Moulsham Times - August 2025

MoulshamTimes

MT Welcome

Hi readers,

Welcome to the August edition of Moulsham Times

The summer holidays are now in full swing and we have had a suggestion sent in asking us to provide a children’s quiz page. So, if there is any reader who would like to volunteer to create this for us each month, please get in touch!

Heritage Open Days launches in this issue, see the centre pages for all of the events for this year, all events are FREE!

If you would like to advertise in the next edition, please contact us for prices, and also for distribution details. We can then send over all the information you will need.

Regards

Paul

Advertising & Editorial

Paul Mclean 01245 262082/07595 949701 paul@moulshamtimes.com

Disclaimer: It’s Your Magazines Ltd publish the Moulsham Times. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of It’s Your Magazines Ltd. No part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of It’s Your Magazines Ltd. Reg Co No. 12080535. Printed by Warners (Midlands) PLC.

Latest News

After last year’s success which saw No Idea and Serendipitous take the trophies, we are over the moon to share the exciting news that Shakeys Sessions’ Act For The Future contest is back for 2025.

It’s open to all ages, bands, duets, and solo acts based in Essex. The first heats take place at the Black Bull in Rainsford Road on Friday 10th October 7pm-11pm and Saturday 11th October 2pm-11pm.

Then there will be the solo final on Friday 14th November and the band final on Saturday 15th November.

Anyone entering has to have at least one original track that will need

I would like to begin by thanking our friend, The Bench here at St John’s, for their monthly blog and their wisdom and reflections on life in our church and community.

I am Father John, and I have been serving as Interim Minister at St John’s since the beginning of March. As well as being a priest, I work in the agricultural technology industry as a self-employed adviser and a non-executive director, helping provide farmers with technology to grow crops more efficiently and sustainably, like new varieties of wheat, barley and vegetables.

I have also been serving as curate in Writtle, Roxwell and Highwood and as a multifaith chaplain to ARU Writtle and Writtle College. I juggle being an inclusive parish priest along with being a priest in the world of business and science, and a business-person and scientist in the church. It keeps me grounded.

For many, but not all of us, August is a month of holidays, providing the opportunity for a welcome break from our usual routines, whether at school, at home, or at work. It is important for our health and well-being to establish a rhythm of activity and rest and have clearly defined times when we can step back from our day-to-day work and routines; we can rest and refresh ourselves, rebalance and regain perspective in our lives.

For centuries, holidays were centred on religious festivals, and the word ‘holiday’ derives from the Old English ‘haligdaeg’ or holy day. This reminds us that, as well as seeking physical and mental refreshment, we should not neglect our need for

to be played during their performance. Each act will be given up to 20 minutes for the set and will be judged by up to 4 judges on different aspects of the performance on the night, plus their professionalism in promoting the event, arrival at the event, sound checking, etc.

As well as the judges, there will be a public vote and everyone attending the event will be invited to vote for their favourite act.

We are delighted to welcome the return of some fantastic sponsors for the event - Shakster Records, Fizz Web Design, Card Trick Music, and Blackstar Amplification who will be offering some amazing prizes to both the solo category winner and the winning band. If you are a local business with an interest in the music scene and would like to get involved or help sponsor with additonal prizes, then please do get in touch with us.

To enter this event please email ccrshakey@gmail.com.

Please include act name, if a band - how many members, age range (over 18s, under 18s), which part of Essex the act is from, a link to a relevant Facebook music page, Instagram, website etc, as well as an email address, contact name and number. Also please include an .mp3 recording of your original recorded track.

Closing date for entries is Sunday 17th September. All details are on www.facebook.com/ccrshakeyactforthefuture.

Dp keep an eye out on both the @shakeysessions and @chelmsfordcr Facebook pages for more news and updates on the contest.

spiritual refreshment as well.

We are creatures of body, mind and spirit - and deepest happiness is found when we are healthy and in balance physically, mentally and spiritually.

Whether we are taking, or can take, a holiday, I hope and pray that we can all take a holy day - or even part of a day - here and there: a time to rest and refresh in body, mind and spirit in our busy lives.

You are always welcome to spend holy days or times with us at St John’s - whether relaxing in the green space in our churchyard, or having a tea or coffee and a chat at JubiLatte Café, or exploring your faith with us at a service. I look forward to meeting you at St John’s or within the community.

Fr John Bloomer

frjohnbloomer@gmail.com www.stjohnsmoulsham.org.uk

This week, I’ve been sanding and varnishing the wooden floorboards in our new home, discovering solid parquet in the hallway and wondering what floor to put in our new kitchen, so flooring is on my mind!

What floor works best for a modern kitchen and how do you know what is the best and most budget-appropriate choice?

Let me try to help…

A kitchen isn’t just a cooking and cleaning space in most homes; it is a central hub for social activity and family time. As such, I recommend prioritising ease of cleaning and how hardwearing a floor is going to be above all else.

Then, of course, it’s down to the look, style and feel of the flooring as well as trying to balance those elements against the budget you have in mind. Floors are difficult and expensive to change, so take your time over choosing - and spend as much as you can afford.

Tile Flooring

Tiled floors are highly adaptable, incredibly versatile and mostly very hardwearing. They are easy to clean and available in a huge range of styles and colours.

I strongly recommend porcelain for a kitchen (hardwearing, difficult to break and widely available at good prices). They are incredibly easy to look after but can be a little hard and cold underfoot, so consider underfloor heating where possible to bring the warmth into the floor.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring can be durable and hardwearing (although not as much as tiles but, unlike tiles, can be easy to rejuvenate later in their life) as well as naturally beautiful. Modern finishes and sealants help protect hardwood from moisture, though it’s still more susceptible to water damage than tile or vinyl - but well looked after, hardwood flooring lasts incredibly well.

Another option is engineered hardwood, which consists of a veneer of real wood over a substrate offering greater stability in humid environments, but limited in how frequently they can be refinished or how easily they can be repaired. All real wood floors do require some maintenance and can get quite pricey.

Laminate flooring mimics the appearance of wood, stone, or tile at a fraction of the cost but it can be susceptible to moisture, easily damaged and it’s not as long lasting as other finishes. It can also suffer from never quite looking like the real thing. Despite its excellent value, I don’t usually recommend it for kitchens because it just isn’t a hardwearing enough option unless you absolutely cannot afford something else.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring on a roll (cushioned vinyl) is hugely out of fashion but it is fairly hardwearing and a cost-effective solution. The look and feel however, is very distinct and for most clients, vinyl flooring is undesirable.

Modern LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) options are increasingly popular and can look fantastic. They are hardwearing, long lasting, easy to repair and can be very sensibly priced depending on the brand and design you go for. The only real issue is that no matter how good it is, it never quite 100% looks like the natural product it is often replicating.

Stone Flooring

Natural stone such as slate, granite, marble, or limestone brings a touch of luxury and unique character to a kitchen, and each stone type has its own look and feel with no two pieces exactly alike. Stone is exceptionally durable but can be expensive and requires periodic sealing to prevent stains. It’s also cool underfoot and can be difficult to repair without issues. Generally speaking, because of the upkeep and cost, it is not a very common kitchen option these days despite its lovely appearance.

There are other options of course but these can be quite niche, such as concrete, rubber and many other unusual choices, but whatever you end up choosing, always seek advice from an expert and your kitchen designer (sometimes one and the same) and make as informed a choice as possible. It’s an important part of the room and can often be overlooked, so don’t be afraid to take your time and make sure you have a beautiful, affordable floor - from the day its laid and for many decades into the future.

Laminate Flooring

Summer Updates - By Councillor Charlene Adutwim

Ward Surgery Launch Despite Rain

In July, we held our very first ward drop-in surgery, giving local residents a chance to come and talk to us about what matters to them. It was great to be there alongside my fellow city councillors, Helen Ayres and Seán Manley.

We had been enjoying weeks of glorious sunshine, so it felt quite typical that the clouds rolled in the moment the school holidays began. With rain threatening to stop play, we were relieved to be welcomed inside St John’s Church on Moulsham Street. The church offered a warm and dry space and we are really grateful to them for hosting us on such a grey Saturday afternoon.

Despite the weather, several residents came along to raise issues affecting the area. We spoke about antisocial behaviour in and around Central Park and Moulsham Street, as well as littering on St John’s Road. These are concerns we take seriously. We have already started following them up with the local policing team and will keep residents updated on any progress.

We also really enjoyed the opportunity to meet people face-to-face and hear about the positives as well as the challenges. It is always encouraging to see how much people care about their community, and these conversations help us focus on what makes the biggest difference.

Following the success of this first event, we will now be holding ward surgeries every month. The next one will be on Saturday 20th September - the time and venue will be confirmed nearer the time, so please keep an eye on Chelmsford City Council’s website for details (link further down). We hope to be joined by Cllr David Loxton, our newly elected county councillor for Chelmsford Central, who has stepped into the role previously held by Marie Goldman MP.

community spirit and care.

Each bee has been designed by a different artist, with smaller ones decorated by local schools and community groups. The trail is free, and you can follow it using a printed map or an app. At the end of the summer, the sculptures will be auctioned to raise vital funds for Farleigh Hospice.

Farleigh’s work is such an important part of our community, providing compassionate support to people across mid Essex who are affected by life-limiting illness or bereavement. If you enjoy the trail, please consider supporting them. Every contribution helps!

Sadly, some bees have been damaged. A quick reminder: please don’t climb on them. They are works of art, and CCTV is in place at each location. Let’s look after them so everyone can enjoy the trail safely.

Find Out More

For details about upcoming surgeries, how to contact us, or to find our social media pages, please visit:

www.chelmsford.gov.uk/your-council/councillors-committees-anddecision-making/councillors/find-a-councillor.

Take care,

Cllr Charlene Adutwim Liberal Democrat

charlene.adutwim@chelmsfordlibdems.org.uk City Councillor for Moulsham & Central Chair of the Policy Board Equality and Diversity Champion

Bee Trail Brightens the City

If you have been out and about in Chelmsford this summer, you will probably have spotted some of the brightly painted giant bees dotted around the city. My son and I have had great fun trying to find as many as we can during the school holidays. I hope you have been enjoying them too!

The Buzz in the City trail runs from 5th July to 9th September and has brought an explosion of colour to our streets, parks and landmarks. Organised by Farleigh Hospice in partnership with Chelmsford For You and supported by Chelmsford City Council, it celebrates creativity,

Chelmsford - By Marie Goldman MP

1. Giant Bees Take Over Chelmsford for a Brilliant Cause

Have you spotted the giant bees buzzing around Chelmsford lately? If not, you’re in for a treat. Buzz in the City has officially landed and it’s bringing colour, creativity and community spirit to our streets, all while raising funds for Farleigh Hospice.

This vibrant art trail features 30 giant bee sculptures and seven swarms of mini bees, each hand-painted by more than 20 talented artists. Towering at six feet tall, the bees showcase a stunning range of designs, from the boldly abstract to the charmingly traditional. Spanning a 10km trail across Chelmsford, this project not only brightens up the city but aims to raise over £100,000 for Farleigh Hospice. The buzzing will culminate in a charity auction on 17th September, where these unique sculptures will find their forever homes.

So, explore the trail, snap some pictures and share the buzz. You can pick up a printed trail map or download the app (link: bit.ly/4eXoDIQ) to guide your adventure.

2.

A City That Cares

One of the most uplifting parts of my job is hearing directly from Chelmsford residents who care deeply about the future of our planet. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with a group of constituents in Westminster for a conversation about the climate crisis.

We covered a wide range of environmental challenges - everything from the need to insulate homes and bring down energy bills, to tackling plastic pollution, restoring biodiversity and making public transport more affordable and accessible for everyone.

We also discussed practical steps that can be taken at both a national and local level: supporting renewable energy, promoting greener infrastructure and encouraging businesses to adopt more sustainable practices.

I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time and effort to come to London for this important discussion.

3. Chelmsford’s New Bow Bridge

I’m happy to confirm that the new Bow Bridge is now open. With its bold red steel arches and sleek design, the bridge is already turning heads. Backed by Homes England, the project follows an infrastructure-first approach, helping lay the groundwork for new homes and better connections in and around Chelmsford.

And it’s no small feat. Each of the two massive arches weighs 110 tonnes. In total, the project took 35 contractors, 171,000 hours of work and nearly 2,000 cubic metres of concrete to complete.

It’s brilliant to see what’s been achieved here. The bridge isn’t just functional - it’s a new landmark for Chelmsford to be proud of. Whether you’re walking, cycling, or driving across it, there’s no missing it.

A huge well done to everyone involved in bringing this to life.

4. First Bus Invites Over-60s to Reclaim Their Freedom

There’s something uniquely liberating about hopping on a bus and watching the city roll by. For many older people, however, that simple pleasure has become less common. Since 2018, bus travel among people eligible for free travel passes has dropped by 33%.

That’s why First Bus has launched a new campaign, Life Begins at Bus Pass, which encourages over-60s to rediscover the freedom and independence that buses can bring. Whether it’s visiting family, going shopping or just getting out for a change of scenery, the bus can be a lifeline. Staying active and socially connected plays a huge role in our mental and physical well-being, particularly as we get older. Buses offer a safe, affordable and environmentally friendly way to keep that connection going strong.

If you or someone you know has stopped using their free bus pass or never got around to applying, it’s the perfect time to get back on board.

Find out how to apply and make the most of your travel entitlement at: www.firstbus.co.uk/concessions.

The Chelmsford Club - Free Summer Pass!

I wanted to share a remarkable story of transformation that’s been taking place right in the heart of Chelmsford.

The Chelmsford Club, (thechelmsfordclub.co.uk) one of Essex’s oldest private members’ clubs, has undergone a quiet but powerful revival - and it’s now a thriving hub for connection, conversation, work and wellbeing.

Like many traditional clubs, we faced the risk of fading into history. But with energy, creativity and a renewed sense of purpose, we’ve reimagined what a private members’ club can be in 2025. Today, we welcome people from all walks of life - from those working remotely and seeking community, to those feeling isolated and looking for a friendly place to belong.

We’re still rooted in tradition - our in-house snooker table and historic petanque court remain popular fixtures - but we’ve expanded into something much more:

• A place to work, with peaceful spaces and great coffee.

• A place to connect, over shared meals, a drink in the garden, or club events.

• A place to relax, chat and feel part of something.

What sets us apart is that we are proudly non-profit. Every penny goes back into preserving our beautiful heritage building, supporting our members, and ensuring that The Chelmsford Club can be enjoyed

by future generations.

Our mission is simple: to keep the spirit of community alive, in a world where more and more people are working alone, feeling disconnected, or losing touch with tradition. We’d love to welcome you to see what we’re building.

Member Benefits

• Members bar with reduced price drinks.

• Honesty book - out of hours.

• All-day menu.

• Access to the snooker/billiards room and competitions.

• Free use of the informal spaces, including the drop-in hub and hot desking.

• Access to 4 bookable private spaces/rooms.

• Use of the garden.

• Free parking (limited spaces).

• Full calendar of events.

• Weekly happy hour.

• Members private wine cellar.

• Reciprocal membership with other members clubs.

• Access to corporate membership and games at the cricket club.

• Catered events.

• Unique safe environment with key card entry and CCTV.

• Sense of community.

• Inclusion in a fraternity of mixed discipline capable professionals.

This summer, we are offering a FREE TRIAL PASS - please email secretary@thechelmsfordclub.co.uk for more details.

We look forward to meeting you!

01245 250 112 thechelmsfordclub.co.uk

MT Gardening

August brings a quieter, more reflective energy to the garden. The rush of early summer has passed, but there’s still plenty of colour and life to enjoy - tall grasses catch the light, late-flowering perennials hit their stride, and wildlife is active among the seedheads and fading blooms. It’s a good time to pause, take stock, and start thinking ahead, even as you soak up the last full weeks of summer.

Prune SummerFlowering Shrubs

Many shrubs that flower on current season’s growth benefit from a light prune now to keep them compact and flowering well next year.

• Use clean, sharp secateurs.

• Identify spent flowering stems on shrubs like Lavatera, Buddleja

davidii, or Philadelphus. In addition, with the last example, take out every 3rd stem to the ground to avoid an overly congested plant.

• Cut back by up to a third, just above a pair of healthy buds.

• Remove any dead, damaged, or congested growth.

• Feed with a general-purpose fertiliser and water in well to encourage strong regrowth.

Plan and Plant for Autumn Colour

Get ahead by adding plants that will shine as summer fades.

• Visit nurseries or gardens for inspiration - look for Hylotelephium, Rudbeckia, Helenium and Aster

• Choose healthy plants and plant in the evening to avoid heat stress.

• Water well after planting and mulch to retain moisture.

• Group in odd numbers for a natural, balanced look.

• Mix with grasses like Miscanthus or Stipa for movement and long-lasting texture.

Tidy the Greenhouse or Polytunnel

As crops are harvested, greenhouse space can be refreshed for autumn use or overwintering.

• Clear out spent crops and compost healthy plant material.

• Wash inside glass or polythene with a garden-safe disinfectant.

• Check for pests like red spider mite and whitefly.

• Ventilate well and consider installing shading if temperatures remain high.

Sow quick crops like salad leaves or spinach in cleaned containers for autumn harvests.

Divide Overcrowded Perennials

Late August is a good time to divide spring or early-summer flowering perennials.

• Lift clumps with a garden fork on a dry, cool day.

• Gently tease apart sections by hand or with two forks back-toback.

• Replant divisions straight away and water in well.

• Add compost or well rotted organic matter to improve soil before replanting.

• Geraniums, primulas and iris are all good candidates for division now.

Sow Biennials for Next Year

Biennials sown now will develop strong root systems before winter, ready to flower early next summer.

• Choose seeds like foxgloves, honesty, wallflowers, or sweet William.

• Sow into seed trays or directly into prepared ground.

• Keep the soil moist until germination.

• Thin seedlings once they’re large enough to handle.

• Transplant to final positions in autumn or early spring.

• Don’t forget to label trays clearly and keep them in a lightly shaded area.

Care for the Lawn

Lawns may look stressed by now, especially after dry spells...

• Raise mower blades to leave grass longer and reduce browning.

• Avoid mowing during drought - grass will recover after rain.

• Spot-weed problem areas manually.

• If preparing to overseed in autumn, lightly scarify bare patches and remove moss or thatch.

• Don’t worry about temporary browning - grass is tougher than it looks.

Support Wildlife

Small changes help garden wildlife as natural food sources decline.

• Top up bird baths and feeders regularly.

• Leave some seedheads standing - purple cone flower and teasels are great for birds.

• Avoid tidying every corner - small piles of prunings or stones provide shelter.

• Leave night-scented flowers like nicotiana and honeysuckle for moths and bats.

August offers a moment to step back and enjoy the garden at its most abundant - but also to make small, timely interventions that keep it productive and healthy. With a few focused tasks, you’ll help

Happy gardening!

For personalised gardening advice, feel free to contact Tom Cole, Freelance Horticulturist and online tutor, at tomcole8@hotmail.com or visit www.learningwithexperts.com for online RHS courses.

extend the season’s beauty and set the stage for a smooth transition into autumn.

Nick Garner’s Music & Ramblings

It’s now summer and the exam results will be in soon and the schools, colleges and universities have all broken up. No doubt you know that the voting age has been lowered to sixteen. In my mind this is not so good, although hopefully it will get the young voting sensibly, I also hope that they will also encourage their families that don’t vote to vote. So was it a tactical move? I think maybe it was.

So yes, I have to mention the weather I think. We have had some very hot weather and thankfully some rain as well which the gardens very much needed, but we do seem to have had rather a lot in such a short time - I just hope it is enough rain to keep us from having a hosepipe ban though.

Have you seen the bees all over the city for Farleigh Hospice? Don’t forget they will auction them off in September, so if you fancy owning one and so helping the hospice, then keep your eyes on the Farleigh Hospice website (www.farleighhospice.org) for details of the auction, or indeed, if you want to know more and how you can help and support them.

Is there anything else is happening around us in the Old Moulsham area that we haven’t covered? Please let us know. I see the new bridge is now open - what is your opinion on it I wonder? I will not say what I think of it.

Do you have a holiday planned or plans for some days out? I am at another festival shortly, then I have another in the middle of the month. I am putting together some ideas for some day trips out, one being to visit Jimmy’s Wildlife Park in Suffolk after seeing it on television - what a great guy and a great team.

I have just heard that Ozzy Osbourne has died. For me, this is so sad but I am happy that he got to play his last show with Black Sabbath at Villa Park. I worked with the band in 1978 on the Never Say Die tour - it was great fun. The support was a new band called Van Halen who I was looking after on the tour. Ozzy was great and really enjoyed the tour and I have happy memories of everyone on it. I also heard that the great jazz singer Cleo Laine has passed too. She was the queen of scatting.

Music

The first thing I need to mention is I that sadly Robbie McIntosh has had to postpone his gig on the 6th December - but I have managed to secure Los Pacaminos, who feature Paul Young, as a replacement. The last time they played for us was in February 2022 and we are thrilled to have them back playing for us again. I have also had Tim Edey postpone his show at Hot Box until 2026 - the gig was originally scheduled for Sunday 26th October, but we now have Creedence Rising instead (a tribute band for you know who). They are superb we think, and at just £12 entry we think it is a bargain.

In case you have missed any of our other changes or any of our addon shows, do please you check out our website via www.linktr.ee/ BlackFrogPresents.

One other night I must mention is that Saints and Sinners are no longer playing on 24th October sadly. but we do now have Kossoff The Band Plays On, who are Terry Slesser (the original vocalist from Paul Kossoff’s band Back Street Crawler), and on guitar is John Buckton who Simon Kirk, drummer of Free and Bad Company, says would be his choice if they ever got Free back together. The rhythm section is Clive Edwards on drums (of UFO and others) and on bass is John ‘Rhino’ Edwards (of Status Quo and many others), quite the supergroup don’t you think.

I am busy now working on 2026 bookings, and so far we have about 20 booked. I will tell you more very soon and I will start to post the gigs from September - all I can say is that we are all excited.

I had only seen videos before of What A Waste, but knowing the Blockheads, this lot are great - we will definitely be rebooking them. I will also be rebooking Will Wilde and Andy Twyman, plus Geraint Watkins who is always fab. I am also looking to book Geraint’s guitarist Oliver Darling (Imelda May).

The last gig at the Social Club until September was Held By Trees and yet again it is one of the best shows I think that I have put on recently. Calum Ingram opened the night and later joined them on stage too, which just made it perfect in my mind.

I have also gone to a few gigs recently as well. I have been to see a few acts at the Blues at Barleylands who were all great and included The SharpeeZ, The Fat Penguins and Nigel Bagge. I also went to Barry’s Blues Barn, not knowing what to expect from Leighton Phoenix, and what we all got was some of the best porch blues I have heard and what a powerhouse of a voice - no sound system needed for him! I also went to Hot Box to see something different the other day; Satin Beige and Space were both great - they were not my normal kind of thing, but I did enjoy them both.

If you want to see Limehouse Lizzy please get it booked now as we are almost full for this show, which is on Friday 21st November.

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

You can get tickets for all our shows at The Chelmsford Social Club in Chelmsford from the Meadows shopping centre at Intense Records, and in Moulsham Street from The Hop Beer Shop and also from next to County Hall and the Library - Chelmsford 4Good. Please pay cash in person when you buy from them.

Tickets for all shows, including Hot Box, are available online from www.wegottickets.com/BlackFrogPresents, or book via our ticket hotline at no extra charge - call or text 07508 496 411 and you can then pay at the advance price on entry without paying any commission.

To find out more about Black Frog Presents and our shows go to www.linktr.ee/BlackFrogPresets or scan the QR code in our adverts in this publication.

(Geraint Watkins and I)

Multiple roles at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome

Accredited museum and award winning visitor attraction, Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is a charity and the largest surviving Great War aerodrome in Europe.

They are seeking volunteers for lots of different roles, including gallery stewards andtour guides, research and collections volunteers, and gardeners and maintenance crew.

Help teach adults to read

Could you volunteer a couple of hours of your time each week to make a real difference to someone’s life? Do you think that being able to read is a precious gift that every adult should have? If so, why not become a Read Easy volunteer reading coach?

Read Easy UK is a national charity whose aim is to help adults learn to read through free, friendly, 1:1 reading coaching, delivered by trained volunteers.

Minibus driver at city of Chelmsford Mencap

We need experienced and confident minibus drivers to enable our students to access activities, events and projects.

You will also support students and staff at their destination, whether it’s enjoying a day trip to the seaside, tending a community garden or developing independent living skills. We need drivers on most weekdays, but occasionally have evening and weekend opportunities. You can volunteer on a regular or ad-hoc basis.

Ward support volunteer - Broomfield Hospital

Volunteers are needed to assist and compliment the work of ward staff at Broomfield hospital in ensuring that patients that being discharged home can go home swiftly and without unnecessary delays that also free up hospital facilities. No personal or medical care required.

Sighted guide volunteer for sporting events

This role is intended for a keen sports fan! The role of the volunteer is to assist a blind or visually impaired person to get to the sporting event, provide support where needed at the event and get back to their home address safely. All costs will be covered and/or reimbursed by the charity.

Hosting volunteer - Chelmsford FoodCycle

FoodCycle combines surplus food, volunteers and free kitchen space to create nutritious, three-course meals, FREE for the community.

As a hosting volunteer, you’ll support the team in creating a warm, welcoming environment for our guests.

You’ll serve food, share a meal with our guest, encourage conversation and clean up after the meal.

Celebrate National Marine Week 2025 with Beach School Explorers!

National Marine Week 2025 (July 26th - August 10th) is the perfect time to connect with the wonders of our UK coastline and help protect our precious marine life. This annual celebration highlights the incredible biodiversity in our seas and inspires people of all ages to explore, learn, and take action to protect marine habitats.

One fantastic way to get involved is by joining our Beach School Explorers Holiday Clubs and Local Beach Safaris (www.bookwhen. com/beachschoolexplorers). These immersive sessions bring the beach school ethos to life; fostering curiosity, hands-on learning and a deep respect for the coastal environment.

Led by experienced beach school practitioners, children and families can discover rockpool creatures, search for strandline treasures and learn about the tides, wildlife and how to care for our shores.

Our Beach School Explorers Holiday Clubs run throughout National Marine Week, offering fun-packed sessions for children to build confidence, develop teamwork and fall in love with the outdoors.

Meanwhile, our guided Beach Safaris are perfect for families wanting to experience the hidden secrets of local beaches together, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting and eco-friendly beachcombing.

By booking onto our sessions, you’ll help spread the beach school ethos: nature connection, outdoor play and sustainability. Let’s inspire the next generation to become ocean guardians!

Places fill fast, so book your spot now! Visit www. beachschoolexplorers.co.uk to find your nearest Beach School Explorers Holiday Club or Beach Safari and make your National Marine Week truly memorable.

Wharam’s Wine Words

Welcome back, everyone to August’s Wine Words. Let’s talk Austria and Portugal. Vive la difference!

A Journey Through Two Distinct Terroirs and Rich Traditions

Wines are an integral part of many European cultures, embodying centuries of tradition, unique terroirs, and innovative craftsmanship. Among the world’s most intriguing wine regions are Austria and Portugal, each offering a diverse array of wines that reflect their distinct landscapes, climates and cultural histories. I have been exploring the rich wine traditions of Austria and Portugal, highlighting their key varieties, styles and what makes these regions stand out in the global wine landscape. We are very lucky to have such a wide variety of wines from these two very distinctly different countries, giving us huge opportunities to compare and contrast a cold and a hot climate and how this impacts on the styles available.

Austrian Wines: Elegant, Aromatic, and High-Quality Austria, situated in central Europe, has a long-standing wine tradition dating back to Roman times. Its wines are renowned for their elegance, aromatic complexity and high acid levels, which give them exceptional ageing potential. The country’s diverse climate and topography, ranging from steep mountain slopes to lush valleys, creates ideal conditions for producing a variety of grape types.

One of Austria’s most famous wine regions is the Wachau, located along the Danube River. The Wachau is celebrated for its high-quality Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines. Riesling from Wachau boasts notes of stone fruit, citrus, and minerality, often with a crisp, dry profile that accentuates its acidity. Grüner Veltliner, Austria’s flagship grape, is distinctive for its peppery, spicy notes combined with orchard fruit flavours. These wines are versatile, pairing well with Austrian cuisine, such as Wiener Schnitzel or Asian dishes. Try Lidl for an excellent dry Riesling this month.

Other notable regions include the Kamptal and Kremstal, which also excel in Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, and Styria, known for its Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc) and Sauvignon Blanc. Austrian wines often showcase restraint and freshness, emphasising purity of fruit and minerality. The country’s commitment to quality is evident in its growing recognition on the international stage, with many producers adopting sustainable practices and embracing organic viticulture.

In terms of winemaking techniques, Austria has seen a shift towards dry wines, moving away from the traditional sweet styles like Auslese and Beerenauslese, reflecting contemporary consumer preferences. The country’s wine laws and classifications ensure that quality is maintained, with DOC and DAC systems helping consumers identify premium wines.

Portuguese Wines: A Tapestry of Flavours and Heritage

Portugal’s wine history stretches back thousands of years, with a complex array of indigenous grape varieties and diverse terrains. The country’s landscape - from the lush vineyards of the Douro Valley to the sunny Alentejo plains - offers a wide canvas for winemaking, resulting in a portfolio that ranges from robust reds to delicate whites and famous fortified wines.

One of Portugal’s most iconic wine styles is Port, a fortified wine produced exclusively in the Douro Valley. Port wine is renowned worldwide for its richness, sweetness and complexity. Made primarily from indigenous varieties like Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz, Port is often aged in wood or bottle, developing intricate layers of flavour including dried fruits, spices, chocolate and nuts. There are several styles, including Ruby, Tawny and Vintage Port, each with its own character and ageing potential.

Beyond Port, the Douro region produces exceptional still wines, particularly red blends that are gaining international acclaim for their

structure and elegance. The Alentejo region, known as Portugal’s breadbasket, is famed for its full-bodied reds, especially those based on Aragonez (Tempranillo) and Trincadeira grapes, which are often characterised by ripe fruit, spice and smooth tannins. Whites from the same region, made from varieties like Antão Vaz and Arinto, are fresh, aromatic and mineral-driven.

The Vinho Verde region, located in the northwest, produces light, crisp white wines that are perfect for casual drinking or pairing with seafood. These wines, made from grapes such as Alvarinho and Loureiro, are known for their effervescence, acidity, and refreshing citrus notes.

Portugal also boasts numerous indigenous varieties that are slowly gaining recognition internationally, such as Baga from Bairrada, which produces tannic reds capable of ageing and the rare Pintado and Tinta Miúda varieties that contribute to Portugal’s diverse wine mosaic.

The country’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and traditional practices, combined with modern innovations, has helped elevate Portugal’s reputation as a top-quality wine producer. Affordability and unique profiles make Portuguese wines a favourite among wine enthusiasts seeking both value and complexity.

While Austria’s wine scene emphasises aromatic white wines and high acidity, Portugal’s portfolio is more diverse, spanning internationally recognised fortified wines like Port and a broad spectrum of reds and whites from indigenous grapes. Both countries, however, share a strong tradition of respecting terroir and preserving native grape varieties.

The climate differences influence their wine styles notably. Austria’s cooler climate favours crisp, aromatic whites and elegant reds, while Portugal’s often fiery summers allow for deep, intense reds and flavoursome whites.

I caught up with Ben Ruddy last week. His start in the trade was helped by his upbringing and his family’s love of wine. Well-travelled throughout Europe, Ben decided he wanted to get involved in his mid-twenties, so with the help of his father, they started tasting, he then took a WSET course at The County Hotel (do look up Essex Wine School if you’re interested in studying to any level - they run courses for consumers too at The Chelmsford Club in New London Road) and found his niche.

Working for several large chains in hospitality gave Ben a wide range of skills necessary to succeed in what is a very challenging and demanding field, but he always wanted to work for an independent operator in order to allow his burgeoning knowledge to flourish. He opened Cosy Club as restaurant manager, then went on to a GM role with Greene King, finally meeting Hans Oelfse of Chelmsford BrewCo some three years ago after the covid lockdown. He had just purchased what many of us would have known as either The Hot House, 59 or The Bottle Bureau on the corner of New Street and Waterloo Lane, opposite the cathedral. Hans had introduced his excellent locally brewed beers, then up stepped Ben. Three years on and we have one of the most successful, innovative and funky underground bars for miles around.

August sees the launch of two events at Voodoo, one being Sip and Paint on Saturday 9th and Wine Tasting on Thursday 14th - see the socials for details. Ben’s love of wine has seen some very diverse countries represented on the bar and two of his recent favourites come from Funkstille in Austria. We tried both the Riesling and the Zweigelt from the 2023 vintage. Meaning ‘Radio Silence’ in German, the philosophy of innovation and tradition shine through in both of these excellent examples. Voodoo features a wine of the month, special offers, wines by the glass - and they are planning lots of exciting new events throughout the year.

You can contact me for details of my wine events in Chelmsford via Instagram: @philipwharam. The next one is Austria and Portugal at 7pm on Friday 8th August at The Chelmsford Club.

For over 40 years, Sue Burton BEM, has been working tirelessly to provide care and rehabilitation to animals who have been abused and neglected.

Sue set up Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary in 1983, along with her friend Patricia Bacon, following the plight of the horses on Rainham Marshes, where over 100 horses were left on the bleak marshland. As the water inlets flooded, they became cut off, which resulted in 13 horses dying in the most awful conditions.

Shortly after this dreadful event, Sue came across Remus, our namesake, a poor horse that had been stolen and starved for three months in a feud between two people. Remus was eventually left tied to a lamp post in the most horrific bodily condition and, despite all possible help, his suffering was so bad that he eventually had to be put to sleep.

Over the years, Remus has helped thousands of animals, the majority of which have been equines, but the sanctuary also looks after cats, sheep and goats and used to house pigs and cattle. Nowadays the sanctuary, which is based just outside Ingatestone in Essex, has over 100 animals that it provides lifetime care for.

Remus embraces holistic care, alongside the superb work of their species-specific vets and it was the first sanctuary in the UK to be chosen by the Shelter Animal Reiki Association organisation in America to be their founding UK sanctuary.

Older horses, ponies and donkeys benefit from the solarium on-site, with the sanctuary having gained over the years a reputation for its work with older horses. Some of the Remus horses have lived to over 50 years in age, which is testament to the knowledge and care the team have provided to their elderly horse population.

You’ll also find a laminitic barn and woodchip paddocks at the sanctuary which cater for the needs of animals suffering with laminitis, a very painful and sometimes life-limiting foot condition.

Last year, Sue received a Medal of Order of the British Empire (BEM) for her services to equine welfare. Upon receiving the medal, Sue said, “There are two main reasons why I formed the sanctuary. Firstly, I cared passionately about animals and the way they suffered at the hands of humans. And secondly, I have always had a great belief in wrong and right and total respect for all living creatures - be they animals or humans. I could not believe that in this country we could stand by and watch an animal suffer and die needlessly and that we would not all move mountains to ensure it never happened again.”

Looking to the future, Sue would like to create more woodchip paddocks to enable laminitic horses to enjoy a better quality of life,

plus there’s also some stables which need replacing.

With annual running costs of around £450K, this means there are challenges ahead to secure the income needed for the everyday running of the sanctuary and to provide facilities which give support and comfort to the animals.

The sanctuary staff and volunteers work hard to raise funds through sponsorship and membership programmes, recycling ventures, applying to trusts and local businesses for support and through organising events.

Events coming up this year include their popular Open Days, which take place on the first Sunday of the month until October, Afternoon Teas, a Holistic Therapies Workshop on Sunday 24th August and a Wellness & Pamper Fair at Stock Village Hall on Sunday 12th October.

For a full list of events please visit www.remussanctuary.org/events. You can also find out lots of information about life at Remus and ways to support their work at www.remussanctuary.org.

01277 356191 info@remussanctuary.org

Instagram: Instagram.com/RemusHorseSanctuary Facebook: facebook.com/RemusHorseSanctuary

Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary, Little Farm, Buttsbury, Ingatestone CM4 9NZ

The Sea Bass That Stole the Show (And Possibly the Wine) -

There’s something about sea bass that feels like it’s turned up to dinner wearing sunglasses and a crisp white shirt - elegant, effortless and ever so slightly smug. And when it’s been marinated in cumin and turmeric, panseared to golden perfection and laid lovingly over a bed of chorizo-spiked peas with curried onions and crispy, golden potatoes? That’s not a meal. That’s a moment.

But wait, there’s more.

This dish doesn’t just flirt with flavour - it flirts with fun. So I’ve added a little game to spice up your evening (because let’s face it, why should the wine have all the fun?). Whether it’s a Tuesday night treat or you’re wooing guests at the weekend, this sea bass stunner is both sultry and surprising. Let’s dive in.

Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Chorizo Peas, Crispy Potatoes & Parsley Chimichurri

Ingredients (serves 2 very lucky people)

For the sea bass:

• 2 sea bass fillets, skin on.

• 1 tsp ground cumin.

• ½ tsp turmeric.

• Salt and black pepper.

• Olive oil.

For the chorizo peas:

• 100g cooking chorizo, diced.

• 1 small onion, finely sliced.

• 1 tsp curry powder.

• 200g frozen peas.

• Knob of butter.

For the crispy potatoes:

• 400g baby potatoes, halved.

• Olive oil, salt, and a dash of paprika.

For the chimichurri:

• Small bunch fresh parsley.

• 1 small garlic clove.

• ½ small red onion.

• 1 tsp red wine vinegar.

• 2 tbsp olive oil.

• Pinch of chilli flakes (optional but encouraged).

Method to the Madness

1. Preheat your oven to 200oC (fan).

2. Potatoes first: Toss halved baby potatoes in olive oil, salt and paprika. Roast for 30-35 minutes until crisp and golden, shaking the tray halfway through.

3. Marinate your bass: Dust the fillets with cumin, turmeric, salt and pepper. Let them sit and soak in that sunshine while you work your magic elsewhere.

4. For the peas: Sauté the sliced onion gently in a little oil until soft and just golden. Add curry powder and chorizo and cook until the chorizo releases its oils and smells like your Spanish holiday flirtation. Toss in the peas and a knob of butter. Heat through and set aside.

5. Chimichurri: Blitz (or finely chop) parsley, garlic, red onion, vinegar and olive oil into a chunky, punchy green dressing. Add chilli flakes if you’re feeling bold. This should be zingy enough to make your tongue dance.

6. The moment of truth - sea bass time: Heat a non-stick pan until hot. Drizzle in a little olive oil and place your fish skin-side down. Press down gently with a spatula for the first 30 seconds (to

avoid curling). Cook for 2-3 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip and cook for a further 1-2 minutes. Done.

7. To plate: Spoon your curried chorizo peas onto each plate, place the sea bass lovingly on top, scatter your potatoes around and drizzle with the chimichurri. Step back. Admire. Applaud.

The Game: What’s the Secret Spice?

While everyone’s tucking in, here’s a little game to keep the chatter flowing and the competitive spirits high...

Instructions:

Before you serve, sneak in one secret ingredient into your chimichurri or chorizo mix - something subtle but exciting. A grating of lemon zest, a pinch of scotch bonnet, or a splash of pomegranate molasses. Challenge your guests to figure it out. The first person to guess correctly gets:

• The honour of second helpings.

• A kitchen karaoke solo (optional, but encouraged).

• Or the sacred right to name the dish forevermore.

• It’s a dinner. It’s a show. It’s a culinary whodunnit.

Wine Pairing: Something Fresh, Something Zippy

This dish calls for a crisp white wine with backbone - something that can dance with the chorizo and not get scared off by the spice.

Albariño: Zesty, citrusy and a seafood whisperer. Picpoul de Pinet: Bright, clean, and almost fizzy with charm. Dry Riesling: If you like a hint of sweetness with spice, this one’s your new best friend. No wine? A chilled elderflower spritz with a dash of lime is equally dazzling.

Final Tips to Make It Wow

Skin-crisping secret: Pat the fish dry, salt the skin, and make sure the pan is hot-hot, not just warm.

More heat? Add fresh red chilli to the peas. Going veggie? Swap chorizo for smoked paprika, sundried tomatoes and mushrooms sautéed together.

Whether you’re trying to impress, express, or just indulge in a moment of culinary flair, this sea bass beauty is here to deliver drama, depth and a touch of dinner table theatre. Now go forth and sear with confidence.

Believe the Hype - By Parlour

It has been one long hot summer so far, and this year instead of enjoying it in a beer garden, we’re working inside a pub kitchen.

Yep, The Oddfellow’s Arms on Springfield Road is now Parlour’s permanent home.

It has been almost 5 years (October this year is Parlour’s 5th birthday) since I started a lockdown takeaway service from my house, and I have been operating out of my own kitchen ever since… it has been hectic.

It’s been a long time coming to move the business from home and into an industrial kitchen - and now you can come and dine-out with Parlour and various other popups and collaborations at ‘the Odds’.

Unfortunately due to having not had the time to eat anywhere else whilst we launch the kitchen I haven’t had anyone to shout about in this article, so here is some more about what we are getting up to at the pub so you can come and support local and dine with us.

Currently we have Fried Chicken Fridays - a collab with Never Not Cooking; four different flavours of secret blend fried chicken burger, already being hailed as ‘best burger in Chelmsford’ (a quote from a local supporter who has been to the pub several times already, so it must be a decent burger), along with a homemade bhaji patty for a vegetarian alternative.

A summer taco menu with Indian-style smoked meats and flavours including an ox cheek and a samosa chaat taco.

There’s a treat fuelled bake-box collection every Friday with The Hungry Tribe Bake Box (new menus out weekly) and future collaborations in the pipeline with local businesses/chefs and home-cooks, starting with a daytime party on Bank Holiday Sunday 24th August…

We are teaming up with local promoter Smiley Culture to bring you a bank holiday Sunday filled with soulful house, disco and pool-side flavoured beats, a kitchen takeover with a mouth-watering Italian-influenced popup menu by The Hungry Tribe, including slow cooked ragu smothered hot dogs and Napoli dirty fries dripping with burrata - what is not to like here?

Finally, the return of the Indian thali alternative roast dinner - a feast worthy of leaving the house for from every last Sunday of the month beginning 28th September.

If you are ever in need of catering for an event, buying office lunches or just fancy a bespoke menu curated by us to finish at home for you and your guests, just send us an email at parlourcatering@gmail.com and we can chat about how to make your special days even better with good food sourced from local suppliers. You can also visit parlour-catering.co.uk for more updates and info.

A shout-out to our butcher Farm2Table, and also, here’s just a few of our fave spots in Chelmsford just because we love them so go check them: Voodoo Keller Bar,

The Cricketers Pub (Moulsham Street), Young’s Fish Market, Pinchos, The Italian Supermarket, Hot Box, Patch Places, Fete, Chelmsford Brew Co, Leks Thai, Essex Foodies Festival - the list goes on, but the more we support local then the more Chelmsford can thrive as somewhere fun to live.

All our experiences are paid for to support local, independent businesses and to try and help keep our community buzzing with great places to eat and drink.

Find out more at @parlour_presents

Life at Moulsham St Luke’s...

‘We’re all going on a summer holidayno more working for a week or two’ a wonderful fun song first brought to our ears by Cliff Richard. It reminds us that a break is important for us - and if you cannot make it to a holiday resort, perhaps you can take a day out or a trip to sit on a bench with a different view, it will help your well-being and hopefully increase your zest for living.

Jesus seemed to attract people in their time off, in fact on this day, they followed him for miles, listening to his stories and enjoying a day out in the fresh air. The disciples realised that the people were getting hungry, but nobody had brought any food. Suddenly a little boy appeared with his packed lunch, but five loaves and two fishes were not much to share between 5,000 people.

Andrew took the boy and his packed lunch to Jesus, who gratefully received it, blessed it and encouraged the disciples to share it. The food went on and on - until everyone was fed and 12 basketfuls of food was left over. Sometimes we just need the faith to achieve our goal. Jesus cared so much for the people around him and was willing to accept just a little, which in faith became a lot!

St Luke’s has been blessed with a year of fundraising events and successfully applying for grants, resulting in us achieving our goal so quickly that the work to repair our large hall will begin in September. We had a little, and through some wonderful community events, and lots of love, we now seem to have enough.

The works will take over our hall and car park for the autumn term. Could you support our eco church goals by walking to playschool and dancing? If it is too far, then street parking will be the answer for a couple of months, thank you for your support with this.

This year I went to the Bradwell Pilgrimage. It was a very peaceful day, although a bit windy. We walked together for about 40 minutes to the small chapel called St Peter on the Wall. It is a reminder of St Cedd who brought Christianity to our part of Essex way back in 653AD. The key note speaker, Elaine Storkey, was encouraging. She encouraged us to think about where we place our hope. As Christians we have hope because of our risen Lord Jesus. It is good to be reminded.

This time of the year has mixed emotions as a season of leaving and moving on. We blessed our children moving on to school with a book, given from the church, to children in Little Acorns Pre-School and Edward Bear Baby and Toddler Group. For me, part of holiday is the chance to read a book for fun. I hope that you get a chance to read and relax, to holiday, so that you feel refreshed.

We had a fun quiz night and the end of June, look out for our next one! On the right is a photo of the winning table that was made up of several individuals and couples that came along - they called themselves Magnificent 6+3.

Reverend Canon Stephanie Gillingham

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

Oaklands Infant School

As the school year draws to a close, Oaklands is bursting with pride over a year filled with achievement, joy, and growth. From an outstanding Ofsted report to a calendar packed with enriching activities, it’s been a truly remarkable journey for our pupils, staff and families.

One of the year’s crowning achievements was receiving our ‘Outstanding’ ratings from Ofsted. Inspectors praised the school’s commitment to high-quality teaching, inclusive values and the nurturing environment that allows every child to thrive. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our staff and parents and the enthusiasm of course, of our learners.

Throughout the year, children have taken part in a wide range of activities that have broadened their horizons and sparked their imaginations. From PE competitions and art exhibitions to outdoor learning adventures, Beach Day, visitors in school and musical performances, every child has had the opportunity to explore, create and shine.

As we head into the summer holidays, we encourage all families to keep the magic of reading alive. Whether it’s sharing bedtime stories, visiting the local library, or diving into a new book under

a shady tree, reading helps children maintain their learning momentum and discover new worlds. Let’s make this summer a season of stories!

We’re also excited to welcome our newest pupils who will be starting school in September. At Oaklands, we place great emphasis on helping our youngest learners build independence as they prepare for school life.

Developing confidence in toileting, getting dressed and recognising their own name are important milestones that support a smooth transition into the classroom. Providing your child/children with opportunities to mark-making and practise cutting and sticking - all activities that will strengthen their fine motor skills and creativity.

These small steps will ensure your child/children feel capable, confident, and ready to embrace the exciting journey of learning.

We look forward to seeing their bright smiles and curious minds as they begin their learning journey with us in September.

From Oaklands, we wish all the Moulsham community a very safe and happy summer holidays.

Hello everyone, I hope you are well and, for those with school children, are enjoying the summer holidays. The year is flying by and it won’t seem too long when school uniforms are in the shops once more.

We have been on our travels in the motorhome again and spent a lot of time on motorways - M5, M6, A1M to name but a few. They all have one thing in common. Some appear to be taking out the hard shoulder (I thought they were going to stop those), and some making the ridiculous emergency-stop areas more frequent and larger. I do worry about breaking down. I wonder what, if your engine goes into limp mode just after a lay-by, the journey to the next one at 20 miles an hour must be a nightmare.

On most motorways there some temporary speed limits, mostly 50mph. How is it that so many drivers can totally ignore these and fly down the outside lane at great speed? A local example is the Badddow by-pass (yes, I know it isn’t a motorway). While we were away, a 40mph limit has been installed. Not sure why, perhaps it so that you don’t knock the cones over. I say there is a limit, but 90% of vehicles shoot past me every time I use it. They either don’t see it, worryingly ignore it, or very worryingly don’t care. Well, you know what it means. I think they need to put some cameras there - they may make enough money to help pay for the new Army and Navy junction!

The weather in the Lakes was warm, very warm on a few days, but summer there tends to be a bit changeable - see the photo! There are some lovely places to visit though.

This month’s funny animal story. It was the moment Inky, an octopus at New Zealand’s national aquarium, had been waiting for. The lid to his tank was left opennot by much, but enough. Being an octopus, he has no bones, so he can fit through very small gaps - and through the gap Inky squished, slithering down a 50 metre drainpipe before disappearing into the sea.

He’s not been back...

According to the manager of the Aquarium, Rob Yarrell, octopuses are famous escape artists. Inky was described as ‘such a curious boy. He would want to know what was happening on the outside’.

Well, Inky isn’t alone. Other octopuses have also gone rogue!

I recently read a review of the new Aston Martin Vanquish sports car - they were testing the convertible version, which uses a V12 engine that is capable of 214mph. It can reach 60mph in less than four seconds. Now, I have to ask, why is it so powerful? In lots of places in the UK, it is not possible to reach 60mph in urban areas. The national speed limit is 70mph but as I mentioned earlier, a good number of motorways have 50mph limit at the moment. To cap it all, it’s going to cost around £450,000 with some extras!

The reviewer mentioned that the new James Bond film may include one. Well, I think I may give that a miss, I would hate to see such and expensive car being written off or badly damaged!

When talking to my grandchildren about television, I don’t think they believed me that we did not have one until I was eight years old and

that all we could get was one channel from the BBC. There was no colour and it had a 12-inch screen. The picture was fuzzy, but oh how we enjoyed watching programmes. A lot of them probably would not be aired today. One that sticks in my mind was Flower Pot Men. This involved a weed in between two flowers in pots. Nothing too controversial there. But the problem was that although the flowers could talk, they spoke their own language - and it wasn’t English! I don’t think that would be accepted now.

Shortly after we got our TV, ITV was launched, so, yippee, two channels to watch. Then, the big change, Colour televisions were available in 1967. The sets were bigger then, but not by much.

Now. We have internet TV, with a choice of up to 400 programmes. However, I have my doubts that I would watch some of them.

But if you like watching sport, for example, there are more than ten channels, loads of cookery programmes and countless ‘old’ programmes that can take you back to the sixties.

So there you go children, back in the day you could watch up to 4 channels, so you would have plenty of time to play on gaming machines and the like... We called them marbles and noughts and crosses!

Bin End Chuckles

I know that they say that money talks, but all mine says is goodbye...

My wife has just found out I replaced our bed with a trampoline. She hit the ceiling...

Stay safe and look after each other.

Grove Road Evangelical Church

George Herbert lived from 1593 to 1633. He was known as a poet and as a writer of Christian hymns. He became a minister of the Church of England in an Anglican parish near Salisbury in 1630, but died of TB three years later at the age of only 39.

He wrote, as death grew closer, “Death used to be an executioner, but the gospel has made him just a gardener.” In other words, the gospel, the good news of Jesus coming into the world, of him dying as Saviour, and rising again as Lord, transformed the reality of death for him, and for all who put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

As he approached his death from TB, George Herbert said this: “I shall be free from sin and all the temptations and anxieties that attend it... I shall dwell… where these eyes shall see my Master and Saviour.” He knew where he was going when he died, and that was to be in the presence of the Lord Jesus for ever, free from all that had made his life so full of troubles.

You can find some of George Herbert’s hymns in a good hymnbook or by searching online. When you read them, notice all the good things that he says that the Lord Jesus Christ had done for him, including the joy that he brought to him even when his life was full of sorrows.

We, like George Herbet, can find the same assurance and peace in the face of life’s troubles, even in the face of death, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

How? We can read the Bible, attend a church, pray to the Lord Jesus, and most importantly of all, put our faith in the Lord Jesus and so find eternal life, just like George Herbert did.

Philip Loose, Senior Pastor

Grove Road Evangelical Church (Behind Tesco Express, Moulsham Street) www.grecuk.co.uk pastor@grecuk.co.uk

It was while I was researching various connections to my Italian ancestor in London during the Victorian period, that I came across an interesting character who hailed from Essex.

William Shaen was born at Hatfield Peveral on 31st October 1820. Hatfield Peveral at that time, like most Essex villages, was small and mainly consisted of agricultural areas.

The nearby larger towns of Colchester, Braintree and Chelmsford would have been considerably busier, but this small area of the county had produced someone who was to become a British radical and a champion for women’s rights and education amongst other things.

He was born into an affluent family and his parents Samuel and Rebecca were Unitarians and Samuel was also a lawyer, so William’s upbringing would undoubtedly have had an influence over his ideas and future prospects. His father had also been one of the first county magistrates to be appointed, despite having non-conformist views and at a time when religious beliefs played a very important role in one’s status.

With his future in mind, and to ensure their son had the appropriate education, William was sent to a non-conformist school in Brighton. His education continued in London from 1833-36, attending the University College School, reading Classics and graduating in 1840, further achieving an MA in 1842. This was at the height of the Victorian period, change was happening but there were enormous hurdles to jump across, especially for women.

Shaen continued his learning at The University of Edinburgh, where studying Law he had planned to become a barrister. However, he subsequently chose to become a solicitor and was articled as a trainee solicitor to William Henry Ashurst in 1844 (the firm still exists in London). Once he had completed his traineeship, he qualified in 1848 and went on to create the Metropolitan & Provincial Law Association.

In 1851 he married his sweetheart, Emily Winkworth. William, at this time, was already moving in the circles of the upper classes in

Finch

London so this would have been ideal with his ambitious attitude. Many of those he knew believed and were advocating social and political reform.

My interest in William Shaen was his meeting and close connection with the Italian exile Guiseppe Mazzini. At this time, there was, in Clerkenwell especially, a large Italian contingent and an exceptional amount of children begging. This was highlighted in Charles Dickens’ book, Oliver Twist which was based on his observations of the poverty and plight of the children at that time.

My ancestor was pivotal in helping these poorly treated and neglected children and his association also with Mazzini brought to light this unknown Essex man. Shaen and Mazzini set up a school in Greville Street, near to Chancery Lane for the Italian children in the area. Today it is long gone, but a plaque can be seen - a reminder of the darker times of child slavery.

It was as his career developed that William supported a variety of causes, both in Britain and overseas. These included the abolition of slavery, women’s education and suffrage.

His passion for women’s education connected him with likeminded individuals and allowed him the opportunities to establish the London School of Medicine for Women and be involved with Bedford College, which was the first place to provide university level of education specifically for women. Many of the subjects studied there would have been out of the question for women at that time.

William Shaen died suddenly at his Kensington home in 1887 and is buried in Kensal Green cemetery.

Despite being somewhat unknown, this Essex man left a legacy as noted by his daughter and others. He was known as ‘generous, principled, persistent and courageous, attacking great wrongs and fighting overwhelming odds, a weak course, growing stronger in his hands’.

Even though he resided in London for most of his life, we should not forget where he originated from. Once again we can show that someone with Essex roots can make a difference and benefit others.

Sunshine and Yoga - By Eleanor Searle

The sun is out and we Brits are divided in our enjoyment of this hot weather. Despite this, most of us routinely head off over the summer to sunnier climates.

Whether you have honed your summer body or thought about it and then found other priorities to fill your time, it can be hard to fit in the time to exercise over the summer, what with school holidays and many of us heading off on holiday and away from our normal routine.

I know a few super-humans, who run, go to the gym and practice yoga while on holiday, as they have perfected a routine and love the benefits of physical activity, but most mortals let it slide whilst working on their tan, heading off on an adventure or occupying their kids in the pool.

At Hummingbird, we provide small group online classes in addition to those in the studio so that our clients can keep up their practice with their favourite teachers while they are away.

For those of you who have always fancied joining a yoga/pilates class, you too can choose to join us for an online class and see how lovely it can be to practice while you are away. The teacher can monitor your practice on the screen and give you tips during the class to perfect your technique; it is the next best thing to being there yourself and a

million times better than following a pre-recorded video.

If you’d like to see how online pilates/yoga classes can improve your summer, book now at www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk and choose the online class option.

The first person to join us quoting this article can claim a beautiful Wolf & Mermaid yoga travel mat - you must be able to collect it from our studio.

MT Finance: How Global Investment Can Diversify Your Portfolio

It’s a good idea to spread your portfolio around the world. We explain the benefits of geographical diversification in this month’s article. One of the basic principles of investing is diversification. Spreading money across different asset classes - for instance using bonds, property and a little bit in other areas, such as infrastructure or gold - can help smooth out returns without compromising overall performance too much.

It’s also good idea to spread your portfolio around the world. Holding investments from different geographical areas can further spread risk so you don’t have all your eggs in one basket. However, there can be extra risks such as currency exchange movements when investing in overseas stock markets. When the pound strengthens it can water down returns from overseas assets but when it is weak it can boost values.

How Investing Globally Helps You Maximise Opportunities

A wide geographic approach can also maximise opportunity. No country has all the best investment opportunities, so making sure you have some money invested in all the major areas helps to cover all bases.

For instance, here in the UK there is a mature, diverse stock market, but it is lacking in certain areas. There aren’t any major tech firms and its biased to areas such as oil and banks, which although arguably offering value, do have some headwinds. Big energy firms must contend with a multi-decade trend of decarbonisation, while banks continue to face an era of very low interest rates which makes it more difficult for them to generate profits.

Geographic boundaries mean less these days, but having a good global spread can helps ensure your portfolio is diversified. Plus, although different stock markets are often ‘correlated’ with one another (ie, they tend to move up and down together) they do tend to produce different returns at different times with ‘leadership’ varying from month to month and year to year.

There are few discernible patterns in the table. If an area is top one year, or fares well for a few years in a row, it does not mean the following year will be strong too. Past performance is not a guide to the future, and it is hard to anticipate where the next ‘best’ returns will come from.

Why Care Must Be Taken if Following Past Performance

One mistake investors sometimes make is allocating too much to one area and becoming too reliant on its fortunes. Diversification across regions can secure strong long-term returns while avoiding this dependence. Investors often use funds to provide wide-ranging exposure to a geographic area or asset class. Each fund owns dozens

of different companies. By holding several funds specialising in various areas it’s possible to build a very diversified portfolio quickly and simply. Alternatively, you can consider a global fund that covers all the main areas for you.

How to invest in a global index tracker

One simple and usually low-cost way to diversify geographically is through passive fund investments or tracker funds. These aim to replicate the performance of a market rather than beat it as an active fund would. They do this by owning all or most of the companies that make up that market’s index.

A global equity index fund offers a spread of holdings from around the world - offering instant access the world’s largest companies. Exposure is overwhelmingly to developed countries rather than higher risk emerging markets. Presently, the top ten holdings in a typical global index tracker are:

Nvidia, Microsoft, Apple. Amazon. Alphabet. Meta (Facebook) Broadcom, Tesla, JP Morgan Chase, Berkshire Hathaway (Source: FE Analytics, July 2025)

As you might expect, the largest businesses - and thus the top holdings in the fund - are mostly found in the US, especially in the technology space, so around two thirds of a typical tracker fund is invested there. That’s more than there’s been historically and is largely to do with the considerable returns from the internet and e-commerce giants over the past decade leading them to become larger weights. Although the make-up changes over time the geographic exposure of a global tracker at present can be expected to be around:

USA 72%, Japan 5%, UK 4%, France 3%, Canada 3%, Others 13% (Source: MSCI, July 2025)

Some commentators argue that global markets have become lopsided as a result of the out performance of the tech sector in recent years. Investors wanting less US or technology exposure may wish to diversify further by buying some other funds alongside. There are some ideas on the Charles Stanley Direct Preferred List for doing so. In particular, global trackers contain little or no exposure to emerging markets such as China, or even the UK. Yet for those wanting to focus purely on the world’s largest companies through global investment funds, a tracker fund is a great place to start. ‘Active’ managers often struggle to find an edge when analysing large global businesses so well covered by the investment community.

The primary consideration when selecting a tracker is cost. Using funds with the lowest charging structures can, over the long term especially, translate to higher returns. Further options include actively managed global funds and global investment trusts where fund managers try to select a combination of investments that beat the index.

Graham Austin, Chartered FCSI, Investment Director

Graham.Austin@charles-stanley.co.uk 0207 149 6696

The value of investments can fall as well as rise. Investors may get back less than invested. Past performance is not a reliable guide to future returns. The information in this article is for general information purposes and is not a trading recommendation. Charles Stanley is not a tax adviser.

Nothing in this article should be construed as personal advice based on your circumstances. No news or research item is a personal recommendation to deal.

Charles Stanley & Co. Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: Ropemaker Place, 25 Ropemaker Street, London EC2Y 9LY.

Ranked performance (%) of major investment areas over the past ten calendar years.

The Peculiar Summer Months

As I write this it’s 16th July and it’s 28 degrees outside. My article last month was about keeping cool in the summer, and I was planning on writing an article about how exercise affects us in the winter, but due to the continued hot weather, I’m writing a second part to last month’s article. This is my second summer as a full-time fitness instructor/ personal trainer, and I wanted to share my thoughts on how peculiar the summer months are in this industry.

I had a lady ring me up a few days ago asking if I was running my fitness classes over the summer. The reason she wanted to know was because the class she attended was closing for this period. That got me thinking; I’m always on the lookout for new venues for my classes since I haven’t got my own premises. Some venues are term-time only. I guess this affects all fitness professionals and their clients alike.

Luckily for me, the venues that I rent are all open over the summer, so I’m not affected. However, I’m wondering what happens to all the people that don’t have classes during this period - what do they do? I’ll come back to that in a bit.

The summer months are peculiar in this industry. The combination of venues closing due to school holidays, and people being away over the summer months

can affect the number of clients you have and your income. This year, there is an additional dimension - the good weather. Because we’ve had so many hot days this year, it’s resulted in people cancelling their sessions. I can only remember one day last year that I had to cancel a session - not so this summer!

Back to the cancellation of classes during the summer months. August 2024 was a painful month for me because so many people were on holiday, and this resulted in smaller numbers in some of my classes.

I just want to give a bit shout-out to the seated exercise classes - they were the least affected. This August, I decided to give the Boxercise class a break. As some of you may know, I’ve been trialling a new small studio, so I’ve decided to run a couple of Boxercise classes at the new studio.

This way, people can still do the class and try out a new venue and possibly a new structure.

I’ve got the benefit of an additional facility, but what happens if your class doesn’t run over the summer? The lady that sparked the whole conversation is going to come along and try out one of my seated exercise classes. It looks like someone else’s loss might be my gain. But what happens in September? Will she go back to her old class?

I guess from an instructor’s point of view, venue closures can be either a problem or an opportunity. You could trial new venues or even go outdoors (that’s a story for another day). Another option could be to hold classes on-line. Where there’s a will, there’s a way All I can say is, roll on autumn!

www.beencouragedwellness.co.uk www.facebook.com/BeEncouragedBeStrong

We’ve now started our allotment project and are making some progress with the first 3 areas now set up and some vegetables now growing.

However, the third section has a lot of large stones/rocks and this is proving time consuming to dig over and remove, so we have made an ad-hoc sieve frame which is making it slightly easier to sort out.

We think by winter we should have progressed up most of the plot and hopefully will have a crop plan.

We have already harvested gooseberries and rhubarb and they have made excellent crumbles. Some unidentified squash plants have self seeded, but we are leaving them to see what actually grows - maybe pumpkins for Halloween!

via www.newcityvoices.co.uk.

As with all organisations you need a small forest of policies, and while we are a small charity, we still need quite a few. Our office manager Jo has been very busy making sure we have all the necessary policies, and by autumn we’ll be fully covered. This is no mean feat as it requires you to create policies specific to your organisation and rewrites and reviews until a satisfactory policy is then adopted.

We have now appointed a couple of new trustees and have also welcomed back an original. Trustees are important volunteers who are responsible for the running of the charity and make all the important decisions about what we do and how we spend our money.

If you are interested in becoming a charity trustee - not just at MLCT - my advice would be to volunteer first and get involved, for two reasons: 1) to make sure it fits you, your time and your interests, and 2) it shows the charity commitment and that you are willing to be part of the team.

Some of our volunteers have become trustees and we have invited them to the trustee board as they meet both of the above criteria. But you can just volunteer; it doesn’t matter whether its one hour a month or one hour a day, it all helps. Any of the trustees will be happy to have a chat if this does interest you.

The Community Station and Copper Pot Café are open Monday to Friday, 8am till 4pm and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.

On Saturday the 6th of September,

St

Church

are available

www.mlct.org.uk enquiries@mlct.org.uk 07434 678 999

An Update From Moulsham Lodge Ward - By Ashley Thompson & Simon

Goldman

Inspiring Futures and Community Updates

The recent Skills Festival was a fantastic celebration of opportunity, with over 1,500 students from across Chelmsford enjoying a vibrant day of career discovery. Held at ARU Writtle, the event gave Year 8 pupils hands-on experiences with local employers, colleges, and training providers - all designed to help students start thinking about their futures.

From construction tools and virtual reality healthcare simulations to creative arts and finance, there was something for everyone. It was great to see students from Moulsham High School engaging so enthusiastically. That said, only a small group of Year 8 students attended - and we’d love to see the whole year group there next time.

Year 8 is such a key moment, with pupils beginning to choose their GCSEs. Events like this help them connect school subjects to real careers and spark ambitions they may not have considered before. The feedback from students and employers was overwhelmingly positive, and we’re already looking forward to next year.

We’d encourage parents to speak with the school about the value of wider attendance - it’s a truly inspiring day that opens young minds and helps shape bright futures.

Work Begins at John Shennan Play Area

We’re pleased to report that improvement works have now begun at the John Shennan play area. While the project experienced delays due to other ongoing commitments and the very sad passing of a

much-loved member of the parks team, progress is now underway. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding during what has been a difficult period. The play area, once completed, will offer a refreshed, inclusive space for local families/children to enjoy.

Sunday Fun at the Model Railway

If you’re looking for a relaxing and affordable summer activity, don’t miss the model railway sessions every Sunday from 2-4pm. I recently had the chance to visit and can genuinely say it’s a hidden gem. With a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours with the family. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or simply after a wholesome weekend outing, it’s well worth popping down - and don’t forget to try the cakes!

We hope you all have a great summer break and if you have any local issues, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

simon.goldman@chelmsfordlibdems.org.uk ashley.thompson@chelmsfordlibdems.org.uk

Or follow us on the following platforms: Chelmsford Liberal Democrats Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChelmsLibDems @chelmsfordlibdems.bsky.social Facebook: Simon Goldman - Moulsham Lodge Councillor YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChelmsfordLibDems

www.moulshamtimes.com

New City Voices are performing at

Luke’s

on Gloucester Avenue in aid of Chelmsford Lions. Tickets

Tile Kiln Corner - By Cllr Linda Mascot

3 Years on Mildmay Primary School, 2024-25

We are just about to see the sun set on our third year as a primary school. Children have met their teacher for next year and Year 6 have started saying goodbye as they prepare for secondary school in September, and we have welcomed the new Reception children at two induction mornings introducing them to the Mildmay Community. What better time, then, to look back on what has certainly been a year of both challenge and success.

Like a lot of schools, we went into this academic year fully aware that, somewhere along the way, we would be visited by Ofsted. As a ‘new’ school, our period of grace was over and the inspectors would be here to assess the quality of education and experience for the children. We had to wait until May 12th for, the phone call - which incidentally was also the first day of the Key Stage 2 SATs! Such fun! I’m always proud of the children and my team of staff, but that week I was especially proud. The inspection went smoothly and positively from the outset and we we’re rewarded with four ‘Good’ judgements and ‘Outstanding’ for Personal Development. The report (which you can find on our website if you’re interested at mildmayprimary.org) makes lots of extremely positive comments about life at this school.

In this business, with the highs come some significant lows. It was with great sadness that we returned for the Spring Term in January without one of our most beloved members of staff, Mrs Julie Mixture, who lost a short battle with cancer at Christmas. While rocked by this loss, tragedy struck again in February when one of the school children also lost a medical battle and passed away unexpectedly.

It is only when these things happen that you truly realise just how much the school community does for everyone associated. Just this weekend, 23 staff (past and present) and a number of children took part in the Chelmsford Race for Life, remembering Julie (and others) and raising a whopping £13,000 for Cancer Research UK. Spring was a difficult term, but we all soldiered on; children, after all, only get one shot at school and need it functioning, whatever the difficulty.

On March 24th we finally opened a school-run Instagram account (@mildmay.primary) to celebrate the special events, the fabulous achievements and the day-to-day learning throughout the school year; actually we closed the Twitter/X account as the tone of that platform

Time for Something

was no longer in keeping with our preferences.

Feel free to follow the school Instagram page to see what we’re always getting up to, whether it’s WW2 evacuees, guide dogs, refugee week, sporting achievements, public speaking, educational visits, maypole dancing, visiting authors or, indeed, anything else.

One of our biggest highlights this year has been the expansion of our practice of teaching basic British Sign Language (BSL) to all our children. Mildmay has long been home to a Resource Base for Deaf Children and the last 18 months have seen the team design, write, implement and expand a BSL curriculum for all children. The extent to which some of our children can converse in BSL with both deaf and hearing peers is quite remarkable and many have received praise and celebration from outside of school for their ability and willingnes to sign and speak. Using BSL each and every day in school has really had an impact on our children (and our staff too) and perhaps helped secure that ‘Personal Development’ judgement with Ofsted.

And our Sing’n’Sign choir was greeted with rapturous applause when they performed at John Lewis (Chelmsford) for Christmas, and when they sang at the Young Caprice Orchestra Spring Concert at St Andrew’s Church, Melbourne and also when they took part in the annual Chelmsford Junior Music festival at the Civic Theatre.

In summary, 2024/25 has been a challenge and a triumph. Mildmay Primary School goes from strength to strength, building on the legacy of the infant and junior schools that preceded it and building its own reputation and legacy. I remain as proud as every to be the headteacher of this school, of all the children who attend and of all the love, care and commitment that the entire Mildmay community give. Here’s to a restful summer break and then bring on 2025/26!

Dominic Mulholland - Headteacher

Different...

The summer holidays are here! For anyone reading with connections to school, you’ll know that those last few weeks are a bit of a slog - there’s lots of fun celebrations, yes, but everyone is feeling tired after a long year. Then, suddenly, everything changes - no more cajoling the kids to get up, get breakfast, get out the door. The roads are quieter, clearer… if you listen, you can hear the birds again! The pace of life slows down...

Time for something a little different. I hope you are able to pause and appreciate the change of pace, the slowing down and the time of rest that summer can bring.

And amidst that, perhaps there’s time for something a little different. There is a growing realisation in our culture that what we see with our eyes is not all there is - that there is more than just the material. I wonder whether you’ve felt that too? Some people call it luck, some people thank Mother Earth. Some people don’t really know what to call it and can’t explain it, but know it to be true.

But here’s the good news: what we sometimes think can’t be explained, this sense of something more, has actually been revealed

to us! God showed himself to us in the person of Jesus Christ. God isn’t distant, somewhere up there, unknowable. No, he wants to be known, and so he makes himself known through Jesus. That’s quite the claim! But, if you’ve never considered it, test it out over these summer weeks. Try reading the Bible - not the whole thing, it’s pretty long! Start with Mark’s gospel (find it here: www. thegoodbook.co.uk/marks-gospel-niv - or scan the code on the right (top)

Or simply try praying - and if you’re not sure how to begin, here’s a really helpful guide - www. trypraying.org. Or scan the QR code to take you right there (bottom)

However you explore, have a warm, restful summer. If you want to know more, or have any questions, please get in touch!

Tim Goodall, Pastor, Tile Kiln Church.

tim.goodall@tilekilnchurch.org.uk 07821 866 301

YouTube: tinyurl.com/y24qlkvx Facebook: www.facebook.com/tilekilnchurch www.tilekilnchurch.org.uk

Quiz Time - By John Theedom

What word can be very sore and a financial offer?

What piece of furniture lends its name to the group of the most senior ministers that meet regularly with the prime minister?

Which talk show host signed off every episode with the catchphrase, ‘take care of yourself and each other’?

Who joined the cast of Eastenders as Alfie Moon in 2002?

The story of Noah’s Ark appears in which book of the Bible?

Which new wave band had a 1979 hit with Video Killed the Radio Star?

‘Olive ridley’, ‘hawksbill’ and ‘loggerhead’ are types of what animal?

The Marquess of Queensberry Rules are generally accepted as the rules for which sport?

Which common English surname takes its name from a person who makes arrows?

In 2008, Google launched which web browser?

The sitcom Frasier was a character spin-off of which other sitcom?

What word can mean to train someone and the name of part of a train?

Kourtney, Kim and Khloe make up which reality TV sister trio?

Which UK political party came to power for the first time in 1924?

A polygraph machine is also known as what?

Which sport is often referred to as ‘the noble art’? In internet and text parlance, what does the acronym ‘SMH’ stand for?

What compound is added to tap water to prevent tooth decay?

In snooker, when all the reds are potted, what is the next colour?

Who appeared at both the London and the Philadelphia Live Aid gigs?

In French, jeudi. In German, Donnerstag. In Spanish, jueves. But what in English?

Which American Olympic Swimmer portrayed Tarzan in twelve films, and Jungle Jim in thirteen more?

What breed of dog is the most often trained as a guide dog?

As of 2021, which is the only song to have sold a million copies in the UK on three separate occasions for three different artists?

In the football world, what does QPR stand for?

In Enid Blyton’s book, what was Noddy’s job?

Which chocolate drink and breakfast cereal has been advertised by a monkey called Quickie?

In Geek mythology, which king turned everything he touched into gold?

What kind of creature was the TV character Flipper?

‘Mother’s ruin’ is a nickname for which common alcoholic drink?

Cobs are the male of which creature?

Poisson d’Avril in France is known as what in Britain?

Isosceles and scalene are types of what?

The cartoon dog Snoopy is what breed of dog?

What are the names of all seven of Snow Whites’ dwarves?

Dromedary and Bactrian are the two surviving types of what animal?

In the fashion world, what does DKNY stand for?

Which type of animal lives in a sett?

What is the most commonly broken bone in the human body?

Before QEII, which was the longest reigning monarch?

Take a Look Through the Moulsham Lodge Camera Club Lens

We’re All Going on a Summer Holiday

Whether taking your summer break in the back garden or abroad, with time on your hands, put your mobile/camera through its paces during the longer days.

This month, I set myself a beach hut theme, but you can do anything. It could be wheels, doors, people eating ice cream, dogs in the parkliterally anything. Why not also explore a new setting on your camera/ mobile?

particularly fortunate when a dog walker then strolled past.

At Moulsham Lodge Camera Club we are enjoying our summer break, but once the beach huts are closed ready for a cold winter, we will be open with a warm welcome to new members.

We offer a 3-week free trial on Monday nights, Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church, 110 Lime Walk, CM2 9NJ, starting at 8pm, with tea and biscuits at 9pm and we finish at 10pm.

There are plenty of tutorials online. Try to learn just one new option and head out to put it into practice on your chosen theme. Take lots of photos until you have mastered the new procedure.

I chose to learn multiple exposure. The effect of the double exposure makes it look like the sun is bursting through the beach huts. I was

On Wednesday 23rd July 2025, Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground welcomed local artists to take part in an art workshop, where participants captured the serene landscapes and natural beauty of the grounds. The event saw local artists immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings, translating the peaceful views onto canvas.

The workshop, held amidst the flourishing meadows and young woodlands of Old Park Meadow, provided a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with nature and express their creativity. Attendees explored various artistic techniques while drawing inspiration directly from the picturesque views surrounding them, including the flora and fauna, the pond and the landscape.

Delyse Jackaman, the manager of Old Park Meadow had this to say: “It was truly wonderful to see how everyone interpreted the peaceful atmosphere and the vibrant natural elements of Old Park Meadow. The artwork created today beautifully reflects the essence of this special place.”

Moulsham Lodge Camera Club reopens on Monday 1st September moulshamlodgecameraclub@gmail.com www.moulshamlodgecamerclub.co.uk

Old Park Meadow hopes to host another art workshop again in the springtime to capture the seasonal changes. If you would like to find out more about Old Park Meadow and how their services, please visit

332.

Liz Croxson

Local Artists Capture Serene Beauty of Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground

The Jerry Springer Show

Shane Richie

Book of Genesis

The Buggles

Turtle Boxing Fletcher Chrome Cheers

Coach

The Kardashians Labour

Lie detector Boxing Shaking my head Fluoride

Yellow

Phil Collins (courtresy of Concorde)

Thursday

Johnny Weissmuller

Labrador Retriever

Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers, Robson & Jerome, Gareth Gates)

Queen’s Park Rangers

He drove a taxi Nesquik

Midas Dolphin Gin

Queen Victoria (1837 - 1901) 28.

Swans

April Fool’s Day

Triangle

Beagle

Grumpy, Sleepy, Happy, Bashful, Sneezy Dopey and Doc Camel

Donna Karan New York

Badger

Clavicle (collar bone)