Join us this mont and enjoy:
- Zero Deposit (Save £ - Home from home set Chelmsford City centre - Free Unlimited Settli we stay with you until home. - All-Inclusive Care - Home cooked healthy meals, nappies, and wipes included in our standard daily rate. - March and April special for all existing families - half price on extra sessions on selected days - call us for more info.
Hi readers,
Welcome to the March edition of Moulsham Times
A reminder to put your clocks forward at the end of this month although many devices do it automatically now - apart from those car and oven clocks which no one knows how to adjust that just stay an hour out for 6 months of the year!
Please do remember to let our advertisers know that you saw their advert in the Moulsham Times, as it really helps them and us to know that their adverts are working.
If you would like to advertise in the next edition, please contact us for prices, and also for distribution details. We can then send over all the information you will need.
Regards
Paul
Advertising & Editorial
Paul Mclean
01245 262082 / 07595 949701 paul@moulshamtimes.com
Disclaimer:
What Doors in What Finishes?
The appearance and durability of your kitchen cabinet doors is one of the most important elements within your new kitchen design, yet often is based solely on the aesthetics. Selecting the right materials and finishes for kitchen cabinet doors is a key decision - and with a wide variety of options available, including laminate, wood veneer, painted, glass and even porcelain finishes, it’s important to understand the differences and benefits of each to make an informed choice.
Laminate is a popular choice for kitchen cabinet doors due to its affordability, versatility and ease of maintenance. Laminate doors are constructed by applying a thin layer of synthetic material to a core, usually MDF or particleboard, and are available in a wide array of colours, patterns and textures, (including those that mimic wood grain or stone) with different manufacturers offering some similar and some very different options.
Laminate cabinet doors are less expensive than other materials, making them ideal for budget-conscious homeowners, but they are also highly resistant to scratches and stains as well as being easy to clean and maintain.
They are one of the most durable and long lasting finishes available but, because they are also cheap, tend to be viewed as a less preferable choice.
However, laminate can lack the tactile warmth and authenticity of natural materials and, if damaged, repairs can be tricky, as chips and scratches often require replacement rather than restoration.
Wood Veneer Doors
Wood veneer doors strike a balance between the appearance of solid wood and affordability. Veneer consists of a thin layer of natural wood adhered to a suitable substrate such as MDF, which gives the cabinet door stability and reduces the risk of warping.
Veneer doors have a genuine natural look thanks to the real wood used, and introduces natural variation of grain, pattern and colour, along with the beauty, warmth and the richness one would expect.
Veneer doors are stable and more cost-effective than solid wood (which is only suitable for properly framed doors and not flat ones!) but can be tricky to repair and can be prone to marking, dents and scratches.
Wood veneer also requires a little more care to avoid exposure to excessive moisture or heat, and the finish may need periodic maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Painted finishes are typically applied to cabinet doors made from MDF, real wood or a combination of them both. Painted doors offer a smooth, seamless look that can be easily customised to any colour palette, making them highly adaptable to changing tastes and design trends but tend to be used more for classically styled door shapes and styles.
Virtually any colour is possible, from bold hues to subtle neutrals, allowing for creative expression. Many companies that offer painted doors will match to any colour of your choosing.
A painted finish can be a classy, clean and effective look that, whilst mostly used in more traditional styles, can also work very well in blended or modern designs.
Whilst relatively easy to dent, chip or scratch, painted doors can be
repaired with ease in most cases - but do bear in mind that regular touch-ups and repairs over the years may be necessary to maintain the best possible finish and keep things looking pristine.
There are some unusual material choices out there for door surfaces. Solid glass with colour backing (In both polished or matt surface finishes) is durable and beautiful but can be prone to scratching. Porcelain-faced doors can look stunning but are heavy and can be very expensive. Plywood finishes can look stunning but lack the durability in the long run for a busy family kitchen (although they can be easily replaced).
Ultimately, the most important thing is choosing the right finish for your kitchen. I would always recommend that clients consider the durability first, and then find the colour, finish and effects that work best aesthetically.
Budget obviously comes into it, but your kitchen designer should be able to give you the best possible advice on which finishes are going to fit your design, your lifestyle and your budget. They should guide you through the available options and should make sure that you are fully aware of the impact different finishes can have on budget and the finished look.
Remember, that for the average household, your new kitchen should be lasting 15-20 years at least and you want those doors to still look good towards the end of that timeframe, so choose wisely - and always see a sample before you buy!
Recently we did some calculations on our impact within the community in the last year. We are very proud to have had over 200 live guests visit our studios for interviews since January 2025. That’s quite an achievement.
Nita Jhummu’s City Talk show has been a well-established show and on the airwaves of CCR since 2017. The show has had some pretty famous guests on air since it started, such as Mike Nolan from Bucks Fizz and Konnie Huq from Blue Peter. Nick Wallis, the journalist who exposed the Post Office scandal, was also on air with Nita back in 2024.
But it’s not just about famous names, because we have had countless people from our local community too. We must take this opportunity to remember much respected charity founder, the late Brian McGovern, one of the founders of Cool to be Kind and the Rucksack Project.
More recently, Nita has been following the story of Daniel Forrester, who has been attempting to carry his fiancée’s ashes from the UK to Ghana by foot and raise money for Saint Francis Hospice. Nita has spoken to Daniel a few times now and has had him in the studio for a catch-up during February as Daniel was forced to take a break due to the poor weather conditions.
Also in February, we covered Apprenticeship Week. Lily from Good Morning Chelmsford spoke to nursing apprentice Michelle Clarke, and we also worked with the Teledyne e2v apprentices on their very own show. Jacob Heard, Elliot Crimmen, and Will Shoults from Teledyne e2v popped into the studio to chat with Nita about their work and introduce their show.
We covered the recent light and sound spectacular Luxmuralis, which came into Chelmsford Cathedral a few weeks ago. Jen, from the Cathedral Events team dropped in to speak to Danielle and Lily on Good Morning Chelmsford. And our very own Ruth
Cooper-Dickson was granted access to interview sculptor and co creator Peter Walker.
Ben Kearns (Ignition/After Hours) was delighted to interview Carol Decker recently. He says of his experience: “It was a pleasure chatting to Carol about a wide variety of topics, not just T’Pau’s Be Wonderful tour, which is coming to Chelmsford Theatre on April 21st
“Having interviewed hundreds of people before, whenever I talk to an artist who is synonymous with one song in particular, you learn to approach discussing that subject with a certain degree of trepidation. It’s one of those things however, that can’t-and shouldn’t be avoided, because as Carol rightly said, without that song she wouldn’t be where she is today. Of course, we also discussed her new material and it’s lockdown origins, along with what people can expect if they go to the Chelmsford gig.” Catch up on all of our interviews and shows via www.mixcloud.com/ chelmsfordcr.
We have plenty more guests lined up for March and beyond - keep an eye on our social media (search for ‘@chelmsfordcr’) for details.
www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com
The health and well-being industry is vast and ever expanding, with new-fangled ways to look after yourself and help you to look, feel and stay youthful. The industry is currently worth approximately £5.7 billion and there is a clear cultural shift towards proactive, holistic health.
The fountain of youth is promised by many, but the truth is that without a time machine, we cannot roll back the years, but simply try to age better. Perhaps if we look after ourselves, we can look and feel 30-something, even if our true age lies in an alternative decade... Surely though, ageing healthily and with an optimised quality of life would be a more worthy and realistic aim.
Despite all the hype for the newest and best type of exercise, diet, or product that will change your life and roll back the impact of time on your health, body and face, the reality is this: a healthy balanced diet, good night’s sleep, regular exercise and relaxation are in combination, the secrets to being your best and healthiest version.
At Hummingbird Pilates and Yoga, we are fad-free and run by me as a Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, alongside my yoga teacher business partner who may look and feel 30 but is in his mid-60s!
We offer pilates and yoga as great long-term and enjoyable forms of exercise to boost your health and well-being and help you to manage stress through exercise-induced endorphin release and the power of relaxation. We run regular small group classes and one-to-one sessions throughout the week and welcome all ages and abilities.
We specialise in helping those who are 50+ get and stay healthy, optimising health and well-being so that they can continue to enjoy living life the way they want to, whether is helping to keep fit for tennis, grandchildren or manage pain or a long-term health condition. Book a class at www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk.
This month, I’ve been out and about across Chelmsford speaking to residents and local businesses about the issues that matter most to them, from supporting our high streets to fixing our crumbling roads.
I recently hosted a Business Breakfast at Patch in Gray’s Yard, bringing together local business owners to discuss their priorities for the year ahead. It was a valuable opportunity to hear directly about the pressures facing small and medium-sized businesses, from rising costs to workforce challenges and the need for greater stability.
I’m very grateful to Ellisons for sponsoring the event and to everyone who attended and contributed so thoughtfully to the discussion.
Chelmsford has an incredibly strong and diverse business community and I will continue pressing the government to ensure small and medium sized businesses get the backing they need. If you would like to take part in the next business breakfast, do get in touch.
I also hosted a roundtable at St John’s Church in Moulsham Street, alongside WASPI South East Essex, where I listened directly to women affected by changes to the state pension age.
Constituents shared powerful and deeply personal accounts of the impact this injustice has had on their lives. Many spoke about financial hardship, disrupted retirement plans and years of uncertainty caused by the failure to communicate changes properly. It is clear how damaging this situation has been. Liberal Democrats will continue to press ministers to deliver fair treatment and proper compensation for those affected. Thank you to everyone who came along and spoke so openly.
One issue that continues to dominate my inbox is the state of our roads. Roads such as Oaklands Crescent are in a shocking condition. Essex Highways have repeatedly patched some potholes while leaving others untouched, leading to the same repairs being carried out time and time again.
I recently raised the condition of roads across Essex, particularly in Chelmsford, during Department for Transport questions in the House of Commons. I made clear that residents are fed up with temporary fixes. What we need is proper resurfacing and long-term solutions, not quick patches that fail after a few months.
As always, if there is an issue you would like to raise, please do get in touch. My team and I work hard to respond to all correspondence as quickly as possible, and I am grateful for your patience if there is ever a delay.
Thanks for reading.
Marie
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)
This April, Chelmsford City Sports is bringing stories and school holiday fun to life in the most magical way. From 8th - 12th April, follow Dorothy, Toto and their friends down the Yellow Brick Road in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre. With dazzling skating, awesome costumes and a sprinkle of real Oz magic, it’s a special Easter treat for the whole family.
Perfect for all ages, this fun-filled performance invites the whole family to laugh, cheer and be swept away by the adventure. Experience the twists, excitement and charm of Oz like never before in a relaxed, magical atmosphere.
There are almost 30,000 defects awaiting repair in Chelmsford alone. That is simply not good enough. My Liberal Democrat colleague, Essex County Councillor David Loxton, has been pushing Essex County Council to take more decisive action, and I will continue working alongside him to demand better for our community.
Don’t miss this chance to witness the magic - grab your tickets now and join Dorothy on her wickedly magical journey!
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/ice-show
Our Kids Camps and Courses Are Back This Easter!
And the excitement doesn’t stop there... From 30th March to 10th April, kids can jump, race and create their way through our Easter City Camps and courses.
With everything from gymnastics and trampolining, to parkour, arts and crafts and team games, every day is packed with action!
Our experienced staff keep things safe, fun and full of adventure. From fast-paced sports to creative challenges, every day is designed to keep children moving, learning and smiling from drop-off to pickup.
All our camps are Ofsted registered and run by friendly, DBS-checked coaches who know how to create a safe, supportive environment where every child can shine. With flexible half-day and full-day options, we’re here to make school holiday planning easy for busy families. Don’t miss out - save your camp spaces and make this Easter unforgettable!
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/getin
Late February can feel like a holding pattern - cold mornings, muddy borders and the occasional ‘is that a bud?’ moment. But it’s a brilliant time to set your garden up for an easy spring. The days are lengthening, soil is slowly waking up and a handful of well-timed jobs now will pay you back in March and April.
Below are five key tasks for late February, each with a simple step-bystep - plus one job to prepare for March...
1) Finish Winter Pruning of Roses
If you grow Rosa spp. (rose), late February is prime time to prune before growth really surges.
Step-By-Step
1. Choose a dry day to reduce disease spread.
2. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing stems and cut back to healthy wood.
3. Open the centre: aim for a goblet shape so air moves freely.
4. Cut to an outward-facing bud, sloping away from the bud so water can shed.
5. Shorten remaining stems (roughly by a third to half, depending on vigour).
6. Clear up all prunings and any old leaves to reduce black spot carryover.
If you’re also growing Clematis spp. (clematis), double-check which group it belongs to before pruning - some are cut hard, others barely touched.
2) Prune Fruit for Better Crops
Late February is ideal for many fruit trees and bushes - especially while you can still see the structure. Good candidates include Malus domestica (apple) and Pyrus
communis (pear), plus soft fruit like Ribes nigrum (blackcurrant).
Step-By-Step (Apples/Pears)
1. Start with the ‘3Ds’: remove dead, diseased, damaged wood. Thin crowded spurs and crossing branches to improve light and airflow.
2. Keep the framework: retain well-placed main branches and remove competing leaders.
3. Shorten overly vigorous growth modestly - avoid encouraging a flush of soft shoots.
4. Remove any mummified fruit still hanging (disease source).
Step-By-Step (Blackcurrant)
1. Identify the oldest, darkest stems (often thicker and less productive).
2. Cut a third of stems to the base to encourage fresh new canes.
3. Keep a mix of young and mid-aged stems for steady cropping.
3) Start Sowing Hardy Veg and Salad Under Cover
Even if the garden feels sleepy, you can get early momentum with protected sowings. Great late-February options include Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Pisum sativum (pea), and Allium cepa (onion) from seed.
Step-By-Step
1. Use fresh seed compost in modules or small pots.
2. Sow thinly (especially for Lactuca sativa) and cover lightly with compost or vermiculite.
3. Water from below, if possible (stand trays in a shallow dish), to avoid washing seed around.
4. Keep bright and cool: a cold frame, unheated greenhouse, or sunny windowsill.
5. Ventilate on mild days to prevent damping off.
6. Harden off gradually in March before planting out.
7. Don’t forget to label everything now - late February sowings can look surprisingly alike!
4) Chit Early Potatoes for a Head Start
If you’re growing Solanum tuberosum (potato), chitting (pre-sprouting) helps earlier and more even growth once planted.
Step-By-Step
1. Place seed potatoes rose-end up (the end with most ‘eyes’) in egg boxes or trays.
2. Keep them cool, bright and frost-free (a porch or unheated spare room works well).
3. Aim for short, sturdy shoots - not long pale ones.
4. Rotate trays weekly for even light.
5. In March, you’ll be ready to plant once soil conditions allow.
5) Tidy Borders Thoughtfully and Feed the Soil
Resist the urge to ‘neaten everything’ too hard - late winter is still shelter season for wildlife. Instead, focus on smart clearing and soil prep.
Useful plants to check now: Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Salvia rosmarinus (rosemary), emerging clumps of Hemerocallis (daylily).
Step-By-Step
1. Leave some stems standing where you can - overwintering insects often use hollow growth.
2. Cut back only what’s collapsing onto paths or smothering new shoots.
3. Weed while the soil is soft, removing roots of perennials like dandelions.
4. Add 2-5cm of compost as a mulch, keeping it off crowns and stems.
5. On heavy soil, avoid digging when wet - mulch and let worms do the work.
Get Supports in Place
This is your one key job to prepare for March...
March growth can be sudden. Installing supports now avoids snapping stems later - especially for climbers and tall perennials such as Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea) and Delphinium (delphinium).
Quick Prep
• Push in canes/obelisks while the soil is workable.
• Tie in loosely with soft twine.
• Check fences/trellis before plants need them.
Late February/early March is all about small, high-impact moves: prune for structure, sow for momentum, mulch for resilience, and set up supports before the garden sprints into spring.
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.
Friday night. The memory of your workday is fading, your friends are buzzing and the food and drinks are in full flow. You feel relaxed, at ease...
This is a safe city. Chelmsford has had a Purple Flag award for 13 years running, marking it as a low-risk, lively place in the evenings. Still, things can always go wrong on a night out. If you lost your friends, you felt ill, or wanted someone to leave you alone, where would you turn? Here’s your handy guide to the night-time services keeping you safe.
Behind the Scenes
Chelmsford City Council’s state-of-the-art CCTV network is monitored round the clock by trained staff with links directly to the police and venues. If they spot someone in trouble, or a crime being committed, they direct help to the right place quickly.
Most people will never notice this - it’s an invisible safety net that saves lives and keeps the city safe 24/7. Local venues also work together through schemes like Pubwatch to share information and prevent problems escalating. If someone is causing problems in one venue, the others will soon know about it, and so will the CCTV team.
Chief Inspector Grant Fryatt, Chelmsford District Commander says: “We have a strong community safety partnership, good relationships with local businesses and we are all committed to doing everything we can so people can enjoy our local bars, restaurants and night-time economy venues. Crime and anti-social behaviour have reduced in the past year, and our dedicated Neighbourhood Policing Team are out in the city every day, being visible, talking to the public and preventing crime. The city’s extensive CCTV coverage and improved street lighting have helped people feel safe, and when there are problems, my team acts quickly alongside our partners to solve them.”
On the busiest night of the week, services are here to support people enjoying themselves, and Night Marshals patrol every Saturday evening.
Funded by Chelmsford City Council, they’re CSAS and SIA accredited and there to help anyone who might need assistance. If you feel vulnerable, need help contacting friends or transport, or even just need directions, seek out a marshal in purple
hi-vis. They’re in touch with CCTV and local venues, so they can respond quickly if needed.
The SOS bus, usually on the High Street from 10pm to 4am on Saturdays, offers a safe place to anyone who needs a moment to recover or regroup. Volunteers can provide basic first aid, support you if you’ve had too much to drink, help you stay safe and offer somewhere warm to wait for a lift or friends.
Many businesses in Chelmsford have signed up to the city’s Women’s Safety Charter. If you see the Safe Space signs, you’re in a venue with dedicated trained staff who can support you if needed. There’s also the nationwide Ask for Angela scheme that can help if you’re at a bar, pub or club with someone who’s making you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Just ask for ‘Angela’ at the bar and staff will discreetly help you by calling a taxi or escorting you to a safe place. Anyone can use the scheme, and you’ll know a venue is taking part if you spot an Ask for Angela poster in the loos.
Evenings in Chelmsford aren’t just about drinking. There are theatres, live performances, restaurants, cafés, cinemas, the bowling alley and an ice rink offering family-friendly fun as well as pubs and bars. Early evenings in particular tend to feel lively and relaxed, with people of all ages in the centre.
When assessors visited Chelmsford to check that the city was still up to Purple Flag standard, they said the city was ‘really clean and well looked after’ and that Chelmsford ‘stands out’ for having a busy, buzzing night-time economy with an ‘exemplar’ CCTV service.
A good night can be spoiled by logistics, so it’s a good idea to plan a smooth journey home. Taxis can be busy at peak times, so booking ahead is sensible when you can - and remember, you can find a Night Marshal or the SOS bus if you’re stuck.
Once you’re out, look after each other. Try to leave each venue with all the people you came with, agree a safe place to meet if you get separated and make sure you have enough phone battery to get everyone home.
Being a Purple Flag city isn’t just a council thing. It means the whole city, from the bartenders and nightclub managers to the volunteers, police and council CCTV staff, are looking out for you. Knowing where help is, just in case, is important. Take a photo of this article on your phone and refer to it if you ever need it.
Find out more: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/communities/communitysafety/safety-on-nights-out
Homelessness can affect anyone. It can begin with a rent increase that tips the balance, a relationship ending, work drying up, or health problems. By the time someone asks for help, life has usually been getting tougher for a while.
In Chelmsford, the city council’s housing team is dealing with rising demand at the same time as the supply of homes they can offer is reducing. Behind the numbers are families trying to stay near schools and childcare, people moving between spare rooms and sofas and life under constant stress.
The Work You Don’t Always See
The city council is putting huge effort into stopping situations from reaching crisis point wherever possible. Over the past year, the council has prevented around 300 households in Chelmsford becoming homeless. Around two-thirds of these were families with children.
Prevention can mean negotiation with landlords, help sorting out benefits, debt advice, or finding somewhere else to live before eviction happens. This work can make a huge difference when it succeeds. If you’re worrying about becoming homeless, contact Chelmsford City Council early - don’t wait until the situation is irreversible.
Local Demand, but Few Local Homes
Even so, the waiting list for housing is long. More than 2,000 people are on it, with hundreds in urgent need. But from April 2025 to January 2026, only around 140 homes became available.
Why? There’s a myth in the UK that ‘affordable homes are for people outside the area’, but this isn’t correct. 100% of the new, affordablerented homes built in Chelmsford go to people on the city council’s housing list.
In our city, the top causes of homelessness are eviction by landlords,
eviction by friends or family, and domestic abuse. Asylum seekers are not eligible for housing by local councils. They are accommodated by the Home Office while their cases are considered.
The truth is that across the UK, there just isn’t enough affordable and social housing and rents are soaring. That’s not a quick problem to fix.
In 2024-25, Chelmsford City Council enabled 195 more affordable homes through the planning system, and it lists homelessness as a top priority in its plans. Previously, it used private rentals to bridge the gap, but this is no longer possible. Rent on a two-bed family home in Chelmsford is around £500pcm higher than the government’s housing benefit rates.
Temporary Accommodation Is a Stopgap
While this imbalance exists, temporary accommodation is often needed. Nearly 600 households (families with children in the main) have been made homeless recently and are currently housed this way.
An emergency shelter keeps a roof over your head - but it isn’t a real home and can mean travelling further to school or work or moving multiple times. When nothing suitable is available locally, some may even be placed outside the Chelmsford district.
This sort of accommodation is not stable, it’s also in short supply, and its high cost draws funds that could be used for better housing solutions.
Extra government funding aimed at preventing homelessness is starting to reach councils, including Chelmsford. The focus is likely to stay on earlier help and stopping people losing their homes in the first place.
Longer-term change depends on bigger factors too. Building more, truly affordable homes, easing the cost-of-living crisis and tackling the financial pressures that push people towards homelessness. These problems stretch beyond any one city and require society to work together to fix them.
In the meantime, if you’re worried about losing your home, getting advice early really does make a difference. It might feel easier to ignore letters or hope things sort themselves out, but speaking to someone sooner usually opens up more options. The council can talk through your situation and explain what help might be available.
Find out more at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/housing/advice-abouthomelessness.
State Fayre Festival at Hylands Park - 26th to 28th June
A new festival is coming to Hylands Park in June! State Fayre is a major new rock, country, folk and Americana-inspired festival in Chelmsford.
We need volunteers to help us run the welfare hub, aiding festival goers that might be struggling with poor mental health and offering them a safe place to take time out. We can offer them a cup of tea and a chat, or just a quiet place to relax.
We also aim to spread awareness of Sport in Mind, the leading sports mental health charity in England and Wales. All volunteers will get a free weekend wristband to the festival, free camping, free parking and one meal voucher per day.
Help at our Easter Egg Trail Event, 4th April - Beaulieu area
Our family Easter egg hunt will have various stations along a walking trail, where volunteers will help hand out clues for the next station, hand out Easter gifts, keep the area tidy and help with some litter picking duties after the event.
What is important to you about your mum? My mum worked hard, ran the household, got us all to our various clubs and activities, and whisked us out for the day if the sun was shining.
She wasn’t a superwoman, but she loved life and enjoyed spending quality time with us and having fun. She was married to a Methodist minister, so she had a long list of roles and responsibilities in the church too - she loved to sing - and so it went on.
I hope that you have some good memories of your mum too as we head towards Mothering Sunday.
Many people around the world will give thanks for Mary, Jesus’ mother, during this season too. We know very little about her, but what shines through is her obedience to God, her willingness to join in with God’s plan, and her love of Jesus and her children as they follow Jesus in his life’s journey.
Mary was tested from a very young age, becoming a refugee, fleeing into Egypt with Joseph to keep Jesus safe and of course being one of many witnesses to his awful trial and death. As Jesus died on the cross, he asked one of his closest friends to look after Mary after Jesus had left this earthly life.
Mums come in all shapes and sizes, and no doubt take on every type of activity. This celebration is important. On Mothering Sunday, we recognise the features of mother love poured out on us by God, who is both mother and father, brother and sister.
In the Old Testament there is an amazing story of two mothers who come before King Solomon to help them to settle a dispute over who is the rightful mother of one baby. King Solomon listened to them, and then declared that the baby should be cut in half - each mother could then be given half a baby to take away. Immediately one mother appealed to King Solomon asking him not to harm the baby in any way. She implores him to give the baby to the other mother. King Solomon knew instantly that she was the true mother and allowed her to take the baby home.
Mother love is a quality we all have in us, think about the many things
Can you help? Rabbit ears are optional!
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.
Café and Events Volunteer at JubiLatte Café at St John’s Church, Moulsham
JubiLatte is a welcoming and warm café space dedicated to serving the local community in Moulsham and Chelmsford. We are seeking some friendly and sociable individuals to join our small team of Café Volunteers.
Regular jobs that require carrying out during café hours on a Monday and Thursday morning are preparing the café area, setting up the kitchen, serving customers, engaging with customers of all ages and backgrounds with patience and a smile!
Search Technician
Essex Search and Rescue is a registered charity that provides skilled volunteers, who are fully trained in search techniques, emergency procedures, first aid and other matters, in order to assist the police and other agencies with searches for vulnerable missing persons (such as children and the elderly).
If you are physically active and in search of a challenging but highly rewarding role, then please get in touch.
you do for others and the spirit in which it is achieved; kindness and caring, love and laughter, friendship and gentleness. Mothering Sunday is the Sunday 15th March and we would love to see you at 10am in St Luke’s.
Thank you to those who dropped in to support our belated pancake party on 24th February. We recognised that lots of you come in on your way home from the school run and we did not want to miss you.
A very different but important subject: St Luke’s has changed its bank account from Barclays to The Co-operative Bank. This was important to us because we looked at Barclays investments and were very concerned by what we found. The Co-operative Bank has a strong ethical policy, which impacts positively on climate change, they are an ethical employer and will only work with people and organisations that share their values.
We look forward to a long partnership. Is it time for you to review your banking? We found this website to be very helpful: bank.green.
God bless.
Reverend Canon Stephanie Gillingham
St Luke’s Church, Gloucester Avenue, Moulsham Lodge, CM2 8DT www.stlukemoulsham.co.uk Facebook: @Stlukesmoulshamlodge
By Cllr Charlene Adutwim
It was a real pleasure to visit Dovedale Leisure Centre on its reopening day with Cllr Helen Ayres and Cllr Seán Manley and to see how significantly the site has been transformed since its closure last summer.
For me, this is not just another council building. As a local resident and mum, the site is woven into our family life. My son attended nursery here, I have used the gym over the years, and I have lost count of the number of children’s parties and community activities we have attended in the sports hall. That familiarity made the visit feel personal, and the scale of improvement all the more striking.
The £2.3 million investment, delivered through a partnership between Chelmsford City Council and Chelmsford College, goes well beyond cosmetic refurbishment. What has been created is a genuinely modern, dual-use facility that works intelligently for both students and residents. During term time the college has dedicated use in the afternoons, giving learners high-quality teaching space, while the community can access the gym and studios in the mornings and evenings. In the holidays the building opens up fully to residents. That shared model feels both practical and progressive. It makes best use of public investment, supports education and keeps the centre embedded in community life rather than separating the two.
The standard of finish is also impressive. Many residents, myself included, regularly use Riverside Leisure Centre, and Dovedale now feels comparable in quality. The gym has been extended and fitted with modern machines for cardio and strength training, the studios feel bright and professional, and the sports hall and squash courts have been refreshed so they once again provide facilities local clubs can be proud of.
What matters most is what this means day-to-day. Not everyone wants, or is able, to travel across Chelmsford to exercise. Having high quality facilities within walking distance makes it easier for people to fit activity around work, school runs and caring responsibilities. It lowers the barrier to staying active. It also restores a local venue for birthday parties, team sports and informal recreation, the small but important moments that help knit a community together.
A Vision for a Thriving Community Hub I was also pleased recently to spend time at St John the Evangelist Church on Moulsham Street to discuss its longer-term vision as a community hub.
Many residents will already have noticed the transformation of the churchyard following recent Lottery funding, which has created a
greener, more welcoming and environmentally sensitive space. As a Gold Eco Church, sustainability is central to its mission, and that commitment is visible in both its worship and its stewardship of the land and buildings.
The next phase looks inward to the building itself with an ambition to develop a flexible arts, culture and community space that can better serve Old Moulsham. That would involve modernising heating, improving accessibility, refurbishing the café area and toilets, and replacing fixed pews with flexible seating to allow the space to adapt for performances, exhibitions, talks and community events.
As a councillor, my focus is always on how proposals translate into tangible community benefit, whether through improved accessibility, opportunities for young people, support for families or simply creating welcoming spaces where people can connect. As Equality and Diversity Champion, I see both projects as part of a wider commitment to ensuring that Old Moulsham has inclusive spaces where people from all walks of life feel they belong. Both Dovedale and St John the Evangelist Church show what can be achieved when local organisations think ambitiously about how their buildings can serve the neighbourhood, not just today but for the future.
If you have not yet visited the newly reopened Dovedale Leisure Centre or explored the evolving vision for St John’s, I would encourage you to do so. Seeing these spaces in person gives a real sense of their potential and the role they can play in everyday community life.
Find out more at: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/leisure-centres/where/dovedale-leisurecentre www.stjohnsmoulsham.org.uk
It cannot be avoided, I have to mention this awful weather we have been having, yet will we no doubt have a hosepipe ban this summer I suspect.
So, the kids are back at school now and it will soon be Easter and the kids will be off again, this time the youngsters from the colleges and universities will be home as well. Spring weather will be well and truly with us by then I hope.
You remember me saying before that my hard drive crashed on my computer and could not be recovered? I chose to have a new computer built with a bigger memory and I am going to make sure that I back it all up this time - I had to recreate so much that was on that hard drive and I do not want to go through all that again. There will of course be stuff that I have forgotten about, but I am sure that will crop up in the future.
I was out and about the other day to put The City Times out. It was a pretty good drive around the county. While we were out, we called in on my caravan, as I have had some jobs done on it and I needed to check it over, it should now be ready for going out in which I hope to do soon.
Do remember if you have anything of interest or events happening do let us know and we will try to put it in here or in The City Times.
Music
At Hot Box I have recently seen John Etheridge’s Blue Spirits Trio who were superb - and I know he is back there soon with Soft Machine, but I think that’s sold out already.
I recently had Pearl Handled Revolver play, plus Imagine The Beatles at the Social Club, and on the Sunday at Hot Box I had Pete Bruntnell performing with his band. They were so good that we have rebooked them for Thursday 24th September. After that, we had Rich Miller playing at Hot Box - another superb artist with a voice rather like Chris Rea’s. Back at the Social Club we had Steemy Dan returning, and many said was the best gig they have seen them play.
We were back at Hot Box for Tim Edey. As ever, he blew us all away with his guitar and melodeum playing - when you see him you will know why.
There was also a local lady who turned up with her fiddle and asked Tim if she could play with him. Her name is Karen Greenhouse, and after listening and talking to her in the break Tim said yes. She turned out to be great and we will look to get them both back to play again.
I met with some Irish people who came to watch Tim and I they invited me to go to O’Connors pub in Old Moulsham on the Sunday for their first-year anniversary Irish music session, they invited Karen who sadly was unable to make it. The event was from noon on a Sunday and there was actually a queue up the road beforehand! The place was rammed and the music was fabulous - and I will certainly be going again.
Two more shows we had were both with Robbie McIntosh. The first was at the Social Club with his band - who I think played about the best I have heard them play. Hannah Robinson is now being part of the band and we had her open the night. What a voice and great songs - again I will get her back to play with her band. The next day we were back at Hot Box with Robbie and Steve Wilson. Steve is Robbie’s bass player and best buddy, and they played an acoustic show. Again this was fabulous and it was nice to be invited to blow some harmonicas on a couple of numbers.
I will soon be at the Indigo at the O2 in Greenwich for Milk Fest. With too many acts playing to name them all, it’s run and arranged by
The Milk Men to raise funds for Dementia UK. I have The Milk Men playing their first gig after the festival on Sunday 22nd March at Hot Box. This will be in the afternoon with doors at 3pm for a 4pm show. We are nearly sold out already, so get in quick if you want the chance to come.
I am also going to the Apex in Bury St Edmunds to see Eric Bibb this month, and also to see a very special show for Neil Hubbard who was guitarist with Kokomo, Joe Cocker, Roxy Music, BB King and many others. This is a tribute show for him with many greats taking part - I think their may be a few tickets left. The night is in Bush Hall in Shepherds Bush London; just google ‘Concert for Neil Hubbard’.
You can see most of what we have booked so far in my adverts, although I must mention that at Hot Box on Thursday 5th March we have the legend that is Claire Hamill who once played with Wishbone Ash. She currently has a new band and album out.
On Thursday 19th March it’s the 50th anniversary of Paul Kosoff (guitarist with Free and Back Street Crawler) leaving us, and we are very lucky that Terry Slesser, the original singer with Back Street Crawler, has chosen Hot Box to play with his awesome band again. This is almost sold out so get in quick.
Then on Saturday 21st March Ronnie Golden is appearing for an afternoon show. He will be doing standup comedy and music. Ronnie was best mates with Barry Cryer and he performed many voices in Spitting Image. His band The Fabulous Poodles had a number one with The Chicken Song; so what’s not to love about this very different show!?
As if that is not all enough, on Tuesday 31st March we have Sir Tom Jones’ favourite singer Mim Gray and her band. This is definitely a month to come out and to support live music we feel.
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 active - 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 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.
As we head into that unmistakable run-up to Easter, when shop shelves are brimming with chocolate in every imaginable shape and size, there’s something wonderfully comforting about going back to basics in the kitchen.
These chocolate and raisin rice crispy cakes capture everything we love about this time of year: fun, indulgence, a little bit of nostalgia and just the right amount of mess.
This is the kind of recipe that invites you to get stuck in. Melted chocolate, generous handfuls of cereal, sticky spoons and that satisfying crackle as everything comes together. The sweetness of rich chocolate wraps around the crisp texture of the cereal, while bursts of juicy raisins bring chew and depth to every bite.
And of course - the best bit - each cake is finished with its own little wrapped chocolate on top. A tiny egg, a miniature bar, or a foilwrapped treat that makes every cake feel like its own little Easter gift. Simple to make. Impossible to resist. Perfect for sharing.
Ingredients (Makes Approximately 12 Cakes)
• 200g milk chocolate.
• 100g dark chocolate (for richness).
• 3 tbsp golden syrup.
• 75g unsalted butter.
• 100g rice cereal (Rice Krispies or similar).
• 75g raisins.
• 12 small individually wrapped chocolates (mini eggs or small bars).
Method
1. Prepare your tray: Line a muffin tin with 12 paper cupcake cases.
2. Melt the chocolate mixture: In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water (or in short bursts in the microwave), melt together the milk chocolate, dark chocolate, butter and golden syrup. Stir until smooth, glossy and fully combined.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Remove from the heat and fold in the rice cereal and raisins. Stir gently but thoroughly until every piece is coated in that rich chocolate mixture.
4. Fill the cases: Spoon the mixture evenly into the cupcake cases, pressing down lightly with the back of the spoon so each cake holds together.
5. Add the chocolate surprise: While still soft, press one small wrapped chocolate into the top of each cake.
6. Set: Place in the fridge for 1-2 hours, or until firm and set.
7. Serve and enjoy: Best enjoyed slightly chilled with a cup of teaor straight from the fridge for that perfect chocolate snap.
Hacks and Helpful Tips
Keep the crunch: Allow the melted chocolate mixture to cool for 2-3 minutes before adding the cereal - this helps keep it crisp.
Extra glossy finish: Add a small knob of butter right at the end of melting for a silky shine.
No muffin tray? Simply spoon onto a lined baking tray for a more rustic, cluster-style version.
Make ahead: These keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Variations and Twists
• White Chocolate and Cranberry: Swap the dark chocolate for white chocolate and replace raisins with dried cranberries for a lighter, fruitier finish.
• Mini Egg Crunch: Stir a handful of crushed mini eggs into the mix for extra texture and colour.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped hazelnuts or almonds for a roasted, nutty bite.
• Orange Chocolate: Add a few drops of orange extract or some fresh zest for a subtle citrus lift.
• Caramel Drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of melted caramel chocolate once set for extra indulgence.
Serving Ideas
Serve these piled high on a cake stand for Easter gatherings, wrap individually in parchment for gifts, or pop into lunchboxes as a seasonal treat.
They’re perfect for little hands to help make - and even better to eat.
These chocolate and raisin rice crispy cakes are everything Easter should be: fun, generous and just a little bit over the top.
Low effort. Big smiles. Maximum Easter joy.
At last! Spring is springing. Welcome to the March edition of Wharam’s Wine Words. Now is the time to look forward and await the arrival of Europe’s new offerings...
I always get excited at this time of the year and devour the vintage reports with gusto. The world of wine has been going through a state of flux over the past few years since the end of lockdown and there have been some concerning trends for producers and retailers alike. However, innovation and hope spring eternal and there is much to anticipate this year.
The 2025 wine harvest is shaping up as a year of contrasts: pockets of exceptional quality and pockets of struggle, driven largely by shifting climate patterns and persistent economic and demographic trends. Across major wine-producing regions, growers and winemakers are navigating a complex mix of weather extremes, evolving pest pressures, and market headwinds - most notably a steady decline in wine consumption across Europe that is reshaping demand and industry strategy.
Europe, home to the world’s most historic wine regions, experienced a highly variable 2025 harvest. Northern European regions - England and parts of Germany and the Netherlands - continued to benefit from warmer growing seasons, producing ripe fruit with good acidity that supports sparkling and aromatic styles. In contrast, southern Mediterranean regions - including Spain, southern France and parts of Italy - endured intense heatwaves and drought stress. Those conditions reduced yields in the driest areas but also concentrated sugars and flavours where irrigation or higher-elevation vineyards mitigated stress. Disease pressure (eg, mildew) fluctuated depending on local rainfall patterns; wetter pockets in central Europe saw increased management costs and some crop loss.
France’s overall quantity showed modest decline versus the five-year average, but many producers reported promising phenolic ripeness for premium reds and whites. Spain faced notable variability: Rioja and Ribera del Duero vintage prospects remain solid in cooler zones, while relentless heat in some inland areas curtailed yields. Italy saw similar regional differences; cooler alpine and maritime zones performed well, whereas southern districts coped with shrinkage and accelerated ripening.
In the United States, California’s 2025 vintage reflected the state’s ongoing adaptation to heat and water constraints. Coastal and higher-altitude vineyards that preserved balanced ripening produced high-quality fruit; inland valley yields were more uneven. The Pacific Northwest enjoyed favourable conditions for Pinot Noir and aromatic whites, while some eastern US vineyards battled humid, disease-prone conditions. In Canada, milder-than-average conditions supported good yields for icewine and cool-climate varietals.
Chile and Argentina saw largely positive outcomes. Chile benefited from good winter rainfall in many regions, replenishing reservoirs and supporting balanced vine growth, producing healthy yields and excellent fruit concentration in premium zones.
Argentina’s high-altitude vineyards, particularly in Mendoza, reported concentrated fruit and attractive phenolics thanks to warm days and cool nights. However, water management remains a strategic concern across both countries.
Australia’s harvest was mixed: cooler southern regions produced elegant, lower-alcohol styles, while hotter inland areas dealt with drought stress that limited yields. New Zealand again delivered strong quality for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.
South Africa experienced variable results - Stellenbosch and cooler coastlines performed well, but inland heat and water shortages stressed production in other districts.
Overall, 2025 appears to favour quality over quantity in many premium-producing regions. Heat-driven concentration can yield exceptional wines when water is managed and picking decisions are precise; conversely, excessive heat and drought cause yield loss and quality risks where mitigation is limited. The vintage narrative is thus highly regional: consumers can expect standout bottlings from cooler or well-irrigated sites, while bulk and lower-tier production faces tighter supplies in some countries.
Europe remains the world’s largest per-capita wine consumer, but consumption has been declining for decades and the trend accelerated in recent years. Several interlinked factors explain this structural shift; younger generations drink less alcohol overall and often prefer low or no-alcohol options, and urbanisation, busy lifestyles and differing social habits with less emphasis on long meals and traditional wine rituals reduce routine household wine consumption.
Growing health consciousness and awareness of alcohol-related harms have driven moderation. Public health campaigns and a rising interest in fitness and longevity influence drinking habits, pushing consumers toward lower-ABV drinks and alcohol-free alternatives.
Rising living costs, inflation, and less disposable income in some European markets have shifted purchases toward cheaper beverages or reduced consumption altogether. At the same time, increased production costs such as energy, labour and logistics push retail prices upward, compounding sensitivity.
Craft beers, spirits, cocktails, ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic alternatives have siphoned off younger consumers. The marketing energy behind new categories makes wine seem less trendy to some demographics.
Stricter drink-driving rules, higher alcohol taxes in certain jurisdictions and tighter availability regulations dampen casual consumption, particularly in markets that once relied on inexpensive supermarket wines.
The social role of wine is transforming. Fewer families eat together regularly; meals out are different; drinking occasions are more varied and less wine-centric. The symbolic status of wine has also shifted, and prestige branding no longer guarantees younger consumer loyalty.
As a result, producers, retailers and policymakers are having to adapt. Strategies include diversifying portfolios toward lower-ABV and premium niche products, plus non-alcoholic wines and RTDs and targeted marketing to younger consumers using digital channels and storytelling that links wine to sustainability, provenance and culinary experiences.
The 2025 harvest underscores wine’s new reality: climate variability produces both exceptional and strained outcomes, while long-term demand shifts - especially in Europe - require strategic adaptation. Producers who prioritise resilience, innovation and consumer engagement will be best placed to convert vintage uncertainties into opportunity and to arrest the decline in European consumption by redefining wine’s appeal for modern drinkers.
In the short term, for us, the consumers, this has already brought huge savings with supermarket and wine retailers heavily discounting wines both before and after Christmas. Check out the offers regularly promoted on the internet and look out for wines of the week wherever you choose to shop. Get together with friends and taste. Jump out of your comfort zones and try something new. You never know what you might find.
Cheers, everyone. Happy drinking!
Phil
The first spring term at Oaklands Infant School has been full of energy, learning, and community spirit, with pupils embracing new skills and celebrating what makes our school a special place to grow.
One highlight of the term has been the children’s increasing confidence in public speaking. This learning has built confidence, clarity and courage. Our learning concluded in a wonderful celebration as schools across the trust came together for a lively public speaking competition.
Pupils showcased their developing skills in front of an audience, supporting one another and demonstrating just how far they have come. It is an inspiring event that highlights the power of pupil voice and the strength of our trust community.
As part of Children’s Mental Health Week, Oaklands took time to explore the theme of This Is My Place.
Classes reflected on the people, spaces and moments that help them feel safe, valued and connected. Pupils shared thoughtful ideas about family, friendships and the joy of being part of the Oaklands community, they also enjoyed a ‘comfort and kindness’ nonuniform day!
In
speakers to expressive performers, we have loved seeing children celebrate their gifts and cheer one another on. It has been a wonderful way for pupils to be exposed to new interests, build selfbelief and recognise the achievements of their peers.
Meanwhile, some of Oaklands’ Year 2 pupils have taken on a new and exciting responsibility. After completing their Play Leader training, they are now fully prepared to support younger children during lunchtimes. These newly appointed Play Leaders will help organise games, encourage teamwork and ensure everyone has someone to play with.
With such a positive start to the spring term, Oaklands Infant School continues to shine as a place where children learn and have fun with friends. If you would like to find out more about the amazing things happening at Oaklands, please give the school a call 01245 352 166.
As we move through March, the daffodils are in full bloom and we increasingly sense that spring is finally with us. The Spring or Vernal Equinox is on 20th March, when day and night are of equal length: this marks the beginning of astronomical spring. At this time Eostre, Goddess of spring, fertility, and renewal, was celebrated by pagan Celts, from where we get the word ‘Easter’. Our Easter traditions of Easter bunnies and eggs come from the traditional symbols of the goddess Eostre: the hare (often seen in the full moon at this time of the year) and the egg (a symbol of fertility). When the Celts converted to Christianity, they maintained some of their traditional customs, as part of Christian festivals that replaced pagan ones. Easter is one example.
But before we get to Easter, on Sunday 5th April we travel through the season of Lent, a season for self-reflection as we prepare for the celebration of Easter.
People have traditionally given something up for Lent, which comes from the tradition of Lenten penitential fasting and self-denial, a process of training and restraining our desires. But I look at Lent as an opportunity to reflect on and change our habits: trying to stop things we do that are bad for us, and life-diminishing, our bad habits and starting to do things that are good for us, and life-giving, good habits.
Research shows that if we do something every day for 66 days it becomes a habit. So, if you can keep up doing something different for the 46 days of Lent, it only takes another 20 days to become an integral and ongoing part of our lives, contributing to our well-being.
And in the middle of Lent on 15th March we celebrate Mothering Sunday, when we give thanks for our mothers and those who have been like mothers to us. Traditionally on this Sunday in the past, people living and working away from home were given time off to visit their mother church, where they were born, and families reunited. Children would gather wildflowers from the hedgerows as they travelled to give to their mothers.
As I mentioned last month, during Lent at St John’s we will be reflecting on where we are going as a church. We want to hear what you think: what do you think we are doing well, what do you think we are doing not so well, and what do you think we could do differently? Please let us know by emailing me at frjohnbloomer@gmail.com, or by completing a survey with these 3
questions using this link: www.surveymonkey.com/share/833a98f8251a-415a-8990-e948c888c765 on our website and on Facebook and Instagram. Or you could come and talk to us at JubiLatte Café on Monday and Thursday mornings in the church lounge.
And 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. Our Being With group will be meeting for 10 weeks on Wednesdays, 7.30 - 9pm upstairs at St John’s, starting on Wednesday 18th March, and there are a few spaces left. It is a gentle and reflective approach to exploring life and faith together. No special knowledge is needed: just what you have learned in life so far. If you would like to join us, please drop us a message at enquiries@ stjohnsmoulsham.org.uk.
Fr John Bloomer
frjohnbloomer@gmail.com www.stjohnsmoulsham.org.uk
What makes a stately home? Somewhere which has multiple rooms, numerous bathrooms or wash basins within the bedrooms, large gardens and many outbuildings? Not forgetting the sweeping drive or a drive that disappears into the woods or forest, knowing full well there is an amazing looking building at the end, perhaps kept by numerous servants and estate workers. At a time when many new homes are built on top of each other with limited space and a garage that would just about fit an old style mini, it is great to wander along the roads of our county and pick out large sprawling detached properties, some that lie hidden and those that are visible from the road, and dream!
Essex has many properties that were once owned by the landed gentry and people of nobility. Some of which may have been left to family who didn’t have the funds or interest in keeping them up and running or those buildings which were abandoned and fortunately have recovered by being taken over as event venues or even as a museum.
Spains Hall Estate, Finchingfield
An amazing sight from the road, Spains Hall and its sprawling estate is on a remote road just outside of Finchingfield. A Grade 1 listed building it dates back to the Norman Conquest having been built for Hervey de Ispania for one of his mistresses. Then William Kempe took over and in 1760 Samuel Ruggles, a clothier who came from Braintree, purchased it for the princely sum of £14,000 along with 2000 acres making up the estate.
Today the building is part of the 70-acre estate and is owned by Jamie Oliver and his family.
Copped Hall, Epping
Now owned by the Copped Hall Trust who saved the mansion and surrounding gardens having purchased them in 1995, it is currently under restoration.
Having a very rich history, it dates back to the 12th century when Henry II wanted a couple of acres in Epping Forest to build a hunting lodge. The actual estate in 1303 was made up of arable, parkland and meadow of 180 acres. When the abbots of Waltham were in occupation, they developed the lodge, extending the building. Henry VIII visited but never lived there, and in 1548 the future Queen Mary lived there, being allowed by his son Edward VI. This was mainly due to her being a Catholic, so you could say it was a ‘stately prison’ for her.
As time went on, Copped Hall had various owners and occupiers. During the late Victorian period, the owner, Ernest Wythes made improvements, rebuilt parts of the estate and made elaborate additions to the already large buildings. It is reported that around 1900, the staff amounted to approximately 27 house servants, 31 gardeners as well as numerous farm workers and labourers.
Surviving the World Wars, Copped Hall fell into disrepair after a fire in 1917 which damaged the main block of the property. Fortunately much of the contents were saved.
The Wythes moved to another property on the estate which Ernest had built, but Copped Hall itself was never rebuilt to its original glory. After Ernest Wythes and his wife passed away in 1949 and 1951 respectively, the property was sold in 1952. Sadly, the buildings were stripped, trees cut down and eventually part of the M25 was built through a section of the estate grounds. Thankfully, despite many planning proposals, Copped Hall was there to be saved and the Trust stepped in. Progress is being made on the restoration whilst it hosts events and educational opportunities.
It is important to keep these buildings in good repair, of which there are many others in Essex and surrounding areas. Not only to appreciate their history, but to encourage wildlife and surrounding land, assisting biodiversity, before we all get overrun with concrete and nowhere to appreciate the outdoors how it should be.
The January rush for the gym is now over, and people are settling back into their old ways. You may have given up on the gym but that doesn’t mean you have to stop doing exercise. This is an ideal time start doing your workouts at home. And this is where bodyweight training comes in.
What is bodyweight training? According to Wikipedia: ‘Bodyweight exercises (also called bodyweight workouts) are strength training exercises that use an individual’s own weight to provide resistance against gravity.’
One of the main benefits of bodyweight training is that you can train anywhere - that includes your home. To start off all you need is your body and a bit of space. First and foremost, you must make working out at a home a habit. And new habits are difficult to cultivate and maintain. I’m going to use a concept I learnt from Dr Rangan Chatterjee in his book Feel better in 5. It introduces the concept of ‘health snacks’ - these are short practices that take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.
They can be applied to the mind, body and heart. Since this article is about bodyweight training, our health snacks will apply to exercise (body).
You can perform 5 minutes of exercise spread out across your day. If you do this 5 times a day, then you’ll have done 25 minutes of exercise across your day. This may not sound like much but if you’re new to exercise or working out at home and you do this for a month, then you’ll have established a new habit that you can build on. I’m going to make it even easier - I’m going to show you how you can
tag these exercises onto things you already do.
So, let’s take 3 basic exercises - squats, calf raises and lunges. These exercises are all for your lower body. Everybody can squat - you do it every day when you get up from a chair and a lunge is just an exaggeration of walking. These are all strength training moves but you can also pick cardiovascular exercises like start jumps, running on the spot etc.
Next time you’re waiting for the kettle to boil - set a timer for 5 minutes and perform 5 minutes of squats. Let’s say you drink 3 cups of tea each day and you perform 5 minutes of squats each time, that’s 15 minutes of squatting! Or next time you’re brushing your teeth (which should take 2 minutes at least) do 5 minutes of calf raises. You get the drift - get creative and tag these exercises onto something you’re already doing. You can do this with any exercise and tag it onto existing habit to form a brand-new habit - it’s magic!
So, the moral of the story is start slowly and get into the habit of performing bodyweight exercises. Once you’ve got into the habit of doing this, then we can make it into a structured programme. You make the exercise harder as you get stronger. The beauty of bodyweight training is there are so many ways to progress the exercise, so you don’t get bored. Stay tuned and I’ll show you how in the coming articles.
Ola Adamolekun Health and Nutrition Coach/Personal Trainer www.beencouragedwellness.co.uk
- By Holly Lucking
A town lay bare in the High Wood Valley, where not a soul did enter. Only those born in the valley would stay in the valley and die in the valley. It was the way of their world, a simplistic living that they were all content with.
One day, though, a fresh wind rattled in from the north, and the folks of the valley knew that something was amiss. Hank Marlborough, the fishmonger, could not put his finger on it, and Sandra Day, the librarian, felt the change in her bones, though her husband told her she was just being silly. Nothing new or exciting ever happened in the valley. Except for that singular Tuesday afternoon.
Arthur Wellington’s eyes grew heavy, and he knew he had to stop for the night somewhere. Business had sent him from Cornwall to Sheffield, and he had hoped to make it up there in one long trip, find a cheap hotel where he could get a half-decent dinner and breakfast, then get the work done and over with. He had no love for his job, nor much else in life; he earned enough to be comfortable but not indulgent.
As he was driving through the valley, a young doe flew across his path and forced him to brake suddenly. The animal stopped in the centre of the winding country road and stared at him, wondering at the red vehicle that had come so close to brushing her hide. Then she blinked and ran on.
Arthur felt his heart racing in his chest, and as a man of fifty-seven with a terrible diet and an aversion to exercise, he knew it couldn’t be a good thing. ‘The next village I pass through, I’ll stop for the night,’ he told himself. It wasn’t long before the wild expanse of nature and winding roads brought him to a small settlement. He wasn’t sure it would have a place to stay, but as his car crawled slowly down the street, he saw a pub that had a sign in the window saying, ‘Bed and Breakfast’. What more could he ask for?
“Hello,” Arthur said as he walked up to the bar. The main area of the pub was all but abandoned, with only a few aged men sitting in the dark corners with pint glasses in front of them. Although he couldn’t see their eyes under the shadow of their peaked caps, he could feel them.
He suddenly felt very hot under the collar, pulling at it while a frightening-looking lady ambled towards him.
“What do you want?” she asked in a husky voice, eying him through cold eyes. “We don’t need you selling us anything new. We’re fine as we are.”
Arthur shook his head before she had finished. “No, nothing like that. I saw out the front that you had rooms for the night.”
“We’re fully booked.”
Arthur glanced around the pub, observing the many empty seats. The car park out the back had been much the same, and from the size of the old pub, which looked to date back to the 17th century, he very much doubted that what the woman said was true.
“Please,” Arthur continued, hoping to implore himself to her better nature - if she had one. “I have been driving all day and am exhausted. My car was playing up this morning, so I started my journey late and… let’s just say it’s been one of those days.”
The woman hardly looked sympathetic, but after some deliberation, she threw a key down on the counter. “Room 4. It’s at the top of the stairs.” Her long, bony finger pointed to stairs that went up into darkness behind the bar, crooked and an accident waiting to happen.
“Thank you.” Arthur took his small overnight bag with him and made his way to his room. The key was big and cold, likely made of cast iron. The room was simple yet beautiful, with beams across the ceiling and a small window that looked out onto the green fields that seemed to expand from up high. All he felt fit for was sleep, so he went to bed and found the mattress to be comfortable. He woke once during the night, the room so cold that he could see his own frosted breath. Then there were the noises - creaking floorboards and ghostly wails that would have made anyone run out of there and drive as far away from the village as possible.
Too tired to care, Arthur went back to sleep and awoke early the next morning. In a new white shirt for the day’s business, he went downstairs for the breakfast that the sign had promised him. “The cook is off sick,” the man behind the bar said with a glum look. Arthur assumed him to be the husband of the delightful woman he encountered the previous evening. “Best you be getting a move on.”
The hairs on his neck rose in the same way they had done the previous night, and Arthur decided it wasn’t worth the hassle for some jam on toast. He decided to walk down the main street and see if there was a bakery from which he could grab a pastry. There was one, Mrs Brooke’s Bakery, but when the young woman saw him approach, she raced to the door and quickly turned the lock and the sign from ‘Open’ to ‘Closed’.
“This is ridiculous,” Arthur thought as he turned sharply on his heel and began his way back to the pub. “What have I done to offend these people so much?” Nothing, as he had done nothing wrong. Arthur got into his car and sped away from the village as quickly as he could, vowing never to set foot there again. There was something strange about that place; his body only started to relax when he’d put fifty miles between himself and the valley.
The town lay bare in the High Wood Valley, where not a soul did enter, for the people there would not allow it.
About a fifth of the population - that’s 12 million people - are receiving the State Pension. But not many are aware that this doesn’t automatically stop getting paid when someone dies. A widowed spouse or civil partner might be able to inherit a State Pension boost.
Pensions are more complicated than you might think. Whilst the Old Age Pension (now the Basic State Pension) has been around since 1909, there are also the New State Pension (introduced in 2016), the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS), the Second State Pension (SSP or S2P). There are also protected rights to consider. These are the things to understand around inheriting a State Pension.
What were SERPS and SSP?
SERPS was introduced in 1978 and allowed people to increase their state pension by paying higher National Insurance (NI) contributions. It was replaced by the SSP in 2002 and the scheme ran until 2016. The objective was to allow employees to increase their state pension income by building up an ‘additional state pension’, based on their level of earnings over their working life.
However, it was possible to opt out of SERPS (known as ‘contracting out’) and have the additional NI contributions re-directed to an alternative pension plan. This was known as a ‘protected rights pension’ which offered ‘protected payments’. The idea was that investing the money over a long period of time had the potential to provide a better retirement income.
Some companies offered their employees the choice to opt out. Some opted people out automatically, especially from defined benefit schemes. Some fluctuated between years of opting their staff out, and years of opting them back in again depending on guidance from the scheme’s advisers.
This means that if you were working between 1978 and 2016, you may have been contracted out for some of this time. Because of this it makes it difficult to work out if you or your late spouse/civil partner have additional rights under SERPs, SSP/S2P and/or ‘protected rights’.
Why Does This Affect Inheriting My Husband’s State Pension?
The rules around inheriting your husband’s state pension (or your wife’s or your civil partner’s) are pretty complicated. But in general, if you and your spouse or civil partner reached State Pension Age before 6th April 2016, the inheritance rules are more generous than for those who retired on or after 6th April 2016.
If your spouse or civil partner reached State Pension Age before 6th April 2016, you may be able to inherit some of their state pension when they die. You can check the inheritance you might be entitled to based on their National Insurance Contributions (www.gov.uk/statepension-through-partner); the government website advises that you contact the Pension Service (www.gov.uk/contact-pension-service) to check what you can claim.
If your spouse or civil partner topped up their state pension (between 12th October 2015 and 5th April 2017), you may be able to inherit some or all of your partner’s Additional State Pension.
You can claim between 50% and 100% of their protected payments depending on their gender and when they were born.
If your spouse or civil partner had decided to put off taking (‘deferred’) their state pension, you might inherit part or all of their Extra State Pension, or a lump sum, even if they had since started claiming. If they deferred for less than 12 months you will not be eligible for a lump sum, but you can claim extra State Pension.
If your spouse or civil partner died on or after 6th April 2016 and your marriage or civil partnership with them began before 6th April 2016: You’ll inherit half of your partner’s protected payment from contracting out of SERPS/SSP.
Is There Anything Else I Need to Know?
You had to be married to your partner or in a civil partnership with them at their death to make a claim. If you were divorced or had your civil partnership dissolved, then you cannot make a claim on their State Pension, unless pension sharing was part of the court settlement.
Depending on what the courts decide, either you’ll get an extra payment on top of your State Pension, or you could be ordered to share your Additional State Pension or protected payment with your partner.
It also depends on your late partner’s National Insurance contributions. If you are unsure on whether you may be able to benefit, contact the Pension Service and UK government website in the first instance.
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.
Galleywood Youth Football Club are excited to announce they started ‘Comets’ sessions on Saturday February 28th based at their clubhouse in Slades Lane, Galleywood and utilising the pitches in adjacent Chelmer Park.
Jayne Owles, Club Secretary told me: “Comets is a recreational, pan-disability football programme for disabled children aged between 5 and 11. Pan-disability is the largest format of disability football, which sees players with a broad range of impairment and health conditions play together.
“Comets offers a new, flexible and inclusive way of playing; one that’s all about playfulness, friendships and having fun, Comets is football that breaks the old rules and replaces them with a brand new one - JUST BE YOU.”
For more information contact Jayne on 07984 128 950.
What colour rose is most commonly associated with romantic love?
In tennis, what score does the word ‘love’ represent?
What confectionery company makes the sweets called Love Hearts?
What famous TV cat loves lasagne?
Which fast food chain uses the slogan ‘I’m lovin’ it’?
What dating app is known for its flame logo?
Which singer had a hit with Love Story in 2008?
What is the Italian phrase meaning ‘I love you’?
Which UK singer sang Bleeding Love?
Which city is famous for its gondolas and is often called one of the most romantic cities in the world?
Which planet is named after the Roman goddess of love?
Which British TV character is known for the catchphrase ‘lovely jubbly’?
What is the value of the word ‘LOVE’ in Scrabble?
Who is the Greek goddess of love?
Who sang I Want to Know What Love Is?
What love potion does Shrek drink in Shrek 2?
Which Jane Austen novel features Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy?
Which 1994 romantic comedy stars Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell?
What hormone is most associated with bonding and affection?
Which famous artist painted The Kiss?
Which singer wrote I Will Always Love You, later made famous by Whitney Houston?
Which 2007 film features a character using the fake ID name McLovin?
Which actor played Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones’s Diary?
What fruit was known in medieval Europe as the ‘love apple’?
Which author wrote Wuthering Heights?
What is the name of the famous bridge in Paris associated with love padlocks?
Who played James Bond in From Russia with Love?
What is the name of the famous love poem that begins ‘Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?’
What chemical is strongly linked with pleasure and attraction in the brain?
What is the name of the famous tragic opera featuring Mimi and Rodolfo?
What is the psychological term for the fear of falling in love?
Which New Testament book contains the passage beginning ‘Love is patient, love is kind’?
What is the psychological term for when a captive develops emotional or romantic feelings towards their captor?
Which world-famous marble monument was built as a symbol of love by Emperor Shah Jahan?
Which brightly coloured tropical bird gives its name to a term for affectionate couples?
What was the name of the captain of the Titanic?
Which 2004 film tells the story of two strangers who form a connection after their partners have an affair?
Which New York landmark symbolises friendship and love between nations and was gifted by France?
What does the Latin phrase ‘Amor vincit omnia’ mean in English?
Heart of Midlothian Football Club - commonly known as Hearts - is based in which UK city?
(Answers on page 31)
Chelmsford Poppy Display
Initiative - From Jenny Brown
MLCT Trustee
Following on from Southend’s impressive poppy display, let’s paint Chelmsford red! You may have heard on the grapevine that I have been working on the logistics for some time.
I have finally been granted permission to decorate/display in High Chelmer leading up to Remembrance Day. HELP! I need knitters for poppies and support if at all possible, for you to be part of the project team.
It’s very early stages at the moment, High Chelmer Manager, Chelmsford Market, BID (Business Improvement District) representative, John Lewis, CVS, Marie Goldman MP, present Lady Mayor, Men’s Shed, RBL (Royal British Legion) are all on board.
In June, during volunteer’s week I am planning a Popython, a day of knitting poppies, date to be arranged but possibly 2nd June and
Protecting Our Community Spaces in Moulsham Lodge
We were very pleased to see the Chislett Row play area fully repaired and back open for families to enjoy. This much-loved community space had unfortunately been badly vandalised, with significant damage caused to equipment and safety surfaces. The repairs have cost the council many thousands of pounds, money that ultimately comes from taxpayers and could otherwise have been spent improving other local services and facilities.
Play areas are incredibly important to our neighbourhood. They give children a safe place to play, parents somewhere to meet, and help strengthen the sense of community we all value in Moulsham Lodge. When facilities are damaged, everyone loses.
The good news is that the CCTV installed in the area worked exactly as intended. Footage clearly identified the individual responsible and we have been informed they have now been arrested. This shows how valuable these measures are in protecting our public spaces and deterring future incidents.
However, CCTV alone cannot solve everything. We would ask residents to remain vigilant and report any anti-social behaviour to the police. If you see vandalism, suspicious activity, or groups causing damage, please do not assume someone else will report it. Quick reporting helps the authorities act faster and can prevent further problems. Our parks and open spaces belong to all of us and protecting them is a shared responsibility.
On a much more positive note, it was a real pleasure to represent the community at the recent launch of the new City Sound Radio broadcasting on DAB+. The station is truly local, a radio station for the community and run by the community. It offers a fantastic range
or 12th October. RBL are putting on a show and wants us to have something on display on the night. I have sorted that one! Oh and a day of children’s activities at the museum in half term. CVS have produced a website, see here: www.chelmsfordcvs.org.uk/poppies You can also pop into The Community Station for a printed version of the patterns on the CVS website. Any other information you need on the event get in touch below.
Moulsham Lodge Men’s Shed will be creating a life size Tommy silhouette displays for the event. The Men’s Shed meet on a Friday starting at 1pm and are currently working on projects for our Spring Fayre on the 9th May, among those are some hedgehog houses and these cat planters.
The Community Station and Copper Pot Café are open MondayFriday 8am till 4pm and Saturday 9am - 3pm.
www.mlct.org.uk enquiries@mlct.org.uk 07434 678 999
Ashley Thompson & Simon Goldman
of programmes, music, and local interest shows. It was inspiring to meet the volunteers who have put so much time and effort into making it happen. Please do try tuning in and supporting this brilliant local initiative.
We have also been contacted by a large number of residents regarding the Voi e-scooters operating across Chelmsford. While many people find them a useful way to travel, concerns have been raised in parts of Moulsham Lodge about large numbers being left in the same locations and not being collected promptly. In some cases they have obstructed pavements, making it difficult for wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs and pedestrians.
We have raised these issues directly with Voi, and as a result additional no-parking zones have now been introduced in some of the worst affected areas. We hope this will help prevent pavements and access points from being blocked.
If you experience a problem with a scooter, you can contact us and we will raise it on your behalf, or you can report it directly to Voi at report.voi.com.
Thank you, as always, to residents who continue to keep us informed about local issues. Your reports genuinely help us act quickly and get problems resolved. Working together, we can keep Moulsham Lodge a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place to live for everyone.
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
www.moulshamtimes.com
Can Photography Help Mental Health?
Having read an article on this very subject, it seems that the answer is yes. With one in four Britons experiencing some form of mental health problem each year and with a population of 65 million that is a lot of suffering.
How can photography help? First - being out with your camera/mobile taking photographs engages serious brain power. Concentration is needed and mindfulness applied to what you are doing results in less headspace to worry and obsess about other things.
This won’t work for everyone and is not a magical cure, but it is worth a try. Photography is also a way for people to express their own
saturates your mind, to the exclusion of all else, and take whatever photograph you want in the best way you can.
Maybe the dreamy photos below may inspire you towards the therapeutic process of image making.
Another boost to mental health is to get out and mix with people. We will be happy to see new members for a 3 week free trial on Monday nights.
We can be found at Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church, 110 Lime Walk, CM2 9NJ. We start at 8pm, with tea and biscuits at 9pm, finishing at 10pm.
feelings and mental state, something that might be difficult to do with words.
This month why not utilise your mobile or camera in harmony with your brain. Try to take a photo that either reflects your feelings or
I know, I know, no one wants to read about another U-turn. U-turns have become a standing joke for the government of late, haven’t they?
The latest one (at least, at time of writing) is on the local elections. Pressure on the councils who now have mere months to organise elections for May.
I wonder whether we have misunderstood U-turns. They are a great headline maker, and that means the media are going to be full of the shock and outrage, but hear me out: if someone has made a bad decision, surely the best thing that they can do is stop and turn around?
Sometimes, a U-turn is the best thing to do. We might argue that they shouldn’t have made that decision in the first place, but then, hindsight and all that… Plus, do you hold yourself to the same standard? I know I don’t. In fact, for Christians, one of the most important things we do is
By Liz Croxson
moulshamlodgecameraclub@gmail.com www.moulshamlodgecamerclub.co.uk
An apology, as we accidently repeated January’s article in the last edition.
U-turn. We call it repentance. Repentance is all about stopping what you’re doing, or the way you’re living, turning around (doing a U-turn) and going the other way. Recognising bad choices or decisions is a healthy sign.
Jesus Christ talks about repentance in the gospel of Mark, where he says: ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’ (Mark 1:15). In Jesus, God’s very kingdom has come. Stop living the way you are living, do a U-turn, and throw your lot in with Jesus.
Confronted with this announcement from Jesus, people were split (you can read about it in Mark’s Gospel - if you’d like a free copy, get in touch)some U-turned, some rejected Jesus and his call to repent. But everyone made a decision; no one was the same after meeting Jesus, because Jesus’ claims are too big and too serious.
Have you encountered Jesus’ claims? Is it time to consider a U-turn? They are not always the actions of the weak, often they are the actions of the wise. Find out more about Jesus’ claims in the 321 course, free online - just scan the QR 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
Swizzels
Garfield
McDonald’s
Tinder
Taylor Swift
Ti amo
Happily Ever After potion
Pride and Prejudice
Four Weddings and a Funeral
Oxytocin
Gustav Klimt
Dolly Parton
Superbad
Colin Firth
Tomato
Emily Brontë
Pont des Arts
Sean Connery
Sonnet
Dopamine La Bohème Philophobia 1 Corinthians 13:4
Stockholm syndrome
Taj Mahal
Lovebird
Captain Edward John Smith
Closer
Statue of Liberty
Love conquers all
Edinburgh
