The City Times - Sept/Oct 2024

The City Times Chelmsford, Hatfield Peverel, Danbury, Great Baddow, Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers, Stock, Ongar, The Walthams, Ingatestone & Dengie area

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Issue Number 128 - September 18th - October 16th 2024

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City Times Intro Hello readers, Welcome to The City Times September/October edition.

There are still lots of events to come this year with a Podcast Festival in Chelmsford (see page 7) along with many others listed on our What’s On pages!

If you have anything to add to our listings for any dates between October 18th and November 13th 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.

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Nick’s Music and Ramblings Well, that is that then; the kids are back at school and some are starting their new school or going to colleges and universities, or maybe taking up an apprenticeship. So it’s back to normality for many of us.

bright and hard working.

My grandchildren are preparing for their big exams next year - scary as time flies, my granddaughter Kiki should be off to university this time next year wow. They are both great kids and

Well, I have done some things a little different to the norm. I went to Brightlingsea Food and Drink Festival which I thoroughly enjoyed.

There was some great food and lovely people, and l saw many friends I have not seen for a good while. Yes, there was live music too which Iwas great fun. I also went to Audley End to the Gardeners’ World Autumn Show - this was my first time visiting Audley End as well. No music on this occasion, but we had a great time wandering around.

It’s a place I want to go back to and visit again and to see more of the house and all the gardens.

I have now finished my personal three-festival tour which was a lot of fun, but also quite tiring running from one stage to another to photograph and see all the acts. There were many friends at these festivals and a few acts that I hope to put on in Chelmsford for us to enjoy. More will follow l hope after I get some confirmations.

Oh no, I have just heard that my good buddy has passed away. Zoot Money played for me a few times in Chelmsford, the last being for the Claire Hamlin Memorial in late October 2022. We did keep in touch on the phone and sadly I was going to call him on the day he passed away. He was a great keyboard player and singer and a very funny guy. All that knew him loved him and he will be greatly missed by so many. There are many stories I could tell you as well, but not now.

It has been pretty busy here recently with Heritage Open Days, which by all accounts was as great as ever. There has also been Streets Eats and Beats of course, which I also heard went very well.

I find it very sad to hear that HMV is now closed in High Chelmer and I really hope that they can eventually find a new venue to open a new shop in. They have been here for a long time and I know many are going to miss them. Although for the music side we have Intense Records here still, who are in the Viaducts and in The Meadows, but it is all the other stuff though - where can we now go to find it?

I have heard the plans are out for the proposed further development of the Meadows in Chelmsford as well. Also, do you know that Writtle has a monthly foodie’s market on the village green? The next one is on Sunday 22nd September from 10am to 3pm.

I went to an event in Colchester where I found Maldon District Council were promoting The Saltmarsh Walking Festival from 27th September to 6th October. To find out more and sign up, go to www. saltmarshcoastwalkingfestival.co.uk. I have seen walks from under 3 miles, so no excuses!

Music We have now started the last part of this year and I am already busy booking for 2025.

I also have a new project, going back to my Blues Roots here in Chelmsford: I am starting Blues Box at Hot Box. This will be on the first Sunday of the month, just missing out August as I will be away then. I have to say that as soon as word got out the phone was red hot and I have all but two shows confirmed already for this year.

We start on Sunday 5th January. All shows will start at 4pm and be finished by 7pm.

The first act is a new one for most of you; Bag O’ Bones, who have been smashing everywhere they are playing. Who else have I got to date? Leavin’ Trunk, Innes Siburn, The Milkmen, Krissy Matthews, Dave Ferra & Katie Bradly, Sam Kelly’s Station House, Robin Bibi and Jon Amor - that is it so far...

That is just for the blues events of course. I have also confirmed John Otway for 20th September and Borderline for the 24th April - and there will be more for Hot Box. For the Social Club, I can only tell you the confirmed ones so far on Friday 31st January we have Hamish Stuart and his band along with Joe Anderton’s band Greene. On 7th February we have ReFloyd (yes, they are a Pink Floyd tribute and superb I think). We also have Rostock opening the night, who are a great band. We also have John Hackett (brother of Steve) - he plays flute and has played on early Genesis albums and also on his brother’s albums. We have The Small Fakers returning - well, we had to as they are just so good! Then we have Danny And The Champions Of The World and Voodoo Room.

I am also waiting on some others to confirm. All in all, I think it’s looking good. Now all need is you and your friends to come along and support us and all our local live music - without grass roots venues existing, where would the up-and-coming acts play? This is where the likes of Oasis and many others started out.

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, as that is what happens. Then we will start to lose the acts as well because they won’t be able to earn a living - this is not just music, it’s all types of live shows of all genres, from theatres to village halls and all of us in between. If it is possible, please do book in advance and remember, we are a lot cheaper than those arena and stadium shows!

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 you over full details.

You can get tickets for all our shows for 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 Food!

Another month has passed by and as we enter September, the nights are drawing in and the weather gets colder. I’m going to take this month’s recipe back to basics.

This month I wanted to talk about soups. I love homemade soup - it’s such an easy and nutritious meal which can be made in advance and frozen, so it can be quick easy for week night dinners.

Taking it right back to basics, all soups start with frying off some veggies - usually onions and garlic - and adding the main ingredients, stock and blending.

Another reason I love soups is that you can hide as many veggies as you want. I find this a good way of getting my children to eat their 5 a day.

So this month, I want to share with you my autumn squash soup.

then fry for 5 minutes until softened.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of ground coriander and 1 chopped potato, then cook for 1 minute.

Ingredients • 1 tbsp vegetable oil.

• 1 onion chopped.

• 1 tsp ground coriander.

• 1 potato, chopped.

• 450g carrots peeled and chopped.

• 1 butternut squash. Peeled and chopped.

• 1.2l vegetable or chicken stock.

• Handful coriander.

Add the 450g peeled and chopped carrots, butternut squash, 1.2-litres of vegetable or chicken stock and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and cook for 20 minutes until the carrots and squash are tender.

Tip: Use a handful of coriander then blitz until smooth. Return to pan, taste, add salt if necessary, then reheat to serve.

Method Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan, add 1 chopped onion,

Essex Food - By Krista

If you’re clinging onto the final days of summer like I am, then you need to visit The Anchor as soon as possible. It’s one of my favourite places that I visit every year without fail. Tucked away in the quaint village of Nayland on the Essex/Suffolk border, this lovely pub has a beautiful outside area with tables overlooking the River Stour. In the warmer months, the garden is packed with people soaking up the sun and river views, with many arriving on paddleboards and canoes.

There is an outside bar where you can order a local ale or indulge in a freshly made ice cream. They host regular barbecues and hold Anchor Session evenings, where you can enjoy live music from talented artists.

In the colder months, you can grab a table inside by the cosy fire and enjoy a hearty meal. Plus, they are dog-friendly too, so you can bring your pooch along.

The menu changes regularly, using local and seasonal produce and offers a good selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. On my recent visit we had three courses, beginning with a starter of baked figs, pear harissa, soft cheese, and pomegranate. This was so light and the flavours worked

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I really hope you love my autumn soup... :)

really well together.

For our main dishes, we ordered from the specials menu as we could not resist the locally sourced fish on offer. I had the Wivenhoe-landed mullet with couscous, baba ghanoush and flaked almonds, which was delicious and so beautifully presented.

We also had the lobster thermidor which came with a baby gem, samphire and carrot salad, accompanied with the most amazing parmesan fries. Trust me when I say that you do not want to skip dessert here; the panna cotta was simply stunning.

I kayaked to The Anchor from Rushbanks Campsite further down the river (check them out if you love camping like me), but if you prefer to arrive on land, there is a free car park just down the road.

26 Court St, Nayland, Colchester CO6 4JL. www.anchornayland.co.uk.

Find me on Instagram by searching ‘@thehungrykp’ for more local foodie finds!

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City Times Gardening September marks a transitional period in the garden, where the lingering warmth of summer meets the early signs of autumn.

It’s a time for both harvest and preparation, as we gardeners gather the last of our summer crops while beginning to plant and plan for the cooler months ahead. With the soil still warm, it’s an ideal month for sowing hardy annuals, planting spring bulbs and refreshing tired lawns. This month also offers an opportunity to tidy up the garden, prune and compost, ensuring everything is in place before the colder weather sets in.

With this in mind, I’m concentrating on sowing hardy annuals. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing the ground and sowing a range of named hardy annuals, such as cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus), calendula (Calendula officinalis), larkspur (Consolida ajacis), love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena), and poppies (Papaver rhoeas).

1. Choose the Right Location • Hardy annuals thrive in full sun. Choose a spot that receives at least 6-8

•

hours of direct sunlight daily.

These annuals prefer well-drained soil. Avoid areas prone to

waterlogging.

2. Prepare the Soil • Start by removing all weeds from the chosen area. Weeds compete with seedlings for nutrients, water and sunlight.

• Use a garden fork or tiller to break up the soil to a depth of 1520cm. This encourages good root growth and improves drainage.

• If your soil is heavy or sandy, incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Spread a 5-10cm layer and dig it in.

• Rake the area to create a fine, level seedbed. Remove stones and break up large soil clumps.

3. Plan Your Layout • To ensure a pleasing arrangement, group taller plants like larkspur and poppies toward the back, medium-height plants like cornflowers in the middle and shorter plants like calendula and love-in-a-mist at the front.

• For a more structured layout, mark out rows or areas where you will sow each type of annual. Use stakes and string to mark straight rows or create natural-looking drifts by sowing in irregular patches.

4. Sow the Seeds Timing: • Spring sowing: Sow seeds directly in the garden from midMarch to late April.

• Autumn sowing: For earlier flowers, sow now through to early October.

• Hardy annuals usually need light for germination, so cover them lightly.

The sowing depth is generally 1-2mm.

Spacing: • Cornflowers: Sow thinly in rows or scatter thinly in drifts. Thin to 1520cm apart.

• Calendula: Sow in rows or patches, thin to 15-20cm apart.

• Larkspur: Sow in rows, thin to 20-30cm apart.

• Love-in-a-Mist: Scatter seeds thinly and thin to 15cm apart.

• Poppies: Sow thinly in drifts, thin to 20-30cm apart.

• Lightly rake the soil to cover the seeds or sift a fine layer of soil over them.

5. Firm the Soil Lightly press down the soil using the back of a rake or by walking gently over the area to ensure good contact between the seeds and the soil.

6. Watering • Water gently after sowing to settle the soil. Use a fine spray to avoid washing away the seeds.

• Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically takes 7-21 days. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.

7. Thinning the Seedlings Once the seedlings have grown a couple of true leaves, thin them out to prevent overcrowding.

Spacing: • Cornflowers and calendula should be thinned to 15-20cm apart.

• Larkspur and poppies should be thinned to 20-30cm apart.

• Love-in-a-Mist should be thinned to 15cm apart.

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8. Mulching (Optional) After thinning, apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the seedlings to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

9. Feeding Hardy annuals usually do well without additional feeding if the soil was prepared with organic matter. However, if growth is slow, you can apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 4-6 weeks.

10. Maintenance • Regularly remove any weeds that appear to reduce competition for resources.

• Watch for pests like slugs and snails, especially when the plants are young. Use appropriate methods to control pests if necessary.

11. Deadheading To prolong flowering, regularly remove spent flowers by pinching or cutting them off. This prevents the plants from setting seed too early.

12. End of Season Care • If you want to save seeds for next year, allow some plants to go to seed. Collect the seeds once they are dry and store them in a cool, dry place.

• After flowering, remove the spent plants and compost them; this helps to prevent disease and prepares the ground for the next season.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a beautiful, vibrant display of hardy annuals throughout the growing season.

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

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Regal Kitchens Named Which? Trusted Trader of the Month for September

Regal Kitchens has proudly been awarded the prestigious Which?

Trusted Trader of the Month for September, solidifying its reputation as a leader in kitchen design and installation. This accolade presented by the renowned consumer rights organisation Which? recognises businesses that deliver outstanding quality, customer service and innovation.

One of the judges commented: “its easy to see how a focus on client care makes this company a success with customers.” Another said: “What really sets Regal Kitchens apart is their ability to listen to their customers and deliver exactly what they want, often exceeding expectations. Their team goes the extra mile to ensure a seamless process, from design to installation.”

At Regal Kitchens, our mission is simple: to transform kitchen spaces with bespoke designs that blend style and functionality. From consultation to installation, our customer-first approach ensures a smooth, stress-free experience, tailored to each client’s needs. Our expert team listens, advises and delivers, earning us top reviews and a loyal customer base.

Winning this award underscores our commitment to excellence.

Our innovative designs incorporate the latest trends and technologies, ensuring every kitchen is not only beautiful but also enhances everyday living.

Whether it’s smart storage solutions or energy-efficient appliances, we focus on creating spaces that reflect our clients’ lifestyles.

This recognition as Which? Trusted Trader of the Month highlights our dedication to going above and beyond for our customers.

As we continue to innovate and expand, Regal Kitchens remains committed to setting new standards in kitchen design. Trust us to bring your dream kitchen to life with quality, professionalism and the personal touch that sets us apart.

Discover the Regal Kitchens difference - where customer satisfaction is our highest priority. Contact us today to start your kitchen transformation!

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

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Realistic Reusable Foam Pumpkins - a Rarity!

Cinderlake sells unique art prints - and realistic foam pumpkins! So how on earth did that come about?

Well, I’m a big fan of Halloween; I love that brief annual feeling of the mischief and spooky atmosphere and blowing autumn leaves and especially the specific seasonal films that we have, like 1978’s Halloween or Trick ’r Treat.

I was lucky enough to study film at college in the 1980s (along with comedian Alan Davies) and one of the films we got to study was Halloween. I still vividly remember the excitement; it was a sunny autumn day, We had a lesson-free morning, so a typical trip to the local pub in Loughton (which sold 50p pints for students!), then back with my colleagues crammed around a sofa to watch what was then an exciting new movie release - on VHS of course!

make one that she could wear as a mask, saying that the shipping from USA was astronomical - and that’s the thing; not many will buy from America as shipping these days costs so much - plus taxes!

How does this fit in with the other things you sell?

That I have pondered, as my main sales are from reworking artworks, by painstakingly recreating them exactly as they should be so that old artwork looks fresh and new - I have a license with Bruce Brown Films to remake the iconic Endless Summer movie art prints, including my own variations on the designs, completely reworking the colours. But big stores don’t all just sell the same things do they? So I stopped worrying about it and diversified to include Halloween pumpkins.

During lockdown, I tried to buy a replica carved pumpkin styled like the one in the now famous opening credits of Halloween. I quickly discovered that while realistic foam pumpkins were common in the USA, they weren’t to be found anywhere else. I could similar in the backgrounds of some of the YouTube film vloggers I follow, who are mostly USA-based.

Where do you see this ending up?

I have no idea. Of course, I have to wait till autumn each year to get a new pumpkin to make a new mould from, so it’s all a little frantic from late August through to November. I am also in contact with a guy who has done a similar thing but mostly for large companies - for example, carving the Harry Potter logo into a foam pumpkin for their use, so that’s quite intriguing too.

So how did you actually end up making them?

A crazy daft moment I suppose! I thought if I want one, I need to work out how to make one, thinking you can easily find a tutorial on YouTube these days - but no; there’s not much info out there on how to do this, so it was trial and error for over a year. The learning process was a massive upwards curve and took a long time and involved a lot of patience; get one thing wrong in the process and the end result isn’t too good.

Making sure you learn from the errors and find a way to correct them was really essential. I had a while scratching my head trying to work out why fibreglass (for the mould) wasn’t setting around a donor real pumpkin properly for example... Then there’s working out the best type of expandable foam for the process and how to leave the centre hollow... I can now really understand why hardly anyone else is doing this!

When did you realise you might be able to sell them?

Initially I planned to do this just for me - but I soon realised that as hardly anyone outside of the USA made these, I might add them into my Etsy shop and see how they go. Of course, I can’t rattle them off each one takes time, but I hope to have a few for sale by mid October.

A girl from Switzerland got in touch the other day, asking if I could

Thing is, not everyone has the time or wants the mess of carving a pumpkin each year, so my foam pumpkins are the equivalent of a realistic Christmas tree that can come out seasonally and will last.

Cinderlake’s Etsy shop: While art prints are listed all the time, pumpkins will appear only as and when each individual one is created. www.etsy.com/shop/Cinderlake

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Youngest Grumpy Old Man As I wrote about work problems a few months ago. I revisit it again in a news angle. I sometimes think I am the Gus Gorman of my work place. Who is Gus Gorman I hear you ask? Well, he was a character in Superman 3 played by Richard Pryor.

I get blamed for almost anything, or so it seems. You might say why don’t you leave? What do you think I have been doing? At the present time I am constantly looking for another job without trying to stress myself out too much. I have fairly good resilience and I won’t let them beat me.

Maybe I think too much, but over the last year or so I try to care less about giving a toss about things.

I mean, I have always had a mental health problem which I try not to let ruin my work life. Sometimes I think my work at times has exacerbated it, with certain people etc.

I’m not going to take anything at my age. I have to fine-plan it. Same or more money, not out of the frying pan into the fire. The works not too bad and the pay is okay.

It the micromanaging manager who is part of the problem. Everything he sort of wants done, has to be done in a rush.

We try our best and do a good job.

He was one of the better ones at first but as time passed his ‘micromanaging’ increased.

It made me think about my coming and goings at previous jobs. I was at one place for around 7 years before being made redundant. As I have said before, I jumped around jobs for a few years.

What made me leave them? Getting a better job, getting away from shifts and politics, and relocation, to name a few.

In my parent’s days, they said they could leave a job one day and get another the same day. That’s what they said - and others like them.

I don’t think you can do that nowadays.

What about the generation after me and the next and next?

The thing is, you worry about yourself and don’t tend to think that they are on instructions to do this, or they have maybe misinterpreted what was asked of them...

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German Pork Butchers: A Short Story - By Sabrina Moser The next time you find yourself in front of a shop window with a hankering for a flaky sausage roll, a crusty rissole or a juicy pork pie, you might want to pause and spend a reverent moment savoring the complex layers of such seemingly simple meals.

Denied an inheritance through the practice of primogenitor, these second-born sons packed their skill set and sought their porcine fortunes overseas. As luck would have it, their arrival coincided with a growing need in industrial centers for quick and cheap meals to fuel the workers on the factory floors. The pork butchers of Hohenlohe obliged, and their delicious convenience foods, redolent of the homeland, soon became dietary staples of the British working classes.

Tragically, this culinary symbiosis was cut short with the onset of the First World War. The sinking of the British ocean liner Lusitania especially fueled hostilities towards German immigrants who had become respected members of British society. The butchers, suddenly subjected to riots and internment, were forced either to leave or to erase all traces of their German heritage, including a denial of the handicraft which had made their fortunes.

In a happy modern-day coda, however, the descendants of these butchers journey regularly to the rolling hills of Hohenlohe to explore their family origins. Organized by historian Karl-Heinz Wüstner, the unique tours include cultural highlights of the region combined with insights into the modern German pork industry.

Photo: Janice Murfitt More than just tasty snacks, these familiar pork dishes actually harken back to a wave of highly skilled German butchers who, in immigrating to the British Isles during the Industrial Revolution, brought with them a handicraft honed for centuries at home.

Home for these strapping young men was Hohenlohe, a small but famed agricultural region of green rolling hills just on the other side of the forest from your twin town of Backnang.

In a further serendipitous twist, Hohenlohe is also home to the company ZIEHL-ABEGG, a familiar name in the Chelmsford industrial landscape. Personal connections within the Partnerschaftsverein Backnang-Chelmsford made a recent outing with these British descendants possible.

On a steamy, hot August evening, the two groups sat down for a meal together. Over cool glasses of bracing, dry local wine and hearty platters of salty pork delicacies, we all agreed that it is a small world, after all.

Latest News!

We are delighted to continue our presenter profile feature this month, and have many more new presenters to share with you in the near future.

Hi, my name is Richard Becker and I have been with Chelmsford Community Radio 104.4FM since August 2019 as part of a news team that was being established.

But let’s rewind to the beginning. I have been in radio since January 1987 and I started out doing hospital radio in Basildon for 18 years. I presented a number of shows, including working behind the scenes of their sports show.

I then went to Gateway 97.8 (Basildon) in June 2006 and was there for twelve years. In that time I presented Strictly 80s and took a turn at presenting each one of their live shows at least once. I was also

part of the London 2012 Olympics reporting team.

In August 2017, I managed a radio marathon where I got to sit in the the same seat in the studio for eleven hours and presented four shows!

Away from CCR 104.4FM, I work part-time for a petrol station as a Customer Service Assistant, a job I have being doing since March 2016. I was also working when covid struck in 2020.

You can listen to me on my Lunchtime show every Wednesday between 12-2pm, where I play a mix of old favourites and new. I also provide a Local Sport update every week. You can share your local sports news with me by emailing studio@chelmsfordcommunityradio. com. www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

To view both the City Times and the Moulsham Times magazines online, visit: www.thecitytimes.co.uk and www.moulshamtimes.com

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Emma’s golden moment!

up for good, because you can still enjoy food and live your life.

A Slimming World Consultant has received an award in recognition of the support she provides to people in Chelmsford to help them live happier, healthier lives.

Emma Lodge who runs the Springfield Slimming World groups at St Augustine’s Church every week, was awarded Gold status by the weight loss organisation thanks to the number of people she supports each week and the high level of service she provides to those members.

Over the years, Emma has helped many members to achieve their personal target weights and just this year has handed out weight loss awards ranging from 7lbs to 13½ stones and is hugely proud of the difference she makes within her local community.

She says: “While I’m the one receiving this award, it’s an achievement for everyone across both my groups - while the award is associated with my Wednesday morning group, all my members have absolutely gone for gold when it comes to their weight loss! So far this year they’ve lost a total of just under 550 stone!

“Often people have preconceived ideas of what slimming clubs are like. And I’m delighted that our Slimming World groups always surprise people - people might think losing weight is going to be about feeling guilty or ashamed, or worse being humiliated, but there’s no place for that at Slimming World. Everyone’s welcomed into our groups with kindness and given so much support - and we have lots of fun along the way too!

“They’re even more surprised when they find out about our healthy eating plan. Food optimising has never been a ‘diet’ or about going hungry, it gives members the freedom to enjoy naturally healthy everyday food in generous portions. It’s a way of eating you can keep

“Seeing people discover that they can lose weight and that it doesn’t have to be a miserable experience is nothing short of magic. I truly believe I have the best role in the world. The support and training I’ve received from Slimming World has been second to none, and I love that they provide awards like this one to celebrate our achievements.

I have been a consultant for 19 years now and am still just as passionate about helping people to live happier, healthier lives.

Seeing people succeed, their confidence growing, their self esteem returning, health issues improving or even reversing is reward enough, but it was an absolute honour to receive the Gold Award, to meet Margaret and take to the stage at the National Awards ceremony at the ICC in Birmingham. It really was a dream come true and it wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the level of commitment of my members and the positive and supportive nature of the community we have at St Augustine’s Church.

Emma’s Slimming World groups are held at St Augustine’s Church in Springfield every Monday at 5.30 and 7pm and Wednesdays at 8am, 9.30am and 11am. To join, pop along, or for more information contact Emma on 07887 692 906 or visit the website, www. slimmingworld.co.uk.

Emma pictured with Slimming World’s founder and Chair, Margaret Miles Bramwell OBE

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

September

Thursday 19th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening Chelmsford Theatre - Frank Sinatra: The Movie Years Courtyard - Karaoke Hot Box - Goat Monsoon + Whoreman + Methodemic Tile Kiln Church (CM2 8AU) - Dementia Awareness Event Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book, text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) The Rising Sun - Quiz Night Friday 20th The Bootmaker - Total Recall Chelmsford Cathedral - The best of Hans Zimmer & film favourites Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Nick Capaldi & Friends (featuring BJ Cole & Robbie McIntosh) Chelmsford Theatre - Whitney: Queen of the Night 2024 Hot Box - March Fleet + Rebel Party + Juanstone + Tom Peplow RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga Saturday 21st Beaulieu Community Centre (CM1 6AU) - Find Your Happy (10.30am tinyurl.com/2a5asjxf) Chelmsford Cathedral - The best of Hans Zimmer & film favourites Chelmsford Theatre - The Noise Next Door Chelmsford Theatre - Thanks Abba for the Music 2024 Courtyard - Live acoustics (3pm) Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) Hot Box - Stark + Giuseppe Morena: Live Adventures in Techno The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke Sunday 22nd The Bootmaker - Sunday Salsa Social The Gardeners - Open Mic Hot Box - Black Frog Presents: Bex Marshall Band Monday 23rd The Bootmaker - Swing Dance Chelmsford Theatre - Paint and Sip: Aurora Borealis Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club Tuesday 24th The Bootmaker - Quiz night Chelmsford Theatre - Crossing (15) Chelmsford Theatre - The Wedding Singer Hot Box - The Howlers Wednesday 25th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke The Bootmaker - Salsa night Chelmsford Theatre - The Wedding Singer Chelmsford Theatre - Alfie Brown: Open Heated Human Enquiry The Golden Fleece - Karaoke Hot Box - Lady Grey & The Earls + Trash Monrow 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 26th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz Night Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening Chelmsford Theatre - The Wedding Singer Chelmsford Theatre - Mitch Benn: The Point Courtyard - Karaoke Hot Box - Kathryn Williams and Withred Hand Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) The Rising Sun - Quiz night Friday 27th The Bull (Braintree, CM7 4HU) - Bittersweet Covers Band Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Slim Chance + Craig Joiner Chelmsford Theatre - The Wedding Singer Chelmsford Theatre - Fanny Galore’s Big Bingo Party Christchurch - Free Song Cycle Concert Hot Box - The Dunwells RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga The Saltmarsh Walking Festival (from 27th September to 6th October -

Friday 27th (continued...) www.saltmarshcoastwalkingfestival.co.uk) Saturday 28th Bootmaker - Silent Disco Chelmsford Theatre - The Wedding Singer Chelmsford Theatre - An Audience with all of the Overs Chelmsford Theatre - An Audience with Blazin’ Squad Chelmsford Theatre - An Audience with Manifesto for Essex Chelmsford Theatre - An Audience with Lewis Nicholls with Kerry Katona Chelmsford Theatre - An Audience with Syd Moore F Cooke - Comedy Night Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) Hot Box - Eurphoria Complex RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm) Village Hall (South Hanningfield, CM3 8HL) - Magic Evening (£8 adult / £3 children over 10 years - vallisc@aol.com - 07891 653 238) The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke Sunday 29th Chelmsford Theatre - The Chronicles of Atom & Luna Chelmsford Theatre - Emma Kenny’s Killer Cuts The Gardeners - Open Mic Hot Box - Uber Jam Monday 30th The Ale House - Beery Bingo The Bootmaker - Swing Dance Chelmer Village - Pilates classes (carolinesdanceandpilates.co.uk) Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

October

Tuesday 1st The Bootmaker - Quiz night Chelmsford Theatre - La Chimera (15) Chelmsford Theatre - Pink: Beautiful Trauma Hot Box - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) Wednesday 2nd Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke The Bootmaker - Salsa night Chelmsford Theatre - Crooners: Uncaged Chelmsford Theatre - Bring Your Own Baby Comedy Chelmsford Theatre - Edward Scissorhands: Matthew Bourne’s Dance Version Friends Meeting House (Rainsford Road) - CRAG Retirement Group monthly meeting (9.30am for 10am. First visit free) The Golden Fleece - Karaoke Hot Box - The Big Music Quiz Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music Supper Club: T J Johnson Quintet (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075) The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz Thursday 3rd Chelmsford Theatre - Edward Scissorhands: Matthew Bourne’s Dance Version Chelmsford Theatre - Kane Brown: Don’t Listen to Me Courtyard - Karaoke Hot Box - Special Friend Friday 4th Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Martin Turner (ex Wishbone Ash) Chelmsford Theatre - Hauntings Hot Box - LipSync Wars: The HotHaus Charity Show RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga Saturday 5th Chelmsford Theatre - Comedy Club 4 Kids Chelmsford Social Club - Record Fair Courtyard - Live acoustics (3pm) Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm) The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

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Sunday 6th The Ale House - Quiz Chelmsford Theatre - Aled Jones Full Circle The Gardeners - Open Mic Hot Box - Black Frog Presents: Stray (featuring Del Bronham) Monday 7th The Bootmaker - Swing Dance Chelmer Village - Pilates classes (carolinesdanceandpilates.co.uk) Chelmsford Theatre - Pride and Prejudice (Sort of) Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.30 9.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk) Tuesday 8th The Bootmaker - Quiz night Hot Box - The Electric Stawberry Comedy Club Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) Trinity Methodist Church (Rainsford Rd CM1 2XB) - Chelmsford in WWII by Tony Tuckwell Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660) Woolpack - Quiz Wednesday 9th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke The Bootmaker - Salsa night Chelmsford Theatre - Pride and Prejudice (Sort of) The Golden Fleece - Karaoke Hot Box - Black Frog Presents: Tim Edey & Clive Caroll Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666) The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz Thursday 10th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening Chelmsford Theatre - Pride and Prejudice (Sort of) Courtyard - Karaoke Golden Fleece - Quiz Night Hot Box - Louise Parker Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) The Rising Sun - Quiz night Friday 11th Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Albert Lee Chelmsford Theatre - Pride and Prejudice (Sort of) Hot Box - Carl Larusso Saturday 12th Chelmsford Museum - Climate Café Chelmsford Theatre - Pride and Prejudice (Sort of) Courtyard - Live acoustics (3pm) Hatfield Peverel Village Hall Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) Hot Box - Soul, Northern Soul, Disco and Motown Night RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm) The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke Sunday 13th The Ale House - Quiz Central Park - Havens Hospices Half Marathon Chelmsford Theatre - The Ugly Duckling Chelmsford Theatre - Kerry Ellis Chelmsford Theatre - Kai Humprhries: Gallivanting Hot Box - Jazz Sunday’s with Zak Barrett and Friends Monday 14th The Bootmaker - Swing Dance Central Baptist Church (Victoria Road South) - ECC Retirement Fellowship (monthly meeting, 2-4pm - new members welcome) Chelmsford Theatre - The Teacher’s Longe (12) Chelmsford Theatre - Dr Louise Newson: Hormones and Menopause 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 15th The Bootmaker - Quiz night Chelmsford Theatre - RB&O Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Chelmsford Theatre - PP Arnold Hot Box - Open Mic Night 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 16th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke The Bootmaker - Salsa night Chelmsford Theatre - Moulin Rouge Dance Class Chelmsford Theatre - Streisand: Woman in Love The Golden Fleece - Karaoke Hot Box - Radio City Sessions Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666) The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz Thursday 17th Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening Chelmsford Theatre - John Barrowman Laid Bare Courtyard - Karaoke Golden Fleece - Quiz Night Hot Box - Arms to Oblivion + Obessa + Alpha Omega Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows) The Rising Sun - Quiz night Friday 18th Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: The Wonder of Stevie Chelmsford Theatre - The Ultimate Boyband Party Show Chelmsford Theatre - Harriet Hot Box - Dark Wave Rising Saturday 19th Chelmsford Cathedral - Cups on a String Chelmsford Social Club - Arizona Electric (55 Springfield Rd, Chelmsford, CM2 6JG) Chelmsford Theatre - Mr Sleepybum Chelmsford Theatre - Gareth Malone: Sing-Along-A-Gareth Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) Hot Box - The Hanging Stars RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm) Station Arms (Southminster) - Darren Jones The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke Sunday 20th The Ale House - Quiz Chelmsford Theatre - Jimeoin: Who’s Your Man? Venues are in Chelmsford, unless mentioned in the listings as being elsewhere.

If you have a event between 18th October and 13th November for the next issue, then please email it to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

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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

Pininfarina Battista B95 Gotham - Limited Edition Bespoke ‘Batmobile’

There’s been quite a few cars that I’ve reviewed and hesitantly (for fear of repeating myself) mentioned the Batmobile look that has defined many supercars over the past few years; almost as if many car designers are at that age where their subconscious nostalgia is playing a part in what they design.

While other hypercars may have exhibited more of a Batman look, here we have the Pininfarina Battista B95 Gotham; a car that wears its official influence on its sleeve as part of a series of one-off bespoke Batman models. The car itself is based on the impressive Barchetta B95, and the B95 Gotham is another Batman-themed model to be revealed as part of a collaboration between Wayne Enterprises and Automobil Pininfarina to mark 85 years since Batman emerged in comic form. Other models being the B95 Dark Knight, Battista Gotham and Battista Dark Knight. All were available to see at the Monterey Car Week in August.

The limited edition B95 Gotham is a drop-top convertible Battista, featuring some bespoke details hiding under some fine Argento

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Vittorio silver paintwork offset with glossy black detailing such as wing mirrors. Alloy wheels are also bespoke and comprise of black matt and black gloss paint for inner and outer rings, keeping the stealth look of the B95 Gotham.

All in all, it’s quite an understated monotone look that really benefits from the warmth of the tan leather seats, which offer a bit of colour to the proceedings. The seats also have Wayne Enterprises (WE) logos embossed into them. In among the warm welcome of all that tan leather, sits a bespoke ‘Wayne Enterprises HMI’ display for the discerning Batman enthusiast. A rather fun touch too is the voice assistant which has been inspired by Bruce Wayne/Batman’s equally famous unflustered butler, Alfred Pennyworth. I’m sure the designers would have been kicking themselves if they had missed this rather unique opportunity.

The B95 Gotham is essentially a fun hypercar that will be purely for die-hard Batman fans with plenty of cash (the car will cost around £4 million) and to that effect only 10 units will be built, making it a very limited edition model. There’s not much to add regarding tech specs, as the B95 Gotham doesn’t up the ante regarding some already impressive performance figures and more or less consigns itself to visual tweaks alone. The car will offer a top speed of 185mph and will arrive from 0-62mph in just 2 seconds, thanks to 4 electric motors and a 120kWh T-shaped battery pack. The top speed is less than the standard Battista though, which can top out at 217mph.

Sean Neylon Courtesy of Smart Motoring magazine smart-motoring.com Images: automobili-pininfarina.com

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Chelmsford GoodGym Chelmsford GoodGym are a group of local residents who run, walk and cycle to help out their local community. Their ethos is to ‘get fit while doing good’. They’re a friendly, supportive group open to adults of all fitness levels. Group runs take place weekly on a Wednesday evening. The group run to the task, complete the job and then run back again. Each task earns you a ‘good deed’ and a great workout, both of which have been shown to help enhance well-being.

Since they began in July 2016, they have completed over 500 group sessions, which means nearly 4,000 good deeds for the local community. Their tasks at the sessions could involve gardening, litter picking, painting a community space, or helping out at an event - the list of ways GoodGym can help is endless. Some of the organisations

they have helped are: The Ideas Hub, Farleigh Hospice, Chelmsford Mencap, Helen Rollason and Interact, to name a few.

Alongside their good deeds, they also have regular socials and can often be seen at parkrun, either taking part or volunteering. If you want to know more look out for their members in their red GoodGym T-shirts. You can also find out more at www.goodgym.org/chelmsford.

It’s free to join and new members are always welcome. If you are a local charity and think they may be able to help you with a task, you can get in touch via the website too.

Appeal for Used Postage Stamps I am writing to you on behalf of Friends of Bone Cancer Research Trust to ask for your help at any time, but especially as it is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we feel that this is a good time to remind everyone how they can make a difference. We are a group of people throughout the UK who are raising funds independently for this wonderful charity. Thank you to everyone who has helped us so far.

We are appealing for your support at anytime by asking your readers to save their used, new and obsolete postage stamps from the UK and overseas, horizon labels and Royal Mail tracking labels, first day covers and collections etc. Every stamp sent to us will help to fund life-saving research into primary bone cancer. Postage stamps are used less and less, so if more people know about our requirements, we will hopefully still raise enough money to find a cure for primary bone cancer. We are in great need of postage stamps from anywhere outside mainland UK. We are also in need of currency from overseas and obsolete UK notes and coins. Why not get your school, church, business, social group or other community group involved? This is an ongoing appeal so stamps can be sent at any time. We are desperate for overseas support so please ask all your friends and family around the world to support us as well!

Our Facebook group is Friends Of BCRT - Postage Stamps & More!

Stamp appeal updates will be added often.

Primary bone cancer can occur at any age, but affects mostly children, teenagers, young adults and the elderly. Every 10 minutes somewhere in the world someone is diagnosed with primary bone cancer. Collecting used stamps is a simple way to make a huge difference.

Terri Bush Friends Of BCRT, 20 Bowers Road, Benfleet, SS7 5PZ www.thecitytimes.co.uk

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A History Education Part 3 - By Stephen Norris

This article deals with education in the local area during the period immediately before and during the First World War. It also covers the Essex Industrial School, which was founded in Chelmsford.

standards. A later inspector did however mention that the level of punishments could be reduced by a ‘more carefully drawn out system of rewards, marks and encouragements’.

By 1910 most school leavers in Chelmsford were 13 and over. They were only allowed to leave if they had beneficial employment to go to and they had to be furnished with a leaving card, which could be used at the new Labour Exchanges. An increasing number of leavers were going to the three big firms.

Perhaps therefore, it was not surprising that there were regular newspaper reports about boys escaping from the home. In 1883 there was evidently a serious lapse of discipline by boys ‘who had produced much mischief and incited others to defiance and disorder and had to be sent away to prison’. Five years earlier, cells had been added for unruly boys.

In 1910 came the first serious criticisms of St John’s School, which were to lead to its closure less than thirty years later. An HMI inspection said the grounds were too small and partitions were needed within the classrooms. Increasing importance was attached to HMI reports and the Friars School received an excellent one in 1912: ‘The teaching is kind and earnest, and very good progress is being made by the children, whose general intelligence and proficiency in reading is selected for particular praise’. In contrast, in the same year the Victoria schools were given a very unsatisfactory report. At the school ‘the appearance of discipline is achieved by methods which cannot be conducive to good work’. The governors told the teachers they were expecting a big improvement.

In the borough, those with a good attendance were still given the curious incentive of half a day off. The school with the best attendance in the borough was given the attendance shield. A need for an extra school in both the north and south wards was identified, with sites at Rainsford Lane and Bradford Street originally earmarked.

The 2,500 existing places became insufficient with the rapidly increasing population. After the 1902 Act, 250 pupils were being educated from outside the borough and the council insisted on being reimbursed by the ECC. The war caused immediate problems with staffing in the borough’s schools with teachers volunteering for the military. At the Victoria School the managers took the view that a particular teacher was of more use to the country at the moment by staying and teaching, but they couldn’t prevent him leaving. He enlisted and his teaching salary was paid in full, less his army pay with his job held for him at the end of the war. The new Trinity Road School used the Friends Meeting House when the school was taken over by the military.

Chelmsford had an industrial school for wayward and destitute boys since 1872 and it was certified in 1873. Joseph Brittain Pash had opened the school in several houses in Baddow Road. It was initially financed by subscriptions. Subscribers could nominate boys who would benefit from being sent there.

In 1876 a £5,000 grant was given by the Essex Quarter Sessions and £2,000 by the West Ham School Board in return for 20 reserved places. A new purpose building was opened off the Rainsford Road in 1879, at a cost of £10,000. The police and magistrates could use the 1866 Industrial Schools Act when boys were caught stealing, begging, or were simply homeless. By the end of 1879, 111 boys had been admitted from all over Essex. There were subscribers from all parts the county, but a large number of them were from Chelmsford.

The Essex Chronicle was pleased that the ‘average cost per boy was only 17 - 18 shillings per week’.

Pupils were given a basic education and were also taught practical skills in ‘tailoring, shoemaking, carpentry, gardening, laundry and kitchen work’. Despite this, the Chronicle reported in 1880 that ‘there was considerable difficulty at the present time in obtaining a suitable situation for the lads’.

The timetable was devised so that there were few moments for relaxation; an early start was followed by half a day’s schoolwork and half a day’s industrial training plus housework. There were no servants apart from the housekeeper. Firm religious education was considered essential but was non denominational, although some of the local Church of England clergy expressed concern that the school was founded and run by nonconformists.

Despite the tough elements of the regime at the school, there is little doubt that Pash and his extended family cared a great deal about the welfare of the boys. His daughter Ellen was secretary of the boy’s Band of Hope and for many years she took a class on Sunday evenings when her mother, Mrs Pash, was in charge of the Sunday evening class arrangements. As an honorary lecturer under the Essex Technical Instruction Committee, she used to lecture the boys on a wide variety of useful subjects. She also used to speak to the boys at meal times and on wet days.

Ellen started a wild flower garden for the boys after collecting the necessary plants and seeds on trips into the countryside with the boys. In 1902, the year before she died, she gave each boy a cedar wooden pencil with his name upon it in gilt letters. She had recently been involved in the establishment of a magazine at the school.

By the 1890s most of the funding for the Industrial School was coming from the county council. As with the workhouse however, the great and good of the town liked to support the institution. During 1890 The Weekly News noted that the boys at the school who had behaved well during the year, were taken on a day excursion to Southend which was funded by local dignitaries. In the same year ‘The Christmas Day dinner consisted mainly of roast beef and plum pudding; and several old boys shared in the repast, having come home for the holidays’. The Mayoress, Mrs FA Wells, was present for the 1901 prize giving at the school.

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Successful attempts were made to get some of the boys to settle abroad. In 1882, 13 boys were placed in Canada and 3 boys went to Queensland. An inspector gave a good report on the school saying ‘The boys are in good health and look cheerful and bright and well cared for’. A good proportion of the boys were on the 4th and 5th Page 20

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Janu Sirsasana - By Steve Johansen, Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga This month I’ve decided to talk about one of my favourite poses, which I do almost every time that I practice. I tend to use it within a flowing sequence at the end of my practice where I start in a Seated Forward Bend Pose, then cross my right ankle over my left leg and twist both ways in Half Lord of the Fishes Pose, then I bring myself into Head Beyond Knee Pose, before sweeping though to Pans-People Pose, finally finishing back into Seated Forward Bend Pose, then repeating the sequence on the other side.

In Sanskrit, it’s Janu Sirsasana (JAH-new shear-SHAHS-anna). Janu meaning ‘knee’. Sirsa is ‘head’. Asana is ‘pose’. The direct English translation would be ‘knee head pose’ and this is why it is sometimes called Head-to-Knee Pose, or as I prefer to use Head Beyond Knee Pose. I use this version of the name as I feel if we make our knee our goal, as implied in Head-to-Knee Pose, we tend to aim for that goal, and yoga not about achieving goals, so much as experiencing as much as possible from the poses that we are doing. How and where we feel the stetch is a result of the alignment and effort we put into them.

In Head Beyond Knee Pose we have one leg bent and the other leg extended, this allows us to isolate and to gently stretch the muscles in the buttocks and other hip muscles of the bent leg. Piriformis, glutes, hamstring and calf muscles are all stretched on the extended leg.

the fingers over the outside of the left thigh.

On your next inhalation, lift though the sternum to sit a little taller, to find strength in your core. Your fingers still hooked over your thigh draw both elbows’ outwards and downwards. Using the right arm a little more than the left to turn the torso towards left foot, this will help to engage the pectoral muscles. Lengthen the neck and draw the shoulders blades down a little more. Remember to extend your head forwards, rather than downwards and into Head Beyond Knee Pose.

On your exhalation, readjust you gaze at eye height, beyond the still flexed left foot. Lengthen forwards beyond your toes and relax a little deeper into to the stretch.

Teacher’s tip: resist the temptation to force yourself into the pose, always allow time and practice to do the work for you.

On your next inhalation, use your core to find the strength to create length through the front of your body, to protect your lower back. Draw your sternum forwards rather than downwards, allowing you to feel a stretch of the back of your left thigh, calf muscle and even sole of your foot. You may also feel a stretch at the top the right hip in the glutes and piriformis.

Hold the pose for 3 to 5 long slow breaths. Using your inhalation, to find strength as you lift the sternum, to bring yourself back up to siting and extend your right leg into Staff Pose again. Repeat on the opposite side.

For those of you who feel like you would like to know more of the benefits of the Head Beyond Knee Pose, or how to incorporate this pose within your practice, join me at my studio, where I’ll be able to show you and keep an eye on your practice in a small, friendly class environment. Use this free pass code, HPYFREECLASS. My gift to you. hummingbirdpilates.co.uk

Where to start I often start my sitting poses, in Dandasana (dun-DAHS-anna) or Staff Pose. Sitting up tall on the sit bones and extending the legs straight out in front, drawing the toes backwards to flex the feet, activating your calves and tops of your thighs. Your hands should be gently resting by your side. Try to engage all the muscles in the torso to sit taller. Relax your shoulders downwards, creating as much space between the tops of your shoulders and ears, as you lift the crown of the head to the ceiling.

Find your Dristi, an unfocused gaze, at eye hight in front of you, helping you maintaining your mental and physical focus. Establish a long slow, steady breath. Ideally with each inhalation, you should find strength, lifting through your sternum to sit a little taller. And with each exhalation, allow your shoulder blades relax downwards and towards each other.

To get into Head Beyond Knee Pose, keep sitting tall on both sit bones, draw your right knee in and let the right knee fall out to the side, placing the sole of your right foot on the inside of your left knee.

Your torso will be positioned directly between your knees. Place your left hand high up on the left thigh, fingers hooked over the inside.

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Volunteers for Community Bookshop/Charity Shop We need enthusiastic, friendly volunteers to help in our charity bookshop on Market Road, Saturday morning 10am to 1pm and/or Sunday 11am to 3pm.

Minibus and/or Car Drivers - Chelmsford Community Transport Can you help isolated people to get out and about? Having access to affordable door-to-door transport helps with simple everyday tasks Music & Movement Baby Group Assistant at Ace Music Therapy CIC like shopping, visiting friends/social clubs and attending medical We are looking for someone who can spare a couple of hours maximum on the next 5 Wednesdays, to help our Music Therapist set appointments (such as GP and hospital) - tasks that most of us take up and tidy up at our pre-crawlers baby music and movement group. for granted. Getting out of the house makes a huge difference to a person’s quality of life, increasing independence and giving someone a new lease of life.

No qualifications required, just the physical ability to help set up mats/instruments and tidy up at the end of the session We are looking for volunteers to drive our fully accessible minibuses, or their own cars.

Trustees/Secretary for Chelmsford Youth Centre This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a passionate team Recovery Space Volunteer at Essec Recovery Foundation striving to make a difference to young people within the local The Recovery Community is a combination of people with lived community. experience of addiction and people affected by someone else We are seeking two new trustees to join the Management Committee addiction. We want to create spaces across Essex for the recovery community to come together and this role will help with that. for our youth centre in Chelmsford. One role is for the position of secretary.

This volunteer role will support the delivery of the Recovery Spaces in venues across Essex. Supervised by the Community Engagement Whilst we are ideally looking for someone with HR experience, it is Worker, volunteers will help with the smooth running of each session not vital for both of the roles we are looking to fill. and will be part of team that creates a space in which people want to come together each week.

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Crafts - By Magali Ellis and Scrap-Circle Transition Is Good September is a time of transition: from holidays back to work, from summer into autumn, from sunny warm long days to shorter colder ones... The children have just gone back to school and yet the shops are already geared up for Halloween and Christmas!

It is funny how different countries view things differently. For instance in France, Christmas is spoken about and appears in shops from midNovember at the earliest! It is kept as a much more time restricted seasonal event.

I like this time of transition because it is a time for new routines and reassessing what you want to keep and to discard, especially when I change my summer wardrobe into my mid-season and winter one, deciding if some items of clothing need to be donated or repurposed.

A change of season makes me choose different colour schemes in my craft, for example, or start something new. I confess to be interested in sewing this autumn. Or pick up more winter crafts like knitting. Or catch up with more seasonal activities, like my friend who has already almost finished making her Christmas cards (all 120 of them!).

The Importance of Photos If you follow Scrap-Circle on Facebook and Instagram, you will know that I have had a very busy summer this year. It started off with a week in Seattle ahead of our craft cruise to Alaska at the end of July.

I tried to document that time on social media with daily photo shoots because it was such an awesome experience with breathtaking scenery and amazing excursions! I took so many photos and videos

Meadows Shopping Centre: More than a shop - community, caring, learning, hope and love:) This month’s focus is on an exhibition on decorative art by Turkish artist Özgür Savaş Kılıç. It has been written by artist Elena from EKM Gallery and Edith Miller.

Until 15th October, at The Art Place you can explore eco-printing decorative art by the Turkish artist Özgür Savaş Kılıç. Eco-printing is a technique of colouring and printing on fabric or paper using natural materials such as leaves, flowers, grass and tree bark. The eco-printing process is based on the transfer of natural dyes from plants onto textiles or paper using heat, steam, or pressure. In Özgür Savaş Kılıç’s words: “There is no geometry in nature. That is, a complete circle, a rectangle, or a square, so I frame branches with these shapes of nature in my paintings. I put my art in it so that they could live to their heart’s content in this amorphous state. May the joy of nature always be upon us.”

The use of natural materials and the absence of chemical dyes makes this method eco and environmentally friendly. Each eco-print is also unique as the patterns and shades depend on the shape and colour of the plants used as well as the dyeing conditions.

This technique provides ample opportunity for creativity and experimentation with colours and patterns. Eco-print has become widespread in textile art and fashion design due to its uniqueness and environmental friendliness, and to emphasise the human connection with nature.

The Art Place was founded on the back of a huge community cry out, from both the public and artists, for such a gallery in the City Centre supporting local artists, holding exhibitions and enabling them to display their work.

Art galleries began to emerge during the Renaissance (14th to 17th Page 26

to try and capture those magical moments.

This was then followed early August by a motorbike tour of the famous NC500 in Scotland, which is the coastal road around the Highlands. For those who don’t know, motorbikes are another one of my passions and if I am not crafting, chances are I am riding somewhere on my motorbike. That tour was also exceptional with majestic mountains, beautiful lochs and a friendly group of people!

We are planning a reunion for next year touring the coastal route of Wales this time!

I finally decided on the spur of the moment to go and see my parents in the South of France. They are ageing, and with mum being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Time spent with them has become precious. It is while I was with them that I realised the importance of photos. For mum, photos help her remember events and people.

She has them enlarged and dotted all around the house, so she can ‘see us every day’, she told me. We poured over old black and white photos from where mum and dad were young, mum remembering the colour of her dress and the occasion and the places they were: a long story behind each photo! It had such an impact on me that I am going to make her a scrapbooking album to help her keep her memory alive for as long as possible.

So now, with so many photos to trawl through and print, and so many project ideas, I think I shall be busy this autumn! I shall be transitioning into this exciting time term with eagerness. I will be looking forward to Scrap-Circle’s monthly craft days and September and December Craft Weekends at Highwood Village Hall; and to the Autumn and Winter Craft Retreat at Grafham Water Centre in Cambridgeshire.

Check the website for more details: www.scrap-circle.co.uk.

centuries) when wealthy patrons, including the Medici family in Italy, started commissioning art and displaying it in private spaces such as palaces, churches and the homes of the wealthy. However, public access to art collections was limited.

The concept of the art gallery evolved further in Europe from the 16th to the 18th century, especially in places like Paris and London. One notable example is the public opening of the Louvre in Paris in 1793.

In the 19th century, art galleries became more public and institutionalised. The National Gallery in London (1824) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (1870) were established during this time. Art began to be accessible to the public, marking a significant shift from private collections to public galleries.

Throughout the 20th century, the gallery system expanded dramatically with the rise of modern and contemporary art. The art market also grew significantly, with commercial galleries becoming essential venues for artists to display and sell their art.

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

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Tales From the Circle - By Sylvia Kent Our Brentwood Writers’ Circle continues to welcome people who are interested in writing, and through this column we have a widespread list of folk who have successfully seen their stories, articles and poetry published on the page or heard on local radio.

Perhaps one sentence that one doesn’t often hear is ‘this manuscript looks interesting - it could make a good screenplay’. This is exactly what happened to one of our long-standing BWC members, Patrick Forsyth, author and former chair of BWC and columnist at The Writing Magazine.

Based in Maldon, Patrick has published dozens of books - both fiction and non-fiction. Recently his new novel, Once a Thief, was read by Benita Cullingford, a Vice-President of the famous Society of Women Writers and Journalists based in London. Benita has written numerous screenplays via her JABS Productions company. She is a director who created an adaptation of Patrick’s latest novel into a film script which eventually won three top international awards. JABS Productions consist of four talented women filmmakers who enjoy writing and creating short films.

Last autumn, the team travelled to Hollywood to accept filmmaking awards for their earlier screenplays. Perhaps one day, Benita’s screenplay covering Patrick’s new book could also be added to this list. Latterly, her script was entered in the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival and was declared the winner in its category (best first-time feature writer script). Patrick was delighted, saying: “This is something that professionals in the film world look at in their search for suitable projects, so, we all have our fingers crossed that eventually the funds could become available to take the

idea further - you never know.”

Shortly after, the film won yet another award as Best UK Script at the Cambridge Script Festival - and then a third award, it was given selection status at the New York Film & Cinematography Awards. All three awards will give the project visibility and increase the chances of it being picked up by a production company.

Brentwood Writers’ Circle members are pleased to hear of Patrick’s success and that of the JABS team and we look forward to hearing more about his other ongoing projects via www. patrickforsyth.com.

Brentwood Writers’ Circle meet next at Bardswell Centre on Saturday October 5th at 2.30pm.

More details at www. brentwoodwriterscircle. com - first visit is free!

More updates at www. sylviakent.blogspot.com.

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Quiz Time by John Theedom

In which TV advert does one participant have disorganised situation? an Elastoplast on both cheeks?

22. What word means to spread thickly?

2. What was the pre-decimal currency unit of Italy? 23. What is another name for a domesticated 3. What is the top tournament in tennis? polecat?

24. A phantom is more commonly known as what?

4. What is your second personality known as?

25. What is a ghetto?

5. Eclectic is what?

26. What is a more common name for wedding 6. What is an adobe?

7. What is a coterie? paper scraps thrown over the couple?

27. What is meant by hobnob?

8. Who had a puppet called Emu? 28. What word indicates a plan for things to be 9. Which Bristol graffiti artist is famous for his stencilled images? done?

29. What is added to egg whites to make 10. The Sugar Hut is a night club in which reality TV show? meringue?

30. Lewis Hamilton drove for which team on his 11. Wild Wood was a best-selling album by which male singer? first Formula One season?

31. The initials RPI mean what?

12. Which country has won the Eurovision Song Contest the most times?

32. What are sloping letters called?

33. What middle name was John Lennon given?

13. Who was Queen Victoria’s husband?

34. Which song mentions a ‘jolly swagman’?

14. What is a crupper?

35. On your body, whare is your scapula?

15. What is the first name of the actor Mr ……

Flynn?

36. Which Dickens novel was set in Cloisterham?

37. Who invented car disc brakes?

16. In the world of sailing, what is reefing?

38. Which liner made her maiden voyage in 1946?

17. Lees is what?

39 What part of France would you come from if 18. If a smell is acrid, what is it like?

19. Who are the cognoscenti? you were a Breton?

40. Who or what was Mr Ed? 20. If you are extant, what is happening to you?

21. What can be a military building and a 1.

(Answers on pages 31)

Wordseach by thewordsearch.com

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Stargazing With Mark Willis 20th September: 21:00 - Neptune - Opposition. You will need access to a telescope for this. Looking east-south-east in the constellation of Pisces, you should see Neptune.

If you lack a telescope, local astronomy groups often have public stargazing evenings at this time of year. There are two astronomy groups in Essex. I have posted their websites below.

22nd September: Lunar occultation of M45 or Pleiades. Using the Moon to work for you it will be easier for you to locate these elusive celestial objects. Pleiades is 444 light years distant from Earth. In other words, the light that we are seeing now, left the Pleiades in the year 1580. If the Pleiades exploded in 1581, then we would not know about it for another year.

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.

Europa Clipper, a new space probe developed by NASA, will be launched October 10th 2024. Europa Clipper will study the Galilean moon, Europa, one of the many moons of Jupiter. It should arrive in orbit around Jupiter in April 2030. There are nine science instruments aboard, so this should prove very useful in unlocking the mysteries of this fascinating world.

Europa has already been investigated by the Voyagers 1 and 2 spacecraft. They uncovered evidence that Europa has an icy mantle, possibly 60 miles deep.

Below this frozen mantle, there is a liquid ocean. As this is water, there is the possibility of life existing there, which has scientists, especially planetary biologists, extremely excited!

Don’t forget that clocks go back 27th October 2024.

New Moon: On 2nd October and 1st November there will be a new Moon. This means the skies will be extra dark which is a great opportunity to see planets, galaxies and deep space objects.

North Essex Astronomical Society www.northessexastro.co.uk/ upcoming-events. Next public stargazing event 28th September.

Castle Point Astronomy Club www.cpastro.club. Next public stargazing event - 25th September.

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Quiz & Wordsearch Answers 1. Trivago 2. Lira 3. Slam 4. Alter-ego 5. Wide-ranging 6. Sun-dried clay brick 7. Clique of people 8. Rod Hull 9. Banksy 10. The Only Way Is Essex

11. Paul Weller 12. Ireland 13. Prince Albert 14. The strap under a horses tail 15. Errol 16. Control of sails 17. Wine sediment 18. Unpleasantly pungent 19. Knowledgeable people 20. You are surviving

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Mess Daub Ferret Ghost A slum area Confetti To mix socially Agenda Sugar McLaren

Retail Price Index Italics Winston Waltzing Matilda Shoulder blades The Mystery of Edwin Drood Frederick W Lanchester Queen Elizabeth Brittany A talking horse (on children’s TV)

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