The City Times - Jul/Aug 2024

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Issue Number 126 - July 18th - August 18th 2024

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City Times Intro Hello readers, Welcome to The City Times July/August edition.

The summer holidays are upon us and there are plenty of things to do listed in our What’s On pages!

If you have anything to add to our listings for any dates between 19th August and September 22nd, then please email them to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we will do our best to list them all.

Please also remember to tell our advertisers that you saw their advert in The City Times, as it really helps both them and us to know that their adverts are working.

Paul & Nick

www.thecitytimes.co.uk 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 publish The City Times. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of It’s Your Media Ltd. No part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of It’s Your Media Ltd. Registered offices: 15 Hayes Close, Chelmsford. Reg No 9154871. Printed by Warners (Midlands) PLC.

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Nick’s Music and Ramblings Here we go then, July already - and thankfully we have had some better weather... but will it last? I have been seeing some rain but dare I say I think it is needed - it has got a tad cooler though.

My dad, had he still been alive, would have been 105 the other Monday as well.

That’s the election done then and as expected Labour won. There will be a good few changes around us here in Essex with newly elected MPs. In Chelmsford we have gone Lib Dem with Marie Goldman now as our new MP. Let’s wish her well and hope she does as good a job as l think Vicky Ford has done for local people.

The television seems to have been taken over by Glastonbury, sport and politics recently. Is nothing sacred? There are plenty who are not interested in any of these things and I am afraid they are left with very little option. I am lucky as I do not watch much terrestrial television anyway.

While out locally, one thing I have noticed are the changes in Moulsham Street. The sports shop has gone and another shop next door to them, Larger Men, is ending as the owner is retiring. There is also some good news too, with new independents that have opened, which is great. These range from a coffee bar, and bar and DJ music venue which is LBGTQ-friendly which l think is unique here. There is also a new takeaway and a new travel shop. I think all this is pretty good and I am sure this is happening in other places, if so and you know about it please let us know.

Now we have the holiday and full-on festival season! For me, it’s festival time. What do you have planned or are doing - are you going away? I have three festivals planned in August and I expect to use my caravan to stay in at them as well. I am so looking forward to each of these festivals (and using my caravan again) although I will be working quite a lot of the time photographing many of the acts, but it is still fun catching up with lots of pals and seeing new acts and potentially ones to book for the future. This year I think I booked about eight acts that I saw last year, mainly at festivals I went to.

I have been out-out as well. I went to my son-in-law’s 50th birthday event in Bromley, and it was great fun to see my family and their friends too. I have also been to Maldon to a festival called Soultasia which was quite different for me, as it wasn’t really my kind of music, but we must give all types a go I think.

If you have anything you think that could be of interest for us, just let us know via editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we will try to get it published.

Music I have to tell you all that Hamish Stuart has sadly had to postpone his show with us, but we have confirmed a new date with him and the band for Friday 31st January 2025. We are also starting to get more booked for next year, but more about that in future editions.

I have had a fantastic run of shows recently, and we have one more this Friday on 19th July with Noasis and The Next Agenda. On 7th June at Hot Box, we had Malcolm Bruce (yes, the son of the late Jack Bruce of Cream). Malcolm is as talented as his father as he and his band are all astounding musicians and Malcolm is also a great singer-songwriter.

The following week we had Jeff Chapman’s Roosters at Hot Box, who did one set of Wilko Johnson covers, as they were great mates - Wilko

would often join them on stage and they always do him proud. We have now booked the Roosters to open for The Dirt Road Band on 6th December.

The next day it was back to the Social Club with a welcome return of the Trembling Wilburys who were wonderful. The next show I was really excited about, with The Slambovian Circus of Dreams having come all the way from New York. They blew everyone away! I saw them first a couple of year ago and had to have them play.

The following Friday was another very exciting show for us with eXTC, which is Terry Chambers and friends. Terry was the original drummer in XTC - and eXTC were great! They played all the hits and more and got people up dancing - a great night was had by all. The Jives UK opened the night which rmade for a perfect night.

The following Friday it was back to Hot Box, this time with Joe Anderton’s new band Greene, who I have seen before - but this time it was a little different, as they had to recruit a drummer at the last minute. I think he did a great job. Charlie, Joe’s guitarist, opened the night as Charlie Can’t Draw, he played a great set and went down really well. Joe was supposed to open for Hamish Stuart the following week, but with that show being postponed I had to put him on (he is also rebooked for Hamish’s new date next year).

Then I did two gigs in a day - first to Barleylands for some blues with the Terraplanes - what a good band they are; I really enjoyed that afternoon. It was then off to the Retreat in Bocking to see Voodoo Room - they were fantastic and we will be having them back next year to play for us. So that is it for gigs until next month - I am off to enjoy lots of live music.

There is lots of live stuff happening all over Essex and beyond, so please do go and support it because if we don’t, we will lose more venues - that is what happens. Then we will start to lose the acts as well, as they will be unable to earn a living - this is not just music. it’s all types of live shows for all genres, from theatres to village halls and affecting all of us in between.

If you have anything you think that could be of interest to our readers for either publication, then please let us know by emailing editorial@ itsyourmedia.co.uk - it may be an event or a topic of interest. Or have you done anything unusual or are you planning something?

If so, we want to know about it. If you know of someone who may wish to advertise with us, then please ask them to contact ads@ itsyourmedia.co.uk and we can send over full details.

You can get tickets for all our shows at The Social Club in Chelmsford from Intense Records, Hopsters and Chelmsford 4Good - please pay cash in person when you buy.

Tickets for all shows, including Hot Box, are available online from www.wegottickets.com/ BlackFrogPresents, or via our ticket hotline at no extra charge - call or text 07508 496 411 and you can then pay the advance price on entry to the show rather than the walk-up price.

For all Black Frog Presents gig updates and information go www.linktr. ee/BlackFrogPresents, or scan the QR code in my advert in this magazine.

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City Times Gardening

following:

Hasn’t it been a little wet lately! I’ve been asked a lot over the last few weeks regarding what kind of impact all this rain will be having on our beloved gardens, and it’s very simple; yes, an extended period of rain and soil wetness can have several negative impacts on plants, affecting their health and growth in various ways. Check out the

Root Health • Waterlogged soil lacks oxygen, which is essential for root respiration. Prolonged lack of oxygen can lead to root suffocation and death.

• Saturated soil creates conditions favourable for root rot diseases caused by fungi such as pythium, phytophthora and fusarium.

These pathogens thrive in wet conditions and can severely damage or kill plants.

Nutrient Uptake • Waterlogged conditions can lead to leaching of essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and magnesium from the soil. This reduces nutrient availability for plants, leading to deficiencies.

• Excessive water can impair the roots’ ability to absorb nutrients, even if they are present in the soil.

Plant Growth and Vigour • Prolonged soil wetness can stunt plant growth due to impaired root function and reduced nutrient uptake.

• Symptoms of waterlogged conditions include yellowing leaves, wilting and overall poor plant vigour.

Disease Susceptibility • Wet conditions promote the growth and spread of many fungal and bacterial pathogens, leading to diseases such as leaf spots,

•

blights and downy mildew.

Some pests, such as slugs and snails, thrive in moist environments and can cause additional damage to plants.

Photosynthesis and Respiration • Prolonged wet conditions can lead to reduced sunlight penetration and photosynthesis, especially if leaves are covered with water droplets or if there is persistent cloud cover.

• Wet leaves and stems can interfere with the plant’s ability to respire, particularly in high humidity conditions.

Soil Structure • Heavy, prolonged rainfall can lead to soil compaction, which reduces soil aeration and drainage further exacerbating waterlogging problems.

• Excessive rain can cause soil erosion, washing away topsoil and nutrients, which can degrade soil quality and plant health.

This all reads like a nightmare - however, there are many practical solutions to consider such as: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Ensure proper drainage in garden beds and around plants.

Raised beds or mounded soil can help. The former would certainly go a long way to improving the lot of carrots and parsnips.

Aerate the soil to improve its structure and increase oxygen availability to the roots. However, only do this once if the soil is not likely to compact.

Use mulch to help manage soil moisture levels and reduce erosion. I tend to use leaf mould, or if I can get hold of it, wellrotted horse manure.

During extended wet periods, avoid additional watering and, if possible, shield plants from excessive rain.

Monitor plants for signs of disease and apply fungicides or other treatments as necessary.

Choose plants that are tolerant of wet conditions for areas prone to prolonged soil wetness. Check out this RHS link: www.rhs.org. uk/plants/for-places/wet-soils.

Use a number of these strategies and you’ll be better off at managing your plants during periods of extended rain and soil wetness, helping to maintain their health and productivity.

For those with water butts and various rain collecting devices, at least you’ll have a huge potential supply of water when we finally get warmer and drier conditions!

Here are a few other jobs for July: •

•

Continue to harvest tomatoes, de-shoot cordon types by snapping them close to the point of origin. If you’ve manged to get away over the last week, these side shoots may be larger and difficult to remove simply by snapping them with your fingers. If this is your situation, use a clean knife and cut close to the point of origin. Don’t forget to feed with a good potash liquid feed and water on a regular basis.

With seasonal plants, deadhead spent flowers by removing flowers and flower stalks close to the base of the plant. This will keep the plant fairly compact, remove potential disease issues and promote further flowering thereby extending the season.

Happy gardening For any gardening tips please contact Tom Cole, Freelance Horticulturist and online tutor for #learningwithexperts, by email at tomcole8@hotmail.com.

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Regal Kitchens: Local Company Wins National Prestigious Award

Regal Kitchens has achieved a remarkable milestone by being awarded the prestigious title of Independent Kitchen Retailer of the Year at the BKU (Bathrooms & Kitchens Update magazine) 2024 Awards, hosted by comedian Russell Kane. This accolade is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and customer satisfaction in the highly competitive kitchen retail industry.

Established as a beacon of quality and craftsmanship, Regal Kitchens has consistently set the bar high with its bespoke kitchen designs and unparalleled service. This recognition by the BKU Awards, a respected body that honours the best in the kitchen and bathroom sector, highlights the company’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards.

The BKU Awards are known for their rigorous selection process, involving both industry professionals and public voting. Winning this award indicates a broad consensus of support and admiration from peers, customers and industry experts alike. Regal Kitchens’ ability to stand out among numerous contenders showcases its unique approach and the trust it has built over the years.

A key factor in Regal Kitchens’ success is its customer-centric philosophy, encapsulated in their motto ‘Where Client Is King’.

The company prides itself on understanding the unique needs and preferences of each client, creating kitchens that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. This personalised approach ensures that every kitchen reflects the personality and lifestyle of its owner, making each project a true collaboration between the designer and the client.

Innovation is another cornerstone of Regal Kitchens’ operation. The company continually integrates the latest trends and technologies into its designs, ensuring that its offerings are at the forefront of modern kitchen solutions. Whether it’s incorporating smart

appliances, sustainable materials, or cutting-edge design techniques, Regal Kitchens is always ahead of the curve. This forward-thinking mindset not only satisfies contemporary demands but also anticipates future needs, positioning the company as a leader in the industry.

Furthermore, the team at Regal Kitchens is composed of highly skilled professionals who are passionate about their craft. From designers to installers, every member of the team is dedicated to delivering excellence. Their expertise and attention to detail are evident in every project, ensuring that the final result exceeds client expectations.

Winning the Independent Kitchen Retailer of the Year at the BKU 2024 Awards is not just a recognition of past achievements, but also a motivation for future endeavours.

Regal Kitchens is poised to continue its journey of excellence, driven by a passion for design, a commitment to quality, and a desire to make every client’s dream kitchen a reality.

As the company celebrates this significant achievement, it looks forward to new challenges and opportunities, confident in its ability to set new standards in the kitchen retail industry. Regal Kitchens’ success story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with dedication, innovation and a customer-first approach.

www.regalkitchens.co.uk | 279a Beehive Lane, Chelmsford, CM2 8LU | Where Client Is King Page 10

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City Times Food!

Summer has truly arrived in the last week or so hasn’t it? I can’t believe how beautiful the weather has been - but then suddenly the weather goes back to being cold and wet, which got me thinking about what I wanted share with you this month.

This month I had the pleasure of teaching a cooking class about pasta, which got my thinking about adaptions of basic sauces. I’ve touched on a basic tomato sauce a last year, but this month I wanted to take it right back to basics with a white sauce. I’ll tell you how to make the basic white sauce then share my favourite recipe at the end.

White sauce also known as a Béchamel and is used in so many dishes such as mac and cheese and lasagna. Once you’ve mastered the basic sauce, there are so many things you can add to it to change it.

The basic 3 ingredients to a white sauce are milk, flour and butter in equal parts. There are also 2 methods of making this. First of all is the traditional method by making a roux, then the second method is the all-in-one method.

For the traditional method, start by melting your butter over heat.

Once melted, remove from the heat and add all of your flour and mix quickly with a wooden spoon to make a paste. Put this back on the heat and cook for 20 seconds, remove off the heat and gradually add the milk off the heat, and mix each time putting back on the heat each time until all the milk has been used.

The all-in-one method is adding all the above ingredients to a sauce pan on the heat and whisking very quickly until the sauce is formed.

So, this month I wanted to share with you my favourite mac and cheese recipe with a twist.

My favourite mac and cheese dish is with lobster, which is very special. But I wanted to share with you my harissa mac and cheese.

Essex Food - By Krista

I love discovering places to eat and drink around Essex. You can take a look at what I have been up to on Instagram by searching and following ‘thehungrykp’. Despite it being unusually cold and rainy for July, I have still managed to spend some time outdoors dining alfresco and enjoying long walks.

This month, I’d like to share somewhere with you which is the perfect place to go if you are a food and dog lover like me.

If you haven’t tried harissa before use sparingly as it does have a warm kick.

Lol’s Harissa Mac and Cheese Ingredients: • White sauce (recipe from left).

• 350g macaroni.

• 175g grated cheese.

• 1tsp mustard powder.

• 2tbsp harissa paste.

• 50g grated Parmesan.

• 50g bread crumbs.

Method: Cook the macaroni according to the pack until just soft, but still with a little bite (this is called al dente in Italian). This will take about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain then run under cold water this stops the pasta sticking together.

Next, make your white sauce as my recipe above. Once the white sauce is cooked, add the mustard powder, harissa and cheese and keep stirring until the cheese is all melted.

Then pour the mixture into an ovenproof baking dish and sprinkle Parmesan and breadcrumbs over the top, then bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Serve piping hot.

I hope you enjoy my mac and cheese recipe and of course, you can add what ever you want to it - meat, fish or veggies - and if you don’t like spice, you can leave the harissa out. Lauren Park and surrounded by beautiful gardens, it’s a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by with a coffee. I highly recommend visiting for a full English breakfast, a spot of lunch, or a cake from the counter filled with homemade goodies.

You can also treat your four-legged companion to a puppuccino.

If you don’t fancy sitting in or on the terrace, you can grab a drink or snack to take away with you on your walk or have a picnic by the lake just outside. If you are visiting with children, there is a playground nearby and duck food is available to buy from the café.

Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 5pm they host pizza and prosecco evenings, with a delicious menu of 12-inch stonebaked pizzas to choose from. If you visit on a Wednesday, you also have the added bonus of live music to enjoy. Please keep an eye on the café’s social media for updates, as bad weather can result in these events being cancelled due to the seating mainly being outside.

The nearest car parks are Waterhouse Lane CM1 2RL or High Chelmer multi story CM1 1XL.

Central Park Café is a family-run establishment in the heart of Chelmsford city centre which was recently awarded Best Café in Essex - it’s clear to see why! Located next to the lake in Central www.thecitytimes.co.uk

A little update: You may remember a few months ago I wrote about Queenies, one of my favourite places to go for brunch in the city. I am happy to announce that their gorgeous new restaurant is now open to the public on Chelmsford High Street, CM1 1BE. Be sure to pay them a visit!

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Chelmsford Library The Summer Reading Challenge is starting! Come on down to Chelmsford Library, or any surrounding library in Essex. From the 20th July children can take part in the nationwide Summer Reading Challenge. Our wonderful volunteers and experienced staff can take you through every step of completing the challenge and collecting your medal afterwards.

Chaos in the Library CHaoS, (Cambridge HandsOn Science) are a team of friendly Cambridge students running a hands-on science experiment event to answer all your scientific questions! These family-friendly experiments work best with children aged 8-14 but are accessible to any age. Drop by on Monday 22nd July from midday 4pm and get involved!

Mrs Armitage on Wheels: The Show On Tuesday 6th August from 12.30pm - 1.15pm, Chelmsford Library is welcoming Scoot Theatre for a 40-minute interactive show

celebrating the power of imagination and the importance of getting active.

Featuring live music, puppetry and physical comedy, this is a show no child will want to miss! Book now by searching Eventbrite for only £6 plus booking fee.

Big School Meet-up Is your child starting school in September? Chelmsford Library host events for you and your child to meet other school starters in your area. It’s a friendly, relaxed session where you can meet up, chat and make new friends. Children will love our storytimes and activities while parents and carers get some starting school tips. Check out the Essex Libraries website to find the best free session for you!

Chelmsford Library hosts a range of services, from photocopying, free Wi-Fi and electrical recycling, to rooms for hire and a great variety of online resources. Keep up-to-date with us by subscribing to our newsletter and checking in on our website, libraries.essex.gov.uk.

Youngest Grumpy Old Man

As I’m am writing this article, it is a sunny Sunday afternoon. Yet we’ve been told we could face our soggiest summer since 1912 and national newspapers say we could have 50 rainy days this summer. Last year was quite bad with 40 rainy days.

Rain can affect major events like Wimbledon and Trooping the Colour to name a couple. For a rainy day to count, you have to have 2.5mm of rain in 24 hours.

Getting caught in a downpour is no fun. Before I passed my driving test I got caught in quite a few. It is just a funny type of weather. I know we need the rain for things to survive, it just seems that we can sometimes get too much. Who says rain is their favourite weather?

I have heard that walking in the rain can lift your spirits. I think that will have to be the light rain. Rain does indeed need to happen to help grow the crops. It can also clean the air of pollutants and dust particles for a while. We do need the rain for industry, hygiene and daily life of course.

I have been at concerts where it rained. It drenches you then the sun comes out and dries you. Rain has to be respected when it covers the roads. All vehicles should take care when the rain pours - the surface is not as safe as when it is dry.

A few years ago, me and my wife got stuck in the tornado that swept the country driving down the M25. It steamed up the windows up and made visibility very bad.

We Can’t Find British Summer, Says the Met Office Leaving aside the serious nature of losing ‘British Summer’, clearly heads must roll. I am aware of the fact that today we do not have seasons any more. They were consigned to the history books by the prime minister following his victory in the 2024 General Election.

However, for those young people who wonder what the seasons actually looked like, help is at hand. I suggest they visit charity shops where they might find a 1950s children’s book or annual in which would be in the back pages a calendar illustrating the seasons.

Do I detect a whiff of panic from the BBC weather forecasters? After all, the forecasters cannot forecast without ‘British Summer’ - now unfortunately lost by the Met Office.

This year we have had more rain I think than other years. It’s a late start for my shorts to come out too.

So, the forecasters will take gardening leave until ‘British Summer’ is once again found. Their charts and squiggles are now meaningless, but at least their temporary seclusion will save the BBC a few bob. However, do we really need weather forecasters? Before television burst on the scene, we relied on radio to give us weather news which was the same every day - ‘sunshine and showers’.

Thomas Indergard

Britain’s Oldest Angry Young Man

Introducing a Monthly Climate Café to Chelmsford this July Florence is a volunteer Changemaker leader for Save the Children UK and has had the privilege of working with the Generation Hope UK campaign team over the past year. Deeply moved by the incredible stories of life changing projects that have made a significant impact on children’s lives and learned how these projects bring hope to children who are the most vulnerable to environmental issues, Florence has planned a few climate initiatives to engage local communities to raise awareness and promote collective actions.

A climate screening event held at ARU in March has received enthusiastic responses as well as a strong interest in similar activities. Florence has decided to establish a dedicated space for ongoing discussions and action on climate issues in a Climate Café.

With the support of the Chelmsford City Council and Essex County Council, the Climate Café aims to be a welcoming hub for community members, policymakers and activists. Here, they can discuss, share updates and inspire each other towards meaningful sustainability practices.

Join the Climate Café. Let’s come together, share our experiences and take meaningful steps for a sustainable world.

Date and Time: Second Saturday of the month from 10am to 11.30am.

Location: Chelmsford Museum (July to September) Free registration: cccafe.eventbrite. com. Free coffee, tea and snacks will be provided.

Limited spaces available - register now!

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Taking Steps to Support your Health and Well-being - By Jane Hickey As I write this, it’s two weeks since we heard the sad news reported about the loss of one of the health gurus of our time. Well known for his recognition of the impact of diet on health, Dr Michael Mosley put intermittent fasting on the table. In the wealth of recognition for his role and of tributes for the powerful influence he had on the health of so many people, I discovered a surprising revelation.

In his final interview at the Hay Festival broadcast on Radio 4, Dr Mosley had admitted the challenges he found in following some of his own lifestyle advice. In spite of his scientific understanding and commitment to supporting his health, he had to force himself daily to have a cold shower and do his sit-ups and press-ups. In spite of recognising the value of meditation, he struggled to use it in his own life.

Even Dr Mosley, with all his knowledge, found some of his lifestyle advice hard to follow. Even with a deep understanding about the benefits of particular diet and lifestyle choices, it can be hard to implement changes and to make beneficial choices. Whether it’s a conscious thought or just a sneaky feeling, do you ever worry that your lifestyle may be detrimental for your health? Do you think about the beneficial choices that you could make? If you are someone who finds it hard to put beneficial lifestyle advice into action, you are not alone!

It would seem to make perfect sense to follow lifestyle advice beneficial for health. So what are the obstacles in the way of taking these steps? Ironically, it may be the very lifestyle that needs adjusting that gets in the way. Maybe you feel that your lifestyle is what it is and there’s nothing you can do. You may feel that you have no choice, with the extensive commitments of your work or domestic life. Maybe you chose a career that makes high demands of you, to be available for anti-social hours, to work long hours and to travel away from home. You may have little time to claim as your own and follow lifestyle advice. Your lifestyle may leave you with little freedom to make choices that might even seem to be indulgent. Add to these feelings some doubts about exactly what to do and the obstacles have

stopped you taking action.

If you have recently been inspired to challenge these obstacles in your life and are wondering where to start, recognise the power of your decision as your starting point. Accept that this decision is about introducing some changes in your life. Identify the support you need for these changes. Whatever support you need, whether it’s budget, time, or accountability, identifying what you need takes you one step further towards making some changes.

Even one small step can make a big difference. Take action with one simple step. Use the stairs instead of the lift every time, or give up that mid morning muffin. Choose a step that is right for you, a step that is achievable and that motivates you. If the park is on your doorstep and you enjoy some time there, do that every day. If you like swimming, do that once a week. Connect with your reasons for taking this step. Remind yourself of the benefits of dance as exercise or the benefits of taking time for your meals.

Have you been inspired by Dr Mosley? Are you drawn to make some changes and committed to supporting your health? Are you still struggling to take action? If you would like a plan that works for you, why not use the support of a nutritional therapist? A nutritional therapist supports you to identify your priorities in a personalised plan and guides you with health and well-being coaching to make the changes.

If you would like to find out more about a personalised nutrition programme, Jane Hickey offers a free well-being review.

Use the QR code in the ad, or get in touch with Jane by calling 07305 531 583. jane@janehickeyutrition.com

Big in Backnang - By Sabrina Moser Congratulations Chelmsford! You did yourself proud at this year’s Swabian Street Party in your twin town of Backnang. The fourday festival which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors, has itself sadly drawn to a close, but the friendships forged and the collaborations ignited will reverberate around our cities for years to come.

Leading the official delegation, Chelmsford mayor Janette Potter gave an address at our jolly, red-and-white, cross-timbered town hall in which she expressed her pleasure at returning for the fourth time to Backnang and stressed the work and long-term commitment involved in generating truly fruitful twinning partnerships - past, present and future.

As an example of promising new ventures in twinning, Mrs Potter cited Jennifer Flint of Original Creative Work, and artist Tamara Eden, representatives of Chelmsford’s flourishing visual art’s community, who travelled to the festival on a recognisance and networking mission. Backnang’s mayor, Maximilian Friedrich, was especially honored to receive as an official gift one of Ms Flint’s original, blackand-white prints depicting a map of Chelmsford landmarks.

The climax of the twin-city collaboration, however, was indisputably Saturday night’s performance of 1980s new wave and new romantic hits by Electronique, a Chelmsford-based band led by keyboardist Andy Smith along with vocalists Jules Everest and Paul Jenkins, and guitarist Tom Smith and bass player Steve Lovett. For this special night, the musicians joined forces with guest drummer David Whitehead, himself chairman of the Backnang-Chelmsford Partnerschaftsverein, and with prize-winning local singer Cathleen Wagner, to put on an emotional and energetic show. As the skies cleared only minutes before the band went on stage, an eager crowd

assembled, frothy mugs of beer in hand, for an ecstatic, two-hour wander down memory lane which left residents of both cities feeling like they had the world at their feet. backnangforyou@gmail.com

Online versions of The City Times magazine are now at www.thecitytimes.co.uk

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Echoes Of History 10th & 11th August at Rettendon Memorial Gardens This year sees the return of the Essex HMVA annual show at Rettendon Memorial Gardens, a 20 acre scenic gardens featuring memorials in tribute to our armed and emergency services and the conflicts they have been part of.

The event attracts historic military vehicles from push bikes to heavy trucks and armoured vehicles across all eras. Many of these vehicles will be taking part in the spectacular and renowned arena vehicle parade in addition to battle re-enactments and displays. We also have a fantastic line-up of classic cars.

lived, and to get close to the weapons, equipment and atmosphere of the time.

There’s so much more for the kids to get involved in, as well as all the stuff to watch, see and explore. What better way is there for the younger generation to learn about our history than to hear about it from those who made it? Our wonderful veterans that are always happy to tell their own story.

Back by popular demand will be our wonderful live wartime entertainment all day in our huge marquee, including music and a ‘40s fashion show and much more, including collectors stalls and and bar. Where else would you be able to get up close and personal to your past?

There’s an amazing turnout of living history displays with over 30 groups and displays depicting military life from many periods and nationalities. The historical re-enactors go to massive lengths to represent living history as accurately and authentically as possible and are always happy to answer your questions or demonstrate equipment, so don’t be afraid to ask! This is a fantastic opportunity to see how the soldiers of different nationalities and time periods

Tickets for 2024 are priced at £15 for adults £13 concessions and early bird discounts via our website for either Saturday or Sunday free for children under 15. There is also free parking.

The Essex HMVA is a registered charity dedicated to the awareness, preservation and restoration of our military heritage and keeping alive the memory of those who served. www.essexhmva.co.uk

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Open 7 Days a Week

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Mon - Sat: 10am - 11pm

Sunday: 10am - 10pm

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01245 257777

www.citybowl.co.uk

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MADISON HEIGHTS

Family Entertainment & Party Venue Offering family and corporate fun all under one roof!

This summer we have some great deals and events to keep the family entertained

Our activity Bundle deals are great value for Money summer holidays are also in the OFF PEAK RATE Saving you even more money this summer VISIT OUR WEBSITE For full details on events, opening times & prices

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What’s On All events are correct at time of going to press. Please check with the venue for updates

July

Friday 19 Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Noasis + Next Agenda Admirals Park - Chelmsford Summer Beer & Cider Festival Chelmsford Theatre - The Story of Soul: F Cooke - A Night of Soul Music Hot Box - Satan in Love Italo Disco + DJ Ciao Saturday 20th Admirals Park - Chelmsford Summer Beer & Cider Festival Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) Hot Box - Arcane Moon RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm) The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke Sunday 21st Chelmsford Theatre - Essex Dance Theatre Showcase The Gardeners - Open Mic Museum of Power - Langford County Fayre and Classic Car Show Monday 22nd The Ale House - Beery Bingo Chelmer Village - Pilates classes (carolinesdanceandpilates.co.uk) Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club night Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.30 9.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk) Tuesday 23rd Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford Gotta Dance 2024 Hot Box - Hot Box Waxes Lyrical Old Park Meadow - Yoga (book by texting 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) Woolpack - Quiz Wednesday 24th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke Cheerful Chai (CM1 7AH) - free event (please book a space via www. engagefitnessservices.com - 9.30am) Chelmsford Museum - Nature Inspired Printing Chelmsford Theatre - Complete Dance: Supremacy Graduate 2024 The Courtyard - Open Mic The Golden Fleece - Karaoke Hot Box - Independance Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music Supper Club: The Jazz Dynamos (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075) The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz Thursday 25th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night Chelmsford Museum - Nature Inspired Printing Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening Chelmsford Theatre - West End Audition Technique Chelmsford Theatre - What the Butler Saw Courtyard - Karaoke Hot Box - Annie Keating Band + Jaems White and the Wildfire Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book, text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) The Rising Sun - Quiz Night Friday 26th Chelmsford Museum - Nature Inspired Printing Chelmsford Theatre - What the Butler Saw Chelmsford Theatre - Musical Theatre Workshop 12 -18 Creeksea Place Farm - Midsummer Music Festival Hot Box - Paolo Morena & Jack-Austin Despy RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga Saturday 27th Chelmsford Theatre - What the Butler Saw Chelmsford Theatre - Edinburgh Previews: Steve Hall and Pierre Novellie Creeksea Place Farm - Midsummer Music Festival Galleywood Social CLub - The Multi-Tones Hatfield Peverel Village Hall - Brentwood Bax Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) Hylands Park - Foodies Festival Stow Maries - Great War Living History Weekend The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke th

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Sunday 28th Chelmsford Theatre - Don’t Stop Believin’ The Drunken Dragon (Bicknacre) - Soul Event with Ania Garvey and Cheeky Radio (afternoon) The Gardeners - Open Mic Hylands Park - Foodies Festival Hot Box - Uber Jam Stow Maries - Great War Living History Weekend Monday 29th Chelmsford Theatre - Musical Theatre Workshop 6 - 11 Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club Tuesday 30th Chelmsford Theatre - Actong mastererclass 6 - 11 Chelmsford Theatre - Street Dance Masterclass 6 - 11 Wednesday 31st Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke Cheerful Chai (CM1 7AH) - free event (please book a space via www. engagefitnessservices.com - 9.30am) Chelmsford Theatre - Acting Masterclass 12 - 18 Chelmsford Theatre - Singing Masterclass 12 - 18 Chelmsford Theatre - Street Dance Masterclass 12 -18 Chelmsford Theatre - Horrible Histories: Rotten Royals The Golden Fleece - Karaoke Hyde Hall - Flower Show Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666) The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

August

Thursday 1st Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz Night Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening Chelmsford Theatre - Puppetry Workshop Chelmsford Theatre - Coldplace Courtyard - Karaoke Hot Box - Fundraiser for Hazel Hyde Hall - Flower Show Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) The Rising Sun - Quiz night Friday 2nd Chelmsford Theatre - Stage Combat Workshop Chelmsford Theatre - Life Drawing Chelmsford Theatre - The Rocket Man Hot Box - Foxymop Hyde Hall - Flower Show RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga Saturday 3rd Chelmsford Theatre - Bowie Experience 2024 Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) Hot Box - Boogie in the Box Hyde Hall - Flower Show Ingatestone Hall - Picnic Concert: Paul SImon Story Maldon - Maldon Carnival RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm) The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke Sunday 4th Chelmsford Theatre - Miss Rachel Tribute Tour UK The Gardeners - Open Mic Hot Box - Uber Jam Hyde Hall - Flower Show Museum of Power - Bikemeet & Record Fair Star & Garter - Sunday Jams (4pm) Monday 5th The Ale House - Beery Bingo Chelmer Village - Pilates classes (carolinesdanceandpilates.co.uk) Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club Tuesday 6th Hot Box - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

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Wednesday 7th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke Cheerful Chai (CM1 7AH) - free event (please book a space via www. engagefitnessservices.com - 9.30am) Friends Meeting House (Rainsford Road) - CRAG Retirement Group monthly meeting (9.30 for 10am. First visit free) The Golden Fleece - Karaoke Hot Box - Very Odd Quiz Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music Supper Club: Pianorama; 3 pianists + rhythm section (745pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075) The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz Thursday 8th Courtyard - Karaoke Friday 9th Central Park - Ibiza Orchestra Hot Box - Nine Moons RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga Saturday 10th Central Park - Essex Sausage and Cider Festival Chelmsford High Street - Rebel Strengths Essex Strongest Man Chelmsford Museum - Climate Café Chelmsford Social Club - Record Fair Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) Hot Box - The Lucettas + Rolled Up Sleeves RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm) Stow Maries Aerodrome - Fly-In The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke Whitehouse Farm (Rettenden) - Echoes of History Sunday 11th The Ale House - Quiz The Gardeners - Open Mic Hot Box - Jazz Sundays: Zak Barrett & Friends Museum of Power - Antiques Fair Whitehouse Farm (Rettenden) - Echoes of History Monday 12th Chelmer Village - Pilates classes (carolinesdanceandpilates.co.uk) Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.30 9.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk) Tuesday 13th Christchurch - Open to All Free Art Exhibition Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660) Woolpack - Quiz Wednesday 14th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke Cheerful Chai (CM1 7AH) - free event (please book a space via www. engagefitnessservices.com - 9.30am) The Courtyard - Open Mic Christchurch - Open to All Free Art Exhibition The Golden Fleece - Karaoke Hot Box - The Big Music Quiz Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666) Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music Supper Club: Syd Lawrence Orchestra’s Savoy Collection (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075) The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz Thursday 15th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening Courtyard - Karaoke Christchurch - Open to All Free Art Exhibition Golden Fleece - Quiz Night Hot Box - Regicde + Raze + Divided Kingdom Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

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The Rising Sun - Quiz night Friday 16th Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Noasis + Next Agenda Christchurch - Open to All Free Art Exhibition Museum of Power - DOT Theatre - Treasure Island Maldon Promenade Park - UFest Saturday 17th Christchurch - Open to All Free Art Exhibition Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) Hot Box - GSD + Metroglow Maldon Promenade Park - Smoke & Fire Festival RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm) The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke Sunday 18th Hot Box - King Nun + Flat Party Maldon Promenade Park - Smoke & Fire Festival Stow Maries Aerodrome - Propwash Festival of the Air Venues are in Chelmsford, unless mentioned in the listings as being elsewhere.

If you have a listing between 19th August and September 22nd for the next issue, then please email them to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

New LGBTQ+ Bar In Chelmsford

Hello I am Kirsty, the transgender owner of Chelmsford’s only LGBTQ+ bar, at 159 Moulsham street, Chelmsford. Creating a safe place for Chelmsford’s LGBTQ+ community. My plan was to provide a safe haven with first-class entertainment in a venue in the heart of Chelmsford. You can read more about my journey on my website.

My transgender wife, Lilly, and friends, were my sounding board for designs. The result is a bright, cheerful, café-style interior that resembles a throw-back to American 1950s aesthetic that has a woman’s touch and attention to detail. However, this is no retro bar, my venue is a statement of intent. I realised that a strong message for who I am reaching out to was required.

The result is a natural light-hearted aesthetic that brings a smile to everyone who enters this all-inclusive welcoming bar. The design does not stop at the decoration. I carefully recruited staff who have a passion for helping and supporting the LGBTQ+ community, as well as those who had experienced homophobic work-place discrimination. They have responded with a happiness that is a pleasure to receive when ordering a drink at the bar.

The final piece of the puzzle was to add a coffee bar with barista machine to give a warm welcome embrace to women who would shy away from entering a pub because of its masculine atmosphere.

Bar Plus shines on the original vibrant Moulsham Street; the perfect environment for your only gay bar where love and respect rules.

159 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, CM2 0LD www.bar.plus

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A History Education Part 1 - By Stephen Norris

This article, and the following 11 in future months, looks at the history of education in the local area in the last 130 years. One reason for the importance of education locally is that the existence of high quality schools has become a major factor in attracting people to Chelmsford in recent decades.

In the mid 19th century, Chelmsford had a thriving voluntary schools system. The 1870 Forster Education Act meant that these schools had to obtain enough income from subscriptions and fees. An act of 1891 cut off this source of income. By the 1890s Chelmsford was increasingly surrounded by board schools that had been set up in areas where considerable numbers of children were without schooling. The boards were elected and given the power to charge a rate to pay for the cost of the schools. In Writtle for example, a school board was set up because the lack of subscriptions. In Chelmsford both the national and British schools made every effort to keep out a school board before school board and voluntary schools were integrated into the new local education authorities under the Balfour Education Act of 1902.

The national schools were supported by the established church and the British schools by the Nonconformists. Elsewhere, Nonconformists often pushed for the establishment of a board, because of their difficulty in raising enough money to run their British schools. In Chelmsford, both Anglicans and Nonconformists took the view that a school board would result in an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy and therefore considerable expense. One effect the lack of a school board had on Chelmsford town was that a generation of adults that might have entered politics through this route didn’t do so. Another effect, which was to have lasting consequences for Chelmsford education well into the twentieth century, was that the higher grade elementary schools, which became common elsewhere, didn’t develop in the town. This was a principal reason for the borough still only having two secondary schools in 1923. The lack of a school board may also be the reason Chelmsford still had a ‘ragged school’ for poor children in 1896, ten to fifteen years after they had died out in most other areas. A new ragged school had been opened in 1886 in George Street, off Moulsham Street. The absence of a school board also meant that under the Mundella Act of 1880 Chelmsford had to have an attendance committee. As the Revised Code (see later) and payment by results became less important, schools had to show a good record of attendance to obtain the essential grant from the government.

Even before Chelmsford became a borough, both national schools were experiencing financial problems. In 1881 the congregation of St Mary’s Anglican Church were told that a proportion of their offertory collection was going to the national school and if they subscribed to the latter they would keep in going at 30% less cost than the equivalent board school.

The Victoria National School’s Board of Management, elected by subscribers, included a number of the local Board of Health politicians including Chancellor, Gepp, Veley and Durrant. Later the same year the committee were told that £150 had been spent on repairs the previous year and ‘it was not to be wondered that the committee were in debt. The government were expecting more from the schools, more books and desks were required’.

In 1882 the British Schools for Nonconformists in Chelmsford had to consider raising a fund to cover the cost of building the necessary extension at the Friars School. They briefly considered the idea of a school board before agreeing to set up the fund and increasing the fees from 3d to 4d per week. After the 1870 Elementary Schools Act, the Charity School, which was situated on the north east corner of the present cathedral churchyard, was too small to justify its continued existence. The winding up of the Charity School gave the national schools in Chelmsford and Moulsham the chance to fund their essential new buildings. Chancellor and other governors were careful however, not to use all the Amy Johnson funds from the Charity School for the new venture. They were aware that the funds

belonged to all the townspeople, although the former Charity School pupils were being currently educated at the national schools. The rest was to be used for exhibitions and scholarships for pupils from all the town’s elementary schools to enter the grammar school. These disbursements continued for well over a century. The administrators of the Charity School funds, who included WW Duffield, Chancellor and Durrant, also paid for the annual examinations in the town which were used to assess who might be of sufficient standard to qualify for the scholarships.

Initially, the Charity School managers had petitioned the Charity Commissioners to divert the school funds in order to establish a ‘middle class’ girls’ school. This was dropped through lack of support and because of opposition from the government. Girls’ education was perceived as being of secondary importance and being well catered for by the multiplicity of small private girls’ schools in the New London Road and the surrounding area.

In 1880 for example, a Mrs Baker advertised the Sutherland Lodge.

This offered ‘a sound practical education on moderate terms’. Many such schools didn’t last long. A ladies’ school on Museum Terrace was run by the three Wilshere sisters between 1890 and 1895.

Another was run by Miss Ann Rope at St John’s Terrace between 1878 and 1895. Dr Bodkin, father of four very intelligent daughters, did not consider that Chelmsford was large enough for a girls’ high school given that the boys’ grammar only contained 75 boys. The managers of St John’s national schools in Moulsham were also pushing for a share of the Charity School funds. They were fortunate however, when Mrs Tidboald, whose husband had been a church warden at St John’s church for many years, gave a large donation of £1,600 enabling the necessary extension to that school to take place. The Charity School fund money was used by the Chelmsford Victoria national schools for a new two-storey building on the corner of New Street and Victora Road, designed by Chancellor, which was opened in 1885. He had designed many board schools in London.

The early 1880s also saw the opening of a small new national school, St Peters, on the Rainsford Road. It was maintained by four voluntary collectors in the town.

Chelmsford’s attendance committee had been in existence since 1877. In 1879 there were 1,497 pupils in the town, of which 461 were at the British schools, 490 at the Victoria national schools, 450 at the St John’s schools and 73 at the Catholic School in London Road. The work of the attendance committee and the attendance officer cost £96 in that year. Warnings about attendance issued to parents went down in number from 127 in 1878 to 60 in 1890. In 1880, 46 summonses were issued resulting in 29 orders and 13 fines. The committee felt no compunction in taking this action swiftly and decisively. Special exams were arranged in the town to enable children obtain a level of proficiency at standard four, sufficient to enable them to leave school. The Victoria national schools also regularly hosted the pupil teacher exams because all the local schools were dependent on a steady supply of the latter.

Table Top Sale - Moulsham Lodge

Have you got things to sell? Perhaps the things you no longer want could become someone else’s treasure? Or perhaps you craft and would like an opportunity to sell to the community of Moulsham Lodge and Tile Kiln.

We are planning a Table Top Sale on August Bank Holiday Monday (26th August 2024) from 11am - 2pm to raise funds to permanently repair our large hall roof. We will be serving refreshments at the event. If you would like a table, please get in contact for further details by emailing moulshamchurches@gmail.com, or message us via Facebook.

We look forward to hearing from you!

St Luke’s Church, Gloucester Avenue, Moulsham Lodge, CM2 9DT www.stlukemoulsham.co.uk Facebook: Search for ‘@stlukesmoulshamlodge’

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Pranayama. The Fourth Limb of Yoga - By Steve Johansen, Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga In this month’s article I am going to be writing about something that we only ever think about when we’re struggling to do it - breathing.

Breathing is involuntary, the air that we inhale brings oxygen into our bodies and the breath that we exhale removes the carbon dioxide that our bodies do not need. The ancient sages noticed that all beings needed food, water and air to survive. Thus, they derived that these things were necessary to maintain life. They called ‘air’ the energy of life - or Prana in Sanskrit.

Controlling the Paran flowing through our body is the fourth limb of yoga or Pranayama. Learning to breathe slowly in and out thought the nose as we move in time with our breath, helps greatly with the third limb of yoga, the physical practice, almost effortlessly, without ever getting out of breath.

While it is easy to see the benefits controlling our breath can have, improving our physical performance. We should also notice the effect that our thoughts and feelings can have on our breathing.

For example, when we are stressed, breathing may speed up and become shallower.

expel all the air from your lungs.

Then pause before taking your next in breath.

For those of you who would like to know more of the benefits of the Pranayama’s or Three Part Breath and how it could benefit you, please join me at my studio using this free pass code HPYFREECLASS. My gift to you.

Three Part Breath - seated

Latest News!

We return to our presenter profiles this month with George Weaver: I’ve been at Chelmsford Community Radio for about a year and a half now and have enjoyed every moment of it! My passion for radio started during the pandemic; I spent almost every day tuned into the radio keeping up-to-date with the world outside my room. This passion never really faded! I then found myself with a little bit of spare time, so I asked CCR if I could get involved or at least see the studio.

Three Part Breath - reclining It is useful to know that our breathing in turn can affect our mind and our emotions. Therefore, by developing a basic awareness of our breath and practicing a simple pranayama called a Three Part Breath (diaphragmatic breathing). We can reduce the effort of our movements and quieten our mind and emotions. Tip in action: when we feel angry, simply taking a moment to take a long slow steady breath, which often results in us being less likely to say or do something we may later regret.

Where to Start Lay down on your back. Place your right hand to your belly and your left hand on your ribs. Do not try to change or modify your breath, at first simply observe yourself breathing. Breath gently in and out through your nose a few times, noticing how your belly gently expands with each in breath and relaxes with each out breath. Notice how your ribs expand and contract with each inhalation and exhalation.

Breathing in and out through our nose is beneficial to our physical and emotional well-being. Try to make your inhalation and exhalation the same length of time as this helps you to feel calmer. On your next inhalation, focus on the air coming in through your nose and try to enhance this by pushing your diaphragm downward, pushing your belly outwards. This will help draw the air to the very bottom of your lungs.

Then try to expand the intercostal muscles between your ribs, a little more than normal, filling your mid-chest with air, then trying to expand the upper chest to completely fill your lungs with air. Have a little pause at the top of your breath, before you slowly allow your pectoral muscles to soften, then the ribs of your mid-chest to relax inwards and finally drawing your diaphragm upwards as high as posable to

I never expected to do my own show, or even go on air! My first time on air was as part of an advert for one of the local businesses during the Mayor’s Christmas advent calendar that I was working on at the time. I remember taking a small radio to school with me in the hopes of hearing me on the radio. I decided I couldn’t stand the sound of my own voice!

Now I do three shows a week; Saturday Breakfast (Saturday 8am 10am), The Brunch Hour (Saturday 10am - 11am) and Drive at 5 on a Tuesday (5pm - 7pm). Saturday Breakfast was the first show I was involved with (at the time hosted by Michelle Durant - but now I’m somehow in charge!). There’s a great team of people on the show and we have lots of fun. We also have an Events Guide with a guest, where we take a look at the events going on in Chelmsford and have a chat with the organisers of some events to find out bit more. If you would like to be included in our Events Guide, then send me an email to george.radio@yahoo.com. The other shows are hilarious if a little bit chaotic at times, and I love getting calls and messages from you!

When I’m not in the studio (which seems to be less and less often) I love to be out and about exploring the city and the county as well as volunteering with local groups. When the weather isn’t so great I spend my time programming and making games and I am looking to pursue a career in this field.

I hope to hear from you soon, either by email or phone, I guarantee 100% of requests are played! I’ll finish this how I always finish my shows: I’ll see ya when I see ya, have a good week!

All the best, George www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

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Chelmsford Male Voice Choir Would Like to Improve the Health and Well-Being of Mid-Essex!

Did you know that singing lowers stress, improves mental health and boosts immunity? Additionally, joining a choir enhances memory and improves lung function.

The current Chelmsford Male Voice Choir was formed in 1950, but in conjunction with other local choirs, can trace its origins back to 1900.

We are a registered charity, the aims of which are to promote the appreciation of choral music in all its aspects by performing concerts whilst at the same time raising worthwhile funds for good causes.

We are proud to wear the crest of the city of Chelmsford whilst entertaining mid-Essex residents and supporting fundraising by local charities.

Anyone can help support our aims by coming along to enjoy one our performances - or better still, if you would like join the choir then we welcome new male singing voices of all ages. Variety is the hallmark of our concert performances and our repertoire ranges widely, from choral works to arrangements of popular classics and songs from the shows.

The choir’s highlight appearances have included The Festivals of Male Voices at the Royal Albert Hall in 2014 and 2016, with audiences in excess of 5,000, and we have also performed in Chelmsford Cathedral and plan to do so again.

Our current Musical Director is Paul Smith BMus (Hons) who is also Head of Music at South Essex College where he teaches on the Music Diploma and degree programmes, specialising in Music Singing, Voice Coaching and Music Theory.

Over the past 12 months, our concerts have included invited guest soloists, at events in both Chelmsford and Danbury, performing jointly with Trinity Music and Drama, Allegro (a choir also directed by Paul Smith) and with Leigh Orpheus Male Voice Choir.

Charities which have been benefitted from these concerts were Essex Dementia Care - our chosen charity for 2023. Whilst for 2024 our concerts are supporting collections in aid of Ehlers-Danlos Support UK. We also perform from time to time in the High Chelmer shopping precinct in support of fund-raising collection events by Farleigh Hospice.

In the spring, we participated in the Great Waltham Festival of Choirs and also the Colne Engaine Festival, both of which were a great success, and we thank Great Waltham Village Choir and the organisers of the Colne Engaine Festival for inviting us to perform.

We have more performances planned during 2024 and at present these include singing jointly with the choir Men2Sing in July performing with the Essex Police Band in October and the Selion Swing Band in December. In September, we will be participating in a 1940s Spectacular as part of an Heritage Open Day in Chelmsford’s Tindal Square (7th September), whilst in October we will be performing at Chelmsford City Football Club - and in the run-up to Christmas, we’ll be singing carols in High Chelmer ahopping precinct to support the Farleigh Hospice fundraising collection event.

If you want to help us improve the health and well-being of mid-Essex residents, simply come along to one of these events to hear us and help raise funds for local good causes. Additionally, if any chaps would like to have a go at singing in the choir, do come along to one of our rehearsals in Trinity Methodist Church, 46 Rainsford Road, Chelmsford CM1 2XB at 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings. We are not a church choir, just chaps who enjoy signing - quite often followed by a swift half afterwards!

For more details of our concerts, please visit cmvchoir.co.uk, or email Alan Cowell at concertmanager@cmvchoir.co.uk. To enquire about the possibly joining the choir, email Keith Ellis at secretary@cmvchoir. co.uk.

Say Goodbye to Your Loved One With a Natural Burial or Ash Interment at Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground Considering final arrangements can be a daunting task, but a thoughtful decision can bring peace of mind. When it comes to laying loved ones to rest, two primary options emerge: natural burial and cremation. Both offer unique advantages; the choice often hinges on personal beliefs and environmental impact.

Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground presents a peaceful setting for either option. Their natural setting is made up of meadows, a young woodland and is a haven for flora and fauna that offers plots for natural burials and ash interments.

This Creates a Question, Natural Burial, or Ash Interment?

Natural burial emphasises a gentle return to the earth. At Old Park Meadow, bodies are buried in biodegradable coffins or other suitable biodegradable materials allowing for natural decomposition. This eco-friendly approach resonates with those concerned about the environment. For some, the idea of returning to nature offers a

sense of finality and harmony. An ash interment offers families an alternative option to a natural burial. At Old Park Meadow ashes are interred into the ground in a biodegradable ash casket, or alternatively an urn. Families may also choose to pour the ashes directly into the grave; the choice is yours.

Old Park Meadow’s tranquil meadows provide a fitting backdrop for a natural farewell, creating a sense of peace and connection with the land. The decision between natural burial and cremation is a personal one. Old Park Meadow caters to both preferences, offering a place of beauty and solace for families to say goodbye.

Talking openly about death and final wishes can be a gift to your loved ones. By having these important conversations beforehand, you can ensure your final arrangements reflect your values, beliefs and ultimately, it can make it easier when the time comes. Old Park Meadow also offers the option of pre-purchasing a plot in advance allowing you to choose your final resting place.

Why not visit Old Park Meadow to experience the serenity of the space firsthand? It might help guide you towards the option that feels most comforting for you and your family.

If you would like to find out more about natural burials, ash interments and the services Old Park Meadow has to offer, please visit oldparkmeadow.co.uk or call 01245 806 332.

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Crafts - By Magali Ellis and Scrap-Circle Using a Sketch 1. How do you use a sketch?

A sketch is a simple graphic representation indicating where the different elements of your scrapbooking page need to go: photo, title, embellishments, journaling, etc.

You are free to use the sketch and reproduce it in its entirety as an identical page or you can use some elements of it. You can flip it right to left or back to front or top to bottom. You can even turn it ¼ or ½ turn, you can mirror the image, reduce it or use only an aspect of it; for example, the embellishment cluster and you can combine several sketches together to form a new one. You can adapt the sketch to a scrapbooking page, a card or home decoration.

2. Where do you find sketches?

You can find ideas of sketches in all scrapbooking magazines, social media, and blogs, which provide an invaluable source of inspiration!

Of course, Pinterest is available - you only need to type ‘scrapbooking sketches’ to have access to thousands of ideas - the most difficult part is to select one! Pinterest even lists them according to page sizes, number of photos or style, etc.

Instagram is an up-and-coming source for sketches with mini videos to show you how to make the page. You can save those you like and find them easily when you need them.

3. Why use a sketch?

If you are in need of a bit of inspiration, a sketch is ideal to start off your next project or page. It gives you a bit of motivation and it is really helpful to unleash your creativity. Just select a sketch you like and get started!

You may want to try out a new way of organising your scrapbooking pages and don’t know where to start. A sketch whose design is far from what you would normally do will help you out of your comfort zone.

In Meadows Shopping Centre. More than just a shop; community, caring, learning, hope and love. Focus on July community exhibition written by Grace Riley and art chronicle written by EKM Gallery.

As July kicks off, a new and exciting interactive exhibition for children is in the making, where children can unleash their inner artist and explore their limitless creativity. Inspired by Yoko Ono’s Music of the Mind exhibition at Tate Modern, our upcoming collaborative project, which will run from 23rd of July to 31st August, will allow parents and children to contribute to several pieces of art, from drawing around their silhouettes, painting, to adding to a community collage.

Why Is Art Crucial in the Early Years of Development?

Over the past several years, art has started to fizzle out of the school curriculum, with teachers feeling pressured to focus more on academic subjects rather than the arts. Art allows children to express their ideas, gain confidence and offer them time to relax. A report curated by Durham University found that being creative helps children to cope with their feelings and fears, as well as managing emotional states.

If schools were to take art out of the curriculum completely, studies have found that it would affect how children express themselves and verbally communicate. Young people who would not having opportunities to express themselves through art may be at a disadvantage later in life.

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You may be up for a challenge or wanting to set a challenge to a group of crafters and a sketch is an ideal way to create the competition. It’s a great way to see how your group of crafters respond to the sketch!

You just want to craft, without having to think on what to create or how to create it. A sketch allows you to de-stress and start from a blank page following the easy guide the sketch provides.

You fancy doing something different and new but without going all out. A sketch is the ideal base onto which you can bring that little personal touch; be it changing the style of the title, or the journaling, or maybe adding that distinctive embellishment that is so you!

Vous souhaitez progresser. You want to progress in your craft and a sketch is particularly easy to be adapted by beginners or experts alike. Beginners will find it easier to start from an existing base, while experts get inspiration from a neutral base that they can add to.

4. What is the difference between a sketch and a lift?

In scrapbooking circles, the words ‘sketch’ and ‘lift’ may at times be interchangeable, yet they don’t mean the same thing. It is true that they both imply that you get inspired by a model in order to create something new. However, there are differences in the nature of what is being used as source of inspiration. The sketch implies that you follow a drawing or sketched design whilst the lift consists in being inspired from a page made by another crafter.

Whatever your purpose and intention, a sketch is an inspiring, practical and varied way to add to your crafting routine. Use it to boost your creativity, kick start your motivation, explore new layouts, broaden your style or just craft without any stress!

Our weekend and mid-week craft retreats have either a sketch or a lift for you to follow (with added instructions). Why don’t you have a look at our selection on www.scrap-circle.co.uk?

Here at The Art Place, we hope to strengthen bonds between parents and their children by delving into creating artwork as a team and to promote the significance of creativity and self- expression in the early years of development.

All in all, this exhibition will be a great drop-in summer activity for primary school age children!

Don’t forget to share far and wide so as many as possible can have a chance to make the most of this unique experience on their doorstep.

Huge thanks to artist Peter Mills for curating the exhibition, his wife Jane and volunteers, Paul and Saeed.

For more information about our work, projects, workshops and support offered, please visit www.ideashubchelmsford.org and follow us on Facebook - ‘The Art Place Chelmsford’ for The Art Place, and ‘Ideas Hub Chelmsford’ for the charity in general, and on Instagram: ‘Art Place Chelmsford’.

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Wedding Styling Tips - By Tania Dadd

It’s exciting to talk about wedding design and styling as Wedding Season is now in full swing.

This month we are looking at choosing a theme for your wedding. Choosing a wedding theme that represents your personality as a couple is a terrific way to introduce yourselves as a couple and make your wedding day even more special and memorable. By starting with a theme that represents your personality, soon you’ll find all the pieces falling into place.

Where to Begin…

Here are some ideas to get you thinking about themes that represents your personality: • • • • • • • •

Remember, your wedding day is a celebration of your love, so make it uniquely you. By choosing a wedding theme that represents your personality, you’ll create a wedding day that you and your guests will never forget.

Book a consultation (free of charge) to discuss your ideas and requirements. info@saltmarshinteriors.co.uk www.saltmarshinteriors.co.uk 07979 663 339

Start with your interests and hobbies.

Do you love travelling, sports or cooking?

How about music or dancing?

Highlighting your shared interests and hobbies is a terrific way to let your friends and family get to know you as a couple.

Consider the vibe and mood you want to create for your special day.

Browse countless websites and Pinterest boards for inspiration.

Ensure that your theme represents your taste and incorporates elements that feel true to who you are.

You can also consider some popular wedding themes such as regency, romantic, alternative, vintage, whimsical, modern, rustic and garden party.

Next Stage...

Choose a colour palette and plan everything around it. Your favourite colours can say a lot about your personality. Whether bold and bright or soft and muted, your favourite colours can help set the tone for your wedding day and create a feeling of cohesion across the venue.

Speaking of venues, the unique design elements at your chosen venue can be a great starting point to plan your wedding design.

Whether it’s a rustic barn, a Tuscan villa, or a modern art gallery, this is where you can showcase your style and personality. It’s also good to see what other couples have created at the same location.

Let Your Personality Shine Through Your wedding day is all about you, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine throughout your wedding decor. Whether it’s a quirky and fun theme or a classic and elegant one, choose a theme that feels true to who you are as a couple.

Tales From the Circle - By Sylvia Kent Curiosity is uppermost when a first time visitor or guest arrives at our monthly Brentwood Writers’ Circle gatherings at Bardswell Social Club. At first meeting I try to guess which genre of prose, poetry, memoirs, or maybe journalism is uppermost in our visitor’s mind.

Invariably, I’m wrong at that first meeting!

But, our intention is to help them link to one or other of our established members with similar interests.

Each writer is unique and inevitably interesting. Whether their focus lies in creating short stories (fact or fiction), romance, crime, children’s books, or indeed history, poetry journalism, magazine articles and non-fiction essays, it is invariably fascinating to later discover the interests of newcomers to our craft. Even more interesting perhaps for our potential member, is the fun and advantage of meeting other scribes from our large county, listening to occasional professional speakers in the craft and perhaps entering one of our in-house competitions and taking part in workshops.

Reading from members’ current work-in-progress is particularly useful for new novelists. We aim to help our members learn more about becoming published professionals and it is really never too late to learn! First taster meeting is free.

An extra joy last weekend was an invitation and opportunity for some of our BWC members to take part in the popular well-known Brentwood Art Trail held in the Bay Tree Centre in the town. As well as welcoming visitors to our stand, we were able to display, sign and sell some of our books. We were very happy to meet representatives from the other artistic worlds of Brentwood music, song, creative design, artwork, photography and a number of other talented folk who were supportive and friendly. New friends gained and some new members signed up!

We meet on the first Saturday of the month 2.30pm-4.30pm. For more information on BWC please contact our Chair (helenfinch69@ gmail.com). brentwoodwriterscircle1@gmail.com www.sylviakent.blogspot.com

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Quiz Time by John Theedom What famous US road runs 2,200 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica in California?

2. Who is Declan Patrick McManus better known as?

3. How many rounds are there in an Olympic boxing match?

4. Mount Olympus is in which European country?

5. What is a peregrine?

6. What parts of the Venus de Milo’s body are missing?

7. Who wrote about Noddy and Big Ears?

8. Which character is female - Dempsey or Makepeace?

9. Which Channel Island is famous for it’s very creamy milk?

10. What is the French word for three?

11. Nigel Benn is associated with which sport?

12. What is a spinney?

13. Which vegetable is good for your eye health?

14. How many pound in 1.5cwts?

15. How many zero digits are there in 1 million written?

16. The Acropolis looks over which capital city?

17. In which TV series did Captain Kirk appear?

1.

18. Which Irish singer recorded Walk Tall?

19. What colour is the shade, jonquil?

20. Which sport has Australian rules?

21. How many points does a snowflake have?

22. What do e-numbers 100 - 199 relate to?

23. What is emmantal?

24. Which flower inspired the William Wordsworth poem ‘I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud’??

25. Where is Frogmore House?

26. What is the background colour of the UN flag?

27. Which large bird is sacred in Peru?

28. Alpha and snow cap are types of what?

29. Who invented the carpet sweeper?

30. What is a toadstool’s pileus?

31. What is a porbeagle?

32. What do you do if you ‘siffle’?

33. What is a gibus?

34. Who was Prince Philip’s mother?

35. What is an erythrocyte?

36. What size is A4 paper in millimetres?

37. Which protein is present in a hair?

38. Which city has the oldest university in the world?

39 Who or what does UNICEF benefit?

40. Who is taller, Phil Collins or Mick Jagger?

(Answers on pages 31)

Wordseach by thewordsearch.com

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Blake house craft centre Blake end Essex cm776ra Workshop 01371 879 699 07985661361 Retail 01371 879 696 Can You Make a Difference in Your Community? specialist trauma support for children and families.

The stall sells donations of books, bric-a-brac, music, art, clothes - everything you’d expect to find in a charity shop, but on a market stall instead!

Volunteer as a Patient Partner at ARU University Are you able to help future medical students by being a ‘volunteer patient’?

Our volunteers work with medical students by acting as real patients so that students can develop their communication skills and diagnostic abilities in simulated real life situations.

Students are taught various skills such as communication and examination. Simulated patients help students to develop these skills by enabling the student to take a medical history and explain procedures and treatments. No acting skills required!

Chelmsford Men’s Shed - Lead Volunteers Can you spare 3 hours a week? We are seeking a kind, encouraging male volunteer with woodworking/carpentry knowledge to support our Men’s Shed.

Volunteer at the Kid’s Inspire market stall We are looking for dedicated volunteers to help run our indoor stall at Chelmsford Market which raises fund that go to Kids Inspire.

Kids Inspire is a children’s mental health charity who provide

Opening 9am - 3pm - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturdays.

Become a Trustee for Chelmsford Scouts You don’t have to work directly with young people to give them skills for life.

Trustees play a key part in Scouts and keep an eye on our vision.

They make sure that our young people have the best experience at Scouts and check that things are being done safely and legally.

Trustees don’t work directly with our young people, but instead support leaders to deliver a fantastic programme, while having a laugh, making new friends and learning new skills themselves.

Scout groups could not exists without trustees and we are in need of them all across Chelmsford District.

Office Volunteer - Blesma, The Limbless Veterans We are looking for a volunteer to help the Fundraising Team with office tasks. You will be providing practical, administrative and research support across the team. We’re a small and friendly team operating at a national level. Your work will help provide excellent donor care to our supporters, as well as assisting with the smooth running of our office and fundraising activities.

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Stargazing With Mark Willis You May Witness a Nova - A Dying Star..

The star system is known as T Coronae Borealis (T CrB). Located some 3,000 light-years away from Earth and consists of a red giant star and a white dwarf that orbit each other. When the white dwarf steals enough stellar material from its red giant companion, it ignites a brief flash of nuclear fusion on its surface, triggering what is known as a nova outburst.

Mercury: Recent scientific evidence suggests that the planet didn’t form where it is. Instead, it was formed approximately 150 million kilometres from the Sun, roughly near where Mars is today.

The outburst will be visible in the constellation Corona Borealis, also known as the Northern Crown, which forms a semicircle of stars. The outburst is expected to occur between February and September 2024 and appear as bright as the North Star in our night sky for no longer than a week before fading again, NASA officials said in a statement.

As usual, email me with any questions.

30th Anniversary of Shoemaker Levy Comet Impacting Jupiter This was a comet that broke apart in July 1992 and collided with Jupiter in July 1994, providing the first direct observation of an extraterrestrial collision of solar system objects.

New Moon: On 4th August and 3rd September 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.

www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com mark.willis@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com Mark Willis presents the Retro Chart Show every Monday morning from 10 till 12 on Chelmsford Community Radio 104.4 FM across the city of Chelmsford and across the world on chelmsfordcommunityradio.com.

Wildlife - By Nick Green Climatologists - in relation to global warming and climate change are predicting cool, wet winters followed by hot dry summers; so it currently looks like an extended winter!

The clearwing moth is closely related to the more familiar burnet moth and there are 1,000 species worldwide, with 14 resident in the British Isles. They mimic wasps, gaining protection from predators.

Adults are active by day in sunny weather but are very elusive. Males fly over larval foodplants seeking unmated females that produce distinctive hormones - the males can be identified by their feathered antennae. Adults are just 25mm (1inch) long for most species, but can boast an attractive intricate wing, head, thorax and abdomen patterns.

Selected Avian Highlights Abberton Reservoir EWT: nesting grey herons, little and cattle egrets, spoonbills for the third successive year, nightingale, Caspian tern. Wallasea Island RSPB: 17 spoonbills, 2 short-eared owls.

Hanningfield Reservoir EWT: garden, sedge and reed warblers, hobby, marsh harrier.

National Rarities Red-footed and brown boobies in Cornwall.

Yellow-legged Clearwing moth (copyright: Jeff Delve) I was lucky to observe a male yellow-legged clearwing moth. Another species, the fiery clearwing moth, is the rarest British clearwing species formerly only found in Kent, but has now crossed the Thames estuary and has been recorded in Essex.

Butterflies: Included peacock, small tortoiseshell, speckled wood, holly blue, small and large and green-veined white, gatekeeper, ringlet, white admiral, purple emperor.

Dragonflies: Large red, emperor, southern migrant hawker.

Damselflies: Azure, common blue, blue-tailed, banded, beautiful.

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Quiz & Wordsearch Answers 1. Route 66 2. Elvis Costello 3. Three 4. Greece 5. A bird - a falcon 6. Her arms 7. Enid Blyton 8. Makepeace 9. Jersey 10. Trois

11. Boxing 12. Small area of trees, bushes 13. Carrots 14. 168lbs 15. Six, 1,000,000 16. Athens 17. Star Trek 18. Val Doonican 19. Yellow 20. Australian Rules Football 21. Six

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24.

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26.

27.

28.

29.

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Food colours Cheese Daffodil Windsor Castle grounds Light blue Condor Cauliflower or beans Melville Bissell Cap A shark

32.

33.

34.

35.

36.

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38.

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Whistle, hiss Top hat/opera hat Princess Alice of Battenburg A blood cell 210mm x 297mm Keratin Bologna Children Mick Jagger

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