The City Times - October/November 2025 by Itsyourmedia

Chelmsford, Hatfield Peverel, Danbury, Great Baddow, Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers, Stock, Ongar, The Walthams, Ingatestone & Dengie

City Times Intro

Hello readers,

Welcome to The City Times October/November magazine. This is our 144th edition, making this our 12-year anniversary copy.

Our What’s On pages are full to the brim with events - note that we have both Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night coming up!

Our last full edition before Christmas will be out from the 15th November - to advertise call Nick on 07970 206 682 for pricing and availability. We currently have no front pages available until 2027.

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

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.

Would you believe it, this is our 144th edition meaning The City Times is twelve years old now. We have never stopped publishing, even during lockdown we continued to publish online. We are both so proud of the magazine and it is with thanks to our readers and to our contributors and also our advertisers for keeping us going. The Moulsham Times started in January of 2013 so that will shortly be coming up to thirteen years old, and again we thank you all.

We have recently had the Indian Takeaway Awards and once again Kaani Kanna takeaways in Chelmsford has won it for the second year running. Well done.

It does seem that many local food outlets are winning awards, so a very good reason to eat out or get a takeaway! We also have a new Caribbean restaurant and takeaway just opening called One Love (see their advert on the page opposite) and there is also a new bar opening in the market called Bubbles (see their advert on page 7), as well as Titus, the southern Indian restaurant and takeaway in Moulsham Street, which I did eat in the other week and thoroughly enjoyed it and it was great value for money as well as being friendly.

We’re well into autumn now, with Halloween and Guy Fawkes coming up and of course, half term. I am just hoping for silent or quieter fireworks this year to save all the poor creatures and people from suffering too much.

I did notice when I was in Chelmsford Meadows that a Christmas shop has opened already. I am sorry that is just wrong, it is far too early for that! What do you think?

We recently had the Burnham Carnival happening, which I wish I could have attended, as I’ve been in the past and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have also just heard that the Museum of Chelmsford has been awarded a grant of £236,000 - you can read more about this in this publication.

Music

I have been busy booking and confirming shows for next year at both of the venues I use - please visit blackfrogpresents.com to see who we have confirmed so far. I have quite a lot of new acts coming through as well as some of our favourites. We have just 20 shows left for this year with 9 at the Social Club and 11 remaining at Hot Box, so still plenty for you to come and enjoy. Do please remember that you can always pre-book any of our shows without paying commission with a call or a text to 07508 496 411 and then just pay cash or card at the door on entry.

I would suggest, as always, that if you do not recognise an artist then you can check them out on YouTube, especially for next year as there are so many new acts, with almost half confirmed for the Social Club being new - like the Soho Dukes; if you like the Blockheads we think these will be for you. We also have The Paul McCartney Project who play Paul’s solo music and Wings songs. Then there is John Otway and Wild Willie Barrett who have not played here together since the ’70s. Fleeting Rumours are said to be the best at playing Fleetwood Mac songs both old and new. And if you are a Rush fan then Bravado will be for you. We have all this booked already, plus many more to come for both venues.

I recently went to see Debbie Bond at Barleylands and I really enjoyed

her and her band - and I am of course hoping to book her. I also went there to see Richard Townend and his Mighty Bosscats - they are so good, and again I really enjoyed it.

I have also been to Colchester to see FM play with Brave Rival as guests. What a show - both bands were fantastic and I hope to get them both to play here. I then went to a new venue in London in Kings Cross called Kings Place to see Connor Selby and his band play their new album launch for The Truth Comes Out, along with a brass section. What a fantastic show that was, and I cannot wait to see him when he plays for us at the end of November.

We also had Martin Turner play for us the other week and he was on fire as was his band - many said they thought it was possibly the best show they have seem them play. From France we had Franck Carducci and the Fantastic Squad. They are fantastic and we all loved them and we really want them back at some point. Next we had John Otway and his band performing at Hot Box, which was brilliant as ever and I’ve rebooked them.

On the Sunday it was time for some folk with Odette Michell and Craig Joiner - two superb artists and both rebooked. Then I was back to the Social Club for Transmission who play Joy Division - this was another great show. Then it was back to Hot Box for Chris Rand and the Heavy Weather, which was another fine show, but a shame we did not have more people in.

At the same venue we had The Dirt Road Band - great stuff and yes, rebooked. On the Sunday again at Hot Box it was time for Mississippi MacDonald and his band - another we are going to rebook.

So, after all this excitement and having had my birthday as well, I am finding it a little hard to contain myself. I suppose I will just have to carry on as usual! Keep your eyes and ears open and check out the adverts in this edition to see what’s coming up, also see the What’s On guide for more happening in and around the area.

Please do remember to support all live events whatever it might be, especially in your local area to help keep events, the acts, as well as the venues going - and if you can, please do 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, 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. If you know of someone who may wish to advertise with us, 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 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 then pay the advance price on entry without paying any commission, 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.

City Times Food!

This Is Halloween, Everyone Make a Scene! October is and always been my favourite month. I love cosy nights in with a stew and crusty bread, baggy jumpers and yes, pumpkin spiced lattes are in at Starbucks!

As you may have guessed we love Halloween - and what arrives with Halloween? Pumpkins!

I’ve seen a lot of Halloween-themed afternoon teas. The Roslin Beach Hotel in Southend has a great afternoon tea running from 31st October till the 2nd November.

I do love this time of year, as the restaurants change their menus and we are seeing lots of risottos, hearty soups, stews and pies.

The taste of a pumpkin can often be very bland, so I tend to add flavours to it to enhance it. Also I like to add other squashes such as butternut squash when making pumpkin soup to get a more rich flavour.

You can also eat the whole pumpkin (except the stalk), which a lot of people do not know. You can roast the seeds which go lovely on salads, you can add the stringy orange insides (I can’t actually find out

what the name for this is!) to soups and stews to thicken. You can also eat the skin of squashes, but it doesn’t have a great taste so I would remove this. However, if roasting there is no need to as you can just eat around it.

Roasted pumpkin can be a great addition to lots of meals; you can add sweet flavours by adding spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice and vanilla, or sweet ingredients like chocolate, maple, honey, cranberries or brown sugar. Create savoury dishes by pairing pumpkin with spices like chillies, cajun, cayenne or pepper. This can be added to curries, salads or eaten on its own.

My recipe this month has to be my pumpkin soup. I first made this recipe when I worked in a pub where we seeved it at Halloween. It went down so well and I have been making it every year since.

Halloween Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

• Olive oil.

• 2 onions, chopped.

• 1kg of pumpkin and butternut squash, peeled and cut into cubes.

• 700ml stock.

• 150ml double cream.

Method

Heat your olive oil in a large pan then gently cook the onions for 5 minutes until soft, but not coloured.

Add 1kg pumpkin or squash, cut into chunks, to the pan, then carry on cooking for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it starts to soften and turn golden.

Pour 700ml vegetable or chicken stock into the pan and season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 minutes until the squash is very soft.

Pour 150ml double cream into the pan and bring back to the boil, then purée with a hand blender or food processor. The soup can now be frozen for up to 2 months.

I like to toast some of the pumpkin seeds to go on top. If you don’t want to use pumpkin you can just use squash, or even parsnips.

A Perfect Day in Chelmsford - By Freddie Trevanion

What’s your perfect Saturday? For me, it is filled with the simple things in life, such as exploring new places and spending time with friends. So on a sunny day in early autumn, I caught a train to Chelmsford city and do exactly that...

Fresh out of the station, I am pleasantly greeted by a hive of activity, with people visiting the many shops and cafés the town has to offer. To start my day’s adventures, I make a beeline for Chelmsford Cathedral, which is the second smallest in the country.

The gothic cathedral dates back to the 13th century and is open to the public seven days a week. It looks splendid in the autumnal sunshine and the church gardens are positively colourful with chrysanthemums and dahlias.

With the sun still shining, I decide to explore more of the city’s natural splendour. Arriving in Bell Meadow Park, I take a ramble along the River Can, enjoying the ducks bobbing in and out of the water. The park is filled with families and dog-walkers taking advantage of the weather, and after 10 minutes of strolling and listening to the birds, I forget I’m actually in a city.

After my busy morning exploring, I head to the High Street, where my senses are overcome with cocoa as I pass Hotel Chocolat. However, fancying a tea instead, I enter the Tiptree at Bond Street tearoom,

run by the Essex Tiptree Jam Company. Fortunately, an outside seat is available, so I enjoy a cuppa and a scone while watching the world go by in full swing. For jam lovers, this is a must-visit, as you can try speciality conserves such as damson, greengage and even quince, accompanied by a generous dollop of cream.

Upon a friend's recommendation, I leave the tearoom and visit the Chelmer Fine Art centre, where I spend an hour enjoying and learning about the modern art pieces the gallery has to offer. From there, I meet a friend to catch up over lunch, and they recommend we pick up some street food from the High Street Market. Each of us ended up with a piping hot katsu curry in our hands and we take a seat on a bench by the Chelmer River, both of us very contented.

After bidding my friend farewell, I am determined to tick off one more objective before heading home. I hop on a bus to Hylands Park in Writtle, where I soak up the remainder of the afternoon sun in the picturesque grounds. I am taken aback by the grandeur of Hylands House, which despite being from Essex, I’m seeing for the first time.

Feeling exhausted yet satisfied from my busy day exploring Chelmsford and its surrounding areas, I pick up a creamy latte for my ride home. On the train, I look back on my day out, from the cathedral to Bell Meadow Park, from the High Street to Hylands Estate, I think to myself, ‘there is no other way I’d rather have spent my day...’

With just eight weeks of open days remaining before the winter shut-down, Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is gearing up to offer a warm welcome to its final events of 2025 – with family activities, Christmas crafts and festive lunches on the menu.

On Saturday 18 October, families are invited to join in with fun additional activities included in the normal admission price, linked in with the Museum’s Feeding the Nation: Fighting Without Flying exhibition which opened in the spring. Celebrating the site’s World War Two history as a working farm, drop-in family activities from 11am to 3pm will include making honey biscuits from a WW2 recipe. Youngsters will also be invited to explore Potato Pete and Dr Carrot, key figures in the Dig for Victory campaign, including cooking with the root vegetables grown on the site’s allotment.

Then, during half-term, families are invited to a Woodland Nature Activity Day on Friday 31 October, centred around the Aerodrome’s protected woodland areas. Throughout the day,

Nature Guides will help families to discover some of the site’s flora and fauna, with activities including a leaf trail, fungi hunting, bark and leaf rubbing, a mini-beast safari, learning about hornets, autumn arts and crafts and even dissecting owl pellets to find out what the local birds of prey have been having for their dinner! Nature activities will be running throughout the day on a drop-in basis, included in the standard admission price.

Now the weather has turned cooler, Stow is once again hosting Sunday Roasts in The Airmen’s Mess café, every Sunday until 7 December. Served from 12 noon (until it runs out) there is a choice of two meat roasts or a vegan nut roast, served with seasonal vegetables, delicious roast potatoes, and trimmings such as Yorkshire puddings, stuffing or apple sauce. Two fantastic winter warmer desserts are also available. Large and smaller appetites are catered for, with main courses costing £10.95 for a small Sunday Roast and £15.95 for a large portion. Two courses cost £14.95/£19.95.

Admission to The Airmen’s Mess café and Museum shop is free except on major event days.

Or for something special, how about Christmas lunch in the historic atmosphere of the 1917 airmen’s mess? Two or three courses, including roasted pumpkin soup from vegetables grown on the WW2 allotment, hand-carved roast turkey, salmon with lemon and dill or spiced vegetable pie for main course, and Christmas pudding or sticky toffee pudding for dessert, followed by mince pie and coffee. Available on Thursday 20 November and Thursday 4 December, from £40 a head.

On a more sensitive note, Sunday 9 November sees the traditional Remembrance Parade at Stow, when a wide range of dignitaries, members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and uniformed organisations will pay their respects at the Aerodrome’s war memorial. There is no admission charge for the ceremony, but the free tickets must be booked in advance.

Finally, Saturday 29 November is the date for Christmas at Stow, a festive event featuring craft stalls, children’s activities and music centred around The Airmen’s Mess café. Full details coming soon, but put the date in your diary!

Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, comments: “Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is a great place to visit as the weather gets colder, as our fascinating exhibitions and aircraft hangars are all undercover. You are guaranteed a warm welcome in The Airmen’s Mess café, especially on a Sunday when our delicious roast dinners are becoming a local favourite, and we are expecting a sell-out for our superb Christmas lunches.”

Normal opening hours for Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm. The final opening day of the season will be on Sunday 7 December, with the Museum reopening midFebruary. See www.stowmaries. org.uk for more information.

A Warm Welcome to Autumn and Winter at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome

Autumn is one of the most rewarding times in the garden, with crisp air, rich foliage and warm tones from the leaves berries, and late flowers. With a little planning, you can extend the season of interest and prepare your garden for the months ahead.

Enhancing Autumn Colour

Bring warmth and vibrancy to your garden with fiery foliage and lateflowering plants.

Select reliable autumn performers:

• Trees/shrubs: Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ (brilliant scarlet foliage), Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ (red winter stems), Euonymus alatus (flaming red leaves).

• Perennials: Helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’ (deep orange), Symphyotrichum novae-angliae ‘Purple Dome’ (late purple blooms), Hylotelephium spectabile (pink-bronze flowers).

• Plant in groups for impact: Mass plantings of similar tones (reds, golds, and purples) look cohesive and dramatic.

• Feed and mulch: Apply an autumn mulch of well-rotted compost to lock in soil warmth and improve structure.

• Tidy but don’t overdo it: Leave seed heads on plants like Echinacea and Miscanthus - they provide texture and food for wildlife.

For me, I find that its useful to layer your colours - combine trees for height, shrubs for structure, and perennials for ground-level colour. Contrast warm foliage against evergreens like Taxus baccata or Sarcococca confusa for balance.

Simple Autumn Propagation

Autumn is a great time to make new plants from those you already

have. Cooler temperatures and moist soil mean cuttings and divisions establish well.

Taking Semi-Ripe Cuttings (Eg, Lavandula Angustifolia)

• Choose healthy, non-flowering shoots about 10cm long.

• Trim just below a leaf node and remove the lower leaves.

• Dip in rooting hormone and insert into a pot of gritty compost.

• Water lightly and cover with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity.

• Place in a bright, frost-free spot until rooted (6-8 weeks).

Dividing Perennials (Eg, Hemerocallis or Geranium)

• Lift the clump carefully with a fork.

• Use a sharp knife or spade to divide it into smaller sections, each with roots and shoots.

• Replant divisions at the same depth, water well, and mulch to conserve moisture.

• Don’t forget to label everything! In autumn it’s easy to forget what’s what once the leaves fall. Use durable labels and note the date of propagation.

Autumn Lawn Care

After summer wear, lawns benefit from a little attention to stay healthy and green through winter.

• Rake out thatch and moss: Use a spring-tine rake or scarifier to remove debris and allow air to reach the roots.

• Aerate the soil: Spike with a garden fork every 10-15cm to improve drainage and reduce compaction.

Overseed Thin Patches

• Choose a mix suited to your garden: Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass) for hard-wearing lawns, or Festuca rubra (fine fescue) for shade and texture.

• Lightly rake in seed and keep moist until germination.

• Feed with an autumn lawn fertiliser: Use one low in nitrogen and high in potassium to strengthen roots and improve winter hardiness.

• Mow less often: Gradually lower the frequency but keep blades sharp for a clean cut.

• Avoid heavy use in wet weather - walking on saturated grass compacts the soil and can cause bare patches that moss will quickly invade.

Final Thoughts

Autumn is the gardener’s bridge between seasons - a time to celebrate colour, nurture the soil and plan for renewal. A few wellchosen plants, a little propagation and some mindful lawn care can keep your garden glowing right into winter.

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.

Open daily until 23rd December

FREE Entry - No tickets needed FREE Parking

The German Market hosts over 30 handcrafted stalls adorned with handpicked, high-quality artisan products.

Inspired by traditional German Markets, you will be captivated by the sights sounds and smells of the market, with irresistible seasonal treats and unique yuletide gifts and decorations

Bratwurst Hut

Serving Bratwurst, Sauerkraut,German Beers, fries and much more!

Sweet Hut

Serv ing Sc hokokusse, Crumble, Choc olates, Strudel, Glühwein and more!

Bavarian Curling

Enj oy a game of one of the oldest winter sports!

Growing in South Woodham since the 1890’s An award-winning family business

Meadow Croo Garden Centre, Woodham Road, Battlesbridge, Wickford, SS11 7QU

There was a palpable buzz at Eggar’s London showroom as leading figures from the kitchen design world gathered to meet one of Britain’s most recognisable design icons, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. Known for his bold style and love of expressive interiors, Laurence was there to unveil his new kitchen range, a collection that effortlessly blends drama, elegance and everyday practicality.

Representing Regal Kitchens were senior designers Stacey and John, who had personally received a letter inviting them to the exclusive launch. Both were thrilled to attend, joining fellow industry professionals to explore the creative thinking behind Laurence’s latest collaboration with Eggar.

Laurence spoke passionately about his philosophy of design, emphasising that the kitchen is far more than a place to cook - it is the emotional and social heart of the home: “Design isn’t just about how something looks,” he explained. “It’s about how it makes you feel. A great kitchen doesn’t just perform well - it transforms the way you live.”

The new range reflects that ethos perfectly. Luxurious finishes, bold textures and elegant detailing are paired with clever functionality, creating kitchens that are as practical as they are beautiful. From hidden pull-outs and discreet corner units to smart internal storage systems, the collection demonstrates how thoughtful design enhances both style and usability.

For Stacey and John, the event highlighted how innovation and craftsmanship continue to drive the industry forward. With kitchens now serving as social hubs, family spaces and creative centres, intelligent storage and well-planned layouts are essential elements of modern design.

Laurence summed it up perfectly: “A well-designed kitchen doesn’t just look beautiful - it works beautifully too.”

The Eggar London launch was more than a product unveiling, it was

a celebration of creativity, collaboration and the enduring importance of inspired design. For Stacey and John, the personal invitation was a reminder of Regal Kitchens’ dedication to excellence and innovation, ensuring every project combines elegance, functionality and style.

Regal Kitchens - award-winning kitchen specialists based in Essex, delivering design, quality and craftsmanship in every project.

Jaguar Land Rover Suffers Massive Cyber Attack

When car manufacturing is running smoothly, the result is impressive. I never expected that I would enjoy a visit to Nissan Motor Manufacturing Sunderland until I was asked to visit whilst working for Nissan. The factory is huge and the land it sits on is staggeringly enormous. We would learn that each part of the factory is meticulously timed with the result that the next area of manufacture is awaiting the previous results to go unhindered. Small robots, reminiscent of K9 from Dr Who, are whizzing about carrying small items to each department - just avoid standing over the yellow lines and getting in their way. The factory is clean, efficient and a miracle of well thought out and carefully put together moments that go into car manufacturing. And it’s gigantic. Nissan Sunderland, depending on demand, can run for 24 hours with shift work and employs around 7,000 staff with over 100 cars produced every hour.

Going hand-in-hand with this impressive efficiency are numerous manufacturing partners, often local where possible, or parts are imported from elsewhere within the UK or are shipped in from abroad. While the manufacturing process looks massive and unstoppable, it relies heavily on everything falling into place at exactly the right time to make each car build go to plan. But the factory is an iceberg; what we see is impressive, but the logistics that we don’t see are what keeps it afloat. It reminds me of the butterfly effect - by simply gently flapping its wings perhaps a butterfly can change things far away. Chaos theory. And a car-making factory is this: an accumulation of everything that comes before the current moment.

I visited the factory at least three times, and I highly recommend it (you can indeed book a day trip to visit). Though I do wonder if those that carried out the recent Jaguar Land Rover cyber-attack would have been even remotely aware of the sensitive nature of how each section - from factory manufacturing sections to importers and UK-based and worldwide collaborative partners - relies on smooth interaction. The stopping of production for any automotive factory is a massive deal and results in a colossal loss of money.

Jaguar Land Rover manufacturing has been closed for close to a month now, which is simply unheard of. Factories in the UK, India, Brazil and Slovakia have all been affected.

If you think back to how affected the Co-op was following a cyberattack earlier in the year, you might begin to get an inkling as to how catastrophic this particular attack has become. The good news is that the UK government is stepping up with a loan of £1.5 billion with the

loan to be paid back over five years. Citigroup and Mitsubishi UFJ in Japan, along with Britain’s Standard Charted Bank is, along with the government, providing a total of £3.5 billion for Jaguar Land Rover to mitigate the disaster and move forward. Creditsights, who are a debt rating agency, suggested that the company losses could amount to around £2.6 billion for just this month-long closure. Quite staggering, but this is the extent of car manufacturing in the modern age, and why governments across the world are so eager (though perhaps not keen) to bail out the automotive manufacturing industry where required.

Business secretary Peter Kyle has suggested that these funds will, very importantly, guarantee that the supply chain - which can often consist of surprisingly small firms - gets support. It will also enable JLR to honour invoices that have been due since the attack commenced. Though it has been suggested that doubts remain over whether the companies that rely on (finished) JLR product will be left out of the financial loop and potentially suffer in the short-term future.

Soberingly, and quite correctly, the President of Confederation of British Metalforming, Stephen Morley, has stated that all the tiers of suppliers must be compensated too, as the smaller tier 2 suppliers, which might be very small individual businesses, can if they hit a crisis, potentially halt the manufacturing process of JLR. The JLR Wolverhampton factory is due to tentatively begin working again shortly, while the rest of the factory workers remain waiting for further news as to when they can go back to work.

In 2023 JLR outsourced part of its online systems to TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) for £800 million for a 5-year term. Tata, along with JLR, were at the forefront of increasing the sophistication of the online systems allowing for ‘smart factories’ where all things are connected. Incidentally, Tata also works alongside the Co-op - and M&S who also suffered a cyber incident. Arrests have been made regarding the latter two company incidents, with suggestions that those involved might be connected to a hacking community named Scattered Spider. While ransomware attacks are most common in such situations, JLR has not confirmed the nature of this attack.

Sean Neylon

Courtesy of Smart Motoring magazine smart-motoring.com

Images: jlr.com

Meet Lovely Lynne - Bringing Creativity and Community Spirit to Your Tuesdays Lynne became part of our station family in 2024, joining us after making the move to Chelmsford from the fair green isle. With her bright energy and deep love for the arts, she has quickly become a much-loved voice on the airwaves.

A retired drama teacher, Lynne’s passion for creativity and performance still shines through everything she does.

She has always been an avid supporter of the arts, with a special place in her heart for musical theatre. On her Tuesday lunchtime show she brings that enthusiasm directly to listeners with her popular feature, the Showtune of the Week.

Each week she shares a little background about her chosen piecewhether a golden classic from the West End, a Broadway favourite, or even a hidden gem that deserves more attention - before letting the music do the talking. It’s a moment of joy for musical lovers and a lovely way to introduce newcomers to the world of showtunes.

Introducing... Lynne

But Lynne’s connection to Chelmsford goes far beyond the radio studio. Always out and about, she has a keen eye on the wide range of events taking place across our vibrant city. From cultural performances to local fairs, she makes a point of attending and supporting many of them in person.

On her show, she happily promotes these events, giving local organisations and businesses a welcome spotlight. If you’re involved in an event and would like a mention, Lynne is always eager to hear from you - her show is the perfect platform to spread the word and strengthen our local community spirit.

True to her nickname, Lovely Lynne is forever a busy bee. When she’s not on air or attending events, she can often be found enjoying long walks, keeping active and soaking up the outdoors. She also dedicates her time to volunteering in a local charity shop, where her warmth and friendliness shine just as brightly off-air as they do on it.

Her commitment to community is further reflected in her involvement with local organisations. She is a proud member of the Chelmsford Soroptimists, a service group working to improve the lives of women and girls, as well as the Tea & Tiaras Women’s Institute, where she enjoys friendship, creativity and plenty of laughter.

Whether she’s championing local events, celebrating the magic of musical theatre, or simply sharing her joy for life, Lynne brings an infectious positivity that makes her show a must-listen.

Tune in to Lynne every Tuesday from 12 noon for uplifting music, community news and a weekly dose of showbiz sparkle.

Apart from City Sound being namechecked live on Radio 2 by venue owner Dave Hughes for our series of collaborative live New Music Wednesday broadcasts, Paul Dupree spoke to Jo and BBC Introducing head honcho in Essex and Cambs, Matt Plumb, about the importance of keeping grassroots music and venues alive.

It’s been a big month for the last Essex summer festivals, and City Sound presenters were around at two of the biggest.

The BBC held their Party In The Park at Hylands Park, preceded by a live broadcast of Jo Whiley’s early evening show from Chelmsford’s Hot Box venue.

We continue the series on October 22nd with Essex bands The March

Fleet and Antelope on stage and broadcast live.

City Sound were also present at the punk, ska and alternative music festival, Undercover at Battlesbridge, where we were in the middle of the action with our own stall. Nearly 30 acts performed across two stages over two days at The Showground.

Look out for our future activities around the city, including the Overdrive show’s first anniversary party, live music and broadcast from Radio City Social on January 16th .

If you would like any topic raised on air, or use our facilities to make a point, or perform to our growing audience, or a feature on you or your business, or advertise regularly for a small fee, let us know at studio@citysound.radio.

Catch us live 24/7 on citysound.radio, on our website, on our app downloadable from your app store, on your smart speaker (‘play City Sound Radio’), or on numerous radio apps.

City Sound - The Voice Of Chelmsford

October

Wednesday 15th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

Bootmaker - Salsa dancing

Chelmsford Theatre - Joel Dommett: Happy Idiot

Chelmsford Theatre - Sh!!faced Shakespeare: Hamlet

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - The Big Music Quiz

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

Thursday 16th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening

Chelmsford Theatre - Sh!tfaced Shakespeare: Hamlet

Chelmsford Theatre - Night Terrors: The Ghost Stories of EF Benson Courtyard - Karaoke

The George, Witham - Quiz Night

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

Hot Box - Hibushibire + KULK

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

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 17th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Vegaband

Chelmsford Theatre - The Sensational Sixites

Chelmsford Theatre - Carl Hutchinson: Greatest Hits

Hot Box - Jess Silk + The Skraelings Acoustic

Saturday 18th

Chelmsford Theatre - Queenz: Drag Me to the Disco!

Chelmsford Theatre - Monty Python and the Foley Grail

The George (Witham) - Jukebox Live

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

Hot Box - Movie Soundtrack Artfernoon (1pm)

Hot Box - No Joy

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am - 1pm)

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Wickham Bishops VIllage Hall - Wickham Bishops Jazz Club: Hugh

Crozier’s Incredibles (contact Pete: 07548 775 777)

Sunday 19th

Chelmsford Theatre - Luthor

Chelmsford Theatre - Cally Beaton: Namaste Mother*******

Hot Box - Blues Box at Hot Box: Wreckless Eric

Monday 20th

The Ale House - Beery Bingo

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

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

The Wheatsheaf - Club

Tuesday 21st

Chelmsford Theatre - Fun Kids Science Weekly Live!

Hot Box - The Only Way is Melee

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

Wednesday 22nd

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

Bootmaker - Salsa Dancing

Chelmsford Theatre - Round the Home

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Wednesday 22nd (continued...)

Hot Box - New Music Wednesdays: The March Fleet + Antelope

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music Supper

Club: TJ Johnson Quintet (7.45pm - to book call Phil: 07850 607 075)

Thursday 23rd

Chelmsford Theatre - Walk Right Back

Chelmsford Theatre - Glenn Moore: Please Sir, Glenn I Have Some Moore?

The George (Witham) - Quiz Night

Hot Box - Roulette

Friday 24th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Kossoff... the Band Plays On

Chelmsford Theatre - The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

Chelmsford Theatre - Revenge after the Levoyah

Hot Box - Asbetos Salesman

Saturday 25th

Chelmsford Theatre - Wifi Wars

Chelmsford Theatre - The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

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

Hot Box - The Brian and Friends Jazz Esemble (2pm)

Hot Baox - Foxymop

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am - 1pm)

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 26th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - China Crisis

Chelmsford Theatre - Gordon Giltrap & John Etheridge: 2 Parts Guitar

Chelmsford Theatre - The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

Hot Box - Blues Box at Hot Box: Creedence Rising

Monday 27th

Ale House - Beery Bingo

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

Chelmsford Theatre - The Ripper Files

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 28th

Bootmaker - Quiz Night

Chelmsford Theatre - Kevin Bloody Wilson: The DiLLiGAF Guy Chelmsford Theatre - We are the Lions, Mr Manager

Hot Box - Chelmsford Creative Collective Monthly Meet Up

Hot Box - Hot Box Waxes Lyrical

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 29th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

Bootmaker - Salsa dancing

Chelmsford Theatre - Cirque: The Greatest Show

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - Blues Box at Hot Box: James Oliver Band with Norman WattRoy

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

Thursday 30th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening

Chelmsford Theatre - Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show

Chelmsford Theatre - Neil Delamere

Chelmsford Theatre - Mark Steel: The Leopard in my House

Courtyard - Karaoke

The George, Witham - Quiz Night

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

Hot Box - Independence

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Thursday 30th (continued...)

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

Friday 31st

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Hells Bells play AC/DC

Chelmsford Theatre - Discovering Antartica Hot Box - HotHaus Drag: Monster Haus

November

Saturday 1st

The Meadows Shopping Centre - Record Fair

Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) Hot Box -The Old Guard IV

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am - 1pm)

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

St Mary’s Church (Maldon) - Christmas Fayre (10am - 4pm) + Children’s Art Competition (www.stmarysmaldon.org.uk)

Sunday 2nd

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - NT Live: Mrs Warren’s Profession Chelmsford Theatre - I’s Still Here (15)

Hot Box - Blues Box at Hot Box: Krissy Matthews Band

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning

Monday 3rd

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 4th

Bootmaker - Quiz Night

Hot Box - Open Mic Night

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

Patch - The Gunpowder Plot Talk (email info@chelmsfordcivicsociety. co.uk to book)

Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660)

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 5th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

Bootmaker - Salsa dancing

Chelmsford Theatre - Tom Houghton: Deep Chelmsford Theatre - Nativity! The Musical The Golden Fleece - Karaoke Hot Box - Heathen Apostles (ft Chopper from The Cramps) 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: Ray Gelato & The Giants (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

Thursday 6th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - Nativity! The Musical Chelmsford Theatre - Journey to the Centre of the Earth Courtyard - Karaoke

The George, Witham - Quiz Night

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

Hot Box - Hawklords Faith Tour

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

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 7th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Deborah Bonham Band

Chelmsford Theatre - Nativity! The Musical Chelmsford Theatre - Ria Lina: Riabellion

Hot Box - Snakes + Agita + Sam Milne

Saturday 8th

Chelmsford Theatre - Nativity! The Musical

Chelmsford Theatre - Hal Cruttenden: Can Dish It Out but Can’t Take It

The Compasses - Karaoke

Saturday 8th (continued...)

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

Hot Box - Samantics

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am - 1pm)

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 9th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - Ultimate Film Concert with Docklands Sinfonia

Regal Kitchens - Cooking and book signing with Anurag Aggarwal

Monday 10th

Chelmsford Theatre - The Overtones Christmas Tour

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Hot Box - Blues Box at Hot Box: Martin Harley

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

The Wheatsheaf - Club

Tuesday 11th

Bootmaker - Quiz Night

Chelmsford Theatre - Step in to Christmas

Chelmsford Theatre - CYGAMS: Little Shop of Horrors

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 12th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

Bootmaker - Salsa dancing

Chelmsford Theatre - CYGAMS: Little Shop of Horrors

Chelmsford Theatre - Queen of the Night: A Tribute to Whitney

Houston

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - Control Voltage: Electronic Music Open Mic

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 (Rainsford Rd, CM1 2XB) - NT Supporter

Group. Richard Pusey: The Gunpowder Plot

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

Thursday 13th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - CYGAMS: Little Shop of Horrors

Chelmsford Theatre - Nik Kershaw

Courtyard - Karaoke

The George (Witham) - Quiz Night

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

Hot Box - Art:Up Poetry - Radical Islands

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

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 14th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Robert Vincent Band

Chelmsford Theatre - CYGAMS: Little Shop of Horrors

Chelmsford Theatre - Michael Starring Ben

Hot Box - The Hanging Stars

Saturday 15th

Chelmsford Theatre - CYGAMS: Little Shop of Horrors

Chelmsford Theatre - Michael Starring: Ben

The Christian Centre (Writtle) - Writtle Quiz Night (near All Saints Church - 7pm. For further info/tickets phone Sue on 07724 086 893)

The Compasses - Karaoke

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

Hot Box - Blues Box at Hot Box: Paul Rose Trio

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am - 1pm)

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

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

In Chelmsford, Maldon and the surrounding districts, many of our most vulnerable residents - older people, disabled communities, ethnic minorities, carers - are being left behind.

Not because they lack courage or resilience, but because every doorway they knock on is blocked by a chat-bot, a stock reply, or a maze of confusing systems that appear deliberately designed to wear people down.

When a mother trying to secure support for her autistic child is told ‘we’ll pass on your feedback’ instead of being given a straight answer. When an elderly carer spends hours on hold, only to be cut off. When people with limited English are handed jargon-heavy leaflets instead of practical help.

These aren’t minor inconveniences. They are barriers to rights, entitlements and dignity. And they have serious consequencesfamilies in crisis, unpaid bills spiralling, vulnerable people giving up and going without. That’s why Auntie-Guru at Door444 is piloting a Chelmsford Advice Project: a small, face-to-face initiative offering clear, trauma-informed support to those most affected by the ‘digital wall’.

What we offer:

• Plain-language explanations of official letters, contracts and bills.

• Support with complaints and forms - making sure voices are heard and processes are followed.

• Face-to-face accountability clinics, where people can sit with someone who will not let them be fobbed off.

• Cultural and disability awareness, ensuring ethnic minority families and those with neurodivergence aren’t shut out.

Why This Matters

Chelmsford is a proud, diverse city. But too many residents are being silenced by systems that punish persistence. Vulnerable communities are left confused, exhausted and excluded from decisions that affect their daily lives. If we want true inclusion, it starts with access to clear, compassionate advice that is local, timely, and human.

What we need:

• Funding partners who recognise that preventing crisis saves money down the line.

• Venues in Chelmsford where advice sessions can run regularly, accessible by bus.

• Community collaborators - charities, cultural groups, disability networks - to help reach those who need it most.

We are committed to transparency: every penny will go directly to delivery, and we will publish outcomes so funders and families can see the difference.

Beyond Advice: Building Trust

The long-term vision isn’t just about filling in forms. It’s about rebuilding trust between vulnerable communities and the services meant to support

them. Because right now, too many residents believe ‘there’s no point’ - that belief is devastating.

We want to prove that small, local, human interventions can break that cycle. That when people are given clarity and dignity, they regain not only their rights but their confidence.

Auntie-Guru’s Promise

I’m Jane Williams, a therapist and advocate here in Essex. Over the years I’ve seen too many people blamed for ‘ranting’ when in truth they were simply asking to be heard. That’s why I’ve stepped forward.

Auntie-Guru isn’t another shiny course or paid funnel.

It’s a promise:

• No jargon.

• No endless phone trees.

• Just real people, helping real people, face-to-face.

Get involved if you are:

• A funder who cares about impact for vulnerable groups,

• A community organisation with people falling through the cracks,

• A resident who recognises yourself in these stories,

If so, then this pilot is for you. Let’s start in Chelmsford and build outwards.

Contact: Jane Williams - Auntie-Guru/Door444 studio444chelmsford@gmail.com

City Times Poems

I’d like to find the answer

I’m sure that you do too

About life and all it’s foibles

And what they mean to you

Many minds have pondered

Many minds have strived

Their answers vary greatly

Not all of them have thrived

I need to find the answer

Determined is the word

Will I find contentment?

Is it what I deserve?

I hope it makes me wonder

I hope that it makes sense

Cos living at the moment

Is making me intense

By Martin Lilbey martin.kilbey@gmail.com

6.25am

The glimmering glow

Slowly wends its way

In the east it starts, so slow

As though, a fire had kindled with a ray

An orange glow

Its spreading fingers

Like brightened orange water running

Drifting through sea blue, it lingers

As slowly as though all sky becoming

An orange glow

The ancients long ago

Would have stood transfixed

The gift of light that flowed

Caught as though in a land betwixt

An orange glow

It is over all too soon

The lagoon blue water spreads

Sun now covered, clouded consumed

Yet it shines brightly through clouded threads

A golden glow

By Richard Simmonds

(Written at sunrise, 10.09.25, 6.25am)

Chelmsford Rucksack Project

As the cold months approach, Cool to be Kind is once again calling on the community to step up and support the Chelmsford Rucksack Project. Now in its eleventh year, the project has distributed hundreds of rucksacks filled with essential items to rough sleepers across the city, providing warmth and comfort during the winter.

As temperatures drop and rough sleepers face harsher conditions, the need for donations has never been more urgent. Last year, the project provided over 200 rucksacks, each filled with items such as warm clothing and sleeping bags, to those in desperate need.

How Can You Help?

The process is simple. Donate a rucksack with two straps and fill it with warmth-giving essentials such as clothing, a sleeping bag and toiletries. These can be items you no longer need or sourced from a charity shop. Donations can be made to Chelmsford Quaker Meeting House, Rainsford Road, CM1 2QL, every Sunday from 11.30am to 12.30pm.

“A warm sleeping bag or jacket might not seem like much, but for someone facing the winter outside, it can make all the difference” said Dan Skeates, Co-founder and Chair of Cool to be Kind.

He added: “We’re asking Chelmsford residents to come together once again to help the most vulnerable in our community.”

For a full list of suggested items, visit www.c2bk.co.uk. Let’s make this winter a little warmer for those who need it most.

Chelmsford Library

Borrow a Blood Pressure Monitor From the Essex Library Service! Take control of your health with our new scheme, where you can borrow a blood pressure monitor and check your blood pressure at home!

All adult library members are now able to borrow a blood pressure monitor from any of our 74 local libraries free of charge, for up to 2 weeks. You don’t need a GP referral to loan a monitor, just a library card.

When you borrow a blood pressure monitor, you’ll get a kit including:

• Instructions on how to take readings and what to do with the results.

• A blood pressure diary to record your readings.

• Links to online resources, including instructional videos and further guidance.

Find more information on our website: libraries.essex.gov.uk/news/ new-blood-pressure-monitor-scheme-launches-at-chelmsford-library.

Digital Levelling up Sessions Are Coming to Chelmsford Library

What are the issues you face when it comes to using digital products, applications and websites? This course will give you the skills and confidence to tackle everyday digital and financial tasks.

The course is led by our trained Library ‘Digital Champions’ staff. This course has been created by Essex Libraries in partnership with Barclays and Digital Essex and will be taking place every Monday from 10am to 12noon and every Thursday from 2pm to 4pm - and it’s free but booking is required. To book your place, go to our website (libraries.essex.gov.uk/news/increase-your-digital-and-financial-skills) or speak to a member of staff at the library.

Code Club

Sessions at Chelmsford Library

Code Club is a free afterschool activity which teaches programming skills as well as problem solving, collaboration, planning and computational thinking skills.

There are 6 weekly sessions aimed at 9 to 13 year olds and they’re free but booking is required, either by email at chelmsford.library@ essex.gov.uk, or in person at the library.

- By Steve Johansen, Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga

In previous articles I have mentioned mindfulness and meditation, so when I came to write this month’s article, I thought it was about time to explain what it is. Meditation is the seventh limb of Yoga Dhyana (Dee-AH-nuh), which translates into Single Pointed Focus.

Meditation is not the absence of thought, it is focusing your attention onto one single thought. To achieve a meditative state, your attention needs to be returned from wandering back to the original thought as often is necessary. There are numerous types of meditation and mindfulness is the most basic form, where instead of focusing on a thought or concept, you focus on an action. For example, the physical practice of yoga. We all practice mindfulness every day often without even realising it. For example, when we lose track of time while gardening and realise we’ve been so engrossed that the entire afternoon has flow by. Mindfulness can apply to any task that we undertake with our full attention. Below is an extremely useful mindful meditation practise called a Body Scan, which can be use for relaxation, pain relief and moments of calm.

Where to start:

• Start by laying down on your back in Shavasana.

• Feet a little more than hip with apart, arms by your sides, palms facing up.

• Close your eyes and let your breath find a steady, natural rhythm.

• As your body and breath soften and relax, your mind will begin to quieten.

• Try to keep your focus on the present moment.

Preparing for your Body Scan:

• Notice the points of contact that your body has with the ground beneath you: your head, shoulders, ribs, hips, thighs, calf muscles and your heels.

• Notice your ribs pressing into the mat with each in breath and how you seem to sink a little deeper into relaxation with each out breath.

• We are going to start with the big toes and work our way slowly upwards.

• On each inhalation moving up and thinking about the next part of the body.

• On the exhalation allowing that part of the body to relax.

• Using the breath to guide our awareness, as we move slowly upwards.

• If your mind wonders, go back the last point you remember and continue from there.

Starting the Body Scan

On your next inhalation:

• Draw your attention to your big toes and on your out breath encourage them to relax.

• Work though each toe in turn.

• Think about the soles of your feet, let them relax on your exhalation.

• Think about the tops of your feet and on your exhalation let them relax.

• Draw your attention to your ankles, on your exhalation imagine your ankles relaxing.

• Think about your calf muscles, on your exhalation let them relax.

• Draw your attention backs of your knees and on your out breath let them relax.

• Think about your backs of your thighs, as you breath out allow them relax and sink into the mat.

• As you inhale think about the tops of your thighs, allow them to relax as you breath out.

• Think about your hips, relax them on you next exhale.

• As you breath in notice your buttocks, letting let them relax on your exhalation.

• Draw your attention to your lower back and let it soften down as you breath out.

• As you inhale notice your ribs press into the mat, allow yourself to sink a little deeper into relaxation as you exhale.

• Notice not just the back of your ribs pressing int the mat on your inhalation, but the sides of your ribs expanding outwards and

relaxing back in on your exhalation.

• Then the front of the chest rising on your in breath and relaxing down on your out breath.

• Moving to your shoulders on your next inhale and allowing them to relax on your exhalation.

• Then think about the tops of your arms and on your exhalation let them relax.

• Draw your attention down to your forearms and on your outbreath allow them to relax.

• Then down to the palm of your hands, allowing them to relax.

• Starting with the thumb, allow each finger in turn to let go of any grip or tension.

• Allow your wrist to relax, then up to your elbows and allow them to relax.

• As you inhale move up to your shoulders, and as you exhale let go of any stress or tension.

• Think about the muscles in your neck and try to let them relax as you breathe out.

• Notice the weight of the back of your head on the mat and allow your forehead to soften.

• Let your eyes sink deeper into their sockets and the skin on your face soften.

• Allow any tension in your jaw to ease away and maintain a little space between the back teeth.

• Finally allow your tongue to rest in the top of your mouth, the tip just behind the front teeth.

• Feeling completely relaxed.

• Just focus on your breathing.

Teacher Tip

If your mind wonders and you lose track of where you were don’t worry, simply go back to the last bit you remember and continue from there.

Over time the body scan practice helps you to develop better concentration and a greater focus on the present moment, this in turn will help to quieten a busy mind.

For all those of you who would like to know more about meditation and mindfulness and how to incorporate it into your life or yoga practice, join me at my studio, using this free pass code, HPYFREECLASS. My gift to you.

hummingbirdpilates.co.uk

Meditation

Museum of Chelmsford Awarded Major Grant From UK Museum Renewal Fund

The Museum of Chelmsford has been awarded a significant grant of £236,000 from the UK Museum Renewal Fund to help it to develop as a more financially sustainable venue.

Nationwide Grants for Local Authority-Run Museums

The UK Museum Renewal Fund is targeted at regional museums owned and directly maintained by local authority funding. The national £20 million pot was announced by the UK government in April 2025.

The aim of the grant is twofold: to help meet shortfalls between operating costs and budgets in museums for 2025-26 and to fund initiatives to boost the financial resilience of civic museums. Administered by Arts Council England, awards of between £10,000 and £1 million have been made to local authority-run museums across the UK.

Unlocking an ambitious future for the Museum of Chelmsford Operated by Chelmsford City Council, the Museum of Chelmsford tells the story of the district from the Ice Age to the present day through artefacts, interactive displays and community-focused exhibitions.

This significant new grant from the UK Museum Renewal Fund presents a major opportunity for the museum to increase its ambition and secure a more sustainable future. Half of the grant will be dedicated to initiatives that will transform the visitor experience and deepen engagement, encouraging people to come back again and again.

These funds will be used to explore new strategic initiatives, including potential changes to the museum layout to improve visitor flow, the development of corporate partnerships and sponsorships and finding innovative ways to generate new revenue.

Other key investments will include upgrades to the museum’s website and ticketing platform to create a smoother visitor journey.

New marketing campaigns will be launched to strengthen the museum’s brand and attract new audiences and fresh photography of its artefacts will be used to increase digital access to its large and diverse collections.

Supporting the Museum’s Running Costs for 2025-26

A large part of the grant will also be used to boost the Museum of Chelmsford’s operating budgets for 2025-26. Museums are costly to run, with the Museum of Chelmsford’s operating costs standing at £800,000 per annum (after income generated). Unlike DCMSsponsored museums, the Museum of Chelmsford does not benefit from central government funding and is instead subsidised by Chelmsford City Council.

Earlier this year, modest admissions and membership fees were introduced to support the cost of running the museum and help close the council’s ongoing budget gap.

With civic museums across the country facing similar budget pressures in recent years, the UK Museum Renewal Fund aims to provide temporary relief by allocating part of the £20 million pot to supporting day-to-day operating costs for the 2025-26 financial year.

Jennie

Cultural Services, Chelmsford City Council, says that although the £236,000 grant doesn’t fully cover the Museum of Chelmsford’s running costs, this news offers some welcome breathing space for the museum: “Regional museums are vital to local communities. They preserve our heritage, engage people in culture and share local stories. But, in recent years many have been navigating challenging times and facing critical funding gaps.

“If we are to protect our museums and see them thrive in the years to come, they will need to develop significantly and quickly to reach a much more sustainable financial footing.

“We’re delighted to see the Museum of Chelmsford benefit from the £20 million UK Museum Renewal Fund pot. Though this grant of £236,000 doesn’t cover all of the venue’s operating costs for 202526, it does provide some very welcome respite against immediate financial pressures.

“And most importantly, it gives the museum some space to become commercially fit for the future, serving our local communities for generations to come.”

All funds from the UK Museum Renewal Fund grant must be allocated by February 2026. Over the coming months, the museum team will be working to implement and test new ideas as part of the grant spending process.

Councillor

Lardge, Cabinet Deputy for

Crafts - By Magali Ellis and Scrap-Circle

Scrapbooking Autumn Memories: Embracing the Season of Change with ScrapCircle

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin their golden transformation, autumn invites us to slow down and reflect. It’s a season of change - a shift in pace that encourages a touch of cocooning, even as we prepare for the bustling months ahead.

One delightful way to honour this transition is through scrapbooking. Capturing autumn memories in a scrapbook not only preserves special moments, but also offers a peaceful, creative escape amid the growing to-do lists of the season.

Autumn is rich with visual inspiration: vibrant foliage, cosy sweaters, steaming mugs of drink, pumpkin patches and foggy morning walks. These are the moments that ground us - the simple joys that mark the start of the colder months. Scrapbooking these scenes can be a mindful practice, helping us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the present before the whirlwind of celebrations begins.

At the same time, fall is a season of preparation. Halloween costumes are brainstormed, Christmas gift lists started and homes begin to sparkle with seasonal décor. It’s a time when creativity is in high demand, making scrapbooking not only a hobby but a functional tool. Homemade cards, personalised gift tags, memory-filled albums and festive paper crafts all find their place in the autumn scrapbooker’s repertoire.

The Art Place @Meadows Shopping Centre: More than a shop - community, caring, learning, hope and love

Creativity on the Brink: Why Chelmsford Desperately Needs Studios for Its Local Artists Chelmsford’s arts scene has flourished in recent years, thanks in large part to the dedicated support of the Ideas Hub Chelmsford, Chelmsford Creative Collective and Culture Chelmsford. The city boasts over a thousand professional and semi-professional artists - including sculptors, ceramicists, glass and metalworkers, illustrators, photographers, and designers - making Chelmsford a true hub of creative energy in Essex.

The Art Place and Artists in the Meadows, both located in the Meadows Shopping Centre, have played a vital role in supporting these creatives by providing platforms to sell their work. Supporting these venues makes a real difference. Every purchase sustains local artists and encourages them to continue their creative journeys.

The striking large-scale art on walls and buildings throughout the city has brought vibrancy and colour to Chelmsford’s city centre, highlighting the talents of local artists. This initiative, started by the talented Candy Joyce and supported by the council and Chelmsford for You, has made a significant impact.

Most creative work needs places to create, exhibit and sell their work

Creating a themed scrapbook can be a great way to transition from the quiet introspection of early autumn into the joyful busyness of the holiday season. Consider dedicating a few pages to Halloween funcostumes, pumpkin carving and trick-or-treat snapshots. Follow with a section on Thanksgiving or autumn gatherings, capturing meals shared and grateful moments. Then, let your creative energy flow into Christmas planning: page layouts for wish lists, decoration ideas, advent calendars and even early gift planning.

Scrapbooking in the fall blends the reflective with the festive. It provides a calming outlet for creative expression while keeping you organised and inspired as the holiday season approaches. Whether you’re capturing the rustle of fallen leaves or planning the perfect holiday spread, your scrapbook becomes a time capsule of both stillness and celebration.

So, gather your photos, papers, and pens. Light a candle, sip a warm drink, and let your creativity turn this season of change into something lasting. Autumn is fleeting - but with a scrapbook, its warmth can be revisited any time of year. Alternatively, get your creative juices flowing by coming to one of our craft retreats:

Halloween Retreat: 31st October - 2nd November

December Retreat: 5th - 7th December

BYO weekend: 13th - 14th December.

You could also join us on one of our craft days at Highwood Village Hall near Chelmsford on 25th October, 29th November, 13th December. Check social media and www.scrap-circle.co.uk for more details.

and therefore affordable studios - especially those who lack suitable space at home. Several artists, as property prices rise and unused spaces are converted into much-needed housing, have shared how challenging it is to find suitable and affordable workspaces and studios. As one local sculptor, who has exhibited in Chelmsford since the early 2000s, notes: “We’re seeing long-standing studios - places where people have been creating for decades - being turned into offices or luxury flats.”

Studio spaces offer more than just a place to work; they serve as hubs for collaboration, inspiration and exhibitions. Across the UK, from Bristol to Manchester, studios have become focal points of local culture, integrating art into everyday life. If you have extra income or know of an unused space that could be transformed into a creative studio, please feel free to reach out to The Art Place (contact details below).

As long as we have places like the Art Place and Artists in the Meadows to help to sell their work, these creative spaces don’t need to be in the city centre. Creatives will themselves be living in all parts of Chelmsford and surrounding towns and villages and affordability, usability and accessibility are often the most important considerations.

By supporting local creatives - whether through purchasing their work, providing studio spaces, or simply sharing their stories - we help build a more vibrant, connected and resilient community. Every act of support, no matter how small, fuels the creative spirit that makes Chelmsford unique. Let’s continue to champion our artists, invest in their future and ensure that creativity remains at the heart of our city for generations to come.

This article was written by Elena from EKM Gallery and Kevin Miller, a Trustee of Ideas Hub Chelmsford.

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’.

Interior Design Tips for Your Home - By Tania Dadd

Cosy up Your Home: Interior Design Ideas to Fall in Love With This Season

There’s something magical about this time of year. The leaves outside begin their fiery transformation, the air carries a crisp edge and suddenly home feels like the most inviting place to be. Autumn isn’t just a season - it’s a mood. And with interior design, it’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your space and embrace all the cosy comforts the season has to offer.

Turn Up the Warmth With Colour

Say goodbye to summer’s bright whites and breezy pastels - fall is all about rich, grounding tones. Think burnt orange, mustard yellow, deep emerald and earthy browns. Even small splashes of these colours can instantly shift the energy of a room. Swap out pillow covers, roll out a patterned rug, or hang an art print in a jeweltoned frame. Don’t be afraid to mix and match; autumn is all about layering, both in your wardrobe and your interiors.

Texture, Texture, Texture

If summer is about lightness, fall is about depth. The easiest way to get there? Texture. Chunky knit throws casually draped over a sofa, velvet cushions in warm jewel tones, or a sheepskin rug layered under a coffee table bring instant coziness. Materials like wood, stone and wicker also help ground a space, connecting the indoors to the natural world outside. The more tactile, the better - this season practically begs you to curl up and get comfortable.

Let There Be Glow

As the days grow shorter, lighting becomes your secret design weapon. Swap out cool-toned bulbs for warmer ones to create a soft golden glow. Candles (whether scented or unscented) bring romance and atmosphere, while lantern-style lamps or fairy lights add a playful, whimsical touch.

For the ultimate mood shift, install a dimmer switch - you’ll thank yourself when you’re entertaining guests or winding down with a

good book.

Little Touches, Big Impact

You don’t need a total makeover to embrace fall. Seasonal accents go a long way. Think dried floral arrangements, ceramic vases filled with branches, or a rustic wreath on your front door. Pumpkins - yes, pumpkins - aren’t just for Halloween.

White or muted-toned gourds can double as chic décor on a mantelpiece or dining table. Pair them with metallic accents in gold or copper for a hint of glamour.

Spaces Made for Gathering

Autumn is also the season of connection; of dinner parties, game nights and long conversations by the fire. Rearrange your living room seating to make it more conversation-friendly, pull out those extra poufs or ottomans and style your dining table with layers of linens, candles and seasonal centrepieces. A thoughtful setup makes your home not only beautiful, but inviting.

Bring the Outdoors In

Finally, let nature inspire you. A vase of eucalyptus, a bowl of shiny apples, or a potted mum on your windowsill can infuse life and freshness into your space. The simplest touches often feel the most authentic, reminding us of the beauty and abundance of the season.

This fall, let your home be a reflection of everything the season represents: warmth, comfort and togetherness. With a few intentional design choices, you’ll create a space that not only looks stunning but feels like the ultimate autumn retreat.

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

October is usually a favourite time for members of Brentwood Writers’ Circle. As I often advertise here, our meetings ordinarily take place on the first Saturday afternoon of the month from 2.30pm till 4.30pm, with, of course, a welcome cuppa at half time. During that short refreshment break, the decibels amplify as members catch up with others who can often help them with news from writerly sources, publishers, agents or have had their own successes, book launches and perhaps are new to the craft of writing.

So, what a treat it was for our regular members and some first-timer writers, plus several guests at Bardswell Social Club to spend a whole day in the presence of one of the world’s bestselling authors, Caroline Lawrence.

This popular American/English novelist turned out to be a great choice in, not only outlining her path to becoming a million-copy selling author of The Roman Quests, The Roman Mysteries, The Roman Mystery Scrolls and best-selling PK Pinkerton Mysteries, but proved to be an engaging speaker with a huge knowledge of the classics. Caroline’s series of historical novels follows four child detectives in Ancient Rome. Caroline is a delightful writer with a vast exciting background of work via Orion Children’s Books and her 17book Roman Mysteries, which were televised by the BBC.

We were also treated to readings from one of Caroline’s non-fiction books entitled How to Write a Good Story. Oh, and there was a delicious lunch provided half-way through this excellent thoughtprovoking writers’ day which was also enjoyed by author Richard Burch who is a new writer and friend of BWC. His excellent book, The Meditation of Little Richard, consists of reflections and teachings

born of a journey intertwined with threads of life and meditation. A warm welcome awaits new writers at our next gathering on Saturday November 1st at which members will be able to showcase their work. Full details appear in the Brentwood Writers’ Circle website at www.brentwoodwriterscircle.com and www.sylviakent. blogspot.com.

Caroline Lawrence and Richard Burch at Brentwood Writers’ Circle on Saturday 4th October

Inbetweener

Stupid Girl

Song 2

Brimful of Asha

Alright

Girl from Mars

Animal Nitrate

Roadrage

The Bartender and the Thief

Walkaway

Govinda

Wake Up Boo

The Day We Caught the Train

Lucky Man

Slight Return

Love is the Law

Mis-Shapes

Chasing Rainbows

Female of the Species

Movin’ On Up

King of the Kerb She Said Supersonic There She Goes Laid

One to Another

Every You Every Me

Place Your Hands

Creep

Something for the Weekend

Smile

Sing

Good Enough

Gravity

In the Name of the Father

Buck Rogers

Fools Gold

Play it Cool

Wide Open Space

Pure

The Redan Cannon Chelmsford

Crimean War 1853 - 1856

Looking at old photographs of Chelmsford High Street, you will notice what is a 36 pounder smoothbore gun, captured from the Russians by the British Army at the end of the siege of Sevastopol, in the Crimean War. The cannon carries the double headed eagle, then the marking of the Russian tsars. Initially, it was placed in front of the Shire Hall but later removed to a part of Oaklands Park.

The Crimean War began with the landing of An Anglo-French expeditionary force land on the Crimean Peninsula. Later they were joined by the then Italian State of Piedmont - Sardinia. They established a supply base at the small port of Balaklava and were joined by an Ottoman army. Their aim was to prevent the Russians from gaining control of access to the Black Sea by taking over the straits of the Dardanelles. They also intended to curtail Russian expansion into the Balkans.

The allies defeated the Russians in the battle of the River Alma in September 1854. The British Army nearly became unstuck, as the Russians came close to taking Balaklava. The Russian Army with strong artillery and cavalry units advanced on the port. The defenders consisted of 500 men from the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders with Commander Sir Colin Campbell. An innovative leader, Campbell arranged his army into two straight lines. Normally, when faced by a cavalry charge, they would be set into squares. However, Campbell felt that by having straight lines, they could all fire in unison. They had also been issued with new fast loading rifles. These relaced the traditional muzzle loading Brown Bess muskets.

The Highlanders managed only two volleys before the Russians broke and were in full retreat. Twenty Victoria Crosses were awarded that day, the highest number on a single day in British history, There was a further allied victory at the battle of Inkerman on 5th November 1854. On the same day as the battle of Balaklava, Lord Cardigan led the Light Brigade in a charge that led to the most famous blunder in British history. He led them straight into the face of the Russian artillery. There were 698 cavalry in the charge and 198 killed. The allied force now advanced on the naval base of Sevastopol, the military object of the campaign and there they stalled. The siege lasted 11 months. Then on 8th September 1855, the French Army took the Malakoff redoubt by storm. The British Army likewise took the Redan by storm but could not hold. Nevertheless, the battle was over. The Russians withdrew and the allies entered Sevastopol.

A positive outcome of the Crimean War was the improvements in nursing care, brought about by Florence Nightingale known to history as the ‘Lady with the Lamp’. Having been moved by newspaper reports of the sufferings of wounded soldiers, she responded to a government appeal for nurses to go to Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey). She was appointed Superintendent of Female Nurses in the East. She transformed the appalling conditions at the British

military hospital located at the Selimiye Barrack in the Scutari (now Uskudar) district of the city. Her efforts, during and after the war, set the standards for modern nursing care, in both military and civilian hospitals.

Malcolm Noble Chelmsford Civic Society www.chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk

Cannons from the Redan were gifted to British towns, including Chelmsford, and Victoria Crosses are made from the metal taken from the Redan guns.

21st - 22nd October: The Orionids meteor shower usually remains active from 2nd October to 7th November. This year is a great opportunity to see this shower as it coincides with a New Moon, so great observing conditions.

27th October: Tonight, the crescent Moon below, is to the left of the star, Spica (bright evening twilight).

Spica is 250 light years away. In other words, the light we’re seeing from Spica today, left the star around the year 1775, one year before the USA became the USA! Just for comparison, the light from our Sun is only 8.3 minutes old. Spica is about 7.4 times larger than our Sun.

1st November: Moon is to the right of the planet Saturn.

2nd November: Moon is to the left of Saturn and Neptune (Neptune is invisible to the naked eye) is almost exactly mid way between the Moon and Saturn.

5th November: Super Beaver Moon. What’s a supermoon? This occurs near the Moon’s closest approach to Earth. Called the Beaver Moon because beavers build their dams at this time of year.

17th - 18th November: Leonids meteor shower visible from 6th

November to 30th November, peaking around 17th November.

How to Observe Meteor Showers

Using your search engine on your web browser, I would search ‘How to observe meteor showers’ and go to Royal Museums Greenwich’s website. You will find some other interesting astronomical information there too.

Good Book!

The Science Magpie, by Simon Flynn, is a great and fun way to ease yourself into science. Fascinating facts, stories, poems and jokes plucked from science. Measuring the speed of light using chocolate, a microwave and a ruler is but one of the intriguing articles in this book.

That reminds me, next month, I will have the stargazer’s Christmas present list ready!

New Moon: On these dates, 21st October, 20th November and 20th December 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.

Don’t forget, the clocks go back 1 hour at 2am on Sunday 26th October.

As usual, please email me with any questions you have on astronomy.

www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com mark.willis@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com