The summer holidays are well underway now and fortunately there is plenty to do around the city.
The Museum of Chelmsford currently has the Baddow Coin Hoard exhibiton open, and there is a competion on page 17 for a chance to win a pair of tickets to attend the Friday night of the Summer Series of concerts in Central Park. Also, bookings for Heritage Open Days are now open - see pages 14 and 15!
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.
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You Can’t Always Get What You Want…
- By Andy at Three River Kitchens & Interiors
There is a wealth of beautiful images online, brochures showing vast numbers of combinations of texture and colour and tempting samples in showrooms.
it is so very easy to start hunting for the exact colour, grain, handle, tile or worktop you have pictured in your head and imagined for weeks or months before you even begin to discuss your project with a designer or salesman. The trouble is, that perfect finish may not actually be available, may take too long to arrive, or may simply be outside your budget.
There are few things more frustrating (or potentially upsetting) as knowing exactly what you want, finding it and then discovering you could never afford it or it’s simply not available in some way.
My advice is to moderate your expectations leading into the design process and expect not to find exactly what you’re after and instead, open your mind to finding something close, complementary or even completely different that absolutely works.
A good place to start is by accepting that every kitchen has limits. Supplier ranges, lead times, stock, budget, room size and everyday practicalities all help shape the choices and can seem limiting. That might sound restrictive, but it can be helpful. Having a smaller, realistic set of options makes decisions early on easier and often leads to a better result. Instead of being pulled in every direction, you can focus on the finishes that will genuinely work in your home.
My personal approach with clients has always been to offer three or four options that will work and are close to what they are looking for. If none of those are what the clients works, I can always show them three or four more that might, rather than simply offering the whole world of options and leaving the client to pick.
It helps to begin with the biggest and most permanent surfaces (those that are hardest or most expensive to replace once the project is complete): cabinetry, worktops and flooring for example.
Once they feel right, the smaller details (handles, taps, lighting and splashbacks) become much easier to choose and you can even carry samples of your already chosen major finishes with you as you wander the showrooms virtually or in person. This way, you are not trying to make every decision at once, and the kitchen starts to come together in a more natural way.
Availability should not feel like a disappointment; it is simply part of the design brief. If there are three cabinet finishes in the right price range and delivery window, spend time comparing those three properly instead of searching endlessly for something else. Put the samples together, look at them in the actual room and check them in both natural and artificial light. The goal is not to recreate a perfect picture in your mind, but to find the best combination from the options that can really be supplied and installed.
It is also worth taking a step back and looking at the space. A dramatic worktop, patterned tile, statement handle and bold floor might each look lovely on their own, but together they can start to compete. Choosing one finish to be the main feature and letting the others support it will usually feel more relaxed and considered and I soften the most effective approach. A simple palette is not a secondbest option - it can be the thing that makes the room feel calm, practical and easy to live with.
Another great tip is to make sure you live with a sample of your chosen colours or finishes for a few days so that you can properly judge how much you like it!
Finally, give yourself permission to stop looking. Once a finish works practically, sits well with the other materials and feels good in the space, that is usually enough. Carrying on the search often creates more doubt rather than a better decision. A lovely space does not come from having unlimited choice; it comes from clear priorities, sensible constraints and finishes that sit happily together. Moderate your expectations, take your time and be happy to make firm decisions! Ideally, tying this approach to the sensible and informed advice of a proper designer is the best way to guarantee your room will look amazing, whether or not it looks exactly like you thought it would at the start.
Choosing finishes for a kitchen should be one of the most enjoyable parts of the whole project - and it can be; but it can also quickly become a bit overwhelming and frustrating.
Chelmsford - By Marie Goldman MP
This month, I have continued working to improve local healthcare services, supporting the incredible work of community volunteers, and welcoming students into my offices to give them an insight into life as a Member of Parliament.
Supporting a Core Neighbourhood Health Centre for Chelmsford I have written to our local NHS Integrated Care Board to support proposals for a Core Neighbourhood Health Centre in Chelmsford. With the NHS Trust responsible for running Broomfield Hospital now in an Intensive Recovery Support Programme, it is more important than ever that we reduce pressure on acute hospital services by delivering more care closer to where people live.
Neighbourhood Health Centres have the potential to make a real difference by bringing together a wide range of healthcare services under one roof, making it easier for residents to access the care they need without having to travel to hospital.
That is why I am urging the NHS to establish a Core Neighbourhood Health Centre in Chelmsford city centre, in a location that is easily accessible whether residents are travelling on foot, by bus or by car. I will continue making the case for investment in local community healthcare services that improve outcomes for patients and help ensure our NHS is fit for the future.
Training with Essex Search & Rescue I recently spent the morning taking part in a training exercise with the fantastic volunteers at Essex Search & Rescue (ESAR), where I volunteered to act as a missing person during one of their search exercises.
Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK, and ESAR’s volunteers are on call day and night, throughout the year and in all weather conditions, to help locate vulnerable missing people. They provide this invaluable service entirely free of charge, giving up their own time to support our emergency services and local communities.
The exercise gave me a real appreciation of the professionalism, dedication and teamwork required during search operations, and I want to thank every volunteer for the vital work they do to help keep people safe.
If you are interested in getting involved, ESAR is always looking for volunteers, including people willing to take part in training exercises as volunteer missing persons.
Welcoming Work Experience Students
Over the past few weeks, I have had the pleasure of welcoming several local students to my Westminster and Chelmsford offices as part of their work experience placements.
Work experience provides a valuable opportunity for young people to see first-hand the wide range of responsibilities involved in representing a constituency; from scrutinising legislation in Parliament to helping constituents with the issues they face every day.
The students spent time observing proceedings in Westminster, carrying out research, learning how constituency casework is handled and meeting local organisations that work closely with residents. It was encouraging to hear how much they gained from the experience, with many commenting on the variety of an MP’s role and the importance of the work carried out behind the scenes.
I receive a large number of applications for work experience each year, but unfortunately my team and I are not able to accommodate everyone. I would like to thank everyone who applied and showed an interest, and I hope those who joined us found the experience both informative and rewarding.
As always, if there is an issue you would like to raise, please do get in touch. My team and I work hard to respond to all correspondence as quickly as possible, and I am grateful for your patience if there is ever a delay.
Marie
Helping Your Child Enjoy a Positive Start to the New School Year
The beginning of a new school year offers every child a fresh opportunity to learn, grow and develop. While many children look forward to seeing friends again and meeting new teachers, others may feel uncertain as they return to the classroom. These feelings are perfectly normal, and with a little encouragement from home, children usually settle much more quickly than we expect.
One of the best ways parents can help is by gently re-establishing routines before school starts. Earlier bedtimes, regular mealtimes and preparing school bags the evening before all help create a calmer start to the day. Children thrive when life feels organised and predictable.
It is also important to remember that every child is different. Some settle immediately, while others need a little more reassurance during the first few weeks. Taking time to listen without rushing to solve every problem often gives children the confidence to talk openly about how they are feeling.
Praise effort rather than perfection. Children gain confidence when they know they are valued for trying their best, showing kindness and persevering, even when things do not go exactly as planned. Small words of encouragement from parents often have a greater impact than we realise.
Friendships are another important part of school life. Encouraging children to be welcoming, considerate and supportive of others helps them build positive relationships and reminds them that many classmates may also be feeling nervous at the start of a new term.
The new school year is also an excellent opportunity to encourage
independence. Allowing children to pack their own school bag, organise homework, or take responsibility for simple daily tasks helps develop confidence, responsibility and self-belief.
Most importantly, enjoy the journey. Children do not need parents to have all the answers; they simply need to know that someone is there to encourage them, listen to them and believe in them. A calm, positive home environment provides a strong foundation for learning, confidence and happiness throughout the school year.
Every new term is a chance for a fresh beginning. With patience, understanding and steady encouragement, parents can help their children approach the months ahead with confidence and optimism.
About the Author
Dennis Smith is a former Housemaster, Senior Year Leader and teacher with many years’ experience supporting children and families in education, wellbeing and personal development.
Readers are warmly invited to visit: sites.google.com/view/ sportstudysuccessuk.
The website linked contains a growing collection of free parent resources covering children’s education, confidence, well-being and study skills. There is also a Confidential Parents’ Enquiry Form for families who would like individual guidance or support with a particular concern.
All resources are provided free of charge for Moulsham Times readers, with the aim of helping parents support their children both at school and at home.
A Place to Start: Supporting Women and Girls to Feel Confident and Active
For many women and girls, getting started with fitness and wellbeing can feel like a big step. It isn’t always about exercise. It’s about feeling comfortable, confident and supported in the space around you.
At Dovedale Leisure Centre, we’re committed to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can get active in a way that works for them. Whether you’re completely new to exercise, returning after a break or looking to try something different, we’re here to help you take that first step.
Why Does the Environment Matter?
More women are choosing to get active than ever before. Sport England’s latest research shows that female participation in fitness activities has increased significantly since 2021, with 7.6 million women now taking part regularly.
This growth is encouraging, but we know that getting started can still feel daunting. Whether it’s uncertainty about using gym equipment, not knowing where to begin or simply stepping into an unfamiliar environment, many women face barriers that can make taking the first step feel difficult.
That’s why we’re focused on making fitness more accessible and approachable. By offering a supportive environment, friendly advice and activities for all experience levels, we’re helping more women and girls feel comfortable enjoying the benefits of an active lifestyle.
What Makes Dovedale Different?
Located in the heart of Moulsham, Dovedale Leisure Centre offers a more community-focused experience than many larger gyms. Our aim is simple: to help you stay active in a way that fits around your lifestyle, goals and routine.
There’s a wide range of activities to choose from, whatever your starting point. If you’re looking for a gentle introduction to exercise, you could try yoga, pilates or Zumba.
If you’re ready for something more challenging, classes such as Les Mills Body Combat or Legs, Bums and Tums could be the perfect fit. We also offer well-being activities, including Sound Bath Meditation, helping you look after both your physical and mental well-being.
Support From Day One
Our friendly gym team is here to help you feel comfortable from day one. During your induction, they’ll take the time to understand your goals, show you how to use the equipment safely and help you get started with a routine that works for you.
If you’d like additional support, they can create a personalised
exercise programme tailored to your needs. And it doesn’t stop there. Our instructors are available whenever you visit, ready to answer questions, offer guidance and adapt your programme as your confidence grows and your goals evolve.
Women & Weights
We know that stepping into the weights area can feel daunting if you’ve never used it before. Many of our female members have told us they’re unsure where to start, how much weight to use or whether they’re performing exercises correctly.
To help make that first step easier, we’ve launched Women & Weights, a six-week small group training course led by our gym instructor, Tomoko.
In a friendly and supportive setting, you’ll learn how to use weights safely and effectively, improve your technique and build strength at your own pace. The sessions are designed to help you feel more comfortable in the gym and develop the skills needed to continue your fitness journey independently.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a better understanding of resistance training and the confidence to make the most of everything the gym has to offer.
Tomoko, one of Dovedale’s gym instructors, believes that creating a welcoming environment is just as important as the activities on offer: “Many women tell me they’re nervous about walking into a gym for the first time or unsure where to begin. That’s why we focus on making people feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.
“Whether someone joins a class, has a gym induction or takes part in Women & Weights SGT, we’re here to support them and help them build confidence at their own pace.
“One of the things I love most about working at Dovedale is seeing people discover that fitness doesn’t have to feel intimidating. Everyone starts somewhere, and we’re here to help make that first step a little easier.”
At Dovedale Leisure Centre, we’re proud to be helping more women and girls across Moulsham discover activities they enjoy and build confidence in their own way. Whether you’re taking your first fitness class, trying strength training for the first time or simply looking for a welcoming place to be active, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
If you would like to book in for a gym induction, or to find out more about our upcoming women and weights sessions, please speak to a member of our friendly staff on 01245 605 685.
MT Gardening
Late July/Early August - Harvest, Prepare and Plan Ahead
By late July, the garden is full of life. Borders are rich with colour, vegetable plots are producing abundant harvests, and warm evenings allow gardeners to appreciate the fruits of their labour. Yet beneath the beauty, plants are beginning to respond to shortening days. Now is the time to think beyond summer, carrying out tasks that will ensure continued interest into autumn and success next spring.
Task 1 - Lift and Store Shallots and Onions
As the foliage of Allium cepa Aggregatum Group (shallot) and Allium cepa (onion) naturally bends over and begins to dry, lift the bulbs using a fork on a dry day. Lay them in the sun for a few hours before moving them to a well-ventilated shed or greenhouse bench to cure for two to three weeks. Once the necks have dried completely, trim the roots and store the bulbs in nets or trays in a cool, frost-free place.
Task 2 - Summer Prune Gooseberries
Late July is an excellent time to prune Ribes uva-crispa (gooseberry). Shorten this year’s side shoots to five leaves and remove overcrowded or low-growing branches. This improves light penetration and air movement, reducing the likelihood of mildew while encouraging larger, sweeter fruit next season. The thorny framework also becomes much easier to harvest and maintain.
Task 3 - Check Tree Ties and Supports
Young trees grow remarkably quickly during summer. Inspect stakes, ties and guards on specimens such as Sorbus aucuparia (rowan) and Amelanchier lamarckii (Juneberry). Loosen or replace any ties that are becoming restrictive and ensure stakes remain firm. Proper adjustment prevents stem damage while allowing sufficient movement to encourage strong trunk development.
Task 4 - Prepare Ground for Autumn Lawns
If you intend to sow or repair a lawn in early autumn, begin preparing the ground now. Remove perennial weeds, rake away stones and lightly cultivate the soil to a depth of around 15cm. Leaving the surface for several weeks allows weeds to germinate, making them easier to remove before sowing. This simple preparation greatly improves the quality of the finished lawn.
Task 5 - Inspect Climbing Plants
Vigorous climbers such as Campsis radicans (trumpet vine), Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) and Hedera helix (common ivy) can quickly invade gutters, rooflines and neighbouring plants. Tie in desirable shoots and remove any growth that threatens buildings or blocks light from nearby shrubs. Small adjustments now prevent major pruning later.
Plant of the Month
Hydrangea paniculata (panicle hydrangea): One of the stars of late summer, Hydrangea paniculata offers dependable flowering from July well into autumn. Unlike mophead hydrangeas, it flowers on new wood, making it exceptionally reliable after cold winters.
Large conical flower heads gradually change from creamy white to soft pink before ageing to rich bronze tones. Growing to approximately 2-3m, it thrives in fertile, moisture-retentive soil in full sun or partial shade. Cultivars such as ‘Limelight’ and ‘Vanille Fraise’ provide outstanding late-season colour while attracting pollinating insects.
Kitchen Garden Focus
Late July is one of the busiest harvesting periods of the year. Pick Phaseolus vulgaris (French bean), Cucumis sativus (cucumber), Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) and Cucurbita pepo (courgette) regularly to maintain production.
Now is also the perfect time to sow Spinacia oleracea (spinach), Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (pak choi) and Raphanus sativus (radish) for quick late-summer crops. Warm soil ensures rapid germination provided seedlings are kept evenly moist.
Wildlife Watch
Butterflies reach peak numbers during late July. Buddleja davidii (‘butterfly bush’), Verbena bonariensis (purpletop vervain) and Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower) are magnets for species including red admirals, peacocks and painted ladies. Avoid removing faded flowers from these plants too quickly, as they continue providing nectar well into summer.
Tom’s Tip
Keep a notebook - or use your phone - to record outstanding plant combinations while they are looking their best. Note flowering times, heights and colour pairings. These observations are invaluable when planning winter planting schemes and ordering new plants, ensuring each year the garden improves rather than simply changes.
Five Quick Jobs
• Harvest seed from Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea) if true seed is required.
• Remove fallen fruit from beneath orchard trees to discourage pests and diseases.
• Clean algae from water butts to maintain good water quality.
• Inspect bamboo canes and supports, replacing any weakened by weather.
• Begin ordering spring-flowering bulbs while the widest choice of cultivars is available.
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.
Old Park Meadow Music Evening
Old Park Meadow is delighted to share the success of its outdoor charity music evening, held in our beautiful grounds on Friday 17th July 2026. Bringing together families, friends, and music lovers from across the local community, the event successfully raised over £2,200 to support two exceptional local charities: Farleigh Hospice and St Clare Hospice.
The stunning natural setting provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable summer evening of entertainment. Attendees enjoyed the evening sunshine while enjoying timeless ‘Rat Pack’ classics and foot-tapping ’60s hits, all performed by the talented Andy Wilsher.
Alongside the fantastic music, guests enjoyed refreshments including tea and coffee, and generously supported a grand raffle held during the evening. Every penny raised from the evening, will go directly to support the vital end-of-life care and family support services provided by both Farleigh Hospice and St Clare Hospice.
“We are absolutely delighted that so many people turned out to support us and that everyone enjoyed themselves so much,” said Dianne Haddon, Head of Old Park Meadow. “We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to them and Andy Wilsher for his spectacular performance, and to all those who generously donated. Your contributions will make a tangible difference to the lives of patients and families cared for by these two incredible hospices.”
The evening beautifully demonstrated the power of community, combining live music with the peaceful, natural atmosphere of Old Park Meadow to benefit two highly deserving causes close to the hearts of many in the region. See the advert above for more about us.
Nick Garner’s Music & Ramblings
Here we are, already into the summer holidays. What are you up to or what have you got planned? For me, it is the usual - going away in my caravan and off to a couple of music festivals, mainly to meet up with friends and to photograph the acts. Back in the ’70s it was a lot harder - for one, we did not have phones or digital cameras, so my memories of working in music is, in the main, in my head.
We are now near the anniversary of losing Ozzy Osbourne... I remember working with Black Sabbath in 1978 on the Never Say Die tour which was Ozzy’s last full tour with the band. Their support was a new up-and-coming band from America called Van Halen who I looked after on the tour. I remember a few things from the tour, especially that both bands were great and really nice - I got on well with them both.
When we got to London to play the Hammersmith Odeon, Tony Iommi’s best mate turned up; one Brian May of Queen - and he had a guitar with him... When it came to the soundcheck it was only us crew members allowed in and boy, what an experience it was with Tony Iommi, Brian May and Eddy Van Halen all jamming together, that was a one-off amazing experience that I was happy to be at.
I remember that Van Halen loved Bits And Pieces by the Dave Clark Five, and that anytime someone wanted a photo with David Lee Roth he always had to pose - he was funny, as was Ozzy.
I also remember going out to the front of the venue as the people were queuing up to get in for a sell-out show (as was most of the tour) - there was a ticket tout trying to sell a young couple tickets (I hate touts), so I went over to them and said, ‘you want tickets?’ they said yes, so I gave them a couple of complimentary tickets that I had, the tout turned to me and started on me so I showed him I was crew and told him where to go, which he did.
I do have many more stories from my days in the music industry which I may tell you about in future editions. I can tell you they are all true but you will have to just take my word for it! There is a lot I will not say though and I will not write a book, because I do not believe in that and I do not have time - these are just for you to read and hopefully enjoy.
Recently, we had the State Fayre festival - it was not for me, but I hear a lot of you did enjoy it which is great. But there is so much more going on in and around us too - just check out our What’s On Guide in The City Times or go online and do a search for your areait’s not all music of course, there are fêtes, flower festivals and lots more. And if you have something of interest or know of something going on, then please do let us know and we will do our best to put it in this mag or The City Times for you - just send an email to editorial@ itsyourmedia.co.uk
Music
I have been very lucky so far with those who come and play for me and for your enjoyment. As we do each year, we have now ceased performances until Friday 4th September when we return with Dutch legends, Focus - this will be a first for us but hopefully not the last.
Sadly we have had to cancel two shows at Hot Box one for broken bones but also also because of not enough advanced sales for both.
Promoters and the acts need pre-booking, or sadly you may see more cancellations. This has also happened to a few festivals and other big gigs. With me, you can simply pre-book by sending a text to 07508 496 411 and then pay at the door by card or cash and with NO commission. It’s that simple.
I have confirmed a few acts for 2027 so far. We have Happnin Boy and the Los Amigos, Held By Trees, Greene, Soho Dukes, Dick Taylor
(Pretty Things), Big Yellow Tambourine Band Man (a tribute to Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan), Martin Turner, Limehouse Lizzy, Kossoff The Band Plays On, Common People play Pulp, The Paul McCartney Project, James Oliver, John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett, Hamish Stuart, Clive Carroll, Robbie McIntosh & Small Fakers all booked - these are just some of the acts we have playing at Hot Box and the Chelmsford Social Club. More will follow soon.
There were four shows that ended this part of 2026. The first was at Hot Box with The All Star Blues with Martin McNeill, Steve West Weston and Franca Shaw and what a great show it was and I am so pleased I got these guys to play for us.
Next it was to the Social Club with an acoustic solo set from Mississippi MacDonald, who as ever was great and we hope to have him back with his band next year. Next up was the headline act, Bad Influence, who were celebrating 40 years in the business - and wow what a show. The band are Val Cowell (Hayes), Richard Hayes, Pete Stroud and Brendan O’Neill. They played a great selection of songs and they also have a new double album, (and I really like it) with their pick of the best on. It’s called Celebrating 40 Years
All Star Blues
Just two shows left to mention, the first was at the Social Club with the return of The Small Fakers, and what great show again - they are also booked for our Christmas 2027 show.
The final show before the break was at Hot Box with The Jaywalkers, who are a bluegrass and Americana band. They were excellent and I loved them. They’re a 3-piece consisting of guitar and mandolin, fiddle and guitar and double bass. The main vocal is provided by the fiddle player, while the other two do some amazing harmonies - a definite act to get back to play again for us.
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.
You can get tickets for all our shows at The Chelmsford Social Club in Chelmsford from the Meadows shopping centre at Intense Records, or in Moulsham Street at The Hop Beer Shop, and next to County Hall and the Library in Chelmsford 4Good. Please pay cash when you buy from them.
Tickets for all shows, including ours at Hot Box, are available also online from www.wegottickets.com/BlackFrogPresents, or book via our ticket hotline with no extra commission charge - call or text 07508 496 411 and you can then pay the advance price at the door by card or cash.
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.
• 50 hours of SME-specific learning
• 10 hours of 1-2-1 mentoring
• Peer networking
• Growth Action Plan
• Developed by SME experts
• Access to Alumni Network
Next course: ARU Chelmsford 18/06/26
Scan the QR code to find out more
"As owners of Intense Records in Chelmsford, we've always been passionate about music, but the Help to Grow: Management course at ARU helped us think differently about growing our business. After more than 25 years in retail, it gave us the opportunity to step back from the day-to-day, focus on the bigger picture and develop a clearer strategy for future growth The Growth Action Plan helped us look at the business with fresh eyes, identify new opportunities and put practical ideas into action We'd recommend the course to any ambitious SME's looking to grow and plan for the future."
Jon & Jen Smith Owners, Intense Records
Jon & Jen Smith - Intense Records
www intenserecords co uk Intense Record stores are located on Viaduct Road and in The Meadows shopping Centre, Chelmsford.
Welcome back to the story of Abraham and Sarah (continued from the July edition). Later the families seem to settle but soon tension grows between Lot’s servants and Abraham’s. Abraham dislikes the conflict, so he calls a truce and divides the land between them, allowing peace to prevail. Land and wealth are often causes of war. I am glad Abraham was a man of peace; peace is something that the world needs at the moment.
Later, Lot is kidnapped, and Abraham rescues him - a sign of their deeper friendship and relationship, it is good to see. What would you do for a friend? Abraham and Sarah are visited by three angels. We think they are the Trinity (God the father, Son and Holy Spirit).
Abraham and Sarah are so pleased to have visitors that they kill their finest calf and bake bread and serve them with a fine wine to drink. All of this takes time and so they chat together, which reminds me of our family barbecues. The cooking takes a while and we can catch up on the news with everyone.
The hospitality, love and care are very good, and the visitors bless Sarah and Abraham on their departure. They suggest that they will have a son, which Sarah and Abraham think is hilarious because they are so old! However, the blessing is fulfilled and Isaac is born; someone to continue the family line and be faithful to God.
All of these stories impress on us the love and care of the land, the love and care of one another - even the stranger. Harvest was and still is important. There is a lot of work that goes into growing food, and the joy in growing has to be the eating, and that joy extends when we can share our food with others.
We are planning a Harvest Detective morning at St Lukes on Tuesday 25th August 10am - 11.30am. Come and join us for a morning of mystery and fun! Find out about creation and harvesting as you
collect clues and enjoy crafts, activities and some singing too.
There is no fee to come along and all ages are welcome.
Hope to see you there!
Our Harvest Service will be on 27th September, 10am.
We will be collecting for TearFund who aim to support people in greatest need or crisis.
Win a Pair of Tickets to the First of Three Days of Live Music
and Classic
Club Classics at the Chelmsford
Summer Series This August Bank Holiday Weekend
Central Park, Chelmsford, throbs with three days of unmissable live entertainment this coming bank holiday weekend, as the Chelmsford Summer Series presents The Sugarbabes, McFly, Craig David, plus many more big names from Friday, August 28th to Sunday, August 30th
We’ve got a pair of tickets to give away for the opening day of the spectacular summer festival in an exclusive competition for our readers! Simply answer the question at the foot of this article to be in with a chance of winning a day out to remember for you and your friends.
Here’s what’s to look forward to on the Friday:
The Sugarbabes
The chart-toppers - six UK number 1 singles and multiple multiplatinum albums - headline, performing million sellers like Freak Like Me, Push the Button, and About You Now
Jodie Harsh
Annie Mac
The non-stop day of dance music’s finest, includes Annie Mac’s legendary Before Midnight club concept - a mainstay of dance music festivals worldwide.
Melanie C
A multi-platinum British artist and DJ with a career spanning more than three decades, Melanie C rose to global fame as a member of the Spice Girls. Her DJ sets blend house, techno and club classics.
DJ, producer, and cultural figure whose influence spans music, fashion and nightlife, Jodie is renowned for high-energy sets that draw on house, pop and underground club sounds.
Arthi
A DJ and producer known for high-energy, genre-spanning sets fusing garage, soca, funky house and bassline with global club sounds, Arthi’s We’re Gonna Arthi Hard party is a standout fixture in London’s club scene.
Love Sensation
Hosting the event’s second stage, Love Sensation is a house and disco collective, presenting events across Essex and London, including Ministry of Sound and Queen of Hoxton. Known for their back-to-back good-time vibes.
COMPETITION
WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO THE CHELMSFORD SUMMER SEASON AT CENTRAL PARK ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 28TH!
To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to see The Sugarbabes, Annie Mac, Mel C (DJ set), and more, answer this simple question:
The Sugarbabes had a number 1 hit with the single:
a) Push the Feeling On
b) Push the Button
c) Push Pineapple, Shake a Tree Send your entry to: paul@moulshamtimes.com.
The winner will be drawn at random on 20th August and notified of their good fortune. Editor’s decision is final, there is no cash alternative. Tickets will be emailed to the winner by the event promoters prior to the performance.
The Saturday will see McFly and on the Sunday there will be New World Festival for its 5th anniversary, bringing Craig David Presents TS5 to the city for a huge bank holiday weekend celebration.
The full line-up has now been revealed, with Kurupt FM, Nathan Dawe, Sigma, Switch Disco, Floyd T, DJ Dre and special guest Low Steppa joining Craig David on the Main Stage.
Stage 2 will be hosted by Centreforce 88.3, with Tall Paul leading a line-up featuring Alex P, Andy Manston, Carly Denham, Danielle Montana, Keith Mac, Master Pasha, Oydessy Inc, Verdi and Sam Supplier.
To purchase tickets for any one of the three days of the Chelmsford Summer Series at Central Park, please visit www.chelmsford.live.
Asian Steak & Egg Fried Rice - By Biv
A Restaurant-Worthy Treat Dinner Without the Restaurant Price Tag
Sometimes dinner needs to feel a little special. Not birthday special. Not anniversary special. Just one of those evenings where you’ve had a long day, you’ve earned something delicious and you want a meal that feels like a treat without spending hours chained to the hob.
This Asian steak and egg fried rice is exactly that meal, with tender slices of steak glazed in a rich, sticky marinade of hoisin, soy, garlic and warming spices. A glossy sauce reduced until it clings to every bite. Fluffy egg fried rice bursting with sweetcorn and peas. The sort of dinner that makes you sit down, take a mouthful and immediately wonder why you don’t cook it more often.
It’s quick enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and packed with the sort of bold flavours that make every forkful exciting.
As much as I love slow-cooked curries and elaborate Sunday roasts, sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones that steal the show.
This is one of them.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic begins with the marinade: Hoisin sauce provides sweetness and depth. Soy sauce brings that unmistakable savoury richness. Garlic powder layers in warmth while cumin, cayenne and chilli flakes add a gentle heat that sneaks up on you rather than shouting from the rooftops.
When the steak hits a screaming hot pan, those sugars begin to caramelise, creating a beautiful crust and locking in all those wonderful juices.
But we’re not stopping there. Rather than throwing away the leftover marinade, we transform it into a glossy steak sauce. Combined with chicken stock and reduced until rich and silky, it becomes liquid gold. Every spoonful carries the same flavours as the steak but intensified and concentrated.
Then comes the rice... Soft eggs, sweet peas and juicy sweetcorn bring freshness and balance, giving the steak and sauce the perfect stage upon which to perform. The result is a meal that feels luxurious but remains wonderfully straightforward.
Ingredients
For the steak:
2 large steaks (sirloin, ribeye, rump or flat iron).
3 tbsp hoisin sauce.
2 tbsp soy sauce.
1 tsp garlic powder.
1 tsp ground cumin.
½ tsp cayenne pepper.
1 tsp chilli flakes.
Freshly cracked black pepper.
For the steak sauce: Reserved marinade.
250ml chicken stock.
For the egg fried rice:
300g cooked and cooled rice.
2 eggs.
100g frozen peas. 100g sweetcorn.
1 tbsp soy sauce.
1 tbsp sesame oil or vegetable oil.
To finish: Spring onions. Sesame seeds. Fresh chilli (optional).
Method
1. Marinate the steak: Mix together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne, chilli flakes and black pepper. Coat the steaks thoroughly and leave to marinate for at least 30 minutes, although a few hours is even better.
Remove the steaks from the marinade before cooking, but keep the remaining marinade for your sauce.
2. Create the sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan along with the chicken stock.
Bring to a boil and then reduce steadily for 10-15 minutes until thickened, glossy and rich.
The sauce should coat the back of a spoon beautifully. This is where the dish really elevates itself from good to unforgettable.
3. Cook the rice: Heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok.
Add the peas and sweetcorn and fry for 2 minutes.
Add the cold rice and cook until heated through.
Push everything to one side of the pan and crack in the eggs. Scramble gently before mixing throughout the rice.
Finish with a splash of soy sauce and keep warm.
4. Cook the steak: Heat a heavy frying pan until smoking hot. Cook the steak for 2-4 minutes per side depending on thickness and your preferred level of doneness.
Allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial - it keeps all those delicious juices inside the meat rather than all over your chopping board.
Serving Suggestions
Pile the egg fried rice generously onto warmed plates. Arrange slices of steak across the top and drizzle liberally with the reduced sauce.
Scatter over spring onions, sesame seeds and fresh chilli. The finished dish looks like something you’d expect from a smart restaurant but requires surprisingly little effort to achieve.
Top Tips to Wow
• Always use chilled, day-old rice for the best fried rice texture.
• Flat iron steak offers fantastic flavour and excellent value.
• Let your steak come to room temperature before cooking.
• Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Add a squeeze of lime over the finished dish for brightness.
• For extra luxury, finish the sauce with a small knob of butter.
Wine Pairing
A fruity Shiraz works beautifully with the sweet spice of the marinade. If you prefer white wine, an off-dry Riesling complements the gentle chilli heat wonderfully. And if it’s been one of those weeks? A cold beer alongside this plate won’t go amiss either.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of meal that reminds us cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special.
A good steak. A handful of store-cupboard ingredients. A bowl of rice. A sauce that demands every last drop be mopped up. Simple ingredients transformed into something far greater than the sum of their parts. The perfect treat dinner for when you want maximum flavour, minimum fuss, and an empty plate at the end of it all.
Oaklands Primary School Celebrates a Fantastic End to the School Year
As another busy and successful school year comes to a close, the children, staff and families at Oaklands Primary School have been enjoying a wonderful programme of activities, trips and celebrations.
Our Year 2 children recently enjoyed an exciting trip to Thorndon Country Park, where they explored the beautiful woodland environment, took part in outdoor learning activities and created lasting memories with their friends. Meanwhile, our Year 1 pupils visited Hyde Hall Gardens, spending the day discovering a variety of plants, wildlife and habitats while developing their understanding of the natural world.
Sport has played a huge part in the end of our school year. Children across the school have proudly taken part in a range of school and trust sporting events, demonstrating teamwork, determination and excellent sportsmanship.
Our Year 2 pupils also represented the school brilliantly at the Mini Games Festival, where they showcased their developing skills and enthusiasm for physical activity.
Adding to the excitement, the children were delighted to welcome a professional athlete to Oaklands. The athlete led energetic fitness sessions, putting pupils through their paces while inspiring them to stay active, work hard and believe in themselves.
Keeping our children safe is always a priority, and our youngest pupils and their families benefited from a valuable Road Safety Workshop. The interactive sessions helped children develop important skills and reinforced key messages about staying safe when travelling to and from school.
The school community also came together for our much-anticipated Summer Fête, which was a tremendous success. Families enjoyed games, activities, refreshments and opportunities to spend time together, helping to raise funds and strengthen our wonderful school community.
As we prepare for the new academic year, we also take time to say a heartfelt and emotional goodbye to our Year 2 children. They celebrated the end of their time
at Oaklands with a special party, marking the end of an important chapter before they move on to new adventures. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and wish them every success in the future.
At the same time, we have been delighted to welcome our new children and families during transition events, helping them become familiar with the school and ensuring they feel confident and excited about joining the Oaklands family in September.
To round off an unforgettable year, the entire school enjoyed a fantastic whole-school water fight, bringing laughter and fun to a sunny afternoon. The celebrations were made even sweeter with a visit from an ice cream truck, providing a well-deserved treat for pupils and staff alike.
Staff at Oaklands would like to thank all pupils, families and the wider community for their continued support throughout the year. We wish everyone a happy, safe and enjoyable summer break and look forward to welcoming everyone back in September for another exciting year!
MT Finance: Tapping in to Water as an Investment ‘Mega Theme’
Water is something many of us take for granted day-to-day, yet it’s essential to life and vital for businesses to function. In fact, it underpins almost every part of the modern economy. Recent heatwaves - including the hottest June day ever recorded in the UK - are a stark reminder of the increasing pressure on water networks and availability.
At the same time, a growing population and rising industrial use are already challenging the planet’s limited freshwater resources. More frequent and severe weather events are only intensifying this challenge, making water-scarcity an increasingly urgent issue.
What Investors Need to Know About Water as a Theme
There is a growing opportunity for investors to back water-related companies that are helping address the risk of a global water crisis. From infrastructure and utilities to technology and efficiency solutions, there are many ways to gain exposure to the water megatrend. Here we share more on the extent of the challenge and the companies investing in solutions.
The Extent of the Global Water Challenge and What Governments Are Doing
Fresh water is scarcer than you might think. It makes up a very small fraction of all water on the planet. Although around 70% of the globe is covered by water, only 2.5% of it is fresh. The rest is salt water and found in oceans.
Even then, just 1% of fresh water is easily accessible and ready to drink, with much of it trapped in glaciers and ice caps. That’s not a lot to support the planet’s 8.3 billion people. Meanwhile there is growing demand from nearly every industry, including agriculture, food production, and even semiconductor manufacturing.
Semiconductor manufacturers need pure water to make chips. Restaurants and hospitals can’t operate without clean water. Water is used to cool data centres. It’s estimated that a typical semiconductor plant guzzles between two and four million gallons of water a day.
Water is a key input for many industries, and this makes it just as important as other supply-chain links are. Global demand has more than doubled since 1960 and continues to rise.
But the earth’s small supply of fresh water is very unevenly distributed across the planet. Two thirds of the world’s population suffer severe shortages for at least one month of the year already. By 2030, demand for fresh water will outstrip supply by 40%, the United Nations has warned.
Climate change and underinvestment in water infrastructure are compounding the problem. An increase in extreme weather events - storms, floods and droughts - is exacerbating many forms of water pollution and ageing pipes are struggling to cope.
Rising pressure on global freshwater resources has brought the issue higher up the political agenda in recent years, prompting increased investment in water infrastructure alongside regulatory and policy initiatives across many countries.
In both the US and EU, significant sums are being earmarked to improve drinking water, wastewater, and storm infrastructure.
Companies and Funds Investing in Solutions
Alongside policy developments, there are clean-water solutions coming from the private sector. According to BCC Research, the global water and wastewater treatment technologies market will reach $516 billion by 2028, expanding from $303 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate of 11.2%.
These companies are turning the tide with innovative technologies that detect and repair leaks, test and improve the quality of water, and better manage this vital resource.
One of the clearest ways companies are improving the water sector is by increasing water efficiency. This includes measures such as recycling and reusing water in manufacturing processes, as well as adopting more efficient irrigation techniques in agriculture.
Industries like food and beverage and semiconductors are particularly significant here, given their heavy water usage and strong incentive to reduce consumption.
Others are more actively investing in water treatment and purification. For example, Xylem, a major pure-play water-technology company, offers a broad range of products and services spanning the entire water cycle. It’s positioned as a one-stop shop for utilities, industrial manufacturers and building operators across more than 150 countries, addressing needs that range from pumps and valves to sensors and analytics.
In the smart water management space, companies are deploying sensors to detect leaks and monitor usage, alongside smart meters for real-time tracking, Advanced data analytics are also used to optimise efficiency.
Halma is a good example. The group of life-saving technology companies includes a number of water-related and environmental businesses focused on different aspects of the global water challenge.
Halma has a longstanding capability in water testing through Palintest, a business acquired in 1983. Its technology enables more than 250 million water-quality tests a year, supporting a wide range of customers, including some in international relief and development. Meanwhile there are also exchange-traded funds (ETFs) available for investors seeking broad exposure to the water sector, which offers a more diversified way to access this theme.
A Long-Term Theme With Growing Relevance
Water may not be the most glamorous industry, but the growing pressures on this vital resource mean water-related investments are likely to play an increasingly important role in portfolios of the future.
While uncertainty remains around listed UK water companies amid a shifting political and regulatory landscape, we believe businesses focused on water conservation and efficiency are well positioned to benefit from growing global demand as pressure on global water resources intensifies, a trend likely to be further exacerbated by climate change.
As water scarcity becomes an increasingly important global challenge and technology continues to advance, we expect water to remain a compelling long-term investment theme for years to come.
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. Nothing in this article should be construed as personal or specific advice to trade. Charles Stanley is not a tax adviser.
Charles Stanley & Co. Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: Ropemaker Place, 25 Ropemaker Street, London EC2Y 9LY.
A Radical Proposal - By Eleanor Searle
The appeal of a holiday, retreat, or simply a treat, is enormous. In an era of being plugged in 24/7, juggling work and family life and the pressure of virtual reality online perfection, many of us feel the need to escape for a much-needed reset.
The ability to turn off the tap of overflowing priorities and sink into a sun lounger or yoga mat is beyond appealing but what if we built a little bit of true well-being into our everyday lives. Imagine the impact.
I love a holiday and am delighted when I find myself on a retreat, but
July has seen a third heatwave here in Essex (for us, 3 consecutive days above 27oC) and this year the UK has experienced temperatures above 30oC for 28 days - 7 days in May, 8 in June, and 13 in July - with 13 consecutive days where the temperature topped 30oC somewhere in the UK for 13 consecutive days. For us in the southeast of England, it really has been a scorcher of a summer so far - with August still ahead of us...
There have been consequences. With no measurable rain in July and demand for water increasing in the hot weather, Anglian Water has imposed a hosepipe ban (for those looked after by that company) and it is close to being an official drought. The Mediterranean temperatures have dried out fields and grasslands leading to an increase in wildfires which have caused a spike in human mortality levels. And in the farmers’ fields around us, the combines rolled in Suffolk on 26th June - the earliest harvest in living memory, with farmers starting to combine their crops 3 weeks earlier than they did 20 years ago. So far, crop yields are mixed: the dry conditions have resulted in shorter crops, and some crops have died rather than maturing, especially on lighter sandy soils. Lower crop yields will result in higher food prices for us as consumers.
August is a traditional time for summer holidays, both here in the UK and across Europe. This tradition is not about the weather or school holidays, but the fact that before the advent of big combine harvesters a large part of the population was expected to help bring in the harvest. Many families still had a strong link with the countryside, and in August they would leave their jobs in towns and cities, and their schools - not to have a holiday but to help harvest the wheat and other crops in the fields, which was hard manual work.
there is great power in capturing a little bit of that holiday magic or yoga retreat every day. A quiet coffee somewhere lovely, a stroll in the sunshine, time to exercise, delicious food, putting your phone away, joining a yoga class...
At Hummingbird Pilates and Yoga, we give you that retreat vibe in a small class of friendly faces. Our pilates and yoga teaching is the best that you’ll find with an experienced team of four teachers with over 100 years’ experience between us, so you’ll not only get an experttaught class but you’ll also get a class at a time to suit you. Feel the power of relaxation and have the chance to join us every day with our flexible, full schedule of classes at www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk.
Get your daily dose of wellness boosted at Hummingbird!
Today, UK agriculture is so efficient that it only employs around 1% of the population, compared to more than 50% in less developed parts of the world. And, despite our being a nation of gardeners, we are rapidly losing our link with, and understanding of, the land and how crops and food are produced.
Consequently, we don’t always understand how dependent we are on the natural world for the essentials of life - such as food and water. We assume that the supermarket shelves will always be full and water will flow out of the taps.
Our disconnection from the natural world that provides for us is part of the reason that we take from it in an unsustainable way, leading to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity and climate change.
This was highlighted in the People’s Emergency Briefing - a 45-minute film about the climate, nature, and us - that was shown at St John’s on 6th July. This film showed that there is hope and that there are things that we can do. Urging the government to switch away from oil-based energy and towards renewables makes economic as well as environmental sense. Helping to preserve species under threat, such as swifts by installing swift boxes - like the ones in the church tower at St John’s that we dedicated and blessed last month. Or changing our diets to eat less meat and to eat more plant-based protein. We must regard clean water as a valuable blessing rather than an infinite commodity, and use it wisely and sparingly.
Some good news is that, now that we have been connected to the mains drains, work on the Green Space in the churchyard at St John’s is very nearly finished. So, please do come and wander around the paths and have a moment of peace sitting on one of the benches in the Green Space.
Whether you are managing to take a holiday during August or not, I hope that you find some time to rest and refresh in body, mind and spirit, and reflect on what each of us can do to help us live in a more harmonious relationship with the natural world.
View the Moulsham Times and The City Times online at www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia
Can You Go Vegan or Vegetarian for 21 Days?
Today, I’ve got my nutrition and health coach hat on. As someone in the nutrition business, I’m always looking for ways to improve my way of eating (aka diet).
Some time ago, I started having a meat-free day - it was on Monday so let’s call it ‘meat-free Monday’. However, somewhere along the line, that stopped. I excused myself by saying I needed the extra protein to support an active lifestyle.
In the past, I’ve worked with clients who are vegetarian - some of them weren’t getting enough protein and I helped them identify healthy plant-based protein. I’ve read articles from people within the fitness industry who say that animal protein is king and I’ve always believed them. Probably because I’m such a carnivore.
Anyone, a colleague was going to run a programme called the 28-Day Health Reset. This is based on the 21-day ‘Daniel fast’ out of the Bible. I thought it would be a good opportunity for both a religious and physical challenge. The fast is basically a vegan diet.
This is what is allowed:
• Vegetables.
• Fruit.
• Beans and lentils.
• Whole grains.
• Nuts and seeds.
• Water and herbal teas.
And here is what you cut out:
• Meat, fish, and poultry
• Dairy.
• Eggs.
• Refined sugar.
• Processed foods.
• White bread, pasta, and rice.
• Alcohol.
At the risk of sounding arrogant, my diet does exclude most refined sugar, processed foods, white bread, pasta, rice and alcohol. The big challenge is meat, fish, poultry, dairy and eggs. How am I going to get adequate protein?
But this is the 21st century and there are different demands on our lifestyle to biblical times, so in the group, we had to decide on how much of the challenge to keep in. I chose to keep coffee and eggs.
No dairy, meat, fish or poultry. Quite a challenge for a self-proclaimed carnivore, but I was up for it. Doing the challenge as a group was quite encouraging as well.
As I write this article, I’m 4 days away from finishing the challenge. How have I been finding it? From a spiritual perspective, it’s been great. Apart from giving up certain foods, I’ve also been prompted to evaluate my screen time - wayyy too much doom scrolling which has been cut back.
Due to my active lifestyle, I was worried about the challenge affecting my energy levels, but like Daniel in the Bible, I’ve been fired up as usual. As part of the challenge, I’ve been monitoring my body composition by weighing myself on a Tuesday morning and sharing the results with the group.
The results have been interesting - I’ve gained some weight but no body fat - a combination of muscle and bone mass... that’s interesting.
The big question is will I stick with it? And the answer is a resounding no.
However, I’ve learned that I don’t need to have meat every day or with every meal.
I think adding dairy back in will help with the choice of meatfree meals. Meat-free Monday is making a comeback.
What did I miss most? It wasn’t meat, it was my afternoon milky coffee!
I do like a black coffee in the morning and I like to have a milky decaffeinated coffee with lunchI’m not sure why I missed this so much but I’m looking forward to having one soon!
Do I recommend the Daniel fast? I do and I’m sure I’ll do it again in the future.
Ola Adamolekun Health and Nutrition Coach/ Personal Trainer
www.beencouragedwellness.co.uk
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ olaadamolekun
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ BeEncouragedBeStrong
Hello everyone and welcome to the August edition of Wharam’s Wine Words. Well, as I write these notes, we are still sweltering in record-breaking heat, though for those of us who remember the summers of 2003 and more importantly 1976, perhaps not quite as discomforting as it is for some. I’ve been chilling my reds as recommended in previous articles and that has been a godsend.
So, this month we’re doing the best offerings from the 2025 vintage, which from the New World/Southern Hemisphere have been available since late last year and from the Old World/Northern Hemisphere since March. These recommendations refer to wines made from the 2025 harvest and - where noted - were commonly appearing in UK supermarket ranges by mid-2026. Supermarket listings change quickly; use the tasting notes and style guidance below to find the best available 2025 releases. In Chelmsford, we are lucky enough to have a wide variety of wine outlets, (and Majestic), shop around if you can.
The 2025 harvest across Europe and the New World produced an appealing crop of fresh, vibrant young wines. In the supermarket aisles these are most often released as early-drinking whites, rosés, Beaujolais-style Nouveau and light single-vineyard reds, alongside a handful of more structured 2025 single-estate bottlings from regions with warm summers. When shopping, look for ‘2025’ on the label, or for supermarket tasting notes that flag the vintage.
What to Look for in 2025-Harvest Supermarket Wines
• Freshness and fruit drive: 2025 bottles on supermarket shelves will often showcase bright primary fruit (citrus, stone fruit, red berry) and modest oak. They’re made to drink young.
• Excellent value: Large supermarket chains secured early allocations, so 2025 vintage releases can deliver impressive quality-per-pound.
• Regional expectations: Cooler or maritime sites (Vinho Verde, Loire, northern Spain) produce crisp whites; Mediterranean or southern New World regions give riper, more textural wines.
Top 2025-Harvest Styles and Supermarket Picks
1) Crisp, citrus whites - for everyday drinking
Why: 2025 produced lively whites that are great chilled and foodfriendly.
Where to find: Supermarket own-label ‘reserve’ ranges and popular global brands.
Tasting notes to seek: Zesty lemon-lime, green apple, a touch of mineral or salinity, light-medium body.
Good choices: Vinho Verde (young, spritzy), Albariño from Rías Baixas, and unoaked Pinot Grigio/Gris labelled 2025. In supermarkets, scan Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose for 2025-dated Albariño or premium white ranges - often representing best value.
2) Rosé - summer staples with bright red-fruit drive
Why: Rosés from 2025 are fresh, aromatic and meant to be drunk young.
Where to find: Mainstream brands and supermarket summer ranges. Tasting notes: Strawberries, watermelon, citrus peel, crisp finish.
Good choices: Provençal-style rosés bearing the 2025 vintage, and New World rosés from Chile or Argentina that emphasise ripe raspberry and melon. Supermarket summer promotions often feature excellent 2025 rosés in the £6-£12 bracket.
3) Light, fruity reds - immediate pleasure
Why: 2025 light reds are juicy, low -tannin and ideal slightly chilled. Where to find: Beaujolais-style releases, youthful Pinot Noir and light GSM blends.
Tasting notes: Bright red cherries, cranberry, soft tannins, plush mid-palate.
Good choices: Beaujolais Nouveau or Beaujolais-villages 2025 where available; supermarket Pinot Noirs from cooler New World sites. These are often labelled as ‘2025’ and appear in promotions around release time.
4) New-World single-varietal reds - ripe but balanced
Why: In warmer regions the 2025 growing season gave ripe fruit with balancing acidity in many vineyard sites, producing approachable Merlot, Malbec and Shiraz.
Where to find: Branded imports and supermarket ‘finest’ ranges.
Tasting notes: Dark cherry, plum, spice, medium body; soft oak in some bottles.
Good choices: Look for Chilean and Argentine Malbec or Chilean Carménère 2025s in Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s ranges; these often combine concentration with value.
5) Sparkling from the young harvest - accessible fizz
Why: Not all 2025 harvest fruit is destined for traditional method sparkling, but supermarkets carry youthful method-charmat and some early-release bottlings.
Where to find: Supermarket prosecco alternatives and own-label sparkling wines.
Tasting notes: Green apple, pear, brioche (if less-aged), persistent mousse in better bottlings.
Good choices: Prosecco and Spanish Cava alternatives often show the freshness of the recent harvest and are frequently discounted.
Notable Supermarket Ranges to Trust
• Waitrose/John Lewis (Waitrose & Partners): Now in Chelmer Village, these tend to carry a selection of recent vintage single-estate releases and a well-curated premium range with tasting notes.
• Tesco Finest: strong for labelled vintage whites and seasonal rosés.
• Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference: reliable for single-region 2025 whites and approachable reds.
• Morrisons and Asda: good value single-varietal New World 2025 releases.
• Aldi and Lidl: Special buys and ‘Exquisite’/’Finest’ lines can include standout 2025 bottles at very attractive prices - check in-store for the latest releases.
How to Choose the Best 2025 Supermarket Bottle
• Check the label: Vintage (2025) and region are key. If ‘2025’ is prominent, you’re buying wine meant to showcase that harvest.
• Read tasting notes: Supermarkets often provide tasting descriptors - especially for premium ranges - helpful for selecting styles you prefer.
• Price vs style: If you want fresh, immediate drinking, £6-£12 often buys the best 2025 everyday whites and rosés; £10-£18 opens up better single-vineyard or regional expressions.
• Drink young: Most 2025 supermarket wines are best consumed within 1-3 years of the harvest to enjoy their primary fruit.
Pairing Suggestions
• 2025 whites/rosés: Seafood, salads, light pasta, and spicy Asian dishes.
• Bolder New World 2025 reds: Steak, roast lamb or richer stews (if slightly chilled, they remain more refreshing).
Final Tip
Treat the 2025 harvest as a season for freshness and value. Supermarkets stocked a diverse range of 2025 releases - from bright Vinho Verde and Albariño to youthful Beaujolais-style reds and fruit-forward New World bottles. If you want specific bottle recommendations, tell me your preferred supermarket and style (white, rosé, light red, bold red or fizz) and I’ll suggest targeted 2025 labels to look for.
Enjoy August, everyone. My wine events will be resuming in September with information to follow. Follow me on Instagram (@philipwharam) for information on tastings in Chelmsford.
Happy drinking everyone.
Cheers! Phil
Latest News
This month our very own George Weaver reports on his time with our international ‘Radio Family’.
As many Chelmsford residents know, our city has two twinned towns: Annonay in France and Backnang in Germany. Backnang, a picturesque town on the outskirts of Stuttgart, has been twinned with Chelmsford since 1990. At the start of July, I had the opportunity to travel to Backnang to work with the Max-Born Gymnasium school as part of their annual Radio Week.
Since 2015, the school’s radio club has been producing weekly shows, which broadcast across Chelmsford every Sunday on Back to Backnang, bringing updates from our twinned town. At the end of the school year, the school gives its Year 7 students on the bilingual course the chance to collaborate and produce their own show, while also practicing their English skills.
The week was a whirlwind of creativity and learning. The students dove into every aspect of radio production, from scripting and interviewing to editing and presenting.
The team was divided into six groups: five focused on producing shows on specific topics, such as Backnang Space Days, amateur radio, and special buildings in Backnang, while one group handled the technical side, editing interviews and finetuning the final shows. The children had the opportunity to conduct interviews with members of their community, like the head of the local fire department and a representative from the town’s satellite company.
It was inspiring to see that even those who had never imagined themselves doing something like this were able to produce radio shows they could be proud of. We were even able to give some of the experienced members of the radio club the opportunity to do live radio for the first time when they called into Ruth on Friday for Good Morning Chelmsford
Despite the language barrier, with me only able to sputter a few words in German, I was made to feel very welcome, even if my monolingual abilities left me in awe of the students’ fluency. It was a great opportunity to share knowledge with our twin town and strengthen our relationship. I returned to Chelmsford with new friendships, a newfound love for Backnang, and yes, a few pretzels!
Make sure you tune into Back to Backnang over the next few weeks, every Sunday at 4pm, to hear what the students have been up to throughout the radio club. Don’t worry, the kids have translated it all into English for us! And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll get to go Back to Backnang
The Unexpected - By Holly Lucking
We packed the bags weeks ago, then repacked them again to make sure everything would fit. I need a holiday, I told my husband last night, and he said I deserve this. We both do after the year we’ve had, but I can’t focus on that now. It will bring me down and offset the sun-ready mood I’ve been fixating on for weeks now. Two weeks in Crete with no distractions, nothing but sun, sea and endless sangrias.
“You did pack my noise-cancelling headphones, didn’t you, Liv? You know I won’t be able to relax without them.”
“Packed.”
“And my trunks...” “Packed.”
“And what about...”
“If you ask me about one more thing that you’ve seen me put in your suitcase and already know is packed, I’ll tip it upside down and nothing will be packed.”
Dean presses his lips together and smiles, knowing he’s being a pain but knows just how much I love him anyway.
Our only child, Christina, decided she was old enough not to go on holiday with her parents and is heading to the south of France in a fortnight. I’ll miss not having her with us, and all the memories and photographs we take out each Christmas to reminisce over, but it’s time to let her go. She’s eighteen, and both Dean and I agreed it would be good for us to go away just the two of us.
I’m scared, though. What if we have nothing left to talk about? For eighteen years we’ve only had to concentrate on one person, our daughter, and now we’ll actually have to find things to talk about.
“Liv, taxi’s waiting,” Dean says, looking out the bedroom window. They’re early.
“I’ll take the bags downstairs. You check all the doors and windows are locked.”
We sit in silence the entire ride to the airport, Dean on his phone as usual, checking that everything’s alright at work. He’s supposed to be on holiday but has a serious condition where he struggles to turn off and give himself a break.
I try not to let it get to me, reminding myself it’s been this way for twenty years. What’s going to change?
“Tina just messaged,” I say, smiling down at my phone as we slowly make our way through airport security. It is exceptionally busy, probably because it’s the first week the schools have broken up, and Dean was too tight to pay for the fast lane. “She says we’ve been burgled and your laptop’s got coffee all over it, but apart from that, everything’s grand.”
He rolls his eyes but can’t keep the smile from his lips. Our daughter’s always been a joker. I think that’s what I love most about her, the way she can take something terrible and make you smile about it.
“Dean Foster, is that you?”
I look up to see a woman staring at my husband, a huge smile across her lips that seems too wide for her face.
There are a few people between her and us, so she’s nearly shouting, earning us several looks that make me want to dive under a table and hide. I’ve never liked being the centre of attention, but Dean’s never seemed to mind it - it looks like he minds now, though.
He begins squinting at her as it takes him a moment to register the face, backing up slightly and bumping into me.
Throwing on a false smile, he raises his hand and waves quickly. “Yes, it’s me. Hello Sandy. What are the chances?” “I’m here with my husband, Jerry,” Sandy shouts back, pointing to the giant of a man beside her. “Say hello, Jerry.”
She giggles as her husband awkwardly waves, and we’re forced to return the gesture.
“Who is she?” I whisper through my smile, cheeks aching with the effort.
“A woman I haven’t seen in twenty or so years. We went on a blind date, and it was horrible. So bad in fact I’m no longer friends with the guy who set us up.”
That brings a genuine smile to my lips as we move forward with the queue. “How bad are we talking here? Talking with a mouth full of food, non-stop calling…”
“Worse.”
I would think he was joking, though his face is serious, neck craned downwards as he’s determined not to look over his shoulder.
“She won’t stop waving.”
“Just don’t look. Please don’t let them be on the same plane as us or I’m bailing out at forty thousand feet.”
“I think I just heard her and her husband talking about Crete. The hotel Golden Coast, if I’m not mistaken.”
Dean blanches, eyes widening in horror. “You’re not serious?” I laugh. “Only joking, though it could happen. Come on. You have to tell me what happened.”
He pulls a face, sighing as his hand goes to my back.
“I’ll tell you on the plane. It’s a long story, and I need a glass of prosecco to get through it.”
“Now I’m intrigued.”
As we make it to the front of the line, I feel a kiss on my cheek and look across to Dean. It is so spontaneous that I’m taken by surprise, as he never does anything like it, especially in public.
“What was that for?” I ask, eager to know.
“I just want you to know how lucky and happy I was to have met you. I dated some real shockers, let me tell you, but then you came along, Liv, and every day I end up asking myself what I did to get so lucky.”
Now it’s my turn to be shocked, hardly hearing when the guard calls us forward.
I know then that we are going to have a wonderful holiday together in spite of my doubts, and nothing can ruin that, not even Sandy.
The Allotment Association on Princes Road is having an open day on Sunday 23rd August. The open day to the general public will start at 10am and finish at 1pm. No vehicles will be allowed on-site after 9.30am that day. If you want to come along and see our Community Allotment, especially if you are interested in volunteering, do please come along, Mark will be there to show you out plot. We are currently harvesting, tomatoes, potatoes and sweetcorn - and they all taste much much better than shop bought fruit and veg!
New City Voices was one of MLCTs first organised group activities and has been going from day one. They are now preparing to enter a national competition with the final next year in the top international venue of Cadogan Hall, London. We will have submitted our competition entry song via video early August and we are all exited to see if we can progress to the main competition.
We recently had to close the disabled space at the front of the Community Station due to suspected subsidence. The concrete parking slab had developed further cracks and we had noticed a hair line crack in the brick wall. We are getting it surveyed but hopefully
it’s nothing major and we can reopen the space shortly. In the meantime, there is a space in our car park for a disabled space.
MLCT will be storing a supply of books for the bookcase on John Shennan Local Nature Reserve. Chelmsford City Council parks department had the bookcase built and have now organised volunteers to help manage the books.
The Community Station and Copper Pot Café are open Monday to Friday from 8am till 4pm and on Saturday from 9am to 3pm.
Nearly 1,500 Year 8 students from across Chelmsford recently attended Skills Fest, organised by Chelmsford City Council at ARU Writtle. With almost 100 exhibitors, the event gave young people the chance to explore careers in construction, engineering, heritage, technology, public services, creative industries and more.
Despite the heat, the atmosphere was excellent. Students took part in practical, hands-on activities rather than simply collecting leaflets, helping them see real careers in action before making important GCSE choices.
It was disappointing, however, to learn that Moulsham High School once again only sent its top set students. While they will certainly have benefited, events like Skills Fest can be even more valuable for students who are less certain about their future direction and would gain most from seeing the wide range of academic, vocational and practical opportunities available.
The event is free for schools, with transport provided by the council and its sponsors, and is held in a safe, well-organised setting. I would encourage parents of children entering Year 8 in 2026/27 to ask the school to ensure the whole year group can attend in future.
On a separate but equally practical local issue, we are pleased to
Ashley Thompson & Simon Goldman
see the re-introduction of the Highways Rangers. This is a service that should be provided by Essex County Council, but after the funding was withdrawn, Chelmsford City Council has found money within its own budget to get the work moving again.
The Rangers are now out and about carrying out a variety of small but important jobs that help keep our area tidy, safer and more pleasant for residents. Recent work has included cutting back overgrown hedges on the pavement at Waterson Vale, making it easier and safer for pedestrians to use.
These are the sorts of visible, everyday improvements that make a real difference locally, and we will continue to push for our area to receive the attention it deserves. If you know of any public areas that need some attention then please do contact us or report it on the Council’s ‘report-it’ webpage (www.chelmsford.gov.uk/environmentand-public-health/street-problem-report).
As always, we encourage residents to stay engaged, share their concerns and continue helping us improve our neighbourhood for everyone.
For any local issues, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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
A recent rehearsal at Moulsham Infant School
Tile Kiln Corner - By Cllr Linda Mascot
I was delighted to attend Essex Pride this year, watching the joyful parade through the city centre culminating in Central Park, celebrating our LGBTQ+ community with music, laughter and the most fabulous balloon creations by Goshawk Drive resident and balloon artist extraordinaire Heydi Alvarado. I congratulated Heydi on her colourful contribution to this celebration of diversity and asked about her journey to providing balloons at the prestigious event:
“Essex Pride... what can I say? Just wow! It gets bigger and better every year. This year’s parade was a bit longer, which meant we had even more time to take it all in and appreciate the incredible atmosphere.
“I often think back to my very first Essex Pride parade. It was a bit of a last-minute project, but I was ready for the challenge. I remember saying to myself - there may only be six of us, but we’re going to make an impact! As soon as we arrived, I found out that we were going to be right at the front of the parade, just behind the Essex Pride organisers. It was an incredible moment and one I’ll never forget.
“Fast forward five years, and our team has grown. This year, there were three of us creating the balloon displays using more than 7,000 balloons with eight team members helping on the day, and more
Time
to Rest
It has been a long, hot summer. I was talking to someone recently who said that it hasn’t just been how high the temperatures have got, but how long the heat has lasted. It is draining.
For many, summer brings with it time to rest. And all of us need rest. So, we head off on holiday, and enjoy the sun and the sea, the drinks and the late nights and late mornings. But I’ve noticed that this doesn’t always equal rest. We might well arrive in September still exhausted. What’s going on?
I wonder whether we can confuse rest for simply ‘not at work’. If we do that, we can fall into the trap of trying to buy rest - in the form of a beach holiday, a Netflix subscription, a good bottle of wine, sleeping pills… But rest is not a think to be bought, but received.
In the Bible, in the book of Matthew, Jesus says this: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew 11:28).
In this, Jesus offers an invitation and issues a challenge. The
than 45 amazing volunteers proudly carrying our balloon creations throughout the parade.
“I will always be grateful to the people who believed in me from the very beginning. A special thank you to Linda Mascot and to Chair of Essex Pride Garry Ormes for giving me the opportunity to be part of Essex Pride and for trusting me to bring my balloon creations to the parade year after year. Their support and belief in my work have meant so much, and I truly appreciate it. Every year, Essex Pride attracts more people, more organisations and more support from the local community, and it’s an honour to be part of it.
“As a balloon artist with 14 years of experience and three international awards, I always challenge myself to create something new and memorable. Over the years we’ve brought giant balloon letters spelling Essex Pride, Love and Proud, as well as flamingos, butterfly wings and even gnomes. My personal favourite has to be the giant wind wavers - they’re bold, colourful and make such an impact in the parade.
“Projects like this involve months of planning. We have to think creatively, design new ideas, organise materials, coordinate volunteers and make sure every detail comes together on the day.
“Being part of the balloon industry, I also understand how valuable sponsorships and collaborations are. They help us continue to push our creativity and make each year even more spectacular. This year, we were delighted to welcome a new sponsor, Italian balloon manufacturer Gemar, whose support helped us bring even more colour to the parade.
“For me, my family and Heydi Party Decorations, Essex Pride is about so much more than balloons. It’s about celebrating diversity, inclusion and community. Seeing thousands of people come together, smiling, cheering and embracing who they are is incredibly special. I’m proud that our creations can play a small part in making that celebration even more colourful and memorable, and I already can’t wait to see what we create for next year.”
Thanks Heydi for your amazing balloons, most recently celebrating England during the FIFA World Cup with a fabulous balloon flag outside your house.
Heydi’s contact details are : partydecorationsheydi@gmail.com.
invitation is that anyone who is weary can come to Jesus. Are you tired? Weary with work, or the media, or just the sheer conveyor belt of life that never slows down? Jesus invites you to come to him. The challenge is to recognise that rest is Jesus’ to give. All that’s required of us is to receive, open-handed, what Jesus has to offer. That can sound easy, but we so often want to pay our own way and miss the rest on offer.
This summer, don’t get to the end of August exhausted. Accept Jesus’ invitation, and don’t baulk at the challenge. He is offering you rest, all you need to do is say ‘yes’.
If you want to know more, or have any questions, please get in touch!
