City Times Intro
Hello readers,
Welcome to The City Times February/March edition.
With spring on its way, we can look forward to warmer weather and lighter evenings. We have already seen flowers budding in the parks, which will soon be full of colour again!
We are receiving emails about lots of festivals for this summer and will let you know about them all on our What’s On guide. Sadly Neil Young has cancelled his 2026 tour so he won’t be playing Hylands Park, but the fantastic Alanis Morrisette will be taking his slot!
Please remember to tell our advertisers that you saw their advert in The City Times, as it really helps both them and us to know that their adverts are working.
Paul & Nick
www.thecitytimes.co.uk www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia
Advertising
Nick Garner 07970 206682
ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk
Editorial
Paul Mclean 07595 949701
editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk
Your Media Ltd
Disclaimer: It’s Your Media Ltd publish The City Times. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of It’s Your Media Ltd. No part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of It’s Your Media Ltd. Registered offices: 15 Hayes Close, Chelmsford. Reg No 9154871. Printed by Warners (Midlands) PLC.
Already we are approaching half-term and I find it hard to believe that it is here again already. This of course means that it will soon be Easter and the eggs are, as usual, already in the shops. It also means that Valentine’s Day is upon us - did you remember or did you get in trouble and forget it?
I was sad to here that Bentley Brian has left us. He was a local legend. I know it was a little while ago, but I do not go out that much and sadly missed him leaving this world, he was a great character who I always had good banter with. and I am going to miss seeing him driving around in his vintage Bentley Blower.
I have heard, as you probably now have, that Neil Young is no longer going to tour in Europe this year which means you will not get to see him at Chelmsford’s State Fayre now.
I have just looked at the State Fayre website (a weekend camping ticket is £495) and Alanis Morrisette has just been announced as the new headliner. I will not be going as I am putting on gigs all that weekend at the Chelmsford Social Club and Hot Box - and they will all happen and be a lot cheaper with the total cost for all three of my shows being just £47.
I see the news is still all about Epstein, which you cannot avoid sadly. It seems to me all the talk is about people here in the UK, what about all of those mentioned in the States and other places? And especially the USA’s current president… But of course, they have not released everything yet as they said they would.
The arrival of half-term does mean that the days are getting longer. Let’s hope the weather improves so the kids can get out and not to be stuck indoors in front of a screen. We do have some snowdrops out now and the daffs are starting to come out too. I’ve also noticed that my bushes and trees are starting to come into bud, so spring must be on its way. I suppose that the grass will be needing a cut soon and some weeding will also need to be done. I have a very busy bird feeder, but it’s not just the birds as the squirrels like to visit as well! I don’t mind them getting some food, but not all of it. I also put apples out for them.
I am noticing around where I live that there are lots of home improvements going on with some houses going up for sale and up for let. We really do need some positive, good times back now.
My friend has now built my new computer for me - and I will make sure that I back everything up this time and learn how to use it...
Music
I have to let you know that John Halsey of The Rutles has sadly cancelled his show with us at Hot Box on Saturday 18th April due to ongoing health issues. He is very sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused, but for anyone who has already purchased tickets, they will get a full refund.
We’ve now got going again at The Social Club with our Friday night gigs. The first two went really well. We had Imagine The Beatles playing and they had the audience singing along and up dancing. Next we had Steemy Dan who also went down really well with lots of audience participation. Both will be rebooked.
At Hot Box we also had Pearl Handled Revolver headlining with Santu opening the night. It was an excellent evening with both acts playing great sets. After this we had Pete Bruntnell and his band performing at Hot Box. They were so amazing that we have booked them to return already, for September this year. Rich Miller at Hot Box was also amazing and I want to get him back as well.
You can see all the shows we have booked so far on our website. Some we have booked I should mention. On Friday 10th July at The Chelmsford Social Club we have Bad Influence - a great rockblues band who I have known for years, and this will be their 40th anniversary tour. Opening for them is the great Mississippi MacDonald.
On Friday 11th September we have The Jeff Beck Experience and from what I have seen they are going to be amazing. I have also rebooked Hells Bells for Friday 27th November, and for Friday 4th December we have Voodoo Room back, who we just know many of you will love.
At Hot Box on Saturday 5th December I have also confirmed a new band called KMO. They are Band of Friends, which is Gerry McAvoy on bass and Brendan O’Neill on drums - both who played with Rory Gallagher for many years. These days they are joined by singersongwriter and awesome guitarist Davy Knowles, who Peter Frampton once crowned as the ‘gunslinger guitarist of the 21st Century’. They also say Davy Knowles stands as one of the most powerful blues-rock performers on the planet today.
If you want to book to see any of our shows you can save the commission by going to one of our ticket outlets or by sending a text to 07508 496 411 so you can then pay at the door by card or cash. We hopefully can look forward to seeing you soon at a live show, whether it’s ours or any others.
Please do remember to support all live events whatever it might be, especially in your local area to help keep the events and the acts, as well as all of our venues, going. If you can, please do book in advance as it really does make a difference to organisers, venues and acts.
If you have anything that you think could be of interest to our readers for this publication or the Moulsham Times, then please let us know by emailing to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk. It may be an event or a topic of interest. Or have you done anything unusual or are you planning something? If so, we want to know about it. 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 for this and the Moulsham Times
You can get tickets for all our Black Frog Presents shows at The Social Club in Chelmsford from Intense Records, The Hop Beer Shop and Chelmsford 4Good - please pay them in cash when you buy from them as well. Tickets for all shows, including Hot Box, are also available online from www.wegottickets.com/BlackFrogPresents, or via our ticket hotline at no extra charge - call or text us at 07508 496 411 and you can pay the advance price on entry and without paying any commission for the show, rather than the walk-up price.
To find out more about Black Frog Presents and our shows go to www. linktr.ee/BlackFrogPresents or scan the QR code in our adverts.
City Times Food!
Is it just me or did January feel like it went on forever!? Christmas and New Year feel like a distant memory and the gyms have emptied and the fad diets have been broken.
I’ve been thinking about what I wanted to talk about this month. Touching on from last month with healthy meals and quickness, I’ve spent a lot of time coming up with some new recipes this month - and the recipes I’m going to share are a game changer in my household.
We are all human and all have take-outs and I took my girls to McDonald’s the other week - I cannot believe the price increase, and the quality of the products didn’t reflect on the price I had paid! This got me thinking about recreating something at home that wouldn’t cost silly money and that we could all eat. One of my daughters likes a burger and the other chicken, so I’m actually going to share both recipes that I came up with as I loved them both so much! Not only is this cost-effective but so much healthier.
Burger Tacos
Ingredients (serves 4):
• 4 wraps of choice.
• 1 onion, finely chopped.
• 500g lean mince.
• 1 beef stock cube.
• 40g tomato purée.
• 1 tsp English mustard.
• 1 tsp garlic granules.
• 3 large handfuls of iceberg lettuce.
• 3 tomatoes chopped.
• 60g mozzarella grated.
• Burger sauce to serve.
• Gherkins to serve.
Method
• Fry your mince and half of your onion for 2-3 minutes.
• Fry for a further 4 minutes and crumble your stock cube and add the tomato purée, mustard and garlic. Mix well and cook on a high heat for 2 minutes. Add your mozzarella on top.
• Grill your wraps then divide your lettuce, tomatoes, mince and remaining onion.
• Add your gherkins and burger sauce.
This recipe honestly tastes so good and doesn’t take much time at all. The flavours in the mince really tastes like a naughty burger!
My second recipe I wanted to share is probably my favourite dish I’ve come up with so far.
Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
• 4 chicken breasts.
• 1 tbsp paprika.
• 2 eggs, beaten.
• 200g cornflakes crushed.
• 5 tbsp BBQ sauce.
• 3 tbsp honey.
• 60ml water.
Method
• Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
• Slice your chicken into strips and season with salt and pepper, paprika and dip into the beaten eggs. Sprinkle then coat in the smashed corn flakes.
• Place on a lined tray and spray with fry light.
Whilst your chicken is cooking make your glaze by adding the BBQ sauce, honey and water to a pan and heat on a high heat for 3 minutes. When the chicken is cooked pour your glaze over and serve.
I serve this with chips and coleslaw.
I hope you enjoy both these recipes was much as we do and have a fantastic month!
Hello everyone. If you felt like January was never going to end, then you’re not alone. It’s certainly been a long month, but it hasn’t all been bad.
Despite the gloomy weather, it’s been encouraging to see local businesses busy, with people continuing to dine out and show their support. Here are a few places I’ve visited recently that really stood out.
I’ll start with The Windmill in Chatham Green, Chelmsford, which I’ve mentioned in The City Times before.
This is one of my favourite restaurants in Essex, and I had the pleasure of visiting for a family member’s birthday.
We enjoyed the five-course tasting menu, and each dish was so tasty and beautifully presented. If you’re looking for somewhere special, this is one to add to your list.
Next is Scott’s of Southend in Sutton Road, Rochford. If you haven’t been before, Scott’s is a large garden centre offering a wide range of plants and homeware alongside a spacious restaurant. We went for
a Sunday roast and were not disappointed.
We tried both the beef and pork roasts, served with a generous portion of vegetables, a giant Yorkshire pudding and plenty of gravy.
It’s also not far from the seafront, making it ideal for a stroll after your meal. A perfect way to spend a Sunday if you ask me!
Last but not least is Dub Kitchen, which has recently opened on New London Road in Chelmsford, serving tasty Caribbean dishes. I’ve ordered takeaway from them a few times now and have fallen in love with their curried mutton, rice, and peas.
Follow me on Instagram for more local foodie finds: ‘@thehungrykp’.
Wickham Bishops Jazz Club
Wickham Bishops Jazz Club has been running in one guise or another since Derek Watson hosted his first concert in Dunmow during the 1950s at the height of the UK Trad Jazz revival of the 1950s and ’60s. It has been operating from Wickham Bishops Village Hall successfully for nearly 40 years.
Over the years, the club has featured many top UK and international jazz bands, including Kenny Ball’s, Acker Bilk’s, Chris Barber’s, Monty Sunshine’s, Henry ‘Red’ Allens’s, The Temperance Seven and many more highly regarded outfits. Sadly today those bands are not with us, but there are still bands on the UK jazz circuit that carry the flame, some led by the more youthful members of those historic bands. Amongst them you would find Pete Rudeforth’s Jazz Band, The Bateman Brothers, and Pete Allen’s Jazz Band.
Today, the club hosts them and more of the very best Trad Jazz bands, playing live on the third Saturday of every month except July and August. The bands play to knowledgeable and respectful audiences who come because the Jazz Club has a reputation as one of the top Trad venues in the country - and of course they really enjoy the music the bands play for them.
Derek always used to say, ‘Another great night folks’ at the end of the concerts, and he wasn’t wrong. His closing line will continue to be a given as the Club progresses. To emphasise the point, on 21st February the club will host Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic Jazz Band. What Sarah doesn’t know about Trad Jazz isn’t worth knowing. It surely will be another great night!
On 21st March, the trumpeter from Monty Sunshine’s band leads an ensemble that includes Peter Neighbour (from the USA) on reeds, John Watson (ex-Barber) on drums, and will include a guest appearance from Colin Bray on vibraphone - not to be missed!
For seat reservations, please contact wickhambishopsjazzclub@gmail.com, or call Pete on 0754 877 5777 if you don’t have email.
There are several more entertaining bands delivering good sounds as the year goes on. For further information, please visit wickhambishopsvenues.org and go to the jazz club section where all will be revealed!
Looking forward to seeing you there for some wonderful live music.
Mid-February is that delicious in-between moment in the garden. The soil is still cold, the air still carries winter’s bite, but if you look closely, life is unmistakably stirring. Buds are swelling, birds are louder and the light has changed. This is not a month for grand gestures - it’s a month for quiet, strategic jobs that set the whole garden up for spring success. Here are five key tasks to tackle now, plus one smart job to get ahead for March.
1) Prune Late-Flowering Shrubs
Now is the perfect time to prune shrubs that flower after midsummer, as they bloom on new growth.
Examples: Buddleja davidii - butterfly bush, Cornus alba - red-barked dogwood, Malva subovata (formerly Lavatera maritima) - tree mallow.
Step by Step:
1. Check for swelling buds low down on stems.
2. Using sharp secateurs, cut back last year’s growth to 20-30cm from the base.
3. Remove any dead, damaged or crossing stems.
4. For Cornus alba, cut right down to a low framework to encourage vivid new stems.
5. Clear prunings to reduce pest and disease hiding places.
This hard prune feels brutal, but it produces stronger stems and far better flowering.
2) Divide and Refresh Herbaceous Perennials Clumps that looked tired last summer can be rejuvenated now.
Examples: Hylotelephium spectabile - ice plant (formerly Sedum spectabile), Geranium Rozanne (‘Gerwat’PBR) - cranesbill, Bistorta amplexicaulis (formerly Persicaria amplexicaulis) - red bistort.
Step by Step:
1. Insert two forks back-to-back in the centre of the clump.
2. Lever gently to split it into sections.
3. Discard the old woody centre.
4. Replant healthy outer pieces into improved soil with compost.
5. Water in well, even if rain is forecast.
You’ll get healthier plants and free extras for elsewhere in the garden.
3) Cut Back Ornamental Grasses Before Growth Starts
This is your last chance before fresh shoots appear.
Examples: Miscanthus sinensis - eulalia grass, Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ - feather reed grass, Stipa tenuissimaMexican feather grass.
Step by Step:
1. Tie the grass into a tight bundle with string.
2. Use shears to cut 10-15cm above ground.
3. For Stipa tenuissima, comb through with gloved hands instead of cutting.
4. Remove all debris from the base.
5. Apply a light mulch around (not over) the crown.
6. Done now, you avoid slicing through tender new shoots.
7. Mulch beds while soil is bare.
4) Perfect Mulching Conditions
With foliage still low, you can see the soil clearly...
Step by Step:
1. Weed thoroughly first.
2. Apply 5-8cm of organic matter (compost, well-rotted manure or bark).
3. Keep mulch away from plant stems and crowns.
4. Cover all exposed soil surfaces.
5. Let worms do the rest.
6. This locks in moisture, improves soil structure and suppresses spring weeds before they start.
7. Start chitting early potatoes.
5) a Simple Windowsill Job That Gives You a Head Start
Examples: ‘Casablanca’ (first early), ‘Maris Bard’ (first early), ‘Charlotte’ (second early).
Step by Step:
1. Place seed potatoes in egg boxes with the ‘rose end’ (eyes) facing up.
2. Keep them in a cool, bright, frost-free place.
3. Allow short, sturdy green shoots to form (not long white ones).
4. Turn occasionally for even light.
5. They’ll be ready to plant in March or early April.
This can bring harvest forward by up to two weeks. Check out this RHS link to potato growing: www.rhs.org.uk/vegetables/potatoes/ grow-your-own.
Support for Climbers
This is one job to prepare now for March... Before climbers leap into growth, put supports in place.
Examples: Clematis montana - mountain clematis, Rosa ‘Madame Alfred Carrière’ - climbing rose, Lonicera periclymenum - honeysuckle.
Install trellis, wires, or obelisks now. Trying to do this in April means wrestling soft new growth and inevitably snapping stems. Doing it today takes minutes and saves frustration later.
Happy gardening!
For personalised gardening advice, feel free to contact Tom Cole, Freelance Horticulturist and online tutor, at tomcole8@hotmail.com or visit www.learningwithexperts.com for online RHS courses.
www.thecitytimes.co.uk
Since opening its doors in 2009, Regal Kitchens has become a trusted name in bespoke kitchen design and installation, earning industry recognition and customer loyalty through consistency, craftsmanship and exceptional service.
With more than fifteen years of experience, Regal Kitchens has built its reputation not through aggressive marketing, but through recommendation, repeat custom, and results.
This commitment was formally recognised last year when the company was shortlisted as a Which? Trusted Trader, placing it among a select group of home improvement specialists acknowledged for reliability, transparency, and high standards.
Customer satisfaction remains at the heart of the business. Regal Kitchens is proud to have received multiple customer service awards, reflecting a long-standing dedication to clear communication, thoughtful design and meticulous project delivery. This is further reinforced by a strong collection of five-star Google reviews, where customers consistently highlight professionalism, attention to detail, and exceptional aftercare.
Operating as an independent retailer has not been without its challenges. Chelmsford Council’s planning restrictions limit external signage and directional displays, offering little practical support for small, independent retail businesses seeking visibility.
As a result, Regal Kitchens has grown largely without the benefit of prominent signage or footfall-driven marketing, relying instead on
reputation, customer advocacy and digital presence.
The company’s Chelmsford showroom remains a key part of the Regal Kitchens experience, allowing clients to explore materials, layouts, and finishes in a relaxed, design-led environment.
Inside, the emphasis is on personal consultation, bespoke solutions, and expert guidance from initial concept through to installation.
As Regal Kitchens continues to grow, its focus remains unchanged. Awards, reviews, and recognition are valued - but they are viewed as a reflection of something deeper: trust earned over time.
Regal Kitchens continues to set the standard for quality kitchen design in Essex - independently, consistently and with results that speak for themselves.
Located in the charming village of Latchingdon, Essex, Sunmead is a delightful collection of elegant new three- and four-bed houses and spacious three-bed bungalows, thoughtfully designed for modern living. Nestled in an area known for its peaceful landscapes and welcoming atmosphere, this new development brings together style, comfort, and convenience in a way that suits a wide range of buyers —from growing families to downsizers seeking high-quality, low-maintenance homes.
With prices starting from just £380,000, Sunmead offers incredible value, particularly for those searching for a more relaxed lifestyle without sacrificing easy transport links. Commuters will appreciate being well positioned for travel, with London Liverpool Street just an hour away via nearby Althorne Station. This makes Sunmead an ideal choice for anyone eager to escape the pace of the city while still maintaining access to the capital for work or leisure. The village itself provides a friendly, community-driven environment which creates the perfect setting for putting down roots.
The beautifully designed homes at Sunmead take inspiration from traditional local architecture while embracing
To arrange an appointment or for further details please contact Paul Mason Associates on 01621 742310 or email essex@paulmasonassociates.co.uk.
Additional infor,ation can be found by visiting www.paulmasonassociates.co.uk or the Sunmead website.
high-quality modern construction. Each property has been crafted with attention to detail and a commitment to excellent finishes.
Homeowners will enjoy their own private garden — ideal for outdoor dining, play, or simple relaxation — as well as dedicated parking.The homes are also wired for EV charging, ensuring convenience for electric vehicle owners. Situated on the scenic Dengie Peninsula, residents can soak up the sweeping countryside, while the coast lies just a short 20-minute drive away. Yet despite the peaceful, semi-rural setting, there are quick and easy road links to Chelmsford, Maldon, and London.Inside, these new-build homes come equipped with a high-specification finish throughout, meaning they are completely move-in-ready from day one.
All appliances are included, alongside flooring throughout, turfed gardens, and patio areas perfect for entertaining. The fully fitted Magnet kitchens feature premium AEG appliances and are complemented by elegant ‘White Arabesque’ Silestone worktops and undermounted sinks, creating a clean and sophisticated cooking space. The contemporary bathrooms are fitted with stylish Roca suites
and high-quality chromed brassware. Many houses also include built-in wardrobes in the master bedroom for added convenience.
Energy efficiency is a key focus at Sunmead. Each property is fitted with solar panels, underfloor heating, and modern air-source heating systems, helping to reduce running costs and environmental impact while ensuring year-round comfort.
The surrounding area offers plenty to explore. Just a short drive south-west is Fambridge Lake — a picturesque spot ideal for picnics, gentle walks, and wildlife watching. For those who prefer an active lifestyle, the Old Ironworks Gym, Burnham Golf Club, and several sailing clubs provide excellent opportunities to stay fit and engaged.
Myriad Homes, exclusive to Essex, is committed to creating high-quality properties designed for people to settle, grow, and look toward the future.
Homes at Sunmead are limited and expected to sell quickly. To discovermore about this exceptional development, visit the open day on March 14, 2026,where the team will be on hand to help you choose the perfect home.
3 & 4 BEDROOM HOMES IN LATCHINGDON, ESSEX PRICES
Located on Burnham Road in the delightful village of Latchingdon, Sunmead is an exclusive collection of elegant new homes.
Alex joined CCR in March 2025. Since becoming involved he has embraced the opportunity to contribute regularly and has found the experience both enjoyable and fulfilling.
Being part of a creative and collaborative environment has allowed him to develop confidence, gain handson experience and take pride in seeing his work come to life.
Alex has a background in the performing arts, having completed a two-year BTEC course in Performing Arts at NewVic Sixth Form College. This early training helped shape his long-standing interest
We are pleased to announce that City Sound is available on DAB+ in and around Chelmsford, meaning that for those of you with DAB radios - and that would be a sizeable number now given that most new cars include a DAB radio - can now cruise around town listening to City Sound in crystal clear sound quality. Especially as we will be keeping you informed of traffic and weather during those all-important school runs or when you’re off to work. More on this next month and how to get the best out of your DAB radio experience with us.
Coming up in February and March are two City Sound events targeting local culture, with our next New Music Wednesday showcase at Hot Box venue here in Chelmsford on February 25th , featuring top up-and-coming rock bands - Myopia, and Oceanvein, together with acoustic support from the ever popular Tom Peplow.
The event is being streamed live on City Sound at the same time as the bands play on stage as part of Paul Dupree’s Transmission show, but you can also be there in person by securing your tickets from the DICE website or at the venue on the night.
On March 6th we present our next Musical Theatre Anthems night at Hot Box, featuring performances from some of the best musical theatre performers in Essex.
Hosted by our Ovation show host Ian Gilbert, it promises to be another exciting and absorbing evening of your favourite musical numbers. Advance tickets available from the DICE website.
Catch us live 24/7 on citysound.radio, on our website, on our app
Introducing Presenter Alex Ossai
in creative expression and performance. He sees community-based projects, particularly within radio and media, as valuable platforms for skill development, self-expression and personal growth, as well as an opportunity to work towards long-term creative ambitions.
Alex is also actively involved in volunteering within the local community. On weekends, he supports a charity bookshop, assisting with day-to-day tasks such as stocking shelves, maintaining displays, and working at the till. He values giving back to the community and contributing to causes that make a positive difference.
Alongside his volunteering, Alex works in the industrial sector, where he is employed as a warehouse operative and customer service assistant through a recruitment agency. This role has helped him build strong teamwork, communication and organisational skills, which he brings into his volunteering and creative work.
Outside of work and volunteering, Alex enjoys staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He regularly runs for exercise and takes part in local community running events, appreciating both the physical and social benefits they provide.
downloadable from your app store, on your smart speaker (‘play City Sound Radio’), and now on DAB+.
City Sound - The Voice Of Chelmsford
Join Us for Croquet in 2026
As we prepare for the start of our new season at Maldon Croquet Club in April, we invite you to come and visit us to try your hand at croquet.
We can accommodate groups of up to sixteen for an afternoon’s croquet with tea, providing equipment, coaching and fun! We also welcome individuals who wish to try our game and you will be assured of a warm welcome.
As a club, we have lovely lawns in a tranquil setting at The Keith Bigden Memorial Ground in Hatfield Peverel, and around 80 members, many of whom play just for pleasure and to enjoy friendship and gentle exercise in a social setting.
For those who enjoy more competitive play, there are a range of club tournaments throughout the season, friendly matches against other local clubs and participation in East Anglia Croquet Federation regional leagues and Croquet England national competitions.
We also enjoy many social activities - lunches throughout the year, BBQs, quizzes and an annual trip for a weekend of matches in Ramsgate!
For more information log onto our website: maldoncroquetclub.org.uk. To book a session contact Jan at janchall@btinternet.com.
February
Monday 16th
Ale House - Beery Bingo
Chelmer Village - Pilates classes
Chelmsford Theatre - Tales from Acorn Wood Live Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club
Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.309.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk)
The Wheastsheaf - Club
Tuesday 17th
Bootmaker - Quiz Night
Chelmsford Theatre - Natural History Museum presents: Dinosaurs Live
Hot Box - Open Mic Night
Hot Box - Retro Gaming from Melee Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)
Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660)
Worlds Pantry Coffee Shop (Moulsham Mill) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)
Woolpack - Quiz
Wednesday 18th
Bootmaker - Salsa dancing
Cheerful Chai (Broomfield) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)
Chelmsford Theatre - Natural History Museum presents: Dinosaurs Live
Chelmsford Theatre - Emmanuel Sonubi: Life after Near Death
Chelmsford Theatre - Essex Podcast Festival
The Golden Fleece - Karaoke Hot Box - Independence Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666)
Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music Supper Club: Top UK Big Band Vocalist Jeff Hooper (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)
The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz
Thursday 19th
Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night
Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening
Chelmsford Theatre - The Best of Frankie Valli
Golden Fleece - Quiz Night
Hot Box - DEAFDEAFDEAF
The Rising Sun - Quiz night
Friday 20th
Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Robbie McIntosh Band + Hannah Robinson
Chelmsford Theatre - Uptown Girl: The Billy Joel Collection Hot Box - Chloe Foy + We Are Fossils + Gabriella Eva Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noon - booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)
Saturday 21st
Chelmsford Theatre - Mark Simmons: Jest to Impress
Hot Box - Roots Chelmsford Dominos Jamaican Style (2pm)
Hot Box - Blues Box Presents: Robbie McIntosh (afternoon)
Hot Box - Buster Shuffle
RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am - 1pm)
Saturday 21st (continued...)
RAFA Club (Hall Street) Quiz (1pm - 4pm)
The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke
Wickham Bishops Jazz Club (Village Hall, CM8 3JZ) - Sarah Spencer’s Transatlantic JB (contact Pete: 07548 775 777)
Sunday 22nd
The Ale House - Quiz
Hot Box - Rats for a Reason: The Rodents for the Mayor’s charity
Mighty Oak Tap Room (10 High Street, Maldon) - The Heartland Ramblers (offshoot of Rant ‘n’ Rave)
Monday 23rd
Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club
Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.309.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk)
The Wheatsheaf - Club
Tuesday 24th
Bootmaker - Quiz Night
Chelmsford Theatre - Dementia Accessible Cinema: Grease
Chelmsford Theatre - We WIll Rock You
Hot Box - Chelmsford Creative Collective Meet up
Hot Box - Waxes Lyrical: Poetry and Spoken Word
Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)
Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660)
Woolpack - Quiz
Worlds Pantry Coffee Shop (Moulsham Mill) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am -booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)
Wednesday 25th
Cheerful Chai (Broomfield) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)
Chelmsford Theatre - We WIll Rock You
Chelmsford Theatre - Essex Podcast Festival: Broken Veil & Eerie
Essex
Hot Box - New Music Wednesday: Myopia + Oceanvein
Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic
Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning
Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666)
Patch - Essex Podcast Festival: Are You Creative with Steve Lamacq
Thursday 26th
Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night
Chelmsford Theatre - We WIll Rock You
Golden Fleece - Quiz Night
Hot Box - Blues Box Presents: Ramon Goose
Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)
The Rising Sun - Quiz night
Friday 27th
The Black Bull - Shakey’s Sessions: IC7 + Reverie Sons + Killl Bosco + No Idea
Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Doborah Bonham Band + Happnin’ Boy
Chelmsford Theatre - We WIll Rock You
Chelmsford Theatre - Biff to the Future
Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noonbooking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)
Hot Box - Soul, Northern Soul, Disco and Motown Night
Saturday 28th
Chelmsford Theatre - We WIll Rock You
Hatfield Peverel Village Hall - Shaddowplay
Hot Box - Roots Chelmsford Dominos Jamaican Style (2pm)
Hot Box - The Howlers + Carpark
RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am - 1pm)
The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke
March
Sunday 1sh
The Ale House - Quiz
Chelmsford Theatre - Jack Petchey Glee Club Challenge
Hot Box - Iago Banet
Monday 2nd
Chelmsford Theatre - The Constant Wife Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club
Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.309.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk)
The Wheatsheaf - Club
Tuesday 3rd
Bootmaker - Quiz Night
Chelmsford Theatre - The Constant Wife Hot Box - Open Mike Night
Hot Box - Retro Gaming from Melee Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)
Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660)
Worlds Pantry Coffee Shop (Moulsham Mill) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)
Woolpack - Quiz
Wednesday 4th
Bootmaker - Salsa dancing
Cheerful Chai (Broomfield) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential at www.engagefitnessservices.com)
Chelmsford Theatre - The Constant Wife
Friends Meeting House (Rainsford Road) - CRAG Retirement Group monthly meeting (9.30 for 10am - first visit free)
The Golden Fleece - Karaoke Hot Box - Poetry for People Who Don’t Think they Like Poetry Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic
Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666)
Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music Supper Club: TJ Johnson & Al Nicholls Quintet (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)
The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz
Thursday 5th
Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night
Chelmsford Theatre - The Constant Wife
Chelmsford Theatre - NT Live: The Audience Golden Fleece - Quiz Night
Hot Box - Blues Box Presents: Claire Hamill Band Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)
The Rising Sun - Quiz night Friday 6th
Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noonbooking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)
Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Soho Dukes
Chelmsford Theatre - The Constant Wife Hot Box - Musical Theatre Anthems
Saturday 7th
Chelmsford Theatre - The Constant Wife Danbury Village Hall - Dance, Dance, Dance! After-Eight Social (www. aftereightsocialclub.chessck.co.uk)
High Chelmer - Soroptimist International Chelmsford & District (International Women’s Day collection of new & used bras & new knickers 9am to 3pm. More info - sichelmsford@gmail.com)
Chelmsford TheatreChelmsford Social Club - Record Fair
The Compasses - Karaoke
Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos Jamaican Style (2pm) RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am - 1pm)
The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke
Sunday 8th
The Ale House - Quiz
Chelmsford Theatre - The Dinosaur that Pooped a Rock Show
Monday 9th
Chelmsford Theatre - RBO: Giselle
Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.309.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk)
The Wheatsheaf - Club
Tuesday 10th
Bootmaker - Quiz Night
Central Baptist Church (Victoria Road South) - ECC Retirement Fellowship monthly meeting (2-4pm - new members welcome)
Chelmsford Theatre - General Medical Emergency Ward 10!
The Irish House Party
Hot Box - Glass Eye Comedy
Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)
Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660)
Worlds Pantry Coffee Shop (Moulsham Mill) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)
Woolpack - Quiz
Wednesday 11th
Bootmaker - Salsa dancing
Cheerful Chai (Broomfield) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential at www.engagefitnessservices.com)
Chelmsford Theatre - Mike Wozniak: The Bench
The Golden Fleece - Karaoke
Hot Box - Radiator + Solitude Sometimes Is Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic
Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning
Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666)
Trinity Methodist Church (CM1 2XB) Chelmsford National Trust meeting and AGM - Hatfield Forest Visitors’ Book 1892-1923 talk by David Simmonds (starts 7.45pm)
The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz
Thursday 12th
Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night
Chelmsford Theatre - Getting Triggy With It: Matt Parker Does Maths Golden Fleece - Quiz Night
Hot Box - Tommy Scott (Space) + Satin Beige
Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)
The Rising Sun - Quiz night
Friday 13th
The Black Bull - Shakey’s Sessions: Mrs Shakey Takeover: Kill Bosco + Viral Breakdowns (plus more TBC)
Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noonbooking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)
Chelmsford Theatre - Lieven Scheire: Artificial Intelligence
Chelmsford Theatre - Drunk Women Solving Crime
Saturday 14th
Chelmsford Theatre - Darren Walsh: Do You Like Puns?
The Compasses - Karaoke
Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos Jamaican Style (2pm)
Hot Box - Monster Florence
RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am - 1pm)
South Hanningfield Village Hall (CM3 8HL) - St Patrick’s Ceilidh
Dance: Yardarm Ceilidh Band (to book, email vallisc@aol.com or phone 07891 653 238)
Room in the Rodings (CM5 0PF) - Ongar Art Society: Spring Art Sale (10am - 4pm)
The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke
Sunday 15th
The Ale House - Quiz
Chelmsford Theatre - Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest Super Stupid Show
Hot Box - Guitar Club
Venues are in Chelmsford, unless mentioned in the listings as being elsewhere.
Magnet Fisher - Lewis
State Fayre Festival at Hylands Park - 26th to 28th June
A new festival is coming to Hylands Park in June! State Fayre is a major new rock, country, folk and Americana-inspired festival in Chelmsford.
We need volunteers to help us run the welfare hub, aiding festival goers that might be struggling with poor mental health and offering them a safe place to take time out. We can offer them a cup of tea and a chat, or just a quiet place to relax.
We also aim to spread awareness of Sport in Mind, the leading sports mental health charity in England and Wales. All volunteers will get a free weekend wristband to the festival, free camping, free parking and one meal voucher per day.
Help at our Easter Egg Trail Event, 4th April - Beaulieu area
Our family Easter Egg Hunt will have various stations along a walking trail, where volunteers will help hand out clues for the next station, hand out Easter gifts, keep the area tidy and help with some litter picking duties after the event.
My name is Lewis and you may have seen me around our city in my bright orange trousers (coincidently my surname is also ‘Bright’) magnet fishing along the cities miles of rivers. We are clearing the rivers of metal that is too often thrown in to our waterways or has been there as waste for many decades.
How I Started…
I started watching people magnet fish in America and the United kingdom on YouTube. I always wanted to do magnet fishing myself but I never knew how to get a magnet of my own. But one day my grandfather gifted me a magnet. It wasn’t the best but it did its job. I didn’t start magnet fishing until after his funeral. When I went out, I went to a spot that had a lot of rubbish in the river and when I threw my magnet out and casted it back, I saw that I caught a bottle cap.
Stuff We Have Found…
We have commonly found hundreds of trolleys,bikes and scooters. Some of the rarer stuff we have found are old signs and even part of a ballistic missile nose cone! We have also found dangerous objects like knives, guns - and even bombs! We also found a lot of phones and jewellery and even a pair of tights full of money...
What I Want to Achieve…
I’ve always wanted to see our rivers, lakes and ponds clear from metal and plastic and all sorts of rubbish and to help the wildlife as that is their home. Our main mission is to inspire as many people as we can and motivate them to come join us and help us become the biggest environmental clean up group in the world.
How can you help…
You can help in so many ways - by not throwing objects in rivers or by coming to join us: we do public meet-ups around the city. We also have social media which you can support us on ‘@CallMeMagnetic’ or if you would like to join our Facebook group search for ‘Chelmsford Magnetic Rivers’. We allow all ages to come and join us. It’s fun to do, as the way we clean the waterways is very creative and super fun!
Happy magnet fishing!
Can you help? Rabbit ears are optional!
Help a young person learn construction
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team and support learners (aged 14-19) to learn DIY and construction skills.
Café and Events Volunteer at JubiLatte Café at St John’s Church, Moulsham
JubiLatte is a welcoming and warm café space dedicated to serving the local community in Moulsham and Chelmsford. We are seeking some friendly and sociable individuals to join our small team of Café Volunteers.
Five Ways to Beat the Winter
Regular jobs that require carrying out during café hours on a Monday and Thursday morning are preparing the café area, setting up the kitchen, serving customers, engaging with customers of all ages and backgrounds with patience and a smile!
Search Technician
Essex Search and Rescue is a registered charity that provides skilled volunteers, who are fully trained in search techniques, emergency procedures, first aid and other matters, in order to assist the police and other agencies with searches for vulnerable missing persons (such as children and the elderly).
If you are physically active and in search of a challenging, but highly rewarding role, then please get in touch.
My 150 Poems Project Needs Some Funding
My name is Sam Blackman and I have written 150 poems in 150 days to celebrate 150 year of Essex Cricket Club. I want to take it round schools to inspire the kids who hate reading and writing and find school tough. I myself did, and was in special needs classes where I felt abnormal and angry that I was thought to be ‘different’. I was diagnosed as dyslexic aged 11 and diagnosed ADHD and autistic - aged 43!
Cricket fields are the places I’ve felt most free and happy all my life. So I want to get into primary schools and find the kids in a similar place to where I was and say:
• • I hated school.
• • I found reading and writing impossible.
• • no one understood me.
But...
You can do it. I love writing now and wrote these 150 poems in less than 150 days and found it easy.
20,000+ Words...
In year 6 writing just 20 words was too much - you will have to work harder. But don’t give up.
I want to show all the kids an assembly where I will be doing magic tricks, telling jokes and juggling basketballs. Then I want to go into every classroom in the morning showing the children my book and answering questions.
At lunchtime, I want to play cricket with them to teach the teachers great cricket drills for neurodivergent children. These work perfect for all other children too.
I am looking for sponsors and asking for £150 to be part of the project. The main dividends of your investment is helping children’s lives - those who have who have anger, despair, frustration, poverty and so many other challenges especially undiagnosed things like autism, adhd and dyslexia.
The Tangible Benefits Are:
• A page advert in the book next to a poem of your choice.
• A personalised poem about your child/club/school to put on the wall.
• A day of me working at a school nearest to your cricket club signposting families to your club (leaflets/emails sent home with each child).
Here Are a Few of My Poems From the Project: Marconi what an amazing world changing life
A remarkable invention againts sceptics full of strife
Winter
Radio finally established in nineteen twenty two Cricketing futures in Great Baddow, Marconi CC thanks to you
Your mental arithmetic, is second to none
Thanks for always promoting Essex, keeping us number one
Essex County Cricket Club has a big birthday this year
So I’m celebrating with poetry for an enormous cheer
Some sensible and silly poems, mostly about cricket
Everton may get mentioned and maybe a golden ticket
X-ray vision for some rhymes and lots of humour too
Celebrites born in Essex and some others who passed through Crickets, athletes, actors, whoever has been in our county
Courageous and some heroes, with more than a bounty
You can contact me as follows:
samblackmancricketcoachpoet@gmail.com
07472 053 53
Blues! - By Freddie Trevanion
Of course Test Match Special could never be Not to mention Test Match cricket on our BBC I read about you in wonder, you had the Midas touch
Thanks for binging your revolution to Chelmsford - Essex loves you so much
Rachel Riley the queen of numbers
And eight out of ten cats naughty blunders
Clever maths on Countdown each single day
Helping one from the top, a product of Thorpe Bay
Essex girl of the eighties, born here and raised
Learning later at Oxford, Southend Grammar School praised
Rachel Riley, if only you found love at Roots Hall
Instead Man United got your heart for football
Laughing freely with Suzie, giggles on Channel Four
Every afternoon for the channels longest show with even more
City Times Poems
Time
Where has all the time gone? Is all I hear you ask Time is what you make of it For any given task
Where has all the time gone? Enjoy it while it lasts
Choose your options wisely
And you could have a blast
Where has all the time gone? Everything’s down to you
Enjoy and you will prosper
Enjoy it till you’re through
By Martin Kilbey
After the Squall
After the squalling winds, fleeting flow That whistle round the window gaps, Search seeking those open cracks
That only the wind, it secretly knows, All is now silently, still Branch and leaf breathe
A silent breath, relieved
Sit suspended...until A soft breeze may gently pass
Leaving the merest hint
A shine, a silvered glint
Of its passing, as a fleck on glass
Whilst breezes pass by, blow
Over stream gently falling Brushing rocks, softly calling
Names that only breezes know.
By Richard Simmonds
The Sights and Sounds of Nature in February -
February in the UK boasts a variety of natural wonders as the transition from winter into spring begins. From the chatter of robins to the blooming of snowdrops, here are some of nature’s miracles you can witness this month.
Flowers
Flowers arrive in a myriad of colours to signal the coming spring. According to Landlife Wildflowers, pure white snowdrops begin to thrive this month, popping up in large numbers in damp soil areas such as hedgerows and woodlands. Also look out for the bright yellow of winter aconites, which mainly bloom in the southeast of England (lucky for us).
A visit Essex blog recommends people to visit the RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford, where visitors can expect to see the wonderful colours of the changing bark and willow tree sculptures. With the many parks and green spaces Chelmsford has to offer, see how many flower species you can spot.
Birds
According to Essex Birdwatching Society, great spotted woodpeckers can be heard drilling away in woodlands during this time of year. robins are commonly heard at dawn and dusk, and the chorus of greenfinch and chaffinch can be heard as they try to establish territories. Head over to Hanningfield Reservoir to see waterfowl such as pigeon and goosander. The Essex Wildlife Trust reports that the birdsong of robins and mistlethrushes is commonly heard in nature reserves and woodland areas near Writtle.
February is also significant in welcoming winter-migrating species. The Woodland Trust reports that many species cross the perilous seas to escape food shortages and bitter temperatures in Russia and Scandinavia. Redwings migrate in large flocks and can be spotted in hedgerows foraging for berries. By the tail-end of the month, chiffchaffs begin to return to the UK.
Bumblebees
According to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, buff-tailed bumblebees can be seen in February, and queen bumblebees have
Chelmsford Library
Winter Reading Challenge Craft Events
Join us this February half term for some fantastic craft making inspired by this year’s amazing Winter Reading Challenge characters!
Come along on Wednesday 18th February and Friday 20th February from 10.45am to 1pm for these free drop-in events - no booking required.
The Winter Reading Challenge is made possible through the Essex Year of Opportunity. The challenge will runs until 22nd February 2026, aimed at children up to 12 years old.
Essex Knitters and Stitchers at Chelmsford Library
Meet other knitters and those who crochet and craft in a fun, sociable
been recorded foraging for nectar and pollen from winter-flowering plants such as snowdrops and winter honeysuckle. A report by UK Safari says that only female bumblebees fly in February as the males die off at the beginning of winter.
Throughout this winter, the females hibernated carrying this year’s colony. After sucking the nectar from early-blooming plants for energy, the females will go on to find a place to lay their eggs, typically in an abandoned mouse hole.
Stargazing
February is the perfect time to stargaze in the UK, as cold air holds less moisture, reducing haze and making stars appear brighter, according to a report by Country Life. BBC’s Sky at Night Magazine says that six planets will be visible throughout this month.
Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will all be visible from the middle of the month, so wrap up warm on a clear night and see what you can find.
By Freddie Trevanion
group. The group talk about projects and pieces they are working on and are happy to offer advice and support to each other in an informal way. Knitters of all abilities and new members welcome. This group meets every second Thursday of the month from 10am to 12 noon - no booking required.
Children’s Event With Author Terrie Chilvers
Michael the Amazing MindReading Sausage Dog is coming to Chelmsford Library...
Don’t miss this fantastic children’s event with author Terrie Chilvers on Saturday 21st February from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. We’ll be having a fun chapter reading, an interactive talented dogs quiz and the chance to create a superstar animal.
This is a free event, suitable for children 6 to 10 years old. Booking is required - please only book a ticket for each child attending, adults don’t need to book: libraries.essex.gov.uk/events.
By Freddie Trevanion
Having practiced yoga for over sixteen years, I initially found twisted yoga poses to be particularly demanding. The Thread the Needle Pose served as my introduction to gentle spinal twists and facilitated the gradual release of stress and tension in my shoulders. This pose is highly effective at alleviating discomfort in the shoulders, upper back and neck.
Characterised by a gentle upper body rotation, it provides a comprehensive stretch for both the back and shoulder girdle. Suitable for beginners, Thread the Needle is often incorporated into warm-up and cool-down sequences in yoga routines. Including this posture in your practice can offer notable therapeutic benefits.
In Sanskrit, Thread the Needle Pose is known as Urdhva Mukha Pasasana, pronounced ‘OORD-vah MOO-kah shah-VAH-sah-nah’. The translation is as follows: Urdhva meaning upward, Mukha meaning face, and Pasasana signifying pose.
Begin in a tabletop position. This yoga twist enhances spinal mobility and stretches the shoulders, the upper back and neck. One arm is threaded beneath the opposite armpit, allowing the shoulder and head to rest on the mat, while the other hand provides support or intensifies the twist as needed.
Where to Start
• Start in Tabletop Pose on your hands and knees, with knees directly under your hips and hands directly under your shoulders.
• Extend the fingers widely, applying pressure evenly through the fingers and knuckles, with particular emphasis on the thumb and index finger.
• Lengthen the neck and find your Dristi, 2 inches or 3cm beyond your fingertips.
• Press through the tops of your feet to engage your thighs and abdominal muscles.
• Roll your shoulder blades back and towards each other and the elbows inwards.
• Establish your long slow, steady even breath.
Moving Into Thread the Needle Pose
On your next inhalation:
• Maintain pressure on the tops of your feet, your core engaged and your shoulders drawn back.
• Observe your right hand as you sweep upward toward the ceiling.
• Extend your fingers to help open your chest towards the right side.
• As your hips shift from side to side, maintain equal weight on both knees.
On your next exhalation:
• Avoid leaning back on your heels while threading your right hand under your body.
• Keep your left elbow above your wrist as you bend it, enabling a deeper twist.
• Extending fingers so you can position your right elbow beside your left wrist.
• Place right palm facing upwards, lowering your right shoulder and the right side of your head onto the mat.
On your next inhalation:
• Hold for several breaths, feeling the twist and stretch in your upper back and shoulders.
• Maintain the position for several breaths, focusing on the sensation of the twist and stretch through your upper back and shoulders.
Coming Out of Thread the Needle Pose
On your next exhalation:
• To exit the pose, press firmly through your left hand to lift your head and shoulders, returning to the tabletop position. Proceed to repeat the movement on the opposite side.
Teacher Tip
Thread the Needle Pose offers several modifications:
• Use a folded blanket under your knees if kneeling is difficult, or rest on your elbows if your wrists are uncomfortable.
• For a deeper stretch, either extend your left hand forward or gently wrap it behind your back while maintaining stable hips.
• I prefer to lift my left leg straight up while shifting my hips to the left, focusing on maintaining hip stability and improving balance and coordination.
For all those of you who would like to know more about Thread the Needle Pose and how to incorporate it within your practice, join me at my studio, using this free pass code ‘HPYFREECLASS’. My gift to you.
www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk
Thread the Needle Pose - By Steve Johansen, Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga
Thread the Needle Intro
Thread the Needle Pose Thread the Needle Variation
Little Baddow first had an almshouse built in 1786 on land donated by an unknown donor. The present almshouses were built partly by public subscription. Today Little Baddow has a group of 7 flats set up under a trust in 1971.
Like the almshouses on Springfield Green, they are run by a local charity and applicants have to be over 60 and living in Little Baddow or have very close connections to the village. Residents are expected to live alone and be in a financial position that means that they could not contemplate buying or renting accommodation on the open market in the village.
Broomfield had 4 almshouses built in 1899 on School Lane on Broomfield Place land by Ann Florence Copland, later to be one of the first female Chelmsford Guardians. The Mildmay Almshouses are run today by Chelmsford United Charities which was set up in 1912.
In the 1950s the national Charity Commissioners were pressing the trustees to charge for accommodation. Residents were not paying but there were no bathrooms or kitchens. In 1965 the trustees took out a loan from the Essex County Council (ECC) to renovate the
Chelmsford Stories: Baby Basics -
Each Friday morning, a group of volunteers meet at Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church. They’ve already spent hours of their week washing, drying and ironing baby clothes. On a Friday, they sort the items and tie them with a ribbon, carefully placing them into a Moses basket alongside toiletries and a sweet treat. The baskets are then wrapped, ready for collection by a professional, for the benefit of a vulnerable new parent. When I visited Baby Basics in January, it was their busiest month ever.
Only 16 days into the year, they had already donated 20 baskets. The recipients, typically women, may be experiencing hardship or fleeing violence. These beautiful baskets, worth almost £500, provide a moment of joy and reprieve to the new parents. As Sue, one of the volunteers, puts it, “Everybody deserves a gift.”
Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground Has Officially Been as Named Regional Runner Up
We are delighted to share some wonderful news with our community. Old Park Meadow has been recognised at the prestigious People’s Awards, hosted by The Natural Death Centre as a regional runner up.
This recognition is particularly meaningful to us because it is driven by the voices of the families we serve. The People’s Awards celebrate excellence in natural burial, highlighting providers who offer compassion, environmental stewardship and exceptional care during life’s most difficult moments.
Without the families who visit Old Park Meadow, this achievement would not have been possible, and the team would like to express their thanks with all who shared personal stories and experiences.
Reading your kind words and hearing about the comfort you found at Old Park Meadow has moved us deeply. Your support reinforces our commitment to providing a peaceful, natural, final resting place that honours loved ones and the beauty of the landscape. We are incredibly grateful for your continued trust and for being a part of the Old Park Meadow story.
almshouses. In return the residents agreed to start paying.
Legally they were not tenants but paying maintenance fees.To gain residency applicants have to have been living in Chelmsford for at least 2 years. They have to be ‘of good character’ and satisfy a ‘certain level of housing need’. Recently, there had been only 3 vacancies in 13 years.
Also, in Moulsham are the Roman Road almshouses, previously run by the URC. These consist of 6 flats for local people and are run by the Legacy East Almshouse Partnership (LEAP) almshouses. Applicants do not have to be elderly; young couples can be considered. LEAP also run the Wriittle, Broomfield and Springfield Green almshouses.
The Roman Road Almshouses
All the almshouses in the Chelmsford area provide affordable housing and support for the needy and vulnerable, often elderly people. The lack of affordable rented accommodation in Chelmsford, but also in the surrounding villages, means that local almshouses make an important contribution to those in need.
By Amara Agwo
Baby Basics Chelmsford was started by Joelle and her family to serve people in need. But Joelle is also passionate about helping the community to come together and make a difference. She tells me of the craft groups who knit clothes and the many generous individuals and companies who support the project. There was even one grateful recipient who brought her basket back to help somebody else.
The volunteers I meet are mothers and grandmothers. Their warmth and sincerity shines through in each basket they prepare. The final item they add before the gift wrap is a small card. It reads: “You are wonderfully made. Welcome to the world, little one.”
Find out more at baby-basics.org.uk/centre/chelmsford.
www.oldparkmeadow.co.uk
Crafts - By Magali Ellis and Scrap-Circle
Card Making
In a world of instant messages and quick reactions, a personalised card still holds a special kind of magic. It’s a small, tangible way to say, ‘I thought about you’ and it suits far more occasions than people often realise.
One of the most common reasons people need a personalised card is to celebrate milestones. Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations and new jobs all mark moments of change or achievement. A personalised card allows the giver to reflect on shared memories, inside jokes, or heartfelt pride, turning a simple congratulations into something deeply meaningful. Similarly, life’s big beginnings - new babies, engagements, or moving into a new home - are perfect opportunities to create a card that feels warm, welcoming and unique to the recipient.
Personalised cards are just as important during more difficult times. Sympathy cards, get well soon messages, or notes of encouragement after a tough period can be hard to write, but making your own card allows you to choose words and imagery that truly match the situation. A handmade or customised card can feel gentler and more sincere than something mass-produced, offering comfort in a way that feels personal rather than generic.
There are also many everyday occasions where a personalised card can make a surprising impact. Thank-you cards for teachers,
The Art Place @Meadows Shopping Centre: More Than a Shop - Community, Caring, Learning, Hope and Love
Why Art Matters: How Cultural Experiences Transform Young Lives
Our passion is to make arts and culture accessible to all, but particularly to young people from socio-economically deprived backgrounds who would not normally be exposed to art. This is why The Art Place and Artists at the Meadows are located within a shopping centre, bringing art directly into the heart of a community, where everyone can access it.
The benefits of art on health have made regular headlines in recent years. Research consistently shows that engaging with the arts can reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and even boost our immune systems. But what’s less known is that exposing young people to arts and cultural experiences from a very young age can have profound socio-economic benefits too - benefits that ripple out across entire lifetimes.
A Groundbreaking 30-Year
Study
I recently came across a US/UK research sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, reporting findings from a study which tracked a sample of over 22,000 children from disadvantaged backgrounds, following them from pre-school age right through to their thirties.
The study compared labour market outcomes between children who received standard education with those who were regularly exposed to cultural experiences such as visits to exhibitions, theatre performances and musical events.
The results were extraordinary. While it was anticipated that children with arts-rich experiences would benefit, the scale of impact was remarkable. Two striking findings emerged:
• Firstly, children who had regular cultural exposure were twice as likely to secure highly qualified professional jobs - careers in fields like law, education, and management - compared to their peers without those experiences.
• Secondly, they were three times more likely to work in health
colleagues, or friends show genuine appreciation. ‘Just because’ cards - sent to say hello, apologise, or remind someone they’re loved - often mean the most; precisely because they aren’t expected. Holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day also lend themselves beautifully to custom designs that reflect family traditions and personal relationships.
Making your own cards comes with several meaningful benefits. First, it allows for complete creative freedom. You can tailor the design, colours, words and even materials to suit the recipient’s personality and tastes. This level of thought shows effort and care, which people genuinely notice. Handmade or personalised cards are also more memorable; many recipients keep them for years as keepsakes. Additionally, creating your own cards can be cost-effective and environmentally friendly, especially when using recycled or digital materials. Most importantly, the process itself can be rewarding. Designing a card encourages creativity, mindfulness and a deeper connection to the person you’re making it for.
Ultimately, personalised cards transform ordinary moments into lasting memories, reminding people that they matter - one thoughtful card at a time.
If you fancy having a go at card making, why don’t you join us in one of our craft events, whether local ones on 21st March in Highwood Village Hall or a bit further afield for our craft weekends away?
www.scrap-circle.co.uk
professions.
These aren’t small differences. They represent life-changing opportunities and fundamentally different trajectories for young people who might otherwise have been left behind.
The Bigger Picture
What makes these findings even more significant is what we know about the connection between employment, education and health. Socio-economic factors such as stable employment and higher education qualifications have positive impact on long-term health and well-being. So when we give a child access to a theatre performance, a museum visit, or an art workshop, we’re not just offering them an afternoon of enjoyment. We’re potentially opening doors to education, career opportunities and healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Art
as Social Justice
This research reinforces what we at the Art Place always believed: that access to arts and culture isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity. By placing art at the heart of our communities, The Art Place and Artists at the Meadows, both operating through the kind support of Meadows Shopping Centre, are investing in the next generation’s potential. We’re giving every child, regardless of their background, the chance to discover, create and dream. The evidence is clear: while art enriches lives in the moment, it also shapes futures.
For more information about our work, projects, workshops and support offered, please visit: www.ideashubchelmsford.org and follow us on Facebook by searching ‘The Art Place Chelmsford’ (for The Art Place) and ‘Ideas Hub Chelmsford’ for the charity in general, and on Instagram by searching, ‘Art Place Chelmsford’.
This article was written by Edith Miller, CEO of Ideas hub Chelmsford. The Art Place is an Ideas Hub Chelmsford’s initiative.
Interior Design Tips for Your Home - By Tania Dadd
2026 Interior Design Trends You’ll Actually Want to Live With
As we move into spring 2026, interior design is evolving beyond fast trends and show-home perfection. Homeowners are becoming more intentional about how their spaces look and feel, choosing comfort, longevity and personal expression over fleeting fashion. The result is a more thoughtful, warmer and more human approach to design - one that truly reflects the way we live today. Here are the defining interior design trends for 2026, and why they matter.
Warm, Earth-Inspired Colour Palettes
The dominance of cool greys and stark whites is finally giving way to richer, more grounding tones. Shades such as clay, terracotta, olive, sand, mushroom and soft caramel are now shaping interiors, bringing a sense of calm and natural balance. These colours create a soothing backdrop that feels both contemporary and timeless, helping spaces feel more welcoming and lived in.
Rather than being used sparingly, these warm neutrals are layered throughout the home - on walls, upholstery, soft furnishings and even ceilings - creating a cocooning effect that enhances comfort and connection.
Texture as a Design Essential
In 2026, texture takes centre stage. Homes are no longer defined solely by colour or furniture but by the way materials interact and feel. Tactile finishes such as bouclé, limewash walls, fluted glass, ribbed wood and woven fabrics add depth and dimension, creating spaces that invite touch and movement.
This shift towards sensory design reflects a growing desire for homes that nurture well-being. By combining contrasting textures - smooth and rough, matte and glossy - interiors feel layered, balanced and visually engaging.
Curves and Organic Shapes
Sharp lines and rigid layouts are being softened by flowing forms. Curved sofas, rounded coffee tables, arched doorways and sculptural accessories introduce a sense of ease and elegance. These organic
shapes break up the hardness of architectural lines and help spaces feel more relaxed and welcoming.
This movement towards softer design mirrors our need for comfort and emotional connection within the home, particularly in an increasingly fast-paced world.
Sustainable Design as Standard Practice
Sustainability is no longer a design trend; it is an expectation. Homeowners are choosing quality over quantity, investing in pieces that are built to last. Vintage furniture, reclaimed materials and ecoconscious finishes are now core elements of modern interiors.
This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also adds authenticity and character, ensuring that homes feel curated rather than copied.
Statement Lighting as Functional Art
Lighting has become one of the most influential elements in contemporary interiors. Sculptural pendants, oversized floor lamps and artistic wall lights now act as focal points, shaping the mood and personality of a room. Carefully layered lighting schemes enhance atmosphere while elevating the overall design.
Homes That Tell a Personal Story
Above all, 2026 is the year of personalisation. Interiors are moving away from formulaic design and embracing individuality. Collected artwork, meaningful objects and bespoke features create homes that feel deeply personal and emotionally resonant.
These trends reflect a broader shift in how we view our homes: not as showcases, but as spaces that support, inspire and comfort us every day. Good design is no longer about keeping up with trends - it is about creating a home that truly enhances the way you live.
If you would like any advice on interiors we offer a consultation free of charge. Our services include interior design. colour consultation and styling.
07979 66 3339
info@saltmarshinteriors.co.uk www.saltmarshinteriors.co.uk
Tales From the Circle - By Sylvia Kent
Last Saturday’s meeting at the Brentwood Writers’ Circle had that lovely buzz we all recognise - almost a full house, plenty of chatter, and several new faces joining us for the first time - thanks to The City Times. Each newcomer arrived with their own ideas and hopes for future writing projects, and it was a real pleasure to welcome such a lively mix of talent from across Essex.
With our membership growing and more visitors dropping in, the year ahead already feels promising. And of course, we have a milestone to look forward to: our 85th birthday on 1st May. Not many writing groups can boast that kind of history and we’re determined to make this a year worth celebrating.
As December faded into January, many of us made the usual resolutions. A few brave souls even vowed to start journaling - a popular idea at our Christmas party. But life has a habit of getting in the way; by the end of January, diaries were quietly abandoned by some, time was squeezed out by work, family and the general business of modern life. That’s why our first guest speaker of the year felt like such a treat. We were joined by Anna Hayward, well known in her home patch of Brighton.
Anna is a bestselling author, Communications Specialist and a familiar presence online (www.annalucia.co.uk). She’s also a respected writing mentor, Developmental Editor, and Chair of New Writing South. Her talk - Procrastination & Perfectionism: Moving
Past Your Inner Writing Criticmight sound a little lofty on paper, but Anna delivered it with warmth, humour, and a wonderfully practical approach. She encouraged us to think beneath the ‘writerly radar’ and offered simple, effective ways to make the most of the precious time we set aside for our craft.
Her latest novel, Broken Madonna, written under the pseudonym Anna Lucia, has already earned glowing reviews and after hearing her speak, it’s easy to see why. We left Bardswell feeling energised, inspired and ready to put some of Anna’s ideas into practice.
If you’ve been thinking about joining us - whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out - we’d love to see you. Your first visit is free and you’ll find a warm welcome waiting. Our next meeting is on Saturday 7th March.
What gas do plants absorb from the atmosphere?
What is the hardest natural substance on Earth?
How many bones are in the adult human body?
What part of the cell contains genetic material?
What phenomenon causes the sky to appear blue?
Who played Jack Dawson in the movie Titanic?
Which band released the album Abbey Road?
In which TV series does the character Walter White appear?
Who painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel?
What is the largest mammal in the world?
What is the main language spoken in Brazil?
In which year did the Titanic sink?
What is the largest land animal?
Who wrote The Great Gatsby?
Which planet has the most moons?
Who is the Greek god of the sea?
What is the capital of Russia?
How many strings does a standard violin have?
What is the largest island in the world?
What is the primary ingredient in traditional hummus?
What is the largest internal organ in the human body?
Who wrote Les Misérables?
What is the chemical symbol for sodium?
Here is this month’s quiz. Each month the first 30 questions will be general knowledge and the last 10 a specific subject or theme. Today’s is: ‘Essex’. - By Tim
Brooks
In geometry, how many degrees are in a right angle? What part of the eye controls the amount of light entering?
Which blood type is known as the universal donor?
What is the SI unit for electrical current?
What is the pH of pure water?
What is a fourteen-line poem called?
Who released the disco classic Le Freak in 1978?
Essex is home to the world’s oldest wooden church. What’s its name?
Camulodunum is the oldest recorded town in Britain - what is it now known as?
What is the name of the forest that straddles Essex and Greater London?
There are 2 major airports in Essex, name them. The Lakeside Shopping Centre is in which unitary authority area?
Located on the River Thames, what is the name of the main port for London?
Name the 2 counties that border Essex to the north. Which two new Essex towns were designated to help alleviate the housing shortages following the Second World War?
When you enter Chelmsford, the welcome signs says. ‘Welcome to Chelmsford, the birthplace of ....’ what? The county’s coat of arms comprises of three what?
Sanctus - Offering Hope, Support and Friendship to the Most Vulnerable Sanctus started life as a small evening soup kitchen set up in 2011 to feed homeless people from around the Chelmsford area. Today the charity has a café, service hub and shop. It operates 6 days a week, providing a vital lifeline for people experiencing homelessness, isolation, addiction and mental health struggles.
Last year, Sanctus supported around 850 individuals from across Essex, provided over 20,000 meals, delivered 3,000 one-to-one support sessions and 4 out of every 10 people who visited them when homeless were assisted directly into housing. These statistics show just how much their service is needed in the local community.
For those visiting Sanctus, the journey begins at the café, a place that welcomes everyone through its doors with dignity and kindness where they can feel safe. Serving on average around 80 meals a day, the café not only provides warm meals but food to take away, clothing and essential items such as sleeping bags and tents. Over time, relationships form and trust grows, with many of their service users deciding to ask for help from the Support Hub. They can also attend the weekly NHS doctors surgery held on-site.
Working alongside agencies, including CHESS and the City Council, the Support Hub provides help and advice on all manner of issues including housing and job applications; financial concerns, mental health worries and domestic abuse.
The Sanctus Support Team help people rebuild their lives and believe in a better future, with service user, All, explaining how Sanctus has helped him: “I have been going to Sanctus from the beginning. I have found the staff to be very helpful and understanding. I have been sleeping rough and having lost my wife, I have found it hard to cope on my own. Sanctus has given me great hope to go on with life and all the staff have been undoubtebly wonderful.”
the food pantry which gives out non-perishable items, along with essentials for rough sleepers such as tents, sleeping bags and coats.
Sanctus is reliant on financial support from trusts, individuals and businesses to keep its doors open to those in need. If you’d like to make a donation, take on a sponsored challenge or attend one of their fundraising events, then please visit www.sanctus-home.com.
If you’d like to get involved with helping Sanctus, there are lots of volunteering opportunities in their café, shop and
with their regular food collections. You can also help by donating to
Out of hours, the Sanctus Café hosts a variety of events, with a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea on Saturday 14th March and a St Patrick’s Day Dinner on Tuesday 17th March coming up. You can also take part in their Sanctus Spring Supper Club Fundraiser by hosting a meal at home or a food event in your workplace or as a group and asking for donations. You’ll be able to download a Supper Club Pack featuring ideas and recipes from their website in March.
30-32 Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1SW 01245 257 985 info@sanctus-home.com
Jupiter has just left opposition. Looking south-east and south the planet is still favourably placed to see from your backyard telescope, binoculars or even with the naked eye and will be in the night sky for all of February and March for most of the night.
The Moon: Let’s never forget the Moon, our nearest neighbour in space. It is very rewarding, especially through binoculars or a telescope. The worst time to observe the Moon is when it’s full. This is because the surface features are bleached out by the reflected sunlight which hits the Moon directly. By the way, it is perfectly safe to view the Moon at night.
Aim for at least 5 days either side of the full Moon; you’re then rewarded with excellent detailed views of the craters, the maria (the ancients believed them to be seas, hence the latin name mare (singular), or maria (plural). The maria are darker areas of the Moon, caused by huge bombardment of asteroids. Lava flooded the areas, after being fractured by the asteroid bombardment, solidifying and becoming relatively smoother areas of basalt.
If you’re using binoculars, I would advise using a tripod. Your arms ache after a while and it is also difficult to hold them steady enough. To make it even more difficult, you’ll find the Moon will move quite fast out of view.
If you’d like to know more about the Moon, I recommend Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock’s excellent book, The Sky at Night: Book of the Moon Don’t forget to watch the Sky at Night every month on BBC 4. It’s also available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Email me with any questions.
Mark Willis presents The Retro Chart Show every Monday morning at 10am on Chelmsford Community Radio online and also across
Chelmsford and beyond on 104.4 FM.
www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com mark.willis@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com
Quiz & Wordsearch Answers
Carbon
Nucleus
Rayleigh
Leonardo
The
Breaking
Michelangelo
Blue
Portuguese
Colchester
Epping Forest
Stansted and Southend
Thurrock
Port of Tilbury
Suffolk and Cambridgeshire
Harlow and Basildon (The birthplace of) Radio Knives (three Saxon knives [seaxes] that look rather more like scimitars)
