The City Times - Jun/July 2024

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Issue Number 125 - June 13th - July 17th 2024

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

There has been lots going on with the Concrete Canvas Festival recently, and this month we have the Essex Book Fesitval and Pride coming to our area!

We list as many events as we can in our What’s On section; please feel free to send your events from July 18th to August 18th to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk so we can include them.

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 We are not far off it being Midsummer’s Day - but where is the actual summer?

We have had some goodish days but mostly some not so good - so far.

I have been out and about a bit, but to be honest, when you are on your own it is not so much fun I find. I have been to various music events of course but it is other things I would like to do as well though, as I do like my National Trust pass and similar - just to just go out and chill would be nice. To be honest, most of my life is spent in front of a screen - if I am not writing for one or other of the magazines or chasing adverts and money, I am working on the music doing the posters and planning ahead for future shows... I thought as we got older things were supposed to ease up!

Soon it will be my summer break, though how much of a break I get I am not sure as I will still be working on the magazines and photographing acts at festivals.

I have been out around our city and seen some of the Concrete Canvas art, which I find truly amazing. It really does brighten up Chelmsford and I thank you all for that.

During the time of this edition, we will have had a general election, but will we have a new prime minister and a new government? What about your MP; will we have many changes or not? All I say is if you are able to vote, then please do - as it could be your vote that makes the difference.

Well, I have just been out-out but it was not for music, it was for the fifteenth Maldon Mud Race and it was great fun and the weather was good too. I saw a lot of people I knew from far and wide and some who knew me but I was not so sure who they were! I did meet up with the BBC Essex team and we spoke about some music. On the main stage was an act called Fraser Morgan, but I did not really go for music, I went for the fun and the race - it was good to get out of the house for a while and to see families having fun and the little ones seemed to love it! There was lots of entertainment going on with the steam fair and more.

I went to my friend Joe Hymashy’s charity night is St Nicholas Church Laindon, also known as the Church on the Hill. It’s an ancient place and goes back over 800 years. The night was of folk and bluegrass and raised over £1,000, which is just wonderful and I am so pleased I was there.

Music Since the last edition of The City Times I have booked the last show

Fraser Morgan at the Social Club for this year - this will be for Friday 6th December with The Dirt Road Band. The band consists of Steve Walwyn on guitar and vocals (he was with Dr Feelgood for 32 years as well as others, including Eddie and the Hot Rods), Horace Painter on bass (The Specials) and Ted Duggan on drums (Badfinger, The Beat, The Selector and Desmond Dekker). We know this is going to be a great night.

We have one more for Hot Box on Tuesday 17th September with Mim Grey, who will be playing music from her new album which is produced by Robbie McIntosh and Steve Smith, who both also play on it. We have had some great shows at both venues recently and I have been to see a few shows at Hot Box for The Sunday Jam, and Sunday jazz, folk and blues at Barleylands for Dexter Shaw & the Wolftones (pictured above). I’ve also been The Plough in Westcliff for Leavin’ Trunk as well. I do try to get out to see as much as I can, but in all honesty, I get quite tired and sometimes find that I stay in instead!

We have some great shows coming up, but we really need you to prebook if possible. We have the Trembling Wilburys and Ronnie Golden (also known as Tony DeMuer). He started the Fabulous Poodles and was co-writer and performer with his late best mate Barry Cryer.

Then I have the Slambovian Circus Of Dreams on Friday 21st June,

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who I have seen three times and each time they blew me away.

They are coming all the way from New York and will be supported by the UK Jives.

On Friday 28th June we have Terry Chambers, the drummer from XTC, with his own band eXTC, which he is doing with the blessing of the Joe Hymashy’s charity night - St Nicholas Church other members of

from theatres to the village halls - and it affects 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! And if 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 and 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.

XTC. Terry’s band have been stunning audiences across the world from the USA to Japan - and now it is our turn to be wowed.

Back to Hot Box for Friday 5th July with SharpeeZ playing their ‘Maximum RnB’ - if you like Dr Feelgood you will love this originals band, who will have Billy Miskimmin playing and singing.

Billy was with The Yardbirds and Nine Below Zero among others.

Now back at the Social Club for our last two gigs for this part of the year.

We start on Friday 12th July with the amazing Hamish Stuart, the voice of The Average White Band - he co-wrote Pick Up The Pieces. Hamish then went on to play with Paul McCartney and also wrote for Diana Ross and played and wrote for Chaka Khan among many others. Now, he is part of Ringo Starr’s All Star Band as he has been for the past 24 years.

Opening the night is our very own Joe Anderton with his new band Greene.

This will be their Essex debut and believe me they could be our answer to Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty.

The band are the whole package and this is a must-see show we think.

To finish off part one, we welcome back Noasis and the Next Agenda as they both went down so well previously that we just had to have them back. We are then taking six weeks off, during which time I will be going to some festivals, as you never know who you may discover playing.

There’s 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 as that’s what happens. Then, we will start to lose the acts as well as they won’t be able to earn a living. This does not just happen with music; it’s all types of live shows from all genres, www.thecitytimes.co.uk

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City Times Food!

As we start to have a glimpse of nice weather, I got to thinking about what I wanted to write about this month. As I type this though, the weather is awful and raining, but I am being optimistic for the coming month that we have some nice weather and can enjoy some nice food outside.

This weekend we enjoyed the annual Maldon Mud Race and the weather was actually beautiful. I actually ran this - well, crawled - in 2014! My husband wants to enter us both next year, however I am unsure...

Over the last few years the hospitality for this event has really impressed me. This year, Black Pig Catering had a few trucks and the food was on another level, serving lobster mac and cheese, crispy prawn boa and much more. They also have a café called the Farm Café by the Black Pig based in Heybridge, Maldon. There wasn’t a burger van in site and it really makes me happy seeing these food trucks serving amazing, fresh food!

I love a barbecue, I really do, but I wanted to talk about the sides rather than the meat this month. So, I want to give you a few ideas of dishes that go with a barbecue to make it that extra bit special. Most of these can be done in advance, so there’s less faffing about and more time being with family and enjoying ourselves.

Honey Harissa Honey Potatoes These are a game-changer and honestly, if you’re going to try any of my recipes, this is the one.

Ingredients • 6 Maris Piper potatoes.

• 5 tbsp Harissa.

• 4 garlic cloves.

• Salt.

• 3 tbsp honey.

60g Feta cheese.

Parsley.

Method • Preheat your oven to 200 degrees.

Peel and cut your potatoes into chunks and boil your water and add your potatoes, salt, garlic and 2 tablespoons of Harissa, then boil for 8-10 minutes until fluffy.

• Put in a tray and shake and cover with vegetable oil.

• Cook for 30-40 minutes until crispy.

• In a bowl, add your potatoes, honey, Feta, the rest of the harissa and chopped parsley.

Next, I wanted to share a beautiful dip that will go amazing with the potatoes and to any barbecue - a fresh tzatziki. my recipe is so easy and you can have this with so many things! You could have pitta or salad and even dip your roasties in it.

Ingredients • 4tbsp of Greek yogurt.

• Half a grated cucumber.

• Juice of a lemon.

• 1 tbsp fresh mint and dill.

• 1 clove of crushed garlic.

• Salt and pepper.

• 1 tbsp olive oil.

Add all of the ingredients into a bowl making sure you squeeze out any water from the cucumber first.

Let’s hope the weather stays in our favour and we can enjoy some more alfresco dining.

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 over on Instagram by searching and following ‘thehungrykp’.

This month, I would like to share with you a quirky café based in Battlesbridge just outside of Wickford, which serves light lunches, homemade cakes and more. All on board a static double decker bus!

Wildflower Teas on the Bus

• •

Hop on the 1954 Routemaster bus for a unique experience of afternoon tea, savoury treats, fluffy pancakes, and tasty waffles with a huge selection of toppings to choose from.

Victoria, the owner, opened the vintage London bus to the public in July 2020 to expand her afternoon tea business. Despite opening during the pandemic and having to deal with multiple lockdowns, it has been a success and is still going strong in 2024.

The car park is shared with Plant Perfections, an award-winning garden centre which is worth having a look around whilst you’re there.

Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer savoury snacks, there is Page 6

something for everyone’s palate.

I really enjoyed the stacked pancakes which are served warm with cream, melted chocolate and fresh strawberries. I also tried the ploughman’s lunch - not only was it delicious but also generously portioned. Prices begin at approximately £9 and there are many gluten-free options available on the menu.

Tables with beautiful countryside views from the top deck must be booked in advance. There is a lovely, covered seating area just outside the bus for walks ins, and a cosy cabin which you can hire out for baby showers, a hen do or a birthday. There’s also a variety of themed afternoon tea events which take place regularly, including Disney character parties for children, which are very reasonably priced. Take a look at the website to see what’s on and reserve your table now.

Beeches Road, Wickford, SS11 8TG www.wildflowerteas.co.uk Writtle Foodies Market (a Little Reminder) Don’t forget that every month on Writtle Green there is a fabulous market where you can try a range of dishes from local traders. They will be hosting a summer food festival on Sunday 14th July with over 30 food and drink vendors, along with live entertainment and family attractions. Free entry - 11am - 5pm. See you there!

Writtle Green, CM1 3DU

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City Times Gardening Welcome to the delightful month of June, a time when gardens burst into full bloom and nature’s colours are at their most vibrant!

With the warmth of the sun and longer days, June is a gardener’s paradise, offering endless opportunities to nurture your plants and watch your garden thrive. Whether you’re planting new flowers, tending to your vegetable patch, or simply enjoying the beauty around you, this month is all about growth and renewal. So grab your gloves, don your sun hat and let’s explore the wonders that await in your June garden!

Tying in and controlling the growth of climbing honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.) ensures they grow in an attractive and manageable way, providing a stunning display of flowers and fragrance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this: Choose the Right Support Honeysuckles are vigorous climbers that need sturdy support. Ideal structures include: • Trellises: Place them against walls or fences.

• Arbours and pergolas: Create beautiful entryways and shaded areas.

• Fences: Allow them to cover unattractive sections or create privacy.

• Wires: Or you could attach galvanised wires to the wall or fence, which I have done.

Initial planting (its still ok to do this at this time of the year, just ensure they are watered in well).

• Location: Plant honeysuckles in well drained soil with access to full sun or partial shade. Ensure the support structure is in place before planting.

• Planting depth: Plant at the same depth as they were in their pot, with the root ball level with the soil surface.

Training the Shoots • Early training: As new shoots emerge, gently guide them towards the support structure.

• Tying in: Use soft garden ties, twine, or plant clips to secure the shoots to the support. Make sure not to tie too tightly to avoid damaging the stems.

Regular Pruning and Maintenance • Pruning: Prune honeysuckles in late winter or early spring to remove dead or weak stems and to shape the plant. Summer blooming varieties should be pruned after flowering.

• Thinning: Remove some of the older, woody stems to encourage new growth and better flowering. Thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk.

Tying and Training Throughout the Growing Season • Check growth: Regularly check the plant for new growth and continue to tie in stems as they lengthen. This keeps the plant tidy and encourages it to cover the support evenly. I have just completed this tasks for the second time this year!

• Directing growth: If you want to cover a specific area, gently weave the stems through the support or tie them in the desired direction.

• Avoid overcrowding: Space the stems evenly to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to reduced airflow and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Controlling Vigorous Growth • Tip pinching: Pinch back the tips of the stems to promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.

• Cutting back: If the plant becomes too large, cut back the longest stems by about one-third to control its size.

Watering and Feeding • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Water deeply to encourage deep root growth. This is especially true for those potted examples. You could use a thick layer of organic matter as a mulch, such as well rotted garden compost or leaf mould.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support healthy growth and abundant flowering. If pot based, check out the manufacturer’s guidelines. Use a tomato-based liquid based feed.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases • Regular Inspection: Check regularly for signs of pests such as aphids or diseases like powdery mildew.

• Natural Remedies: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for pests, and ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal diseases.

By following these steps, you’ll successfully train and control the growth of your climbing honeysuckles, creating a beautiful, fragrant feature in your garden.

Two Further Garden Tasks for the Beginning of June • Pruning and deadheading are important for maintaining plant health and encouraging continuous blooms. Remove (deadhead) spent flowers from annuals, perennials and roses to stimulate new growth and prolong flowering. Trim back spring flowering shrubs such as lilacs and forsythias after they have finished blooming to maintain their shape and size.

• June is a rewarding month for harvesting early crops that you planted in spring. Harvest peas, radishes, lettuce, spinach and early potatoes. Regular picking encourages continued production.

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

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Cladding Conservatories Windows & Doors Decorating Wardrobes

CONTACT US

Paul Fordham - 07973 306818 springfieldrenovations@gmail.com www.springfieldrenovations.co.uk

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Regal Kitchens: Where Client Is King

Before Mr and Mrs S felt that their current kitchen space wasn’t large enough to house a full family kitchen with seating. They had seen other local companies who only designed the room as it was and were disheartened by the whole process, as they didn’t feel anyone was listening to their ideas. They had seen a few Regal Kitchens case studies on the website and read online reviews left by previous customers and decided to approach them to see if they could come up with any other ideas that might help them.

The designer visited the client and discussed how a few structural changes could breathe new life into their downstairs space. He recommended that they knock down a structural wall to open up the area and go from having a glorified galley kitchen to a magnificent space, fit for entertaining as well as normal family life. The designer suggested they use painted timber doors in Grey Mist for the majority of the kitchen, but change this to a darker charcoal colour for the island to make it a focal point.

The designer suggested installing a large induction hob in the island with a bank of ovens directly behind, so that cooking whilst entertaining would be a joy instead of a chore. The island is also large enough for all 4 children to get busy with their homework as parents watch on while preparing daily meals.

As Mr S is a catering chef, the appliance choices were important to them, they had seen the NEFF slide and hide ovens on the Great British Bake Off and liked the idea of being able to get close to the oven without having to navigate around a drop down door. Regal provided 2 pyrolytic single ovens with a combi in the middle and warming drawer underneath to help their clients keep food warm if one is late home or on mum/dad taxi duties for their children. They love the speed and efficiency of the combi - very helpful when hungry children get home from school.

so when they have guests in the house, all drinks can be concocted with everything required nearby. Regal also installed a tea and coffee making area so they could house their coffee machine close to their new Quooker kettle tap to make work tea breaks quick and efficient on busy working from home days. There is also a handy pull out bin near to the sink and island to help keep any mess to a minimum.

Regal also provided a separate refrigeration area which includes 2 full height fridge freezers and a large wine cabinet near to their sink

Regal Kitchens beautiful showroom in Beehive Lane is open 7 days per week between 10am and 4pm.

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

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VolFest 2024

Chelmsford CVS Volfest took place in Chelmsford High Street just as we went to print on Thursday 6th June. Fifty charitable organisations had stalls and it was a great success with hundreds of people finding out about local charities and how to volunteer.

If you are looking to volunteer, please look at the opportunities Chelmsford CVS are sharing on page 28. www.chelmsfordcvs.org.uk

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Chelmsford Library Summer is fast approaching - come to us for all your holiday beach reads! If you’re looking for more than just books, then Chelmsford Library can help. We provide a wide selection of audiobooks and DVDs, studying and working spaces, and an ever-changing selection of events.

Summer Reading Challenge Volunteering Applications are still open for Summer Reading Challenge volunteers! If you are over the age of 14 and want to contribute to your community, love reading, or want to add to your CV, then we would be delighted to have you volunteer with us. You can apply online through our website.

Room Hire Do you need a private room for an interview, exam, or meeting?

Chelmsford Library offers a variety of rooms to hire to suit your needs, with competitive pricing and free Wi-Fi. Send an email to us and our Room Hire team will be in touch!

Family History Visit your closest library for access to masses of information for family history researchers.

On our library computers you can access ancestry, the British Newspaper Archive, and the Oxford Dictionary of Family Names.

We also hold a Starting Your Family History group every second Saturday of the month, which can be booked by emailing us. This is a friendly, informal group to research your family history and use our library resources. Come along and learn about your family, your way.

To keep up-to-date on all our latest events and our extensive services, visit our website at libraries.essex.gov.uk.

You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter or by subscribing to our newsletter. Drop by and see us today!

Youngest Grumpy Old Man Some of us like a little flutter, whether is the National Lottery or the football pools. I have dabbled in both over the years. It is the gambling to win big that lured us to gamble on them. Doing the pools has you trying to predict who will draw with goals scored by both teams.

same numbers twice.

Some people analyse who has had the most draws, others pick their favourite numbers. Me, I’m more of a favourite number selection.

I’m trying another lottery, the Irish one which I hear you can get luckier with than other ones...

When a win in the football is more important than a draw, the results will not always go your way.

I have also done the National Lottery for many years, dating back to when it first was introduced in 1994. I don’t do it so much anymore other than on a special occasion. I did win £100 once and loads of £10 prizes etc. My dad use to run the lottery at one place where we both worked together; he also did a special bonus ball one too. We won bits and bobs, but nothing life changing.

I have played the pools at various times in my life. I first started doing the pools in my the nineties following on from my dad in doing it.

It wasn’t long before I got 8 score draws near Christmas. There was a lot of score draws that weekend. I think it was 15 but I still got 8. I was at college so it was a fair bit of money back then. That’s was when you had a pools collector come round and take the coupons and take the money. I do not know when I stopped doing it back then.

I left it a few years, then I returned to doing the pools again. How the money and the coupon was collected had changed and it was now done via Direct Debit and send off a coupon that would last a long time. I received a cheque through the post one time for £165 - I did not know I had won, so it was a nice surprise. I was working this time.

Once again I stopped - not sure why...

I returned to doing the pools when I ran a syndicate for a little while.

The last one we did, we didn’t win anything with it. This time was also different as it was on the internet and paying by card. This was also different, as you could go for a lucky dip, so you would never have the

It’s amazing how it has changed a lot in the last 30 years when it had stayed the same for so many decades before.

These gambling games are beacons of hope of people dreaming of overnight wealth, but this has declined a bit over the years due to the odds of winning being astronomically high.

For some, the dream of winning big takes over their life. You get the high of putting the money on and hope to not get the low of not winning and having to spend another week at work.

You have to remember that these things are a form of gambling and that they carry inherent risks. Winning the big ones are like being struck by lightning - both are so unpredictable.

You have to approach these forms of gambling with caution and moderation.

Thomas Indergard

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What Can Your Genes Tell You? - By Jane Hickey It must have been a very exciting moment to be in The Eagle pub in Cambridge in 1953 when Francis Crick and James Watson broke the news that they had discovered the ‘secret of life’. Their discovery of the double helix structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was made possible by the work of Rosalind Franklin in X-ray crystallography, using techniques introduced by Maurice Wilkins. The blue plaque outside the pub notes the contributions of the four to the discovery.

This major scientific achievement opened the way for the major scientific journey of the Human Genome Project involving scientists from twenty countries.

Whether you are fascinated or mystified by the Human Genome Project, have you considered how this vast international project may relate to your own life? If you have made the connection between the Human Genome project and ancestry gene tests, you will have realised that the Human Genome Project relates to everyone’s life.

On just a personal level though, is there more to the genome than ancestry?

Curiosity may have tempted you to explore your own ancestry through a gene test. Maybe you found out that you have Welsh, Scandinavian or Spanish in your genes... The science of deoxyribonucleic acid has become highly accessible. Personalised information reveals the hidden clues to your ancestry and discovering the story of your ancestry might be satisfying and fascinating. But have you wondered whether your genes could give you other insights about yourself?

The fast moving field of DNA discovery and personal gene testing have come a long way since the introduction of popular gene tests which focussed on ancestry. Medically, DNA is informative in the circumstances of inherited diseases. DNA offers vast information about a person’s gene variants, with the potential to be overwhelming.

However, a focussed approach in DNA tests, based on scientific evidence based research, identifies key health and well-being factors, in tests which are now widely available.

Did you know that you can now find some practical answers about your genes and your health? Would you like the answers to your important questions? About the most effective way to approach your weight management? About priorities for your general health?

Whether coffee or salt are harmful for you? The best strategies for your exercise routines or your athletic training?

Of course you cannot change your DNA. Your ancestry is what it is.

But the science of epigenetics reveals the impact of the environment (such as food or lifestyle) on the activity of genes, affecting health outcomes. Your food and lifestyle choices can influence your genes for positive effects on your health and well-being. With this information, DNA testing has evolved to provide personalised insights into health and well-being.

Gene test profiles have been developed from research into relevant gene variants which contribute to particular areas of health and wellbeing, such as diet, skin or pregnancy.

Extensive scientific research has identified specific genes which have an impact on health outcomes and which respond beneficially to diet and lifestyle choices. The real value of the detailed individual information is the power of your choice to change your diet and lifestyle to improve your health and well-being.

Not only may an understanding of your DNA clarify and support symptoms you experience, but your DNA insights give you the opportunity to support your personalised health goals preventively, towards your optimal well-being.

A range of gene profiles is now available, including general health, diet, sport, resilience, skin and pregnancy health. From a simple doit-yourself pin prick blood test, a sample of your DNA is collected and sent securely to the laboratory for analysis. Your results are presented in a report with detailed and practical recommendations. With the support of a practitioner trained in nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics to guide your plan, you will be able to implement the changes in your life to allow for your unique DNA and to optimise your health and wellbeing.

As a BANT-registered Nutritional Therapist, trained in nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics, I am a registered practitioner with DNALife who offer a range of gene tests for health and well-being. If you are interested to find out how a DNA test could help your personalised health goals, I offer a free online call.

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Afternoon Tea - Old Park Meadow Old Park Meadow joined forces with the Essex Wildlife Trust on the 22nd May for a delightful afternoon tea. Managers from residential care homes across Essex were invited to learn about the trust’s new Gift in Wills programme and the exciting community events offered by Old Park Meadow.

Guests enjoyed a delicious spread of sandwiches and cakes, followed by a tour of the beautiful grounds. Delyse Jackaman, Manager of Old Park Meadow, highlighted their ongoing collaboration with the Essex Wildlife Trust: “We knew an afternoon tea would be a perfect way to connect with care home managers. Thank you to everyone who joined us.”

The successful event paves the way for another afternoon tea, this time welcoming residents from Essex care homes on Wednesday September 4th 2024. If any care homes and their residents would like to join the Essex Wildlife Trust and Old Park Meadow for a spot of afternoon tea, please email events@ oldparkmeadow.co.uk.

Old Park Meadow hosts their Gardening Club every Wednesday between 9am -12pm alongside their coffee morning which is held between 10am -12pm.

On the third Wednesday of every month their Bereavement Café takes place between 10am - 11.30am for the local community.

Page 14

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

June

Friday 14 Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Trembling Wilburys + Ronnie Golden Chelmsford Theatre - Legally Blonde: The Musical St John The Baptist (Danbury) - Deborah Aloba Saturday 15th Chelmsford Theatre - Legally Blonde: The Musical Chelmsford Theatre - Kiri Pritchard-McLean Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm) The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke Wickham Bishops Village Hall (CM8 3JZ) - Wickham Bishops Jazz Club, Allen Beechey’s New Orleans Jazz Bandits (07548 775 777) Sunday 16th The Ale House - Quiz Chelmsford Theatre - Egg and Spoon Chelmsford Theatre - The Diana Ross Story The Courtyard - Euro’s Day Party The Gardeners - Open Mic Monday 17th The Ale House - Beery Bingo Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford Gotta Dance 2024 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 18th Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford Gotta Dance 2024 Hot Box - Open Mic Night Old Park Meadow - Yoga (book by texting 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) Woolpack - Quiz Wednesday 19th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke Cheerful Chai (CM1 7AH) - free event (please book a space via www. engagefitnessservices.com - 9.30am) Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford Gotta Dance 2024 The Courtyard - Open Mic The Golden Fleece - Karaoke Hot Box - Alison Hylands Estate - Essex Global Summit Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music Supper Club: La Bouche Manouche Gypsy Swing Band (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075) The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz Thursday 20th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening Courtyard - Karaoke Hot Box - Neanderthal + Hobo + Spreading the Disease Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book, text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) The Rising Sun - Quiz Night Stone Bridge - History of the High Street Walk (email info@ chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk to book) Friday 21st Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Slambovian Circus of Dreams + UK Jives Chelmsford Theatre - Make Music Happen Chelmsford Theatre - The Tiger Who Came to Tea Chelmsford Theatre - Laugh Out Proud Comedy Hot Box - Masal Hylands Park - Foodies Festival RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga Saturday 22nd Chelmsford Theatre - The Tiger Who Came to Tea Chelmsford Theatre - Edinburgh Previews: Nic Sampson & Bella Hull Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) Hylands Park - Foodies Festival St Luke’s Church (Moulsham Lodge) - Anglia Singers, ‘Mamma Mia! th

Summer’s Here’, songs from ABBA, Sting and Gershwin (starts 7pm, tickets from the chairman 07966 550 507 from 12/06/24) The UB - Rubber Soul Garden Party The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke Sunday 23rd Bond Street Bowl - Art on Tap Art Market The Gardeners - Open Mic Hylands Park - Foodies Festival Hot Box - Coast + Walking Through Walls + Park Drive + AFAF Monday 24th Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club Tuesday 25th Hot Box - Hot Box Waxes Lyrical Wednesday 26th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke Cheerful Chai (CM1 7AH) - free event (please book a space via www. engagefitnessservices.com - 9.30am) Chelmsford Theatre - Fanny Galore’s Big Bingo Party Hot Box - Experience Beck (Jeff Beck Tribute) The Golden Fleece - Karaoke Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666) The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz Thursday 27th Acanteen - Drag Boozy Bingo Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz Night Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening Chelmsford Theatre - Dreamboys: Stripped Back Courtyard - Karaoke Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) The Rising Sun - Quiz night Friday 28th Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: eXTC (Terry Chambers of XTC) Hot Box - HitHaus Drag: The Best of British RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga Saturday 29th Chelmsford Theatre - TWENTY Chelmsford Social Club - Nine Lives presents: Kingcats + Domino Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) Hot Box - All Day Fundraiser for Radio Ship Mi Amigo Hot Box - Jack Browning and the Family Guns RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm) The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke Sunday 30th The Gardeners - Open Mic Hot Box - Uber Jam Star & Garter - Sunday Jams (4pm)

July

Monday 1st The Ale House - Beery Bingo Chelmer Village - Pilates classes (carolinesdanceandpilates.co.uk) Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club Tuesday 2nd Hot Box - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) Wednesday 3rd Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke Cheerful Chai (CM1 7AH) - free event (please book a space via www. engagefitnessservices.com - 9.30am) Chelmsford Theatre - Mark Simmons: Work in Progress 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 The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz Thursday 4th Courtyard - Karaoke Hot Box - Resonance Open System

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Friday 5th The Gardeners - Open Mic Hot Box - Black Frog Presents: The SharpeeZ Hot Box - Jazz Sunday with Zak Barrett and Friends RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga Monday 15th Saturday 6th The Ale House - Beery Bingo Chelmsford Theatre - Essex Spirit Co Tasting Masterclass Chelmer Village - Pilates classes (carolinesdanceandpilates.co.uk) Chelmsford Theatre - Italia Conti Associates Showcase Chelmsford Theatre - Brogan’s School of Dance Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club Hylands Estate - Lumos Live: Sunset Candlelight Experience Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.30 RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm) 9.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk) Stow Maries Aerodrome - Fly-In Tuesday 16th The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke Admirals Park - Chelmsford Summer Beer & Cider Festival Sunday 7th Chelmsford Theatre - Brogan’s School of Dance The Ale House - Quiz Hot Box - Open Mic Night The Gardeners - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit Hot Box - Jazz Sundays: Zak Barrett & Friends bookwhen.com/beckysallows) Monday 8th Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn Chelmer Village - Pilates classes (carolinesdanceandpilates.co.uk) dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660) Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club Woolpack - Quiz Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.30 Wednesday 17th 9.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk) Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke Tuesday 9th Cheerful Chai (CM1 7AH) - free event (please book a space via www.

Chelmsford Theatre - Hidale Academy of Performing Arts engagefitnessservices.com - 9.30am) Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit Admirals Park - Chelmsford Summer Beer & Cider Festival bookwhen.com/beckysallows) The Courtyard - Open Mic Patch Places - The History of Topree Jam Talk (email info@ The Golden Fleece - Karaoke chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk to book) Hot Box - Control Voltage Electronic Open Mic Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn Madison Heights - Open Mic dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660) Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Woolpack - Quiz Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666) Wednesday 10th The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke Thursday 18th Cheerful Chai (CM1 7AH) - free event (please book a space via www.

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night engagefitnessservices.com - 9.30am) Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening Chelmsford Theatre - Hidale Academy of Performing Arts Admirals Park - Chelmsford Summer Beer & Cider Festival The Courtyard - Open Mic Chelmsford Theatre - The George Harrison Project Danbury Village Hall - Beauty and the Beast Courtyard - Karaoke The Golden Fleece - Karaoke Golden Fleece - Quiz Night Hot Box - The Big Music Quiz Hot Box - Creature Cult + Love is Enough + Horse Heads Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning bookwhen.com/beckysallows) Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666) The Rising Sun - Quiz night Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music Supper Trinity Methodist Church - Chelmsford Male Voice Chioir & Men2SIng, Club: Syd Lawrence Orchestra’s Savoy Collection (7.45pm - to book Deep Harmony phone Phil on 07850 607 075) Friday 19th The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Noasis + Next Agenda Thursday 11th Admirals Park - Chelmsford Summer Beer & Cider Festival Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night Chelmsford Theatre - The Story of SoulF Cooke: A Night of Soul Music Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening Saturday 20th Chelmsford Theatre - Hidale Academy of Performing Arts Admirals Park - Chelmsford Summer Beer & Cider Festival Danbury Village Hall - Beauty and the Beast Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) Courtyard - Karaoke Hot Box - Arcane Moon Golden Fleece - Quiz Night RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm) Hot Box - ADCX + Mensvreters + Hinge The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit Sunday 21st bookwhen.com/beckysallows) Chelmsford Theatre - Essex Dance Theatre Showcase The Rising Sun - Quiz night The Gardeners - Open Mic Friday 12th Chelmsford Social Club - Hamish Stuart Band (Average White Band, Venues are in Chelmsford, unless mentioned in the listings as being McCartney, Ringo) + Greene (Joe Anderton) elsewhere.

Chelmsford Theatre - Hidale Academy of Performing Arts Chelmsford Singers Summer Concert Danbury Village Hall - Beauty and the Beast th Saturday 13 The Chelmsford Singers invite you to share an evening of sea, song, Chelmsford Theatre - Hidale Academy of Performing Arts and sunshine! Chelmsford Singers’ Summer concert will be on Danbury Village Hall - Beauty and the Beast Saturday July 13th 2024 at Maldon United Reform Church, Market Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) Hill, Maldon CM9 4PZ, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £18 advance Hot Box - Foxymop or £20 on the door with under 16s free. Tickets are available from Maldon United Reform Church - Chelmsford Singers’ Summer chelmsfordsingers.co.uk.

Concert (see article to the right) RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm) Conducted by James Davy, the Singers will perform a number of The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke nautical-themed works by Charles Villiers Stanford, Benjamin Britten Sunday 14th and Charles Wood, as well as part-songs by Gustav Holst and the Chelmsford Theatre - Songs from the Stage and Screen aforementioned Stanford. Tim Carey will accompany on piano.

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Page 17 Page 17

A Year in the Life of the Mayor - Final Part The Mayor and Deputy Mayor had an enjoyable evening welcoming a group from the 6th Chelmsford Beavers to the Mayor’s Parlour.

Time was spent explaining about the mayoralty and the regalia - it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Chairman of Essex Council, Cllr Jill Reeves invited Mayors and Chairs from across Essex to attend her civic dinner at Little Channels. The Mayor and her Consort were honoured to be invited and hear the chairman speak about her first year in office.

The Mayor, her Consort and the Deputy Mayor attended a service at St Martin’s Church Basildon, prior to the private funeral of the Mayor of Basildon, Cllr Luke Mackenzie who died of cancer at the age of 37.

The Boswells School and Community Partners held a lively and varied Dance Show which the Mayor and Deputy really enjoyed. Students of all ages from Boswells were joined by groups from Grapevine Dance, Silhouettes Dance & Theatre School, Dance 21, Community Glee, Bam Bam Boogies and Making Moves for a very entertaining evening.

The Mayor and her Consort joined Chelmsford Parkrun on a rainy Saturday morning to set off the runners, including Mayor’s Cadet, Sgt Walledge, and wish the Mayor’s charity YMCA Essex well as they raised money in the Moustache Run! She took the opportunity to thank all the Parkrun volunteers for helping so many people keep active for their physical and mental health.

Chelmsford RAFA club held their St George’s Day celebration lunch where the Mayor, her Consort and Cadet, Sgt Walledge, joined the veterans and bought items in their charity shop. Unfortunately, they couldn’t stay for the bangers and mash, but thanked the ladies who were cooking for them, headed up by Sue. Join them for the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings commemoration on Saturday 8th June with games and quizzes and a buffet. For more details call Sue Eddie on 07794 543 147 - all welcome.

great and historic season.

Chelmsford City Football Club finished the season at their highest ever position of 2nd in the National League South with 84 points. The Mayor and her Consort (a huge Clarets fan and season-ticket holder) attended the semi-final of the play-offs for promotion at Melbourne Stadium against Braintree Town. Despite coming back in the second half from a 2 goal deficit to equalize in the 90th and 92nd minutes to rapturous cheers, City lost to Braintree 3-2 in extra time. It wasn’t to be this season, but well done to all at CCFC for a

Woodville Primary School in South Woodham Ferrers invited the Deputy Mayor to attend their school assembly with Olympic Gold medal cyclist, Katie Archibald. Katie happily answered the children’s questions and spoke about her journey from cycling to school to training for world class events.

In the assembly, it was announced that Deputy Head Teacher Paul White, an ambassador for Active Essex, will be taking part in the Page 18

RideLondon Essex 100 mile race in May. Katie is currently riding for CERATIZIT-WNT Pro Cycling Team and presented him with one of their team racing jerseys.

Chairman of Rochford District Council, Cllr Jack Lawmon, held his End of Year Civic Celebration at The Old House, Rochford, which was built in 1270. The Mayor and her Consort enjoyed a tour of this historic building and garden whilst hearing about the history, ghost stories and priest hole hidden in the chimney.

Offspringers put on a musical extravaganza in The Dracula Spectacular which had the Mayor and Deputy Mayor enthralled and entertained with so much humour. Co-directors Lula Hemmings and Matt Scott did a brilliant job with all the children giving inspiring and creative performances. Well done to all involved in the production.

Huge congratulations to The Boswells School for winning the grand final of the Jack Petchey Foundation Glee Club Challenge at the O2. The Mayor and her Consort were delighted and very proud to be in the audience for their brilliant performances amongst really strong competition from the other 11 groups, including Chelmer Valley High School. Well done to all the performers, Mr Butler, Head of Dance, Performing & Creative Arts, and the wonderful team, including parents and carers who have supported these talented young people to achieve such a prestigious win and put Chelmsford on the map for performing arts.

The Mayor, along with the Town Mayor of South Woodham Ferrers, Cllr Donna Eley, were delighted to congratulate the winning community teams who participated in the Beat the Street game which encouraged over 13,000 people and more than 100 teams to get active in Chelmsford and South Woodham Ferrers. The participants gained points by walking, cycling, wheeling and running while they explored Chelmsford and SWF. Dr Greg Deacon, Head of the Community Health Team at ARU Writtle and Lindsey Abbott, Community Coordinator for Intelligent Health reflected on the success of the game in supporting health and activity in the local area. Congratulations to all the winners, which included the Good Gym and Heart & Sole walking group.

Thriftwood College invited the Mayor to join staff and students for a tour of the college, assembly and quiz to celebrate 10th years of the college being open and being such as asset to the community. The Mayor was happy to speak about her role as mayor and was asked some very interesting questions from the students.

The Mayor was honoured to be asked to officially open The National Red Plaque Fire Service Memorial at Whitehouse Farm in Rettendon on 4th May, which is Firefighters Memorial Day. She thanked the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club, The Fire Brigades Union, Essex County Fire & Rescue Service, Fran and Peter Theobald, owners of the site and numerous businesses and individuals who contributed to the creation of the memorial to honour all fire service personnel.

Let’s Get Loud was the title of the Chelmsford Scouts 65th Gang Show at Chelmsford Theatre which the Mayor and her Consort really enjoyed. The gang is made up of over 100 members of the Scout and Guide movements from across Chelmsford aged 8 upwards. They put on a show featuring dance, music and comedy sketches. Thanks to all the dedicated volunteers who support the young people to perform such a great show.

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The Mayor was invited to Chelmsford & District Model Railway Club to meet the members, see the working models and hear how inclusive they are - all are welcome and she enjoyed seeing younger members joining the club and how much they enjoy the sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays.

They will be holding an exhibition at St John Payne School on 19th October from 10-4pm. For more information visit: www/cdmrc. co.uk.

The Salvation Army Citadel hosted a concert by the Stockholm South Band who are touring the UK for four days. The Mayor and Deputy enjoyed the concert, which included the Chelmsford Choir and extended a warm welcome to the Swedish band.

The Mayor was delighted to collect a cheque for £1,159 for her charity, YMCA Essex, from the recent New City Voices concert at St John’s Church. Thanks to Choirmaster, John Dent-Wallace and all involved in such a successful fundraiser.

The Mayor of Chelmsford presented awards and commendations to Chelmsford’s brilliant volunteers at the Chelmsford Awards for Outstanding Voluntary Service.

The awards were formed ten years ago by the independent charity, Chelmsford CVS, to recognise the exceptional generosity of Chelmsford’s volunteers and the impact of their work on the local community.

Awards were presented in three categories this year: • Winner, Adult category: Chris Chapman for his outstanding over 30 years of voluntary service as Leader of 2nd Chelmsford Scouts.

• Dr Karen Lehner was also Highly Commended for her work with Barrow Farm Riding for the Disabled for over 20 years.

• Winner, Young Person category: Henrietta Tyler for her work volunteering with City of Chelmsford Mencap’s lifelong learning service.

• Winner, Team category: Sanctus’ team of volunteers, who give an astonishing combined 1,000 hours per month to benefit over 750 service users!

Congratulations to all the award recipients.

Half Moon Square, in Chelmsford City Centre came alive with music, dancing, colour and joy as sikhs of Chelmsford invited the Mayor, her Consort and everyone in the vicinity to celebrate the Sikh Formation Day of Vaisakhi. The sun was shining as they shared delicious food as part of the festivities and the Mayor joined in the dancing.

The Chelmsford City Council CCTV team have received an Essex Police Chief Superintendent’s Commendation. The Essex Police North LPA (Local Policing Area) command team commended the CCTV team for their ongoing dedication. The Mayor visited the CCTV Team with Public Protection Manager, Spencer Clarke and gave them a box of chocolates to congratulate the team on their commendation and for their great work helping to keep the people of Chelmsford, South Woodham Ferrers and Maldon safe. www.thecitytimes.co.uk

The Mayor was delighted to join CEO, Andy Drake from YMCA Essex in hosting a charity ball at Chelmsford City Football Club, raising more than £4,000 for her charity in addition to the £10,000 raised during the year with other fundraising activities.

Deputy Lieutenant Simon Brice and his wife Emma joined Mayors and Chairs from all over Essex for this sold out event. Funds raised at this gala evening will help YMCA Essex deliver a new landmark building, a high quality supported housing facility for homeless young people aged 16-26 developed on the site of the existing YMCA premises in central Chelmsford. This ambitious project is being supported by Chelmsford City Council and will be the building blocks for young people’s futures. Thanks to Steve Shore, Chairman of CCFC for providing the venue, singer Kieran Spivey, Joe Mascot for DJing, plus everyone who generously donated raffle and auction prizes as well as the attendees. A special mention to Richard Barker for the photographs and the upcoming feature in Essex Life magazine to raise awareness of this great charity initiative Chelmsford’s leading street art event, Concrete Canvas has returned to the city for the third year with world class street artists alongside local artists transforming blank canvasses across the city centre into beautiful pieces of art that enhance the area with marvellous creativity. The Mayor was delighted to meet artist Good Night Vienna as he was working on a creation depicting ‘many minds one heart’ the Chelmsford crest, which she was proud to be wearing on her mayoral badge.

The Crix in Hatfield was the set off and return point for more than 700 cyclists of all ages at the annual sponsored bike ride for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. The Mayor and her Consort joined volunteers to congratulate the returning cyclists, hand out medals and thank them for supporting such an essential charity. Chelmsford Community Radio provided the music and the sun shone as the cyclists celebrated their achievement.

Councillor Linda Mascot’s term of office as the Mayor of Chelmsford for 2023-24 came to an end on 15th May 2024.

The mayoral year has been a busy one, with a grand total of 396 engagements - from tree plantings to awards presentations - carried out by the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jude Deakin.

Mayor Mascot chose Bright Futures as the theme for her year in office, which focused on supporting young people to become confident, successful and happy adults. In support of this theme, the Mayor chose YMCA Essex as her charity.

She also appointed the first ever Mayoral Cadet for the city of Chelmsford - Cadet Sergeant Iona Walledge, who attended civic events alongside the Mayor and acted as ambassador for Chelmsford’s young cadets.

Linda and husband Ian will be taking a well-deserved holiday very soon.

Page 19

A History of Leisure and Entertainment Part 11 - By Stephen Norris

For several decades, it had been obvious that the county town, now a city, lacks the major entertainment venue it deserved. By 1978 the Chancellor Hall was only being used at a rate of 50% on Saturday nights. Even the Essex Musical Association found it too small for their festival. After being used as a dance centre in the 1990s, it was empty for a long period until it reopened in 2012 as a nightclub, Evoke, with occasional live performances.

The demand for an arts centre goes back four decades. Hylands was often suggested as a venue particularly by the Chelmsford Society.

In 1978 a project involving an art gallery and a theatre at a new civic complex was proposed, but there was a dispute whether money from the Cramphorn Trust Fund could be used. A decade later there was a serious plan for a self financing art centre which came to nothing.

In 1996, a £30 million millennium centre incorporating a 1,600 seat regional theatre, a new museum and an art gallery, a science and technology discovery centre, commercial cinemas and restaurants was put forward jointly by the County Council and the Borough Council. This scheme would have also included the Essex Record Office. The refusal of lottery funding the following year meant that the scheme was ‘dead

in the water’.

A new Record Office was built as a separate building in Wharf Road which opened in 2000. It now has over 7 miles of documents as well as oral records. A successful arts trail around the town which involved 70 artists has been running for four years.

The Chelmsford Club still survives; some would say a relic of a bygone age. In 2012, in an effort to revive its flagging fortunes, it asked ladies to join for the first time at an annual subscription of £395. They had to be invited by a current member and sponsored by two others. There was some opposition to the change. The club is still at Staplegrove on the corner of New London Road.

The Essex Chronicle, which I have used intensively as a major resource, won a number of awards in the years before 2012, particularly as Best Newspaper in the East of England. It was originally launched from a shop in Chelmsford High Street in 1764 - then, it was printed at the back of the Royal Oak public house in Tindal Street. In 1820 it moved to 98 High Street, the premises that became Jessops in the late 20th century.

During 1892, extra premises were bought in Tindal Street and in 1964 the newspaper celebrated 200 years of continuous production, and in 1967 Northcliffe Newspapers bought a new press for the paper. In 2002 its Westway presses closed and production moved to Gloucestershire.

The paper is now printed in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire. During 2012 the paper’s offices moved to the Hedgerows Business Park in Springfield.

At a time when the new city is about to become an even bigger magnet for shoppers, it is very disappointing that Chelmsford is a good distance behind other Essex towns when it comes to the provision of large scale live entertainment, although a new scheme for a 1,500 seater concert venue as a part of a new revamped Riverside complex was mooted in 2013.

This again came to nothing.

PANIC Magazine, a local independent music magazine that has existed since 2005, continues however to highlight the large number of pubs and other small venues such as Golden Fleece, The Bassment and Asylum that put on live music. The PANIC awards are held annually since 2008 give prizes for best local band, best local venue, and best local contribution to the local independent scene.

To be fair, to the city council, it does sponsor and put on a variety of leisure and entertainment events. In 2013 the 3foot Festival returned for the eighth time, catering for 12,800 pre-school children.

The council also organises the Fling Festival for adults held in Central Park; this mixes music with comedy, dance, circus and literature. As is the case in other Essex towns, Chelmsford saw a rise in the popularity of stand-up comedy, with a regular Comedy Club operating at Chelmsford City Football Club.

Page 20

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Smart-Motoring is a motoring news blog bringing you the latest features, stories and information from the motoring world. smart-motoring.com

Rare 1961 VW Ragtop Beetle Barn Find Every car collector craves a barn find; such things have become an almost legendary holy grail for car hunters - and as time progresses, and more and more of what we see becomes less hidden due to camera phones and social media, the chances of ever finding a classic barn find become increasingly less likely to happen.

Freddie Lynch revealed something on his Instagram account recently that ticked all the boxes and generated some excitement among Type 1 and Type 2 enthusiasts, as well as Volksworld, the curator of an excellent magazine which inspires you to go outside on a freezing day and try to respray newly welded parts of your Beetle, despite the odd looks from neighbours (yes, I’ve done that as snow loomed on the horizon).

What Freddie found was a 1961 VW ragtop Beetle in its original Beryl Green (L478) coach enamel paint, which was briefly used by Volkswagen from 1961 until 1963. The car appeared to be in its original condition with an interior untouched since production. The Beetle had apparently been sitting in a garage since 1986 when the tax disc expired - that means it has sat untouched and static for longer than it was ever used. It even has low mileage on the original engine.

1961 was an eventful year for Volkswagen, with the 5 millionth Beetle since 1945 rolling off the final assembly line being the first European car to break such a record. ’61 also saw VW introduce the 4-speed semi-automatic to go alongside the regular 4-speed manual transmission. This was also just a year after the infamous ‘Lemon’ Beetle advertising hit newpapers and magazines: controversial, tongue-in-cheek advertising from VW that was just so far ahead of its time (you can look that one up) vw-1961-beetle-barn-find.jpg.

The year also saw the introduction of the 34bhp 1192cc engine this reliable workhorse would remain available to Beetles built in Germany for another 17 years. Indeed, it has often been said that the classic Beetle built in the sixties were some of the best ever

made; it really did seem that Volkswagen was finally honing its manufacturing art with solid and reliable vehicles rolling off production. The Beetle Type 1 Saloon would also eventually get a right-side dashboard fuel gauge that same year, something missing in Lynch’s barn find.

With the excitement of getting hold of such a vehicle, Lynch now needs to decide on what to keep and what to change to get this classic ’61 Beetle roadworthy and going strong again; some crucial decisions await. Meanwhile, the joy of an oil change, new contact points and a new 6-volt battery, plus some new fuel resulting in the Beetle firing up for the first time since 1986 must have been a moment we’d all have loved to see.

By Sean Neylon Courtesy of Smart Motoring magazine smart-motoring.com Images: instagram.com/freddielynch (used with permission)

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Page 21

Standing Backbend Pose - By Steve Johansen, Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga This month, I’ve decided to talk about Standing Backbend Pose, in Sanskrit its Anuvittasana (a-noo-vee-tah-suh-nuh).

I chose this pose because I heard myself say while teaching a class: ‘it’s very important practice the poses that you find difficult’ so I felt inspired to write about it. Standing Backbend Pose is without question a difficult pose for me. Partly because when I first started practising yoga, I was stiff and inflexible and consequently didn’t think that I was very good at backbends, as I felt off balance and scared that I might fall backwards. Also, this pose makes me feel emotionally vulnerable. All these factors contributed to my resistance to committing to the pose. However, practicing what is difficult in a supported way, results in the biggest gains and as I started to practice this more often, I began feeling the benefits. By taking it slowly and carefully, bit by bit, I learned over time to let go of my fear of falling backwards, this enabled me to relax my shoulders, increasing my backward reach, opening my chest and letting go of the initial vulnerability and fear that I felt in this pose.

Standing Backbend Pose has now become a pose that I do every day.

It is often the first pose that I do in the morning before I get on my mat. In my yoga practice, it allows me to stretch the entire front of my body before I sweep down to Standing Forward Bend Pose.

should help you to relax your shoulders before moving into Standing Backbend Pose. I like to start with the soles of the feet and work up to the little fingers.

Find the four corners of the feet. Draw your knees forward, lifting the kneecaps and fronts of the thighs upwards. Have an inward rotation of the thighs to stop your toes turning outwards as you lean back helping you to feel more stable. Tuck your tail bone under as you roll your hips forward and keep the core engaged. Lift through the belly button. Razing forwards and up with the sternum and upper chest.

Open the collarbones and relax your shoulder blades inwards and down your back. Stretch up through your arms, especially with your little fingers. Finally lift the crown of your head and tilt the chin to gaze upward to the ceiling.

Be careful not to take the pose too far. The weight should remain even on the four corners of your feet, and there should be no feeling of compression of the lower back or neck.

Hold the pose for 3 to 5 long, slow, breaths. Come out of the post on an inhalation using the strength in your core, to stretch up and out of the pose by stretching towards the ceiling, lifting though your chest and arms back to an upright position. I also tend to do a few repetitions of poses, taking it a little deeper each time.

For those of you who feel like you would like to know more, of the benefits of the Anuvittasana, Standing Backbend Pose, and how to incorporate this pose within your practice, join me at my studio, using this free pass code, HPYFREECLASS. My gift to you.

Standing Backbend Pose - beginners Where to Start To prepare for the pose, start by finding Mountain Pose. Standing tall, strong and immovable like a mountain. Your ankles should be hipwidth apart. Soften the knees, tuck the tailbone engaging your core, find length and strength in your torso. Rolling the shoulder blades down your back, find your Drishti. On your next in-breath, sweep the arms upward to Upward Salute, and on your exhalation, take the hands shoulder-width apart, turning palms facing inwards. This

Standing Backbend Pose - advanced

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Latest News!

This month we’ve been taken over by work experience students Betsy and Henry from the Boswells School who have been learning about the important role our station plays in the community. They write: “Chelmsford Community Radio (CCR) is a place that gives people of all backgrounds the opportunity to express themselves through radio and have a space to develop their confidence and courage.

CCR offers variety of different shows to tune in to. Examples include the wonderful 80s Show that plays all of the top hits from across the decade, Shakey’s Sessions which plays the best of local bands and upcoming talent in Chelmsford, City Talk our weekly chat show which brings in a multitude of guests and In the Middle from twin brothers Scott and Greg bringing entertaining conversation and music for the midweek. The station is much more than a collection of individuals; it’s a community where everyone contributes, learns, and grows.”

In the week that Betsy and Henry have been with us, they have been developing production skills, taking part in shows and along the way built up much resilience for tackling new challenges. Most fun has been meeting lots of different people at the Volfest in Chelmsford High Street where they managed to interview many different local organisations.

We are proud to have welcomed them into our team and wish them every success. If you are part of a local charity or community group and would like to be featured on air or help promoting a Chelmsford based event then please let us know via admin@ chelmsfordcommunityradio.com.

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

www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com Page 24

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Crafts - By Magali Ellis and Scrap-Circle Matting and Layering This is an essential technique that can instantly add depth, dimension and visual interest to your pages. Here’s some more ideas to try: Let’s start with the fundamentals. Basic matting involves layering your photos or embellishments on top of coloured or patterned paper to create a border or frame. This simple technique adds definition to your elements and helps them stand out against the background.

Take your matting game up a notch with double matting. Instead of just one layer of paper, add a second layer of contrasting or coordinating paper underneath your main mat. This creates a layered effect that adds extra depth and dimension to your elements.

Experiment with stacking multiple layers of paper to create a visually dynamic backdrop for your photos and embellishments. Start with a larger base layer and gradually build up smaller layers on top, varying the colours, patterns, and textures for added interest.

Ink Distressing Give your mats and layers a distressed look by lightly rubbing the edges with ink. This technique adds a vintage or grungy feel to your pages and helps define the edges of your layers. Experiment with different ink colours to achieve the desired effect.

Torn Paper Edges Add a touch of rustic charm to your layouts by tearing the edges of

Kicking off June at The Art Place, our focus turns to the upcoming exhibition titled, My Hair, My Crown by 3D artist Tia Coker, which celebrates the beauty and struggles of hair braiding.

The braiding of black hair has a profound historical significance, with each style of braid having cultural significance. For example, during the Transatlantic save trade, enslaved women braided each other’s hair to communicate covertly and incorporate escape routes for those seeking freedom. This style of braiding is called cornrows, which helped enslaved Africans put up silent acts of rebellion by holding their roots close to them.

Additionally, in Africa, braids have been used to distinguish marital status, wealth, religion and social ranking. For instance, a woman putting cowrie shells, jewels, and beads in their braids symbolised their readiness for marriage and economic status.

Not only is braiding a historical tradition, but it also represents the fusion of cultural heritage, 3D artist Tia Coker (by Uzmen artistic expression and Photography) celebrates individuality: “It is important for me as a black woman to embrace my hair, as for many years we were conditioned to not embrace it,” explains artist Tia Coker, “Part of my identity is wearing long braids; it makes me feel confident.” Tia expressed how excited she felt to Page 26

your paper layers instead of cutting them cleanly. This technique creates a textured, organic look that adds character and personality to your pages.

Floating Layers Create a sense of movement and dimension by ‘floating’ your paper layers above the surface of your layout. Use foam adhesive or pop dots to adhere your layers, allowing them to cast shadows and create depth.

Mixing Materials Don’t limit yourself to just paper - incorporate other materials like fabric, vellum, or acetate into your layers for added texture and visual interest. Experiment with different combinations to create unique and eclectic designs that reflect your personal style.

Interactive Layers Take your layering to the next level by incorporating interactive elements into your designs. Create hidden pockets, flip-up flaps, or cascading waterfall layers to surprise and delight viewers as they explore your scrapbook pages.

Have a go at matting and layering techniques and you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning scrapbook pages! Whether you prefer clean and classic designs or bold and eclectic styles, there’s no limit to what you can try.

If you feel out of your depth, why not join one of Scrap-Circle craft events? We have monthly crop days, weekends, midweek and cruises. Check these out by visiting www.scrap-circle.co.uk.

present this exhibition in the upcoming weeks, rocking her braids and showcasing her confidence: “It is important to educate and embrace cultures that wear braided hair styles, and allow people to feel encouraged to be inspired by the culture and meanings behind each style.”

By Grace Riley Why Are We Fascinated by Art? by Elena Khomutova, Art Place curator and founder of EKM Gallery. Art enriches our lives in countless ways, offering beauty, meaning and insight that resonates deeply within us. It reflects who we are as individuals and as a society, while also inspiring us to explore new possibilities and perspectives: 1.

Emotional connection: Art can evoke a wide range of emotions within us, from joy and awe to sadness and introspection. It taps into our deepest feelings and experiences, allowing us to connect with the work personally.

2.

Expression of creativity: Art serves as a platform for creative expression, both for the artist and the viewer. It allows us to explore our imaginations, express our thoughts and emotions, and communicate ideas in unique and meaningful ways.

3.

Reflection of humanity: Art reflects the diversity and complexity of the human experience. It captures moments in history, cultural traditions, societal issues and personal narratives, offering insights into different perspectives and ways of life.

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

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Interior Design Tips for Your Home - By Tania Dadd Styling & Design It’s really exciting to talk about wedding design and styling as ‘wedding season’ is now in full swing. As you will appreciate, planning one of the biggest days of our lives takes time, and often the venue will need to be booked quite a long way in advance.

There are so many factors to consider, even the smallest impromptu weddings will need to think about a lot of elements to make the day special.

What Is a Wedding Stylist?

It’s a question I get asked a lot - what exactly is a wedding stylist? A wedding stylist works with you both to design and create an overall look for your wedding, bringing together your ideas and personalities into a beautifully seamless look and feel.

It’s about layering up the details and having an extra pair of creative hands to guide you through the process and bring it all together: from deciding colour palettes to tableware, to linen and furniture, to take away any stress about how it’s all going to look on the big day.

Where to Begin • After the excitement of deciding to get married, booking the date.

• Choosing the location and venue.

• Wedding reception - will it be located at the venue or nearby?

• How many guests? Day and possibly evening?

• Budget!

Next Stage Once the venue has been booked and the invitations have been sent, then it’s time to look at the finer details.

Some of the main aspects of your wedding will also need to be booked just after the venue has been confirmed: • • • • • • • •

Florist.

Photographer, videographer.

Cake maker.

The fun begins - DJ, band or any form of entertainment.

Hair and make-up.

Fireworks.

Photo booth.

Any accommodation near the venue.

Some of the above are often booked up over a year in advance, so best to get these secured from the start.

Attire needs to be decided: wedding dress, groom outfit, bridesmaids etc. Once the style of the dress and outfits have been sorted out then putting together the colour scheme for the other items can begin to take place.

This is where the styling and design starts to take place…

Book a consultation with us (free of charge) to discuss your ideas and requirements.

Visit us at the Kings Head Centre, Maldon, CM9 5PN, or book a free consultation by calling 07979 663 339.

Our services include interior design. colour consultation, decluttering and styling. info@saltmarshinteriors.co.uk www.saltmarshinteriors.co.uk

Tales From the Circle - By Sylvia Kent Flaming June should soon be with us and hopefully a little sun and a chance for readers to visit this month’s Essex Book Festival’s 25th birthday celebrations. Festival Director Ros Green and her team have worked hard to plan a fabulous wide ranging programme to take place in venues - many of them Essex libraries - around our county.

Ros outlined her EBF plans through the month of June in last week’s Phoenix radio programme, Book Club, with presenter Michelle Ward.

Ahead are wonderful chances to meet authors such as best-selling authors Sarah Perry, Helen Lederer, Vaseem Khan, Nicci French, Lionel Shriver, Alan Johnson and many more. It seems not long ago when the first EBF planning meeting took place back in 1999 with the amazing Grace Kempster OBE, Malcolm Burgess and June Turner who looked after Essex Cultural Services and created the now popular Book Talk readers’ sessions around Essex, as well as our first Essex Book Festival.

Fast forward to last Friday May 31st, when Brentwood Writers’ Circle Chair Helen Finch and I attended this year’s sell-out Essex Book Festival’s gathering at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford. We enjoyed meeting one of my favourite novelists, the American writer, Lionel Shriver. Already we knew about one of her earlier books, We Need to Talk about Kevin, and were able to catch up with Lionel’s latest best-selling book Mania. Critics say this new novel is hilarious, deadpan, scathing and, at times, frighteningly plausible - it’s certainly on my own reading list.

There are now many of us who enjoy reading and writing and seeing our work published in the library, bookshops and now online. For new readers of The City Times who have expressed interest in writing their own books, I invite them to pay a visit to Brentwood Writers’ Circle at Bardswell Social Club, Weald Road, Brentwood and meet an

interesting range of like-minded readers and writers. Visit the website at www.brentwoodwriterscircle.com.

So, now that we celebrate 25 years of our Essex Book Festival, we can look back to that initial planning meeting in Chelmsford so many years ago and verify a comment made by a staff member at the time who murmured that ‘this is a show that will run and run’ - and so it has!

To book Essex Book Festival tickets, visit www.essexbookfestival.org. uk or where shown, tickets can be booked via Mercury Theatre Box Office on 01206 573 948. Free EBF programmes can be found in Essex Libraries.

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Quiz Time by John Theedom What type of food is pumpernickle?

In football, what is the distance from the goal line to the penalty spot?

3. “An Inspector Calls”, a play often studied in British schools, was written by which playwright?Who was the TV character that made famous the expression ‘loadsamoney’?

4. What is the name of Jon Bon Jovi’s son?

5. How old is Prince Louis?

6. Which author wrote Partners in Crime?

7. What or where is a parterre?

8. What is meant by the latin expression ‘Tempus 9. Fugit’?

Which Italian bread name means ‘slipper’?

10. What is a dactyl?

11. In which year did the Falklands conflict begin?

12. On the TV programme The Chase, which Chaser 13. has the nickname The Vixen?

Who was the doctor who famously did the world’s 14. first heart operation?

Which two US states border on no others?

15. How many holes are there in a standard tenpin 16. bowling ball?

What was the common name for the sixpence coin?

17. When did Britain launch it’s first satellite, Aerial 1, 18. into orbit?

19. What is the name of the oven that potters use?

1.

2.

20. In snooker, what is the second ball to be potted after all the reds are down?

21. What is polenta?

22. What is a tussock?

23. Which English author penned the dystopian novel “Brave New World”?

24. Who is the leader of the SNP? 25. From which country does ouzo originate?

26. What is a fertile type of soil called?

27. How many children did Queen Victoria have?

28. The historical TV drama “Poldark” is set in which British county?

29. What kind of creature is a roach?

30. Which is the most populous city in Belgium?

31. The World Snooker Final in 1985 with Steve Davis and Dennis Taylor - how many viewers were there?

32. What is the name of The Yorkshire Vet on TV? 33. When did Adolf Hitler come to power?

34. What is the name on Eddie Murphy’s character in Beverley Hills Cop? 35. What is the meaning of the word ‘anhedonia’?

36. How much is the access fee if you decide to visit Venice?

37. Who does Debbie McGee advertise?

38. Who invented the Barbie doll in 1959?

39 What is the cocktail with coconut, milk, rum and pineapple?

40. How many colours are there in the rainbow?

Wordseach by thewordsearch.com

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(Answers on pages 31)

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Can You Make a Difference in Your Community?

Chelmsford4Good - charity shop assistant Come and help out in our busy little charity shop in central Chelmsford!

We can promise you a welcoming, cheerful environment with friendly volunteers and regular customers. We are next-door-but-one to Chelmsford library and a very easy walk from bus stops and the town centre.

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.

Trustees/Secretary for Chelmsford Youth Centre - North Avenue Youth Centre This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a passionate team striving to make a difference to young people within the local community.

We are seeking two new trustees to join the Management Committee for our youth centre in Chelmsford. One role is for the position of secretary.

Trustee/Treasurer at Citizens Advice Bureau - Chelmsford Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau is seeking a new trustee with treasurer responsibilities to join our board. This is an opportunity to make a positive impact for people in your local area by ensuring the local Citizens Advice is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community.

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.

Music & Movement Baby Group Assistant - Ace Music Therapy CIC We are looking for someone who can spare a couple of hours maximum on the next 5 Wednesdays, to help our Music Therapist set up and tidy up at our pre-crawlers baby music and movement group.

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

We need volunteers to pretend to be patients so students can develop their communication skills and diagnostic abilities in simulated real life situations. No acting skills required and we provide training.

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Stargazing With Mark Willis 20th June: Summer Solstice. Today is the longest day in the northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere, it’s the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year.

24th June: Evening twilight, looking west, just after 9pm. Mercury is well placed to observe for three weeks. Even tonight, Mercury is a very difficult planet to observe even though it is well within the range of naked eye visibility. The glare of the setting sun, together with its very small size, makes it difficult to see. I’ve only seen Mercury twice.

The other occasion when I saw Mercury - or rather the silhouette of Mercury - was during the May 2016 transit of Mercury. This is where the planet crosses the disc of the Sun. The next transits of Mercury are: 13th November 2032 and 7th November 2039.

1st July: Early morning, 4am: Crescent Moon above right of Mars.

Looking east, there’s no mistaking Mars’ bright red colour. If you have a 200 mm (8 inch) telescope you will be able to make out some surface features on Mars.

5th July: Earth Aphelion. This is where the Earth reaches its farthest point in its orbit from the Sun. This does seem odd, doesn’t it?

Baddow Races 2024 - Post Race Baddow Races, held on Sunday 19th May at the Great Baddow Recreation Ground, hosted the very competitive 10 Mile Road Race for serious athletes and the 2 Mile Fun Run for new runners, families, children (and even their dogs!) to enjoy the exhilaration of running in a fun environment.

Perihelion, which takes place on 4th January 2025, where the Earth will be nearly 5 million kilometers closer to the Sun. 22nd July: Evening. Mercury, Greatest Eastern Elongation. A good time to view Mercury as the planet appears at its farthest distance from the Sun in the evening sky.

New Moon: On 5th July and 4th August 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. 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

Care and other local charities. Thanks go to all the runners and our sponsors, volunteers and supporters for making this event truly successful. We hope to see you all at next year’s races on Sunday 18th May 2025.”

The sun shone throughout the day. Children’s rides, stalls and refreshments added a fairground atmosphere alongside the sporting essentials. These included an on-site physio, massage tent and sound stage with warm-up aerobic exercises by Lindsey Abbott, Director and owner of Chelmsford-based Shimmy ‘n’ Groove Fitness Ltd, and soundtrack provided by Hospital Radio Chelmsford.

The Rotary organising team from Chelmsford Mildmay and Chelmsford Rivermead clubs ensured all elements of staging the Races to strictly monitored BARR Gold Standard rules were met for accurate chip timing, efficient signage and marshalling throughout, with first aiders and a fire crew also in attendance.

The Mayor of Chelmsford Cllr Janette Potter and her Mayoress Jackie Galley started the 10 Mile Race. An overhead drone captured the moment that hundreds of fit and fearless athletes committed to complete the course for a winner’s trophy or at least a medal for all finishers in both races.

Tom Harper, Baddow Races Chair, said, “It’s important to remember that these are charity races and I’m delighted to say that proceeds will be going to The Children’s Society (East), Essex Dementia Page 30

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Quiz & Wordsearch Answers Bread 12 yards JB Priestley Harry Enfield Jake Bongiovi Six Agatha Christie Level space in garden for a flowerbed 9. Time flies 10. Ciabatta 1.

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11. A metrical foot 12. 1982 13. Jenny Ryan 14. Dr Christiaan Barnard 15. Hawaii and Alaska 16. Three 17. Tanner 18. April 1962 19. Kiln 20. Green 21. Cornmeal

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Tuft of grass Aldous Huxley John Swinney Greece Loam Nine Cornwall Freshwater fish Antwerp 18.5 million Julian Norton

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January 1933 Axel Foley Inability to experience joy or pleasure 5 euros Kitchen Magic Ruth Handler Pina Colada 7 - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet

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