MT Welcome
Hi readers,
Welcome to the February edition of Moulsham Times
Signs of spring are starting to show with a few daffodils and some other early flowers already out in many places...
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That Sinking Feeling - By Andy at Three River Kitchens & Interiors
is more informed by what a client is used to rather than what will be best ergonomically.
As with most things, the initial considerations are a balancing act, but the key considerations are listed below:
How much space do you have for the sink?
If you have a compact kitchen, you can’t afford to waste huge amounts of worktop space on a massive sink, so make sure the proportions of available space dedicated to the sink are right for the room.
How many bowls?
I am a ‘largest possible single bowl’ kind of guy in my own kitchen, but many people love having a little half bowl or twin bowls. Realistically, you should consider how you are going to use it: Do you frequently leave things to soak and need additional space to wash, rinse or drain things whilst the main bowl is full? Do you often find it frustrating not being able to lay a baking tray flat in your sink? Do you need a little half bowl with a never-used colander built into it?
Are you right or left-handed?
fittings that can enhance (or reduce the effectiveness of) your sink space. Realistically, many people simply don’t end up using a lot of these features, so choose wisely at the start and be honest about whether you will learn a new way of working just to maximise the use of your new gadget-laden sink space… If you pick a sink to which these features can be added down the line, all the better.
What material works best?
Unless you are going for the cheapest possible options made from the cheapest materials, almost any sink is going to be relatively easy to clean, relatively resistant to damage and should certainly take the weight and temperature fluctuations of a normal sink’s usage.
Saying that, not all sinks are safe for boiling water taps and some stains are really hard to clean out (We are looking at you turmeric!) of some materials so make sure you ask your kitchen designer about the durability - and if possible, speak to people who have used a sink in the material you are looking at.
In brief for the main materials: Steel scratches but can look great after a while and never stains. Faux-granite sinks (various brand names) come in a variety of colours and the best are very stain resistant and almost never scratch/ Porcelain can look great but can suffer from thermal cracking and has no give when it comes to glassware!
If you are right-handed, the drainer should sit to the left of the main bowl and the opposite for the lefties out there. If two people use the kitchen equally and are left and right-handed, then a double drainer (Or one-person suffering) are the only options. Ultimately, you need to be honest about who the primary user is, if you happen to be opposite handed in the house.
Is there additional functionality you would actually use?
Some people merely use the sink for washing, rinsing and filling things up but there are many other options! Some sinks can be multifunctional havens of productivity with sliding chopping boards, colanders, pot rests, rinsing sprays and all sorts of preparation
There’s a lot to choose from but, mostly, they will all behave themselves if you look after them.
What brand is best?
I’ve worked with many brands over the years (Blanco, Franke, 1810, Schock, Carron to name but a few) and to be totally honest, there is very little to differentiate between them other than design and colours! Look into the company and see what makes them stand out for you and, if you’re going with a name brand, you can be sure they will meet the standards you need in your home.
It is again an area where my best advice is that you speak with a proper kitchen designer, not just a salesperson, to discuss the right option for you and their product knowledge should mean they can answer all your questions and point you in the right direction.
Choosing the right sink for your kitchen is a complicated business and often choice
February is still very much winter, but the days are slowly lengthening and there are the first signs of springtime plants stirring back into life, with snowdrops flowering and daffodils emerging once again. This gives us hope that spring is not too far away.
Valentine’s Day is on February 14th - a day where we celebrate love and especially romantic love.
Valentine’s Day originated as a Christian celebration honouring St Valentine of Rome, who cared for Christians persecuted by the Roman Empire in the third century. It is said that he performed weddings for Christian soldiers who were forbidden from marrying by the Roman emperor. This led to the association of St Valentine’s Day with the theme of love.
Love is central to the Christian faith - the greatest commandment in the Bible is to love God and love our neighbour/those in need around us - as ourselves. Right now, there is too much hate and division in our world that creates conflict - and the antidote to this is the love and unity that helps to bring peace. Christian love strives to hold diverse people and things together in harmony.
In February we begin the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday on February 18th. Lent is a season of 40 days (plus Sundays) of prayer, fasting and giving to those in need in preparation for the celebration of Easter. It is a season for contemplation and selfreflection and for trying to adopt different habits, such as giving up something that is not life-giving, or starting to do something that is life-giving.
During Lent at St John’s, we will be self-reflecting on where we are going as a church. Our primary purpose is the spiritual well-being of the people of Old Moulsham, to ‘Love, Grow, and Serve’, and we have a bold vision to transform the church building and its grounds into a vibrant community resource with a worshipping community at its heart.
We would love to hear how you think we are doing: what are we doing well, what are we doing less well, and what do you think that we should we be doing differently? We want to hear what you think, so please let us know by emailing me at frjohnbloomer@ gmail.com, or by using a link that will be provided on our website and on Facebook and Instagram, or come and talk to us at JubiLatte Café on Monday and Thursday mornings in the church lounge.
There is new life at St John’s, our congregation is growing and it was great to see the church full to overflowing at our Family Carols by Candlelight and our Crib Service at Christmas. If you are curious about the Christian faith or searching for deeper purpose or something spiritual in your life, come and explore with us at St John’s. You will receive a warm welcome and find a spiritual place of peace and Christian love.
Fr
John Bloomer
We are delighted to have been granted Membership of the Essex Chambers of Commerce and look forward to supporting them both on and off air in the coming months.
We’ve already had a good start to the year, with new presenters and shows on the way and new partnerships and projects on the horizon too. The diary is also filling up with this year’s work placement applications from both Year 10 and Year 12 students. If your child would like to do work experience with us, then please do not leave it too late as we only have limited spaces available for this.
Our T-Level students have been trying their hand at some social media content to go with the Good Morning Chelmsford breakfast showcheck out Danielle and her Museum Selfie Day reel - produced with the support of the Museum of Chelmsford and Curious Spirit Productions. Look for ‘@chelmsfordcr’ on Facebook and Instagram.
We went to Thriftwood College and spent some time talking with their media students about careers in broadcasting. We had a great time and are excited to welcome them soon for a studio visit.
We do need to say a massive thank you to the team and regulars at the Endeavour Public House on Springfield Road who chose CCR as a worthy cause for their fundraising Christmas Quiz and Carol Singing nights. They raised an outstanding £530 which will go some way to helping our platform stay on the air. Our very talented presenter Kaelyn and her family suggested CCR - she is a rising star in the world of media and has been able to gain hands-on experience and connections via the station as part of her career journey. Kaelyn now has a very promising media career ahead and we are very excited for her. Kaelyn popped in to receive the donation on behalf of Chelmsford Community Radio CIC.
Speaking of supporting the station, did you know that we are one of the many worthy causes signed up with the Essex Lottery (over 18s only, please gamble responsibly)? Take a look at www.essexlottery.co.uk/ support/chelmsford-community-radio. www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com
frjohnbloomer@gmail.com www.stjohnsmoulsham.org.uk Deadlines for the February edition: Articles: 19th February Artwork: 23rd February
Chelmsford Lions Club 2025 Santa Sleigh Report
During November and December 2025, Chelmsford Lions Club Santa Sleigh was out collecting on twenty dates throughout the city. We aim to bring seasonal goodwill to families and children whilst raising money for charity - in the town centre, outside supermarkets and by touring around residential areas.
Our team comprised Lions Club members, volunteer drivers, plus bucket collectors from local caring charities. This year we worked alongside members of Chelmer Ladies Club, Barrow Farm Riding for the Disabled, CHESS Homeless charity, Essex Search and Rescue, Families in Focus, Farleigh Hospice, Haven Hospices, Helen Rollason, Guide Dogs for the Blind, New City Girls Women’s Institute, and collected for the Mayor’s charities. Visiting Lions from our twinned French club in Narbonne were also pleased to help with street collections whilst following the Santa Sleigh.
Julie Chandler, President of Chelmsford Lions Club said: “Well done and thank you all for supporting our massively busy collections over the Santa period, on the sleigh, in the city and outside stores. The Christmas Lights Switch-On was well attended. Our street bucket collectors witnessed fun and joviality, from excited children and their gleaming parents at seeing Santa’s musical sleigh pass by, accompanied by cheerful elves and helpers. Some people were ready for Santa to arrive as our radio advertising and the tracker worked well.
“To distribute monies to our local charities we organise a cheque presentation evening, to be held on 28th January, where each charity involved talks about positive benefits from these donations given by the people of Chelmsford, to help local causes.”
If you would like to do something for your community, whilst having some fun along with likeminded people, please take a look at our website at www.chelmsfordlionsclub.org.uk; or search for our page on Facebook. We are planning more activities including Easter egg raffles, fairs where we take our amusing Pig Race for children, and a quiz night. New members are most welcome to join in.
The Chelmsford Lions Club Charitable Incorporated Organisation Number is CIO-1185328.
Chelmsford - By Marie Goldman MP
I’m back in Westminster after the Christmas recess and I’m getting to work championing Chelmsford.
In 2026, I’ll be pursuing plans to support local businesses and improve our local health care services, ensuring that Chelmsford - and of course, Moulsham - remains a fantastic place to live and work.
But I can’t do this alone.
Your concerns, experiences and opinions are essential. To start the year, therefore, I’ll be hosting a series of roundtables to hear from as many constituents as possible.
NHS Staff Roundtable
Last year’s Care Quality Commission (CQC) report raised serious concerns about the state of healthcare in our region; it was worrying to see Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust ranked so low among acute trusts, with our ambulance service rated the worst in the country.
Many of you will also know about the recent, tragic incident at Broomfield Hospital in which a 34-year-old man died while waiting at A&E. It is a heartbreaking story, but one that feels grimly inevitable within a Trust that has been overwhelmed and under-supported for far too long.
In the next few months, I am looking to hold a roundtable for NHS staff from the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. I want to hear directly from those working on the frontline about their everyday experiences, the pressures they face, and the support they need.
A few weeks ago, I met with the Trust’s new leadership to discuss their improvement plan for the year ahead. I also met with them following the Broomfield A&E incident to press for immediate action. Whilst those discussions were really valuable, it is essential that staff voices are at the heart of any long-term reform. They carry out vital work, especially at this time of year, and they deserve to be heard. I will be sharing further details about this roundtable soon, but please do get in touch if this is of interest.
WASPI Women
House of Commons Library data suggests that, based on population estimates, around 5,000 women in Chelmsford may have been directly affected by the government’s decision not to compensate those impacted by the pension age changes.
That’s why, over the coming weeks, I will be hosting a roundtable for WASPI women in Chelmsford. It will offer those affected, and their
families - an opportunity to share their experiences and help shape the next steps in pressing the government to finally address these injustices. If you have been impacted, I encourage you to get in touch.
Lampard Inquiry
The Lampard Inquiry, as many of you will know, is an independent statutory inquiry investigating the deaths of mental health inpatients in Essex from 2000 to 2023. Over the past few months, I’ve been following the inquiry very closely. I’ve met families who’ve lost loved ones while they were mental health inpatients, attended three of the public hearings and joined a recent briefing with Baroness Lampard about how the inquiry is progressing.
These conversations have been incredibly moving, and I want to make sure that the voices of people in Chelmsford are also heard. If you or someone you know has been affected, or has any connection to the inquiry, I’d really like to hear from you. Please get in touch at marie.goldman.mp@parliament.uk.
Let’s Connect
In the meantime, if you’d like to stay updated on my work in Chelmsford and in Parliament, you can follow me on social media, where I regularly post updates for constituents. You can find me here:
Facebook: Marie Goldman MP - Chelmsford (www.facebook.com/ MarieGoldmanLD)
Instagram: mariecgoldman (www.instagram.com/mariecgoldman) Bluesky: Marie Goldman MP (bsky.app/profile/mariecgoldman.bsky. social)
Thanks for reading.
Marie
Deadlines for the March edition: Articles: 19th February
Artwork: 23rd February
MT Gardening
January/February gardens are shaped as much by observation as action. Growth is minimal, wildlife is more visible, and the structure of the garden is laid bare. While it may not feel like a productive month, January offers valuable opportunities to prepare, protect and plan - all of which make the coming growing season smoother and more successful.
Choose mild, dry days for outdoor work and don’t be tempted onto frozen or saturated soil. Here are five different outdoor jobs and one indoor task, all ideal for January and explained step by step.
1. Plant Bare-Root Trees, Shrubs and Roses
January is prime time for planting bare-root plants while they are fully dormant.
• Unwrap plants immediately and soak roots in water for 30 - 60 minutes.
• Dig a wide hole, loosening soil at the base and sides.
• Position the plant so the soil mark on the stem matches ground level.
• Backfill with soil, firming gently to remove air pockets.
• Water well, even if the soil is damp, and add a mulch around the base.
• Bare-root plants establish strong root systems before spring growth begins.
2. Feed the Birds and Support Wildlife
January can be one of the hardest months for garden wildlife, especially birds.
• Clean feeders thoroughly with hot water.
• Refill regularly with seed mixes, suet or peanuts.
• Provide fresh water for drinking and bathing - check daily in frosty weather.
• Leave seed heads and berries on plants where possible.
• Avoid disturbing hedges and dense shrubs used for shelter.
• Long-term benefit will be that a wildlife-friendly garden helps control pests naturally later in the year.
3. Turn and Manage the Compost Heap
Even in winter, composting continues - just more slowly. Choose a dry day when material isn’t frozen.
• Use a fork to turn the heap, mixing outer material into the centre.
• Break up compacted layers as you go.
• Add a balance of ‘greens’ (veg peelings) and ‘browns’ (cardboard, leaves).
• Cover the heap to protect it from excessive rain.
• Turning introduces oxygen, helping microbes keep working through colder months.
4. Inspect Garden Structures and Boundaries
Winter weather can quietly loosen fixings and weaken supports.
• Check fences, trellises and pergolas for movement or rot.
• Hammer in loose posts and tighten screws or wire supports.
• Replace broken ties on climbers and wall shrubs.
• Clear debris from gutters, sheds and greenhouses.
• Make a note of repairs needed for spring or summer.
• Why now? Repairs are easier before plants put on new growth.
5. Tidy the Vegetable Plot
A gentle winter tidy helps prevent pests and disease overwintering.
• Remove old crops, roots and fallen leaves.
• Compost healthy material; bin anything diseased.
• Lightly fork soil to improve aeration (weather permitting).
• Label beds or mark crop rotation plans.
• Cover empty soil with cardboard, compost or green manure.
• As a result, you have cleaner, healthier beds ready for early sowing.
6. Plan the Garden Year Indoors
January is the perfect time to plan while the garden is quiet.
• Review notes or photos from last year.
• Identify successes and plants that struggled.
• Sketch borders or veg beds, noting sun and shade.
• Order seeds early to avoid shortages.
• Create a simple month-by-month task list.
• Planning indoors keeps gardening momentum going during cold spells.
A Final February Reflection
February gardening is about foresight rather than instant results. Every tree planted, feeder filled and plan made now contributes to a healthier, more resilient garden later in the year. It’s also a month for slowing down - noticing winter silhouettes, birdsong on crisp mornings, and the promise held in bare soil.
Work gently, dress warmly, and enjoy this thoughtful pause in the gardening calendar. The growing season is closer than it looks.
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.
Nick Garner’s Music & Ramblings
Can you believe it is February already? At least that means spring is getting nearer and the nights are getting lighter and soon it will be summer - let’s hope for decent one.
Yes, I am going to talk about the weather as here it has been warm, freezing, wet, gales, even a sprinkling of snow, so just about the lot - but in Essex we have got off fairly easy so far. Other parts of the UK have been hit a lot harder, look at storm Goretti, and even a tornado has hit Cornwall with one person killed. We have had cliffs collapsing and homes having to be demolished and much more across the UK. My friend has been in New Zealand, where they have experienced a bad storm which has killed people with landslides - and it’s actually their summer too. Luckily my friends are all safe and now back here.
Now about our world, the one we all live on. First our NHS: what a state it is in and it needs sorting out now. You just need to watch, listen or read the news to see what else is happening in the world and I find it all rather scary and worry that we could head towards another world war - but I do hope that I am wrong.
I have been rather hooked on Traitors and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins on TV. Both had the involvement of Essex as well. Both have finished now so time to get back to some kind of normal I suppose.
I am currently having a new computer built, as I think I mentioned before that my hard drive crashed with all my music and magazine info on it - my fault of course, as I should have backed it up. Still, I was running out of memory and the old one was getting a little tired so I bit the bullet and got my good friend to build me a new one which should be done as this comes out.
The other Saturday night I had a sleepless night and I cannot remember it having ever happened to me before. I have had nights with not a lot of sleep but not a night with none - and for no reason I can think of! As I say, at least I cannot remember it having happened to me before, thankfully I slept all the next night and long may this continue.
After quite a lot of to and froing I managed to sort out a date for taking my music crew out for a meal at the Horse and Groom, all except for one couple who were putting on their own show that Sunday, which turned out to be Burns Night as well. There were eleven of us in total and I think four of them went for the haggis. Three of us veggies would have done too, but they had run out of the veggie haggis.
I thought the food was very good and we had a great chin wag and all of them said they enjoyed it. It’s my little way of saying thank you for all the help they give to Black Frog Presents throughout the year. We’re now looking forward to the year ahead, as we hope you are too.
Music
Here we are again, beginning at Hot Box and the Social Club. We are looking at hosting around one hundred shows at the Social Club and Hot Box this year - and I although I said previously that I was going to start to take it easier, I think busier is more where it is at right now, but I love it, so it’s onwards once more.
I have just booked KMO, which consists of Davy Knowles on guitarhe is also the songwriter and performs lead vocals, then from Rory Gallagher’s band there’s the rhythm section of Gerry McAvoy and Brendan O’Neill. The gig will be on Saturday 5th December - and it is booking already.
If you go to the Black Frog Presents website you will see all the acts we have so far confirmed for this year - including Bad Influence for their 40th anniversary tour at the Social Club on Friday 10th July.
Opening for them will Mississippi MacDonald playing a rare solo set.
This Thursday on 5th February at Hot Box we have Rich Miller playing with his Delta Blues - which I can highly recommend. Miller has a voice that is often compared to the late great Chris Rea. Then on Thursday 12th February we have quite possibly the best Scottish and Irish Celtic guitarist Tim Edey, who has won two BBC awards and previously played with The Chieftains for ten years - wait until you see him play the squeeze box as well!
As this publication comes out, it is Independent Music Venue Week from the 1st to 7th February. During this time, we have three gigs on. The first two are at Hot Box with the Pete Bruntnell Band on the 1st and Rich Miller on the 5th February. At Chelmsford Social Club on 6th February, for all fans of Steely Dan, we have Steemy Dan back to play.
Check us out online as we have so much going on - and remember, you can pre-book and pay at the door without paying commission for any of our shows at Hot Box or the Social Club with a simple text to 07508 496 411, then pay by card or cash at the door.
Do remember too that there is so much other stuff happening all over as well. I suggest picking up a copy of our City Times magazine which has a free What’s On guide in it, or go online and search for local events.
So here’s looking forward to a great musically event-filled 2026. Please do support your local venues, promoters, acts and their shows to help keep them all alive - and if you can, please do book in advance.
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, or in Moulsham Street at The Hop Beer Shop, and next to County Hall and the Library at Chelmsford 4Good. Please pay cash when you buy from them.
Tickets for all shows, including ours at the 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.
Pearl Handled Revolver @ Hot Box
Dovedale Leisure Centre: Your New Hub for Fitness, Fun,
This February marks an exciting milestone for Chelmsford as Dovedale Leisure Centre reopens its doors after a major transformation. More than just a gym, Dovedale is designed to be a space where fitness meets community, and where every visit brings you closer to your health and well-being goals.
Whether you’re a gym enthusiast or just starting your fitness journey, our new and improved facilities are here to make movement enjoyable, accessible and inspiring.
What’s New at Dovedale?
We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to create a leisure centre that truly meets the needs of our community. When you step inside, you’ll notice the difference immediately. Our state-of-the-art 32-station gym is equipped with the latest Technogym and Exigo machines, giving you everything you need for strength training, cardio and functional workouts. Whether you’re lifting weights, running on a treadmill, or trying something new, our equipment is designed to support your goals.
All exercise studios have been completely refurbished and expanded, offering more space for group classes and personal training sessions, including an all-new mind and soul dance studio. With a brand-new AV lighting and sound system, workouts will feel immersive and energising - perfect for everything from yoga to high-intensity sessions.
Sports enthusiasts will love our refreshed sports hall and two squash courts, ideal for team games or friendly matches. We’ve also upgraded our changing facilities and toilets for comfort and convenience, because we know the little details matter. Plus, with increased public access hours, fitting fitness into your schedule has never been easier.
Fitness isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good. Regular exercise offers a wide range of benefits that go far beyond the gym floor. Here are just a few reasons why making time for movement can transform your life:
• Boost your mood: Exercise releases endorphins, the ‘feel-good’ hormones that help reduce stress and anxiety. Even a short workout can leave you feeling more positive and energised.
• Improve sleep and energy: Moving your body regularly can help you sleep better and feel more alert during the day. It’s a natural
way to recharge.
• Support your health: From improving cardiovascular health to strengthening muscles and bones, fitness is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term well-being.
• Build connections: Group classes and team sports aren’t just about exercise, they’re about community. Meeting like-minded people can make your fitness journey more enjoyable and sustainable.
If you’re wondering where to start, here are a few simple tips:
• Start small: You don’t need to commit to an hour-long workout every day. Even 15 minutes of movement counts.
• Mix it up: Combine cardio, strength and flexibility exercises for a balanced routine.
• Stay hydrated and stretch: These small habits can prevent injury and keep you feeling your best.
• Remember, fitness isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Every positive step you take no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals.
How Dovedale Supports Your Journey
We know that starting or maintaining a fitness routine can feel challenging, which is why we’ve designed Dovedale to make it easier and more enjoyable. Our variety of classes caters to all levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. Whether you prefer high-energy group sessions or a quiet yoga class, there’s something for everyone.
Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are here to guide you, answer questions and help you feel confident in your workouts. There will now be gym staff present at all times whilst the gym is open. We’re passionate about creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels supported, because fitness should be for everyone.
Convenience matters too. With extended opening hours, you can fit your workouts around your lifestyle. And with our upgraded facilities, every visit will feel like a positive experience.
A Word from Dovedale’s General Manager, Richard: “We are excited to welcome you back to our fantastic leisure centre this February. Our staff have worked extremely hard to improve what the old facility lacked, so we can offer a space that feels welcoming and accessible to everyone. There’s an improved layout, new modern equipment and longer opening hours. Every detail has been designed with our members in mind. While we’ve been closed, we’ve been out and about meeting local people to find out exactly what they want from Dovedale. We are confident that your fantastic new leisure centre will have something for the whole family.
“Our goal was simple, to make sure that every visitor feels supported and motivated to achieve their health and well-being goals. Dovedale is more than just a place to exercise, it’s a place for community and positive experiences.”
A New Chapter for Chelmsford Health and happiness go hand in hand, and we’re committed to creating a space where everyone can thrive. Whether you’re here to lift weights, join a class, play a game of squash, or simply enjoy a moment of movement, you’ll find a welcoming environment that supports your goals.
Ready to give us a try? we’re offering all Moulsham Times readers a free gym trial. Follow the below link or scan the QR code on the front cover to try out your new local leisure centre.
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/dovedale-offers
Why Fitness Matters
Multiple roles with Read Easy!
Read Easy is a national charity that helps adults learn to read. We are looking for coaches, a coordinator and a safeguarding champion.
Can you support a carers coffee morning?
We need friendly volunteers to welcome and support carers when they attend our well-being coffee mornings on Broomfield Road.
Help a young person learn construction
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team and support learners (aged 14-19) to learn DIY and construction skills.
Springfield District Neighbourhood Watch volunteer
We need 12 new volunteer coordinators in the wards of Trinity, The Lawns, North Springfield, Chelmer Village and Beaulieu Park. The
How did your parents welcome you into the world? Perhaps they wrote a letter, or put your name and date of birth in the paper. These days people probably send a WhatsApp message and certainly a photo is most likely to follow. A great celebration of new life - an opportunity for everyone to come together for this gift from God.
Joseph and Mary followed the Jewish traditions and so Jesus was taken to the temple as a baby to be welcomed into the Jewish community, and parents and Jesus were blessed. The story continues with Simeon and Anna meeting the baby and recognising him as God’s son, blessing the family and telling everyone they met the wonderful news. It is a time of celebration.
In church we have services of thanksgiving for babies, and baptism for children and adults. Both ceremonies flow back to this wonderful event, and the story of the baptism of Jesus. Children are named, blessed and given candles to remember the Christ light that comes
role is voluntary and involves getting to know your neighbours and ensuring they’re aware of preventative measures to help keep them safer from crime and anti-social behaviour.
Urgent need - English For All Sessions needs you!
We are looking for friendly and approachable volunteers to help people learn and practice English at our group sessions.
Office/admin volunteer - Hearing Help Essex
We need a volunteer to help with our to help with day-to-day tasks within the office which is situated in Meadow View Cottage, Moulsham Mill.
Trustees needed
Trustees play a crucial role in guiding charities, helping make plans and decisions and making sure they stay on track. It is a fantastic opportunity to make real difference to the organisation you volunteer for. You don’t need prior experience, just some enthusiasm and dedication.
Minibus and/or car drivers - Chelmsford Community Transport
Can you help isolated people to get out and about? We are looking for volunteers to drive our fully accessible minibuses, or their own cars.
into the world. As we take down the Christmas lights and pack everything away, let’s hold onto the light of Christ which keeps on shining, encouraging us and leading us on.
February this year will see the start of our season of Lent, so watch out for a Pancake Day event on Tuesday 17th February 3.30 - 5pm. Come and enjoy a pancake and share your news.
On Sunday 28th December we welcomed Bishop Adam (Bishop of the Bradwell area) to our service. He blessed our newly refurbished hall, and he blessed each group that meets on our premises, giving them a flower to remember the date of the blessing. Little Acorns Preschool, Trudi Osborne’s School of Dancing, 1st and 2nd Moulsham Brownies, St Luke’s Book Club, Saturday Coffee, Edward Bear Baby and Toddler Group, and Bible Quilting, are all blessed as they head off into 2026.
As we thank God for our names, and the people who loved and cared for us, let’s remember the blessing of Jesus and the light that continues to shine.
God bless.
Reverend Canon Stephanie Gillingham
St Luke’s Church, Gloucester Avenue, Moulsham Lodge, CM2 8DT www.stlukemoulsham.co.uk Facebook: @Stlukesmoulshamlodge
Safer Streets This Winter - By Cllr Seán Manley
This month, it’s my turn to share a ward update - and with my ward colleagues Cllr Charlene Adutwim and Cllr Helen Ayres, I want to focus on a winter priority we’ve been hearing a lot about from residents: better lighting and safer routes after dark.
What I love most about Chelmsford is its potential. It’s vibrant, it’s grown, it’s become more culturally diverse and there’s now a real range of things to do and enjoy. It’s also, in my view, a safe city by and large and part of protecting that is making sure essential infrastructure, like lighting, is properly maintained - especially when the cold weather has dragged on and we’re all moving around in the dark.
Over recent weeks I’ve had a number of messages from residents about street lighting faults and areas where walking routes feel less safe. Thank you to everyone who took the time to report issues and highlight specific locations. Those details really matter, because they help us focus effort where it’s most needed.
Following that feedback, I reviewed the areas raised and escalated them to officers at Chelmsford City Council. I’m really pleased with how responsive officers have been. Within two weeks, the council had met with the contractor and repairs were already being progressed.
I’ve now received a detailed update, and there has been clear progress. Lighting repairs have been completed to the rear of M&S, opposite Toast, and in the Shire Hall area. All lights along the Legg Street and Cottage Place stretch have also been fixed. I’m also pleased to confirm that Market Square and Meadows Walk, including the rear of the Odeon, were completed this week, which will make a real difference for people using those routes after dark.
There is further work planned, although some elements are more complex. Baddow Road car park is on the programme, but this will require a new pole and some tree cutting to allow the lighting to work effectively. Officers have advised that this may take time to organise, depending on access arrangements, and we will continue to monitor progress closely.
Some issues are more technical. Fittings have been ordered to replace the flashing lights outside Santander and Halifax. In Exchange Way, in front of Turtle Bay, a supply fault has been identified and reported to UK Power Networks.
Lighting has also been a major concern in the Odeon roundabout subway at Parkway. Many residents have told us they avoided the route altogether because of how dark it became. My Liberal Democrat County Council colleague, Cllr David Loxton, has been working hard on this since being elected in May 2025, pushing Essex Highways for action through Essex County Council.
This followed sustained work by Cllr David Loxton with Essex Highways to push for improvements at the subway. Earlier safety works included replacing a missing barrier, repairing damaged floor slabs, removing a metal plate from the ceiling, and the lights in the northern section have now been repaired after being out for over a year.
Alongside my council work, I’m also one of the directors of Chelmsford For You, our Business Improvement District. The BID represents nearly 450 city centre businesses and delivers projects and initiatives to keep Chelmsford thriving, including events and the city’s Christmas lights. For me, it all links back to the same priority: making Chelmsford a place where people feel safe, welcome and proud of where they live.
My final ask is simple: please keep reporting streetlights that are not working - and if you do report one and it isn’t resolved within a reasonable timeframe, please escalate it to your city councillors so we can help push for a timely fix.
Cllr Seán Manley
Liberal Democrat Councillor for Moulsham & Central sean.manley@chelmsford.gov.uk
Welcome everybody to the February edition of Wharam’s Wine Words We’ve made it through January and whilst it’s still rather on the chilly side, there is much to look forward to in the world of wine. Producers all over the northern hemisphere are watching their 2025 harvests mature in anticipation of their forthcoming bottling and availability for sale. However, with the exception of Beaujolais Nouveau very few of us will have had the opportunity to taste last year’s offerings. So we turn our attention to the joys of February the 14th, which falls this year on a Saturday.
Valentine’s Day is a special occasion celebrated by couples looking to express their love and affection. One of the best ways to enhance this romantic day is by selecting the perfect bottle of wine. Chelmsford has a diverse wine market, featuring an array of options that cater to every taste, budget and occasion. I will guide you through some excellent wine selections for Valentine’s Day, ensuring that your celebration is memorable and filled with love.
Sparkling wines are often associated with celebration and romance, making them a popular choice for Valentine’s Day. In the UK, English sparkling wine has gained significant recognition over recent years, rivalling traditional Champagne. The combination of the country’s cool climate and chalky soil fosters the production of high-quality sparkling wines that are crisp, refreshing and full of character.
One of the standout English sparkling wines is Nyetimber Classic Cuvee. Made using the traditional method, this wine boasts fine bubbles, a creamy texture and flavour notes of green apple and brioche. Another excellent choice is Hush Heath Estate’s Balfour Brut Rosé, which offers a beautiful salmon hue, with berry aromas and floral undertones, perfect for a romantic evening. Check out wines from the Crouch Valley too, an area fast becoming one of the finest wine regions in the UK. Why not take your Valentine for a tasting?
If your Valentine’s Day involves a cosy night in with a home-cooked meal or a romantic dinner, consider selecting a rich red wine. A fullbodied red can perfectly complement a special meal, whether it’s a sumptuous steak, a hearty pasta dish, or even something as elegant as duck.
One crowd-pleaser is Beaujolais Nouveau 2025, which is fruit-forward and light-bodied, making it an excellent pairing with a variety of dishes. Don’t be put off by the old wives’ tale that Beaujolais Nouveau wine goes off by Christmas. We regularly drink it well into the new year and always keep a bottle back to compare it with the following vintage.
Alternatively, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a more robust option, with complex flavours of ripe berries, plums and warm spices that evoke the essence of romance.
Wharam’s Wine Words
For something a bit more local, the UK’s wine producers have also begun crafting impressive red wines, with regions like Essex, Sussex and Kent leading the way. Look for wines made from Pinot Noir such as Missing Gate, which can be light yet complex, offering flavours of cherry, raspberry and earthy notes that can complement a variety of romantic meals.
No romantic dinner is complete without pudding and selecting the right wine to accompany your sweet treats is essential. Dessert wines can elevate your meal, providing a delightful balance to sugary flavours.
One notable option is Sauternes, a luscious French wine with notes of honey, apricot and spices. It pairs beautifully with fruit-based desserts or creamy cheesecakes. For a more accessible choice, consider Moscato d’Asti, an Italian sparkling wine from the old school that is sweet and lightly effervescent, perfect for pairing with lighter desserts such as panna cotta or fresh fruit.
Additionally, if you’re considering a cheese board to finish off your dinner, a tawny port or late bottled vintage could be an excellent match. Its rich, sweet characteristics complement both strong cheeses and dark chocolates, making it versatile and delicious. Sainsburys offer a good range, as well as Majestic.
To make Valentine’s Day even more special, consider pairing your selected wine with personalised gifts. A beautiful wine decanter can enhance the wine-drinking experience and custom glasses can make the evening feel truly special. Include a heartfelt card expressing your love, and your thoughtful gesture will be greatly appreciated.
Choosing the right wine for Valentine’s Day in Chelmsford can turn an ordinary evening into an extraordinary celebration. Whether you opt for a sparkling wine to toast the occasion, a rich red to accompany your meal, or a sweet dessert wine to finish the evening, the right choice will create lasting memories.
Take time to explore local wineries, sample different varieties and find the perfect match for your romantic dinner. In the end, it’s not just about the wine; it’s about the love and connection it helps to celebrate. Cheers to a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
I hope to see some of you at my various wine tastings in Chelmsford during the coming months and having the opportunity to discuss and share these latest offerings from the fascinating world of wine. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Cheers!
Phil
Slow Cooker Beef Rendang - Big Flavour, Zero Fuss - By Biv Pirathapan
There’s something deeply satisfying about a dish that asks very little of you, yet gives absolutely everything in return. This beef rendang is exactly that kind of food. Once the ingredients are in the slow cooker, the magic happens quietly, patiently and without fuss, while your kitchen slowly fills with the intoxicating perfume of coconut, spice and slow-melting beef.
This is the kind of cooking that feels almost smug in the best possible way. You’ve done the work in minutes, then stepped back and let time do what it does best. Hours later, you’re rewarded with rich, glossy sauce, beef that yields at the lightest touch, and layers of flavour that taste like they’ve been tended to all day.
It’s bold, soulful food with roots that run deep - warming, fragrant and unapologetically generous. The sort of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something memorable, and proves that the slow cooker, when used properly, is one of the most powerful tools in the kitchen.
Ingredients
800g beef shin or stewing steak, diced.
1 red onion, diced.
4 cloves garlic, crushed.
1 stick lemongrass, bashed.
2 long green chillies.
400ml coconut milk.
200ml chicken stock
3-4 tbsp rendang paste.
1 tbsp tamarind paste.
1 tbsp dark brown sugar.
1 cinnamon stick.
1 star anise.
2 cardamom pods, lightly crushed.
1 tbsp cornflour.
Method
Add everything except the cornflour straight into the slow cooker. Give it a confident stir - no need to be delicate here.
Pop the lid on and cook on low for 8 - 10 hours, until the beef is soft enough to pull apart with a spoon and the sauce has darkened, thickened and intensified.
In the final 30 minutes, mix the cornflour with a little cold water and stir it through to thicken the sauce into something rich, glossy and clingy.
Before serving, remove the lemongrass and whole spices. That’s it. No drama. Just depth.
Why This Dish Hits So Hard
Rendang is all about balance. The coconut milk brings richness, the tamarind adds sharpness, the sugar rounds everything out and the spices sit low and warm rather than hot and aggressive. Slow cooking gives everything time to relax into itself - nothing rushes, nothing
shouts. It’s indulgent, comforting and deeply satisfying… but it needs contrast on the plate.
Serving Suggestions - Don’t Skip These Chilli, pineapple & shallot salsa (game-changer): This is nonnegotiable. The brightness cuts straight through the richness and lifts the entire dish.
You’ll need:
• Fresh pineapple, finely diced.
• Shallots, very finely chopped.
• Fresh red or green chilli.
• Lime juice.
• Salt.
Mix everything together and let it sit for 10 minutes. Sweet, sharp, fiery - perfect.
Other Great Sides
• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice.
• Roti or flatbreads for scooping.
• Crisp cucumber salad with vinegar.
• A handful of fresh herbs scattered over the top.
Top Tips to Level It Up
If your sauce thickens naturally, use less cornflour - rendang should be rich, not stodgy.
Leftovers are even better the next day once flavours deepen. For heat lovers, add extra chillies at the table rather than in the pot.
Optional: Make Your Own Rendang Paste
If you want full bragging rights, homemade paste is worth it - and freezes brilliantly.
Blend together:
• Shallots.
• Garlic.
• Ginger and galangal.
• Dried red chillies.
• Ground coriander, cumin and turmeric.
• Shrimp paste (optional).
Cook gently in oil until fragrant before using.
Final Word
This is food that gives. The kind of dish that fills the room with spice before anyone’s even hungry, that makes people drift into the kitchen ‘just to check how long left to wait’. It’s comforting yet fearless, rich but perfectly balanced and somehow manages to feel indulgent and grounding all at once.
Whether it’s ladled generously over rice for a table full of friends, or quietly reheated the next day when the flavours have gone even deeper and darker, this beef rendang never disappoints - and when it meets that sharp, fiery pineapple salsa? That’s when it really singssweetness, heat and acidity cutting through the richness like a spark through velvet.
This is slow cooking at its most powerful. Minimal effort. Maximum impact. Big, bold flavour that earns its place on your plate.
What is the Best Form of Exercise? - By Eleanor Searle
I am often asked what is the best form of exercise? Research suggests that a mixture of aerobic, strength and flexibility is ideal. A good starting point for many people is building up the amount of walking that they do, but cycling and swimming are also great initial options. Consistency is key. The current health guidelines suggest 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week and two strengthening sessions.
If this feels about as achievable as running a marathon, simply reducing the amount of time that you are sedentary can make a big difference to your health and well-being. Increasing physical activities such as gardening can also add value. Remember that any movement is better than none.
For strength and balance, body weight exercises such as pilates and yoga can be excellent alternatives to joining the gym. Some more flowing forms of yoga will also raise your heart rate and boost your
cardiovascular fitness.
At Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga, we are miles away from being a gym. We have two lovely pilates and yoga studios and offer a more retreatlike space in which to exercise. I lead our team and am a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist.
Hummingbird was designed to help people improve their health and well-being in a relaxed and supportive way.
Our team are highly trained and can adapt exercises for those with chronic pain or long-term conditions; a prerequisite for classes is being medically stable and able to get on and off the floor.
We hope that we can inspire you to increase the amount of physical activity that you do and would love you to join us for a class. We believe that finding something that you enjoy is key to consistency and hope that you love visiting us.
www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk
Life at Widford Lodge School: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Life at Widford is about far more than lessons within four walls. Over the past term, pupils have been busy taking their learning, creativity and kindness out into the wider community.
Our Year 1 pupils visited Miami House, a local retirement complex, where the children performed a short programme of songs. It was a valuable opportunity to build confidence and learn about the importance of community and intergenerational friendships. A great experience treasured by pupils and residents alike.
Music also played a key role in another special outreach event, as our senior choir visited ECL Chelmsford Learning Disabilities Day Centre. The performance was warmly received, with audience members joining in and clapping along. For our pupils, it was a powerful reminder of how music can bring people together.
A selection of pupils’ artwork has been proudly displayed in the John Lewis restaurant in Chelmsford, giving children the exciting opportunity to see their work showcased in a public space, celebrating the imagination and artistic skill of our pupils while strengthening links in the local community.
These events not only support charities but also help pupils develop empathy, teamwork and an understanding of their role in making a positive difference.
These experiences reflect the heart of Widford: a school where learning is enriched through real-world experiences and pupils are encouraged to contribute positively to the world around them. Whether through music, art, fundraising or community visits,
Widford continues to nurture.
Alongside performances, Widford pupils have also shown their commitment to helping others through a range of charity fundraising
tombolas, raffles, toy sales and general collections. These have benefitted The Poppy Appeal, Children in Need, Essex Wildlife Trust, The Little Edi Foundation, Cancer Research and the RSPCA.
Quiz Time - Firsts!
Who was the first president of the United States?
What is the first book of the Old Testament?
Who was the first man to walk on the Moon?
What was the first Harry Potter book?
Who was the first female prime minister of Britain?
What is the first episode of a TV series known as?
What was the first Disney-Pixar film?
What was the first Adele album?
Which football club did David Beckham play for first?
Who was Henry VIII’s first wife?
What was the first Beatles song to reach number one in the UK?
What year was the first iPhone released?
Who was the first Doctor in Doctor Who?
What was the first London Underground line?
What was the first music video played on MTV?
Who was the first person to reach the South Pole?
What year was the first email sent?
Who invented the first telephone?
What was Netflix’s first original drama series?
Who won the first series of Britain’s Got Talent?
What year did EastEnders first air?
What year was the first YouTube video uploaded? Who developed the first successful vaccine? What standard time was first adopted across England?
Who was the first artist to headline Glastonbury Festival?
Who was the first person to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
What was the first book published by Roald Dahl?
What was the first James Bond film?
What was the first household appliance powered by electricity to become widespread in England?
What was the first motorway opened in England?
Which country was first to give women the right to vote?
Who was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic?
Which city hosted the first modern Olympic Games?
What was the first planet discovered using a telescope?
Who was the first English driver to win the Formula One World Championship?
What public service was first introduced nationwide in Britain in 1948?
What was the first building in England to be granted Grade I listed status?
Who was Great Britain’s first Wimbledon men’s champion of the Open Era?
What was the first supermarket chain in the UK?
What was the first daily newspaper published in the UK?
Edith Cavell was born in Swardeston, near Norwich on 4th December 1865 after her father, a vicar, moved to the village. She was the eldest of four children with two sisters and a brother.
After leaving education, Edith decided to become a governess. She travelled from her home in Norfolk to Steeple Bumpstead, Essex in 1886. Steeple Bumpstead is still a very small rural village (although there are now more new houses being built). It is on the main route through from Thaxted, Saffron Walden, Great Dunmow and the village of Finchingfield linking Essex with Suffolk, Haverhill, Long Melford and Sudbury and on towards Bury St Edmunds and also Ipswich.
Edith arrived in this small Essex village to work for the Reverend Powell to look after his four children for around 3 years. I am sure she would have easily fitted into village life having been brought up in a remote area of Norfolk.
After another stint working for a family back in Norfolk, Edith was left a legacy and this enabled her to travel in Europe. She had been taught French in school as was quite proficient at the language. It was while working for a family in Brussels in 1890 that she became fluent.
In 1895 Edith returned to Norfolk to care for her sick father and it was after he had recovered that she decided she would like to train as a nurse. In 1896 Edith found herself at the Royal London Hospital where she took up her training. After working in different hospitals both in England and in Belgium, Edith returned to Norfolk. It was then whilst with her mother, her father having passed away, that they heard that Belgium had been invaded by Germany.
Edith knew her calling and so by early August 1914 she returned to
Belgium to offer her services. After having spent many years nursing before the war, she had then been training other nurses at an establishment on the outskirts of Brussels. Once the invasion started Edith remained with another member of her staff and all the other English nurses were told to return home, the clinic having become a Red Cross Hospital.
It was in late 1914, when two British soldiers found their way to Edith’s hospital. Sheltering them for two weeks, they were then directed to Holland, which at that time was a neutral country. More soldiers followed, including one from the Norfolk Regiment.
Edith, along with a few other people, including the Prince and Princess de Croy set up the ‘underground lifeline’ helping allied soldiers to safety. Edith saw this was an extension of her nursing and caring duties but all those involved knew that if they were found out, the consequences would be disastrous and they would be shot.
It was in 1915 that a collaborator from Belgian caused the hospital to be searched. Edith remaining calm at all times, even though a soldier was escaping through the back garden at the same time. No incriminating evidence was found as Edith even kept it all a secret from the other nurses so they wouldn’t be involved. Members of the escape route were captured in July 1915. Soon after Edith was brought in for questioning and they informed her that prisoners had confessed. She was so trusting she believed them and admitted she had assisted allied soldiers.
This sealed her fate. This brave lady was shot along with several others on October 12th 1915. Her remains were eventually reburied in Norwich. However, there is a stone plaque erected on the former vicarage in Steeple Bumpstead as well as a memorial plaque in the parish church and a village road named after her.
Blue Monday - Is This a Real Thing?
So, Christmas is but a distant memory and we are in mid-January. The third Monday in January has been labelled ‘Blue Monday’.
Apparently, it’s the most depressing day of the year. By now people have broken their New Year resolutions, the credit card bills from Christmas have arrived, people still haven’t been paid and January seems to last forever!
Blue Monday isn’t something I normally pay attention to, but this year it coincided with a bad weekend for me, so Monday the 19th was really blue.
As a coach you always have to show up for your clients. They come to see you for help with lifestyle, so you must be in the right headspace.
As any good fitness instructor will tell you, a lot of preparation goes into planning a class. You don’t just show up and run the session. So, if you’re depressed or experiencing the effects of Blue Monday,
how can you show up for your clients? I guess that’s why every coach needs a coach to pick them up when they’re down.
So why was Monday so blue? Since October last year, I’ve been working on a project called Boxercise Champions. It combines boxing fitness techniques and healthy lifestyle habits and it is aimed at mainly primary school kids aged 5-12. I’m only one of 8 instructors in the country qualified to teach this course. I put my heart soul (and wallet) into launching this programme on January 15th and 16th. But it wasn’t the success I was expecting.
I spent the weekend before Blue Monday trying to fix things, but if I’m honest, all I wanted to do was curl up in my bed with my duvet covers over my head. Unfortunately, I had classes to teach so that wasn’t an option, so I had to dust myself off and get into character. Fortunately, my instructor character reflects my real character, so once I’d pulled the duvet cover off, I was fine.
I got through the weekend and then on to Blue Monday and the rest of the week. How was I going to get through any of this? Well, my article last month was about what I was grateful for last year. I took my own advice and started counting my blessings in 2026. Believe it or not, I’ve got another traffic event to be grateful for but that’s a story for another day. I guess what I’m trying to say is that however blue things may be, we still have so many blessings so I’m going to count them. It also helps if you have good coaches - which I have.
As for Boxercise Champions, stay tuned and I’ll let you know how it goes in my next article. If you can’t wait till then, pop down to Beaulieu Community Centre on Thursdays or Fridays at 4.15pm for a free trial. See you there, have a good month - and stay grateful!
Ola Adamolekun, Health and Nutrition Coach/Personal Trainer
www.beencouragedwellness.co.uk
My Valentine - By Holly Lucking
Marlin’s Terrace sat in the very heart of London, overlooking the River Thames with boats cruising the tranquil waters. There was a nip in the air that had made Gwen put up the collar of her old, checkered coat she had bought many years ago with her first pay cheque. It was an extortionate price, but it had lasted her all these years and was still in excellent condition. Freddie had told her weeks ago about the booking that had been booked months ago, and she had a sneaking suspicion that tonight was going to be the night when her life would change.
As she sat at their table, Gwen looked down at her ringless finger and tried to wonder what Freddie would choose. He liked to save money so never splurged on much, but she hoped he’d been listening to her hints that the jewellers on Burton’s Street had a stunning 14-carat diamond-encrusted ring that she always stared dreamily at on her way to the office.
“I can’t believe you got a reservation,” Gwen said giddily, her hands folded on her lap, “And a view of the river.”
At night, the city came to life like it never could in the daylight, with dazzling streetlights and candlelit dinners where couples in love whispered softly to one another over delicious food. Even the stars shone through the clear, cloudless sky.
Freddie grinned, dimples forming in his lightly bristled cheeks. “You wouldn’t believe how long I was on the waiting list. Apparently this place is pretty popular with celebs. Bet you ten quid that you can’t spot one.”
The couple looked around the rest of the tables in hopes of finding one, but each table was cloaked in shadow with only a small central candle casting light upon the occupants’ faces. After a few minutes, they gave up, Gwen leaning across the table and taking Freddie’s tapping fingers.
“Thank you so much for organising this. I love you so much.” “I love you too.” Freddie leaned in but stopped short, tucking his head and pulling away.
Gwen felt her heart drop as her face followed suit. “What’s wrong?” “It’s nothing really, I just think that man is going to propose.” He grinned as if it were the funniest thing ever. Seeing the look of confusion on Gwen’s face, Freddie leaned across the table so he could whisper, his blonde hair looking white in the low light. “Don’t look at me like that, Gwen. I just think it’s tacky to propose on Valentine’s Day, and chances are he’s only doing it to make her happy. Poor guy looks terrified.”
Gwen turned slightly in her chair, not wanting to make it too obvious. A man on a table close to them was getting up from his seat, fidgeting with something in his pocket and was heading towards his partner. He did look frightened, but Gwen fondly assumed that he just wanted to hear the word ‘yes’ before he could relax and enjoy the meal.
Freddie was talking when she turned back, and she’d missed half the conversation. “…and Howard wanted me to stay an extra hour tonight, just because he had plans with Josie, but I told him that I had plans myself and couldn’t cover for him. Been doing it for far too long and some day you’ve just got to say no.”
Their shared starter of garlic mushrooms arrived, and Freddie dived into it while Gwen lifted up her fruity red wine and took a thoughtful sip. “So you don’t like the idea of a proposal,” she murmured slowly, the sound of congratulations streaming behind them as the woman had accepted the proposal.
Chuckling, Freddie shook his head. “It’s not that, I just don’t see the rush for it. We’ve been together for what, six years?”
“Seven.”
“Of course, seven years. We’re as happy and in love as we were when we first met, and I can’t see marriage making that any better. I love you, and you love me; isn’t that all that matters? Would a ring really tell you something that I’m not already saying?”
Gwen was quiet for a long time, pressing her lips tight together and feeling the gloss of her best lipstick. She only wore it for special occasions, like the night she thought she was getting engaged, but instead somebody else had their ring while she was left with a man who said he loved her and had managed to forget a whole year they’d been together.
“That was amazing!” Freddie cried, taking the last mushroom. “What did you order for main? I ordered the steak. Asked for medium rare, but we’ll see if they get it right.”
“The mushroom tagliatelle.” But since ordering her food, Gwen had gone off it. Her stomach was tight, and she suddenly felt so tired that she could barely keep her eyes open. It was all the excitement and nervousness of the day, going around the entire floor of the office, telling everyone that tonight was the night. They expected a ring, and when they saw her bare finger, they’d ask what had happened. What had gone wrong? Tapping the heel of her red shoes into the carpet, she didn’t know what to tell them, as she didn’t know herself what had gone wrong. Maybe it just wasn’t her time. Maybe it wasn’t her night. Maybe it would be one day.
Finishing her glass of wine and ordering another, Gwen leaned back in her chair and smiled widely, content that she was sharing a lovely meal with the man she loved on St Valentine’s Day. Yet her eye kept wandering to the table behind, and a single tear fell into her glass to hide the sadness.
MT Finance: Five Financial Gift Ideas for the New Year
Four Top Tips on How Investors Should Navigate 2026
2025 offered strong investment returns despite significant worries in the early part of the year, but how should investors prepare for what’s to come next?
2025 rewarded investors with broadly strong share market gains despite geopolitical tensions, tariff disputes and rising debt concerns. Major central banks easing interest rates and resilient corporate earnings drove markets higher, and 2026 could well build on that momentum.
In the US, the administration is likely to intensify efforts to spur growth and restore voter confidence before the summer. If achieved, this will help to bolster approval ratings and mitigate the risk of electoral losses that could leave President Trump politically weakened for the remainder of his term.
The global economy is also now deep into the interest rate-cutting cycle. While inflationary bumps may slow progress, the backdrop of gradual quantitative easing remains supportive for shares and bonds. Allied to that, continued weakness in the US dollar should continue amid easing monetary policy, and prove supportive of areas such as Asia and emerging markets where a cheaper greenback can encourage investment.
Tech Valuations and AI
The fly in the ointment is valuations, especially in the technology sector where AI infrastructure build has reshaped the investment landscape and fuelled growth. Here, it’s harder to discern who the ultimate winners are, and investors need to be conscious of the top-heavy nature of the US and global indices that have become ever more skewed to the tech behemoths. A stumble for these names would be highly consequential.
AI remains a structural growth story, but real-world constraints such as energy supply or infrastructure bottlenecks could create volatility. Meanwhile, commodities and energy stocks may benefit as demand increases, making them a potentially useful hedge against inflationary pressures as well as an alternative way to benefit from the AI boom.
A New Dawn for Asia and Emerging Markets?
2025 has seen catch-up gains in Asia, Europe and Japan, highlighting the benefits of diversification. While many previously cheap areas have already re-rated, smaller companies and emerging markets could still offer attractive entry points. We should perhaps expect a continued rotation in 2026 as investors increasingly seek value beyond the US, but perhaps with the emphasis on more specialist areas left behind.
Meanwhile, bond markets still face inflation risks, amplified by nations prioritising domestic manufacturing and resource security. Still, current yields provide a cushion, and faster-than-expected rate cuts could deliver a return kicker. With this in mind, we think they still represent an important part of a broad portfolio. For investors concerned about the potential for inflation to flare up again, the higher yields - albeit higher credit risks - of corporate bonds can provide a bit of a buffer, and specialist shorter dated bond funds can be deployed to bolster portfolios further.
As always, diversification by sector, geography and type of asset is wise to help reduce risk and ensure you are not overly reliant on one area or on certain circumstances.
Four Tips on How to Navigate 2026
1. Diversify globally: Keeping a foot in the AI camp seems sensible to benefit from the long-term potential, but it’s worth ensuring a portfolio isn’t flying on one engine of US technology. Emerging Markets and Europe, as well as selected smaller companies where
it has been largely a period of famine rather than feast this year, can also offer growth prospects without the risks of reliance on just a handful of companies.
2. Balance growth and resilience: Expect intermittent volatility from inflation and geopolitics. Blending defensive, income-orientated assets and sectors with structural themes like AI could keep returns ticking over during more difficult periods.
3. Consider some ‘real’ assets: Commodities, energy and infrastructure assets can hedge against and inflation shocks as the virtual world increasingly collides with physical one.
4. Configure bond exposure intelligently to balance return opportunity with inflation risk: Longer-dated government debt could continue to be the most volatile part of the fixed income spectrum, which cuts both ways depending on the outlook for inflation. Yet solid incomedriven returns should be available from shorter-dated high-quality corporate debt.
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. 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.
Believe the Hype - By Parlour
It was my birthday at the end of January and we celebrated by trying the new BBQ hot spot in Essex - Och Smoke. Tucked away at Stockbrook Farm Shop in Essex, Och Smoke has quickly built a reputation among food lovers for its extraordinary smoked and barbecue-style dishes. This family-run gem specialises in high-quality smoked and grilled meats that combine traditional smoking techniques with bold, modern flavours - and enthusiastic eaters are taking notice.
The show stopper is their 16-hour slowsmoked ox cheek, a standout dish, ridiculously tender and deeply flavourful; on this occasion it did come across a little more salty than preferred, however when paired with their chunky homemade slaw this was balanced - worth planning your visit around the ox cheek!
We also ordered the ribs and pork belly bites. The ribs were melt in the mouth - usually we would remove the membrane from the bone side of the rib but it did not affect the experience.
Och Smoke’s Instagram feed fully capture the vibe of their menu offers - from sizzling platters to perfectly charred bites that draw in both local foodies and visitors from further afield. Whether you’re a barbecue purist or simply someone who appreciates good food and smoked meats, Och Smoke delivers dishes that are bold in flavour.
Och Smoke is closed on Monday and Tuesday, but is open Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm - 8pm. We ordered to collect and just heated it up at home one weekend evening and it was just as good reheated as it was fresh off the smoker, so you could double order and have more for home!
Still searching around for small businesses, home cooks and new eats to try out, we welcome your suggestions and love to hear what you think, so do feel free to email parlourcatering@gmail.com with anywhere you’ve been and tried and want to shout about!
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 about where we have been and what we are up to at @parlour_presents and www. parlour-catering.co.uk.
In February we welcome back Meet The Councillors from 1pm to 2.30pm on the first Saturday of every month. Cllrs Simon Goldman and Ashley Thompson will be available in the Copper Pot Café at the Community Station to discuss any council related matters. This is a good opportunity for you to see our representatives face-to-face and talk over any issues you think needs raising with them.
We currently have a project underway to transform the front of the Community Station. Two of our regular volunteers suggested the project to transform the from of the building and make it less like the police station it was. The picture is a simple representation of how it will look after it is finished. We will be putting a short picket fence up with planters, introducing more seating with tables and a new notice board.
Many people who come here for the first time sometimes comment that they didn’t know it was a community building with a café, so we are trying a little bit of a rebrand so hopefully more people will be attracted to what we can offer.
Our rear seating area is now covered with two of our large gazebos
An
Update
From
Moulsham Lodge Ward
-
The winter weather hasn’t put off your two Lib Dem City councillors for Moulsham Lodge, Ashley Thompson and Simon Goldman, from being on hand for our residents. But we need your views on issues affecting the local community.
For instance, what are your views on the parking situation within Moulsham Lodge? Specifically, Simon has been asked by some local residents to look again at the Junction Protection double yellow lines which we had put in on Gloucester Avenue and the surrounding roads.
Is it working as it is, or would you like to see these lines extended further? Contact Ashley or Simon with your take on things: ashley. thompson@chelmsford.gov.uk or simon.goldman@chelmsford.gov.uk.
And more generally, why not pop in to see us at The Copper Pot Café on the first Saturday of each month between 1pm and 2.30pm at our monthly Meet The Councillors session?
It’s very sad to hear that there has been an incident of vandalism at the Chislett Row play area. It was an important win for us and the community when we had CCTV installed at this location recently, and we are working with council officers to see what can be done to identify the perpetrators in this instance in light of this.
But let’s not let the actions of a tiny minority spoil our community, when there’s so much positivity going on. Why not check out the Chelmsford For You podcast at www.chelmsfordforyou.co.uk/ essexpodcast?
If you’re looking for events and places to take the kids during half-
making a more weatherproof area for when the weather gets a bit warmer, or maybe for all those hardy dog walkers during colder times.
The plan was to build a permanent wooden framed lean-to with polycarbonate sheeting this year but, on taking the old frame down, we realised how big an area it is and maybe a proper brick-built extension would be more appropriate. We now have to ask Essex County Council for permission to change the building and then if successful, look for funding.
We would also like to remind the community that we have rooms that can be rented for regular clubs or one-off events, The Copper Pot Café can also cater for events. Pop over to our website for details. The photo above is our flexible meeting room.
The Community Station and Copper Pot Café are open MondayFriday from 8am till 4pm and Saturday from 9am till 3pm.
www.mlct.org.uk enquiries@mlct.org.uk 07434 678 999
By Ashley Thompson & Simon Goldman
term or more generally, there’s always www.chelmsfordforyou.co.uk/ events-calendar.
For any local issues, please do not hesitate to get in touch:
Until next time!
Ashley Thompson and Simon Goldman
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
Tile Kiln Corner - By Cllr Linda Mascot
Congratulations to Val Booth and Jayne Grantham from Beehive Florist in Hylands Parade, Wood Street for their recent certificate of accreditation by the Good Florist Guide.
They also reached the final of the British Floral Association Retail Florist of the Year 2025 and have recently introduced a monthly email newsletter with information and offers for customers to sign up to.
Beehive Florist was founded by Val Booth in 1994 and was originally a small shop situated on the corner of Beehive Lane and Baddow Road. Two years later, Jayne joined Val to form the successful partnership we see today.
In 2008 the shop expanded to the premises at Hylands Parade to
include more convenient customer parking outside.
I am a frequent customer and am happy to support this innovative florist and local small business in our community.
You can order online for local delivery/click-and-collect at beehiveflorists.co.uk, ring 01245 251 037 or browse in store for seasonal items and gifts.
tThe Purpose of Pancake Day
I’ve always loved Pancake Day. When I was a boy, my younger brother and I would embark on our yearly competition to see who could eat the most pancakes. In the early years I would always win (being older was a help!), but for a long time now he’s the undisputed pancake king in our family. We still occasionally text each other a number on Pancake Day…
Shrove Tuesday is Pancake Day’s official name. An odd name, but with an important history. The word ‘shrove’ comes from the custom of confessing your sins before the start of lent. In the Middle Ages the three days before Ash Wednesday were known as Shrovetide because to be ‘shriven’ meant to be absolved of sins through confession. This was preparation for the start of Lent, the season that approaches Easter solemnly and seriously, but also with hope and joy because of what Easter is all about.
Easter is the absolute high point in the year for Christians. The time when we particular focus our celebrations on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians know this to be an historical truth (there are plenty of resources assessing the historical evidence – see the book Who Moved the Stone? by Frank Morrison for one).
Jesus’ death and resurrection accomplished more than can be said here - but one thing to highlight is that Jesus’ death and resurrection means that each of us can be forgiven and live without fear, worry, and guilt over the things we’ve done wrong. You know the things I mean - those that haunt us in our first waking moments, or just before we fall asleep; those things we try to ignore, or drown out. We all have them, Christians included. But Jesus followers know that they are forgiven, and therefore can live without the heavy guilt and horrifying shame of them. Jesus has come and offers you forgiveness. There’s no trick. All you need to do is own it - be honest with Jesus about those things you’ve done that you desperately wish you hadn’t. Own it, tell Jesus about it, ask him to forgive, and he will. You can live without guilt.
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: @tilekilnchurch5108 www.facebook.com/tilekilnchurch www.tilekilnchurch.org.uk
Take a Look Through the Moulsham Lodge Camera Club Lens
Fail to Prepare - Prepare to Fail Maybe you can apply this to last year’s resolutions! Did you make one and not carry it out? This month is all about getting prepared for the new year and to make a resolution to embrace your photography.
If your mobile is the preferred method of photography, then why not think about buying a few little lenses? They are cheap, easy to carry and so much fun. A small tripod and camera holder will open up more possibilities.
If your camera is the preferred method of photography, then before you leave for a day out, clean your lenses and filters, charge your batteries and clear your memory cards.
Will you need a flash or tripod? Prepare for unexpected weather and dress accordingly. ALWAYS pack your sunscreen!
Top tip: Never ever leave home without your fold-up of sunglasses!
If you decide to visit our club then you will need to be
prepared for a warm welcome and a packed programme of events, practical nights, superb talks, competitions and more.
We meet on Mondays at Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church, 110 Lime Walk, CM2 9NJ.
We begin at 8pm, with tea and biscuits at 9pm and we finish at 10pm. Come along for a 3 week free trial. Be prepared to be amazed.
Liz Croxson
moulshamlodgecameraclub@gmail.com www.moulshamlodgecamerclub.co.uk
Chelmsford Tennis Academy Partnership Opportunity
Oaklands Park Floodlights & Community Tennis Hub Business Partnership Opportunity
The Project
Chelmsford Tennis Academy is delivering a long-term community sports project at Oaklands Park, creating year-round access to tennis for families, young people, schools and under-represented groups across Chelmsford.
The project includes the installation of floodlights and the development of a small community tennis hub, enabling expanded free and low-cost sessions and significantly increasing community use of the park.
Why This Matters
Oaklands Park has recently benefited from refurbished courts, but without floodlighting access is limited to daylight hours only. This restricts participation for working families, young people and community groups - particularly during autumn and winter - and prevents the site reaching its full potential as a true community sports hub.
Floodlighting unlocks consistent evening access and allows us to deliver more inclusive, affordable and sustainable community tennis programmes.
Our Community Reach
• 350+ weekly participants.
• 2,000+ local families on our mailing list.
• Junior, adult, disability and well-being programmes.
• Partnerships with schools and local charities.
Sponsors benefit from ongoing weekly visibility to local families - not one-off exposure.
Partnership Options
Community Impact Partner - £5,000–£10,000:
• Named free or subsidised community tennis places.
• Clear impact metrics (sessions delivered, participants supported).
• On-site and digital recognition.
• Simple impact summaries for ESG/tender use.
Local Visibility Partner - £2,500–£5,000:
• Court-side signage.
• Logo on website and email communications.
• Social media recognition.
Staff Well-Being Partner - from £2,000:
• Staff tennis sessions or socials.
• Team-building and well-being engagement.
• Limited availability.
To protect partner value, a limited number of partnerships are available for this phase of the project.
Andy Wilshaw
Chelmsford Tennis Academy
Andy@chelmsfordtennisacademy.co.uk 07983 523 613
Wordsearch Answers
George Washington
Genesis
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Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s
Stone
Margaret Thatcher
Pilot
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19
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From Me to You
2007
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1971
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Paul Potts 1985 2005
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Stanley Kramer
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Dr. No
Electric iron
Preston Bypass - later part of M6
New Zealand
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Athens
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Mike Hawthorn
The National Health Service (NHS)
Buckingham Palace
Andy Murray
Sainsbury’s
The Daily Courant
