Issuu

City Times Intro

Hello readers,

Welcome to The City Times May/June edition. We distribute throughout Chelmsford, Maldon, the Dengie and South Woodham Ferrers, and we would very much like some article contributions from those last 3 locations (we always get plenty from Chelmsford).

If you would like to contribute, whether you are a charity or another association looking for new members, please let us know by emailing editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we will try and accommodate.

Please also 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

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.

As I write this article, it is currently beautiful outside and hot - let’s hope this is good sign for the summer ahead, though I expect it will be changeable for a while yet.

On Sunday it was the Maldon Mud Race which was apparently the biggest so far - this is great and well done to all who took part. l could not make it this year as I was putting on a gig, but more of that later. I did pop outside on the Monday recently for the fly past as part of the VE Day celebrations. I only saw the last bit in the distance with some of the Red Arrows and the Lightnings, but at least I got to see some of it though.

VE Day was on 8th May and I know that much was planned for all over the country with street parties and lots more going on. I hope to see some of it but yet again I will be putting on another gig at Hot Box with Vix & The Bleeding Hearts, which we know will be a great show.

The blossom is now beginning to fall and our gardens and plants and tress are blooming. Young animals are all coming out - let’s hope that they survive. I am regularly putting food and water out and have not cut the grass yet although it needs it really, but all the critters need it left as it is for the time being.

So here is looking forward to a good rest of the year hopefully. Though so far this year I have lost a few friends and others I have known as well. But there have been some good things happening too, with my granddaughter passing her driving test first time and my good friend’s daughter recently had her second daughter and they all seem to be doing well.

If you have anything you would like to voice then please send it to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we will do our best to publish it for you.

Music

Recently, I went to see Hamish Stuart and his band, who as ever were sublime. I also saw The Dirt Road Band too, who are always greatand I got them to agree a booking for Hot Box on 2nd October. Next, I saw Roy Mette, who always puts on a great show. I also saw The Bad Pennies, which was another fine show and I’ve luckily been able to book then for 2026 at Hot Box.

Then on to the Social Club where we had Who’s Next playing - as ever, they were great. The following day I went to see The James Oliver Band who just blew everyone away. Then I had a bit of a break for a week.

Then it was off to Cliffs to see my friends playing with Roger Daltrey which was great. Roger was on form as was his band, and I was lucky enough to go backstage after the show to say hi to my friends.

Next it was off to Hot Box where I had Borderline Music Co playing as a fundraiser for the Hot Box venue. The night was as good as sold out and the band were great.

Then it was Broadway Clash. The band were really good, getting a lot of people up and dancing. Then on the Sunday I had Pearl Handled Revolver performing - and everyone loved them. Of course, we will be rebooking them to return to play again. We also had the legends that

are Atomic Rooster, and what a great show they put on! They were a lot of fun as well.

Next up was The Baker Moore Band, who were brilliant. We enjoyed the humorous banter, much like it was with Nicky Moore - and of course we have rebooked them for 11th October and we are also hoping for a very special guest to make an appearance on the night...

Luckily, I have managed to get John Coghlan out of retirement to play a show with Trevor Gentry - they will play a mix of older Quo songs with some covers thrown in from the same era. This will be on Friday 31st October. Looking ahead, I have started booking for 2026 but more about that in future editions.

Please do remember to support all the live events, whatever they might be - especially in your local area to help keep events and the acts, as well as the venues, going. If you can, do please book in advance as it really does make a difference to the organisers, venues and the acts.

If you have anything you think that could be of interest to our readers for either publication, then please let us know by emailing editorial@ itsyourmedia.co.uk. It may be an event or a topic of interest, or have you done anything unusual or are you planning something? If so, we want to know about it. And if 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 magazine and the Moulsham Times

You can get tickets for all our Black Frog Presents shows at The Social Club in Chelmsford from Intense Records, The Hop Beer Shop and Chelmsford 4Good - please pay cash in person when you buy from them as well. Tickets for all shows, including Hot Box, are also available online from www.wegottickets.com/BlackFrogPresents, or via our ticket hotline at no extra charge - call or text us at 07508 496 411 and you can then pay the advance price on entry 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/BlackFrogPresets or scan the QR code in our adverts.

Roger Daltrey and his band

City Times Food!

What lovely weather we have been treated to the last week or so, but knowing our English weather I’m not discarding my boots for my flip flops just yet!

We visited the Maldon Mud Race last weekend, and I just wanted to say what a lovely event this was - it was also lovely to see a variety of food and drink stalls at the event. There were many local restaurants, such as Sark from Maldon High Street, as well as local independent cake shops. I can see this event getting better and better every year.

This month, my husband and I had a weekend in Whitby. I have two favourite restaurants that we visit everytime we visit, so I wanted to give them a mention: Firstly, Trenchers fish and chip shop which is an acclaimed fish and chips in an Italian-style venue with booths and colourful Tiffany lampshades. Secondly, Humble Pie - a pie shop which is located in a 17th century building. Humble Pie is like stepping back to the 1930s, with homemade pies and mash.

So, this month I wanted to share my salmon en croûte recipe; I’ve perfected this recipe over time and I can safely say it will be the best salmon en croûte recipe you will make!

The Best Ever Salmon en Croûte Ingredients

• 2x 500g for salmon fillets.

• 100g water cress, roughly chopped.

• 200g cream cheese.

• Handful of dill chopped.

• 1 lemon - zested and juiced.

• 500g puff pastry.

• Flour for dusting.

• 2 eggs, whisked.

Essex Food - By Krista

Hello everyone! Is it just me, or does everything feel better when the sun’s out? I’ve been loving the warmer weather and have been using it as the perfect excuse to get out and explore more of our beautiful county. This month’s little adventure took me to the charming town of Thaxted, where I wandered around the old windmill and admired the colourful cottages.

Also, I think I might have found Essex’s best burger spot which is only a short drive away. If you love a proper burger as much as I do, then this is a place you won’t want to miss.

Just a few miles down the road from Thaxted is the village of Great Bardfield which is home to The Vine - a quirky pub that has great beer and incredible burgers. It was created by three good friends who had a vision of making a space where people could come together over tasty food and a pint. With years of experience in hospitality and clearly having a shared passion for food, art, and music, they have brought The Vine to life.

At first glance, The Vine looks like a cosy little pub, but head past the bar and you’ll find a bright, welcoming space out the back, with plenty of tables and an outdoor seating area. The decor is a mix of unique items and art on the walls which I really loved.

The menu has an incredible selection of burgers, all with fun names. We went for the Truffle Shuffle - a beef patty with mushrooms, smoked applewood cheese, rocket, tarragon, truffle mayo - and we added beef brisket which melted in the mouth.

We also tried the Return of the Mac, which was my favourite. It had a juicy beef patty, bacon, fried macaroni cheese croquettes, tomato, and chilli jam inside a soft brioche bun. Both were extremely messy

Method

When you’re ready to assemble the en croûte, unwrap the salmon fillets, then set aside. Put the watercress, cream cheese, dill, lemon zest and juice and pepper into a bowl and mix well, then set aside.

Roll out half of the pastry on a lightly floured surface so it’s larger than the salmon fillet, then drape it over a lined baking tray.

Place one of the fillets on the pastry, and spread with the cream cheese mix, then lay the second fillet on top, skinned-side up. Brush the pastry with the egg mix.

Roll out the rest of the pastry to fit, then drape it over the salmon and tuck it in at the sides. Trim the edges and crimp or press with a fork to seal.

Heat oven to 200oC bake for 20 minutes, then lower the heat to 180oC and bake for 20 minutes more.

I serve mine with fresh veggies and some buttery mash.

to eat, but that’s a sign of a good burger, right? The burgers come on their own when you order them from the menu, so I’d recommend sharing some sides.

We couldn’t resist the crispy skin on fries, Asian peanut slaw, and grilled tender stem broccoli with soy and chilli miso, which was an explosion of flavour.

There is no need to book (unless you’re coming with a large group)just turn up and grab a table. The pub is dog-friendly and there is free parking available.

www.thevinebardfield.co.uk

Follow me on Instagram for more local foodie finds by searching ‘thehungrykp.’

May is a magical month for wildlife-friendly gardens. As the days grow longer and warmer, nature leaps into action - birds are nesting, bees are buzzing, and borders brim with new life. Now’s the time to step up your support for pollinators and other garden visitors, while enjoying the colour, movement and music they bring with them.

Whether you have a small urban plot or a wild country corner, here are the key jobs and joys for wildlife gardeners this month:

Plant for Pollinators

Bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects are emerging in large numbers now - and they’re hungry. Fill your garden with nectar-rich plants that provide food throughout the month.

Great choices for May include:

• Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) - loved by long-tongued bees.

• Aquilegia - dainty flowers with hidden nectar.

• Alliums - architectural and bee-friendly.

• Honesty (Lunaria annua) - flowers now, seeds later for birds.

• Wallflowers (Erysimum cheiri) - early-season favourites.

• Avoid double-flowered cultivars, which often lack accessible nectar or pollen. And let some of your herbs flower - thyme, chives, mint and oregano are pollinator magnets when in bloom.

Let Nature Be a Bit Wild

You don’t need to rewild the whole garden to make a difference. Even small acts of messiness are welcome havens for wildlife.

• Leave a patch of lawn uncut. Long grass with clover, buttercups or dandelions offers shelter and food for insects - and a snack bar for birds and hedgehogs.

• Keep a pile of twigs and leaves in a quiet corner. These can

host beetles, woodlice, frogs and hedgehogs.

• Let nettles exist in a back corner - they support the caterpillars of butterflies like the small tortoiseshell and peacock.

These messy areas may not win garden design awards, but to wildlife, they’re five-star resorts.

Feed and Water the Birds

Birds are in peak breeding season, and feeding young takes a lot of energy. Help them out...

• Keep feeders topped up with sunflower hearts, fat balls and mealworms.

• Provide fresh water daily in shallow dishes or bird baths.

• Skip the pruning - many birds are nesting now. Delay hedge and tree trimming until late summer.

• For longer-term support, plant native shrubs like hawthorn, dog rose, or guelder rose - they offer blossom in spring and berries in autumn.

Make Your Garden Hedgehog-Friendly

Hedgehog numbers are in decline, but your garden can be a refuge:

• Cut a 13cm x 13cm hole in your fence base to create a ‘hedgehog highway’ between gardens.

• Leave out a shallow dish of water, especially in dry spells.

• Avoid using slug pellets or pesticides - they can poison hedgehogs and other beneficial creatures.

• If you’re lucky enough to have hedgehogs visit, a log pile or purpose-built hedgehog house is a great addition.

Build a Pond - Or a Mini One!

Even the smallest pond can have a big impact. Birds drink and bathe, insects lay eggs, frogs keep slug numbers in check - and dragonflies will wow you on warm days.

No room for a full pond? Try a large shallow plant tray with pebbles for insects to perch on, or an old washing-up bowl sunk into the ground. Add native aquatic plants, like water forget-me-not or marsh marigold.

Garden Gently

In a wildlife-friendly garden, sustainability is key:

• Mulch borders to retain moisture and feed soil organisms.

• Skip chemical fertilisers - use homemade compost or well-rotted manure.

• Go peat-free: bog habitats are crucial carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots.

• Choose native plants where possible. They support more local insects, birds and fungi than many exotics.

Wildlife Tip of the Month

If you only do one thing this May, let the lawn grow a little longer. Even a fortnight of ‘no mow’ can bring in butterflies, bees, and more - and you’ll see your garden come alive in new ways.

Let your garden be a haven - not just for you, but for everything that calls it home

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.

Served on our famous picnic benches with an amazing selection of sweet & savoury treats , perfect for any occasion!

Traditional £25pp | Luxury £29pp | Children £12.50pp Vegetarian/Vegan/Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free options available.

Palmer

Palmer & Partners, an established estate agency operating across Essex and Suffolk, has expanded its presence with the opening of a new office in Chelmsford. The company, which has been in business for over 20 years, has chosen Old Moulsham as the location for its latest branch.

Palmer & Partners specialises in residential sales and lettings, and the new office is part of the firm’s broader strategy to strengthen its coverage in key areas across the region.

Alongside its estate agency work, Palmer & Partners also runs the 500 Club, a charitable initiative that supports local causes across Essex and Suffolk. Since its launch, the 500 Club has donated over £50,000 to a wide range of charities and community projects. The company commits to making a minimum donation of £500 each month and regularly organises fundraising events to further support organisations in need.

Essex SAR was established in October 2002 to provide a pool of trained volunteers ready to assist the police searching for missing vulnerable persons (children, despondents, dementia sufferers, diabetics, etc.), primarily within the county of Essex. Their searches may be carried out in urban areas, including searches of open spaces, car parks, recreation grounds or in the countryside, on open land, fields or in wooded areas. They can be called upon at any time of the day or night, whatever the weather.

Essex SAR is a registered charity and is funded entirely through voluntary donations and contributions. As well as funding the training of searchers and search management capability, these donations also pay for all the equipment needed for the team to fully self sufficient in their role such as a control vehicle, mapping, GPS, communications and first aid equipment.

Essex SAR will be talking to their trustees to discuss how best to use our donation. Spencer, from Essex SAR, said: “On behalf of everyone at Essex Search and Rescue can I say a huge thank you for the donation.

“We are a charity run 100% by trained volunteers, with no paid fundraisers. As we all have our day jobs, we rely heavily on the generosity of companies like yourselves. Please pass on our thanksyour donation will really make a difference.”

If you’d like to find out more about Essex SAR, please visit essexsearchandrescue.org.uk. If you’d like to join The 500 Club, please feel free to reach out to us, we’d love to hear from youpalmerpartners500club.org.

It wasn’t me Who said romance was dead Cos I have a romance Alive in my head

It wasn’t me Who said life is fulfilling But I have some prospects And they’re worth half a shilling

It wasn’t me Who thinks more than he should do It’s happened again I think I adore you

It was me all along martin.kilbey@gmail.com

Poems by Martin Love

May

Thursday 15th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening

Chelmsford Theatre - Carousel Courtyard - Karaoke

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

Hot Box - Ignition: Fought a Bear Once + Sinners in the City + Dudesmell

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 16th

The Black Bull - Shakster Records 18th Anniversary: Lemon & Lime + The Number Twenty + Tom Peplow + IC7 (more tbc)

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Leddra Chapman

Chelmsford Theatre - Carousel

Hot Box - Iago Banet + Armoured Man

Hylands Estate - The National Flower Show

Saturday 17th

The Black Bull - Shakster Records 18th Anniversary: Risen Ashes + Eysium + No Idea + The Whomprats + The Peasants + (more tbc)

Chelmsford Cathedral - Chelmsford and District Welsh Society presents its annual concert with the Godre’r Aran Male Voice Choir and soloists (6.45pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets £25 on 07356 053 540 or email concertorganiser.cdws@gmail.com)

Chelmsford Croquet Club (Writtle) - Invites you to come and try (10am - 4pm info@chelmsfordcroquet.uk)

Chelmsford Theatre - Carousel

Chelmsford Theatre - Michelle Shaughnessy

Cold Norton Village Hall - After-Eight Social Club Disco Dance (www. aftereightsocialclub.chessck.co.uk - Mike 01621 856 219)

Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)

Hot Box - Red Nights: Alternative Goth ‘n’ Roll Cabaret

Hylands Estate - The National Flower Show

Station Arms (Southminster) - Andy Broad

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Wickham Bishops Village Hall (CM8 3JZ) - Wickham Bishops Jazz Club: Pete Lay’s Gambit Jazzmen (6.30 for 7.30pm)

Sunday 18th

The Gardeners - Open Mic

Monday 19th

The Ale House - Beery Bingo

Chelmer Village - Pilates classes (carolinesdanceandpilates.co.uk)

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Hylands Estate - The National Flower Show

Tuesday 20th

Chelmsford Theatre - EOS: Mochaelangelo - Love and Death

Hot Box - The Only Way is Melee

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

Wednesday 21st

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

Chelmsford Theatre - The Bridge: A Cuban Guitar Recital

Chelmsford Theatre - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - Control Voltage: Electronic Music Open Mic

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

Thursday 22nd

Chelmsford Theatre - RBO: Ballet to Broadway: Wheeldon Works

Chelmsford Theatre - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Hot Box - Blues Box at Hot Box: Fran McGillvray Band

The Lion Inn - The Comedy Club

Friday 23rd

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Supernova Play Oasis

Chelmsford Theatre - Steve Bugeja

Chelmsford Theatre - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Hot Box - Papa Shango + Black Lounge

Saturday 24th

Bootmaker - Silent Disco

Chelmsford Theatre - Wifi Wars

Chelmsford Theatre - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)

Hot Box - Will Varley

Promenade Park (Maldon) - Downs Tradtional Steam Fair

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 25th

The Ale House - Quiz

Bootmaker - Silent Disco

Chelmsford Theatre - Wifi Wars

Chelmsford Theatre - Tom Ball: Spotlight

The Gardeners - Open Mic

Hot Box - Dan Owen + The Jackson Line

Monday 26th

Ale House - Beery Bingo

Chelmer Village - Pilates classes (carolinesdanceandpilates.co.uk)

Chelmsford Theatre - Pixie Lott Academy Celebrat10ns

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.309.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk)

Tuesday 27th

Chelmsford Theatre - On Becoming a Guinea Fowl (12A)

Hot Box - Chelmsford Creative Collective Meet Up

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

Wednesday 28th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - Hot Box Waxes Lyrical

Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666)

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

The WInecleear - Wine Tasting

Thursday 29th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening Courtyard - Karaoke

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

Hot Box - Vona + Greene

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 30th

Chelmer Valley High School - Quiz for Friends of Broomfield Hospital (7pm for 7.30 pm start - £8 per person [tables of 8] - bring your own drinks and snacks)

Chelmsford Theatre - Splat!

Chelmsford Theatre - Michael Akadiri: Trust Me, I’m a Daddy Tour

Hot Box - HotHaus Drag Presents: Syudio 99 Disco Show

Saturday 31st

Acanteen - Godfathers of Garage + MJ Cole + Norris Da Boss

Windross + MC Cree

Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)

Hot Box - Kill Bosco

Trinity Methodist Church - Chelmsford Male Voice Choir and Swift

Singers present a musical cocktail

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

June

Sunday 1st

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - The Wizard of Oz Gardenders - Open Mic

Hot Box - Blues Box at Hot Box: Robin Bibi Band

Monday 2nd

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.309.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk)

Tuesday 3rd

Chelmsford Theatre - New Hall: Once Upon a Time

Chelmsford Theatre - MET Opera: Il Bariere di Sivgilla

Hot Box - The Only Way is 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)

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 4th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

Chelmsford Theatre - ABC: An Evening with Martin Fry

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - Nicholas Padamsee + England is Mine

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: La Bouche Manouche ‘Music of Django Reinhardt & Billie Holiday’ (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 - NT Live: A Streetcar Named Desire

Chelmsford Theatre - Danny Baker: Aye Aye! Ahoy Hoy!

Courtyard - Karaoke

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

Hot Box - Katy Hurt + Two Ways Home

The Oddfellows Arms - Quiz

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

Promonade Park (Maldon) - Ministry of Sound Ibiza Anthems

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 6th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Voodoo Room

Chelmsford Theatre - Julian Clary: A Fistful of Clary Hot Box - The Deep Throats + Viral Breakdown

Saturday 7th

Bootmaker - Country Superstars Brunch Club

Chelmsford Theatre - Purple Zeppelin

Chelmsford Theatre - The Sound of Springsteen

The Compasses - Karaoke

Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)

Hot Box - Boogie in the Box

Promonade Park (Maldon) - Soultasia

Station Arms (Southminster) - Connor Selby

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 8th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford MT Choir: Encore!

Gardeners - Open Mic

Hot Box - Gasper Nali

Monday 9th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.309.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk)

Tuesday 10th

Chelmsford Theatre - The Girl with the Needle (15)

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

Tuesday 10th (continued..)

dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660)

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 11th

Chelmsford Theatre - All Shook Up

Hot Box - The Big Music Quiz

Thursday 12th

Acanteen - Country Roads: Florence Sommerville Band

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - All Shook Up

Chelmsford Theatre - It’s a Mystery

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

Hot Box - Blues Box at Hot Box: Thomas Heppell Band

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 13th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Diva Purple

Chelmsford Theatre - All Shook Up

Chelmsford Theatre - Matt Forde: End of an Era

Hot Box - Carl Larusso

Saturday 14th

Budworth Hall (Ongar, CM5 9JG) - Summer Exhibition (paintings, prints, greetings cards, refreshments)

Chelsmford Cathedral - Dance Workshop with the Gallyard Tudor Group

Chelmsford Theatre - All Shook Up

Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)

Hot Box - Sunscreem

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 15th

The Ale House - Quiz

Budworth Hall (Ongar, CM5 9JG) - Summer Exhibition (paintings, prints, greetings cards, refreshments)

Chelmsford Theatre - The Simon and Garfunkel Story

Gardeners - Open Mic

Hot Box - Songs of the Folk

Monday 16th

Chelmsford High Street - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Buildings of Chelmsford walk - email info@chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk to book

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.309.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk)

Venues are in Chelmsford, unless mentioned in the listings as being elsewhere.

If you have an event between 16th June and the 17th July for the next issue, then please email

The Maeving RM1S Is an Electric Motorcycle with Built-in Heritage

There are one or two issues to overcome when a designer sets about creating an electric motorcycle; some issues that manufacturers have often overlooked. For many, motorbiking is a way to escape and get away - it can mean freedom and escaping the constant stream of technology we are now all subjected to. And more often than not, motorcyclists seek a bike that looks aesthetically pleasing; design is all-important.

The Motorbike: Petrol vs Electric

In the heyday of the petrol-powered combustion engine, the motorbike would be expected to provide its owner with good milage per gallon, with the average bike being able to provide around 60mpg and perhaps providing a fuel tank that can hold 3-4 gallons or more. Compared to an electric motorcycle with a range of around 100 miles, the classic petrol bike still wins in the ‘range anxiety’ awards. While things are improving, the rate of improvement hasn’t quite matched the car with a range that will now, more often than not, comfortably exceed 300 miles.

While things are improving of course, there is always going to be limited space on a motorcycle which will always restrict the freedom of future powertrain and battery design, restrictions that perhaps make the electric motorcycle a little slower to catch up.

Maeving’s Appreciation of British Heritage

Addressing the former issue and providing a motorcycle that still looks like a motorcycle is a British company called Maeving. The company builds its motorcycles in Coventry and emphasises the tradition of British bike building, naming such much-loved luminaries as Norton, Royal Enfield and Triumph. Yes, heritage is important to Maeving. Maeving also proudly states that 65% of its componentry is sourced locally within Britain - more than any other homologated automotive manufacturer anywhere in the world. This is heartwarming and impressive, but what about the actual bikes?

to be able

expect. The manufacturer says that it looks at every tiny detail in the design process and the results are clean, proportionate looking bikes that you would be hard pressed to notice that it isn’t petrol-powered; apart from the sound of course.

The good news is that Maeving appears to have designers that appreciate British motorbiking heritage too, with Maeving motorcycles looking as close to

traditional petrol-powered bike as we are likely

Maeving RM1 and RM1S Electric Motorcycles

At present, Maeving provides the RM1 and the RM1S, with both providing surprising and pleasing café racer visual appeal, with the RM1 coming in at £4.995 and the RM1S starting at £7,495 - the latter being roughly the equivalent of a 125cc bike and featuring twin removable batteries that can either be charged on the bike or removed and charged within your home or work environment.

The Maeving RM1S shines a light on what the company will hope to improve on as electric motorcycle technology gets better, with the RM1 being a little lightweight in comparison with a top speed of just 45mph and a range of 40 miles. On the other hand, the RM1S can reach a far more impressive 70mph and a doubling of the RM1 range.

There’s still so much more to come within the realms of the electric motorcycle, but certainly what Maeving has done perfectly is the

Images: maeving.com

design: Both the RM1 and the RM1S look fantastic.

Sean Neylon

Courtesy of Smart Motoring magazine smart-motoring.com

This article looks at the demise of the Industrial School and changes in technical education. It also covers changes in local schools in the 1980s and 1990s.

The Home School (previously the Industrial School) was now under the full control of the County Council. In 1976 the school’s pupils were entered for the first time in O Level and CSE exams. This and other changes were introduced by the new principal Alan Stephens, but he was hindered by a long term fall in numbers. Three years later, the County Council took the decision to close the school. This caused an outcry locally, but the school then only housed 22 boys when it had the accommodation and facilities to keep 82 ‘wayward’ children.

There had been a withdrawal of referrals by London boroughs, with a resulting loss of income. A heated debate followed as to whether the school had gradually obtained a bad reputation, but it was certainly very expensive, costing £301 per child per week, 4 times the cost of a boy at Eton! Existing staff tried to get support for a move to accept girls in a newly created school. This would not however, have produced the required numbers and the school closed in 1980. The buildings were demolished in 1987.

By the Second War, Chelmsford had a secondary technical school and a technical college on the same site, which had been the old museum, library and school of art. Unlike the South East Technical College, it was not taken over by army trainees, and both the Junior and Senior School managed to keep going. Special courses were put on for the forces, including fitters, electricians, carpenters and joiners. Under the Butler Act the technical school was due to increase to 540 pupils, giving parents in the borough the choice of a practical education for their children. The school had the advantage that the local engineering firms were always ready to accept boys from the school.

From the outset, a larger technical college for adults was being planned. Dovedale House in Moulsham was already being used and negotiation took place to use the old Victoria boys’ school, but new buildings were needed. In 1947 there were 2,500 students taking evening classes coming from a very wide area. By 1967 the college was the most popular in East Anglia.

The technical school changed its name to the Technical High School in 1962 after it had moved to Patching Hall Lane in 1958. Against the prevailing trend towards comprehensives, there were plans on the part of the Mid Essex Executive and the governors to make it selective.

Frank Cooper had been appointed head in 1961 and under him the school Sixth Form flourished with an increasing number going on to university. The important strand of technical education was retained, with metalwork, woodwork, technical drawing and applied science and technology all being studied. There was an increasing ‘use of engineering and technology to solve problems regarding design, construction and the use of working models’.

In 1975, the move away from the original site was achieved by a merger with Broomfield Secondary Modern School. The resulting Chelmer Valley High School had to overcome significant problems, including initially being split site and also having to combine two separate staffs. Cooper took most of his staff with him and the LEA made them heads of department because the technical school had won the reputation for being of grammar school standard.

The election of the Thatcher government in 1979 was to bring about a profound change in the education of the country over the next two decades. Apart from the cessation of the move towards the abolition of the remaining grammar schools, little happened until the passing of the 1988 Education Act.

Previously however, supporters of the introduction of market forces

into state education had raised the idea of an educational voucher giving concrete choices to parents, but this idea was abandoned as being impractical. The 1988 act introduced a quasi-voucher system because parents could exercise their choice with regard to the schools for their children and school budgets were determined by the number of parents who chose their school.

This introduced a measure of market forces into the state sector for the first time. The act also introduced Local Management of Schools, whereby all schools were taken out of the direct financial control of local authorities, with financial control being handed to the head teacher and governors of a school. Grant-maintained schools were introduced, whereby primary and secondary schools could remove themselves from their respective local authorities and would be completely funded by central government. The Act also allowed for the establishment of City Technology Colleges and the establishment of the National Curriculum, but it was the first three measures that had a significant effect on the Chelmsford area.

Given the long-standing interest in education in the area and an equally well documented aversion to bureaucracy, it is perhaps not surprising that schools in the area reacted positively to the new opportunities that were now available. Putting a positive face on their school, especially with introduction of league tables, enabled schools to increase their rolls and their budgets when the quasimarket worked in their favour. Whereas in most of the rest of the country the move towards GMS (Grant Maintained Schools) was slow, in the Chelmsford area it was grasped quickly and not just by the two selective schools. The perceived advantages in terms of independence and access to greater capital were seen as being significant. Both KEGS and the Girls High School decided to opt out in 1991. Hylands and Boswells schools both opted out soon afterwards, followed by Chelmer Valley High School and Rainsford School.

The 10 Essex grammar schools decided to scrap the 11 Plus and operate their own selective exam in 1993. Tony Tuckwell, the head teacher at KEGS hinted in 1991 that his school would become independent if Labour won the next election and tried to abolish grammar schools: “KEGS independence will be preserved by any means necessary.”

In 1993 the Girls’ High School came top for all state schools in England for GCSE results in the new league tables and KEGS came 25th. In 1994, KEGS and the County High were first and second amongst the state schools as measured by A Level results.

By the new millennium, nearly all the secondary schools in the area were performing well in the league tables. In 1998 the St John Payne School, Moulsham School and Boswells School were 21st, 22nd and 29th in the national tables for GCSE results. Great Baddow High School was highlighted as one of the most improved schools.

In 1960, the government proposed the establishment of a new university in Essex. At the start the local papers considered Chelmsford the favourite, with Hylands the preferred site.

Colchester was chosen - allegedly because it was further away from London and there would be less likelihood of students travelling backwards and forwards to and from London. This, it was hoped, would create a better community spirit.

Low Crescent Moon Pose - By

Steve Johansen,

Low Crescent Moon Pose is new to Hatha yoga being introduced in the 20th century. In Sanskrit, it’s Anjaneyasana (ahn-jah-nay-AH-sahnah) which was named after the great Lord Hanuman whose name was Anjaneya.

I use the name Crescent Moon Pose because of the arc from the right hand though the body all the way to the right foot, representing the crescent of a new moon.This kneeling back-bend, hip and shoulder opening pose requires a degree of balance and flexibility. I find that there’s a level of vulnerability with opening the chest as I reach further behind myself with my arms and look up. The vulnerability of opening the body is juxtapose against the strength and power necessary to maintain it.

I frequently incorporate this versatile pose within my own practice and within the various classes I teach daily. The basic pose can be held for a few breaths as a stand-alone pose or part of a flowing sequence, adding various twists and stretches creating garter variety and helping to develop strength, flexibility, body awareness and balance.

Where to Start

• Start in Standing Forward Bend Pose. With feet hip width apart with knees slightly bent and abdomen resting on your thighs.

• Let your fingertips touch the floor in line with your toes with the crown of your head hanging down.

• On your next inhalation, lift into Half Standing Forward Bend by drawing your gaze forward.

• Roll your shoulder blades back and towards each other and engage your abdominal muscles.

• Find your Dristi in front of you, establishing a long slow, steady even breath.

To get into Low Crescent Moon Pose, on your next exhalation:

• Keep your fingertips on the mat either side of your feet, soften the knees, keep the four corners of your left foot grounded as you transfer your weight into that foot.

• Take a large step back with the right foot into High Lunge Pose.

• Lower the right knee on the mat into Low Lunge, pressing the top of the foot down.

• Your left knee should be above the ankle and your right knee behind your hips.

• Engage your core as you lift the sternum and your head up. Find your Dristi at eye hight.

On your next inhalation:

• Draw your hips forward stretching the front of the right thighthis will help your balance.

• Tuck the tailbone down engaging the core and lift the belly button and torso as you sweep your arms up.

• With palms facing each other and the arms straight shoulderwidth apart, stretch though the little fingers.

• Lift your chin to the ceiling - there should be no compression of the neck, then relax your shoulder blades down your back. This will let you reach further up and back with your hands.

Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga

• To come out of the pose, it’s often easier to sweep the arms wide than back up and down.

• Lower the fingers back to the mat either side of your left foot.

• Look forward as you tuck the right toes back under and straighten the leg.

• Engage your core. Lift the sternum as you push through your right foot, to step forwards.

• Back to Half Standing Forward Bend, take a breath before standing up tall.

I like to hold Cresent Moon for 3 to 5 long slow breaths. Be patient; it takes time to develop time to develop the strength and flexibility to achieve enjoyable back-bends, especially if you have tightness in your shoulders. Remember to repeat on the other side.

Teacher Tip

If you feel unstable, press the top of your right foot into the floor, drawing your right hip forwards. Steady your breath to regain your balance.

Once you feel confident and want to try more challenging variations, you can bring the arms though into a cactus position and interlace your fingers as you stretch your arms back towards the back of your knee or heel. Or to challenge your balance, on your exhalation you can twist towards the bent knee, reaching the arms outwards at shoulder hight, and on your inhalation sweep downwards with the back arm in a big arc and as the hands come in alignment, sweep back up into low Crescent Moon Pose.

For those of you who feel like you would like to know more of the benefits of Low Crescent Moon Pose or how to incorporate this pose within your practice, join me at my studio and let me guide you into this fabulous pose, as nothing beats being taught in a small group class by me. Use this free pass code HPYFREECLASS. My gift to you.

www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk

Essex Multi-Academy Trust Reaches Milestone

On 1st May, Woodville Primary School became the 10th school to join the Chelmsford Learning Partnership (CLP), a multi-academy trust based in Essex. The primary school, located in South Woodham Ferrers, is the sixth primary school in the trust and serves more than 400 pupils in the local area.

Following a successful bid to the Department for Education, the trust now manages six primary schools, three secondary schools and one all-through school, serving more than 8,000 students in Essex. Its current schools include Barnes Farm Primary School, Lakelands Primary School, Perryfields Infant School, Roding Valley High School, Runwell Community Primary School, The Beaulieu Park School, The Boswells School, The Tyrrells Primary School and William de Ferrers School.

Paul Banks, Chief Executive Officer at the Chelmsford Learning Partnership, said: “Our vision at Chelmsford Learning Partnership is to offer a world-class education for every child, which is why we are delighted to welcome Woodville Primary School to join our trust.

“The school’s dedication to helping every child achieve their aspirations is clearly evidenced in its pupils’ outcomes and, importantly, their enjoyment in being at the school.

“Welcoming the school into our trust is particularly special for us as it marks our 10th school and is a testament to the positive contribution that we aim to make to the communities in Essex that we serve.”

As part of the trust, Woodville Primary School will benefit from the trust’s extensive and experienced school leadership, which includes a dedicated Director of Education - Primary, centralised support services and shared resources - plus additional staff training and development will also be made available to the school.

Jacqui Phillips, Headteacher at Woodville Primary School, said: “At Woodville, we are proud to be helping children to become confident, independent and successful learners.

“Our most recent Ofsted visit recognised our dedication and commitment to improving teaching and learning at the school and I am confident that the support from the trust will help us continue to build on the work we have done to nurture children who have a passion and enthusiasm for learning”.

To find out more about Chelmsford Learning Partnership, please visit www.clptrust.com.

Become a Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer!

We are looking for volunteers aged 14 or over to help children with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. Every year, thousands of children across the county come to the library to participate in a fun reading activity during the summer holidays. The challenge is to read 6 books and their reward is stickers and a medal. As a volunteer you’ll help library staff to:

• Join children to the Summer Reading Challenge.

• Talk to children (mainly aged 4 to 11) about their books.

• Hand out stickers and rewards.

You’ll have fun and gain new skills - and it’s great for your CV! Apply on our website today: libraries.essex.gov.uk/news/summerreading-challenge-volunteering.

Essex Book Festival Author Event

Internationally bestselling and multi-award-winning author, Chris Brookmyre and consultant anaesthetist Dr Marisa Haetzman are husband and wife creative duo - Ambrose Parry. They will be joining us to discuss the fifth and final instalment in their thrilling Raven and Fisher series, inspired by the fascinating historical facts Haetzman uncovered through her Master’s degree in the History of Medicine.

Crochet Club

Thinking about taking up a new hobby? Why not try learning crochet!? This fantastic crochet club is for anyone with any skill, whether you’re a beginner looking to start your crochet journey or a seasoned crochet expert wanting to socialise with fellow crocheters.

This event will include an audience Q&A and there will be an opportunity to get your book signed by the authors.

Join us on Friday 27th June at 7pm. Tickets cost £10 (£8 concessions for students, under 27s and unwaged).

Box Office: essexbookfestival. org.uk. Call the Mercury Theatre on 01206 573 948.

Join us every Tuesday and Saturday from 10am to 1pm - the group is free, no booking required. Please note that participants need to bring their own equipment and materials.

Celebrate Community Spirit at VOLFEST 2025 in Chelmsford High Street!

Chelmsford CVS is excited to invite everyone to VOLFEST 2025, taking place on Thursday, 5th June, right in the heart of Chelmsford High Street.

Now in its seventh year, VOLFEST marks National Volunteers Week by bringing together 50 local charities for a vibrant showcase of community action.

From 2019 to today, VOLFEST has become a cornerstone event for Chelmsford, highlighting the vital role that volunteers and local organisations play in supporting our city and helping you access the help you need.

• Learn how to access community services and support for you and your loved ones.

• Discover the inspiring work of local charities.

• Explore meaningful volunteering opportunities.

• Connect with the people making a difference in Chelmsford.

Lorraine Jarvis of Chelmsford CVS said, “Every year, there’s such a wonderful buzz in the High Street during VOLFEST. It’s inspiring to see our community come together, learn from each other, and

celebrate the strength of our local charity sector. Volunteering is lifeenhancing - and more important now than ever.”

Join us on 5th June to celebrate all things community! Find out more at: chelmsfordcvs.org.uk/volfest.

Volunteer With Friends at Broomfield Hospital

If you like to keep fit and would like to increase your daily step count, then read on!

Do you like meeting people? Then come and work on our Mobile Trolley Shop - we are looking for willing volunteers!

Two volunteers’ man the trolley for a couple of hours each weekday morning selling confectionery and drinks to patients, visitors and staff. This is a welcome sight for those patients who are unable to get to our shops and for staff who need a mid-morning snack!

You need to be physically fit and be confident in dealing with both cash and credit card transactions. Full training will be given. Please contact friends.fabh@gmail.com.

Friends at Broomfield Hospital is a registered charity (formerly the League of Friends of Broomfield Hospital).

Crafts - By Magali Ellis and Scrap-Circle

This month, I would like to talk about inks. To me, it is an essential part of my scrapbooking, but I have met scrapbookers who have never used inks at all.

Inks come in all colours and types: watercolour inks, water-based inks, and stazon type inks. All different and for different purposes.

Titles and Stamped Images

Maybe the most obvious use for inks is to stamp titles on my pages and use them with stamps, either directly onto the layout or onto a different card stock so that the images can be cut out and placed on 3D foam pads on the layout. This also applies to card making. It is effective as you can match the colour of the stamped images and titles to the main paper colours.

Inking Edges

At the beginning of my scrapbooking journey, I did not hold much thought about inking edges. I did think it might be a bit of a useless activity until I actually tried it and realised how much of a difference it makes - even black ink on black card. You can ink the edges of photos, cards or entire layouts. Inked edges can be neat (not my strength, I must admit!) or rough, grunge or messy (more my take!). These techniques can be used on scrapbooking layouts, on journalling and on cards too.

Making Backgrounds

Another use of inks is to make backgrounds: from splashes to whole

The Art Place @Meadows Shopping Centre

More than a shop - community, caring, learning, hope and love...

This month, The Art Place is showcasing the work of an up-and-coming local Chelmsford artist and providing a sneak previous into the latest art exhibition opening to the public at The Art Place in the Meadows Shopping Centre from 16th May to 10th August.

big ink puddles, it’s very versatile and it gives a depth to your layouts and cards. You will need an ink pad, a mat and some water. Maybe a paint brush too. Dab the ink pad on the mat. Spray some water and use the brush to mix it up.

For splashes, load the paint brush with the watery ink and tap the paint brush on a pair of scissors above the card stock you want to have splashes on. You will get different size splashes depending on whether you tap the paint brush with the scissors above or below it. You will get a fine spray or bigger splashes.

For bigger backgrounds, after you have mixed up the ink and water with the paint brush, leave as it is on the mat. Then turn the card stock over the watery ink on the mat. Then tap and lift over different areas of the page till the ink has gone. This will leave an irregular watercolour wash over the page. Let it dry before proceeding with the layout.

Both techniques can of course be combined with contrasting ink colours.

Messy but good fun! Why not have a go yourself? Maybe one of our £5 page projects can help you out? You will get everything you need to make the page - you only add your own photo and some glue! You can find them on sale at different local craft markets I attend, such as in Burnham-on-Crouch on the third Sunday every month (9am1pm) or at the Wickford Pamper and Gift evenings on the last Sunday of every month (5pm-9pm). Search for us on social media Facebook and Instagram for posts, and contact me from our website: www. scrap-circle.co.uk.

artistic world. You can follow his work on Instagram: @jacksondeanart.

Jackson is also a creative force who pushes the boundaries of traditional art, crafting pieces that are as thought-provoking as they are visually compelling. His art may divide opinion - and that’s exactly the point.

Exhibition: How We Live in Essex Through the Seasons Opens at Art Place on 16th May

Eccentric Artist From Chelmsford Creates Art Beyond Boundaries

Dean Jackson, a Chelmsford-based artist, is gaining attention for his dark, intricate and ‘strange and unusual’ works: “I prefer to create rather than simply paint...” he says.

Jackson uses acrylic on canvas while focusing on form and texture to tell unique visual stories. His recent piece - a transformed mannequin - exemplifies his experimental approach and has become a striking example of his modern style: “That’s just a glimpse of what’s in my head,” Jackson adds.

With a growing collection of distinctive pieces, many of which are for sale, Jackson continues to expand his

From 16th May to 10th August, the latest art exhibition opens to the public in the Meadows Shopping Centre in Chelmsford and will present How We Live In Essex Through the Seasons, led by University of Essex PhD candidate Lelia Ferro. Since 2018, Ferro has explored life in Essex through residencies, volunteering, interviews and community projects. Exploring themes of heritage, nature, place and climate change, the exhibition offers a moving portrait of how people in Essex live and change through the seasons.

The exhibition showcases her poetry alongside her collaborative work with local groups such as Tendring Community Writers, Jaywick Writers, and school children. These writings have inspired creative responses from emerging Essex artists, including photographer Dan Sceats, illustrator Louisa Charrington, textile artist Clare Sams and theatre director Sofia Bagge.

This article was written by Elena from EKM Gallery

For more information about The Art Place 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’.

Interior Design Tips for Your Home - By Tania Dadd

It’s All About Colour

This month I thought we could focus on colour drenching, as home decorating and DIY projects are in the forefront of our minds at this time of year.

The Bold Design Trend: Transforming Interiors

Colour drenching is an interior design trend that has gained significant popularity in recent years, characterised using a single colour in varying tones or a single shade throughout a space. This immersive approach goes beyond painting walls; it includes ceilings, woodwork, radiators, furniture and even soft furnishings in the same hue to create a seamless and impactful environment.

The idea behind colour drenching is to envelope a room in a singular colour narrative, producing a visually cohesive and emotionally resonant space. This technique is not merely about monochromatic aesthetics; it’s about using colour to influence mood, enhance space and bring a sense of unity to a room. Unlike accent walls or contrasting trims, colour drenching eliminates visual breaks, which can make a room feel larger, cosier, or more dramatic depending on the chosen shade.

One of the strongest appeals of colour drenching is its versatility. It works equally well in modern, minimalist settings as it does in more traditional or eclectic interiors. For example, drenching a living room in a deep navy or forest green can create a cocoon-like effect that is perfect for intimate, relaxing spaces. On the other hand, using soft pastels or neutral tones in a bedroom can evoke tranquility and spaciousness.

My tips for this month...

Choose the Right Colour

• Small rooms: Darker or mid-toned shades (like navy, forest green, aubergine) can create a cozy, enveloping effect.

• Large rooms: Lighter shades (like dusty pink, warm beige, or sage) can feel airy while still unified.

• Bold choices: Try terracotta, ochre, or petrol blue for dramatic spaces like dining rooms or home offices.

Include Multiple Surfaces

• Paint walls, ceilings, baseboards, crown mouldings and doors in the same or slightly varied tone.

• You can even include radiators, shelves, or skirting boards to make the space feel cocooned.

Use Finishes for Depth

• Play with different sheens: matte for walls, satin or gloss for trim and doors.

• Add texture with plaster effects, limewash, or textured wallpaper painted in the same shade.

Blend in Furniture and Decor

• Coordinate soft furnishings like curtains, sofas, or rugs in the same colour family.

• Use tonal variations (darker/lighter shades of the same hue) for layering and interest.

Lighting Matters

• Consider natural versus artificial light - some colours shift dramatically depending on lighting.

• Use warm bulbs to soften deep tones or cool lights to balance warmer shades.

Create a Focal Point

Even in a drenched room, consider using one contrasting piece - like a painting, plant, or metallic fixture - for visual balance.

If you would like any advice on interiors we offer a consultation free of charge.

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

We are living in remarkable times. Television coverage, newspapers, film and periodicals have been covering the current 80th Victory in Europe anniversary. It has been suggested that this special period in history may possibly be the last in which so people were able to contribute their factual memories of six years of their experiences of war. For many writers who specialise in nostalgia, the Second World War time frame is especially important, due to the current ages now of those who experienced warfare in all its inglorious ways.

Over many years, some of our Brentwood Writers’ Circle members have met, photographed and recorded memories of numerous Essex folk who were actually there and sadly lost countless loved ones in the process. These memories and photographs are now testament to many individuals who eventually appeared in some of our books, published by The History Press, Amberley Books and Francis Frith Books among other specialist publishers over subsequent years.

As I mentioned in an earlier issue, our Writers’ Circle was founded by a Brentwood writer, Elizabeth Baxter. On 1st May 1941. She was unable to attend her beloved Society of Women Writers & Journalists gathering at Stationers’ Hall near London’s Fleet Street which was due to heavy bombardment of the city the previous day - so this determined lady decided to start her own local writing circle. She advertised in the Brentwood Gazette to attract like-minded people,

and our famous Brentwood Writers’ Circle was born. Elizabeth’s first meeting in her Brentwood home brought just six writers, but membership grew.

Over the past 84 years we’ve happily welcomed talented guest speakers to our meetings and have been privileged to learn more about the duration of those dreadful years of World War ll.

Knowledge of our past is important and personally, as a writer and columnist for 33 years, I enjoyed interviewing hundreds of people for numerous Essex-based newspapers and journals, alongside producing a dozen books and anthologies.

My own personal ‘memory club’ created in 1993 brought more than a dozen war veterans to my regular gatherings, which eventually produced some fascinating personal memoirs as legacies for their families. Since those early days, ‘putting the past on paper’ is now a popular pastime, particularly linked to the two unforgettable world wars, but also makes ‘Lest we Forget’ a valuable watchword.

Brentwood Writers’ Circle meets monthly at Bardswell Social Club, Weald Road, CM15 9NN on Saturdays from 2.30pm - 4.30pm Full details on www.brentwoodwriterscircle.com.

www.sylviakent.blogspot.com

Where, exactly did Pope Francis die?

In Magic Roundabout, what type of animal is Dougal?

The Thousand-year rose, believed to be the oldest rose bush in the world, is located in which country?

How many feet long is a standard netball court?

What word connects gate, light and plain?

What did Ceylon change its name to in 1972?

What is the capital city of Finland?

The 188 highest mountains in the world are all found in which continent?

Which tennis legend was, during his career, known as the ‘Superbrat’?

The male of which crab species has one front claw far larger than the other?

Which Northern Hemisphere tree is also known as the Mountain Ash?

In terms of both numbers of stations and overall length, which is the shortest London Underground line?

Balmoral Castle is located in which country of the UK?

Osteology is the study of which part of the human body?

Which bone is also known as the patella?

Schwarz is German for what colour?

Author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson is better known by which pen name?

As sung about in The Sound of Music, what is the national flower of Switzerland?

How many years are there in 3 score and seven?

In which city was Byker Grove set?

Which land mammal has the longest tail?

The saxophone belongs to which family of musical instruments?

Which unusual bird cannot fly, has hair-like feathers, strong legs and no tail and is a national icon of New Zealand?

In 2021, which actor became the oldest person to travel into space at the age of 90?

What two words are missing regarding these movies from the same film franchise ..... .. Camping, ..... .. Doctor and ..... .. up the Kyber?

In the Bible, who was said to have parted the Red Sea?

We call them crisps, what do the Americans call them?

The Ishihara Test is used to detect what human fault?

Which Australian model was given the nickname ‘The Body’ by Time magazine in 1989?

How many bottles are there in a magnum?

Which wax museum opened in London in 1835?

What is the name of the official news publication of The Salvation Army?

What is the day after Shrove Tuesday called?

What are the sand hazards on a golf course usually called?

What was the name of The Hunchback of Notre Dame?

Miso soup comes from which country?

In which forest is the legend of Robin Hood centred?

What is the central tower of a castle called?

In which month is Halloween?

How many sides does a rhombus have?

Scientists Find Strongest Evidence Yet of Life on Distant Planet

A Cambridge team studying the atmosphere of a planet called K2-18b has detected signs of molecules which on Earth are only produced by simple organisms. This was detected in the planet’s atmosphere by Nasa’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

The lead researcher, Professor Nikku Madhusudhan, at Cambridge University’s Institute of Astronomy, hopes to obtain the clinching evidence soon: “This is the strongest evidence yet that there is the possibility of life out there. I can realistically say that we can confirm this signal within one to two years.”

K2-18b is two-and-a-half times the size of Earth and is 124 light years distant - a distance far beyond what any human could travel in a lifetime.

It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

Youngest Grumpy Old Man

I would urge readers to read a book. An actual paper printed version. I’m an avid book, magazine and newspaper reader. I took to reading more in lockdown. I love to read a book in a relaxing bath.

Reading stimulates the brain, a dying art. Reading expands our vocabulary, strengthens our analytical thinking skills. It also gives us a mental health boost.

It’s a type of escapism, transporting us to a different time, places and perspectives. Helps us empathise with others. A book is a treasure trove of knowledge. Someone showings you things you did not know.

When I was a lot younger I read Mr Men books and the lesser known Garden Gang books too. I believe I received Mr Greedy as my first Mr Men book and my sister got Mr Tickle, my brother I think got Mr Impossible. With The Garden Gang books I think I got Percival Pea and Polly Pomegranate. Also liked and loved reading The BFG by Roald Dahl and Gobbolino the Witch’s Cat. There was also one called A. Mazing Monsters - I received Big Nose. These were written by Jim Slater.

Just lately I have read Conclave by Robert Harris. It took a while to get in to it, but once you got going even further within, it was a breeze to read.

I do love to read a book with a television tie-in. I just finished reading a Lynda La Plante Trial and Retribution one. I have seen a fair few of the Trial and Retribution TV episodes. I do like to compare the book and TV versions of the same thing; they always seem to have a few little differences between each other.

I’m not much of a fan of romantic novels, but do seem to like detective and mystery novels. I’m okay with science fiction but it’s not my favourite. I like some biography’s but not all. I’m not too much of a fan of long books, say 500 plus pages. An average of late 200/300 pages seem to be my happy space of books.

I like some autobiographies too. David Jason did one called This Time Next Year we will be millionaires. It was fun and the stuff he talked about was interesting.

Looking north, we see the constellation of Cassiopeia, shaped like a ‘W’ managing to feature in the 1963 Stanley Kramer movie, It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

Jimmy Durante’s character, Smiler Grogan, is to share the location of buried treasure on a San Diego beach. Shortly before he dies, Smiler indicates that the way to find the treasure is to look under the Big W.

Top left of the Big W is a star, HIP 8886 - 458 light years from Earth. Bottom left is Ruchbah, HIP 6686 - 99 light years. Navi, HIP 4427 - 613 light years. Shedar, or Shedir, HIP 3179 - 228 light years and finally, top right is Caph, HIP 746 - 551 light years.

New Moon: On May 27th, June 25th and July 24th, there will be a new Moon. This means the skies will be extra dark which is a great opportunity to see planets, galaxies and deep space objects.

As usual, email me with any questions.

The Retro Chart Show with Mark Willis every Monday morning at 10am on Chelmsford Community Radio at 104.4 FM and online at www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

mark.willis@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

The current book I’m reading is a little different from the norm. It’s Our Ladbaby Journey and it’s written as they speak. Some of Ladbaby stuff they say resonates from my childhood, so it’s a bit like an autobiography too.