Moulsham Times - May 2025

MoulshamTimes

MT Welcome

Hi readers,

Welcome to the May edition of Moulsham Times. Summer is on its way, as you can tell by the array of colours appearing in gardens and in the local parks. Chelmsford City Council’s parks department do an absolutely fantastic job - expecially with Central Park the planting is so well thought out and looks spectacular all summer.

Sadly, we have to say goodbye to a writer, but we can also say hello to another. Henry has had to retire from writing about films due to work commitments, but in his place we welcome Wharam’s Wine Words on page 14.

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

Regards

Paul

Advertising & Editorial

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

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

A New Era in Pain Relief: MBST Therapy Now Available Locally

A groundbreaking advancement in pain relief and rehabilitation has arrived in Essex, and it’s already transforming lives. VITAL Health, a forward-thinking osteopathy clinic based in Tiptree, is the first in the region to offer MBST Therapy - a cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment designed to help people living with arthritis, chronic pain, and degenerative joint conditions.

And the best part? It’s already working.

What is MBST?

MBST stands for Magnetic Resonance Therapy. It uses gentle electromagnetic waves to stimulate the body’s own repair and regeneration processes, especially in joints, bones, and soft tissue. Unlike many conventional approaches - which often rely on medication, injections, or even surgery - MBST is completely pain-free and has no side effects or downtime.

Patients simply lie back in a comfortable treatment chair while the machine does the work. It feels a bit like having an MRI scan, only quieter and more relaxing. A full course is usually completed overseveral days, and many people begin to noticeimprovements within a few weeks of finishing treatment.

Already widely used across Europe and backed by impressive scientific research, MBST is now available in Essex thanks to VITAL Health - who have invested in the technology after seeing its potential to genuinely change lives.

Local People, Real Stories

Since launching MBST at their clinic, the team at VITAL Health have been amazed by the feedback from local residents.

Michelle from Tiptree had struggled with sciatica and pain in her hip for years, something she described as a constant “bee-sting” sensation. “It was a very gradual change after my MBST treatment, but after 8 weeks the feeling started to fade and then disappear. I also had constant sciatica in my right leg and intermittent in my left - both have gone. My spine feels so much better, more stable. This has enabled me to enjoy riding my horse again.”

Jackie, also from Tiptree, had endured more than three decades of chronic back pain. Despite nerve injections and even procedures to burn the nerve endings, nothing had brought lasting relief - until now.

“Since having MBST in January, I now enjoy walking without being in excruciating pain. I’m seriously thinking about having MBST on my shoulder next, to save me from needing another shoulder replacement.”

Common Questions About MBST

Naturally, people are curious about how this all works. Here are a few of the most common questions the team at VITAL Health hear: Will it help me?

MBST has been shown to help with a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, sports injuries, sciatica, disc problems, and general wear and tear in joints. Everyone is different, which is why VITAL Health always begins with a thorough consultation. Is it safe?

Yes. MBST is completely non-invasive and doesn’t involve any medication or injections. It’s also suitable for people with metal implants or joint replacements, subject to assessment. How quickly does it work?

Some people feel improvement within days, others over a few weeks. The effects are often long-lasting and continue to build over time. Is it available anywhere else locally?

At the time of writing, VITAL Health is the only clinic in Essex offering MBST Therapy.

A Word from Daniel Trussler, Clinic Director

“As a registered osteopath, I’ve spent years helping people manage pain and improve mobility through manual therapy and rehabilitation. When I saw the results a colleague was getting with MBST down in Bournemouth, I was so impressed that I decided to

And Linda from Colchester had been worried that severe knee pain would ruin her long-awaited holiday cruise. She struggled with stairs, limped constantly, and couldn’t sleep.

“Before MBST, my knee caused me to limp and kept me awake at night. I struggled to walk up and down stairs, and it affected my hip on the other side. The treatment was completely pain-free and relaxing—I found it a great excuse to read! Since the treatment, I no longer limp, I’ve been able to sleep all night, and I can walk up and down the stairs.”

invest and bring the technology here to Essex. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. MBST is a fantastic addition to the hands-on treatment and exercise-based care we already offer - and the results we’re seeing speak for themselves.”

Want to Learn More?

If pain is holding you back, MBST might be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. Whether you’re struggling with knee pain, back problems, or early signs of arthritis, this gentle, science-backed therapy could help you move better, sleep better, and enjoy life again.

To find out more or book a consultation, contact VITA Health in Tiptree. The team will take the time to understand your needs and guide you through your options with care.

Fashion - By Andy at Three River Kitchens & Interiors

In April, we celebrated 3 years of trading at Three River Kitchen & Interiors Ltd from our beautiful showroom in central Chelmsford!

These days it is incredibly hard to reach three years in business in any industry, and as the interiors industry has been suffering terribly for the last few years, we are especially happy to have reached this milestone.

As we have been open for 3 years, I am currently designing new displays to freshen the place up and make sure we are keeping up-todate, so my thoughts have been very much turning to fashion: what is in and what is out...

25 years ago, when I started out in interior design, it was a lot clearer what were the biggest trends and what styles were in fashion at the time; Every house in the country seemed to have some kind of wooden shaker door with T-bar steel handles and black granite worktops back then.

But as the years have passed and consumers have become not just more designconscious but also more confident in their preferences, those lines have become more blurred, and I think it is an incredibly good thing. Gone are the days of everyone walking through the door wanting the same designs as everyone else!

I’ve always thought that the job of an interior designer, unless you have become your own brand, is to take the stylistic preferences, ergonomic needs and design desires of a client and make them look amazing, rather than simply replicating the same current fashions

over and over again in different rooms and in different houses.

When training designers, I always start with the most important lesson - you are not the client. We should be making sure that the home we design is your home and that it will look the best it can and work the best it can, for you, for as long as possible.

It will date (everything does), but what we try to do is make sure that it dates well.

I have recently had the odd pleasure (a benefit of getting old) of visiting client’s homes that I actually designed and installed kitchens, bathrooms and interiors in 20+ years ago and it’s great to see them (although tired and well loved), still functioning and still looking good.

I suppose the lesson I would pass on is this: Don’t worry about what is fashionable or what a magazine told you was ‘in’ or ‘out’ this season. Go with your gut and work with a designer that you trust to make your home as beautiful as it can be to you.

After all, you are the person that is going to be living in it for the next 20 or more years.

Latest News

We were delighted to welcome the 5th Rayleigh Scouts who visited Chelmsford Community Radio as part of their Media Relations and Marketing Badge work. They enjoyed a two hour workshop learning about the roots of radio broadcasting here in Chelmsford.

The scouts got to see our radio studio where there was a live show going out, heard about careers from broadcast student Kaelyn and they even had a go at being presenters themselves!

The evening was finished with a hands-on audio production activity. Scout Leader Stephen said the feedback for the evening was very positive. They had a brilliant time and we are pleased to report that they have all gained their badges now. Well done everyone!

We offer talks and workshops as part of our station fundraising alongside advertising, grants and donations. If you would like details then please do get in touch via www.chelmsfordcommunityradio. com.

Chelmsford - By Marie Goldman MP

By the time you read this, you will have three new local councillors: two for the city council and one for the county council. As I type this towards the end of April, I obviously don’t know who will have been elected, so I will simply wish all three of the newly-elected councillors the very best in their new roles.

There are tumultuous times ahead for local government with reorganisation on the horizon and a potential mayor of Essex being elected next year. These new councillors will be part of the decision making process for the shape of local government in Essex for many years to come and, against a backdrop of dwindling resources and high demand for services, it will be a tough challenge. I would like to thank them for putting themselves forward for what could be a very difficult role.

Turning to local casework issues, I’m pleased to note that the better weather has seen more of our local roads and pavements around Old Moulsham and Moulsham Lodge be repaired - not before time. I know, however, that there are many outstanding issues, which is why it is frustrating that the Local Highways panels are not currently meeting while Essex County Council reviews their structure. In the meantime and as ever, please do report any issues on the Essex Highways website here: www.essexhighways.org/tell-us.

My team and I have been contacted by several constituents with safety concerns regarding the Dott e-scooters that are being trialled in the city. They are part of the ‘Safer, Greener, Healthier’ initiative that Essex County Council are promoting. You can find more information regarding the trial at www.essexhighways.org/e-scooters. This page also tells you how to raise concerns.

Recently in Parliament, I have been raising various issues on a wide range of topics - local, national and even international.

Starting with the local. Living Streets is a charity that for nearly 100 years has been campaigning to make it safer for pedestrians to

walk around. Under its previous names, it has been responsible for campaigns to get pedestrian crossings installed and even for the driving test to be introduced in the 1934 Road Traffic Act.

I recently walked around Old Moulsham with Catherine Woodhead, Living Streets’ Chief Executive, looking at and talking about how to encourage more active travel - in particular walking and wheeling, and the barriers to making that happen. In Parliament, I raised this during a debate on Supporting Active Travel to School where I also pointed out that in countries such as Switzerland, four-year-old children walk to school by themselves. With the right support and infrastructure, we could do far better in the UK - I would be very keen to see that happen.

With regards to more national issues, I have been raising the issue of the Hillsborough Law which the government promised to introduce before this year’s 36th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, but which is yet to be published. This long-awaited legislation is supposed to introduce a duty of candour on authorities, but media reports over the Easter recess suggest the government is considering watering this down to a voluntary duty - which kind of begs the question: would a voluntary duty really have the desired effect of making people tell us what they know? I very much doubt that. We wait to see what the government eventually brings forward.

And then internationally, I was deeply concerned to learn that my Liberal Democrat colleague Wera Hobhouse, the Member of Parliament for Bath, was denied entry to Hong Kong over the Easter recess as she tried to visit her son and newborn grandson for the very first time. The local authorities provided no explanation and bundled her onto the next plane back to the UK, despite this being a purely private visit. There can be no other reason than that Wera is a British MP.

I raised this in the House of Commons, highlighting the troubling and chilling implications that this could - but must not be allowed to - have on parliamentary free speech. On behalf of my party, I asked the government to consider carefully how it engages with authoritarian regimes who act in this way. We must not allow democracy to be threatened.

Finally, and on a much lighter note, I am pleased to say that I have now recruited an additional part-time caseworker to join my small constituency office team, as well as a new parliamentary assistant to join me in Westminster.

Thank you to all the constituents who write to me to share their thoughts on things happening both locally and nationally. We do try to respond to all correspondence, but are not always able to do that as quickly as we would all like. Thank you for your patience if correspondence is sometimes delayed.

Keep well.

Marie

Deadlines for the June edition:

Articles: 23rd May Artwork: 25th May

MT Gardening

There’s something magical about May in the garden; the days are longer, the air is warmer and everything seems to burst into life at once. From the cheerful hum of pollinators to the first flush of roses, it’s a month brimming with colour, energy and promise. Whether you’re sowing seeds, tackling weeds, or simply soaking up the scent of freshly cut grass, May is the perfect time to get stuck in and enjoy the garden at its glorious best. So grab your gloves and a cuppa - there’s plenty to do and even more to look forward to!

Make the most of the peak growing season with these essential jobs:

1. Harden off Tender Plants

Before planting out tender veg and bedding plants, they need time to adjust from indoor life to the great outdoors.

Step-by-step:

1. Choose a sheltered spot outdoors, ideally out of direct wind and with some shade.

2. Place plants outside during the day for a few hours, gradually increasing their time outdoors over 7-10 days.

3. Bring them in at night or cover with fleece if temperatures drop.

4. After a week, they should be acclimatised and ready for planting out once all risk of frost has passed.

2. Sow Tender Vegetables Outdoors

As the soil is starting to warm, it’s tempting to sow runner beans, courgettes and sweetcorn directly into beds, however, hang on for 2-3 weeks and you should be fine to do so, having covers ready for the odd frost that may still occur.

Step-by-step:

1. Prepare the soil by removing weeds and raking it to a fine tilth.

2. Water the ground a day before sowing if it’s dry.

3. Sow seeds according to packet depth and spacing - typically 2.5–5cm deep for beans and courgettes.

4. Label each row and cover lightly with soil.

5. Water gently and keep an eye out for slugs and birds.

3. Deadhead Spring Bulbs

Keep spring displays looking tidy and help bulbs store energy for next year.

Step-by-step:

1. Snip off spent flowers using scissors or secateurs, just below the head.

2. Leave the foliage intact - don’t tie or cut it back yet, as the leaves are still photosynthesising.

3. Liquid feed with a balanced fertiliser or tomato feed to encourage bulb strength before leaves die back.

4. Allow foliage to die back naturally before removing or tidying.

4. Mow and Edge the Lawn

May’s growth spurt means lawns can quickly look untidy - regular mowing keeps it in check.

Step-by-step:

1. Set the mower to a medium height to avoid stressing the grass (never take more than half off at any one time).

2. Mow once or twice a week, depending on growth.

3. Cut edges with a half-moon edging tool or long-handled shears for a crisp finish.

4. Leave clippings on the lawn occasionally to feed it, or compost them.

5. Consider leaving a strip uncut to encourage wildlife. Check out this link for No Mow May; www.plantlife.org.uk/campaigns/ nomowmay.

5. Support Tall Perennials

Get ahead of the game by staking floppy or tall perennials before they topple.

Step-by-step:

1. Identify plants likely to need support, such as delphiniums, peonies and lupins.

2. Insert supports early when plants are still relatively small. Use bamboo canes, hoops, brushwood from pruned plants such as hazel or grow-through rings.

3. Tie in stems loosely using soft twine or garden ties and allow room for growth.

4. Check regularly and adjust ties as plants grow.

5. Blend supports in with foliage by choosing green ties or natural materials.

With the days lengthening and the soil warming, May is a rewarding month to be in the garden. A bit of forward planning now sets the scene for a stunning summer display - so enjoy the moment and don’t forget to pause and admire your handiwork!

What Were They Thinking About?

A photograph taken by the MT editor in Dagnam Park, Romford, purely added to fill a small gap in the magazine!

I wonder what were they thinking about, dinner, love, or perhaps having a fight?

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.

Happy

Nick Garner’s Music & Ramblings

Some of us have recently had local elections; who did you vote for I wonder?

There is much more happening now as we are in May and spring has well and truly sprung. Just look at all the rich colours around - this year’s blossom was amazing. I have my feeders out and they are emptying quickly, and the apples I put out are getting eaten up too. I think many creature’s numbers have been declining in recent years but hopefully they are now increasing. I am certainly seeing more birds around than I have seen for quite some time. I have left my lawn to grow as it’s good for the insects and birds and other critters. l have also got some very shallow water feeders with stones in them so that bees and other insects can get to the water also. If you have any fruit that is going off, just put it out - don’t throw it away.

Recently, my friend and l went out for a nice drive over Easter and then went to the Purleigh Bell for some lunch - somewhere I can highly recommend as the food and service were superb, as were the staff. We will be going back there for sure.

The other day was St George’s Day. It’s not a day that we really celebrate, but then he never even set foot in England! Why could we not pick someone English like St Edmund or Edward the Confessor? Typically, the weather was not very good anyway - we had rain and it was not very warm either. Though I do see that we have hotter weather on the way, so let’s hope it is not too hot for the forthcoming Maldon Mud Race.

I have just had some good news from my granddaughter that she has taken and passed (at her first attempt) her driving test. Great news, and now she says it’s back to the revision for her A levels.

We will soon be celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Do you have a street party coming up or any other celebrations? We know that there will be lot’s going on all over the UK, with fly pasts and more.

We just recently lost the pope, which is sad. Now we have to wait for the white smoke to find out who will take his place. It reminded me that I did also mention in my article in The City Times that I sadly had to attend two funerals recently, for Graham Hart and Beryl Hastietwo great charitable people who will be sorely missed.

Do please remember that if you have something you think would be of interest to the readers, please see the details at the end of my article of how to contact and submit to us. Remember too that we also publish The City Times

Music

It has been a great month for live music. I kicked it off with The Small Fakers who also had The Veras opening for them. The Small Fakers are still a great band, and if you close your eyes and it just could even be The Small Faces playing...

We went to Maritime Rooms to see Hamish Stuart perform with his band as well - I am too busy working whenever I put him on, so never ge the chance to be able to relax and enjoy the show, so this one I really did enjoy.

Then it was four gigs in five days, starting with Dave Kelly of the Blues Band - a great show with some great stories being told as well. Then we put on Danny and the Champions of the World who were just mind-blowing for me - they are a definite return. Next up it was off to Barleylands for some blues with Bad Pennies - another excellent show and Bad Pennies are now booked in for 2026 to play Blues Box.

Talking of which, I recently put on a sell out show with The Milk Men, who also kindly invited me up on stage to play some harmonicas with

them which was fun - and yes, we have rebooked them also for 2026. Next it was back to Blues Box, this time for Roy Mette who is always good. Then I put on Who’s Next for another very good show, and then it was back to Barleylands to see the James Oliver Band with Norman Watt-Roy on bass - just superb.

Easter was next, so we took a week off. Following Easter, my friend and I went to Cliffs Pavilion to see Roger Daltrey and his band who has some of my friends playing for him - it was one of these pals who invited us to this sell-out gig. We are so thrilled that we were able to go, as he and they were fantastic. It was also good to go and say hello to my friends afterwards and to meet Simon Townshend (brother of Pete) who was really nice and is a great player.

Later, we had Borderline Music Co playing a sellout show at Hot Box. They were great we will certainly have them back. At the Social Club it was Broadway Clash, who were very good with most of the audience up and dancing in their second set. It was also great to have Pearl Handled Revolver play. I love this band; keep your eyes open for them because if you like The Doors you will possibly love them too.

I have, of course, already started booking for 2026 - and trust me that year is gonna be another gooden, I am sure of that. I have not quite finished with booking for this year yet either; just a couple more to go.

I have some great shows coming up at The Social Club with Atomic Rooster, Geno Washington, Leddra Chapman, Voodoo Room, and Supernova, who play Oasis. And then we have all the acts playing for Blues Box at Hot Box - just take a look at the advert to see them all.

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

You can get tickets for all our shows at The Social Club in Chelmsford from Intense Records, The Hop Beer Shop and Chelmsford 4Goodplease 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 book via our ticket hotline at no extra charge - call or text 07508 496 411 and you can then pay at the advance price on entry without any commission as well to 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.

Knit and crochet for good causes - ladies’ knitting group

Are you a keen knitter? Or have you always wanted to learn how?

Our knitting group meets Hamptons Sport & Leisure Centre in Great Baddow every other Monday morning. The group includes experienced knitters and complete beginners. Over lots of coffee and cake, we chat, create, laugh and make things for good causes. Please join us.

Market stall for children’s mental health charity

This is like a charity shop, but on an indoor market stall. We are looking for dedicated volunteers to help run our indoor stall at Chelmsford Market which raises fund that go to Kids Inspire. If you can do half-day a week, then please get in touch.

Volunteer Telephone Befriender at Essex Home Help Service

Essex Home Help Service are looking for volunteers to support with our Telephone Befriending Service at our our friendly offices in Ford End, Chelmsford for 2 hours per week.

Telephone befriending is a supportive and reliable scheme that enables friendships to be built through volunteers for people who may otherwise be completely isolated.

Volunteer gardener - Hearing Help Essex

HHE is a small charity with a team of loyal volunteers based at Moulsham Mill, Chelmsford. We need volunteers to assist in maintaining the Hearing Help Essex garden to a high standard for event use and visitors to enjoy.

Community First Responder (CFR)

Our community first responders (CFRs) are volunteers who are trained to attend certain types of emergency calls in the area where they live or work.

Their aim is to reach a potential life threatening emergency in the first vital minutes before the ambulance crew arrives, providing care and comfort until help arrives. No previous medical knowledge needed, all training is provided.

Let’s Protect What We Love!

Sir David Attenborough’s upcoming documentary, Ocean With David Attenborough - set to premiere in UK cinemas on May 8th 2025, coinciding with his 99th birthday - is a powerful call-to-action for ocean conservation. The film showcases the wonders of marine life and highlights the urgent need to protect our oceans from threats like overfishing, pollution and climate change.

Attenborough showcases his new documentary with a magnificent statement: “After living for nearly 100 years on this planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.” He emphasises that while the ocean is in poor health, it possesses a remarkable capacity for recovery.

The ocean is vital to life on Earth, producing over half of the planet’s oxygen, regulating climate and supporting biodiversity. Protecting it ensures food security, livelihoods and the health of our planet.

Attenborough’s film serves as a reminder that collective action can lead to meaningful change, urging viewers to support policies and practices that safeguard our oceans for future generations.

Celebrating the release of the documentary, we’re teaming up with Home Partnership in Chelmsford on Thursday 8th May from 10am-12 noon for a litter pick along the river, followed by a small talk and information session called City to Sea. Anyone can join us to find out why we litter pick in our city and how we protect the marine life in the ocean 20 miles away. Email lisa@beachschoolexplorers.co.uk or ellie@thehomepartnership.co.uk.

Wharam’s Wine Words

I am delighted to welcome you all to my new wine column. I spent many happy years working in the wine trade, both in England and France, with a background predominantly in sales and marketing. I now work as brand ambassador for Ibizkus Wines in Ibiza and run tastings here in Chelmsford. Whilst I love investing in and laying down wines, I do also love a bargain, and it is here where we can hunt down and explore those hard to find gems which don’t break the bank.

So Where Is the World of Wine in 2025?

The world of wine is always evolving, influenced by trends in production, consumption and climate change. Many wineries are adopting sustainable practices, such as organic and biodynamic farming. This includes using less water, avoiding synthetic pesticides, and focusing on biodiversity. Traditional wine regions like Bordeaux and Napa Valley continue to be prominent, but emerging regions in places like China, India and parts of South America are gaining attention for their unique varieties and terroirs. Wineries are adapting to changing climate conditions: This may include shifting planting schedules, experimenting with new grape varieties that can withstand warmer temperatures and investing in technology to manage vineyard health. A lack of rain last year had a devastating effect on many European wine growing regions and this has served as a warning for future harvest predictions.

There’s a growing interest in lower-alcohol wines and healthier drinking options. Natural wines, which involve minimal intervention during the vinification process, are also becoming more popular. Advances in technology are changing winemaking, from precision viticulture using drones and sensors to enhance grape growing, to software that helps manage vineyard data.

Wine tourism continues to grow, especially here in the UK and in our own county of Essex with many consumers looking for immersive

experiences, such as vineyard tours, tastings and food pairings tailored to specific wines. This has proven to be very successful around the world, with wineries becoming a real ‘destination day out’.

Yet wine drinking around the world is, can you believe it, in decline. Much of this is in traditional wine producing countries - yet, still the investment in wineries in the UK and here in Essex grows...

We’re well-blessed with places to buy wine here in Essex, but we don’t have a large number of small independent wine merchants. There was always a saying, ‘how do you make a small fortune in the wine trade? Start with a large one!’ Making a success of a wine business requires immense hard work, passion and not just a little luck. Many of us have had to drink our mistakes!

In this column, I will be featuring local businesses, wineries in Essex and wines of the month, peppered with interviews and information from the ever-changing world of wine.

This month’s local business is the newly created Thirst Wine Syndicate in Viaduct Road. Many of you will know Zane from Essex Spirits, rather more possibly his fabulous range of crafted vodkas, gins and rums. Expanding the business required more premises, and so a town-centre bar, café and hub made huge sense.

Neil Walker of The English Vine and The Secret Vine is now to be found both on the socials and at Thirst, where you can be assured of a hearty welcome and a glass of something delicious.

Having completed his degree and Masters at Plumpton College, he is making wines of his own, which involves collaborating with winemakers to ensure the finished product is exactly to his taste. I was lucky enough to have attended his Provençal tasting a few weeks ago, when he welcomed Emile Pichon from Vignobles Pichon to guide us through the wonderful fayre on offer. I worked with Emile’s father Marc back in the late 1980s and early 1990s and it was exciting to witness how the son has carried on the pioneering work of Pichon senior. The Redbeard Rosé, made by Neil, was a standout success. So if the elegance of southern France floats your boat, I suggest a trip to Viaduct Road as soon as possible before this excellent cuvée sells out.

Thirst offer Thirsty Thursdays, among other events, and they are always very well-received. Follow them on Instagram - the guys keep us well supplied with witty and informative posts, so you won’t miss out on anything! If you haven’t had the good fortune to discover what is on offer in Viaduct Road, now is your chance.

Just across New London Road from Moulsham Street is The Chelmsford Club, a private members club which last year celebrated its 140th anniversary. It has gone through great changes over the past few years and is offering an Experience the Club in May opportunity.

I run monthly wine tastings at The Chelmsford Club - along with fellow wine professionals and producers from both here in the UK and abroad - in the newly refurbished crypt. There is an excellent wine list available at advantageous prices for members, and there is always a friendly welcome. Lots of historical talks and social events make it Chelmsford’s premier club.

If you haven’t visited the club before, do call in to 108 New London Road or visit the website at thechelmsfordclub.co.uk to find out more.

I look forward to sharing stories, information and wine recommendations with you in the coming months.

Cheers!

Phil

Shifting Perspectives at Chelmsford Museum - By Cllr

Kindness Around Every Corner

Over the past month, I’ve had the joy of getting to know some of the warmest and most dedicated people in Chelmsford - individuals who give their time, energy and kindness to make our community that bit stronger.

My first stop was right in the heart of the city centre, just a stone’s throw from Chelmsford Cathedral, where Age Concern Chelmsford hosts its weekday lunch club among many other services.

Stepping through the doors felt like stepping into a family gathering. Laughter, conversation and the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal filling the air.

Ann and Freda welcomed me with open arms and were quick to share all the ways Age Concern Chelmsford supports older people in our area. Whether it’s a visit from the podiatrist, a session of seated yoga, or simply the chance to share a meal with others, the charity works tirelessly to keep people connected and cared for.

I sat with Freda, who radiates a quiet energy and passion that’s utterly contagious. As we chatted, birthday cupcakes made the rounds (after a singalong that might just rival the cathedral choristers!). I even had the chance to explore the accessible upstairs rooms and hear about plans for a future film club - a simple but powerful idea that could bring even more joy and connection to the lunch club regulars.

One of the volunteer community transport drivers explained how he helps make it all possible, ensuring guests can travel to and from the centre safely and with ease. Volunteers really are the heartbeat of Age Concern. Whether helping in the kitchen, serving lunch, or simply offering a listening ear, there are plenty of ways to get involved - and new volunteers are always welcome.

This month, I’ve also had the chance to start getting to know the wonderful and very active online community of the Chelmsford Litter Wombles. They first reached out to me by email and I’ve loved learning more about their work and the positive energy they bring to Chelmsford.

I’ve been impressed by their depth of local knowledge and am now working to act as a link between the Wombles and Chelmsford City Council. I’m hoping we can explore how this grassroots insight might help shape future services and improve how we care for shared spaces. There’s more to do here, but I’m optimistic about what we might build together and work to turn knowledge into action.

Inspired by their enthusiasm and keen to know more, I reserved a litter picking kit from Love Your Chelmsford over the Easter break and set out with my son for our own mini Womble adventure. It took a moment to find the collection point (thank you to the helpful team on site!), but before long we were kitted out. Gloves, hi-viz vests, litter pickers and bags in hand!

We stuck to safe areas, avoiding busy roads and used the protective equipment provided. Within a very short time, we had filled a bag and were feeling quietly proud. My son loved every minute of it and has big plans to organise a school litter pick when term begins again. It’s amazing how quickly kids can connect with the idea that they’re making a difference - even in small ways.

Just a note: if you collect five bags of litter or fewer, you can leave them by a street bin and the Street Care team will collect them when the bin is next emptied (usually within seven days).

While it’s true that stopping litter at the source is the goal, we also need to celebrate those who step in when things aren’t perfect. I think there’s something special about the people who quietly step up to fix things as they are, and Chelmsford Litter Wombles are proof that community action matters. I’d encourage anyone interested to find them on Facebook - you’ll be joining a group that’s welcoming, knowledgeable and determined to leave Chelmsford better than they found it.

Whether it’s cupcakes shared at lunch or rubbish bags filled over a weekend, community lives in the small moments. In shared meals. In a cupcake passed down the table. In the chat you have while picking up a crisp packet from the kerb. These connections - big and small - are what make Chelmsford feel like home. The last month has reminded me that Chelmsford is full of good people doing good things - often quietly, always generously.

If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved, this is your invitation. Sometimes, all it takes is showing up, and the welcome you’ll receive might just surprise you.

For more information please visit: ageconcernchelmsford.org.uk loveyourchelmsford.co.uk/volunteer/what-can-i-do/litter-picking facebook.com/groups/chelmsfordlitterwombles

Take care.

Cllr Charlene Adutwim Liberal Democrat

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

Spring Awakens: Spicy Roasted Pork With Crackling, Yorkshires and

- By Biv Pirathapan

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the pork:

Ah, spring - when the daffodils sway like they’re at Glastonbury, the birds flirt in full song and we finally swap our winter coats for something that almost says ‘picnic’. It’s the season of new beginnings, fresh flavours, and Sunday roasts that leap from the table with as much sunshine as the skies above. But let’s be clear: just because it’s spring doesn’t mean we abandon boldness. Oh no, we elevate it. Enter our Spicy Roasted Pork: a golden-crumbed, cayenne-kissed triumph with crackling to wake the neighbours and a riot of sides that sing with seasonal joy.

• 1.5kg pork shoulder (skin on, scored).

• 1 tbsp sea salt.

• 1 tsp turmeric.

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper.

• 1 tbsp olive oil.

For the stuffing balls:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped.

• 200g sausage meat.

• 100g breadcrumbs.

• 1 tsp lemon zest.

• 1 tsp cumin.

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley.

• 1 egg.

For the spring veg:

• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped.

• 3 parsnips, peeled and chopped.

• 2 tbsp honey.

• 1 tsp wholegrain mustard.

• Salt and pepper.

• Olive oil.

For the Yorkshires:

• 140g plain flour.

• 4 eggs.

• 200ml milk.

• Pinch of salt.

• Oil or dripping.

For the wilted cabbage:

• Half a savoy or spring cabbage, shredded.

• Knob of butter.

• A dash of lemon juice.

• Salt to taste.

For the spicy gravy:

• Pork roasting juices.

• 1 tsp flour.

• 1 tsp chilli jam or a splash of hot sauce.

• 250ml light stock (vegetable or pork).

How to Bring the Sunshine to Your Plate

1. Sunshine rub: Massage your pork with the salt, turmeric, cayenne, and olive oil - but leave the skin dry! Let it sit uncovered in the fridge, overnight if you can. The star needs time to be ready.

2. Roast it real good: Preheat oven to 220°C. Roast the pork for 30

minutes to start the crackling symphony, then reduce to 160°C and roast for 2.5 hours. Finish with a 240°C finale for that crackling crescendo.

3. Stuffing stars: Mix the sausage meat, breadcrumbs, herbs, zest, cumin and egg. Roll into balls and bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes. These are like edible confetti - joyful, golden and utterly necessary.

4. Veg that glows: Toss carrots and parsnips in oil, honey, mustard, salt and pepper. Roast until sticky and burnished like a good tan - about 35 minutes.

5. The rising Yorkshires: Mix flour, eggs, milk and salt. Rest. Pour into sizzling oil-filled tins and bake at 220°C. No peeking. This is Yorkshire sorcery.

6. Cabbage with a twist: Wilt cabbage gently in butter, add a splash of lemon to brighten and zing. Spring in a pan.

7. Gravy that kicks: Use pork juices, flour, hot sauce/chilli jam and stock. Simmer to a silky, spicy glaze. Drizzle like you’re styling a plate for Vogue

Why It’s Perfect for Spring

This dish struts into spring. The turmeric gives a golden glow to mirror the season’s bloom, while cayenne adds a subtle kick - like a cheeky wink from Mother Nature. The roasted root veg brings sweetness, the cabbage is light and green - and those Yorkshires? They’re basically crispy clouds. It’s the kind of meal that gathers people around the table and makes them stay. It’s hearty, yes - but with a freshness that celebrates the season. Think pub garden meets Sunday roast. Think sunshine with spice. Think springtime satisfaction.

Biv’s Flamboyant Tips

Make it floral: Add crushed fennel seeds to your rub for a springy perfume.

Green upgrade: Throw some peas into the cabbage for extra pop and sweetness.

Mocktail match: Pair with a cucumber and mint spritz - it’s like a spa day in a glass.

Dust off the garden chairs, open the back door and let the scent of spiced roast pork drift into the breeze like a siren call to springtime indulgence. This isn’t just a roast - it’s a seasonal celebration in full technicolour. Now go on, let them taste the sunshine.

Mrs Eden - By Holly Lucking

Everyone in the street knew her, for she made herself known. Her hair was styled at the hairdressers each week, the colour of clouds and the feel of candy floss. Her house was the biggest on the street by far. It was built in the forties and was still as sturdy as the day its foundations were laid. The garden at the front was freshly mown and had flowerbeds filled to the brim with petals every colour of the rainbow. Anyone strolling passed would look at it with envy and would usually find her Ragdoll snoozing on the front wooden porch with its paw dappled in sunlight. At the ripe age of eighty-five, she used a cane to walk that would scare the children with its tapping as she went down the road.

From his bedroom window, Gregory could see the whole street, including Mrs Eden’s house which was diagonally across from his. He had been off sick from school for three days now with a tummy bug but was feeling much better staying in bed, resting and reading his books. He missed the fresh air and the warmth of the sun on his face whenever he went to the park for a kickabout with his mates. It was Friday, so Gregory was sure they’d go after school and play until the sun went down. Cheekily he had smiled at his mum when she came in with his breakfast that morning - cheerios and a glass of apple juicewhich was his favourite.

“I don’t suppose I could go to the park later. I’m feeling much better now.” He added hastily when she frowned down at him. She felt his forehead and examined his face carefully.

“I think it’s best to give it a miss today. You can always go next week when you feel a hundred percent.”

Screwing his face up in annoyance, Gregory shovelled down his cereal and slammed the bowl onto the bedside cabinet before throwing off the duvet cover and going to the window. If he couldn’t go outside, then he could at least pretend he was part of the big wide world going on around him. What made it even more unfair was that it was the first real scorcher since entering spring, dogs racing across the green and the vibration of lawnmowers filtering through the suburban silence. The clock struck ten o’clock meaning that everyone was at work, so there was only the occasional jogger to notice. Gregory then caught sight of movement in the window of Mrs Eden’s house, and sure enough, the woman was by the window dusting. She seemed the kind of woman who wouldn’t let a single cobweb form before it was swiftly eradicated, and that level of dedication to the home wasn’t exciting for a boy of twelve. He was just about to cast his eye to more exciting avenues when he saw another figure enter the window frame and start a conversation with Mrs Eden.

It was difficult to make out their faces but she was angry, Gregory knew that much, and with a satisfied smile as the boredom seeped away from him, he watched intently. The conversation continued for what seemed a long time before Mrs Eden threw her feather duster to the floor in a fit of rage and lunged at the figure. Gregory’s mouth dropped open in shock, pressing his face to the glass to get a closer look, but they were both out of sight. Then suddenly, the dishevelled petite frame of Mrs Eden appeared as she flattened out her cotton blouse and teal skirt. Her cheeks were fiery red, and her hair had fallen from place as never had been witnessed before.

What has she done to them, Gregory thought in horror, brown eyes so wide they felt ready to pop out. To his further dismay, Mrs Eden picked up the duster from the floor with some difficulty and went back to cleaning.

The door of his bedroom opened and Gregory’s father came in with his usual carefree smile. “How are you doing kiddo? Feeling any better?” He came over to where Gregory was kneeling at the window and got down on his knees beside him.

“I’m feeling fine,” Gregory muttered, unable to tear his eyes away. Any second now the person could get back up and laugh as if it was all a game. Mrs Eden was an elderly woman who wouldn’t hurt a fly. Everyone in the neighbourhood loved her like a surrogate mother,

buying her cakes and savoury treats from Hattie’s Bakery whenever they felt she had gone without.

“You sure buddy?”

Gregory turned to his father, looking straight into eyes that mirrored his own, hair a similar shade that was casually racked back with gel. He could tell him anything, he’d always been told that since he was a walking-talking toddler with his own thoughts and feelings. Somehow it just felt wrong when Mrs Eden was so beloved.

Very softly Gregory spoke, unsure of himself. “I think I saw something. Something at Mrs Eden’s house?”

His father’s eyebrows shot up in alarm. “Is she alright? Did you see her fall?”

Already he was pushing himself to his feet and making a move for the door. It was clear his father was another member of her fan club. “No, not that. I think I saw her… well. I think I saw her push someone. They might be hurt.”

“What are you talking about, Greg?” his father asked, bracing his hands on his hips. Not angry, just concerned.

“I saw something, I just don’t know what. Mrs Eden…” Gregory’s eyes went back to the window where Mrs Eden was still busy cleaning, this time with a cloth in her hand that was being used to scrub at the window glass. Suddenly, her eyes shot up and met with Gregory’s. They stared at one another, silently assessing until Gregory’s father’s voice penetrated his thoughts.

“Mrs Eden is likely at home, so why don’t I go over and check on her?” Before Gregory could protest, his father was out of his bedroom and down the stairs. A minute later, he heard the front door close and saw him striding across the street. Then he knocked at Mrs Eden’s door. Her gaze stayed with Gregory a moment longer before she put down the cloth and went to answer the door.

Don’t go inside, don’t go inside. Those words went around like a vinyl in Gregory’s head as he watched his father and Mrs Eden speaking, having no idea what was happening. Then a second later, he went inside and the door shut.

Feeling nothing but the rapid beating of his heart, he clenched his sweaty hands at his sides and closed his eyes tightly in the hopes this would help his father. Nobody knew what this woman was capable of, taken in by her frail figure and adorable forgetfulness.

Gregory went and sat on his bed, suddenly coming across lightheaded. He focused on the clock that hung on his bedroom wall, the minutes ticking by at a reduced speed, each one as agonising as the last.

A light tapping at the door made Gregory jump. The door opened slowly with a creak and to his relief, his father appeared with an easy smile. “Hey, buddy. I just went to check on Mrs Eden and everything is fine. She had some painters in doing her living room and they messed up the colour so now they’ve gone to get the right colour. They had one job. It was meant to be buttermilk yellow but they went for crimson red. It’s not like the two are similar in any way,” he laughed, shaking his head. “Anyway, there’s no need for you to worry. Get back in bed and rest. I’ll come and check on you in a little while.”

His father closed the door and Gregory was left sitting on his bed with the familiar swell of sickness returning to his stomach. Crimson red… it couldn’t be.

Slowly turning his head to gaze from the window, his eyes were snared by those of Mrs Eden who smiled sweetly and waved her wrinkled fingers at him.

Mysteries - do you like mysteries?

I happen to enjoy Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise and of course good oldfashioned Sherlock Holmes and Father Brown stories.

This is the season of mystery in the church. The transfiguration of Jesus was a mystery, and then in the month of May, Jesus ascends into heaven, and the disciples are left staring up into the sky in amazement.

I know that the detectives mentioned earlier would have been out there looking for clues, but would they expect the plot to get thicker still, finding the disciples locked together in a room (for safety), when suddenly the windows shook and tongues of flame landed on the disciples heads and they were able to speak in many languagesunusually confident to share the good news that Jesus is alive and risen from the dead. It is a mystery; one that speaks to our heart and soul, so a really good one.

Some of us have been meeting together on a Saturday morning to do Bible Quilting. We learn about a story from the Bible, and then quilt a picture to remind us of the story. Our next session is at 11am on Saturday 28th June at St Lukes, all welcome.

May time makes me think of maypole dancing and Morris dancers, and extra bank holidays for fun and refreshment.

Hoping you can enjoy some leisure time with family and friends and that I might see you out and about in our community.

Grove (Chelmsford) LTC Ladies Claim Third Straight Harry Brickwood Cup Victory

Grove (Chelmsford) Lawn Tennis Club is celebrating a phenomenal achievement as its Ladies 1 Team secures the Harry Brickwood Cup for the third consecutive year. Nestled in the heart of Moulsham, The Grove LTC has long been recognised for its community-driven ethos and passion for tennis - an identity further cemented by this latest triumph.

fierce competition every year, the road to the title is never easy.

As reigning champions, Grove started this year’s campaign with a first-round bye before overcoming Wickham Bishops in the second round. A hard-fought semi-final win against The Essex Golf and Country Club set the stage for a thrilling final against a strong Westcliff Lawn team.

Led by captain Livia Nightingale, the squad - Jen Sugiarto, Denise Downey, Caroline Beckerleg, Tatiana Golikova and Maria Cave - put in a gritty performance to edge out a 2-1 win and bring the coveted cup back to Grove for a third time in a row.

Special mention should go to Amanda Cook, whose contributions in

earlier rounds were instrumental to the team’s success.

But Grove is about more than just silverware. The club thrives as a year-round hub for tennis lovers, hosting three popular external tournaments annually. This year’s events include:

• 10th - 11th May.

• 17th - 23rd August (week-long summer tournament).

• 13th - 14th September.

With over 200 entrants typically attending, these tournaments offer a buzzing, friendly atmosphere for players and spectators alike.

The club is also committed to growing the game at all levels. Weekly coaching includes:

• Ladies’ beginner and intermediate sessions on Monday evenings.

• Ladies advanced session on Friday evenings.

• Cardio tennis on Wednesday evenings.

• Men’s beginner sessions on Sunday evenings.

• Junior programmes throughout the week.

With a reputation for being inclusive and welcoming, Grove LTC continues to inspire players of all ages and abilities to pick up a racquet.

Looking to try it out? The club’s Open Day is coming up soon and it’s an ideal way to experience the fun, friendly and vibrant atmosphere that defines Grove LTC.

For more information on joining the club or attending a session, visit: www.grovetennisclub.co.uk.

Or perhaps search for the club on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

By Catherine Karr & Livia Nightingale - Ladies’ captains

Reverend Canon Stephanie Gillingham

The Harry Brickwood Cup is a prestigious winter knockout tournament for ladies’ over-40s teams across Essex. With

Hi everyone. I hope you are well and enjoying the fine weather. It’s still a bit nippy first thing, but warms up during the day. Very dry though, so can we expect a hose pipe ban before too long?

I decided to change our media supplier after new fibre cables were laid in our street. The deal looked good, so I booked dates for the installation and change-over. Knowing that my normal brushes with technology are prone to problems, I was a bit concerned.

However, changeover day arrived and the engineer arrived on time. He was great. Professional, friendly and explained everything that even I could understand, well mostly.

By the end of the day we were on line with our new Wi-Fi. Our televisions worked, the mobiles had been sorted. Great. It is only later I realised how much tech we had that needed to be newly linked to the router (is that the term?) The Kindles, the thermostat, smart speaker, followed by a few others. I wonder what we will do if the Wi-Fi goes down?

The other day, I was thinking about some of the phrases we use. Yes, I must have been bored. So I’ve done a bit of research.

Bob’s Your Uncle

The origins of this phrase aren’t clear, but many believe the expression arose when Conservative Prime Minister Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, known as Bob, appointed his nephew Arthur Balfour as Chief Secretary for Ireland in 1887. This nepotism was unpopular at the time.

Swings and Roundabouts

The phrase itself comes from the idea that at funfairs, the owner might be losing money on one ride, such as the swings, and doing well on another, such as the roundabout.

Bits and Bobs

It reportedly originated from carpenters’ tool kits, containing parts for a drill, with bits used for making holes, and bobs being routing or screwdriving drill attachments.

Let the Cat Out of the Bag

The most cited explanation for the phrase dates back to the Middle Ages. It is said that livestock salesmen cheated their buyers by selling them cats instead of pigs. It wasn’t until the buyer arrived home, and literally, let the cat out of the bag that they’d realise they’d been swindled.

I have also been thinking of all the things being reported in the world and have written a short limerick.

The President of the USA

Always has lots to say

With no buts or ifs

He’s introduced his tariffs

But these seem to change everyday

Lot’s of stories about so called stars

All driving their flash shiny cars

They are always in the papers

Which report all the capers

Why are their lives of interest, not ours?

What about the famous BEV

That’s Battery Electric Vehicle to you and me

The good thing is they don’t stall

But will the range get us home at all

Bring on hydrogen engines and get the fuel free.

The economy is in a bit of a mess

Causing everyone lots of stress.

Can’t they use common sense

Surely we’re not all dense

And do something right to impress.

We like watching Richard Osman’s House of Games and one of the regular rounds involves the guests guessing certain strange facts. Yesterday, they were asked how many donkeys exist in the world...

Now, like many of you I’m sure, that is not anything I have thought about. Anyway, the answer is around 50 million. Interesting... Well, possibly interesting to donkeys.

I do wonder though, who has managed to count them?

Bin End Chuckles

What’s the donkeys favourite party game? Pin the tail on the human...

A man walks into a pub and someone shouts ‘hello donkey’. I asked why he had called him donkey. He said “I don’t know eeyore, eeyorelways calls me that!”

Take care and look after one another

Grove Road

Evangelical Church

Many years ago, we booked a spring-time family holiday in Switzerland. We flew to Zurich, then took a train to Interlaken, where we were to catch the ferry across the lake and then catch a train up the mountain to our hotel. Arriving in Interlaken, it was but a few steps to the ferry port and before long the ferry arrived.

The passengers disembarked. But so did all the crew, including the captain! When asked what was happening, he explained that there were no more ferries that evening. We had been given the wrong timetables. The clocks in Switzerland had switched to summertime that weekend.

In a panic, I rang the hotel we were staying at. They said that there was only one hope. There was a cable car station halfway around the lake. Find a taxi, they suggested. And if it goes very fast, we might catch the last cable car up the mountain!

It turned out that we didn’t have to find a taxi. One found us! A kind, elderly Swiss gentleman, who must have heard our conversation in English, shouted across to us: ‘Here’s a taxi for you’. And yes, the driver could speak English, and yes, it turned out he could drive very fast - scarily fast - around the dangerous bends on the lakeside road!

We arrived just in time to catch the last cable car of the day, and made it to the hotel.

What’s the moral of this story? It’s found in some words in the Bible: ‘Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act’.

If we commit our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, and trust him, he will give us the help we need. Now that is something worth exploring the truth of, isn’t it!

Philip Loose, Senior Pastor

Grove Road Evangelical Church (behind Tesco Express, Moulsham Street)

www.grecuk.co.uk

pastor@grecuk.co.uk

MT History: VE Day Celebrations - 1945

It was the news every household was waiting to hear. Late in the day, on the 7th May 1945, the BBC interrupted its schedule to announce that the war in Europe was over and to inform listeners that May 8th 1945 was to be a public holiday. However, the war against Japan still raged on until August 1945. Although people had hoped the war was coming to an end, it wasn’t until the demise of Adolf Hitler when he committed suicide on 30th April 1945 that a week later, papers were signed. WW2 had wrecked many lives, causing pain and suffering, not only through loss of life but economically. Although it had come to an end, rationing and rebuilding, in more ways than one, continued long after this date.

As we approach the 80th year in May 2025, many will be planning their own celebrations alongside the official ones. However, in 1945 it didn’t take long for people to arrange their own celebrations (they did only have one day’s notice) and many started to celebrate as soon as the news had been broadcast - dancing, singing and lighting bonfires as well as gathering in the local pubs.

Many people made their way to London to see Winston Churchill join with the Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony - and revellers partied in Piccadilly Circus, as cities, towns and villages across Great Britain were tearing down the blackout blinds and replacing them with red, white and blue bunting and flags to celebrate.

Essex was no different. Street parties were hastily arranged, people flocking into the street with trestle tables, tablecloths and creating an abundance of food to share with their neighbours.

Children wearing homemade paper hats sat smiling waiting to enjoy the party food, comprising of Spam, cheese or fish paste sandwiches,

A Hive of Activity

Behind the rather plain and unassuming exterior ECL Chelmsford (Highfields) Day Centre, there is a hive of activity. After an extensive refurbishment last year, the Chelmsford centre is back to business as usual, providing person-centred care for people with additional needs from 18 to 100.

For younger adults, the focus is on supporting individuals to reach their potential and personal goals. Whether this is shop and cook sessions, gardening, visits in the local community, Asdan and ACL college courses, or spending time with friends.

There is even the opportunity through ECL Inclusive Employment to move on to paid employment if that is what you would like to do. Older people vising the centre can come and spend the day in a supportive caring environment. The sessions include activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, chair fit, singing, fun and games. So, if you want somewhere to come for lunch and chat or require some additional support, we are able to provide this for you.

We are honoured to be a part of The Buzz in the City - Chelmsford’s first ever art trail this summer. From 5th July 2025 for 10 weeks, a swarm of 30 colourful bee sculptures will be installed throughout the city centre. Organised by Farleigh Hospice and Chelmsford For You, the art trail will not only attract visitors to Chelmsford, but it will also raise vital funds for Farleigh Hospice via sponsorship of the bees, from local organisations like ECL.

ECL has sponsored four bees, one large one which will be decorated by local artist Jonathan Harvey-Thomas, and three smaller bees which will be decorated by individuals attending ECL’s Chelmsford Highfields and Charles Dickens Day Centres.

fruit cake and jelly. Despite rationing, people had managed to diversify the range of food by using vegetables such as carrots to sweeten cakes, many using produce from their ‘dig for victory’ gardens, along with a supply of eggs from their own hens.

The celebrations continued into the night with dancing and music from gramophones, people singing and playing their own instruments, such as mouthorgans, ukuleles or even the spoons with children adding their own percussion banging their mother’s pots and pans.

It was also a time for reflection and to remember those who had sacrificed their lives; those in active service but also from the Home Front whilst working or just being somewhere at the wrong time. Despite being close to the coast, in flight paths or near to airfields and having endured many close encounters during the past years of the war, residents in Chelmsford, Harwich, Colchester and Manningtree, held street parties with parades, singing and dancing. A pub landlord in Danbury Village had requested an extension to the opening hours, to allow it to open for one hour longer on VE Day and the following two days.

Memories have been recorded of the atmosphere during a VE Day party, when the adults were dancing up and down the road doing the Hokey-Cokey and singing Knees up Mother Brown

The relief and excitement of the end of the war showed later that month as it was even stated in the Essex Newsman newspaper of 22nd May 1945 that at the first victory bank holiday at Whitsun, there ‘were heavy bookings on the LNER’ as ‘thousands of people surged to the seaside and the countryside’ which were near to pre-war Whitsun numbers.

Whilst we enjoy our street parties and celebrations, we must NEVER FORGET the sacrifices made, and I am sure you would all join me in thanking all those people who made our freedom possible.

The larger bee’s design theme, Bee True Bee You, was selected by ECL employee Sue Fuller and Managing Director Peter Fairly and will hold a prominent place in the art trail, outside Shire Hall.

Those attending ECL Highfields and Charles Dickens Centres have the opportunity to get creative decorating the three smaller bees with the help of local artist Jennifer Flint, who will be holding special workshops throughout April and May to help them create something truly special.

Everyone was very excited when the smaller bees recently arrived and can’t wait to get decorating - the two centres really were BUZZING! Look out for them when they appear around the city between July and September.

If you are interested in finding out more about ECL’s Day Services and would like to arrange an informal visit to one of our centres across Essex, please email ecl.contactcentre@essexcares.org, call 03330 135 438 or visit www.ecl.org.

The Joys and Woes of Being a Fitness Instructor

I think most of my posts this year have been about what I’ve been doing. Kids’ clubs, seated exercise, Boxercise. Since I’ve been writing about my experiences, I thought it might be interesting to share with you my likes and dislikes about being an instructor (some of these also apply to being a PT).

I’ll Start With My Dislikes

My pet peeve? Not knowing how many people are going to show up for a class. I put out a poll for most of my classes to check who’s coming. The main reason for this is to ensure that I have enough equipment for everyone. Since I don’t have my own premises, I must take the kit to the different venues, so it’s important that I know how much to bring. It also helps me to plan the class better - especially if I’m planning partner workouts as part of the session.

Odd Numbers!

I’m laughing as I write this. My Boxercise classes are the ones most affected by odd numbers since we work in pairs. Now, as I’ve grown as an instructor, I’ve learned how to manage this. The worst classes are the ones with prime numbers 5,7,11 etc. I can cope with odd numbers that aren’t prime numbers - we just work in groups of 3, but with prime numbers, it’s more difficult

Burn out. Now, this is my own silly fault. You can be a good coach without expending that much energy, but I tend to get excited and jump around way too much. At least I’ve learned not to participate in the class; this would burn me out with number of classes I teach throughout the week.

Now we’ve got my pet peeves out of the way, let’s look at the things I like.

Job satisfaction. I get paid to do something I love doing; fitness is my passion and I get to share my passion with lots of different people daily. I guess it also helps with my own personal fitness - especially the CV component of the job. I also love that I’m helping people.

Watching people grow and achieve their goals. One of the exercises

we do every session in my fitness class is push ups. I love seeing people rock up on day one not being able to do a single push up and see them finally achieve it. I’ve been known to dance around when someone achieves their goal.

Variety. Honesty, over the last 12 months I’ve worked with people ranging from 5-94. The seniors at the seated exercise classes are amazing. I’ve got an 84-year-old that can keep up with me doing star jumps - what an amazing role model. I’ve also been privileged to work with the next generation, ie, children. I was terrified to do my first kids’ Boxercise class, but they loved it. I’ve worked with all abilities and adapting classes to accommodate people of all ages and abilities is so rewarding.

Collaborations. This one is a double-edged sword. I collaborated with people to apply for and receive funding for a project from Culture Chelmsford. It was a great experience, even though it was challenging due to the different personalities and styles of working but it’s something I’d do again.

So, what’s next? Well, Boxercise with Ola will be celebrating it’s first year when you read this. I’ve got a few hours especially in the mornings on certain days that need to be filled, so more classes are on the way. Thanks to all of you who’ve been with me. As I always say ‘there’s method to my madness’.

www.beencouragedwellness.co.uk 07859 583 242

Bikinis at the Ready - By Eleanor Searle

Spring is here and so too is some lovely warmer weather. Sitting writing my article, I have seen people walk past enjoying the sunshine in various outfits from crop tops and shorts to a winter coat and woolly hat. It is certainly true that as I’ve got older, I have added layers of clothes appropriate to each decade, having made some - literallyvery cool teenage choices.

The sun encourages many of us to consider a spring break or summer holiday and suddenly the thought of baring, at the very least, a little skin means that more of us are turning our attention to exercise. Watching a 20 something, childless, airbrushed and heavily filtered influencer might be aspirational, but may not yield the most appropriate exercise advice for someone who is not in the same age bracket and doesn’t spend all day in the gym! The solution then, may be to take a more sensible approach: a graded and regular approach to exercise.

Unfortunately, as a physio, I hear much about what people perceive to be good and bad exercises, but the truth is that we are made to move and exercise is universally good for us. The problem arises with our boom and bust approach. Athletes do not go into competitions based on a few weeks of high level prep, because if they did, their bodies would not be competition ready - they would perfom badly and may get injured. They understand that they need to put in their pre-season

training and gradually increase their workload, so that their body can adapt to meet the demands of their sport.

Certainly in sport you need to push yourself to the point of failurebut not before you’ve put in the ground work. The same is true if you have 6 weeks before you meet the demands of your bikini. You need to gradually increase what you’re doing, not set out swinging heavy kettle bells that you can barely lift, when the most that you have done for a year or so before is carry a shopping bag. The secret is a regular, enjoyable activity, which you gradually increase, with the guaranteed effect that you will both feel and look better, while avoiding injury. After all, it is not true that you need to suffer to be beautiful - you are beautiful already - you may just want to make the most of what you have, and if vanity drives improvements in your overall health and well-being then that is fine, it is human nature. Better posture and a more expensive bikini also often works wonders!

Pilates and yoga are great forms of exercise to boost health and wellbeing and improve posture. Our clients often are surprised not just by how much better they look for regular practice, but how much better they feel! Small group and 1:1 sessions enable you to progress at the right pace for you and are central to what we offer at Hummingbird Pilates and Yoga. We’d love you to come and try for yourself whether your attendance is driven by your imminent need to wear your summer wardrobe, or the desire to get fitter, stronger, heathier and more flexible.

www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk

MT Finance - Dividend Investing: An

While stock prices can fluctuate, sometimes wildly, in the short term, dividend investing can provide a steady stream of income to help offset the market volatility.

The stock market is an uncertain place, and for many investors the constant ups and downs can be a source of stress and anxiety. Yet there may be a solution: investing with dividends.

What are dividends and how do they work?

Dividends are the distribution of profits a company makes to its shareholders. If you own shares in a company that declares a dividend, you receive a slice of that money, and they can play a crucial role in long-term stock market returns.

While stock prices can fluctuate, sometimes wildly, in the short term dividends provide a steadier return that can help to offset these movements. Although they are often overlooked, the reinvestment of dividends is a powerful force, compounding returns to produce substantial growth over time. Even if a share or the stock market doesn’t appreciate much, or even falls, the effect can mean your money still grows.

As the chart below illustrates, an investment mirroring the US S&P 500 index has turned £1,000 into £6,959 in capital growth terms for UK investors over the past 20 years, but with income reinvested that rises to £9,142. For the higher yielding FTSE 100 in the UK, dividends have been much more vital. They are not the icing on the cake, they are much of the cake itself. A £1,000 investment has turned into £1,754 in capital growth terms, but with reinvested dividends it is £3,698 - almost three quarters of an investor’s return.

Why Do Companies Pay Dividends?

The decision of a company to pay dividends is generally based on its financial situation and strategy. Some companies choose to do so to reward shareholders for their investment and to signal to the market that they are financially stable. Other companies choose not to pay dividends because they prefer to use their profits to invest in growth or to pay down debt.

Companies in more stable industries, such as utilities and consumer staples, are more likely to pay dividends than companies in fasterchanging industries, such as technology and biotechnology. This is because companies in stable industries typically have more predictable cash flows and are less likely to experience large fluctuations in revenue or profits. As a result, they are better able to make consistent dividend payments to shareholders.

the other hand, smaller or emerging companies may be more

Antidote to Market Uncertainty?

focused on growth and may prefer to reinvest their profits in order to achieve higher returns in the long term. Other companies may not have the financial resilience to make consistent dividend payments, or they may choose to focus on other forms of return, such as share buybacks, or debt reduction.

Are Dividend Stocks Less Volatile?

A steady return from dividends can help generate long-term returns and bolster portfolios in periods of market stress. Higher dividend shares often have a valuation ‘safety net’ of the income stream they provide, so they can be less risky. This is because dividend payers are typically more established and more likely to generate consistent profits. Knowing that dividends are likely to continue rolling in can be reassuring for investors, especially in times of market uncertainty.

Remaining invested at all times can help harness the best returns from dividend paying stocks. Investors still get ‘paid’ during more difficult market periods when capital gains are harder to achieve. Holding stocks for long periods takes advantage of the long-term compounding of income, as well as the growth potential. As well as being important for investors who are looking to build long-term wealth over time, dividend stocks can help to provide a stable source of income that can be used to fund income needs in retirement or other financial goals.

Risks of Dividend Investing

Investing in the stock market always comes with the risk of your investing falling in value, and when targeting dividend-paying shares investors need to be aware of potential ‘value traps’. Sometimes a dividend yield looks high, but it isn’t always sustainable. In fact, a very high yield could be a sign of distress. In these cases, if the dividend is cut or cancelled then the shares could fall in value, possibly substantially.

This is why investors should not solely focus on the highest dividend paying stocks or funds. Securing a lower, growing income tends to be

Illustrative returns from a 20-year investment in the US and UK stock markets.

more important in the long run than achieving the highest starting yield.

Looking at the current economic environment, dividends in certain sectors could come under pressure from rising costs or a weaker consumer. Every company and sector has its vulnerabilities, so it’s a good idea to have a broad range in your portfolio.

Company earnings, and therefore dividends, fall as well as rise, but over time as economies and industries expand there should be an upward trend in dividends, hopefully providing a reasonable hedge against inflation when you zoom out to the long term.

How to Invest in Dividend Stocks

Investors can build their own portfolios of dividend-paying stocks, but funds offer a convenient way to achieve diversification across dozens of companies’ shares in one go.

Those with strategies targeting dividend-paying stocks tend to be found in either the Global Equity Income sector for international shares or the UK Equity Income sector for UK shares. Other, more geographically specialist, dividend-based funds can be found in their respective broad geographic sectors such as Europe ex-UK and Asia ex-Japan.

What is dividend reinvestment? For income seekers receiving a growing stream of dividends can be very useful, but they can be a great source of return for any investor. Reinvesting dividends helps grow an investment pot through buying more shares or units to benefit from future growth.

When investing in funds, if income isn’t required, an investor can elect to buy accumulation units in a fund, rather than income units which pay the income out.

Accumulation units in equity income funds reinvest dividends for you to turn income into growth and allow you to automatically compound dividend returns, and they can help form a more stable core to a portfolio compared to more growth-oriented or specialist funds.

With equity income funds typically offering yields in the region of 4-5% currently, and with the potential for the income to grow and compound over time, they could be an appealing option for investors, though remember all yields are variable and not guaranteed.

Graham Austin, Chartered FCSI Investment Director Graham.Austin@charles-stanley. co.uk

0207 149 6696

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

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

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

You may, or not be aware that John Shennan playing field was recently designated a local nature reserve, thereby saving it from future development and retaining important green space for our community.

Chelmsford City Council’s parks department has been busy with the help of volunteers creating a new bug hotel in the reserve. MLCT asked the park department whether we could run a ‘name the bug hotel’ competition, and they agreed. If you would like to have a go at naming the bug hotel, please send you entries to the details on the poster to the right.

Following our successful knitathon last year, we have decided to have a charity knit day. It’s volunteer week and invite all volunteer knitters to join us on 2nd June from 10am to 4pm at the Community Centre. Wool and needles can be provided. Can’t knit? don‘t worry, you can come along and chat with like-minded volunteers and enjoy a cuppa.

Also, just a reminder of our Spring Fayre is on Saturday 17th May between 10am and 3pm. There will be a range of crafts stalls and our own Men’s Shed will be there so you can have a go at making some small wood projects - perhaps like a bird house out of a single plank of recycled pallet wood. The Copper Pot Café will be serving its normal menu, plus, there will be cream teas available too.

We are now offering printing, photo copying and laminating services, A5, A4 and A3, we can also produce A5 or A4 booklets, which are ideal for funeral orders of service.

We also are now running an additional seated exercise class on

Wednesdays starting at 2pm. Other classes are Monday’s at 1.30pm and Thursday’s at 10.30am.

The Copper Pot Café is open Monday to Friday from 8am till 4pm and on Saturday from 9am till 3pm.

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

An Update From Moulsham Lodge Ward - By

As spring blooms around Moulsham Lodge, your local Chelmsford city councillors, Ashley Thompson and Simon Goldman, have been as active as ever working hard on behalf of residents, while also enjoying the recent Bank Holiday sunshine. We hope you too found a moment to relax and soak up the good weather over Easter.

Being a councillor is never a dull role and recent weeks have been no exception. Ashley has been particularly focused on planning matters, ensuring that proposed developments are carefully reviewed and represent the best interests of the local community. He’s also been speaking with council officers to ensure bin collections continue to run smoothly for the residents of Moulsham Lodge.

Simon has also had a busy month. He recently helped secure the replacement of a damaged dog waste bin - one of those small but important things that help keep our streets clean and pleasant for everyone. In addition, he hosted the latest of our monthly Coffee With Cops sessions, held at The Copper Pot Café on Gloucester Avenue. These gatherings, taking place on the first Saturday of each month

Ashley Thompson

&

Simon Goldman

at 1.30pm, offer a relaxed and friendly environment to discuss local concerns with councillors and sometimes a representative of Essex Police. If you’ve not yet attended, we’d warmly encourage you to come along - it’s a great opportunity to be heard and to hear what’s going on locally.

At the time of writing, we were in the middle of campaigning for the Chelmsford Central County Council by-election. Regardless of the result, we look forward to collaborating with whomever is elected to represent the area at county level. Working together across the tiers of government is crucial to getting things done for Moulsham Lodge.

It’s always a privilege to serve such a vibrant and engaged community. From managing planning concerns to supporting community safety initiatives, and from improving local amenities to championing residents’ views, your councillors remain committed to making Moulsham Lodge an even better place to live.

If you have a local issue you’d like help with or a suggestion to improve our neighbourhood, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Ashley or Simon. Why not pop along to the next Coffee With Cops meeting? We’d love to see you there.

That’s it for now. For any local issues, please do get in touch any time. Take care.

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

Follow us on the following platforms - search for ‘Chelmsford Liberal Democrats’

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChelmsLibDems

Facebook: search ‘Simon Goldman - Moulsham Lodge Councillor’ Twitter: twitter.com/ChelmsLibDems

www.moulshamtimes.com

Lost in Translation

This edition of the Moulsham Times is due to start delivery on 1st May - May Day.

May Day in England traces its history back to the 14th century, with celebrations involving maypoles and May queens. But a lot of what May Day is all about is often lost in translation across the centuries - much like many other national celebrations with long histories. They need to be explained again, taught to another generation.

Of course, this is challenging, because it requires the hard work of research, learning, the patience of teaching and the willingness to be wrong. These are not always virtues that are valued in our culture!

So many things get lost in translation. Jesus is one of them. A quick search online and you can find any number of explanations and stories as to who Jesus is. But we are rapidly finding out (as I think we’ve always known) that the internet is not always a secure source of truth - and at the moment, it’s increasingly a source of lies.

I talk to a surprising number of people who have decided that Jesus is a great teacher and wonderful moral example - but who have never read a word he said, and don’t follow his example. Turning the other cheek and loving your enemies sounds great in theory, but when the rubber hits the road…

Benjamin Franklin went to extremes with this. He took a pair of scissors to his Bible, and cut out all the things Jesus said that he didn’t like, sticking all that remained into his own version of the gospels (the biographies of Jesus found in the Bible). He created his very own ‘personal Jesus’, but this Jesus was simply a fiction. A lie.

Narrowing down Jesus to soundbites, or reshaping Jesus to suit our own purposes is very human - we’ve been doing that ever since he died and rose again. But, if we really want to know who Jesus is and what he was about, we need to go to the source. We need to read his actual words - all of them, not just the nice ones.

Don’t get lost in translation with Jesus. His words are full of hope, purpose, and life. Don’t miss out - read the real thing!

Oh, and if you’d like a laugh, here’s a wonderful video that plays on things being lost in translation - tinyurl.com/yvnswukr.

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

www.tilekilnchurch.org.uk

YouTube: tinyurl.com/y24qlkvx

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tilekilnchurch

Quiz Time - By John Theedom

Venison is the meat from which animal?

Who is the only black female billionaire in the USA?

What are the two official languages of Canada?

In advertising, what is meant by the QR code?

Knightsbridge station lies on which London Underground line?

Duncan Goodhew was an Olympic gold medallist in which sport?

On an old-fashioned rotary phone, what number requires the longest turn of the dial?

In the UK, what is the number to dial to get an automated message telling you the last number that called you?

Over which continent did the hole in the ozone layer form?

In the nursery rhyme, who kissed the girls and made them cry?

In Channel 4’s Countdown, how many letters are selected in each letters game?

What is obstetrics the study of?

In tennis, what is a score of 40 points each called? Libel is written defamation; what term is used for an oral defamation?

What type of device measures radioactivity levels by detecting and counting ionising particles?

Zinfandel is a type of which alcoholic drink?

In which English county is the coastal resort of California?

What 2 colours are on the Ukrainian flag?

Ride Wit Me was a 2001 hit for which hip hop star?

The logo for Hush Puppies shoes features which breed of dog?

What does rhe cockney rhyming slang term ‘dog and bone’ stand for?

What does MGM (the movie studio) stand for?

Which knighted comedian, actor, presenter and writer became the Chancellor of Birmingham City University in 2016?

The Brecon Beacons rise in which Welsh county? Originating from Germany, Trockenbeerenauslese is what kind of drink?

Singer and actor Dino Crocetti achieved fame under what name?

Usually, Black Forest Gateau is made with which fruit as a filling?

In the film classification system, what do the initials PG stand for?

Golda Meir was the fourth prime minister and the first female one, in which country?

Ruth Handler, former president of the toy manufacturer Mattel, is credited with inventing which specific world-famous toy in 1959?

How many players are in a netball team?

A Portuguese man o’ war is what sort of animal?

A cockle is sometimes used as slang for how much money?

In 1983, which Derby-winnng racehorse was stolen rom the Aga Khan’s stud, never to be seen again?

To ‘genuflect’ is to perform which act?

More than 11 miles long and almost 1 mile at the widest point, what is the largest lake in England?

Arthur Scargill was known for his time as president of the national union of what?

Which was the only double album released by The Beatles?

What is the name of the official record of daily proceedings in the British parliament?

Gaynor Hopkins, a Welsh singer known for her distinctive husky voice, rose to fame under what stage name?

Believe the Hype

I can see it, I can smell it, I can taste it… longer evenings, beer gardens, al-fresco dining. Let’s admit it, we’re all a bit happier. The UK can be drab, but when the sun’s out (some of) our troubles melt away.

I’m always happier eating outside with a cold pint in hand - which is exactly what we did on Good Friday at Chelmsford Brew Co. If you haven’t been to their taproom, please do!

It’s a local, family-run brewery in Great Baddow’s Brewery Fields on the original 1800s brewery site, complete with a taproom serving local brews fresh from the source, plus an incredible selection of guest taps and bottles. Bonus: they also run Essex’s best cocktail bar, Voodoo Keller, hidden inside the old police holding cells on New Street - formerly known as the iconic Hot House (memories...).

Every Friday, the brewery hosts street food pop-ups, and last week we were lucky enough to catch Squares & Circles - usually based in Witham, now touring in their pizza van.

They’re serving up Detroit-style deep-pan square pizzas and classic Neapolitan circles. We chose the ‘Sweet but Spicy’ Detroit: pepperoni, mozzarella, nduja, caramelised onion, chilli flakes, and honey - a perfect sweet-heat balance. We also went for a (controversial to some!) ham and mushroom Neapolitan, because I NEVER get to order mushrooms.

Yes, the order took a while; the squares take at least 30 minutes in the oven due to the style of pizza, but it was so worth it. The dough was airy and full of fluffy bubbles, the crust crisp, chewy, sticky - just perfect. The Neapolitan? Thinly sliced mushrooms, not overcooked, and the ham... delicately cured and packed with flavour.

They’re popping up at The UB just off Moulsham Street across May and June - don’t miss them.

What story do you aim to tell with your food?

“We just want people to experience real pizza made with best ingredients. Our squares tell the story of classic Detroit pizza and our circles are our take on Neapolitan pizza cooked at a lower temperature to give them the crunch everyone loves.”

Do you have a food memory from childhood?

“The memory of being in America and the smell and taste of the pizza is brought back every time I cut a square pizza!”

What’s your guilty food pleasure?

“Pizza is our guilty pleasure food, that’s why we started and now we eat it 6 days a week!”

Advice for aspiring food businesses?

“Stick to your guns make what you love with the best ingredients

you can find. Don’t cut corners for costpeople will pay a little extra for better quality food!”

You can catch Squares & Circles on Thursdays in Hatfield Peverel and Sundays at The Bull in Great Totham. They’ll also be back to Chelmsford Brew Co and The UB on Moulsham Street throughout summer. Can’t make a popup? They also offer takeaway in Witham from Tuesday to Sunday, and you can hire their pizza van for your event via bookings@scpizza.co.uk.

While we’re here, a quick plug: If you fancy trying traditional Indianstyle stuffed roti, come visit us as Parlour at the Chelmsford Brew Co taproom - dates coming soon! check on Instagram below to stay up-to-date.

Come say hi, and let us know if you’ve tried any of the spots we’ve shared, or if there’s anywhere new you think we should check out. All our experiences are paid for to support local, independent businesses and help keep our community buzzing with great places to eat and drink.

Find out more by searching ‘@parlour_presents’ and ‘@ squaresandcircles_pizza’ on Instagram.

Take a Look Through the Moulsham Lodge Camera Club Lens

Tiptoe Through the Tulips

This month, we can take a look at walking round a frame. You can see below that I have taken a mass of tulips - these form a pattern photograph, but let’s take a tiptoe through the photo. This is a great idea to do with your own photos. If you want to photograph tulips there are plenty of displays in the local parks.

Why not give it a go this month have a look back at the composition of your photos? Look at all four corners and notice if you have cut off half a flower, or chopped off a crucial part of your subject matter. It is not always easy to know where to crop. From the first mass of tulips, I have concentrated on keeping the yellow ones in some kind of formation within the frame with the aim being to keep the yellow tulips connected between the top/bottom and each side.

It takes a while to ‘get your eye in’ and this is something we at Moulsham Lodge Camera Club can help you with. So why not ‘tiptoe’ along for a free trial on Monday nights to Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church, 110 Lime Walk, CM2 9NJ? We start at 8pm, with tea and biscuits at 9pm, finishing at 10pm.

PLEASE NOTE: The last club night is 19th May 2025 and we start again on 1st September 2025.

Liz Croxson

moulshamlodgecameraclub@gmail.com www.moulshamlodgecamerclub.co.uk

Hello again lovely neighbours. Did you all have a joyous Easter? I had a good view of things in the churchyard - I watched the procession with the palms on Palm Sunday, and loved the Easter egg hunt at the end of Easter Sunday service. Easter is a wonderful time of hope and thanksgiving in the Christian calendar.

In other news, it was very exciting to see the wildflower meadow planted and onions sprouting in the vegetable beds - the churchyard is really changing now.

A date for your diary. On Saturday 14th June we will have our formal opening of our green space and we are holding a Green Fair to celebrate! The work will be all but completed, with just some finishing off to be done. We hope you’ll all be able to come along. Pick up your coffee or Prosecco and maybe you’ll get chance to sit a while with

me or one of our other benches that will be here by then.

In the meantime, this month we will be especially remembering VE Day - Victory in Europe in the Second World War. We benches in the churchyard are blessed to live alongside our war memorial, where every day we remember those serving in the armed forces and those who gave their lives in both world wars. We also remember those serving in parts of the world where war still rages and we pray especially for all those suffering in Ukraine and Gaza.

We will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day in our community cafe in the morning of 8th May - do come along! We’ll have a quiz, colouring and activities for children and some very special cake...

On your way in, if you would like to, please do pause at the war memorial and join me in a prayer on VE Day:

Gracious God, on this 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, may the red in our flag remind us of the sacrifices made, may the blue in our flag remind us of the freedoms we now enjoy, and may the white in our flag remind us of the dove of peace. Let us remember the lessons of the past and work towards a future where peace is not just a dream but a reality. Amen.

If you have any questions about church, or you just want a chat, you can always drop me a line at enquiries@stjohnsmoulsham.org.uk.

Your friend, The Bench

Blog from the Bench at St John’s Church

Deer Oprah Winfrey

English and French

Quick Response

Piccadilly Line

Swimming O 1471

Antarctica Georgie Porgie

Nine Child birth

Deuce

Slander

Geiger Counter

Red wine

Norfolk

Blue and yellow Nelly

Basset hound

Phone

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Sir Lenny Henry

Powys

Wine

Dean Martin

Cherry

Parental Guidance

Israel

Barbie doll

Seven

Jellyfish

£20

Shergar

Bending of the knee

Windermere Mineworkers

The Beatles (AKA, The White Album)

Hansard

Bonnie Tyler