MoulshamTimes
MT Welcome
Hi readers,
Welcome to the May edition of Moulsham Times. There has been lots of work happening in Central Park with new plant features and new chess tables; very Central Park New York-style!
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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.
In recent years, boiling water taps have become a key purchase in almost every project we undertake.
Despite being around for well over 20 years, their now almost ubiquitous place in the kitchen has come about because they are now much more cost effective - there are many more brands available and people now really see why having one is a definite benefit.
What Are the Benefits?
Tea. Its not all about tea but, as we are British, it is almost always mostly about tea. The ability to immediately draw boiling water from a tap to make your preferred cuppa is time saving and more energy efficient too.
Other than tea, coffee and other hots drinks are a factor but personally, my key reason for loving boiling water on tap is cooking! Need to cook some pasta? Water is ready to go in seconds not minutes. Same with rice. Same with veg.
The ability to add boiling water instantly to your cooking is so useful, its been a common feature of the commercial kitchen for decades.
Of course, there are other benefits such as sterilising, and some taps offer other benefits in addition (chilled filtered water or sparkling) but the sheer convenience and energy efficiency compared to a kettle are the clear wins.
How to Choose?
The difficult bit, especially now so many brands are available, is deciding which tap to go for. There are a few market leaders out there such as Quooker, Zip, Grohe etc, and there are also a growing number of cheaper alternatives, but what separates them form each other?
Here’s my list of key considerations: How hot is the water? If it isn’t close to or at 100 degrees when leaving the tap, the benefits drop off dramatically.
How safe is it to use? What is the mechanism for boiling water supply, how is it delivered through the body of the tap, how hot does the neck become and, most importantly, does it spit significantly
when in use? These are all very important and I strongly recommend handling and using one prior to purchase.
• What kind of warranties are in place?
• Do they do well in independent reviews?
• Is it within your budget?
Optional Extras
Once you’ve narrowed it down using the above, you then need to think about the extras that could be added.
I recommend a decent filter (and ideally a scale filter) in our area as limescale build up is to be avoided (and it tastes better!) and fancy LEDs can be helpful and increase safety. A decent tank system that is not too huge is important too and then there are chilled and sparkling options to consider - I am mildly obsessed with having sparkling on tap! It’s expensive but worth it for me.
So What Do I Suggest?
Personally, I have worked with many brands over the years and my personal preference has always been a Quooker tap. They have some of the best tech, best styles and the best installation service, in my opinion - but I also rater the Blanco, Triflow and Grohe options very highly. In particular, the Blanco is a unique beast if integrated into their whole sink area concept.
I strongly recommend that you don’t ‘cheap out’ when it comes to a boiling tap though. In my experience there is a direct correlation between the quality, safety and convenience of use to the price and I am yet to see a cheaper model that I would feel comfortable recommending to a client.
Ultimately, boiling water taps can transform your kitchen routines and, once you have one, you will almost certainly never go back to a kettle. The investment upfront is often high and yes, they take up a bit of space in your sink unit, but the benefits are worth it if you have the space and budget.
I really do believe, given a few more years, that it will be almost never that we install new kitchen without one - and that is remarkable given that 20 years ago nobody wanted one and I thought they were an overpriced gimmick…
Latest News
Our Inclusion Manager Michelle visited the Helen Rollason Cancer Care Centre in Hatfield Peverel to have a catch up and talk about the forthcoming Ride For Helen fundraiser, where Michelle was given a tour of the facilities and met some of the clients.
For those who don’t know, the charity was founded in 1999 as a legacy to the BBC broadcaster Helen Rollason MBE. It provides free, high-quality complementary therapies and support groups to improve patient quality of life.
The atmosphere at Helen Rollason was calm and welcoming. Volunteer Paul delivered the best cup of coffee with a smile and Michelle learned about the many groups that meet up to share each other’s cancer journeys or find respite. Just about to set up in their activity room was an art and painting class, whilst in the treatment room Angela was enjoying some much needed reflexology.
Ride for Helen Essex will return for its 12th fantastic year on Sunday 10th May 2026 at the stunning Crix Estate, Hatfield Peverel - and this year is extra special, as it is also celebrating what would have been Helen Rollason’s 70th birthday year. The amazing team at Helen Rollason is hoping to have over 1,000 riders taking part in honour of Helen’s incredible legacy.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, there’s a route for everyone. Our ever-popular 6-mile (new family friendly route), and Ed’s 15, 30, 50, 65, or 100-mile rides all take in the beautiful Essex countryside in spring. Chelmsford Community Radio volunteers will be supporting this fantastic event alongside local choir, Some Voices, as we provide much needed encouragement to participants.
It’s the perfect day out for families, friends and solo riders alike. Cycle for fun, to challenge yourself, or to raise money for a cause that continues Helen’s vision of supporting people living with cancer. For more details and to book your space go to www.helenrollason. org.uk/ride-for-helen-2026. If your local group or organisation would like our team to come along to an event, please enquire via admin@ chelmsfordcommunityradio.com.
www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com
Creatures of Habit - By Eleanor Searle
We are, in the main, creatures of habit - good and bad. I only have to look out of my bedroom window at 7am to see the same gentleman walking past on the way to get his paper. I know that I am running late if by then none of us in our household are dressed by the time he walks by.
Equally, if you go to the gym at a particular time, you will often see the same familiar faces, as people have found the time to exercise that suits them and have made it a habit.
Forming good health and well-being habits can be hard, but once you have formed them they can be transformative. After all, regular exercise is what we all need to take!
At Hummingbird Pilates and Yoga, we have made it easy for you to form good habits, as we have a range of classes on our schedule that you can book yourself into in advance.
We also understand that even good habits need to be broken sometimes, as something else in life pops up, and so instead of having to go without your class, you can cancel ahead of time and rebook another one so that you don’t miss out.
Start your good habit. Book now at www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk.
Welcoming recepiton area
Reflexology
Nick Garner’s Music & Ramblings
We are now properly in spring and the animals and insects are breeding, the plants are developing, and the weather is getting warmer, although we are still having some cold, windy and wet days. Lets look forward to hopefully a decent summer this year.
Sadly I missed a couple events in the last month, but I have seen and heard how well they went, firstly was the Chelmsford Take Over, then we had Record Store Day. Intense Records had a massive queue outside and they also had some live acts and DJs playing. I hope that they had a good day.
The Maldon Mud Race has also just happened, which is always a fun event and raises money for good causes. Did you go or take part this year? On a larger scale, the London Marathon happened recentlydid you take part or go and watch it?
I know there is half-term fun coming up all over the county and Concrete Canvas also returns this year, which I always think is a magical event with wonderful creative people from all over taking part.
There are a few music festivals kicking off as well. I was hoping to go to Red Rooster at the end of May but sadly they have just cancelled it. I still want to go away though - I will need to sort my caravan out to make sure it is ready to spend time in. I do also find spring is a good time to go and visit gardens and woodlands and I’m hoping to visit some very soon.
I live in old Moulsham and had some nice person hit the offside back of my vehicle at night and then drive off the other week. I did not hear it but some other neighbours did and said they came out quickly but the culprit had done a runner, so that means it is down to me; thank you!
Of course, the local elections are coming up. We should all vote as it’s for our future - I don’t care who you vote for as long as you vote. Please do encourage others to vote as well.
Did you see the recent Lyrid meteor shower from 22nd April? After 10pm is always the best time to see it. Right now the skies are clear and bright and not too cold, so ideal conditions I think.
How do you feel about the £1.15 charge that Essex County Council has just introduced for all book reservations? This is for each book you want to reserve.
Do remember if you have anything of interest or an event that we and the readers should know about send it to editoral@itsyourmedia. co.uk and we will do our best to publish it for you.
Music
As ever, I am putting on lots of gigs and have started booking for 2027 already. I cannot reveal who yet, but we do have some exciting bookings coming up - some new and some returning - for both the Chelmsford Social Club and Hot Box. More on these events after the summer.
We have put on a few shows that have not been reviewed in the City Times yet. Our first was at Hot Box with Steve Young and The Real Time. What a superb band they are, and one we will be having back hopefully. We also welcomed back Re Floyd who played a full show this time, going all the way back to Syd Barrett - and of course with Artemis having been up there in space, they had to play Dark Side of the Moon. The band are superb and in my mind they are as good as anyone can get playing Pink Floyd.
Then it was the turn for Hamish Stuart and his superb band who blew us away. What a band and that four piece brass section were just great. Hamish will be back at Hot Box on Saturday 28th November with Robbie McIntosh for another acoustic show, so get booking before it sells out again.
We stay at the Social Club for the next show which was Stray celebrating sixty years since Del Bromham started the band in April 1966 when he was fourteen and still at school.
They are as good as ever and again they are back playing Hot Box on Saturday 17th October. Rostock opened for them and they were great - just a shame Roger had a couple of problems with his huge pedalboard.
On Saturday 25th April at Hot Box we had a three piece from Lincoln called Kings & Bears. They were a great act crossing genres from rock to funk to reggae and more. Then on the Sunday we had Bad Pennies, mainly a covers band for Rory Gallagher, Dr Feelgood, Stevie Ray Vaughan and others. And they do it so well.
Sadly all shows, not just mine, are suffering at present. Whether its the cost of fuel to get from A to B, or general uncertainty in the world, I don’t know. If you are planning on going to an event (of any type) then please do try to book it in advance, and for my events the details are below.
If you have anything you think that could be of interest to our readers for either publication, then please let us know by emailing editorial@ itsyourmedia.co.uk - it may be an event or a topic of interest. Or have you done anything unusual or are you planning something? If so, we and our readers want to know about it.
If you know of someone who may wish to advertise with us, then please ask them to contact ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we can send over the full details to them.
You can get tickets for all our shows at The Chelmsford Social Club in Chelmsford from the Meadows shopping centre at Intense Records, or in Moulsham Street at The Hop Beer Shop, and next to County Hall and the Library at Chelmsford 4Good. Please pay cash when you buy from them.
Tickets for all shows, including ours at Hot Box, are available also online from www.wegottickets.com/BlackFrogPresents, or book via our ticket hotline with no extra commission charge - call or text 07508 496 411 and you can then pay the advance price at the door by card or cash.
To find out more about Black Frog Presents and our shows go to www.linktr.ee/BlackFrogPresets or scan the QR code in our adverts in this publication.
Stray at Chelmsford Social Club
MT Gardening
By early to mid May, the garden is on the cusp of early summer. Soil temperatures are typically above 10-12°C, daylight hours are long and the risk of frost is diminishing - though in some areas of the UK late frosts can still occur. This is a period of acceleration, where planting intensifies and growth becomes more vigorous.
At this stage, the focus shifts toward planting tender crops, managing rapid growth and ensuring plants have the space, nutrients and structure they need to thrive. The following five tasks will help you make the most of this productive period.
1. Plant Out Tender Vegetables and Bedding Plants
Once the risk of frost has passed or been carefully monitored, tender plants can be moved into their final growing positions outdoors.
Common examples include:
• Cucurbita pepo (courgette).
• Phaseolus vulgaris (French bean).
• Tagetes patula (French marigold).
Plant into well-prepared soil enriched with organic matter. Space courgettes approximately 90cm apart, and French beans 15-20cm apart in rows spaced 45cm apart.
Choose a calm, overcast day for planting to reduce stress. Water thoroughly after planting, applying around 2-5 litres per plant depending on size, and consider temporary protection such as cloches if temperatures drop.
2. Pinch Out Growing Tips to Encourage Bushier Plants
Pinching out involves removing the soft growing tip of a plant to encourage side shoots and a fuller habit.
This is particularly useful for:
• Ocimum basilicum (basil).
• Chrysanthemum morifolium (florist’s chrysanthemum).
• Fuchsia × hybrida (garden fuchsia).
Using fingers or clean secateurs, remove the top 2-5cm of growth just above a leaf node. This redirects energy into lateral growth, producing more flowers or leaves.
Repeat the process as needed during the growing season, particularly for ornamental plants grown for display.
3. Apply Liquid Feeds to Fast-Growing Plants
As growth becomes more vigorous, some plants benefit from supplementary feeding, especially those in containers or with high nutrient demands.
Plants that benefit include:
• Solanum lycopersicum (tomato).
• Petunia × atkinsiana (petunia).
• Pelargonium × hortorum (zonal pelargonium).
Apply a balanced liquid feed every 7-10 days following manufacturer guidelines. Typically, this involves diluting fertiliser in water and applying approximately 1-2 litres per plant depending on size and container volume.
Feeding supports flowering, fruiting and overall plant vigour, particularly where nutrients in compost are quickly depleted.
4. Create Planting Pockets in Dense Borders
As borders fill out, gaps can still be utilised effectively by inserting smaller plants between established specimens.
This technique works well with:
• Heuchera sanguinea (coral bells).
• Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican fleabane).
• Lobelia erinus (annual lobelia).
Carefully create planting pockets by removing small amounts of soil between established root systems. Plant at the same depth as in pots
and water in thoroughly with approximately 1-2 litres per plant. This approach maximises space, suppresses weeds and contributes to a layered, informal planting style that supports biodiversity.
5. Monitor and Manage Early Pest Activity
Warmer conditions lead to increased pest activity, so regular inspection is essential.
Common pests emerging at this time include:
• Aphids on Rosa (rose) and Vicia faba (broad bean).
• Slugs affecting Hosta (hosta) and young seedlings.
• Caterpillars on Brassica oleracea (cabbage group).
Inspect plants regularly, particularly new growth and leaf undersides. Remove pests by hand where practical or encourage natural predators such as ladybirds.
Barriers such as copper tape or coarse mulch can help protect vulnerable plants from slugs. Early intervention prevents infestations from becoming severe.
Five Additional Tasks for Early to Mid May
• Sow Zea mays (sweetcorn) outdoors in blocks once soil temperatures are consistently above 10°C.
• Net soft fruit such as Fragaria × ananassa (strawberry) to protect from birds.
• Mulch vegetable beds with compost to conserve moisture as temperatures rise.
• Check and adjust plant ties to prevent constriction as stems thicken.
• Begin regular watering routines, aiming to apply 10-15 litres per m² during dry periods.
Early to mid May is a time of expansion and opportunity in the garden. With tender planting underway, growth accelerating, and ecosystems becoming more active, your role shifts toward guidance and maintenance. By planting thoughtfully, encouraging strong plant structure, feeding appropriately and managing pests early, you help ensure a productive, healthy and visually rich garden as summer approaches.
Sanctus Summer Ball Saturday 13th June at The County Hotel, Chelmsford from 7pm - 11.30pm
Sanctus Homeless Charity is holding a fundraising ball to raise funds for homeless and vulnerable people in the Chelmsford area. This will be a wonderful evening where guests can enjoy a delicious three-course meal with music provided by DJ Mike Russo and singer, Joanne Martin. Mike and Joanne have worked in entertainment for many years and Mike is also a regular DJ on Soul City Radio.
Tickets are £85 per person or £680 for a table of 8. For further information and to book tickets please visit www.sanctus-home. com/sanctus-summer-ball.
If you are a local business interested in sponsorship opportunities or donating an auction prize, then please get in touch with Dee by emailing dee.shadforth@sanctus-home.com.
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 gardening!
Events Not to Be Missed at the Museum of Chelmsford This May
It’s never a quiet month at the Museum of Chelmsford! Just as the school holidays come to an end and businesses return to normal term time levels of operation, our museum sitting in the heart of the beautiful Oaklands Park still has plenty on to entertain, educate and inspire.
The current exhibition, Oi Chelmsford! Kes Gray: Chelmsford Born and Read, is in its final months to 21st June, before their next exhibition about The Great Baddow Hoard.
Oi Chelmsford! has been inspiring families - kids as well as adults - as they learn all about how our very city inspired some of Kes’s best-known books.
Kes has returned often to the museum for book signings and author events. But if picture book writing is something you’re working on and passionate about, this May is your chance to take part in an intimate workshop with Kes as he shares his journey to becoming an award-winning children’s author.
In this exclusive workshop for aspiring picture book writers, Kes
will be providing tips and tools as well as sharing his experience of commissioning and the workings of the picture book publishing process.
If something more illustrative and hands-on with ink is what you’re after, there is also the chance to join in with artist Blake Walker in a free, drop-in workshop. Blake currently has his artwork on display in the Our Chelmsford room - a space where the museum has been working with community groups and local artists in collaboration with Ignite Chelmsford and Culture Chelmsford, to develop a more frequently changing, rolling programme of displays. His artwork Keep Curious explores his style through his characters The Walkers, and this workshop will encourage to you develop your own characters too.
Those with younger museum fans can join in with the museum’s usual, popular term-time activity for under 5s, Boris Bear Cubs, which have returned for a new term. This month’s theme: Tigers!
Primary school children can come along this May half term to become a History Hero. Create your own comic book, design your mask or headdress and join Rok, Maximus, Chameleon, Gem, Echo, Motion, and a brand-new character as they travel through time.
As usual, the museum will have its regular monthly events that have grown in popularity since being introduced last year. The Memory Café on every second Monday of the month is designed for those who are living with dementia to attend with their families, friends and loved ones. SEN Friendly Saturdays on every second Saturday of the month coincides with the ‘Oi Chelmsford!’ exhibition, and an opportunity for visitors with additional or sensory needs to enjoy the museum with friends and carers, in a more relaxed atmosphere.
For dates, times and prices, visit chelmsford.gov.uk/museums.
A Vital Strand of History Has Been Preserved
A vital strand of history has been preserved thanks to a collaboration between a Chelmsford-based military charity and a local digital archives specialist. Historic Records, which converts printed or hand written text to digital, has just completed a project to digitise back copies of Blesma, The limbless veterans’ quarterly magazine, so they can be accessed and viewed online. The acclaimed magazine is regarded as an important historical record chronicling members’ experiences and Blesma’s successful campaigns for advances in welfare and prosthetic provision for injured service personnel over 70 years.
The digitisation initiative will breathe new life into a unique collection, enabling it to be searched using keywords by members, enthusiasts and researchers: “This preserves part of our history and means it can be accessed easily by members and their families. We are extremely grateful to Historic Records for volunteering to do this,” said Alana McConnell, Senior Corporate Fundraising Officer for Blesma, whose main office is on London Road. “We are proud to be based in Chelmsford and it is great that we could join forces with a local company to bring our history into the digital age. The magazines cover so much with member stories, organisational milestones and reflections on life after service. They are now no longer at risk of deterioration.”
Paul Nixon, a genealogy expert who founded Historic Records, started researching military history after interviewing his grandfather, a WW1 veteran, and compiling oral histories of British forces veterans. The company has expertise in creating high-resolution digital versions of a wide range of physical documents and has worked with individuals, specialist archives, museums and the private sector to bring their historic records to life. “I’ve interviewed limbless veterans in the past and military charities have always been close to my heart so it was an honour to be able to help Blesma,” said Paul, whose company is based in Victoria Road. “The magazines are snapshots of the past
and it is so rewarding to know that people will be able to access them rather than the copies gathering dust. They are now preserved in digital form for current and future generations who will be able to see the tremendous work Blesma does in supporting injured veterans.
“I was born in Chelmsford and have been researching military history since I was a teenager and it was a delight to combine those to help a local charity.”
Tony Bloomfield, Blesma Operations Director, added: “They have done a fantastic and important job. It’s more than a technical achievement as it means these magazines, stretching back to the 1940s, can now be more easily explored and potentially shared with members, researchers and future generations. “This newly digitised archive provides a foundation for celebrating the rich history of Blesma and ensuring that the experiences and contributions of our members continue to be recognised and remembered.”
Kes Gray (photo credit: Paul Starr)
HALF TERM ADVENTURE
Join the History Heroes this May half term and travel through the ages.
Create your own comic book, design your mask or headdress, and join the squad! Find out
Life at Moulsham St Luke’s
What time did you (or the children) wake up on Easter Sunday morning? I was up at 4.45am, got dressed in the dark and made my way to church. It is a service that I have a love/hate relationship with. I am not a morning person - well, not a 4.45am person!
However, as the service begins to come together, we meet outside around a fire pit and listen together to Old Testament Bible stories, reminding us of God’s saving love. Before we come in to church the dawn has arrived and we light the Easter candle, symbolising Christ as the light of the world. Everyone carries a candle and we sing as we light them and come into church to celebrate that Jesus is risen, He is alive.
The service gives everyone the opportunity to renew their Baptismal vows by dipping their fingers into the holy water and making a sign of the cross. The service ends with Holy Communion - reuniting each one of us with our risen Lord. Finally, we join together in breakfast, a love feast.
Easter Sunday begins with the most dramatic retelling and sharing of our faith story, which is why I have come to love it.
On Easter Monday there was more fun as we set the Easter detectives to work. Finding clues and making a donkey, Easter chicks, betrayal biscuits (which individuals broke and then joined back together with icing - delicious), and ending with an egg hunteggs which were then carefully decorated. Great fun was had by all.
St Lukes decided to volunteer to be part of the Church of England’s online Sunday service (which went live on Sunday 19th April). Lucy, our churchwarden, managed to capture some of the service and then we were assisted by Luke the cameraman for the rest. We involved lots of people and enjoyed the experience, working together to create a delightful Emmaus Road service.
It is not too late to have a look on YouTube: youtu.be/ YaYnd6beM_8?si=arZm7AkMoPOIp4Hz.
This is an exciting time in our church’s year. Thursday 14th May is Ascension Day, when Jesus ended his time on this earth and took the journey into Heaven. But we were never to be alone, and May 24th is Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was sent on the disciples giving them courage and confidence to tell the good news of the Christian story. 31st May concludes this season with Trinity Sunday. We remember that God is God - but that there are different facets to God: God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I wonder what that means to you? Do come and explore with us.
God bless you all on these holy days.
Reverend Canon Stephanie Gillingham
St Luke’s Church, Gloucester Avenue, Moulsham Lodge, CM2 8DT www.stlukemoulsham.co.uk Facebook: @Stlukesmoulshamlodge
Men’s Shed - lead volunteer
Do you enjoy woodwork? Can you spare 3 hours a week? Chelmsford Men’s Shed provides a space to learn or practice a practical skill, such as woodworking and is a space for men to talk about men’s things - and drink plenty of tea!
A warm welcome awaits men wanting to join the Shed, but we currently have a waiting list. We need more lead volunteers so that the Shed can open more weekly sessions.
Lead volunteers support the session, help to promote friendly conversation and encourage users to use the Shed effectively and in safe use of equipment.
Full training and support will be given at all times and you will be working with a team of 3-4 other lead volunteers.
Volunteer Befriender - Hamelin Trust
Can you share your time, talents and interests to help others find friendship, pursue hobbies and learn new skills?
Hamelin are delivering a befriending project for adults with autism and people with learning disabilities. This project has been successfully running for two and a half years (previously known as Bfriends).
Hamelin will give you all the training and tools you need, and you can give as much or as little time as you wish.
Event first aiders
Our trained volunteers provide first aid at public events free of charge for hospices, schools and charities.
Can you join us? All training and equipment is provided by the charity.
Colour Run Fun Day - 20th June
Get ready to bring the energy, the colour, and the fun!
As a volunteer at our vibrant Colour Run fundraising event in Chelmsford for North Avenue Youth Centre, you’ll be right at the heart of the action, helping to create an unforgettable day for young people and the community.
Hello everyone and welcome to May’s edition of Wharam’s Wine Words. What lovely weather we’ve been having, though it’s been a little chilly at night. Talking of chilly at night, have you started opening the rosé yet?
Yes, it’s matters ‘pink’ this month and as a self-confessed fan of being ‘in the pink’, I am delighted we’ve got the warmer weather at last.
Rosé wine has grown from a seasonal curiosity into a major presence on shelves, in bars and at dinner tables across the UK. Once pigeonholed as sweet, low-quality wine for summer sippers, modern rosé has been reimagined by winemakers worldwide and embraced by British consumers for its versatility, approachability and style. Its rise reflects broader shifts in drinking habits, retail strategies and cultural tastes in the UK, while also influencing the domestic market and consumer expectations.
Contemporary rosé spans a wide spectrum of styles - from bone-dry Provençal bottles with pale salmon hues to deeper, fruit-forward stills and even orange or pétillant variations.
This diversity has reshaped perceptions. Where rosé used to be associated primarily with sweetness and low alcohol, producers now stress terroir, grape variety, production method and stylistic intent. Retailers and sommeliers play a role by curating selections that showcase rosé’s capacity for food pairing and year-round drinking.
The UK has a long-established wine culture, combining traditional preferences for red and white with a rapidly growing curiosity for new styles. Rosé’s ascendancy taps into several consumer trends:
As social drinking becomes more informal, rosé’s easy-drinking image appeals to consumers who want something stylish yet undemanding. Many rosés are moderate in alcohol and perceived as lighter choices, aligning with a greater interest in mindful drinking and lower-ABV options. Younger drinkers have driven much of rosé’s popularity. They favour visual appeal, story-led branding and wines suited to social occasions and sharing on social media.
Marketing and seasonal experimentation have helped break the ‘summer-only’ stereotype. Pale Provençal rosés are now commonly consumed throughout the year, paired with everything from salads to richer fish and roasted poultry.
Supermarkets, independent merchants and on-trade establishments in the UK have responded by expanding rosé ranges. Supermarket own-label rosés, accessible price points and promotional activity have increased visibility, while independent retailers highlight premium and niche examples from regions such as Provence, Spain, Italy, and increasingly cooler-climate areas.
Restaurants and bars have diversified their rosé by-the-glass options, using them to appeal to diners seeking lighter alternatives to red wine. The growth of natural, low-intervention and sparkling rosé categories has encouraged wine bars to experiment, facilitating discovery and elevating rosé beyond an entry-level option.
The UK’s own wine industry, particularly here in Essex, has seen significant growth, and rosé is part of that conversation. While still limited compared with continental producers, English rosé - often made from Pinot Noir, Dornfelder, or hybrid varieties - is gaining recognition for freshness and quality. Climate change is gradually making ripening more reliable, enabling growers to chase riper fruit profiles suitable for rosé production. Sparkling rosé, in particular, benefits from England’s cool climate and has become a notable success story with international awards and exports.
Rosé’s popularity has economic consequences in several areas. For importers and distributors, it has prompted broader buying strategies and marketing investment. For UK producers, demand for domestic rosé offers a new market opportunity and encourages experimentation. Hospitality venues profit from rosé’s strong appeal to casual and event-driven drinkers - bottle sales for social occasions and al fresco dining buoy revenues. However, the emphasis on affordable rosé also exerts pricing pressure, which can make life harder for smaller producers focused on higher-quality, lower-yield practices.
Rosé’s cultural footprint in the UK extends beyond taste. It has adopted a lifestyle status - associated with outdoor gatherings, rosé spritzers and an aesthetic that resonates with social media. This visibility affects younger consumers’ approach to wine, lowering barriers to entry and encouraging exploration. At the same time, critics warn that rosé’s image risks becoming superficial if style
eclipses substance - a reminder of the need for education around provenance, varietal character and food pairing.
The rosé market has matured but faces challenges. Over-saturation, particularly in lower price brackets, risks diluting perceived quality. Climate extremes could affect vintage variability for both imported and domestic producers. Additionally, the trend-driven nature of rosé means that consumer attention might shift; the long-term winners will be producers who combine strong branding with consistent quality and distinctiveness.
Opportunities lie in diversification: producers can innovate with sparkling rosé, orange-style skin-contact wines, or single-vineyard terroir-led bottlings. Retailers and educators can help by showcasing rosé’s versatility, offering tastings and food-pairing recommendations to combat the ‘summer-only’ myth. Sustainability and lowerintervention practices also resonate strongly with UK consumers and provide a route for differentiation.
Rosé wine’s effect on the UK is multifaceted: it has broadened consumer choice, stimulated retail and hospitality offerings, encouraged domestic production and reshaped wine culture among younger drinkers.
While trends may ebb and flow, rosé’s current moment reflects broader shifts toward casual, diverse and visually-driven drinking habits. The category’s future in the UK will depend on balancing accessibility with authenticity - ensuring that the style’s popularity is matched by quality, storytelling and meaningful connections to place and practice.
I recommend trying any of the major supermarkets available here in Chelmsford, but do go to Majestic, especially if you like Whispering Angel which is now down to £15! (Other branded Provence wines are, of course, available).
If you fancy something rather special, then visit WanderlustWine. co.uk/Ibizkus for their delicious Monastrell Rosé, which is sourced from Ibiza.
Happy drinking everyone! Please search for my Instagram for tastings in and around the City of Chelmsford: @philipwharam.
Phil Published on 19th May 2026, Road to Mavis Grind a bold, brilliantly chaotic standalone crime novel that proves one thing:
Road to Mavis Grind: Simon Marlowe Returns With a Criminally Comic Road Trip Gone Disastrously Wrong
salvation may be a destination, but disaster is always just around the bend. As the miles tick by, Jamie and Matt’s physical journey north becomes a moral nosedive south, offering a sharply satirical look at modern life. Simon Marlowe, whose work has been showcased at Theakston and Chilterns Crime Writing Festivals, once again delivers his signature blend of dark humour and social insight.
Fans of his Mason Made trilogy and readers who love road-trip-gone-wrong thrillers, like Antti Tuomainen’s The Winter Job, will find Road to Mavis Grind an irresistible, laugh-out-loud ride.
“There may be virtue on the road to salvation. It all depends on who you go with...”
After Jamie and Matt are caught swindling money from their city of London firm, they set out on a chaotically comedic road trip, in an attempt to recoup their illicit earnings and pay off a gangland debt. But faced with life or death from a Dublin gang boss, they are forced to follow the lead of an ex-IRA gangster and Jamie’s ex-girlfriend.
Along the way, they acquire a dead junkie, a Gen Z emo, a Batman aficionado, and a chasing pack of zombie bikers, as they journey north in search of their only salvation: a loaded Scottish granny named Mavis Grind.
Will they reach Shetland in time to save their necks? Or will their journey go morally south and end in disaster?
The author says: “After completing the Mason Made trilogy I was desperate to make a clean break from living with a central character for the last five or six years. I was keen to get to work on something new, similar but different, emphasising all the good things that I liked about the trilogy, whilst saying goodbye to a few things that probably needed jettisoning.
“I started thinking about a character who was only up to a little bit of embezzlement but then finds it all rapidly running out of control. After that, I was keen to have him and everyone else I was thinking of, go on a road trip across the country, not just because they were all desperate, needy and greedy, but to capture the state-of-thenation, as it emerged from 14 years of crisis, and whammy after whammy.”
Published by Cranthorpe Millner Publishers, Road to Mavis Grind (ISBN: 9781803783772) is published on 19th May 2026 and is available in paperback (£11.99) and Kindle format from Waterstones or Amazon.
About the Author
Simon Marlowe is a darkly comic, crime thriller author and a consummate wordsmith, skilfully blending social and political issues into compellingly relevant narratives.
After spending his formative years indulging in political activism and music, he completed a creative writing MA, and now spends his days writing action-packed crime thrillers.
Instagram: @simonmarloweauthor
X: @simon_marlowe
Facebook: Simon Marlowe Author
TikTok: @simonmarlowe5 simonmarlowe.wordpress.com
Chocolate Traybake - The Ultimate Leftover
Makeover - By Biv Pirathapan
Easter weekend may have come and gone, but let’s not pretend the chocolate has. Oh no - that situation is still very much alive. Half-cracked eggs tucked into cupboards, rogue bars hiding behind the tea bags, caramel-filled treasures rediscovered at just the right moment… it’s a glorious, slightly chaotic stash, bursting with potential. And now it’s time to turn that chaos into something spectacular.
Our baking adventure continues - and this time we’re not holding back. This Chocolate Traybake is your ultimate answer to the ‘what do we do with all this chocolate?’ dilemma - and trust me, it’s not just a solution, it’s a celebration. Indulgent without being heavy, rich without overwhelming, it walks that perfect line between nostalgic comfort and pure excitement.
The real magic lies in the texture; light, soft, almost cloud-like sponge, carrying ribbons and delicious chocolate that melt, stretch and surprise with every bite. It’s playful. It’s indulgent. And it reminds you exactly why holding onto those leftovers was a stroke of genius.
And here’s the best part - this is baking at its most relaxed. No rigid rules, no perfection required. In fact, the more variety, the better.
Different chocolates melt in their own way, creating ripples, swirls, bursts of caramel and little nuggets of crunch.
Every slice tells a slightly different story. No two pieces are the sameand that’s exactly how it should be.
Why This Recipe Works
This traybake hits that perfect sweet spot. It’s light in texture, almost airy, yet delivers deep, chocolatey richness in every mouthful. You’re not weighed down after a slice - if anything, you’re already eyeing up the next one.
It’s also endlessly adaptable. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, filled eggs, crunchy extras - everything has a place here. Nothing wasted. Everything elevated.
Ingredients
For the cake:
• 150ml sunflower oil.
• 165g golden caster sugar.
• 2 large eggs.
• 165g self-raising flour.
• 150ml milk.
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda.
• Pinch of salt.
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder.
For the chocolate fudge icing:
• 100g leftover chocolate, chopped.
• 100g butter, softened.
• 100g icing sugar.
• 100g leftover chocolate (for decoration).
Optional extras:
• Crushed mini eggs.
• Caramel-filled chocolates.
• Chocolate orange pieces.
Method
1. Prep Your Tray
a) Preheat oven to 180°C (fan 160°C) and line a baking tin (approximately 20 x 30cm, 5cm deep).
b) In a large bowl, combine the oil, sugar, eggs and milk. Mix until smooth and glossy.
c) Sieve in the flour, cocoa powder and bicarbonate of soda, then gently fold together until just combined.
d) Pour into your lined tin and bake for 20-25 minutes. The centre should have a slight wobble - that’s your sweet spot.
e) Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Getting Chocolatey
Melt your chocolate gently over a pan of simmering water (or in short bursts in the microwave). Stir until smooth and glossy - this is where things start to get exciting.
3. Frost It Up
a) Beat the butter and icing sugar together until light, pale and fluffy.
b) Slowly drizzle in the melted chocolate, beating as you go, until you have a smooth, rich, fudge-like icing.
c) Spread generously over your cooled cake, letting it ripple naturally. Finish with chunks of leftover chocolate pressed proudly into the top.
The Secret Weapon: Oil-Based Sponge
Here’s where this cake quietly levels up. Using sunflower oil instead of butter transforms the sponge completely. It creates a lighter, softer crumb that stays moist for days, giving the cake that almost meltin-the-mouth quality. It’s less dense, more delicate, and allows the chocolate flavours to shine without being weighed down - effortless, elegant, and incredibly moreish.
Serving Suggestions
This is where you can really let loose:
• Warm with pouring cream: Simple, silky, classic.
• With vanilla ice cream: Hot meets cold in the best way.
• Drenched in custard: Full comfort mode activated.
• With fresh berries: A sharp contrast to the richness.
• Or, if we’re being honest: Straight from the tray with a fork works just as well.
Top Tips
Don’t overbake - that slight wobble is key to a soft sponge. Mix your chocolate types for layers of flavour. Add chunks on top before baking for texture and drama.
Final Thought
This traybake is everything Easter leftovers should becomeindulgent, playful and just a little bit over the top. It’s low effort, high reward and proof that sometimes the best recipes aren’t planned… they’re created from what’s already waiting in your kitchen.
So gather up that chocolate, get it melting, and turn the end of Easter into something just as exciting as the beginning.
Spring Into Summer: 6 Ways to Rekindle Your Fitness Motivation
As the days get longer and the weather starts to warm up, something shifts. Suddenly, summer doesn’t feel so far away. This can be both exciting and slightly terrifying when it comes to fitness goals! Did your routine slip over winter? Perhaps you’ve been telling yourself you’ll ‘start again next week’.
Spring is the perfect reset button. It’s a season that naturally invites fresh habits, renewed energy and a lighter mindset. You don’t need to change your whole life or train like a professional athlete to feel fitter, stronger and more confident by summer. Small changes, done consistently, can make a big difference.
Whether you’re getting back into movement or simply want to reignite your motivation, these six fitness tips will help you kickstart your fitness routine and enjoy the process along the way!
1. Bring a Friend Along for the Journey
Motivation is much easier to find when you’re not doing it alone. Bringing a friend into your fitness routine adds accountability, encouragement and of course, fun! When you’ve agreed to meet someone for a walk, a gym session, or a class, you’re much less likely to cancel. Plus, exercising together turns movement into social time, which can make workouts feel less like a chore and more like something you genuinely look forward to.
A workout buddy doesn’t have to match your fitness level perfectly. In fact, having different strengths can help push you both in new ways. Whether it’s a strength class, a swim, or simply hitting your step goal together, shared goals can be incredibly motivating.
Extra tip: At Dovedale Leisure Centre, if you refer a friend, you get a month of free fitness!
2. Make Your Environment Work for You
Sometimes, motivation isn’t about willpower, it’s about what’s around you. Small changes to your environment can make staying active far easier. Start with good preparation:
• Keep your trainers by the door.
• Pack your gym bag the night before.
• Book gym classes in advance (we have loads of bookable classes on the Chelmsford City Sports app).
• Decide what playlist you’re going to listen to while you work out.
These cues make it easier to follow through, even on low energy days. You could also give your fitness mindset a spring clean. Fresh playlists, new workout clothes, or a tidy gym bag can boost motivation. When your environment supports your goals, you spend less time persuading yourself to exercise - and more time actually doing it!
3. Set Clear, Seasonal Goals You Actually Care About Goals give direction, but vague ones like ‘get fitter’ can be hard to connect with day to day. Instead, set specific, seasonal goals that feel meaningful and achievable.
What do you really want from your fitness routine this summer? More energy? Confidence in your clothes? The ability to keep up on active holidays? Spring is ideal for short-term goals that lead towards summer, such as completing a 5k, improving flexibility, or committing to three workouts a week for eight weeks. Writing them down - or tracking them in an app - can make them feel more real. Just as important is celebrating progress, not perfection. Hitting milestones along the way builds momentum and reinforces the habit.
4. Try Something New to Spark Excitement
If motivation feels low, trying something new can help to reignite it. New methods of exercise give your brain and body a fresh challenge, which can boost excitement around exercise!
You could perhaps try badminton or squash. We have over 60 different classes at Dovedale Leisure Centre if structured gym workouts aren’t your thing. New activities also help activate different muscle groups and skills, which can improve overall fitness while stopping things becoming monotonous. There’s also less pressure when you’re a beginner again - you’re there to learn and have fun, not to be perfect.
You never know: the class you try just once could become the highlight of your week!
5. Refresh and Adapt Your Routine Regularly
One of the biggest reasons people lose motivation is boredom. Doing the same workout on repeat, week after week, can quickly drain your enthusiasm - and if you feel like you’re not seeing progress, it’s hard to stick with it. Spring is a great time to review what you’ve been doing and ask: is this still working for me?
At Dovedale, regular check-ins with our friendly instructors are included in our memberships. Checking in with your routine every few weeks helps you stay aligned with your goals and your lifestyle. Adjusting frequency, intensity, or exercise type isn’t a failure; it’s a smart way to keep things sustainable. When your fitness plan evolves with you, you’re far more likely to stick with it long term.
6. Focus On How Movement Makes You Feel
Lasting motivation usually comes from how exercise makes you feel. Exercise can provide:
• Increased energy.
• Better sleep.
• Improved mood.
• Reduced stress.
• A boost in endorphins.
These are powerful benefits that often show up before physical changes do. Paying attention to these wins can help shift your mindset to enjoying exercise.
After a workout, take a moment to notice how your body feels. On tough days, remind yourself that movement is a form of self-care, not punishment. Fitness is about showing up regularly in a way that supports your overall well-being. When exercise becomes something that adds to your life, motivation will follow.
Spring offers a natural sense of renewal and that energy can be the perfect catalyst for refocusing on your fitness goals. You don’t need a drastic change to feel ready for summer. By inviting a friend along, refreshing your routine, embracing new activities, setting meaningful goals, shaping your environment and tuning into how movement makes you feel, fitness can become something you enjoy.
Remember, progress doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through small, consistent steps that fit into real life. Be patient with yourself, stay flexible and allow your routine to evolve as the season changes. Start where you are, lean into the lighter days ahead and let this spring be the moment you reconnect with your movement.
If you’re ready to start your journey today, we would love to invite you for a free trial at Dovedale Leisure Centre in Moulsham. You can book via our website at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/dovedale. Or give us a call on 01245 605 685.
In May, we continue to celebrate Easter in the season of Eastertide that lasts for 50 days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost on 24th May.
Following a busy Holy Week, it was great to see a noticeably larger congregation at St John’s on Easter Sunday than a year ago. Once again, the Easter egg hunt was a favourite with the children and families who joined us.
People come to St John’s looking for spiritual nourishment and for community, and they find a warm welcome and a place of peace.
On Easter Sunday I preached about what it means to be ‘Easter People’. In my article last month, I talked about Easter giving us a message of hope for the future. Easter people are hopeful people, and this hope is not naive. This is a hope that recognises that suffering and evil exist - we see this writ large in the conflict and oppression in so many parts of the world at present. But this is a hope that also denies that suffering and evil have the last word.
God does not intend us to suffer, but to experience well-being. The crucifixion and resurrection that we remember at Easter assure us that after suffering, and even death, there can be new life: it provides confidence that good will eventually triumph over evil, light will eventually triumph over darkness, and love will eventually triumph over hatred. These current times will change.
And at the end of Eastertide, we will celebrate Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came to Jesus’s disciples, energising and enabling them to fulfil their calling to spread the ‘Good News’, the message of hope that they had experienced at Easter. We give thanks for the Holy Spirit as God’s constant presence with us now, in the messiness of our lives and in the chaos of the wider world, helping us to navigate our way through this, helping us as Easter people to hold on to hope, and to continue love and serve God and those around us.
There are plenty of hopeful things happening at St John’s. As well as a growing number of people joining us for Sunday services, just after Easter over 50 adults and children joined in with Messy Church and made Easter gardens. JubiLatte Café on Monday and Thursday mornings continues to be busy. And a group of people are exploring their faith by participating in Being With, while a lively group meets monthly to explore aspects of the Bible together.
On more practical matters, work to connect the church to the mains drains is now finally underway. When this is finished, the landscaping work outside the church will be completed. Then, the fencing will finally disappear and our vision of an attractive and welcoming open space at the front of the church, and the ability to walk a complete circuit around the green space in our churchyard will finally become a reality. After much hard work and patience from all involved, our hopes for this project at St John’s will soon be realised.
Another piece of good news is that we now have swift boxes fitted in the church tower to be formally dedicated on 9th July, providing muchneeded nesting places for these wonderful migratory birds who visit us each year during the summer, but who are now an endangered species. It is great to see them swooping around the sky.
And finally, Christian Aid week runs from May 10-16th when we will be raising money for, and awareness of, those living in poverty around the world. We will also hold a coffee morning on Saturday 16th May from 10am to midday. The money raised will bring hope to people living in poverty around the world, enabling them to lift themselves up. Please do come and join in and support us.
Eastertide blessings!
Fr John Bloomer frjohnbloomer@gmail.com www.stjohnsmoulsham.org.uk
As you drive across the county, you will often see windmills, although many that are still standing have been converted to living accommodation. However, we are fortunate to have some that have been restored and are now open to the public. It must have been quite a sight to see them in their full working order across the Essex countryside with their large rotating sails.
It does make you wonder though, now with all the talk of windpower, that perhaps we should have appreciated how useful and sustainable windmills actually were. Whilst population growth and requirements changed how we manufacture goods, when we look back in history, maybe we already had the answers.
Parndon Mill, Harlow
One mill that is hidden away is Parndon Mill in Harlow. Situated alongside the railway line and the banks of the River Stort, Parndon Mill is now a hive activity for craftspeople. Overshadowed by the industrial units and outlet centres, it is found by driving along a small side turning off one of the main roads. Boasting peace, quiet and tranquility one would not guess how close it is to a large town.
Mentioned in the Domesday book, Parndon Mill was originally milling flour from the grain which was grown locally. Essex, as we know historically, had extensive agricultural land and it would have undoubtedly been able to provide mills, like that at Parndon, with the grain required.
Having had its fair share of fires over the years due to the flour combusting, the last one in 1895 having destroyed the mill. Fortunately, some of the buildings have been replaced over time.
After becoming deserted it was eventually brought back into use by Sally Anderson in 1968 when she was looking for a property to use and make her ceramic tiles. Today it is a busy and interesting arts and crafts venue with individual units for craftspeople. Sally, now in her 90s, is still in residence looking after her gardens and allotment, potting up plants in her greenhouse and minding the sheep who keep the grass trimmed.
The craftspeople who have their studios there range from a stone carver, blacksmith, carpenter, glassblower, potter and photographer. It is well worth a visit and if you fancy a unique gift then these amazing artists are available for commissions.
Thaxted Windmill
Another mill that deserves recognition is Thaxted Windmill. Grade II listed, it was built in 1804 for local landowner and farmer John Webb. The materials used in its construction were locally sourced, the bricks being fired not far away in the Chelmer Valley. Although it has now been restored it is not working at present due to losing a sail, so not open to the public. It was used to produce flour for the local area and also London.
Finchingfield Post Mill
Standing proud, looking over the green at Finchingfield stands the oldest mill in Essex. Grade II listed Finchingfield Post Mill, also known as Duck End Mill, dates back to 1756 and was a wind-powered corn mill. There were originally 6 other mills around the village and thankfully it is still standing so we can appreciate it. It too is open to the public. There are also scenic walking routes around Finchingfield, and afterwards you can partake in a well earned visit to a tea room or public house for refreshments.
Don’t Skip the Cooldown!
My coaches at Parallel Coaching describe an exercise session as a sandwich: you have 2 slices of breadthese are your warmup and cooldown - and in between you have the main workout, which is the filling in your sandwich.
In my last article, I talked about warming up and how important this is. This time, I’m going to talk about cooling down. If warming up was compared to the planet Mars, then cooling down is more like Pluto. Why is cooling down important after a workout? In my experience, most people just want to get going as soon as possible after their workout. The cooldown is normally an afterthought. How do I know that? I’ve been tempted to skip the cooldown myself on occasion. Here are some of the benefits of a cooldown.
1. Helps lower heart rate and breathing. The last thing you want to do is leave the gym or a class breathing like you’ve just run the 100m final. Doing some light pulse lowering exercises can help to bring your heart rate down and slow your breathing.
2. Helps prevent muscle soreness. During exercise, lactic acid can build up in our muscles. The cooldown helps clear some of this and as a result reduce soreness in the coming days.
3. Can help with joint and muscle maintenance and promotes flexibility. Stretching is one of the best ways to cool down and this provides an opportunity to work on those tight muscles.
4. Helps recovery by enhancing blood circulation in your muscles.
5. Mental relaxation - you’ve done all the hard work during the session, taking a bit of time at the end to wind down gets you into the right frame of mind to take on the rest of your day.
Now that we know that cooldowns are important, what sort of
cooldown should you do? Here are a few things that can be incorporated into a cooldown. This is not an exhaustive list, and you don’t have to do everything but doing 1 or 2 of these will help:
1. Pulse lowering exercise: This could be walking, gently pedalling on a bike or anything that will bring your heart rate down slowly.
2. Stretching: I think all cooldowns should incorporate stretching.
3. Foam rolling: This is great for working on those tight muscles. Going back to my analogy of exercise being a sandwich, skipping the cooldown turns your workout into an ‘open sandwich’. The cooldown is the part of the session where you work on maintenance. So, don’t skip the cooldown! Your body will thank you in the long run.
Ola Adamolekun
Health
and Nutrition Coach/Personal Trainer
A Reason to Stay - By Holly Lucking
MT Finance: Premium Bonds va ISAs
Weighing up premium bonds vs ISAs is a dilemma many UK savers revisit, particularly when deciding where to put spare cash in a new tax year.
Both ISAs and premium bonds offer tax-free returns, but beyond that headline similarity, they work in very different ways and suit different types of savers. Understanding how each works, the returns you might expect, and the risks involved can help you decide which is right for you, or whether a mix of both makes more sense.
What Is the Difference Between an ISA and Premium Bonds?
A good place to start when considering an ISA or premium bonds is to understand their key characteristics. An ISA, or Individual Savings Account, is a wrapper that allows savings or investments to grow tax free. Within that wrapper, your money can sit in different formats, such as Cash ISAs, or Stocks and Shares ISAs.
Premium bonds, by contrast, are a single savings product issued by National Savings and Investments (NS&I). Instead of earning a predictable rate of interest, bondholders are entered into a monthly prize draw, with the chance of winning monthly prizes ranging from £25 to £1mn. So, while both are taxefficient, the mechanics - and outcomes - are different.
Are Premium Bonds Classed as Savings?
Yes, premium bonds as classified as savings. Your original capital is protected - backed by the UK government - just like savings accounts offered by National Savings. Another question that frequently gets asked is, do you get interest on premium bonds? The answer is no. Premium Bonds don’t earn interest. Instead, returns come entirely from the prize draw and are based on the odds of winning.
The widely quoted prize fund rate reflects the average return across all bondholders, but in reality, outcomes vary. Some people win regularly; others may win nothing at all. A holder with ‘average luck’ will often earn less than competitive easy access savings or top cash ISAs, even though the returns are tax-free.
Cash ISA or Premium Bonds?
For many savers, the real comparison is between a Cash ISA or premium bonds. Both are lowrisk, capital secure options designed for shortterm or accessible savings.
A Cash ISA is a type of savings account held with a bank or building society. Your money earns interest at either a variable or fixed rate, giving more predictable returns than premium bonds. Rising interest rates have made cash ISAs more competitive in recent years, particularly for savers who value certainty.
Premium bonds, by contrast, offer excitement and the chance of winning large prizes, but potentially lower average returns. They can work well as a taxfree complement, especially for higher rate taxpayers, or as an alternative if you prefer the lottery-style element over certainty.
Stocks and Shares ISA or Premium Bonds?
The comparison shifts when looking at Stocks and Shares ISA or premium bonds. A Stocks and Shares ISA is designed for long-term investing rather than short-term saving. Your money is invested in assets such as shares, funds and bonds, meaning shares ISAs carry ups and downs along the way.
Over the long term, however, the stock market has historically delivered much higher returns than cash or premium bonds, thanks to the compounding of growth and dividends - income payments to shareholders. This makes them better suited to longer term goals, such as retirement or wealth building ahead of inflation, provided you can tolerate volatility.
Which Offers the Better Return?
There’s no single answer to whether premium bonds or an ISA offers the better return. It depends on the type of ISA and your time horizon. Premium bonds rarely outperform competitive Cash ISAs for savers with ‘average luck’ and they don’t typically keep up with long-term inflation unless you’re fortunate enough to win a big prize. Stocks and Shares ISAs, on the other hand, offer the stronger long-term return potential, but come with market risk and there’s a chance you could get back less than you invest.
For shortterm savings and emergency funds, premium bonds or Cash ISAs make sense. For longterm investing and wealth building, Stocks and Shares ISAs generally deliver better financial outcomes over time. For many people, the answer isn’t choosing one over the other but using each for what it does best.
Graham Austin, Chartered FCSI
Investment Director
Graham.Austin@charles-stanley.co.uk 0207 149 6696
The value of investments can fall as well as rise. Investors may get back less than invested. Past performance is not a reliable guide to future returns.
The information in this article is for general information purposes and is not a trading recommendation. Nothing in this article should be construed as personal or specific advice. Charles Stanley is not a tax adviser.
Charles Stanley & Co. Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: Ropemaker Place, 25 Ropemaker Street, London EC2Y 9LY.
Old Park Meadow Celebrates Successful Spring Open Day
Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground welcomed local residents and families on Saturday for its first annual Spring Open Day. The event offered a unique opportunity for the public to experience the serenity of the grounds and learn about ash interment as well as natural burial.
The day saw visitors enjoy guided tours of the young woodland and wildflower meadows, which are currently in their vibrant, spring season. The team were on hand throughout the day to answer questions about the various ways a family can say goodbye to a loved one at the natural burial ground.
“We are overwhelmed by the turnout and the warmth shown by our community,” said Dianne Haddon, Manager at Old Park Meadow. “Our goal has always been to create a living, breathing space that nurtures and celebrates life, nature and renewal. Seeing so many people enjoying the peace of the meadows on Saturday reminds us why this work is so important.”
Beyond its role as a burial ground, Old Park Meadow serves as a thriving nature reserve and a community space that friends and family can return to. During the event, guests explored the lodge facilities and learned about the site’s long-term commitment to local biodiversity, including its role as a haven for native birds, bees and wildflowers.
For those who were unable to attend the Spring Open Day, Old Park Meadow will be hosting a Summer Open Day on Saturday 13th June 2026. The burial grounds are open 7 days a week during daylight hours. Please call 01245 806 332 for further information on group or individual tours.
Our regeneration of the front aspect of the Community Station is moving along very nicely and we should be finished by our Spring Fayre on Saturday May 9th
The photo above shows the fencing going up - the gaps you can see will have planters in between them. We wanted to completely change how it looked from when it was a police station and make it more welcoming to the community. This is your community centre after all.
We have already received some donations for the project for which we are really grateful for. If you would like to help to raise the remaining funds. You can support the project by:
• Donating in person at the station or in The Copper Pot Café.
• Bank transfer. Pop down to the station to donate this way.
• Via our Crowdfunding page: bit.ly/487cGgG.
• Using the donation button on our website or social media page.
If you’re a local business, family, or individual who would like to
sponsor part of the project, we’re offering the opportunity to have a small plaque with your name attached to the building during the project as a thank you for your support. Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue improving our community space for everyone. Thank you for being part of our journey.
Our community allotment is making slow progress, we have a rhubarb patch and we have now planted two potato patches. The great news is we have been given a second half plot right next to the first one, so we now have the opportunity to grow even more. If you’d like to get involved, please contact Mark on 07411 808 731 or use the email below.
Lastly, please put Saturday the 9th May in your diaries as we are holding our popular Spring Fayre. Our Men’s Shed will be selling planters again and Moulsham Plants will be coming along as well, so you could fill your new planter with lots of lovely flowers.
The Community Station and Copper Pot Café are open MondayFriday 8am till 4pm and Saturday 9am - 3pm.
www.mlct.org.uk enquiries@mlct.org.uk 07434 678 999
Present Admidst All Our Stuff
What’s the first thing that comes into your head when I say ‘God’? Hold it there for a moment.
Where does that come from? What influences, what memories, what people have combined to give you that reaction?
Everyone brings stuff to the table when talk turns to God. Stuff from the past, stuff from family, stuff from politics of the day (or yesterday), stuff from TikTok, stuff from Panorama, and on and on.
This has always been true. In the earliest documents we have of people meeting a living Jesus, when he was meant to be dead in a tomb, they’re bringing their stuff.
It’s the women, first on the scene, who are going to honour their friend in the proper way - caring for his dead body before burial. It’s his closest friends, Peter and John, whose hopes and fears career after them as they gallop to the tomb which is now empty.
It’s with two friends, walking home from the city, discussing their hope that Jesus might just be different, but how the powers-that-be have killed him anyway.
Confusion and fear and anger and sorrow and hurt. All the stuff. And none of it is sorted out before Jesus turns up.
And what I love is that Jesus, now risen from the dead, is just there. Present. Amidst the lot. He turns up. Here are just some of the scenes
that we find in the gospels (in the Bible, the books Matthew, Mark, Luke, John):
He’s there in the garden and speaks Mary’s name. He’s there in the locked room and asks to eat.
He’s there in the at dinner and breaks bread. He’s there on the beach and calls out to the fishermen.
All of these, stories of Jesus present and alive, among all the stuff. Surprisingly, for what we Christians call Jesus’ victory, it doesn’t look victorious. Not in the normal conception of power. But Jesus is alive, and present, and this is a new day, and everything has changed.
I don’t know what stuff you bring to the question of God. But I do know that Jesus stands there still - present amidst your stuff. Inviting you to look to him, to come to him, to bring your stuff, and to start a new day. None of it needs to be sorted out before Jesus turns up.
That’s not how he works. He turns up first. He’s here now.
Want to find out more? Scan the QR code. Get in touch.
Tim Goodall, Pastor, Tile Kiln Church.
tim.goodall@tilekilnchurch.org.uk 07821 866 301
YouTube: @tilekilnchurch5108 Facebook: www.facebook.com/tilekilnchurch www.tilekilnchurch.org.uk
Quiz Time
What is the UK emergency telephone number?
How many dwarfs live with Snow White?
What is the address of the UK Prime Minister’s residence?
What number does the Roman numeral ‘L’ represent?
What boy band included Harry Styles and Niall Horan?
How many hydrogen atoms are in a molecule of water?
What US police sitcom is titled Brooklyn **** ****?
How many squares are on a standard chessboard?
What is the first three-digit prime number?
How many colours are in a rainbow?
What pop group sang the song Keep On Movin’?
How many rings are on the Olympic flag?
What rapper released the song Candy Shop?
How many holes are played in a full round of golf?
What numerical phrase is used to describe perfect vision?
How many continents are there in the world?
What George Orwell novel is set in a dystopian future?
How many US states are there?
What is the postcode district for central London government buildings?
How many faces does a tetrahedron have?
In bingo, what number is referred to as ‘two little ducks’?
How many planets are in the Solar System?
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, how many Infinity Stones are there?
What is the length of a marathon in miles, to one decimal place?
What number is used in the branding of Heinz food products?
How many items are in a baker’s dozen?
In what year did the Peasants’ Revolt take place?
How many dominoes are in a standard double-six set?
Approximately how many million miles is the Sun from the Earth?
How many wives did Henry VIII have?
How many men were on the Apollo 11 Moon landing mission?
How many bones are in the adult human body?
How many different UK coin denominations are in circulation today?
In backgammon, how many checkers does each player start with?
In seconds, how long is the sustained note in Bill Withers’ Lovely Day?
How many sonnets did William Shakespeare write?
How many psalms are in the Book of Psalms in the Bible?
How many degrees are in a right angle?
How many different types of chocolate are typically found in a standard tin of Quality Street? What year is the next leap year?
The Disappearance of Mr Felton -
By Holly Lucking
Iowa, 1903
The wind had got up good and proper, thought Mrs Bennett as she sat in the horse and trap, fighting to keep her frostbitten fingers clutching the blanket around her. She had not wanted to leave her home, for there was so much to be done. Baking, cleaning and mending her husband’s work shirts. As the sheriff, Alan Bennett needed to look smart every day of the week, so the folk knew he was the hand of the law.
He had come in with his usual grave expression whenever the cold hit differently, his dark eyes lost in thought as he trailed to where Louisa was sitting by the stove with a needle and thread in hand. Straight away, she knew something was wrong.
“What is it, love?”
Alan didn’t look at her for a long moment before finally finding her face, beautifully innocent under the glow of candles. Louisa Bennett, or Louisa Davidson as she was when they first met, was not made for country life. She was born in the city and carried an air of ambition and grace that could only be found in those fancy city folks. As twelve years her senior, he still couldn’t fathom after twelve years of marriage why she had ever accepted him in the first place, but he was glad every day that she had.
“I need you to accompany me to the Felton farm. Zachary has gone missing.”
Louisa felt the colour drain from her face as she struggled to her feet, throwing the half-finished sewing onto her wooden chair and going for her cloak.
“Missing…what do you mean?”
She couldn’t understand it for a moment. Zachary was not the sort of man who would ever leave his wife or children behind, which meant something bad had happened.
“Mrs Felton sent word that he went out last night to tend the animals and never came back. I need to go over there and have a look around, and she seems in great distress and would do well to have a familiar face there to comfort her and the little ones.”
There was no point in arguing, and Louisa didn’t want to argue with her husband. She wanted to go to the farm and see what had happened, so they set off straight away.
The Felton farm was set off from the main town, small as it was, with a single road running through it.
As the great old building came into sight on the horizon, the only manmade structure for miles, Louisa began fidgeting under the blanket. She didn’t want to be there, not like this.
“It’s a long way from anything else out here,” Louisa murmured, more to herself than anyone.
“It certainly is,” Alan agreed. “And they rarely come into town. Mr Felton seems a quiet sort, but very kind. I’ve heard many accounts of him going out of his way to help others when they needed it, though it was more coin and labour to himself.” Thinking deeply, he looked over at his wife with her eyes fixed on the property. “Now that I think about it, didn’t he help you last winter when the wheel of this very trap got caught in the mud?”
Louisa looked at her husband, surprised. She didn’t think he would remember such an inconsequential moment.
“Yes, I believe he did,” she said hurriedly, and a moment later they pulled to a stop outside.
Mr Bennett got down from the trap and rounded it to help his wife down. As a man of forty-six, he was a sprightly man who looked younger than he was, a brown moustache covering the smile lines around his mouth as he tried to find the humour in all things, despite his profession.
He knocked at the door, and a moment later, Mrs Felton opened it. She was a small lady in her thirties with four young children and another on the way, long blonde hair pulled back into a tight knot that hadn’t been washed in a while. Her pale, freckled face was red from crying, her eyelashes clumped together with tears.
“Thank goodness you are here, Sheriff Bennett,” she cried upon seeing the man. Her eyes then turned to Mrs Bennett, and she nodded once. “And you, Mrs Bennett. Please come in.”
A pot of hot tea was already waiting for them in the kitchen, and they thanked her greatly, clinging their cold fingers to the warm ceramic.
“Your note said that you have not seen Zachary since last night. At
what time was that?” the sheriff asked as soon as he had taken a sip of tea.
His tone was strong and professional, a very different man from the one who entered his home at night. Louisa was proud of her husband, a good and respectable member of the community. A bad word had never been spoken about him.
“I was getting the children to bed, so it must have been about five. The days are so much shorter in the winter, and Zachary likes to get the animals fed early. I expected him to come in about an hour or so later, but he never came. I tried going outside and calling for him, looking around the barn, but there was no sign of him…” Mrs Felton broke down then, slumping forward in her chair and howling. One of her children waddled into the kitchen and looked at his mother strangely, wondering what was making her cry so.
“It is alright, Charlie. Your mother is just fine,” Louisa said, trying to soothe him. Getting up from her chair, she picked up the boy, who was around four and came back to sit down with the child on her lap. She and the sheriff had never been blessed with a child, but that did not mean that Louisa did not long to be a mother.
Her husband’s gaze was on her, and she knew he felt the same way. Alan cleared his throat, bringing Mrs Felton’s eyes up. “I am going to have a look around the property, look for any signs of…” He stopped, his gaze flicking to the small child who was staring at him with a strange expression, his head tilted to one side, with a mop of blonde hair and bright blue eyes. “Mrs Bennett will look after you.”
He left then, taking a final sip of tea to warm the furnace before facing the cruel winds.
“Where would he go? Why would he leave me?”
Mrs Felton’s voice broke through the silence that had been in place since the sheriff left ten minutes ago. Still, she cried, but she let her eyes drift to Louisa, who was stroking the young boy’s hair.
“We do not know he has left you,” Louisa said softly, trying to make her feel better. But when she considered the alternative, she felt her stomach flood with dread. “He will be fine, I am sure of it.”
Mrs Felton didn’t seem to agree. When the boy began to fiddle and cry, Louisa let him down with a smile.
“He is such a handsome boy. Looks exactly like his father.”
Louisa bit her lip to stop from saying more, but Mrs Felton’s eyes were still on her, narrowed and calculating.
“The only reason my Zachary would have left the children and me is if he had done something so terrible that he felt he couldn’t face us.”
A nervous laugh left Louisa’s mouth as she got to her feet, unable to stay still in that seat for a second longer. “My husband will be back soon, and I’m sure he will have some clue to tell us where Mr Felton has gone…”
“Do you love him?”
Louisa stopped her pacing and looked at Mrs Felton. “My husband? Of course I do.”
“No, do you love my husband?”
Feeling her legs weaken beneath her, Louisa gripped onto the back of the chair. “I…have no idea what you are talking about,” she managed to get out, feeling suddenly breathless. The cold air did nothing for her lungs.
Mrs Felton said nothing else, just sat where she was watching Louisa, while one hand rubbed her swollen stomach.
The door suddenly opened, and the sheriff entered with a gust of wind behind him. His nose was bright red, eyes watering as he dabbed them with a handkerchief. “I’ve done an extensive search, and I’m afraid there is no sign of him. I am sorry, Mrs Felton, I know you would have wished for better news. I will send for more men to comb the rest of the countryside and look for any witnesses.
Someone must have seen him. Nobody can just vanish into thin air.”
It was not the news Louisa had been hoping for, but it meant that she could be taken back home and away from that place. As her husband went to turn the trap around, he told her to stay inside and keep warm. He would be back for her in a moment.
Louisa waited by the closed door, praying he would not be long. She did not like the way Mrs Felton watched her.
When she was finally called out, she turned to Mrs Felton and said, “I am sorry, Mrs Felton. My husband is the best sheriff in the whole of the country and will find him.”
Sniffing, Mrs Felton’s eyes grew harsher as she watched Louisa reach for the door handle. “Wherever he is, he won’t be coming back.”
