Moulsham Times - January 2026

MoulshamTimes

Delivered to 9000 homes and businesses monthly in Old Moulsham, Tile Kiln & Moulsham Lodge - Issue 156 - January 2026

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MT Welcome

Hi readers,

Welcome to the January edition of Moulsham Times.

Firstly a happy New Year to all of our readers and advertisers! We hope you had a good festive break - not long now and spring will be in the air...

Currently, our front pages are booked up until the April edition. If you wish to book a particualr month please do it sooner rather than later so that you do not miss out!

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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Advertising & Editorial Paul Mclean 01245 262082 / 07595 949701 paul@moulshamtimes.com Disclaimer: It’s Your Magazines Ltd publish the Moulsham Times.

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

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Choosing the Right Apliances - By Andy At Three River Kitchens & Interiors

Choosing new appliances for your kitchen is an exciting opportunity to blend functionality with style, and bring new technologies and ergonomic benefits into your cooking and cleaning within the kitchen.

Whether you’re renovating your new home with an extension or redevelopment, moving into a new home, or simply updating old appliances or the existing kitchen, making the right choices can save you money, enhance your everyday experience and add value to your property.

However, the sheer number of brands, models and technologies can soon feel overwhelming.

Focus on what you truly need, not just what you want…

Before browsing catalogues or visiting showrooms, assess your requirements. What works and what doesn’t in your current kitchen?

What do you genuinely lack? What are your cooking habits, and what could make life easier? Consider the space available for both essential and desired appliances, as well as the most ergonomic layout and placement.

These are important questions to consider before consulting a designer. A good kitchen designer will also help answer these and may offer solutions you hadn’t thought of.

Identifying your needs is just the first step; next, you need to choose products that meet them.

How Much?!

Appliances can be costly, depending on brand and features. At Three River Kitchens, we’re entirely independent and not tied to any brand, so our advice is unbiased regarding which brands to consider.

Crucially, what do you want to spend? There are big price differences between brands like Miele, Caple, NEFF or Gaggenau, so set realistic

expectations based on your budget.

While a stylish Bora oven may appeal, it could be unnecessarily expensive for your own needs and budget.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match to stretch your budget. If cooking is your priority, opt for more affordable hidden appliances and spend more where it matters most. If you value a quiet, top-notch dishwasher over an expensive oven, look for cost-effective cooking solutions.

Consider your habits and lifestyle: if you love baking and entertaining, prioritise a spacious oven and reliable hob; if you’re always busy, a high-quality combi-microwave and quick dishwasher cycles could be vital. List your must-haves versus nice-to-haves to help focus your spend.

Take your time and don’t just rely on advice; read online reviews and compare brands. Some are renowned for longevity and service, others for innovation. Check feedback on performance, durability, usability and noise. Visiting several stores lets you see appliances in person and ask questions - a worthwhile investment when these items will be in your home for the next 10-20 years.

Everything in Its Rightful Place Even the best appliances are ineffective if positioned poorly. Ensure your designer understands how appliance placement, your height, handedness and room layout affect usability. No one wants to struggle with awkwardly placed ovens or block the room with an open dishwasher - ergonomics are key, yet often neglected.

Conclusion Choosing kitchen appliances means balancing needs, style, budget and the long term. By considering your space, prioritising features, and researching thoroughly with your designer, you’ll create an efficient, attractive kitchen you’ll enjoy for years.

5 Victoria Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1NZ | www.threeriverkitchens.co.uk | 01245 690 401 4 www.moulshamtimes.com

Arugam Bay: Chelmsford’s Rising Star Chelmsford has welcomed a vibrant new culinary destination with the opening of Arugam Bay, a Ceyloninspired restaurant that has transformed the former Otaru Sushi & Grill.

Now run by a new independent family business, the restaurant proudly holds a 5-star food and hygiene rating, reflecting its dedication to quality and authentic cooking.

Arugam Bay stands out as one of the only places in Essex offering traditional Sri Lankan favourites such as Kottu, aromatic coconut-based curries, spicy Pork Devils, and rich beef curry - dishes rarely found elsewhere in Essex. These flavours pay homage to the real Arugam Bay, a historic coastal hub where sailors around the world once gathered in the olden days, and which is now celebrated as the mecca of surfing.

This spirit of community, warmth and shared meals is at the heart of the restaurant’s concept.

Arugam Bay’s signature experience is an unlimited Korean BBQ-style

Seafood Platter for £29.50 per person for 90 minutes, offering tableside grilling and fresh seafood with a Ceylonese twist (this ells fast - we recommend pre-booking).

The management has fully refurbished the former Imperial Chinese Buffet to a modern function room, available for dry hire from just £45 per session. This is ideal for parties, meetings and private events - it’s called Cinnamon Bar & Lounge, and was officially opened by the Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Jannetta Sosin.

With its unique culinary offering, welcoming atmosphere and growing popularity, Arugam Bay has already been named one of the three finalists for Best Restaurant in Essex. It is quickly becoming one of Chelmsford’s most exciting dining destinations.

See our advert to the above. www.arugambay.co.uk

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Latest News

With the Christmas celebrations behind us, January can feel like a thin month: often cold and grey with short days, with spring feeling a long way off. January is named after Janus, the Roman god of doorways, of beginnings and endings. Often depicted as having two faces, one looking to the past and one to the future, Janus was frequently used to symbolise change and transition, including from one year to the next.

Chelmsford Community Radio (CCR) is starting the new year by looking ahead to another busy calendar of local events and community support.

In 2025, the station was proud to attend and cover a wide range of events across the city, including Essex Pride, Essex Chambers of Commerce’s Festival of Business, The Science Festival, local careers festivals, Mars: War & Peace at Chelmsford Cathedral, Ride for Helen, and Party in the Park, continuing CCR’s commitment to championing Chelmsford’s people, culture and community life.

In a similar vein, January can also be month for reflection, for taking stock of what is happening in our lives, and perhaps contemplating some change or new beginnings. It is traditionally a time for New Year’s resolutions. We are creatures of body, mind and spirit, and all three need to be tended to if we are to find true happiness.

As you reflect at the start of the year, do you feel that you would like to explore your spirituality and faith, or are you looking for truth, purpose, or direction in a world that feels like it has lost its way, or are you simply curious about Christian faith and life? If the answer is yes to any of these, then perhaps Being With could be for you. Being With is a way of exploring spirituality and faith in a Christian context with a group of 8 to 12 people, meeting weekly for 10 weeks.

It is a gentle and reflective approach to engaging with the Christian faith and was developed by St Martin-in-the Fields in London (being-with.org). It is not focused on teaching but on being with people as they explore. We will be starting a Being With group at St John’s, meeting on Wednesday evenings from 7.30-9pm starting on February 4th. If you are interested in coming along, please contact me by emailing frjohnbloomer@gmail.com.

On a practical note, some people have been asking, ‘why are there still fences outside of St John’s when the Green Space was opened in June?’ The answer is simple: as part of the work to create the Green Space, we have discovered problems with the church’s drainage system, which is old and now in need of attention. We have been working with architects, engineers, Anglia Water and now Building Control to resolve this. Once the drainage issue has been resolved, the landscapers will finish the new square in front of St John’s and the fences will then disappear! Thanks for your patience and understanding.

A very happy New Year from all at St John’s. And take heart - while January can feel thin, the days are getting longer following the winter Solstice on December 21st. The march towards spring, a time of renewed life, has already started.

January also brings a wellbeing focus for the station.

Listeners may already be familiar with CCR presenter Ruth CooperDickson from Good Morning Chelmsford, where she regularly shares positive well-being conversations alongside Feel Good Friday host Rich Lyman.

Having been sober for seven years, Ruth is supporting The Dry Edit - Chelmsford For You’s city-wide alcohol-free campaign running throughout January.

The campaign includes a city centre Mocktail Trail across 19 venues, a Sober Comedy Night at The County Hotel, Groovy House Yoga at Patch, and a Mocktail Masterclass at The Social.

Full details can be found on The Dry Edit webpage via Chelmsford For You at chelmsfordforyou.co.uk/the-dry-edit.

As part of the month-long programme, Ruth will also be speaking on the specialist panel at the Sober Socialising Talk on Thursday 22nd January from 7.30pm - 9.30pm at Patch - a free public event exploring inclusive, alcohol-free ways to enjoy nightlife, connection and culture in Chelmsford.

Fr John Bloomer frjohnbloomer@gmail.com www.stjohnsmoulsham.org.uk

Deadlines for the February edition: Articles: 22rd January Artwork: 27th January

With connection increasingly recognised as central to well-being, Chelmsford Community Radio looks ahead to 2026 with a continued focus on bringing people, stories and community initiatives together across the city. www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

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Chelmsford - By Marie Goldman MP The last month or so has been a busy and positive time for Chelmsford, with plenty happening both locally and in Westminster. I wanted to share a few recent highlights and update you on some of my priorities as we enter the new year.

Gloucester Avenue Post Office Reopens I was delighted to attend the reopening of a Post Office branch in Gloucester Avenue in December and to meet the staff and residents who rely on it. This branch is a real lifeline for the community, and I know how much local residents, especially those in Moulsham Lodge, were looking forward to it opening. Let’s hope it continues to serve people well for years to come.

It’s always encouraging to see investment in local, accessible services. The new Post Office is: • Open Monday to Saturday.

• Offering 58.5 hours of Post Office services each week.

I particularly want to thank Ritesh Bicu for taking on his new grocery store and adding Gloucester Avenue Post Office to it. It’s a very convenient location, with plenty of free parking nearby.

NHS Roundtable One of my key priorities is ensuring Chelmsford’s NHS services meet the needs of local people. To help drive improvements, I’d like to invite frontline staff to take part in a roundtable discussion.

This will be an opportunity to speak openly about experiences, raise any concerns and suggest practical solutions. I would like to understand how best I can help and the only real way to do that is by hearing directly from those who work on the front line.

If you or someone you know would like to take part, please get in touch with my office at marie.goldman.mp@parliament.uk. Hearing directly from those working on the frontline is vital to making sure our local health services work for everyone.

Continuing My Work on SEND I recently attended a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Further Education and Lifelong Learning, together with the Principal of Chelmsford College, where we were discussing support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Since first being elected, improving support for children and young people with SEND has remained one of my top priorities, and that will not change.

Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, whatever their circumstances, and that means ensuring the right support is available when it’s needed most. I’ll continue to work closely with

schools, families and local authorities to push for better support in Chelmsford.

Local Businesses At the heart of Chelmsford’s community are its local businesses.

Along with my Liberal Democrat colleagues, I was disappointed that the government chose not to implement our calls to reduce VAT rates for local businesses. Instead, the recent budget has added even more pressure on them.

Over the past year, I’ve spoken with countless business owners who are struggling to stay afloat, facing challenges from the rising cost of living and national insurance hikes, to business rates. To better understand how I can support local businesses, I’m soon hosting another roundtable discussion. This will be an opportunity for businesses to share their concerns and talk about the best ways I can assist. If you are interested in attending or would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to email me.

Looking Ahead As we begin a new year, my priorities in Westminster remain clear: improving support for children with special educational needs, fixing our local NHS so people can access the care they need, and supporting local businesses. Above all, I’ll keep championing Chelmsford and ensuring our city gets the attention and investment it deserves.

As always, if there’s an issue you’d like to raise please do get in touch. My team and I try to respond to all correspondence, but we are not always able to do that as quickly as we would all like. Thank you for your patience if correspondence is sometimes delayed.

With best wishes for the new year, Marie

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MT Gardening By late December to Janaury drapes the garden in a hush that feels almost ceremonial. Frost sketches the outlines of each leaf, borders retreat into themselves and the compost heap steams gently in the cold morning air. Yet even in this subdued moment, the garden invites you to take part in a quieter rhythm - one built on gentle checks, subtle improvements and small acts of winter stewardship.

whetstone or diamond sharpener. Clean mud from spades and forks and oil the metal to prevent rust. Sand worn wooden handles lightly and treat with boiled linseed oil. Sort out the shed - store twine, labels and stakes where you can actually find them again. A wellorganised tool shed in winter pays dividends once spring arrives in its usual hurry.

Here’s how to make the most of winter’s still but purposeful weeks...

Tidying Tools and Winter Maintenance The garden may be resting, but your tools don’t have to. December is perfect for ensuring everything is ready for the busy months ahead.

Jobs worth doing now: Sharpen secateurs and loppers using a

Checking Structures and Garden Fixings Cold, wet weather exposes weaknesses in anything made of wood, metal, or wire. Areas to inspect: Fencing - look for wobbly posts and panels bowed by autumn winds. Trellises - tighten loose fixings before climbers begin regrowth. Raised beds - check boards for rot and replace before sowing season. Greenhouse - clean algae from glazing and ensure vents still open freely. I tend to use soap warm water on the outside and inside of all glass and glazing bar areas. This is the kind of gentle, low-effort winter task that prevents bigger problems later.

Reviewing Stored Crops and Bulbs If you grow your own, winter is a time to keep a careful eye on stored harvests and resting bulbs. What I look out for: Remove any soft or mouldy stored potatoes or apples - one rogue specimen can spoil a crate. Check dahlia tubers, gladioli corms and lifted begonias and discard any that have collapsed or shrivelled completely. Maintain good airflow in storage boxes or trays. Turn compost heaps to keep decomposition active during cold spells. These regular check-ins mean you’re preserving your hard work from earlier in the year.

Planning and Editing Borders for Next Year With foliage low and stems bare, December gives a rare, structural view of the garden. How to use the moment: Walk the garden with a notebook and note gaps, overcrowding, or plants that never quite earned their place. Mark clumps that need dividing in early spring.

Sketch ideas for new combinations or colour themes while the bones of the garden are visible. Review photographs from earlier in the year to help refine your ideas. This calm, reflective editing is one of winter’s great luxuries.

Caring for Garden Birds and Nocturnal Visitors Wildlife is active even when plants are not, and December/January is 10

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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.

often the hardest month for small creatures. Support them by: Cleaning feeders and disinfecting bird tables to reduce disease spread. Offering mixed seeds, suet pellets and apples for ground feeders. Leaving a small area of the garden undisturbed: log piles, leaf layers and tangled stems make excellent winter cover.

Installing a hedgehog house or simply leaving an undisturbed corner for shelter. These small kindnesses turn the winter garden into a refuge.

Final Thoughts January invites a slower kind of gardening - maintenance, reflection and gentle care rather than planting and pruning. From tending tools to reviewing borders and looking after winter wildlife, each small task keeps the gardener connected to the quiet beauty of the season.

When spring eventually stirs, you and your garden will be ready...

Our quiz writer has retired after over 300 quizzes, if you would like to take over please email paul@moulshamtimes.com.

40 questions on any subject once a month!

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Nick Garner’s Music & Ramblings A very happy and healthy 2026 to you and yours from me! I do hope that you have had a good festive season and that you are ready to face what’s in front of us all in the coming year and beyond.

Sadly, things have not been so good around the world. I find it very sad with what has happened in Australia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and California, with so many mass shootings, hurricanes, floods and wild fires and so much more. I think we are pretty lucky here in the UK. We do have things happen, but mostly not as devastating in recent times.

I think we need to try to be happier overall. Have you been to a pantomime or to a show that you have enjoyed or have visited somewhere that you think is worth telling us about? If you have, we would love to hear about it. Send an email to editorial@itsyourmedia. co.uk and we will see if we can put it in one of our publications.

I only sent a few cards out this year, as instead I made a donation to charity, having lost some friends to cancer recently. I think the cost of cards and postage is so much these days that for me this makes better use of my money. To be honest, I am not that big on Christmas anyway but that is me and I have my own reasons. If you have children, I get it but even my grandchildren are in their late teens now, but I do love going to see them all. That is one bit that I do enjoy - seeing my family; especially as I am on my own most of the time.

What do you have planned for this next year, and have you made a New Year’s resolution that you plan to keep? I haven’t, so I have nothing to break except my computer - yes, my main drive has crashed with just about everything on it. I wish you better luck - and make sure you back it up with two drives to save losing all you need.

Music I have now finished for 2025, but we ended with two great shows.

First at Hot Box we had the Jon Amor Trio who blew us all away, then at the Social Club we had ZZ TOPPD, who I think were a fitting band to end our year with, as almost everyone loved the show. I do want to thank all of my crew and all who help at both venues and to all of you who come and support and enjoy live music with us.

great blues player and sounds to me like Chris Rea. He often has the likes of Nick Beggs (of Kajagoogoo) with him, so you never know, he could be there too...

We strongly recommend that you go online if you can and check out our lists of who’s playing in 2026 - and if there are acts you do not know, then check them out on YouTube. There are some I would like to recommend that you may not know - Soho Dukes for example. if you are a Blockheads fan I think you will love these guys; they are so much fun.

At The Social Club we have Bad Co Legacy, which contains two exmembers of Bad Company - Robert Hart has been their singer for 8 years and Dave Bucket Colwell has played guitar for them for 10 years. We also have The Wonder Of Stevie playing if you’re a fan of Stevie Wonder.

We are also pleased to announce that we have Guitar Heads playing too - they will be performing with some of the finest musicians from acts such as FM, Sweet, Thunder, Status Quo and more.

So we are very much looking forward to a fantastic musically-filled 2026! Please do support your local venues, promoters and their shows to help keep them all alive - and if you can, please do book in advance.

If you have anything that you think could be of interest to our readers for either publication, then please let us know by emailing to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk. It may be an event or a topic of interest. Or have you done anything unusual or are you planning something? If so, we want to know about it. And if know of someone who may wish to advertise with us, then please ask them to contact ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we can send over the full details for this and the Moulsham Times.

You can get tickets for all our Black Frog Presents shows at The Social Club in Chelmsford from Intense Records, The Hop Beer Shop and Chelmsford 4Good - please pay cash in person when you buy from them as well. Tickets for all shows, including Hot Box, are also available online from www.wegottickets.com/BlackFrogPresents, or via our ticket hotline at no extra charge - call or text us at 07508 496 411 and you can then pay the advance price on entry and without paying any commission as well for the show rather than the walk-up price.

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.

ZZToppd As this edition comes out, we will have just had gig number one for 2026 at Hot Box with the wonderful Big Joe Bone. We have other great shows coming up this month too of course. On Friday 16th January at Hot Box we have two acts - opening is SANTU and headlining is Pearl Handled Revolver; two acts for just £12. We think this is amazing value so get booking before it is sold out!

Next up is our first of the year at The Chelmsford Social Club with Imagine The Beatles. This band is always very popular. so be sure to get your tickets fast. On Sunday 1st February we have The Pete Bruntnell Band at Hot Box. Pete was actually one of The Rolling Stones’ considerations to take the place of Mick Taylor. Pete is a great singer-songwriter with an awesome band; I have seen Pete and I love him. Then on Thursday 5th February it’s Rich Miller, who is a 12

Los Pacaminos with Paul Young

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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.

Multiple roles with Read Easy!

Read Easy is a nationwide charity that helps adults learn to read. We are looking for coaches, a coordinator, and a safeguarding champion here in Chelmsford.

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.

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.

Independent visitor for young people in Chelmsford area Banardos are seeking volunteers who can visit a young person placed in residential care or a foster home on a regular basis, making sure everything is going well and that they have the support they need.

Happy New Year! 2026 arrives without fail, at the turn of midnight, an opportunity for rethinking, for New Year’s resolutions - what will yours be? Do you keep it?

We have celebrated Christmas and the birth of Jesus in so many ways this year. Carol singing at the Eagle and Hind pub was a highlight singing alongside our friends from Holy Name, the Methodist Church, and St Luke’s, and everyone who came to join in and get ready for Christmas with a good sing. Did you see the display in our east window, The Joy of Christmas?

Farleigh Hospice Café volunteer If you have excellent interpersonal skills and a passion for great customer service, then you might be perfect for our role as a Café Assistant!

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 enthusiasm and dedication.

Trustee meetings are usually just 4 times a year, so this is a great role for people with busy lives who still want to help.

We are currently recruiting for: Age Concern, Farleigh Hospice, The Millrace Foundation, Essex Youth Build, Kid’s Inspire, Essex Community First Aid, Support 4 Sight, RAF Association, Chelmsford Education Foundation, Essex Community Foundation, Santcus Homeless Charity, Cool to Be Kind.

been waiting for. He is so pleased to meet Jesus and recognises immediately that he was born to bring together people of all faiths and none, bringing peace, and an openness and welcome.

We are all blessed with something. Some people it is good health, some people have a positive outlook, others recognise the joy in family and friends, a car that works, a bus that arrives on time, a cake in the Copper Pot Café or a pint in the Eagle and Hind pub. We can be thankful for clean water, a roof over our heads and a New Year’s resolution.

I know that the world feels unsteady at the moment, let’s pray that the new year will raise up people like Anna and Simeon, grandparent types, who see the joy in a baby, but were also able to recognise him as the Christ child.

Grandparents are a blessing; what or who has blessed you this Christmas?

May I wish you every blessing in this new year of 2026.

Reverend Canon Stephanie Gillingham St Luke’s Church, Gloucester Avenue, Moulsham Lodge, CM2 8DT www.stlukemoulsham.co.uk Facebook: @Stlukesmoulshamlodge

Mary and Joseph welcomed the shepherds over the Christmas period. They gave their hearts to this tiny baby and went back to the fields rejoicing and telling everyone they met how wonderful it all was.

Next, the holy family go to the temple in Jerusalem to offer their sacrifices and to enable Jesus to receive a blessing as they present Jesus to the Lord. They are welcomed by two elderly members of the Jewish faith, Anna and Simeon. Anna, like the Wise Men, has been watching and waiting for this special child to come and she is so excited that she tells everyone.

Deadlines for the February edition: Articles: 22rd January Artwork: 27th January

Simeon was moved by the Holy Spirit to go to the temple where he found the holy family and recognised Jesus as the child he had 14 www.moulshamtimes.com

Local Update - By Helen Aryes Welcoming the New Year in Moulsham and Central Chelmsford As the new year begins, Moulsham and Central ward continues to be shaped by the efforts and connections of local residents.

community resilient and supportive.

With recent Christmas events bringing people together, this is a time to reflect on what makes our

Markets That Bring People Together That spirit was especially visible on 6th December, when festive markets took place across both Moulsham and Central Chelmsford.

In Moulsham Street, St John’s Church hosted its Green Christmas Fair, welcoming families and neighbours into the church for an afternoon of seasonal stalls, visits from Father Christmas and festive refreshments. Visitors were also able to buy Christmas greenery, including materials for wreath making, making the event as practical as it was celebratory.

Later the same day, Central Chelmsford was alive with festive activity as Chelmsford Cathedral hosted its Christmas Market. Set within the stunning surroundings of the Cathedral, the market offered a wide range of local sellers with handmade crafts and unique gifts, alongside live Christmas music throughout the day. Shoppers could warm up with mince pies, cakes and light lunches from the café.

As a member of the Chelmsford Business Improvement District, Cllr Manley said it was heartening to see so many people choosing to shop locally: “These markets are vital for our independent traders, but they also help create a sense of pride in the city. They remind us that Chelmsford is a place people want to spend time.”

Kes Gray at the Museum of Chelmsford In December, The Museum of Chelmsford was pleased to welcome well-known local author, Kes Gray, who was born and grew up in Chelmsford in the 1960s and 1970s. He has published over 100 books, including the popular Oi Frog! and The Trouble with Daisy series. Well-loved by young families for their humour and creativity, his books are largely inspired by his memories of growing up in Chelmsford and feature regular references to places and people across the district.

Families can enjoy the exhibition Oi Chelmsford!, which runs until 21st June 2026, adding another layer to the museum visit for young readers and their parents.

Laughter, Music and a Trip to the Panto Festive traditions continue at Chelmsford Theatre, where this year’s pantomime, Aladdin, is running through Christmas and into early January. With magic lamps, flying carpets, sing-along songs and plenty of audience participation, the production offers a colourful escape for all ages.

For City Councillor Charlene Adutwim, the panto is a personal highlight of the season: “Taking my son to the panto is something we really look forward to every year,” she said. “It’s loud, it’s joyful and

it’s one of those moments where you can just enjoy being together and have a good laugh.”

There is a great line-up of shows om 2026 for all ages at Chelmsford Theatre, from comedy to theatre and musical theatre workshops for children and teens. Take a look at the latest programme online.

Looking Out for One Another This Winter Alongside celebration, councillors are also mindful of the challenges that winter can bring, particularly around safety during darker mornings and evenings.

Road safety remains a concern along Moulsham Street, especially near the college between Southborough Road and Elm Road, and at the junction with Queen Street and St John’s Road.

Following a recent accident at the crossing near the junction, Essex County Councillor David Loxton has been meeting with residents and raising concerns with Essex Highways.

In response to concerns raised by a local resident and Cllr Helen Ayres, Voi e-scooters will be conducting some testing using the geofencing, so if needed, they can control more tightly where the scooters can be ridden. They hope to be able to launch patrols soon on the street by marshals/safety wardens, to provide rider education and patrolling, particularly during busy periods and in identified locations.

Thank you to everyone who has helped make this a season of warmth and connection, from volunteers and traders to families supporting local events.

City Councillors Charlene Adutwim, Seán Manley and Helen Ayres, together with Essex County Councillor David Loxton, wish all residents a hopeful new year ahead.

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Wharam’s Wine Words

Welcome everyone to the very first 2026 edition of Wharam’s Wine Words. As we drag ourselves kicking and screaming(?) into the new year, thoughts of resolutions, good intentions and hope spring eternal into our psyche. Did we over-indulge during the Christmas period?

Have we eaten all the cheese at last, drunk all the port? What do we have to look forward to when the next crop of wines arrives on our shores? Well, in view of that question in particular, let’s have a peek at what occurred during last year.

The Global Wine Harvest of 2025: A Year of Challenges and Promising Innovations Last year marked a significant harvest for the wine industry worldwide, characterised by a blend of challenges, innovative practices and remarkable quality. As different regions experienced unique climatic conditions, the resulting wines reflected the diverse terroirs and vinification techniques employed by vintners globally.

Prices here in Essex in our various retail outlets offered some unexpected relief just before Christmas and it will be interesting to see how prices hold up this year.

Climate is a hugely defining factor in viticulture, more so of late as the world warms up and the 2025 harvest was impacted by a variety of weather patterns across the globe. Europe, particularly, faced an erratic growing season due to unusual weather events. For instance, regions like Bordeaux in France experienced a mild spring that led to an early bud burst, followed by late frosts that threatened the crops.

However, producers who implemented frost protection strategies were able to mitigate significant loss.

In contrast, the Southern Hemisphere wineries, including those in Australia and South America, enjoyed a more stable growing season.

Australia’s wine regions, such as Barossa Valley and Margaret River, capitalised on consistent weather, leading to an early harvest and promising fruit quality. In South America, especially in countries like Chile and Argentina, the warm temperatures allowed for ripe grapes, contributing to a solid vintage year.

As climate challenges continued, the wine industry increasingly turned to innovative practices to enhance sustainability and adaptability. Many vineyards adopted organic and biodynamic farming methods, prioritising environmental health. These practices not only improved soil quality but also increased the resilience of the vines against climactic stress.

Technological advancements also played a crucial role in the 2025 harvest. Precision viticulture tools, including satellite imagery and drone technology, allowed winemakers to monitor vine health and soil conditions more accurately. By analysing data, producers could make informed decisions on irrigation, fertilisation and harvesting times, optimising both yield and quality. Moreover, the integration of renewable energy sources in wineries helped reduce carbon footprints. My own winery of Ibizkus, for example, utilises only green energy to power the entire winery. Solar panels and wind turbines became more common sights in vineyard operations, aligning with the global push for sustainability.

Regional Highlights Europe: • France: The 2025 harvest in regions like Burgundy and Champagne experienced mixed results. While some vineyards suffered from frost, others benefited from a dry and sunny summer. The Pinot Noir grapes in the champagne appellation, for example, showcased excellent acidity and balance, setting the stage for exceptional sparkling wines.

• Italy: Italy’s wine regions, including Tuscany and Piedmont, reported a good harvest thanks to favourable weather conditions. The Sangiovese grapes from Tuscany showed great potential for complexity, while Barolo’s Nebbiolo grapes delivered richness and structure.

• Spain: the harvest was generally smaller in quantity but excellent in quality, marked by hot spells, welcome rains and lower yields

•

leading to concentrated fruit, with regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero expecting high-quality, balanced reds, though some areas faced challenges like fires in Galicia. Expect bold flavours, good acidity and rising grape prices due to lower overall production, making it a significant vintage despite being one of Spain’s smaller harvests in years.

Great Britain: the English and Welsh wine harvest was exceptional, marked by a record-early start (some vineyards in August/September) due to a hot, dry summer and abundant sunshine, leading to perfectly ripe grapes, excellent sugar/ acid balance and healthy fruit, with winemakers expecting a top quality vintage for both still and sparkling wines, reminiscent of the great 2018 season. Why not make that trip to the Crouch Valley and see just what Essex’s wine makers have been up to?

North America • United States: California’s Napa Valley reported a slightly below average yield due to challenging weather, however, the quality of grapes was outstanding. Producers praised the Cabernet Sauvignon for its concentration and depth of flavour. The Pacific Northwest, particularly Oregon, experienced a cooler growing season, resulting in bright and elegant Pinot Noirs.

South America • Chile: The 2025 harvest in Chile was marked by high-quality grapes, particularly in the Maipo and Casablanca valleys.

Winemakers took advantage of advanced irrigation techniques, which helped maintain vine health through the drier months.

• Argentina: The Malbec from Mendoza continued to shine, with winemakers showcasing the grape’s richness and fruit-forward profile, thanks to a favourable growing season. Patagonia too showed significant advances in quality and quantity.

Australia and New Zealand • Australia: Regions such as South Australia reported high-quality Shiraz and Chardonnay. The consistency of temperature allowed vintners to pick grapes at optimal ripeness.

• New Zealand: The famed Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough was as vibrant and zesty as ever, benefiting from the cooler climate’s influence on acidity levels.

As the wine industry evolved alongside climate changes, consumer preferences also shifted, with an increase in demand for organic and sustainable wines, as more consumers became conscious of environmental impacts. Wineries embracing these practices were well-positioned to attract a growing segment of the market.

Additionally, the pandemic’s lingering effects saw many wineries enhancing their online presence. Virtual tastings and direct-toconsumer sales channels continued to grow, allowing consumers greater access to wines from around the globe. This shift not only lowered distribution costs for wineries but also created a more intimate connection between producers and consumers.

The 2025 wine harvest has been a testament to the resilience and innovation of the global wine industry. While challenges posed by climate variability have presented hurdles, the adoption of sustainable practices and technological advancements paved the way for a promising vintage. As wine enthusiasts look forward to enjoying the fruits of this harvest, the stories behind each bottle celebrate the intricate interplay between nature and human ingenuity. As we move beyond 2025, this harvest year will certainly influence practices and trends in the years to come, redefining what it means to produce exceptional wine in a changing world.

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 New Year!

Cheers!

Phil

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17

Curry-Roasted Lamb Steak With Spinach and Pea Purée and Crispy Garlic-Cumin Potatoes - By Biv Pirathapan As we step into a brand-new year, this feels like the perfect moment to reset - not with restriction or rules, but with food that makes us feel good.

Dishes that are comforting yet fresh, nourishing yet indulgent enough to remind us that eating well should still be a pleasure. So, welcome to a new year. Welcome back to your kitchen. And welcome to a plate that sets the tone beautifully for the months ahead.

This curry-roasted lamb steak is one of those quiet show-stoppers. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t overcomplicate. Instead, it leans into bold but balanced flavours, clean cooking and that deep satisfaction that comes from a meal cooked with confidence. Served on a vibrant spinach and pea purée with golden garlic-and-cumin roasted potatoes alongside, it’s elegant enough for guests and simple enough for a relaxed evening at home.

Lamb always felt celebratory in our house growing up, it’s the kind of protein that instantly elevates a meal and when paired with gentle warming spices - cumin, turmeric, and a touch of chilli - it becomes fragrant rather than fiery.

The spice rub forms a beautiful crust as the lamb roasts, locking in juices and creating layers of flavour without overpowering the meat itself.

Then come the potatoes - and these are no afterthought. Parboiled, roasted hot and tossed with crushed garlic and cumin, they emerge from the oven crisp, golden and deeply aromatic. The garlic caramelises, the cumin blooms, and suddenly you’ve got a side dish that could easily steal the spotlight. They bring crunch, warmth and comfort, anchoring the plate and making it feel generous and grounding.

The spinach and pea purée is what brings everything into balance.

Sweet, green and silky, it lightens the dish and adds freshness both in flavour and colour. It cuts through the richness of the lamb and plays beautifully with the spices, ensuring every bite feels complete rather than heavy.

Why This Dish Works This plate is all about harmony. Rich lamb meets bright greens. Crisp potatoes meet smooth purée. Warm spices meet natural sweetness.

It’s deeply satisfying without feeling excessive - exactly the kind of food we crave as the year begins and we look for meals that nourish as much as they comfort.

Ingredients For the Curry-Roasted Lamb:

• • • • • • •

Lamb steaks.

Olive oil.

Ground cumin.

Ground turmeric.

Mild curry powder or garam masala (hot curry powder is my recommendation).

Chilli flakes (optional).

Salt and black pepper.

For the Garlic & Cumin Potatoes • Maris Piper or baby potatoes, chopped.

• Olive oil.

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed.

• 1 tsp ground cumin or cumin seeds.

• Salt.

For the Spinach & Pea Purée • Frozen peas.

• Fresh spinach.

• 1 small garlic clove.

• Butter or olive oil.

• Salt and pepper.

Method 1. Parboil the potatoes in well-salted water until just tender, then drain and allow them to steam dry. Toss with olive oil, garlic, cumin and salt, and roast at 200°C for 40-45 minutes, turning once, until crisp and golden. Feel free to replace the garlic with garlic powder which will stick to the outside and make your potatoes even crispier!

2. Rub the lamb with olive oil, cumin, turmeric, curry powder, chilli flakes, salt and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Sear in a hot pan or roasting tray, then roast for 8-10 minutes depending on thickness and preference. Rest before slicing.

3. Boil the peas until tender, adding the spinach for the final minute. Drain and blend with garlic, butter or olive oil, seasoning well until smooth and vibrant.

Top Tips to Wow • Let the lamb rest - this keeps it juicy and tender.

• Season the purée generously; it should be bright, not bland.

• Add a final pinch of cumin to the potatoes as they come out of the oven for maximum aroma.

• Fry off some garlic slices and curry leaves in oil and sprinkle over the potatoes… thank me later.

Final Thoughts This dish is a brilliant way to begin the year: bold but balanced, comforting yet fresh and full of flavour without excess. It’s proof that good food doesn’t need to be complicated - just thoughtful. Here’s to a year of cooking with confidence, eating with joy and filling our kitchens with meals that truly deliver.

If you have any dishes you want me to look at and try to recreate, feel free to contact us at info@partnerwithpp.com. We love finding inspiration everywhere and anywhere!

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Believe the Hype - By Parlour Happy New Year!

What a year it was in 2025 for Parlour – we opened a pop-up at Oddfellows and closed it 3 months later; we have gone back to Chelmsford Brew Co for monthly taproom popups and hosted some amazing private catered parties.

A year of supporting small business where we can with food & drinks – Chelmsford has seen some new ventures opening and sadly some closing.

The festive time of year is particularly crazed for hospitality, and I hope everyone can appreciate the hours that people put in over the holidays.

As we enter 2026, we are back to focussing on private dining and catering – as well as event collaborations with other local business.

In November we hosted a yoga + brunch event at Patch Places with Chloe J Yoga which sold out pre-tickets and was such a beautiful event we are hosting another one on 21 March for Spring Equinox.

More information & tickets can be found at the links at the end of this article.

One of our fav collabs of 2025 was with Smashed Essex – newly opened in O’Connors pub, they reached out to us to jam with them on their Nov collaboration series so we put a spin on the Bhaji Bad Boy from the kitchen at Odds and built a burger based on the Indian street food ‘chaat’ We layered it up with a chaat masala smashed rare breed patty, smashed home-made onion bhaji, green chilli & coriander chutney, american cheese, sliced tomato & red onion, mint mayo topped with crispy sev.

It was a pleasure to curate this burger with Smashed, the team is headed up by Paul & Matt both with hospitality backgrounds and they absolutely nailed it on the bhaji and the chutney using the recipes I gave them – so much so that I heard it may get tweaked to be their vegan special going forward… (news coming soon) Matt has emerged from a 20 year career in hotels and Paul from 10 years in music – met and formed a wedding business before turning their hands to the best burgs in town.

These guys really know their flavours and the meat they use for those patties is probably the best beef I have ever tasted and I can’t wait to see what other collabs they have in store for 2026.

What story do you aim to tell with your food?

Paul: Our aim is to make people happy and surprise customers with the high quality of our producers, whilst highlighting the work that goes into native breed butchery and re-imagining people’s perceptions towards ‘smash burgers’ in the culinary world.

Do you have a food memory from childhood?

Matt: My sister lived just around the corner from my school and I would pop round hers once a week and we would get creative in the kitchen.

Sometimes it would be something traditional like a Cod Bercy, other times we would just make it up and just throw ingredients together.

This laid my foundations for a passion that led to the food industry!

What’s your guilty food pleasure?

Paul: Four (cheap) air fried sausages, microwaved mash, frozen peas, chicken gravy with fried onions and a tonne of ketchup on a cold rainy Monday evening.

Advice for aspiring food businesses?

Matt: Ensure that your product and menu stand out, and that you are doing something different. Make sure your percentages stack up, make sure you understand how hard you may have to work, surround

yourself with good people and look after them.

Most importantlyBe genuine about what you do and remain passionate about the product you’ve created.

Smashed are open at Oconnors on Hall St Friday 5-9.30 Saturday 129.30 (closed 6-7) Sunday 12-7.30

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

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19

Time Out and Not for the Kids - By Eleanor Searle Sitting down to write this article at the pinnacle of the Christmas build up, my heart was literally racing and my mind flitting around what I was going to write.

enough steam to settle into writing about the importance of taking some time out to stop and look after yourself, and how much benefit that can have on your overall health, well-being and ability to settle down to work!

Fortunately, it wasn’t Christmas-related anxiety, but part of a big adrenaline-fuelled push to get everything finished before a Christmas week off with multiple deadlines.

Relaxation is powerful for improving how we think and feel but is sometimes difficult to achieve. Mindfulness and associated deep breathing exercises are amazing but sometimes it can be hard to settle to practice, even with experience.

The NHS is, as usual, unimaginably busy and having tidied up my caseload ready for a few days off, I realised that I had been sat still for hours, had worked through lunch, filled myself with tea and coffee, which wasn’t decaf which just adding to the feeling of my normally very focused brain dancing about.

It was time to take a moment and slow things down, but instead it was a ridiculous rush to collect the children and keep them happily on track so that I could sit down once they were asleep to give myself a chance of meeting my deadline to write about something for you...

New Year’s resolutions, too predictably boring. The power of the much-needed deep breath - a previous article - the importance of exercise, is a common thread in my column. So, I take some time out to get on my bike, do some yoga and finally feel that I have let off

Taking time to exercise really helps: an exercise routine that lets us decompress and burn off that pent up energy is invaluable. Yoga and pilates both enable you to relax and move.

At Hummingbird, we often give you the time and space at the end of your practice for deeper relaxation. Whatever your age, ability or lifestyle, taking some time to restructure your days, build in some time for good habits, a chance to look after yourself and exercise, has transformative effects on health and well-being. If you’d like to learn more specific techniques, we’d love you to join us at Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga - but remember, whatever is going on in your day, if you can just find a little window of time for you, everything that you need to deal with may feel easier to manage. www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk

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21

MT History: Essex Aviation - By Helen Finch Whilst the familiar Essex airports at Stansted and Southend today are a hive of activity for passengers, cargo, the occasional president and royal family member, you may be amazed to hear that there were many sites of different sizes used as airfields and landing strips prior to and during the world wars.

The first airfield is said to be the one that was created in 1909 at Fambridge, near Southend by Noel Pemberton Billing (1881-1948) where he was building and testing monoplanes. He was an aviator but also an MP for East Hertfordshire as well as an inventor.

Due to the boggy land in Fambridge not being ideal as an airfield, Noel eventually moved to the south coast where he invented the flying boat and later his company, Supermarine, albeit sold on, and went on to make the Spitfire.

Due to its close proximity to London, Essex seemed the ideal place for aircraft. In 1916 there were airfields at Goldhanger, Rochford, North Weald, Suttons Farm (Hornchurch) and Hainault Farm (Fairlop) as well as the well-known WW1 airfield, Stow Maries near Purleigh.

This now has a museum which explains about the airfield, buildings and equipment (original buildings open to the public), as well as the stories of the airmen and people that worked there.

At that time the operational squadrons were divided between the RFC (Royal Flying Corps which were established in 1912 and supported the army) and the RNAS (Royal Naval Air Service formed in 1914).

However, it seemed more relevant to have a combined service of the two, and on 1st April 1918 the Royal Air Force was formed, becoming the world’s largest air force. 31 Essex locations for air support were utilised during WW1 but they were quite basic and many were just flat landing strips in farmer’s fields.

Once WW1 was over it was deemed unnecessary to keep all of those areas due to the reduction in staff and aircraft and many returned to their original agricultural use.

easier access to Europe. Airfields at Boreham and Matching were examples of this expansion and USAAF were also stationed at Wethersfield.

By the end of 1945, there were over 20 airfields in the county. Today, even though grass may have grown over runways, homes erected where once Nissen huts and hangars stood, there are still nods to these once busy airfields. In Hornchurch there is a museum, and the Suttons School which is near to where the airfield was, has been renamed Sanders Draper in memory of the airman who was killed there trying to land his plane whilst avoiding the children in the playground. Around Fairlop there are still tank traps in the adjoining fields near to where the airfield was. North Weald still has aircraft there and has a small museum and café, and RAF Debden has the connection with the RAF Cadets. RAF airfields at Stansted Mountfitchet and Southend have now become the larger busy airports we use today.

So for a minute, when you hear the hum of an aeroplane jetting off to sunnier climates, take a moment to turn your eyes to the skies.

Imagine what our county must have looked like during these darker days when the clouds were obscured by hundreds of fighter planes venturing off to Europe and hoping that they would see our Essex airfields once again on their return.

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It wasn’t until the 1930s when Hitler started causing concern to his neighbours that the airfields such as Hornchurch and North Weald started to build permanent structures for not only staff, but hangars to accommodate larger, newly developed aircraft.

Photo: Peter Bromley Unsplash.com In the early 1930s many of the aircraft were just slightly modified versions of the early biplanes, but this was to change with innovation and the need to keep up with German advances in the skies. The airfields were also provided with barrage balloons and anti-aircraft guns in the hope that they would stop the German bombers. The newly developed Hurricane and Spitfire were prolific flyers from Essex airfields during the Battle of Britain. It was told to me that the sky over Essex would be humming and a shadow cast when the planes were in flight and although it was a worrying time, it was a sight to behold with our brave airmen on board.

Once the Americans entered the war, it was necessary to increase the number of airfields to enable them to be stationed here with 22 www.moulshamtimes.com

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23

MT Finance: Five Financial Gift Ideas for the New Year These financial gift ideas can help loved ones meet life’s goals, achieve something new or simply teach lessons about saving and investing. As the festive season comes and goes, it’s not always easy to decide on gifts to buy our loved ones. It’s true, you can’t go wrong with socks, but there’re also some more lasting gift ideas that are just as practical.

1. Cash: Gifting money can seem a bit of a default option when nothing else springs to mind, though recipients usually greatly appreciate the gesture. It’s perhaps more effective when a finance gift is earmarked for a specific purpose, such as paying towards a car, holiday or to pay down debt, and there’s much to be said for paying towards something especially important to them.

It’s important to bear in mind that gifting cash to children comes with tax consequences if it involves larger sums. Parents gifting money to a child should be aware that the child can only earn £100 of interest before tax becomes payable by the adult. In contrast, there is no limit to the amount of interest children can earn from cash given by other family members or friends, but they do have their own tax bands and allowances just like adults.

for kids and many grown-ups too. This might not be the most riveting topic for them, so an engaging author is paramount!

4. Financial and investing books: Morgan Housel’s highly entertaining The Psychology of Money teaches how to make better financial decisions and understand your relationship with money. Alternatively, for budding stock pickers, Peter Lynch’s One up on Wall Street is now several decades old, but instils timeless wisdom of how to think about companies and markets.

5. Financial advice or coaching: A problem shared is a problem halved when it comes to many financial dilemmas, but why not help solve the problem altogether? It’s normal to turn to trusted family and friends for financial queries, but a qualified professional can provide comprehensive and impartial advice or guidance. The peace of mind that comes from this expertise could make an ideal gift.

What About Inheritance Tax on Gifts?

If you want to gift money to help younger family members during your lifetime, as opposed to leaving it in your will, there can be inheritance tax to consider.

By saving for your child into a Junior Cash ISA (see below) you sidestep the potential problem, as interest is tax-free. But if you want your child to have easy access to the money you may decide to pay into a savings account provided by a bank or building society instead.

If the child is under 16, a parent can open an account on their behalf, providing their birth certificate as identification. For older recipients opening an account on a cash savings platform can help gain a competitive interest rate more consistently.

Provided you live for at least seven years, you can give away as much as you like, to whomever you like and after that, the money will be out of your estate for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes. Broadly, IHT is charged at 40% on the value of your estate over the first £325,000, though couples can combine their allowances by leaving assets to each other. There’s an extra allowance related to your primary residence, meaning that couples can leave up to £1m to younger direct relatives free of the tax with some careful planning.

2. Junior ISAs: For children in your family, the festive season is not complete without presents in a stocking or under the tree, but if you want to put something away for their financial future then Junior ISAs (JISAs) are worth considering in the new year.

If you die within the seven years, the gift forms part of your estate, but for the gifts above the nil rate band, the tax payable will be progressively reduced if you die between year three and year seven.

There’s also some annual gift allowances exempt from IHT, including £3,000 to one or more people, an unlimited number of small gifts of up to £250 per recipient, wedding gifts up to £5,000 (depending on your relationship to the person getting married) and unlimited regular gifts out of ‘surplus’ income, which is defined as over and above normal living expenses. The rules here can be complex and good record keeping essential, so if it’s likely to be an issue for you, financial advice can help.

A Junior ISA (JISA) is a long-term savings or investment account that parents and legal guardians can open for under 18s, and they can be a great way to give a child great head start in life. There are a multitude of daunting costs faced by the younger generation including education, a first car, getting married and the need to accumulate a deposit for a house. JISAs are also a popular option because family and friends can contribute too, and there’s the same tax benefits as an adult ISA - no capital gains tax or to pay on income and interest.

There are two types: a cash JISA, where you earn interest, or an investment JISA, where the money is put to work in shares or other investments. These may provide the potential for higher returns over a longer time period than if you put money into a savings account.

Remember, though, investments can fall as well as rise, which means there’s a risk of getting back less than you put in. Investing through a fund or several funds to spread your money across a wide range of shares or other assets is one way to harness the long-term potential but spread the risk.

The maximum that can be contributed to a JISA for the 2025/26 tax year is £9,000 per child. Withdrawals are possible from age 18 when the account matures into a grown-up ISA, meaning you do need to be comfortable with the idea that the money ends up wholly in their hands at that time.

3. SIPP contributions: The typically long timescale means some of the money can be invested in riskier parts of the stock market in the expectation of higher returns. Smaller companies, emerging markets or the technology sector are all areas that could be considered for a multi-decade timeframe, or even individual company shares that have a special significance.

If you decide to use some of these allowances, keep a record of how much you gave, when you did it, and to whom, which will simplify things for your executors.

Financial Gifts Keep On Giving Just as the Wise Men provided gold, a financial gift is worth considering if you want to offer longer-lasting benefits to the recipient. Whether it’s money for a holiday that can create forever memories or an investment that can hopefully compound in value over the years, a well-thought-out financial gift can live on well beyond the festive season.

Graham Austin, Chartered FCSI Investment Director Graham.Austin@charles-stanley.co.uk 0207 149 6696 The value of investments can fall as well as rise. Investors may get back less than invested. Past performance is not a reliable guide to future returns. The information in this article is for general information purposes and is not a trading recommendation. Charles Stanley is not a tax adviser.

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

Financial gifts can be about knowledge rather than money. There Charles Stanley & Co. Limited is authorised and regulated by the tends to be a lack of financial education in schools, so understanding Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: Ropemaker Place, 25 the value of money, savings and investing can be a great life lesson Ropemaker Street, London EC2Y 9LY. 24 www.moulshamtimes.com

What Are You Grateful For?

This is the time of year when people make resolutions. Gyms are heaving and everyone assumes fitness instructors and personal trainers are rushed off their feet (I’m not actually sure this is true).

I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older, but I haven’t made a New Year’s resolution for a while.

Instead, I like to look back over the last 12 months and think about what I’m grateful for.

ahead.

Ola Health and Nutrition Coach/Personal Trainer www.beencouragedwellness.co.uk

Another Fantastic Half Term at Oaklands!

As we wrap up this half term, Oaklands is proud to celebrate a season filled with learning, kindness and community spirit. Our students and staff have truly embodied the values that make our school special.

We began with Anti-Bullying Week, embracing the theme ‘Power for Good’ to remind everyone of the importance of respect and empathy.

This was followed by an exciting milestone - the launch of our British Sign Language curriculum, opening doors to inclusivity and communication for all.

Our commitment to giving back shone brightly as we raised funds for both the Poppy Appeal and Children in Need, showing that Oaklands cares deeply about those in need. The festive spirit then took over with our Winter Fair, a joyful event that brought families together, followed by a delicious Christmas lunch and a heartwarming Christmas performance that showcased our students’ talents.

As a business owner, I also find myself reflecting on what I’ve achieved. I’m not much of a planner, but I do like to keep an eye on what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what I’ve learned along the way. I’ve recently had a meeting with my business coach who has asked me to set a goal for 2026 - one that currently feels almost unachievable.

So, what was I grateful for in 2025? And what would I like to accomplish in 2026? By writing this article, I suppose I’m making myself accountable to all of you. There are three things I’m grateful for in 2025...

1. Safety on the Roads This might sound trivial, but it’s something I’m genuinely grateful for. While attending a training course in Birmingham, I somehow managed to drive down a dual carriageway the wrong way. The speed limit was 40mph. Thankfully it was 7am and there wasn’t much traffic around. I quickly realised my mistake and got out of there as fast as I safely could. It was a sobering reminder of how quickly things can go wrong - and how blessed I am.

2. Safety at Home I suppose this one is also about safety. In September 2025, a leak in my boiler tank led to water damage in the ceiling which then led to the ceiling in my bedroom collapsing - while I was asleep in the bed underneath it. Somehow, I escaped without a scratch. I don’t take that lightly and I’m incredibly grateful.

3. The People Around Me Whether in life or in business, 2025 reminded me just how important people are. Family, friends, clients and the wider community have all played a part in keeping me going - offering support, encouragement and sometimes just a listening ear. It’s easy to focus on what we’re trying to build next, but it’s the people around us who make the journey worthwhile. So if you’re one of my clients or a member of my family - I thank you.

As for 2026, I still won’t be making any grand New Year’s resolutions.

I’ll leave the January gym rush to someone else. Instead, I’ll focus on staying safe, keeping the ceiling firmly above my head and continuing to grow a local business that I genuinely care about - even if that means chasing the slightly uncomfortable goal my business coach has set me. I’m grateful to be part of a community that supports local people having a go, and if nothing else, I’m hoping and praying 2026 involves fewer near misses and a bit more confidence in what lies www.moulshamtimes.com

To finish the term on a high note, we laced up for a Reindeer Sponsored Run, raising money for Farleigh Hospice, and enjoyed a magical pantomime and a special visit from Santa, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

This half term has been a wonderful blend of learning, giving and celebrating. At Oaklands, we are proud of everything we’ve achieved together and look forward to even more exciting opportunities in the new year.

From all of us at Oaklands, thank you for your continued support.

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Breakfast with Santa 2025 was a heart-warming success, bringing together over 200 people for a magical morning of festive fun. Families enjoyed a delicious cooked or continental breakfast, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.

The event was made extra special for the children, who each received a personalised pencil case as a keepsake from their visit with Santa.

Smiles were everywhere as little ones shared their Christmas wishes and soaked up the festive atmosphere.

volunteer, Lorna, whose creativity transformed the space into an enchanting experience for all who visited.

Adding to the excitement, there was even a special hotline to the North Pole. Rudolph made a surprise appearance via the line, calling to ask for his Brussels sprouts back - much to the delight and laughter of the children!

Breakfast with Santa continues to be organised with a clear aim: to keep the event affordable and accessible to everyone, ensuring that all families can enjoy a special festive experience together. Once again, it proved to be a memorable weekend filled with joy, laughter and Christmas magic.

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

Run entirely by dedicated volunteers, the event showcased the true spirit of community. A highlight this year was the grotto, which received a truly magical update thanks to the wonderful MLCT

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

An Update From Moulsham Lodge Ward - By Ashley Thompson & Simon Goldman December proved to be an especially lively and fulfilling month for your Moulsham Lodge Chelmsford City Councillors, Ashley Thompson and Simon Goldman, as we joined residents in the build-up to Christmas and supported a wide range of muchloved community activities. The run-up to the festive season is always a highlight of the year locally, and this time was no exception.

One of the standout moments of the month was the official opening of the new Post Office on Gloucester Avenue, now located within the Little Asia Store. Since the closure of the previous branch, many of you have spoken with us about the challenges of losing local access to essential services, such as posting parcels, banking transactions and obtaining important forms. These everyday tasks become far more difficult without a nearby Post Office, particularly for those who rely on public transport or have mobility issues. It was therefore wonderful to witness the first customers being served and to see this vital facility restored to our community. We wish the Sub-Postmaster every success and hope residents feel the immediate benefit of having these services close to home again.

Just across the road, the Moulsham Lodge Community Trust hosted its much-anticipated annual Breakfast With Santa. As ever, it proved to be a huge success, drawing families from across the area for a cheerful morning filled with festive excitement. Simon was delighted to attend and support an event that seems to grow in popularity and sparkle each year. It is always heartening to see the community come together in such a positive, family-centred way.

Elsewhere, Ashley joined the Carols with Cakes celebration at St

Luke’s Church, led by Rev Stephanie Gillingham and the church’s talented group of musicians. The atmosphere was warm and joyful, and it was a very close contest as to which enjoyed more enthusiasm: the singing or the cake selection! Events like this are a reminder of how special the festive season feels when shared with neighbours and friends.

We were also contacted by a local resident about the lack of lighting on the pathway beside John Shennan Playing Field, which leads to the nursery and nearby schools. This is a well-used route for families, particularly during the darker winter months, and concerns have rightly been raised about visibility and children’s safety.

We are currently investigating the issue and have asked our Liberal Democrat County Councillor colleague, David Loxton, to raise this with Essex Highways. Proper lighting here would make a meaningful difference and we are hopeful that improvements can be secured.

We hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and wish you a happy, healthy new year. If you need to contact us at any time, our details are: For any local issues, please do not hesitate to get in touch. simon.goldman@chelmsfordlibdems.org.uk ashley.thompson@chelmsfordlibdems.org.uk Or follow us on the following platforms: Chelmsford Liberal Democrats Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChelmsLibDems/ @chelmsfordlibdems.bsky.social Facebook: Simon Goldman - Moulsham Lodge Councillor YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChelmsfordLibDems

26 www.moulshamtimes.com

Tile Kiln Corner - By Cllr Linda Mascot Once again, Galleywood Youth Football Club (GYFC) has proudly supported the Hampers of Hope appeal, organised by Chelmsford City Councillor and Galleywood Parish Councillor Richard Hyland.

The Hampers of Hope appeal is a community-driven initiative, usually at Christmas, where volunteers in the community distribute food, essentials, treats and gifts in hampers to families facing financial hardship aiming to spread joy and provide support during difficult times. These are distributed to local schools, food banks and charities supporting vulnerable families.

neighbours and local community.

Have a very happy New Year. mascotlinda@gmail.com

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Communications Officer Emma told me: “The generosity of our club community continues to amaze us. This year, we were able to fill 65 hampers, providing much-needed support to 65 families in our community.This incredible result would not have been possible without the kindness and generosity of our community. We are truly grateful to everyone who contributed and helped make a positive difference for families in need.”

Thanks to everyone involved for making a difference to our

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Resolved to Change Have you made a New Years’ resolution?

There’s so much talk about resolutions, but is that just it: talk? We like the idea of resolutions, don’t we - taking up something new, stopping some bad habit, whatever it might be. But how realistic are they? How often are they simply motivated by the guilt of Christmas excesses? Do they just end up bring a rod to beat ourselves with when we (inevitably) give them up in a few weeks?

The desire to change and to improve is great, it’s a very human desire. But we’re pretty bad at it. It’s what makes books like James Clear’s Atomic Habits consistent best-sellers, because we are all looking for that silver bullet that will make the positive change stick for the long term - but the sad realisation is that there is no silver bullet.

We can put in huge effort and accomplish incredible things, but for the most important change - character change - sheer effort can only get us so far. That’s because we forget that, as Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn says, the line separating good and evil runs through every human heart.

By effort we can perhaps supress our inclination toward bad habits, the easy ways, the path of least resistance. But we can’t change our heart, our character. www.moulshamtimes.com

True change comes from without. And that’s the kind of change that God wants to bring about - a change that enables us to receive God’s love, and to love in turn, God and one another.

That’s what Christmas was all about. God loving the world so much that he sent his only Son, Jesus of Nazareth, so that any and all who give their loyalty and allegiance to Jesus will know the unending riches of God’s love, a love that bubbles up to a whole new life.

The kind of change that God wants for you is a ‘pull’ kind of change instead of being pushed into change by the fear or worry or guilt, God wants to pull you in toward him by showing you that you matter to him.

You matter to God, and that’s why Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again. And that’s why you can ask him to show you his love for you. Just ask. If you want to know how that works, scan the code.

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 Facebook: www.facebook.com/tilekilnchurch www.tilekilnchurch.org.uk 27

Our longstanding quiz writer has decided to retire after writing over 300 quizzes for the Moulsham and City Times. Thank you John for all the years of writing them; it is greatly appreciated. If you would like to set our quiz each month, please email paul@moulshamtimes.com.

Quiz Time - Music Act Anagrams 1. Zipped Ellen 2. Camel Tail 3. Snogs Nurse 4. Ref Drappled 5. Forfeits Hog 6. Crippled Their Hopes 7. Hot Armies 8. Peppered Rule 9. Ample Jar 10. Mad Hooter 11. Longer Tonsils 12. An Upset Ballard 13. Fine Roger 14. Humane Heat Glue 15. Epic Hotel 16. Bull Cure Cut 17. Alas Knighted 18. Bagels Then 19. Wonderer 20. Seafarers Fort

Wordseach by thewordsearch.com

21. They Pop Boss 22. See Sign 23. Spy Brain Trees 24. Nice Meal 25. Jean Built Me Skirt 26. Felt Wise 27. Six Men Dry Under Things 28. Me Ceded Hope 29. Salt Snail 30. Dry Sky Dry Lynn 31. Truly Clout Bees 32. Chad Henne Money Bunt 33. Change Chime Heat Again 34. Ten Quotes See Fang Hoe 35. John Lento 36. Anna Mod 37. Andy Blob 38. Nina Rah 39. Scenting Superber 40. Connie Editor (Answers on page 31)

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New Year Cheer! By Holly Lucking The Miller’s annual New Year’s party was in full swing, bottles of wine empty, and the mini appetisers on silverware going down like a treat. All Mrs Miller could hear as she filtered through her guests was laughter and chatting, like music to her ears, as the doorbell went for the hundredth time that night.

“I’ll get it,” she said to her husband as she passed him, lightly touching his arm and brushing past. She didn’t quite know who to expect, as most of the people from the neighbourhood and community groups she was a member of were already in attendance.

She managed to swerve through the sea of faces and find the door handle.

The wine glass in her hand almost slipped free as her palms went sweaty, shocked to see her daughter, Imogen, on the front porch.

“Imogen…” she cried, unsure what to say. Her only child was the last person she’d been expecting to see, as she was meant to be on the other side of the world. Over fifteen years ago, she had boarded a plane to Brisbane and never looked back, and there she was looking like the little girl she had never wanted to let go of. Big blue eyes full of sparkling tears that went well with the numerous jewels and sequins at the party, stealing light from the overhanging lamps, and dark hair cut shorter than she thought Imogen would ever go. It suited her.

“Hey, mum. I don’t suppose you were expecting to see me. I wanted to surprise you and…”

“Imogen!” Mr Miller rushed over, arms wide as he grabbed hold of his daughter and kissed her head over and over again. Mrs Miller rarely saw her husband cry, but she saw it then. “What are you doing here?

I thought you were too busy with work to visit.”

“I lied,” she murmured against his shoulder and shrugged. “I know how important New Year’s Eve is for you both.” It was her parents’ wedding anniversary, and they loved inviting all their closest friends and family over to celebrate it with them. The turn of the year was just an added bonus, and the Millers put on the best firework display in the whole of the county.

“Come in, my darling,” Mrs Miller gushed, grabbing her arm and leading her inside as if afraid she would disappear before her eyes. It was always a possibility with Imogen, as the girl had a wild side that could never be tamed. “If we’d have known you were coming… we just want to see you.”

“Me too, mum,” Imogen said with a smile, sliding her fingers into her mother’s hand and allowing her to walk her towards the kitchen where all the food and drinks were. Suddenly, Imogen’s feet stopped.

“Is that Xander Clifton?”

Mr and Mrs Miller’s eyes followed their daughter’s to the other side of the room, where her ex was standing with a pretty girl beside him that was obviously his new girlfriend. At that moment, she pushed herself to her toes and kissed Xander on the cheek before giggling at something another guest was saying.

Mrs Miller felt her insides cringe as she tried to pull her daughter away. “You know what, I’m not sure. If I had any idea you were coming, darling, you know I’d never have invited him. Now that I think about it, there might be a few more exes lurking in the background. I think I saw Ryan earlier, and then there’s Johnny, and I’m sure Gino would have accompanied his mother…”

Mr Miller scowled. “Remind me again how many men you dated?”

Imogen rolled her eyes and laughed. “That’s all of them, I promise.

It’s like the ghost of boyfriend’s past at this party.”

“Please don’t upset yourself,” Mrs Miller said, gripping Imogen’s hand tightly. “I can ask them to go if you’re uncomfortable…”

“Mum, I’m fine.”

“I don’t want you to say that if you’re not. You can’t lie to me. My baby’s home, and this is your house. If seeing them with other women upsets you…”

“Trust me, mum, it really doesn’t.”

Mrs Miller was on the verge of continuing, utterly sure that her daughter was not alright when Imogen put her hand into her mother’s face. On her ring finger sparkled not just one ring, but two.

“What does this mean?” She asked, mouth falling open.

Mr Miller blew out a long breath. “I think it means, Hannah, that our baby girl is getting married.”

“Then… why are there two rings?”

Mr Miller didn’t have an answer for that as his wife’s face crumbled in confusion.

“It happened so quickly,” Imogen intercepted quickly, seeing that things were close to falling apart. “Derek’s a great guy, and I know you’re both going to love him. He didn’t want to come to England and scare the life out of you, so we thought it best we waited until I told you. I have photos if you’d like to see…” Slowly, her words cut off as she noticed how pale her parents were, her mum looking like she needed a seat to catch her breath.

“I can’t believe this,” Mr Miller murmured as they disappeared into a small sitting room beside the kitchen that was the only one not inhabited. Imogen let go of her mother’s hand to allow her to sit on the plumpest armchair under the lampshade, her eyes filling with tears that made her eye makeup begin to run.

“I think we could all do with a drink.” Within a few minutes, Mr Miller returned with a tray of three glasses filled with double measures.

“I’ll be okay, darling, just give me a minute,” Mrs Miller said slowly, sipping on a glass of cognac that her husband had gotten for her.

“So, I take it you’re not Imogen Miller anymore,” she asked with a slight smile behind her shaking hands.

Imogen shook her head. “I’m Imogen Cane now.”

Smiling sadly, Mrs Miller leant forward and placed a hand on Imogen’s knee. “It suits you.”

“It does,” Mr Miller agreed, going across to where his daughter was sitting opposite his wife and placing a hand on her small shoulder.

In the background, they could hear the countdown, the number ten reverberating through the old walls of their house.

“There it is,” Mrs Miller said softly, but made no attempt to get up.

Imogen did, however; she jumped to her feet and rushed over to her mum, pulling her to her feet.

“I don’t want you going into the new year hating me…”

“I could never hate you.”

“Being angry with me then. Or upset. I truly didn’t want to upset you.

We’re going to do another ceremony over here, and I want you both to help me plan it all.”

“We’d love to,” Mr Miller said, coming across to them both and placing an arm round each of them. “It’s nearly here. What shall we cheer to?”

Mrs Miller smiled, the lines on her face wrinkling as she hugged her family tightly and wished them all nothing but happiness for the new year, and all the years ahead.

“To Mr and Mrs Cane!”

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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 (see the dog photo which was taken on a mobile with the fisheye attachment). A small tripod and camera holder will open up more possibilities.

TOP TIP: and never leave home without your fold-up of sunglasses!

If you do 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 start 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.

By Liz Croxson moulshamlodgecameraclub@gmail.com www.moulshamlodgecamerclub.co.uk

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.

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