, which is another fine small festival - and of course coming up Saturday 1st July is the Fling Festival which we, Jamie Williams & the Roots Collective, are playing on the Saturday afternoon.

Page 6

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

CT Gardening by Tom Cole Plants are romping away at the moment, even with the weather being like it is! Plants propagated by this method are often taken from plants grown under glass where the growing tips remain soft almost all through the growing season. Alternatively, the cutting material can be taken from soft young growth on outdoor plants in mid spring.

Propagating plants by softwood cuttings is a fast and simple way to produce large numbers of genetically identical plants in a relatively short period of time.

It is particularly suitable for plants such as Pelargonium zonale (Geranium), Chrysanthemum frutescens (marguerite), Fuchsia spp. and Solenostemon spp. (Coleus).

For success, the parent plant selected for propagation should be healthy, vigorous, pest and disease free and true to type. Spindly and flowering growth should be avoided. For the best results I tend to minimise water loss from the cutting material by collecting in the morning when the plant is turgid, placing in a damp plastic bag, and using as soon as possible.

Use a suitable growing media for rooting cuttings such as 50/50 peat (or peat substitute) and horticultural sand or 50/50 peat (or peat substitute) and perlite.

Use containers that will accommodate the length of the cutting material prepared. For me, I tend to use a modular tray as these are ideal for most types of cuttings and are easy to handle and ensure

WE WILL BEAT ANY WRITTEN QUOTE

minimal root disturbance when the rooted plants are potted up.

Here is a list of the remaining kit/facilities required to compete the job: •

• •

•

Sharp propagation knife: A good quality, clean, sharp propagation knife is essential to ensure minimal damage is made to the cutting and for health and safety reasons. The knife should be sharpened before propagating, cleaned and oiled after use.

Labels and pens: All plants should be clearly labelled to avoid confusion and waste. Ensure a waterproof pen is used. Record the plant name and the date on which the cutting was taken.

Rooting hormone: Softwood cuttings can be treated with a low strength rooting hormone, but this is not strictly needed.

High concentrations of rooting hormone will inhibit rather than aid root development. Rooting hormones may also contain fungicides, which reduce the chance of fungal infection.

Growing environment: Softwood cuttings are prone to desiccation (water loss). This can be overcome with the use of a mist bench, which will cut down on water lost by transpiration.

Soil warming cables provide bottom heat, which will stimulate root development. The growing temperature should be 21 - 24ºC.

Methods of taking softwood cuttings: • Prepare the containers prior to collecting and preparing the cuttings. The containers may be watered before collecting cuttings material to allow time to drain excess moisture.

• The containers should be filled with cuttings compost and lightly firmed.

• Take the cutting material to the work bench and using a sharp knife trim to a length of 7-10cm cutting below a node. Remove the bottom leaves reducing the number of leaves by a third. Dip into rooting hormone powder and tap off the excess.

• Insert into the cuttings compost and firm the compost around the cutting to prevent desiccation. One cutting should be placed per cell, or if using a pot insert the cuttings around the perimeter. Label and water in.

• Place on a mist bench or in a closed humid environment. The temperature around the base of the cutting should be 21-24ºC. • The cuttings should root in 2-3 weeks. Tap them out of the pots to check the development of the rootball.

• Wean cuttings off the mist over the following week. When the rootball is well developed, gently knock cuttings out of the pot and pot up individually into 8cm pots using potting compost.

Label and grow on.

Pests and Diseases Due to the absence of roots cuttings are vulnerable to desiccation, stress and fungal attack. Disease prevention and hygienic growing practices are vital. All growing surfaces should be kept clean and growing mediums and containers sterilised before use. Cuttings should be checked daily and any dead leaves or cuttings removed.

Check out this link for further information on softwoods and links to other cutting types: www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=307.

Good luck and happy gardening!

For any gardening tips contact Tom Cole, Senior Horticultural Lecturer, Writtle College, Chelmsford, CM1 3RR by post (including a SAE) or by email at tom.cole@writtle.ac.uk.

Page 8 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Page 9

CT Food By John Jacobs Heading for the summer.

the shiny new toy clientele as the first authentic Turkish restaurant in the city.

Hello readers and welcome to the May edition of the City Times.

I’m in a Gallic mood. Descending on another birthday this month my wife is taking me away on l’Eurostar to l’continent for l’romantic week in l’heart of Paris. L’ovely. Macaron, escargot, pain du chocolat, steak tatare and stretchy trousers at the ready.

As the sun reminds us we’re heading toward the summer, the aroma of another charcoal brazier wafting through the artisan streets of Moulsham gives me a huge smile in anticipation of forthcoming nights out. Suffice to say I’m looking forward to a great review.

My first trip to France was as an excited twelve year old crossing a choppy channel on a cultural excursion organised by The Somerset School for Boys with Limited Ambition circa 1983. Culture back then consisted of wandering around the Calais hypermarket, helping Mr Townsend, our horrifically sea-sick PE teacher, carry his crates of lager back to the ferry and then watching him exorcise a continental breakfast over his shoes. It was okay back then, as responsible adult supervision wasn’t invented until later that decade. Cards on the table: I was disappointed with France’s industrial edge and not being at all like ‘Allo ‘Allo!

It was nevertheless a boon to us council estate strays to escape the monochromatic streets of Tottenham. Writing this article on a Circle Line train to Euston, I still get the same anticipatory buzz for foreign travel thirty years on.

New to the City One of the few European destinations left on my bucket list is Turkey though now a part of it has come to Chelmsford. Bogaz is the newest welcome addition to Moulsham Street and next on our review hit list.

Sited over two floors, Bogaz is the second restaurant of owners Sabiha and Murat Gelman and accommodates up to 160 diners.

Whilst that sounds like a lot, try booking a table! Bogaz has captured

Speaking of which, I admit to having had a tiny bit of flack following last month’s observations on a certain trend setting city centre eatery. One shouldn’t paint a negative portrait on the basis of a single visit. This, I am told is unfair. Well, that’s life.

Thank you for your suggestions for city restaurants and your reviews.

If you want to nominate your favourite eatery in Chelmsford or see your comments in print, please continue to send them to me at cctfood@gmail.com.

Have a great month team Chelmo.

hire · sales · install · events

01245 863 863

sales@eventsoundandlight.com www.eventsoundandlight.com

• Professional local eye care • Bespoke service • Over 20 years experience as a qualified Optometrist • Proud to provide that individual attention to detail • Friendliest caring team in Chelmsford Call now to make an appointment with Nicky

Mr Anish Chauhan, Optometrist

T. 01245 352803

www.broomfieldopticians.co.uk Page 10 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk Page 11

What’s On in the Area

May Friday 19th Asylum - Art of Rebellion + Fish Slice + Afterthought Bassment - The Baskervilles + Egyptian Blue + Rubber Jaw The Golden Fleece - Concourse Old Court Theatre - One Day When We Were Young Star & Garter - The Strides Saturday 20th Asylum - The Bridport Dagger + Hands of Kanellos + Suspects Bassment - Tankus The Henge + Connor Selby Band Civic - Purple Zeppelin The Golden Fleece - Summer Acoustic Sessions The Golden Fleece - Sax on Fire Hylands House - The National Flower Show Old Court Theatre - One Day When We Were Young Star & Garter - Indigo Hammer United Brethren - The Delta Ladies Sunday 21st Hylands House - The National Flower Show Star & Garter - Open mic/jam (3-7pm) Monday 22nd The Mid Essex Osteoporsis Support Group (see details on opposite page) Tuesday 23rd Civic - Strictly Murder Wednesday 24th Bassment - JAR Presents: Jewels + Ivory Towers + Wolfe Sunday Civic - Strictly Murder Cramphorn - Lunchtime concert Cramphorn - Antony & Cleopatra (live from the Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon) Hylands House - Wedding Open Evening Thursday 25th Asylum - Harbour Sharks + Affluenza Bassment - The Lucettas (+ more TBA) Club Woodham - An Audience with Alvin Martin and Paul Allen The Golden Fleece - Quiz night Star & Garter - Acoustic Jam Friday 26th Asylum - Jar Presents: 57 + Monna Vanna + Trip to Dover Bassment - Secret Company + Kiera Court The Golden Fleece - Shakster Records Music Festival plus silent disco Star & Garter - The Mint Theydon Oak, Epping - Free Music, Beer & Cider Festival The Three Elms - Real Ale & Cider Festival Saturday 27th Asylum - Apollo Stands + The Final Clause of Tacitus + Rise Through Ruin Bassment - Saturday’s Alright For Dancin’ Civic - Gitano Jairo Barrull Flamenco Cramphorn - Lion (PG) The Golden Fleece - Shakster Records Music Festival plus silent disco Little Baddow Open Gardens Theydon Oak, Epping - Free Music, Beer & Cider Festival The Three Elms - Real Ale & Cider Festival Page 12

Saturday 27th cont...

United Brethren - Paolo Morena Sunday 28th Bassment - Bank Holiday Special (open till 4am!)

The Golden Fleece - Shakster Records Music Festival plus silent disco Hylands House - The Great British Pet & Country Show Star & Garter - Open mic/jam (3-7pm) + Fishing 4 Robots Theydon Oak, Epping - Free Music, Beer & Cider Festival The Three Elms - Real Ale & Cider Festival Monday 29th Chelmsford City Racecourse - Family funday Hylands House - The Great British Pet & Country Show The Three Elms - Real Ale & Cider Festival Wednesday 31st Bassment - Backwater Channels Presents: Different People + Temple Lake + Wax Colour + Minding Miranda Cramphorn - Lunchtime concert June Thursday 1st Asylum - SJ Denney + Roskrow + Three Birds Blind + Wolfe Sunday Bassment - Bassment Blues Jam The Golden Fleece - Quiz night Friday 2nd Asylum - Grant Sharkey + George Death Bassment - Shakey’s Sessions: The Extons + Sound Mirrors + 3 Foot High + Mr B & The Wolf Cramphorn - Denial (12A) Galleywood Heritage Centre - Local and Family History Day The Golden Fleece - The Heaters Star & Garter - VT11 Saturday 3rd Asylum - Spreading the Disease + Rezinwolf + Osmium Guillotine + Famyne Bassment - Junior Jump & The Bottom Line Hylands House - D-Day Exhibition The Golden Fleece - Acoustic Sessions (3.30pm) The Golden Fleece - Charlie’s Aunt (evening) Star & Garter - The Class Sunday 4th Hylands House - D-Day Exhibition Star & Garter - Open mic/jam (3-7pm) Woolpack - GC’s Jazz Club: With guest, top UK jazz guitar, Esmond Selwyn Trio (8pm - free admission) Tuesday 6th Cramphorn - Silence (15) Wednesday 7th Bassment - Wallop! The Medical Journal Vol.1 EP Launch!

Cramphorn - Lunchtime concert Cramphorn - The Dream + Symphonic Variations + Margruerite and Armand Thursday 8th Asylum - Peace Productions Presents: Vigil + Rise + Tow Bassment - Jazz Funk: Yazz Ahmed (trumpet) Civic - We’re Going On A Bear Hunt The Golden Fleece - Quiz night Star & Garter - The Phil Ball Band

Please note, all events are subject to change. Please visit the relevant websites or Facebook pages for more details

Friday 9th Asylum - Shakey’s Sessions: Broken Eyes Band + Jupiters Cain Bassment - Electric Jam: Paolo Morena + Bird + Albert Man Civic - We’re Going On A Bear Hunt Cramphorn - Chelmsford Film Festival The Golden Fleece - The Earnshaws United Brethren - Andy Twyman Saturday 10th Bassment - Saturday’s Alright For Dancin’ Chelmsford City FC - The Killerz + Sound Mirrors Cramphorn - La Traviata (pre-recorded from the Glyndebourne Theatre) Star & Garter - Lithium The Golden Fleece - Acoustic Sessions (3.30pm) The Golden Fleece - Hit Parade (evening) United Brethran - Rough ‘n’ Ready Sunday 11th Star & Garter - Open mic/jam (3-7pm) Writtle Open Gardens - tickets via booth on the green Tuesday 13th Cramphorn - Patterson (15) Wednesday 14th Bassment - Live Indie Rock!

Civic - Footloose Thursday 15th Asylum - Skaciety + Call Me Malcolm + Wolfe Sunday Bassment - Blues In The City: Guy Tortora + support Birketts’ Race 4 Business Civic - Footloose Cramphorn Hacksaw Ridge (15) The Golden Fleece - Quiz night Friday 16th Asylum - The Ashtrays + Hot Tramp Bassment - Fistful Of Dirt + Tanya Piche Band Civic - Footloose Star & Garter - Strongbox The Golden Fleece - Mischief Saturday 17th Asylum - Kaine + Twisted Illusion + Habu Bassment - The Mighty Fallen (album launch) + Cohaagen Civic - Footloose Cramphorn - Raphael (pre-recorded World Art in Cinema) Star & Garter - Solar 9 The Golden Fleece - Acoustic Sessions (3.30pm) The Golden Fleece - The Rising (evening) United Brethren - Foxtrot Oscar Sunday 18th Blackwater Country Show - Heybridge Star & Garter - Open mic/jam (3-7pm) The Mid Essex Osteoporsis Support Group talk and practical session on Monday 22nd May at 7.30pm.

Our guest speaker is Kim Brunning, a very experienced and qualified yoga teacher. Kim specialises in exercise for people with longterm health issues including osteoporosis. This session will focus on exercise with osteoporosis and it will be of interest to anyone diagnosed with the condition. Osteoporosis affects a huge number of people and the correct exercise is important to help strengthen your muscles and bone and to keep you steady and reduce the risk of fractures.

The Parish Centre, St Augustine’s Way, Chelmsford. CM1 6GX. Admission - £2.00. For further information please call Pat Turner on 01245 251 780.

Please send us your events for the next edition (for events between 16th June and 16th July) to: editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

Essex based business uses local, historic landmark for fashion photoshoot An award winning park in central Chelmsford almost upstaged the models in a recent photoshoot for new Essex based online shoe store Hayworths.

The historic stone conduit in Tower Gardens and the surrounding park were used as a setting for the recent fashion photoshoot.

Hayworths founder, Hollie Shaw, was keen to showcase her own local park as a backdrop for her stunning summer collection of timeless, high-end shoes. Tower Gardens (next to Admirals Park) was the perfect location for the photoshoot and Hollie was keen to use a local destination and also local modelling talent. Tower Gardens is home to a grade II listed ex-water conduit originally built in 1814 and moved to the current location in the 1940s. This provided an amazing backdrop for some of the photos.

Hollie recently launched Hayworths (specialising in vintage inspired shoes and accessories) following her dream of becoming her own boss: “I have been fortunate enough to secure an international model

who has featured in Vogue and also an up and coming model from Braintree who is also a TV presenter on Braintree TV. “Dog walkers and families stopped to watch the entertainment as we had set up a mid century living room in the park to reflect the eras the shoes are inspired from. It was quite a spectacle lugging my furniture from my home around the corner, but I am absolutely thrilled with how beautiful the park looked in the photos. I am very proud of my home city and the scenery it has to offer.”

Hayworths sources and hand picks brand new shoes inspired from the 1940s to 1970s with a focus on great design, quality and comfort. They are available through www.hayworths.co.uk.

Photography by Cristina Schek (www.cristinaschek.com).

TUESDAYS Broomfield Village Hall, 158 Main Road, (behind Angel Pub), Broomfield CM1 7AH 3.00pm, 5:00pm and 7:00pm Victoria 07823 441198 Millennium Community Centre, Recreation Ground, Baddow Road, Great Baddow CM2 9RL 3.30pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Samantha 01245 266442

MONDAYS Millennium Community Centre, Recreation Ground, Baddow Road, Great Baddow, CM2 9RL 9:00am, 11:00am and 1.00pm Lucy 01245 262457 Springfield Community Centre, Perryfields School, Lawn Lane CM1 7PP 5:00pm and 7:00pm Angie 07814 992628 Hatfield Peverel Infant School, Church Road, Hatfield Peverel, CM3 2RP 5.30pm and 7.30pm Lesley 07973 239899 Sandon Village Hall, Woodhill Road, Sandon CM2 7SQ 7:00pm Lucy 01245 262457

WEDNESDAYS WEDNESD Church Of St Augustine Of Canterbury, St Augustines Way, Springfield CM1 6GQ 9:30am and 11:30am Emma 07887 692906 Writtle Community Association, Longmeads House, 12-14 Redwood Drive, Writtle CM1 3LY 3.00pm, 5.00pm and 7:00pm Jennifer 07792 516866 Life Church, Hall Street, off o Moulsham Street, Chelmsford CM2 0HG 5:30pm and 7.30pm Angie 07814 992628 Boreham Village Hall, Main Road, Boreham CM3 3JD 5:30pm and 7:30pm Bobbie 07813 324599 **NEW 5.30pm SESSION** Springfield Park Baptist Church, Springfield Park Road, Springfield CM2 6EB 5.30pm and 7.30pm Claire 07852 638666

WEDNESDAYS St Michael's Church of England, Junior School, Barnard Road, Galleywood CM2 8RR 7:30pm Sarah 07494 408634 THURSD THURSDAYS Millennium Community Centre, Recreation Ground, Baddow Road, Great Baddow CM2 9RL 9.30am Samantha 01245 266442 Newlands Spring Community Hall, Dickens Place, Chelmsford CM1 4UU 5.30pm and 7:30pm Jennifer 07792 516866 North Springfield Baptist Church, o Pump Lane, Havengore, off Springfield CM1 6JP 5.30pm and 7:30pm Victoria 07823 441198 Moulsham High School, Brian Close, Chelmsford CM2 9ES 5.30pm and 7.30pm Claire 07852 638666

FRIDAYS The Church Of Ascension, Maltese Road, Chelmsford CM1 2PB 9:15am and 11.15am Samantha 01245 266442

SATURDAYS Springfield Park Baptist Church, Springfield Park Road, Springfield CM2 6EB 8.30am and 10.30am Emma 07887 692906

‘The Festival That Changes Lives’ 4th annual Life Arts event

Chelmsford Mind Body Spirit Festival wil run from Saturday 3rd to Sunday 4th June from 10am-5pm. The event will be at Hamptons Sports & Leisure Ltd (formerly Marconi Club), Tydemans, off Beehive Lane, Chelmsford CM2 9FH in aid of Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

So what can you expect? The show will feature 75 stands, 30 fascinating talks and workshops plus astonishing demonstrations.

There will be personally selected psychic readers, mediums and clairvoyants for spiritual guidance and tarot and angel card readings.

Varied workshops and talks include: Awakening and Shamanism, Healing Potential of Lucid Dreams, Superfoods and How to Use Them, Tune in to the Angels, Shamanic Healing, and How to Find Work You’ll Love Without Breaking the Bank!

Complementary therapies will include reflexology, Indian head massage, kinesiology, reiki treatments, crystal healing, hot stone massage, head neck and shoulder massage and free spinal checks from a chiropractor.

There will be tasty raw food and intriguing things to buy - everything from jewellery and rare crystals to angelic art, from organic skincare and essential oils to salt lamps. Plus a fascinating mix of stage performances, entertainment and live music for when you just want to sit and chillout. Experience the healing calmness of a Buddhist empowered healing space in The Dari Rulai Fa Yin Temple - just come in, sit down, close your eyes and feel the stresses of everyday life just melt away in this special place - free mindfulness sessions too!

Comments by visitors: “Happy positive people, fantastic stalls” - Jules P, Chelmsford.

“Love everything, second time here, amazing!” - Wendy W, Braintree.

“Wonderful atmosphere, great mix of stall and inspiring workshops” Sue W, London.

Back in 1997 Chris Cozens, a therapist who’d recently moved into the area, attended a local Mind, Body and Spirit Festival in Felixstowe.

It was a friendly affair but Chris felt that it didn’t attract the interest that it deserved. So when he heard the organisers were giving up, he decided to have a go himself. After all, with a background in marketing and organisational skills from his previous RAF career plus his experience as a therapist, Chris reckoned he could make a fair job of it.

“We opened at Felixstowe Leisure Centre in 1998 with just 26 stands” says Chris, “but 350 people turned up and we all enjoyed it so much we decided to do it again.”

Over the years, Life Arts Mind Body Spirit festivals have appeared all over East Anglia growing bigger and better, culminating in the annual Chelmsford festival spread over a whole weekend with a packed timetable of talks and demonstrations and around 1,400 visitors.

“It just keeps growing” says Chris, “different people enjoy it in

different ways and the festival seems to have lasting effects on some.”

“We are also proud to support The Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

The charity supports local people living with cancer and was founded in 1999. The charity is the legacy of BBC broadcaster Helen Rollason, whose vision was: ‘Good quality of life while coping with cancer is the most important gift a sick person can receive. It should be available to everyone.’

“It’s fair to say that Life Arts festivals, as well as being great fun, also have the remarkable ability to create changes in all sorts of unexpected ways. I believe they truly have the potential to change lives!”

Entrance: 1 day pass - £4 adults, £3.50 concessions, 16s and under free (accompanied).

2 day pass - £6 adults, £5.50 concessions, 16s & under free (accompanied).

For more details visit www.lifearts.co.uk.

Win Tickets to Chelmsford Mind, Body and Spirit All answers for this quiz can be found on www.lifearts.co.uk.

The Quiz The answers are all numbers, add them together - what is the total?

1. How many times is pianist Ian Haywood performing on Saturday 3rd June?

2. How many times is saxophonist Sandra Jones performing on Sunday 4th June?

3. How many band members are in band Morrigans Path who are performing on Sunday 4th June?

The competition will closed at midnight 29th May and two winners will be drawn from the correct answers.

1st prize: 2 entrance tickets to event plus aura photo and aura reading (worth £43).

Runner-up: 2 entrance tickets (worth £8).

The winners will be notified by email. To enter, send your answer to enquiries@lifearts.co.uk. Please note submissions will be entered onto the Life Arts mailing list to be able to keep up to date with Life Arts events.

CT Business

Business Interview Kevin from Chelmsford Star Co-op This month I had the pleasure of interviewing Kevin from the Chelmsford Star Co-op on a fantastic 150 years of Co-op trading.

How and when was the Co-op formed in Chelmsford?

“In 1867 a group of young men decided they had had enough of some local issues and they wanted to figure out a way of resolving them. The problems faced at the time were unaffordable heating as the price of coal was extortionate, as was the price of meat as there wasn’t much to go around. Along with working conditions, everything was a bit rubbish. They had heard about a group called the Rochdale Pioneers in Manchester who had set up a new type of co-op business that was working well for them. They made enquiries and decided to set one up down here in Chelmsford. The aim was to make their lives and the people of Chelmsford’s lives a bit easier. That was their approach from the start.”

“Yes, we have in our food shops a section of food products from around 40 food and drink suppliers that we support and promote in Essex. The range is called The Only Way Is Local. We won an award for being one of the best local suppliers last year. We also sponsor a marquee at the Essex Food & Drink Festival every summer and get as many of the local producers in as we can, and they do tasting and samples. It’s a great way for them to get noticed.”

So what do you consider the advantages of supporting them?

“Well, it keeps the money in the region for a start, and it keeps our economy strong. Plus, our customers want to buy local products.

Aside from all that, it’s just the right thing to do. It makes sense to support the smaller businesses closer to home before we look to assist anyone further out.”

150 years is a huge achievement. How are you going to celebrate this?

“We have a lot of things going on throughout the year. From the 1st of January we have been giving away a free basket of shopping every week to customers. We have also been giving away spot prizes and vouchers to say thank you for shopping in our stores. The main event we have is an exhibition in Chelmsford Museum which opens on the 24th June. That will be focusing on some of the community initiatives and some of the support we have given Essex over the last 150 years. We also have a book coming out on our history. There was a previous book, but this one will be up to date. We will be holding an event in our flagship Quadrant department store in Chelmsford in September. It makes sense to do this as it’s the oldest store we have now.

“Just for a piece of history, if you are outside the Bassment Night Club at the top end of town, you can still see ‘Chelmsford Star Co-op Society’ engraved in the brick work at the corner which is where one of our first shops was in the 1880s.”

So, the original aims were to make life easier for people here in Chelmsford?

“Yes, the original aim was to provide affordable heating and unadulterated and honest food, because a lot of the shop keepers at the time were faking weights and mixing food with dodgy products.

They wanted to provide an honest and trustworthy retail experience.

The shopping environment was so dark and gloomy they said they wanted the new business to shine a light on it all. They wanted to be a beacon in a gloomy retail world, and so the name they used was The Chelmsford Star.”

It has obviously changed a lot. When did the funerals and travel businesses get added to this?

“Funerals and travel were both added originally in the 1920s, then travel disappeared for a bit and then came back in the 1980s.

Our travel department is doing extremely well despite many issues around the world which have affected travel companies all over, so that’s great for us. The funeral side has been doing well ever since it opened.”

So what are you doing differently now to keep up with the times.

What is your main focus?

“Well, there is less child labour and cattle plague nowadays so we don’t have that to deal with! Our focus really is more community action, community spirit, investment and charities. We won an award 2 years ago for Best in the Community and that was because of the amount of support we give local groups such as schools, charities, churches, sports teams etc. So the focus is to not just to support the local economy, but the community as a whole.”

On the membership side, what are the current costs and advantages of joining?

You pay just £1 to be a member, so that’s half the price of a lottery ticket and this is a share in the business. Members are also share holders, and the main advantage of joining is receiving an annual payment or dividend, which is your share of our annual profit. But on top of that we appreciate that people don’t necessary want to wait around for one payment a year anymore so we’ve introduced new benefits. You get a chance to win vouchers every month, special members only deals, further discounts, invites to preview evenings and special events. Traditionally, the benefit of Co-op membership has always been the share of the profits but we have introduced extra reasons to join.”

So what is the future for the Co-op?

“To continue to support Essex in what ever way it needs support. We have grown our business to 42 food shops, 2 department stores, 2 travel agents and 7 funeral homes, and we would like to keep them going strong. In terms of business, the Quadrant is focusing on its fashion and furniture ranges. The ongoing challenge for us is the internet to be honest. When you have a department store with lots of different concessions in it, it’s very difficult to sell them online as they all have their own various websites already. The challenge we have to overcome in the future is to offer a valid and viable website. But in terms of a business, the focus will always be on supporting our local county through business and initiatives.”

Thanks Kevin and congratulations to the Chelmsford Star Co-op for reaching an incredible 150 years of continued business in Essex. I suppose we could say that the Chelmsford Star Co-op is 150 years young and still going strong!

As a store, do you support Buy Local? Do you stock local products and produce?

Page 18

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Are you Sitting Comfortably?

We’re spending more time sitting than ever before thanks to computers, smart phones, long commutes, office work and Netflix!

So it’s no surprise that mechanical postural related pain is becoming an increasing problem.

Is slouching really a bad thing?

It is normal to slouch from time to time and it’s good for us to be relaxed in a sitting position.

However, sustained slouchy, c-shaped posture can result in abnormal spinal loading and pain. A typical human chair c-shaped individual maintains a forward head position, rounded, elevated shoulders, a rounded spine shape and a posterior pelvic tilt (backward tipped pelvis). C-shaped human chairs have difficulty tipping their pelvis forwards to sit up and struggle to move their lower and mid backs independently of one another.

The effects of this are often: • Increased loading of the spine.

• Headaches associated with the forward head position.

• Tightness in the muscles at the front of the body, due to bracing of the abdominal muscles.

• Reduced lung capacity and a shallow breathing technique.

If you have this c-shaped postural type and are uncomfortable in sitting, try sitting with your bottom right back in your chair and gently tilt your pelvis forwards reducing strain on your spine by reducing the c-shaped position of your back and coming into a neutral spine position.

Move more! Regularly get up out of your chair! Getting fit is also important so shake off the sofa bear in you and get active!

Another common postural type adopted by human chairs, which

can also lead to pain in sitting, is the one assumed by those of you who think that you’re in the army. Overly archy types (those with an increased lumbar lordosis) constantly sit up straight and often on the edge of their seat. The overly arched among you often think that you’re doing yourselves good as you’re so upright and working your back so hard. However, this position can also be painful and exhausting!

The effects of this are: • Increased loading of the spine, as if you sit in this position you’re working your spinal muscles too hard and they’ll tell you by becoming painful and tight.

• Overloading the spinal joints.

• Tense shoulders, as I bet you’ll look like you’re using them to keep your ears warm, as you sit at your computer frantically typing away.

If this is you sit back into your chair, tilt your pelvis back a bit, reducing the archy curve in your lower back (lumbar neutral) and relax! Let the chair support you and do some of the work. Your back will thank you. And just like your c-shaped colleagues, take regular breaks from sitting and move more! Wearable technology is really useful as it enables you set reminders to ensure that you regularly get out of your chair.

Of course there are lots of other postural types and unhelpful ways that some of us sit and move. The good news is that it is surprisingly easy to return to good, relaxed posture; it just takes a little regular self-discipline and sometimes the help of a fab physio. If you need some help with your back pain and think it is related to how you’re sitting but just can’t seem to change it yourself, book an appointment with one of our Stretch Physio team on 01245 505 866 and they’ll be able to help you!

Eleanor Searle, Director at Stretch Physio www.stretchphysio.co.uk

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Page 19

therapy by Jenny Hartill You may be aware that recently we had Mental Health Awareness Week. Today I wanted to tell you what it’s about and what the focus has been this year, because mental health isn’t always about psychosis, clinical depression and suicide. Mental health is a very wide ranging subject and hypnotherapy can be incredibly helpful in maintaining good mental health as well as tackling various issues.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2017 took place between Monday 8th to Sunday 14th May. The event was coordinated by the Mental Health Foundation and this year’s theme was Surviving or Thriving. This is an interesting theme because I’ve had many a client walk into my therapy room worrying they’re ‘not ill enough’ to see a therapist. Part of this mindset comes from the ongoing stigma that mental health endures. This stigma involves an embarrassment around mental health, that if you go to see a therapist you are somehow ‘broken’ or ‘not right in the head’. It’s a shame that some people concentrate on this, rather than the wonderful benefits that therapy can offer.

According to the Mental Health Foundation: “We all have mental health. Good mental health is an asset that helps us to thrive. This is not just the absence of a mental health problem, but having the ability to think, feel and act in a way that allows us to enjoy life and deal with the challenges it presents. Yet it can be easy to assume that ongoing stress is the price we have to pay to keep our lives on track. It is time to challenge that assumption.”

Where does the assumption that ‘ongoing stress is the price we have to pay to keep our lives on track’ come from? Some people would say that it’s the British stiff upper lip that’s to blame, or the old saying ‘keep calm and carry on’ or ‘pull your socks up’. It was Sigmund Freud who said “anxiety is the price we pay for civilisation”. So is this a mindset that started with the very advent of therapy? Have we perhaps been programmed from the start that life is just hard, so get on with it? Freud may have been a psychodynamic therapist, but he was also an individual human being with his own flaws and psychological and emotional issues.

The fact is, nobody is perfect and everyone goes through emotionally tough times at some point, but does that mean that we have to struggle in general? Who says we can’t enjoy life? Most clients come to us therapists because they are unhappy with certain aspects of themselves and their life and they want to change this. I think the biggest issue I treat is over thinking. So many people do this, driving themselves potty thinking and ruminating and scenario building - and they don’t tackle this issue because their mindset is that ‘well, this is just how I am’. This doesn’t have to be the case. If you’re happy and don’t want to do anything about your anxiety/over thinking/ depression/whatever it is, then fine - that’s entirely up to you and nobody is trying to drag you into therapy or make you feel bad about your psychological processes. What the Mental Health Foundation and those involved with Mental Health Awareness Week are saying is that we don’t have to live our lives stressing about everything and literally just surviving instead of enjoying life to the full and thriving.

That’s what us therapists are here for; we want to help you live the best, most fulfilling life you can!

• • •

and learning new things.

More than 4 in 10 people say they have experienced depression.

Over a quarter of people say they have experienced panic attacks.

Nearly two thirds of people say that they have experienced a mental health problem. This rises to 7 in every 10 women, young adults aged 18-34 and people living alone.

So how can hypnotherapy help you to live a more fulfilling life?

Lots of ways, but the main issue I come across is stress. No matter what my clients are coming to see me for, they are almost always stressed. Stress adds to any issue because it tends to cause us to think differently. For example, if you were very calm and relaxed and something unexpected happened, you would probably be less likely to jump out of your skin than if you were already stressed and feeling on edge. This is because our bodies go into fight-or-flight mode when we’re stressed so we’re ready to react at a moment’s notice to any threats.

Hypnotherapy is great for relaxation. When clients come to me for hypnotherapy, even if they come for something like breaking a habit, they always report that the most enjoyable bit of the therapy was how relaxing they found it. Many report that their sleep improves, their mood improves and that they feel more positive in general. One of the reasons for this is that I include very positive suggestions in my hypnotherapy sessions, suggestions that encourage the subconscious mind to look for positive opportunities to improve your life. I also give a little confidence boost in there too, for good measure!

In Mental Health Awareness Week, all over the country many people host events and talks in a bid to connect up members of the community and talk about mental well-being. You may like to keep your eye out for next year or even set something up yourself.

If anyone is interested in seeing a therapist, I own and run Chelmsford Therapy Rooms. We have a range of therapists that can help with a multitude of issues. We offer many therapies from hypnotherapy to counselling to nutrition. Please see the website www.chelmsfordtherapyrooms.co.uk, or you can email info@ chelmsfordtherapyrooms.co.uk, or call 0330 100 5162.

BEFORE YOU GO! I have a favour to ask the readers - us therapists as inundated with sales calls and one of the most popular ones is to sell us ads on the back of appointment cards. Personally I’ve never received an appointment card from my GP, but I’ve set up a survey to ask you lovely people to tell us whether you have received an appointment card and if so for which surgery.

It’s anonymous so you don’t tell us your name, and this is for research purposes only. I’ve plastered the survey all over social media so you can go to our Facebook page for example, or just go to this link: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/D9CQVHV. Thanks!

Correction

Below are some of the key findings from research conducted by Museum A Picture in More Ways Than One - issue 43 of The City NatCen and commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation in March Times: 2017 about mental health in England, Scotland and Wales: • • •

Only a small minority of people (13%) report living with high levels of good mental health.

People over the age of 55 report experiencing better mental health than average.

People aged 55 and above are the most likely to take positive steps to help themselves deal better with everyday life - including spending time with friends and family, going for a walk, spending more time on interests, getting enough sleep, eating healthily

The Friends of Chelmsford Museum apologise to the copyright holder Alison Johnson for reproducing and distributing the picture entitled Volcano Hummingbird in the Wild-Costa Rica without acknowledging ©Alison Johnson on the picture.

The image won the Presidents Cup Award for image of the year 20152016.

Page 20

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Saturday 10th June 2017

With support from Sound Mirrors At Chelmsford City FC Tickets £13 in advance and £15 on the door At the Clarets Bar, Chelmsford City Football Club, Salerno Way, Chelmsford, CM1 2EH Tickets from CCFC call 01245 290959 The Hop Beer Shop Moulsham Street. CM2 0LD, Ideas Hub 1-4 Market Square, High Chelmer, CM1 1XF Intense Records, Viaduct Road, CM1 1TS Search We Got Tickets - www.wegottickets.com www.itsyourmusic.co.uk - www.facebook.com/itsyourmusic for more information.

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Page 21

Fitness and Well-Being

The Truth about Yoga - by Kellie Jones As with all things in life, the truth about something really is mostly just perceptual; pretty much everything can be questioned - especially now we know about quantum physics and neuroplasticity! The ancient texts from the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali are estimated to have been written prior to 400CE so there is more than 5,000 years of room to question what it actually is but this is exactly what I love about yoga. Try googling ‘what is yoga?’ you will end up just as confused as when you didn’t know! One description I read was ‘yoga is a spiritual science of selfrealisation’ and if you break that down it could mean a non-material, observation and experiment of the fulfilment of one’s own potential... and we’re back to not knowing a thing again! Love it!

One thing it definitely isn’t is just another exercise class, although it may be portrayed as such if you have only ever seen pictures. There are 8 main limbs of yoga, one of them being the asanas or physical practise, but the first limb is the yamas or how we conduct ourselves in life. There are 5 yamas and, as we are on the subject of truth, I thought it would be cool to focus on satya which means truthfulness.

Satya is crucial for teachers as not only do we have to guide our students we also have to lead by example. As teachers it is easy to end up working through exhaustion and illness and our ego minds can drive us to injury if we push too hard to achieve a pose. We have to let go of the expectation of others and ourselves, slow down, listen and breath. It is amazing that when we allow our intuition to lead the way how easy something we struggled with can become. For years I have struggled with my fear of handstand and have tried many different ways to achieve it without success, so I just kind of gave up worrying about it. At a recent workshop there was the option to handstand and I hadn’t tried for a considerable time so I thought I’ll just do one and prop up against the wall. Then like magic I floated up and balanced without the need for the wall! I believe this happened because I had no expectation of myself, no attachment to the outcome, and I honestly felt strong enough to have a go.

We have had so many wonderful workshops already this year, I can’t believe we’re in May already, but it’s great because we have so many more planned. Coming up this month are the Full Flower Moon Gong Bath and Group Reformer Pilates workshop. If you are thinking that you might like to get away for a few days’ retreat in the Spanish mountains, then watch this space or sign up for our newsletter at www. hummingbirdpilates.co.uk.

3 Ne M 0D w em a C l be ys ien r Un t O (T s & h lim ff C 's i ap p pl f ite er y) o r d £3 5

Satya is the yogic practise of carefully choosing our words so they do the least harm, being honest with ourselves and others through our feelings, thoughts, words and deeds.

When we are on our mats, satya is about learning to assess ourselves honestly not critically, to do what is the best non-harming version for our bodies and minds in that moment. Something we may forget is that we are on the mat ultimately to feel better, which is why meditation, breathwork and self study are such key parts of yoga practise as they sensitise us to how we really feel. The pose is not the goal, feeling good in the pose is. Yoga is however a practise so most of us struggle with this one for a good long while.

Pilates, Yoga, Meditation Book your space online or call: Small Classes & 1-2-1’s www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk Inspirational Teachers 01245 422556 Friendly, Community Vibe Reeds Farm Estate, Writtle, CM1 2ST Page 22

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Insomnia Left me more Confused about Fitness DVDs

Recently I went on a break for a few days with my family. We had an absolutely cracking time (I had to put that in, because nobody seems to have a bad time anymore!) except when it came to sleeping. Because I’m about as comfortable sleeping in someone else’s bed as Theresa May would be in a working men’s club! This inevitably led to several sleepless nights, which in turn (for me anyway) meant watching the TV into the wee small hours of the morning.

personal training session please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Also, if you enjoyed this please tell your friends, oh and follow me on social media too… matt@mlrpt.co.uk www.mlrpt.co.uk 07939 316 401 www.twitter.com/mlrpt www.facebook.com/mlrpt www.twitter.com/mlrpt

As I sat there channel hopping (with the same regularity of a UK smuggler trying to avoid paying tax on their booze and fags) I was left dismayed at the number of different fitness training DVDs available to the Great British Public. You know the ones I’m on banging on about, the ones produced in an infomercial style. You’ve got the high intensity work outs which guarantee ‘AMAZING RESULTS’. You’ve got the low intensity work outs which also guarantee ‘AMAZING RESULTS’. Then you’ve got the dance inspired workouts which once again guarantee ‘AMAZING RESULTS’. Heck, you’ve even got pilates and yoga fusion workouts. Without labouring the point, there’s an almost infinite number of different fitness trainers out there all flogging DVDs offering different exercise regimes which all guarantee the exact same - amazing results!

That’s right people, most of these DVDs don’t just offer, or even promise amazing results, they guarantee them.

The plot thickens a little deeper once you realise that most, if not all, of these infomercial style fitness DVDs are produced by the same company! Just a cursory look at the relevant website and you can see that the claims made by some of these instructors completely contradict each other. Whilst one exceptionally fine looking physical specimen of a trainer claims that high intensity interval training is the way to get a svelte, chiselled muscular body, another equally as impressive trainer claims that low intensity training is the way to get an impressive looking physique.

So, with all these DVDs all offering different exercise routines, it begs the question: Which type of exercise is best?

The answer is simple. Yet the time, effort and research which I have invested in getting to this conclusion has been far from easy. The answer is: The exercise routine which you can stick to.

That’s right, it’s as simple as that. For your average person, doing something is much better than doing nothing. So, find the exercise or activity which is right for you, which you enjoy doing, and which fits in with your lifestyle and do it - and then keep doing it. Just as the consistency of your dough is the key to making good cakes, consistency in your training is key to a happier and healthier you! Oh, and if you really want to put some icing on those cakes try to include in some weight training to your exercise regime too.

In conclusion…

Don’t be confused with all the hype which surrounds some exercise DVDs or certain exercise routines, almost any type of exercise can be beneficial to your health and fitness provided you do it consistently.

Oh, and the slight irony which I see with this whole fitness DVD industry is that nearly all the trainers on these DVDs have clearly been doing some form of serious weight training (which, of course is a good thing for a host of reasons) to get the impressive physiques that they have. But often, the inference is that it’s the DVD that has given them that body, not the endless hours spent pumping weights in the gym!

To book your free trial session at my bootcamp class, or your free www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk Page 23

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome’s Latest Triumph!

The amazing award winning team of volunteers at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome are at it again. Just one year after the successful launch of the RFC Home Defence Museum, May 12th 2017 saw the opening of the 37 Squadron Museum. Housed in the Flight Offices, this amazing permanent exhibition tells the most important stories of all - those of the people who made the exciting (and sometimes terrifying) journey from the beginnings of flight at Stow Maries, through the early war and formation of the Royal Air Force and on to the closure of Stow Maries in 1919. Featuring objects, displays and interactives, this family museum is a true tribute to the vital work done here.

For more information on the aerodrome and all its events for 2017 log on to www.stowmaries.org.uk.

The aerodrome lies to the east of Chelmsford and to the west of Maldon in gently rolling farmland. This site really is a hidden gem, it has the largest known surviving group of Royal Flying Corps buildings on a WWI aerodrome which were never adapted for further military use later in its history.

The aerodrome is also about to embark on a host of events for the year, the first taking place on 21st May - Wings & Wheels. Everything from classic cars, motorbikes and coaches to vintage aircraft - a celebration of vehicles for both land and air. June will then see a Day for Dads and Armed Forces Day. All event days offer a great day out for all the family with an abundance of traders, exhibitors and activities. There will also be some fantastic air displays on various days (weather permitting).

It is the perfect venue for a group visit, an educational excursion or just a fun day out. The aircraft, the museum and the buildings all add to an unmistakeable atmosphere. In the Mess you can enjoy a great selection of hot and cold food prepared for you in advance and served accompanied by the strains of pianola music. And not forgetting our wonderful shop! Our team is ready and waiting to welcome you to this fantastic site.

The Blackwater Country Show After the success of last year’s inaugural event, we are returning for a second year!

There are many exciting prospects for this year’s festival, with an enclosure on Writtle Green comprising of two music marquees featuring upwards of ten acts, as well as the Wheatsheaf, The Rose and Crown and The Village Hall all hosting Jazz and Blues.

New editions to the Writtle Jazz & Blues Festival.

Once again local saxophonist Zak Barrett, (left), will be bringing together a wealth of musical talent with many new acts including Trevor Newnham, The Trevor Taylor Quartet, The Marc Cecil Quartet (featuring Derek Nash and Neil Angilly) and Nicola Farnon from Sheffield.

The Blackwater Country Show celebrates the countryside and the outdoors! The Great Britain U24 Ultimate Players are showcasing professional frisbee, have-a-go at archery, canoeing and kayaking, clay shooting and meet British Cycling.

Refreshments There will be two pop up bars on the village green hosted by The Rose and Crown and The Wheatsheaf. Abigail’s Deli and Café from Ingatestone will be bringing their culinary delights to the festival serving teas, coffees, sandwiches and cakes and The Pompous Pig will be back with a full BBQ and hog roast available into the evening!

An annual event in support of the Essex Air Ambulance with attractions on the lake, in the main ring and on the show ground.

Cheer on your favourite Pony Club jump relay team, watch Newfoundland rescues, meet magnificent heavy horses in harness and their handlers, watch a shepherd work his intelligent dogs, handle birds of prey, ride donkeys, watch police dogs apprehend fugitives, enter your pooch into the show/agility/flyball.

Returning again!

Jordan Marsh, Reg Webb, Joe Gibson and Harry Funk will all be returning and young rock and roll keyboard player Sam Wain, who entertained us in the courtyard at The Rose and Crown, will be back!

Stroll among the marquees and stalls of unique artisan exhibitors, collectors, local growers, distillers, bakers. There is something for everyone to either relax or take part at this popular day out in the country! www.blackwatercountryshow.co.uk

Wildlife Corner by Nick Green The dry winter continued, though April experienced some rainfall and frost but the river water levels remained low. It’s certainly been a dry winter reflecting the dominance of calm anticyclonic weather - and the absence of rain producing lows coming from the Atlantic!

Spring temperatures have not been great, though the odd day did produce temperatures of 25C and a host of insects. But there have not been many days with butterflies on the wing or bees, so I hope insectivorous birds are not struggling to survive or feed their first broods. Swifts are at last back from their African wintering quarters.

The oystercatcher is a resident, passage migrant and winter visitor in Essex. Despite the name, oystercatchers tend to feed on cockles and mussels and the adults teach their chicks accordingly. It’s an easy species to identify and can be found on all our estuaries and many of our gravel pits, though the first inland breeding occurred at Abberton Reservoir in 1979. The nest is a shallow scrape on bare ground.

The bird features black and white plumage with a long, bright orange bill and reddish-pink legs. They tend to be quite noisy, so the species is difficult to miss! One of the local names is ‘kleepers’ which reflects the call! The Essex breeding population is probably over 300 pairs.

Some 70% of the county’s wintering population is found on Foulness which reflects the abundance of cockles, but the species can be found on all our estuaries and most wetlands.

Recent Essex Wildlife News The most noteworthy April 2017 bird news: Selected highlights include Abberton Reservoir: The star bird of the month was undoubtedly the first winter Bonaparte’s gull all the way from America and constituted just the second record for Essex, from 22nd. A red rumped swallow on 26th was also welcomed. Bowers Gifford still held 2-3 black-winged stilts from March. County-wide, migrants included little gulls, black terns, arctic terns, ring ouzels, whimbrel and greenshank amongst others.

Oystercatcher (copyright Glyn Evans)

Nationally, Savi’s warblers were reported from Minsmere RSPB and Hickling Broad, two-barred crossbill in Somerset and little bittern on the Isles of Scilly.

WASI’S

TRADITIONAL

BARBERS

• Hair Cuts & Styling • Boys Hair Styles • Beard Trim & Shape • Hot Towel & Head Massage • Traditional Wet Shave

PRICE LIST

GENTS HAIR CUT GENTS CUT & WASH GENTS FACE SHAVE & HOT TOWEL GENTS HAIR CUT & SHAVE INC HOT TOWEL & HEAD MASSAGE HAIR WASH BOYS HAIR CUT UNDER 16YRS BOYS HAIR CUT UNDER 10 YRS SENIORS HAIR CUT SENIORS BEARD TRIM

£8.50 £10.50 £9.50

Other mens grooming services available please ask in the shop 66 Forest Drive, Chelmsford, CM1 2TS Tel: 07934 905290 Open 7 days week 9am to 6pm (Friday & Saturday till 7pm )

£19.00 £2.00 £6.50 £5.50 £6.50 £4.00 FREE PARKING OUTSIDE SHOP

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Page 25

A History of Chelmsford Prison - Part 1 by Stephen Norris Chelmsford’s prison has certainly had a chequered past and that has continued up to the present. Many people’s knowledge of the prison is confined however to the fact that it was used to shoot several scenes for the film version of Porridge.

There has been a gaol in Chelmsford since the seventeenth century.

It stood in Moulsham Street along with the House of Correction, which had been in the High Street, and was eventually demolished in 1859. The new prison at Springfield was started in 1822. It was built with an outer wall 20 feet high and an inner wall 30 feet high which was 60 foot from the boundary wall. The centre of the prison was the Governor’s house. From it, spreading outwards there were seven radii, which contained the wards that held the prisoners. There were 204 cells, each 8 feet by 6 and a half feet and 9 feet high. In addition there were 14 large cells that were 14 by 8 foot. Originally it was supposed to house 225 prisoners but by 1837 it was already sleeping 628!

Until the end of the 19th century, the principal means of occupying the prisoner’s time was the treadmill. It was not attached to any form of machinery and was therefore totally unproductive. In 1880 there were 8 treadmills and the prisoner spent 6 to 10 hours on one of them each day. Discipline was very strict with the prisoners being unlocked at 6 in the morning and locked up at 8 in the evening. In the morning, after making their beds and washing, they worked on the treadmill until half past 7. They then went to chapel and at 8am took one and a half pounds of bread baked in the prison plus a quart of beer to their cells. The prisoners then worked on the treadmill until 1pm. Lunch consisted of a pint of gruel plus an onion in their cells. At half past one they were allowed out of their cells to attend school. They then started work again on the treadmill until 7pm.

The prisoners were given a supper of four ounces of bread and two ounces of cheese in their cells. A breach of discipline resulted in solitary confinement night and day.

The treadmill was still the main type of hard labour in the prison in the 1890s with up to 89 men on the treadmills at any one time. In August 1888 a man died after a fortnight on the treadmill. He was only 23 and his body was very emaciated. The coroner recorded his death as caused by jaundice and acute of atrophy of the liver. He did however say to the prison representative “if you could modify your punishments I think it would be advisable”. The treadmill was finally abolished in the prison in 1896. It was replaced largely by oakum picking but no attempt was made to make a record of how much the convicts collected.

The middle of the 19th century had brought some recognition that prisoners needed some help after they had been released, to try to ensure that they did not reoffend.

A Society for the Essex Female Discharged Prisoners was formed first, for the small number of women prisoners in the gaol and this was followed by a Male Society. By 1880 the latter was trying to find places in homes,

situations with respectable tradesmen, or berths on long sea voyages for boys who had come out of the prison. For adult men they tried to obtain suitable lodgings, temporary employment or tools for a trade.

The Male Society also gave assistance for emigration in a few cases.

A register of the local society shows this was expensive, usually costing eight pounds, whereas the cost of railway fares, tools and the most common type of support, clothes, was usually measured in shillings. By 1885 the Female Society was helping half the 53 women prisoners who passed through the prison that year. Of the 26 helped, 4 were found new homes, 2 sent to hospital, 11 were given clothing and 5 others were counselled. Eight took the temperance pledge, probably as a way of avoiding the principal reason why they were in prison in the first place!

In 1880 the prison held 201 male and 19 female prisoners. At the end of that year the prison staff consisted of a governor, chaplain, surgeon, clerk, a schoolmaster, four male and two female wardens and two other subordinate male officers.

Punishments were frequent: In 1880, 202 males and 12 females were punished. It cost just over £20 per annum to keep each prisoner. The register of the Discharged Prisoners Society shows that well over a half of all prisoners were classed as labourers. It was common for the prison to receive over a 100 military prisoners a year, who had transgressed while in service, and this was a bone of contention with the prison authorities. They were imprisoned for desertion or other offences.

Most of the prisoners were between the ages of 20 and 40, although a few were teenagers and a small number over 60. A very few were still at school, with several in the 1880s as young as 12. The registers kept by the Society show the variations in the lengths of sentences from a few days for begging to two years for serious felonies. Easily the most common form of offence which resulted in imprisonment was theft and burglary.

1889 saw a civil engineer, who spent 18 months in the prison, write an account of life inside the gaol. He described how prisoners were punished severely for offences such as turning their heads in chapel.

The Governor was evidently worried about what he might say and he and the chaplain appealed for him to go straight out of town. He alleged that the chief warden had knifed him! The engineer was given the task of picking oakum but no checks were made on how much he did.

Long timers were placed in cells for substantial periods so that they couldn’t escape. The engineer said that the Governor was fined £50 per escapee. In his time there several wardens were discharged for their behaviour including violence against prisoners and the trafficking of contraband. A few months later, a letter to the Essex Chronicle from one of the wardens who had been dismissed, said that the trafficking was because of the heavy fines on wardens for frivolous offences. Grave offences went unnoticed. He said that old convicts shuddered if they had to go to Chelmsford prison and that wardens ‘were afraid for their very lives’. Conditions were not helped by it becoming an exclusively convict prison in the mid 1890s with a good deal more long term prisoners.

The poor quality of the warden workforce led to a school for wardens being set up in 1897. Fifteen wardens were trained at a time and the course included being in charge of convicts inside and out of the prison, being in charge of work shifts, the systematic issue and collection of stores, being in charge of the infirmary and the kitchen and the writing of reports about prisoners. The Essex Chronicle expressed surprise that something like this hadn’t been tried before.

After passing the course, the wardens didn’t stay at Chelmsford, being sent on to other prisons around the country. The school quickly gained a very good reputation. Its first warden, a Mr Box, came from

Page 26 Please let our advertisers know you saw their advert in The City Times

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

O STEOPATHY & S PORTS M ASSAGE IN C ENTRAL C HELMSFORD We’re here to help...

Back Pain Sports Injuries Joint Pain Muscle Strains Sciatica & more...

01245 522 360

32 Rochford Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0EF FREE PARKING

Holloway Prison.

The regular reports of the Police Commissioners reveal other interesting aspects of life at the prison. In 1889, 1,658 males and 98 females passed through the prison. Of the men, 323 could neither read nor write at all, while 1,225 males and 71 women could do one or both imperfectly, while only 26 men and one woman could do both well.

The Discharged Prisoners Society in 1902 reported a resistance to associating with ex-prisoners in the Chelmsford workplaces, which apparently didn’t occur in large cities.

The 1907 Probation of Offenders Act enabled courts to release offenders into the care of probation officers and led to the establishment of a local service in Chelmsford, as illustrated by the officers’ early case books, particularly of J Hirst who had previously been the schoolmaster at the prison.

Magistrates increasingly tried to avoid sending offenders to prison in cases such as petty theft.

It is interesting to note that the case books show that incidents of indecent assault and exposure were usually not considered serious enough to warrant a prison sentence. Hirst was also a Discharged Prisoners

info@fortephysicalhealth.co.uk www.fortephysicalhealth.co.uk facebook.com/fortephysicalhealth

Aid Officer and was known as the ‘Prisoners’ Man’ because of his kindness and thoughtfulness.

1900 saw the start of the building of a new hospital at the prison on the site of the old debtors’ prison in the north east of the complex, costing £5,000. It was three floors high and could be seen from outside the prison wall. There were five cells for convalescents, a padded cell and various rooms for the medical officer. By June 1915 the number of prisoners was declining and afterwards the gaol was taken over by the military authorities. The prison was then used for the confinement of military prisoners and German prisoners of war.

Rotary in May May sees the culmination of many of the Rotary Youth competitions where our talented youngsters, after having fought through local heats, district finals and regional finals, if successful, reach the national finals. There are competitions for musician, youth speaks, chef, technology, photography, writer and leadership.

Although Essex didn’t have a national winner this time, we can be truly proud of the standard and commitment of our young people and we will have the opportunity of seeing some of them later in the year when they perform at Chelmsford Cathedral.

Abbie Ward of Chelmsford gave a very creditable performance in the Vocalist section at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff and was supported by Chelmsford Rotarians, including club President Philip Goodman.

prophecy that a lack of education will mean no improvement in their living conditions without outside help. All the Chelmsford walkers were presented with souvenir backpacks.

There was quite a bit of excitement on Chelmsford’s doorstep with Billericay’s second Soapbox Derby on 1st May. Homemade karts of all shapes and sizes competed around a course at Sun Corner, which was first of all a family fun day, but also raised funds for various local good causes through sponsorship. Part of Billericay High Street was closed off for traffic and it makes me wonder whether we could have a similar large scale fun event in Chelmsford.

The RYLA final (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) reached its climax on Sunday 7th May at the Mersea Outdoor Centre and one task also involved racing a small go-kart. RYLA is a great event where youngsters from all over Essex come together to learn team building and communication skills, and there is no doubt that it is looked on as a very impressive addition to a CV by employers.

Young people were also much in evidence for the Walk For Water in Chelmsford on Saturday 8th May. This is organised by Chelmsford Phoenix Rotary and involves scouts, guides, sea cadets and schools having to walk 6km carrying a backpack containing 6 litres of water to raise money and more importantly awareness for sanitation and hygiene conditions in Africa. 6km is the average distance walked and 6 litres the average amount of water carried by children on a daily basis - no simply turning on a tap for clean drinking water in this part of the developing world.

This year the Rotary Phoenix event was slightly different in that the walkers had to perform various tasks en route. With the sponsorship that they raised themselves it will make quite a difference to improving water projects and with the added benefit that children here in Chelmsford will have a better understanding of water and sanitation problems. Imagine, that in the 21st century there are still 750 million people without access to safe drinking water and a staggering 2.4 billion without access to a toilet!

If kids have to walk hours each day to get water for themselves and their family, then they have less time for school so it is a self fulfilling

More mundane but important in its own right was the painting of the railings of the public gardens by Braintree Rivers Rotary Club. When offenders are given non custodial sentences by the courts, they are given what is now termed ‘unpaid work in the community’. Funnily enough, that is precisely what Rotarians do without committing any offence. It is doing something that makes a positive improvement to the local community.

By the time you read this, the Great Baddow 10k and Fun Run will have taken place. This has been organised by Chelmsford Rotary Club for about 30 years and is a firm fixture in Chelmsford’s calendar.

The above are just some examples of what Rotary clubs are doing locally and recently, so I ask myself, where would we be if Rotary wasn’t here?

If you think this all sounds like something you would like to be part of, then visit www.chelmsfordrotary1240.org, or give me a call on 01245 260 349. I will be happy to give you details of a club near you.

Stan Keller

Web sites from £299 web sites | business cards | flyers | 01245 262082

Page 29 Please let our advertisers know you saw their advert in The City Times

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Stargazing with Mark Willis - April/May 24th May, 2017 at 22:00: Looking to the left side of the Plough’s handle, there is an interesting galaxy. (If you are able to look up away from city light pollution, then this will be very helpful).

and its face will be fully lit by the Sun. It will be brighter than any other time of the year and visible all night long. This is the best time to view and photograph Saturn and its moons.

The Whirlpool Galaxy, M51, which can be found close to the last star on the handle of the Plough, a star called Alkaid. Although 13 million light years from us, it is viewable through 10x50 binoculars. I do recommend using a tripod if you can.

21st June: June Solstice. The June Solstice occurs at 04:24 UTC. This is the first day of summer (Summer Solstice) in the Northern Hemisphere.

24 May: Wow! You must see this... It just so happens that the Iridium 41 artificial satellite will move from right to left crossing in front of the double stars Alcor and Mizar, the two stars together in the handle of the Plough (at 22:39:31) and then passing in front of the Whirlpool Galaxy (22:39:45). th

3rd June: This is the best time to view Venus since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the morning sky. Look for the bright planet in the eastern sky before sunrise.

15th June: Saturn at Opposition. Saturn will be at its closest to Earth

New Moon: On May 25th and June 24th 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.

As usual, email me with any questions.

Mark Willis presents Willis Wireless every Monday at 7pm on Chelmsford Community Radio on 104.4 FM and online at: chelmsfordcommunityradio.com.

Twitter: @WillisWireless Email: mark.willis@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

The best car in the world, anywhere? By Simon Inglis So you’re down the pub and the lads start babbling about cars. After the school run the women go for coffee to compare SUV notes. It’s then that the drivel comes out. The lads will likely talk about cars they’ve never owned, a Zonda maybe? Or they’ll boast of their latest company diesel saloon and how it ‘doesn’t drive like a chattery chain and gets 50mpg!’ The ladies might extol the virtues of their Subatoy-maxi-5-thingy and ‘how easy it is to park!’ The younger kids may talk of exotic sports cars that they’re still young enough to fantasise they’ll someday own. Older folk will tell you the virtues of the Polo, their comfy Peugeot chairs or if a tad better off the S Class they tootle about town in. Best car? It’s very subjective isn’t it...

Or is it? The W123 and W124 Mercedes that endured until 1995...

What. A. Machine. Best car? Better than the immortal Golf? Most likely. These are the cars that spell Mercedes Benz. These are the cars Herr Benz spent his life and legacy to someday build. From the 1970s to the mid 1990s they adorned our streets and driveways as ornaments of status and quiet achievement and they were subsequently passed on to family members, second-hand. Third-hand they’d get about as cheap bangers or exported to continue a new life in a new country. Fourth-hand, these cars are becoming collector’s items. The taxis from Berlin to Africa, cars that defeat modern four wheel drives on rocky or sandy hills to this day; cars that we once desired then taught our kids to drive in.

I’ve owned two. The first was an over priced banger to get me around the maddening streets of Lima some years ago. That already ancient car never once let me down in a city of potted roads and the far edge of extreme Latin driving habits. Returning to Australia I picked up a 1989 model - admittedly it’s not the prettiest but it certainly has all the goodies from air conditioning to a two way sunroof.

Towards the end of its third decade all the electrics work, it has ABS and a locking differential system that gives extra grip in the wet. In all, quite special for not just its era but it also feels like a ‘complete car’ when I jump into more modern material. And my goodness it’s cool, it turns heads for pennies, while the driver certainly does not!

What else even comes close as Best Car Ever? We live in an age of electricity. For some reason that is frankly beyond me, I require delicate and very pricey gadgets to just press a button to get into my car. Oh yes, keyless entry. I can’t change a light bulb, rather the whole unit needs ordering and replacing while I remortgage the house in order to have my headlight back on. My ridiculous touch screen resembles my Samsung tablet, but is far less useful. I have

safety systems that I’ll never use and if I ever do, I’m likely dead in any case at high speed. Some of this stuff I’ll admit is extremely useful. Lane departure warning for instance..? Then again I dont recall a time when I haven’t heard or felt the rumble strip! Or, have we gone too far with the gadgetry? In all honesty, do we really drive more real world economical cars now than we did twenty years ago?

Taking a 1997 BMW or a similar year Peugeot, I doubt it. Nor are we more comfortable. The technology was pretty much up-to-scratch by the early 1990s and so was the attention to comfort. Yet I do buy into the tech thing to a point. A head-up display may be a bit unnatural at first but such a speedometer would help with the ever growing proliferation of cameras!

The old W124, the classic E Series, was truly Mercedes’ last nonelectronic Benz. It’s replacement, the W210, became instantly infamous as Berlin cabbies complained about quality issues. While the W210 is a revolutionary design which has lead to where most modern cars are now it was and does remain problematic.

I’m often amazed at the thought that was employed in creating the apparently over-priced and spartan looking old Mercedes cars.

Features such as the small flap above the rear view mirror to protect against the sun, the flickering light on the rear window defroster to remind you to switch it off or the harsh buzzer alert if you withdraw your ignition key with your lights left on (a stern non musical ‘achtung!’). Then there’s the build quality: James May reputedly purchased such a Benz just to ‘reassemble’ and as he has written, every nut and screw seems to find a home. Add the remarkable non leather but MB-Tex trim, offering supportive seats that you feel you could use a high pressure hose to clean if necessary!

Fifth Gear did a series on How to Kill an old Mercedes - it is almost sacrilegious, but everything is thrown at a poor W124 Estate including dunking in water and fire. Yet the old girl survives.

This particular car has led the way in modern car design, from the crash safety cell to standard ABS braking. Have a look at one, what other mass produced car with well over 2 million examples sold from the mid 1980s still looks so fresh? Sadly our more modern cars are most unlikely to repeat the feat, and no I’m not promoting Mercedes Benz in any way, rather I’m harking back to a recent time when quality really mattered. As much as I admire modern Mercs, none seem as solid as the old W123 and W124 range.

There’s still much to be said about the old ways in our ever changing world!

The author shares their old Mercedes as a local run about with his wife in all weather conditions.

Page 30 If you would like to advertise with us please email ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Classified Adverts Highwood Construction

All roofing work undertaken Home Improvements • Extensions • Alterations Garages • Wall Rebuilds • Free Estimates

We are a local family run business with 30 years experience! Call us for a free no obligation quotation

01245 422712 / 07711 606561 - We will beat any written quote!

MB DESIGNS Fitted Wardrobe Solutions

01245 261104

07789813914 | www.mbdesigns.me.uk

Advertise on our classified page for just £25 + VAT per issue.

Advertise on our classified page for just £25 + VAT per issue.

NOW RECRUITING APPRENTICES & STYLISTS For more information please call

01245 356986

www.mitchellsbarbers.co.uk

Spot the Difference Answers (Including last months as they were missed)

Advertise on our classified page for just £25 + VAT per issue.

Page 31

Advertise on this page for £25 + VAT per issue

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT ESTATE AGENT SERVING CHELMSFORD FOR 25 YEARS FOR A FREE PROFESSIONAL VALUATION CALL 01245 266980 Linnet Drive £295,000

Terraced house Three bedrooms Detached garage Courtyard style garden

Grace Bartlett Gardens £375,000

Spacious modern house Constructed by Lindon Homes Two double bedrooms Car port & parking space

Bouverie Road £575,000

Lady Lane £550,000

Edwardian Semi-detached Extended four bedroom Many original features 70ft west facing rear garden

• 1930s detached house • Five double bedrooms • Approx 100ft rear garden • No onward chain

Waterson Vale £525,000

• Executive detached house • Four bedrooms • Two en-suite shower rooms • Double garage

Albion Court £125,000

First floor apartment One bedroom In house Manager • Communal residence lounge

Hall Street O.I.E.O. £350,000

Victorian semi-detached Three bedrooms Many original features 50ft rear garden King George Court £249,995

Top floor apartment Two bedrooms Off street parking No onward chain Upper Bridge Road £275,000

Victorian terrace house Two bedrooms Courtyard style rear garden Sole agents