City Times Intro
Hello readers,
Welcome to The City Times September/October edition.
Radio 2 in the Park has come and gone. We were lucky enough to get press tickets/photographer passes and there are lots of photos on pages 18, 20 and 21. We hope that all those of you that attended this - and Streets, Eats ‘n’ Beats - had fun in the sunshine!
There are still plenty of events to come, do please remember to look at our What’s On guide.
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
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Editorial
Paul Mclean
07595 949701 editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk
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Well, that is that; the summer has now gone for another year as we now move steadily towards the autumn. Although as I am writing this it has been another nice day, but we have also had some very much needed rain and overall, it is perhaps cooling down somewhat.
The other day we went to top up our magazines in Chelmsford and heard that Sam Ryder was going to do a bit of busking in Chelmsford, Maldon and Colchester. We had to see this and sure enough he turned up outside the Shire Hall for his first stop. There was a decent crowd, even though it was not announced until the afternoon beforenot even the council or police knew about it! I heard it announced on BBC Radio Essex. He was great and very engaging. He had a pianist to accompany him and the music was very good with us all joining in. I did get to have a couple of words with him afterwards and he said he was very nervous, but the boy done good! Let’s hope we can get him back sometime - I did give him my card.
Now that the schools have gone back and the colleges and universities are returning as well (including my granddaughter who’s off to Leicester University) I must admit that it’s a bit scary that I have a grandchild old enough to go to uni’ - and her brother is not far behind as he is now in the sixth form. In all truthfulness, it’s probably more scary for their parents, one of which is my youngest child.
Well, we (Paul and myself) went to the Chelmsford Theatre to watch Scott Mills and Rylan Clark do their Pop 10 Podcast live with special guest Ella Henderson. It was introduced by Ellie Taylor, who was very funny. We both thoroughly enjoyed the event and laughed a lot - I would recommend having a listen on BBC Sounds, as they do this regularly - but not in front of a live audience usually.
Two days later, Jo Whiley did a show from Hot Box with BBC Radio Essex, which went down really well. Then on the Friday it was Jeremy Vine from the Original Plough in Chelmsford, where he had Sam Ryder singing live.
This all preempted the Radio 2 in the Park festival which began on the Friday Night with Radio 2 DJs. The next day was the proper start with all the live acts. I was there taking photos. The whole day was very good and well organised, although to my mind security was a bit over-the-top. When I went to leave with my friend after watching Bryan Adams, security held us in the van for an hour before they would let us leave, which was annoying.
Sunday 7th September was the last day of the festival, which I could hear from my house but did not attend. It was also a lunar eclipse
which I found quite exciting, sadly I could not see the moon but I could see the clouds which I think looked great. Did you see it?
Music
There has clearly been a lot going on in and around the area. I also put on a couple of gigs that weekend. On the Friday we had Led Into Zeppelin, who were superb - and it was well attended too. My next gig was on the Sunday at Hot Box; it was a great show with Sam Kelly’s Station House playing, but sadly I think the festival may have affected the attendance, but we will get both bands back to play again. I will not go on too much more about the BBC Radio 2 festival as there is so much to say about it. It was good for Chelmsford and hopefully we will get people to come back and explore Chelmsford in the future.
I have been busy booking acts for next year which is best seen on the Black Frog website (address below). I do try to keep that up-to-date with who I have booked and what is coming up.
Here are a few acts that I have confirmed for next year so far. First for the Social Club are: Imagine The Beatles, Steemy Dan, Robbie McIntosh Band, Soho Dukes, Fleeting Rumours, Focus, Totally Blondie, The Wonder of Stevie and Cold Flame. For my Blues Box at Hot Box: Big Joe Bone, Pearl Handled Revolver, Pete Bruntnell, Tim Edey, Ramon Goose, Sparko’s Going Back Home, Will Wilde, Kyla Brox, James Oliver, Leavin’ Trunk, Laurence Jones and Track Dogs.
I also have many more to confirm for both venues and others to book. I still have to get the tickets up, but I have been so busy I just need to find the time to do it! Do remember, you can text or call on 07508 496 411 to reserve tickets then pay at the door without paying any commission.
I am shortly to be going to the album launch in London for the new Connor Selby album and no doubt I will be out and about elsewhere during this month.
Please do remember to support all live events whatever they might be, especially in your local area, to help keep events the acts - as well as the venues - going. 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 know of someone who may wish to advertise with us, please ask them to contact ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we can send over the full details for this and the Moulsham Times.
You can get tickets for all our Black Frog Presents shows at The Social Club in Chelmsford from Intense Records, The Hop Beer Shop and Chelmsford 4Good - please pay 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 and without paying any commission for the show rather than the walk-up price.
To find out more about Black Frog Presents and our shows, go to www.linktr.ee/BlackFrogPresets or scan the QR code in our adverts.
City Times Food!
And just like that, the summer holidays are over. I can’t believe the children are all back to school.
I have just returned from Crete and my god, what wonderful Greek food we had out there. My firm favourite was gyros. The fresh yogurt and salads out there were on another level. I’ve been playing round with some flavours and will come back to you with a recipe.
My recipe this month is a firm favourite of mine. I’ve been making this dish for about 5 years now and it’s fabulous! It’s also my last summer dish before we start talking autumn comforting food.
The recipes I’ve been sharing with you are all simple and never use hundreds of ingredients and instructions. I’ve found over the years this tends to put people off. So I hope you are enjoying them.
I’ve spoke before about my air fryer and how we use this every single day now instead of the oven. Now, the next thing I want to buy is a slow cooker! I had one a few years ago and loved that you could put everything in it in the morning and come home and it’s done!
The recipe I’m sharing with you this month, as I’ve already said, is my favourite thing to cook. It involves tinned crab, which is a cheaper way to buy crab.
As I’m putting them into crab cakes it doesn’t really matter how fresh it is, whereas if I was talking about seafood platters I would always opt for fresh crab.
Here is my recipe for coconut and lime crab cakes with mango salad.
Essex Food - By Krista
Already, the kids are back at school, and almost overnight, it feels like there’s a hint of autumn in the air.
I had a brilliant time at Radio 2 in the Park at Hylands Estate in Chelmsford and made a trip to one of my favourite spots for some tasty seafood. I hope you’ve all had a fantastic month too!
Still clinging on to the last bit of summer, I decided to take a trip to Mersea Island. When I first moved to Essex this was one of the first places I visited along the coast and I instantly fell in love with it. It gave me a real glimpse into what makes the county so special and reminded me exactly why moving here felt like the right choice.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
• 3 slices of bread.
• 300g canned white crab meat.
• 1 red onion, finely chopped.
• 1 chilli, finely chopped.
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise.
• 3 tbsp desiccated coconut.
• Fresh coriander.
• 1 lime juice.
For the salad:
• Mango.
• Rocket.
• 4 spring onion.
• Coriander chopped to taste.
• Lime juice to taste.
Method
Put the bread in a food processor and whiz into fine crumbs. Add the crab, red onion, mayo, coconut, coriander, chilli and lime juice to a bowl and mix in the bread crumbs.
Bring the mixture together with your hands and make into patties. Put on a tray and leave in the fridge for minimum of 30 minutes, but ideally overnight to firm up.
Chop all the salad ingredients up and put to one side. Fry the crab cakes 3 minutes on each side until cooked through. Serve with the salad - and we like to have rice with it too.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do.
caught that same morning) and the tables are decorated with seashell-patterned tablecloths and there are old fisherman photos on the walls, adding to its coastal charm.
One of Mersea’s highlights for me has always been The Company Shed, a real gem for anyone who loves great seafood. The food is delicious and the whole place has a relaxed, casual atmosphere, with lovely staff who make you feel right at home.
It doesn’t look like much from the outside, just a small wooden shed near the water, but what they serve inside is anything but basic.
The seafood is incredibly fresh (I’m pretty sure it’s
The menu is packed with a variety of hot and cold dishes, some of which can be pre ordered when making your reservation. We pre-ordered the dressed crab and the cream and cheese grilled oysters, which are a must try! We also tucked into juicy prawns, fresh mackerel, and garlic mussels with a parmesan crust which were all delicious. I couldn’t resist mopping up the garlicky juices with some crusty bread and butter.
The Company Shed was originally bought by Heather and Richard Haward in 1985 and has since been passed down through the family. It’s now run by their daughter Caroline and continues to serve up delicious high quality seafood to both locals and visitors. If you haven’t been yet, it’s one of those Essex spots you need to try at least once. The Company Shed can be found at 129 Coast Road, West Mersea, CO5 8PA. Make sure you check the tide times before you travel!
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September marks the turning point of the gardening year. The light softens, mornings are fresh and the garden begins its slow shift towards autumn. Far from winding down, this is a month full of possibility - from creating cheerful seasonal containers, to planning a cut flower patch, to making the most of the harvest in the veg garden.
Plant a Seasonal Container for Autumn/Winter Colour
Bright pots near the door or patio can lift spirits through the darker months. Here’s a quick step-by-step to create one that lasts right into spring:
1. Choose your pot: Pick a frost-proof container with good drainage holes. Add a handful of gravel or crocks to stop roots from sitting in water.
2. Add compost: Use peat-free, multi-purpose compost mixed with a little grit for drainage. Fill to about 5cm below the rim.
3. Pick your plants: Thrillers (for height): dwarf conifers, grasses like Carex, or flowering kale. Fillers (for colour): violas, pansies, cyclamen, or winter heathers. Spillers (for softness): trailing ivy or violas that cascade over the edge.
4. Arrange and finish: Place taller plants at the centre or back, then fill around with colour and trailing plants. Water well and top with decorative bark or grit.
Here’s a simple tip! Slip in dwarf daffodil or crocus bulbs between plants for a hidden spring surprise.
Planning Your Cut Flower Border
September is the dreamer’s month for cut flowers. With a little planning now, you can have a border that keeps vases full from spring to autumn.
1. Find the right spot: Choose a sunny bed with free-draining soil. Flowers need at least six hours of daily sunshine.
2. Sketch a planting plan: Think in seasons: spring - tulips, narcissi, wallflowers. Summer - cosmos, sweet peas, dahlias, sunflowers. Autumn - chrysanthemums, rudbeckias, asters. Don’t forget foliage such as rosemary, grasses or euphorbia.
3. Prepare the ground: Dig in plenty of compost now so the soil is enriched and ready. Consider raised beds if drainage is poor.
4. Plant bulbs and biennials: Daffodils and tulips go in this month and next. Sow or plant biennials like foxgloves and sweet william to flower next summer.
Did you know that many traditional cut flowers, like sweet peas, benefit from being picked often? The more you cut, the more they bloom.
Seasonal Care in the Fruit and Veg Garden
The harvest may be in full swing, but there’s plenty to do now to keep the garden productive.
1. Harvest and store: Pick apples, pears and plums before they over-ripen. Cure onions, shallots and garlic by drying them in a sunny, airy spot. Lift maincrop potatoes on a dry day and store them in paper or hessian sacks.
2. Sow for winter and spring: Keep the plot busy by sowing spinach, lamb’s lettuce and winter lettuce now. Towards the end of the month, sow broad beans and hardy peas for an early crop next year.
3. Plant autumn crops: Garlic, overwintering onions and spring cabbage can all go in this month. Strawberry runners can also be planted into new beds for next summer’s harvest.
4. Feed the soil: Spread well-rotted manure or compost over empty beds, then cover with cardboard or mulch. This protects soil life and ensures nutrients are locked in for spring.
Did you know that leaving soil bare over winter can wash nutrients away? A simple mulch can make all the difference to next year’s crops.
September Snapshot
• Fill containers with violas, grasses and ivy for doorstep cheer.
• Plant bulbs and biennials to set the stage for next year’s cut flowers.
• Harvest and store fruit and vegetables, while sowing and planting for the season ahead.
• Care for your soil - it’s the quiet work now that pays off next year.
The garden may be slowing, but it’s far from over. September is about preparing, planting and planning - keeping one foot in the present and one eye firmly on the seasons to come.
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.
Mr and Mrs W are absolutely over the moon with their brandnew kitchen - and so is their designer Stacey!
This Fjord Galley kitchen is a perfect example of how clever design and elegant finishes can completely transform a home. The soft, contemporary Fjord doors create a calming, Scandinavian-inspired feel, while the quartz worktops bring a fresh brightness and a touch of luxury to the space. Together, they achieve a look that is light and airy - and effortlessly timeless.
Functionality was just as important as style. Every detail has been carefully planned to make daily life smoother, with smart storage solutions hidden neatly behind the sleek cabinetry.
A discreet integrated dishwasher, concealed bins and even a pull-out tea towel holder ensure everything has its place - keeping the kitchen practical, clutter-free and easy to use.
The galley layout makes the very best
use of space, creating a streamlined flow that’s perfect for both cooking and entertaining. Subtle finishing touches, like the crisp lines of the quartz and the clean Fjord profiles tie the whole look together with understated elegance.
Mr and Mrs W shared their experience of working with the Regal Kitchens team: “The service we have had from Regal Kitchens from design and quotation by Stacey, through to our completion by our fitter, Ian along with other trades-people brought in along the way, has been of the very highest standards.
“We were made to feel at ease with the customer comes first approach - even when wanting to change the cooker position halfway through the project.
“We are so pleased with the end result and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this company.”
The result is a kitchen that doesn’t just look stunning but also works beautifully day to day. A true blend of beauty and practicality, this is a dream design that Mr and Mrs W will enjoy for years to come - and one that Stacey is incredibly proud to have brought to life.
This month, we introduce Richie Viral.
Richie V is a passionate protagonist of punk. As the host of CCR’s new punk rock show 234! he brings the very best punk rock tunes to the city and beyond every Friday night.
Richie began his musical journey in 1970s Essex, where as a teenager he fell in love with punk rock, avidly devouring the weekly music papers, listening nightly to legendary DJ John Peel and gaining the inspiration that set him on the way to his own creative journey.
It was the sound, the look and in particular the freedom of expression of the early punk scene that propelled him from rural Essex to art school and then into the wider creative world.
Since those early formative days, Richie has never lost his belief in the DIY ethos that powered the original punk rock movement and so brings a real enthusiasm for the new, as well as an appreciation of the old. That’s why every Friday night at 9pm on his show you’ll hear everything from The Sex Pistols to Split Dogs, and from The Members to The Meffs!
After growing up in Essex, Richie has travelled extensively, setting up home, career and musical projects in far-flung parts of the world. A storyteller as much as a musician, (he’s an ‘adman’ by profession), music has always been entwined in both his professional and personal life.
These days, whether he’s writing, playing and performing his own
City Sound has started a series of Thursday talk shows hosted by station director Paul Morrish called City Talking, which will look to feature local community groups, volunteer organisations and people making news in Chelmsford and the surrounding area talking about their work and showcasing their successes.
Already we have spoken to the likes of GoodGym, Farleigh Hospice, and Essex Respite, with good causes and groups booked in to appear on the show well into the autumn.
Introducing... Richie Viral
songs with his current band The Viral Breakdowns, punk busking around open mic events, or playing the tracks from his favourite artists on his CCR radio show, Richie’s love and enthusiasm for short, sharp tunes with a melody and an edge always shines through.
Now based back in Chelmsford, when he’s not on the radio you can find Richie out and about checking out new bands and supporting the local and London music scene. He is currently helping to promote the upcoming Undercover Festival, which is bringing some of the UK’s most iconic punk and ska bands to Essex, at the end of September.
Constantly on the hunt for more inspiration, You’ll also find him rooting through the racks at local record fairs and car boot sales, looking for those hidden treasures and long lost punk rock vinyl that he can play on 234!
He’s not about to change anytime soon, so you can be sure, as he says at the end of every show that Richie will ‘stay punk’!
about what you do in a leisurely, informal manner, and maybe choose some music for the show too, get in touch using the information below.
Don’t forget also that if you’re a musician and would like your music to be considered for radio play, send links to your music and a bit about yourself to submissions@citysound.radio, and once we’ve taken a listen we’ll get back to you if we decide to play it during one of our shows. Some recent submissions have ended up being records of the week on City Sound, being played during our breakfast, lunchtime and drivetime shows.
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 our website at citysound.radio, or on our app downloadable from your app store, or on your smart speaker (‘play City Sound Radio’), or on numerous radio apps.
City Sound - The Voice Of Chelmsford
If you or your group would be interested in spending an hour talking
Epping Ongar Railway - Your Local Heritage Railway
Did you know that the Epping to Ongar branch line opened to the public in 1865? It was once the eastern end of the London Underground Central Line and since 2012 has operated as a heritage railway, offering steam and diesel services through the Essex countryside.
We have some exciting event coming up:
Fright Week Halloween Trains 25th, 26th, 29th, 30th and 31st October
Dress up in your scariest outfit and join our full-size ghost train as we promise some Halloween fun with the living dead!
This will be a steam-hauled train journey from North Weird - but beware the living dead aren’t just lurking outside the windows! Find the ghosts haunting the eerie gruesome graveyard. Meet the manic magician and watch his mysterious show.
We offer an inclusive park-and-ride or tube-and-ride service from Epping Station on board one of our vintage London buses. This will bring you to North Weird where there are reports of ghosts haunting the station, can you help us find them all?
The Epping Ongar Lights Express - Various Dates From November 2025 to January 2026
An incredible light show on and in a steam train, consisting of thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns. The train looks amazing, inside and out!
The Epping Ongar Railway Santa Specials - Various Dates From Late November Through to Christmas Eve
Bring the family to see Santa on his special train. All children receive a present from Santa. Inclusive park-and-ride service on our vintage London buses from Epping or Ongar. Take a return journey on Santa’s Fantastically Festive Special Train from North Weald and meet Santa and his friends during the experience.
For full details and to book your tickets, please visit www.eorailway. co.uk.
Volunteering
The railway is operated by a small number of paid staff who are supported by up to 300 working volunteers. If you would like to join the volunteer team, please contact volunteering@eorailway.co.uk. Alternatively, please visit our website and click on the ‘Support’ tab and check out the membership and volunteering options.
Adult membership is just £25 per year - the membership fee includes four issues of our 44-page magazine, Mixed Traffic
Please support the Epping Ongar Railway - it’s part of your heritage!
I Want to Own Me a Star
I want to own me a star
From some galaxy, far In my bedroom to keep; When nights they are lonely Comp’ny when I sleep.
At night it will shine
But I can turn down its light It will only be mine I shall read in the night.
Stars are for dreaming
I wonder at stars
Their light forever beaming To wherever you are. From millions miles distant
To infinite space
Stars without ending So many untraced
Each star it is named When at last it is seen But it has always existed It has always just been.
So space would not miss one To keep in my home
To sleep on my bedroom
And call it my own.
I shall say my goodbyes
To you all now It’s getting quite late And I’m sleepy, and how, In dreams, my star, she is weary
She’s been up all night
So we will say our goodbyes
As she turns out the light.
By Richard Simmonds
September
Monday 15th
The Ale House - Beery Bingo
Chelmsford Theatre - The Real Thing
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 16th
Bootmaker - Quiz Night
Central Baptist Church (Victoria Road South) ECC Retirement
Fellowship monthly meeting (2-4pm - new members welcome)
Chelmsford Theatre - 21st Century Tennessee
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 17th
Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke
Chelmsford Theatre - Bring Your Own Baby
The Golden Fleece - Karaoke
Hot Box - The Dunwells
Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music Supper Club: New York’s Cotton Club! The Harlem Meer Cats (7.45pm - to book, phone Phil on 07850 607 075)
Thursday 18th
Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night
Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening
Chelmsford Theatre - Go Your Own Way
Chelmsford Theatre - Fresh Knickers and a Gin and Tonic Courtyard - Karaoke
Golden Fleece - Quiz Night
Hot Box - The Big Music Quiz
Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)
The Rising Sun - Quiz night
Friday 19th
Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Frank Carducci & the Fantastic Squad - The Exravaganza Tour
Chelmsford Theatre - 80s Mania
Hot Box - Bridget
Saturday 20th
Chelmsford Theatre - Paper Dolls
Chelmsford Theatre - Arrival
Cold Norton Village Hall - After-Eight Social Club (www. aftereightsocialclub.chessck.co.uk)
Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)
Hot Box - Kungens Man + The Janitors (1pm)
Hot Box - Black Frog Presents: John Otway Band (7pm)
The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke
Sunday 21st
Chelmsford Theatre - Paper Dolls
Chelmsford Theatre - Emmanuel Sonubi: Life After Near Death
Hot Box - Black Frog Presents: Craig Joiner & Odette Michelle
Monday 22nd
The Ale House - Beery Bingo
Chelmer Village - Pilates classes (carolinesdanceandpilates.co.uk)
Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club
The Wheatsheaf - Club
Tuesday 23rd
Chelmsford Theatre - Penned Up
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)
Wednesday 24th
Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke
Bootmaker - Salsa Dancing
Chelmsford Theatre - Made in Dagenham
The Golden Fleece - Karaoke
Hot Box - New Music Wednesdays: Reverie Sons + Two Tree Island
Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning
Thursday 25th
Chelmsford Theatre - Made in Dagenham
Chelmsford Theatre - Fanny Galore’s Big Bingo Party
Hot Box - Parliamo
Friday 26th
Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Transmission (the sound of Joy Division)
Chelmsford Theatre - Made in Dagenham
Chelmsford Theatre - Rabbit Rabbit: A Tribute to Chas & Dave
Hot Box - Jack Browning
Saturday 27th
Chelmsford Theatre - Made in Dagenham
Chelmsford Theatre - The Story Forge: Make Your Own Myth
Christ Church - Chelmsford Silver Band Presents: Birthday Brass
Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)
Hot Box - Paolo Morena + Steve Bentley-Klein + Random Duck
South Hanningfield Village Hall - Magic Evening (magicians are from
The Mid Essex Magical Society - adult tickets cost £8 each and £3 for children over 10 years [under 10 years free]. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Includes raffle. For further information, email vallisc@ aol.com or phone 07891 653 238)
The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke
Sunday 28th
The Ale House - Quiz
The Black Bull - Music for Local Charities Mayoral Appeal
Chelmsford Theatre - Defying Gavity: West End Women
Hot Box - Black Frog Presents: Chris Rand & the Heavy Echo
Stow Maries - Back to the WW2 Farm
Monday 29th
Ale House - Beery Bingo
Chelmer Village - Pilates classes (carolinesdanceandpilates.co.uk)
Chelmsford Theatre - Francis Rossi: An Evening of Francis Rossi’s Songs
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 30th
Bootmaker - Quiz Night
Hot Box - Open Mic Night
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
October
Wednesday 1st
Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke
Bootmaker - Salsa dancing
Chelmsford Theatre - Sherlock Holmes: The Last Act
Wednesday 1st (continued...)
Friends Meeting House (Rainsford Road) CRAG Retirement Group (monthly meeting 9.30 for 10am - first visit free) The Golden Fleece - Karaoke
Hot Box - Radio City Sessions with the Jackson Line
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: Syd Lawrence Orchestra’s Savoy Collection (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)
The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz
Thursday 2nd
Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night
Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening
Chelmsford Theatre - The Opera Boys Courtyard - Karaoke
Golden Fleece - Quiz Night
Hot Box - Black Frog Presents: The Dirt Road Band
Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)
The Rising Sun - Quiz night
Friday 3rd
Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Mim Grey
Chelmsford Theatre - Stephen K Amos: Now We’re Talking! Hot Box - Wilswood Buoys + Shed + Dean Frost
Saturday 4th
Chelmsford Social Club - Record Fair
Chelmsford Theatre - Andy Parsons: Please #@!$Off to Mars
Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)
Hot Box - MG Boulter & Band
The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke
Sunday 5th
The Ale House - Quiz
Chelmsford Theatre - Ode to Joyce
Chelmsford Theatre - Trevor Horn: Adventrues in Modern Recording Hot Box - Black Frog Presents: Mississippi MacDonald RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning
Monday 6th
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 7th
Bootmaker - Quiz Night
Chelmsford Theatre - Little Women
Hot Box - The Wytches
Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)
Patch - The Proposed Napoleonic Invation of Chelmsford (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 8th
Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke
Bootmaker - Salsa dancing
Chelmsford Theatre - Little Women
The Golden Fleece - Karaoke
Hot Box - Hayseed Dixie
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 9th
Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night
Chelmsford Theatre -
Courtyard - Karaoke
Golden Fleece - Quiz Night
Hot Box - Funke and the Two Tone Baby
Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit
bookwhen.com/beckysallows)
The Rising Sun - Quiz night
Friday 10th
Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Albert Lee
Chelmsford Theatre - Little Women
Hot Box - The Jackson Line (plus special guests)
Saturday 11th
Chelmsford Theatre - Little Women
The Compasses - Karaoke
Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)
Hot Box - Black Frog Presents: The Ugly Guys (2pm)
Hot Box - Boogie in the Box
RAFA Club, Hall Street - Coffee morning
RAFA Club, Hall Street - Quiz
The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke
Sunday 12th
The Ale House - Quiz
Chelmsford Theatre - Hansel and Gretal
Chelmsford Theatre - The Van Morrison Alumni Band
Chelmsford Theatre - Cally Beaton: Namaste Mother*******
Hot Box -
Monday 13th
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 14th
Bootmaker - Quiz Night
Chelmsford Theatre - Holy COw (15)
Chelmsford Theatre - An Evening withHenry Cole
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 15th
Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke
Bootmaker - Salsa dancing
Chelmsford Theatre - Joel Dommett: Happy Idiot
Chelmsford Theatre - Sh!!faced Shakespeare: Hamlet
The Golden Fleece - Karaoke
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
Venues are in Chelmsford, unless mentioned in the listings as being elsewhere.
Hope
Everything’s fine
You’ve got plenty of time
To figure out what you’ve been seeking
At a loose end
Rely on your friends
To see your way clear then you’re winning
Hope springs eternal
Start a new journal
You’ll begin to see a new light
What do you know
You reap what you sow
You’ve achieved a new way of life
martin.kilbey@gmail.com
Radio 2 in the Park came to Chelmsford for one unforgettable weekend of music and sunshine. With perfect weather, the fields of Hyland’s Park were filled with thousands of excited fans eager to see their favourites on stage.
The festival featured renowned headliners such as Bryan Adams and Def Leppard and iconic Essex-born artists such as Jessie J and Olly Murs and many other incredible performers from across the decades taking to the mainstage. There really was something for everyone, whether they wanted to reminisce about past favourites or boogie to new music.
The Hyland’s Estate was fully utilised of its space, housing a giant ferris wheel looking out across the grounds, a photo booth where you could pose by the live Radio 2 studio, a sound garden which gave a more calming area to listen in via headphone, the secondary DJ stage which saw many Radio 2 presenters playing tunes live for the crowds to dance to, and of course the mainstage where everyone gathered to watch the star-studded line-up!
I was fortunate enough to be invited to this event as a representative for Chelmsford Community Radio on the Saturday, alongside the station’s Inclusion Manager, Michelle Durant, where we got backstage passes to an exclusive guest area filled with presenters, celebs and their families, as well as other representatives from local charities and organisations.
The day started out with a reception where head of BBC Radio 2, Helen Thomas, gave an insightful presentation on the day to come and a look back on how much Radio 2 has achieved in the past year. I was lucky enough to catch up with Helen a little later, as she took time out of her day to find out more about the station I was representing and wished us an incredible day.
Whilst inside the guest area I was able to chat with many distinguished individuals.
I met with Early Breakfast Show presenter Owain Wyn Evans, speaking about how he started in community radio and made his way to being a regular presenter on BBC Radio 2, to even DJing live on stage at Radio 2 in the Park festivals.
First eliminated contestants of Race Across the World 2025, Yin and Gaz spoke with me about their journey across the show - from getting lost in the beautiful countryside of China, to how the adventure allowed them time to grieve the loss of loved ones - and even about getting lost on their way to the Hylands!
Paralympic gold medallist, Ellie Simmonds talked with us about the importance of inclusion and what it meant to be a role model to generations and how her paralympic journey shaped the movement of British parasport to what it has become today.
Other notable appearances included Jessie J, Rylan Clark, Paddy McGuinness, Vernon Kay, Sara Cox, Michelle Keegan… the list goes on and on. It truly was such an honour to be allowed into a space with such respected people.
With Chelmsford being the birth place of radio, it made the perfect backdrop for such an iconic event. The hard work and dedication of many was apparent with just how well thought out everything was, and I could not be more grateful to have been so honoured to receive such an invitation.
There could not have been a more perfect way to round off the entire experience than standing amongst a crowd of tens of thousands, all singing along to Bryan Adams iconic hits - it truly was ‘heaven’.
Poem - Our Village of Writtle
Our village of Writtle is loved so dearly
Just walk around, you can see why clearly
Close to Chelmsford our neighbouring city Writtle is small, compact and amazingly pretty
At the original centre the village green It’s not to be missed, it must be seen
Complete with pond, benches and ducks
Retained is character; there are no Starbucks
The weeping willows stand so proud
You will very rarely see a crowd
But residents all say hello and smile
Often chatting for more than a while
Surrounded by ancient cottages and aged architecture
Or attend the university college for a well-informed lecture
Wander around; there is plenty to look at The very observant may spot the hanging cricket bat
Or the met office station with its Stephenson Screen
And when you are hungry there is plenty of cuisine
Indian or Italian are both on the menus
Two restaurants we have, are both superb venues
As well as cafés and pubs such as the Rose and Crown
A beer or two you can quietly down
And standing tall the church; a place to think and reflect
A hub of activity its presence perfect
A friendly place with real community
Writtle prides itself on its sense of unity
By Tim Brooks
Left page: Kid Creole, Marti Pellpw, Kelly Jones, Jessie J, Ronan Keating and Harley Kemp (by Nick Garner)
Above: David Gray, Anastacia and Rylan, Jazzie B and Soul II Soul, Olly Murrs, Olly Murrs and Anastacia, Louise, Anastacia (by Paul Mclean)
Transitions 3 - By
Steve Johansen, Hummingbird
Those of you who regularly read my column will know that over the last few months I have been inspiring you to work on your transitions, the movement between your yoga poses, rather than just the poses themselves. So many of you have reached out to tell me that considering the transitions in such a mindful way has really enhanced your practice. This month, I am focusing on another key transition: The movement from Warrior 2 into Warrior 1.
To Transition From Warrior 2 Into Warrior 1 Pose On your inhalation:
• Keep the core engaged, length though the spine, keep your hips, legs, knees, feet, left arm and hand still while maintain your gaze beyond your left middle finger.
• Reaching though the right hand allow it to sweep downwards, rotating the palm inward.
• When the right hand is beside your right hip, start to twist the right hip forward.
• As you continue to sweep the right arm forwards, turn the left palm inwards as well.
• This will start to align the shoulders into the right position for
Chelmsford Library
Summer Reading Challenge 2025 - A big Thank You Story Garden, this year’s Summer Reading Challenge is now over! We’d like to say a very big thank you and huge congratulations to all the children, families and all the fantastic volunteers who took part in this year’s Challenge, Story Garden!
We had a fantastic number of children sign up for Story Garden here at Chelmsford Library alone, so a massive thank you to all who took part - see you again soon!
Arty Bookworms Are Back at Chelmsford Library! Come along to Arty Bookworms, a combined storytelling and craft session for the under 5s!
Starting from Wednesday 17th September from 11am to 11.45am, there will be 8 weekly sessions - both informative and fun - with a book to take away from each session.
This is a free event, but booking is required: please only book a place for each child attending (adults don’t need to book) at libraries.essex. gov.uk/events.
Pilates & Yoga
Warrior 1 Pose.
• Once the right hand comes in alignment with the left, at shoulder height, the palms should be facing each other, shoulder-width apart. Raise both arms in together upwards into Warrior 1.
• Your gaze (dristi), should remain directly ahead and your shoulders should be broad and relaxed.
Teacher Tip
• Try to move one thing at a time, helping to you become aware of your movement.
• Over time and with practice, you will become more aware of how your body moves and thus able join each individual movement, blending them seamlessly together into the perfect transition from pose to pose.
For all those of you who would like to know more about transitions or yoga in general, follow me on social media by searching for ‘Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga’ on Instagram and Facebook. You can also follow my blogs at www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk, or join me in person at my studio using this free pass code: ‘HPYFREECLASS’.
Romance and Red Flags: Unmasking Romance Fraud
Come along to this fantastic information event offering helpful advice on online romance fraud.
With experts from Essex Police and Becky Holmes, author of Keanu Reeves Is Not in Love With You - an eye opening, but also hilarious read - will be sharing tips on how to spot common scams and protect yourself from being deceived.
Join us at Chelmsford Library on Thursday 25th September from 5.30pm to 7pm. This event is free but booking is required, please book your free place on our website at libraries. essex.gov.uk/events.
Transitions 1: Warrior 2 Pose
Transitions 2: into Warrior 1 Pose Transitions 3: into Warrior 2 Pose Transitions 4: Warrior 1 Pose
Childrens Exhibition to Explore the Imagination of Oi
A new family-friendly exhibition opening at the Museum of Chelmsford this autumn will explore the works of bestselling children’s author Kes Gray, who comes from Chelmsford.
Through interactive exhibits, toys and illustrations, Oi Chelmsford! Kes Gray: Chelmsford Born and Read will celebrate the author’s best loved book characters and share how his childhood experiences across Chelmsford have influenced their adventures.
Author’s Chelmsford Childhood Inspired Popular Children’s Books
Kes Gray was born at St John’s Hospital, Chelmsford in 1960. He grew up on the Moulsham Lodge Estate between 1960 and 1977 and after an award-winning career writing TV commercials, turned his attention to writing children’s stories.
In 2001, his first published picture book, Eat Your Peas, pipped Harry Potter to become overall winner of the Red House Children’s Book Award. Since then, Kes has had over 100 children’s stories published, including the popular Oi Frog & Friends! picture books and Trouble With Daisy chapter book series.
Well-loved by young families for their humour and creativity, Kes’s stories for children have on many occasions been inspired by his experiences as a child growing up in Chelmsford. Colourful and interactive exhibition to engage little ones’ imaginations Oi Chelmsford! is an ode to Kes Gray’s quirky imagination. Children will be able to immerse themselves in the author’s books, with large, bold and colourful illustrations on display - including drawings by famed children’s illustrators, Nick Sharratt, Garry Parsons and Jim Field.
Gray’s stories and characters will also be brought to life through sensory-stimulating activities and role-playing games for children to interact with. These will include a fishing game, memory playing cards, a pop-up play sweet shop and a private kids’ hangout space.
Cabinet Deputy for Cultural Services, Councillor Jennie Lardge, says the interactive exhibition aims to spark imaginative thought among young visitors: “Kes Gray is a well-beloved author in my household. My children adore his Oi Frog! series and we’ve read Quick Quack Quentin more times than I care to admit - I could probably recite it from memory!
“This new exhibition at the Museum of Chelmsford has been specifically curated for children. Through loud, fun and immersive exhibits, young visitors will be able to delve into the deeply creative imagination of Kes Gray and discover how their favourite characters and stories have been influenced by their hometown of Chelmsford.
“Our hope is that Oi Chelmsford! will help younger visitors to feel
more engaged with their local museum and perhaps even inspire them to create their own stories based on their adventures around Chelmsford. I’m personally looking forward to bringing my children to visit as soon as it opens.”
Oi Chelmsford! has been curated by the museum in collaboration with Kes Gray and publishers Penguin Random House and Hachette Children’s Group.
The museum has also worked closely on the exhibition with young Special Educational Needs (SEN) families through the charity Action for Family Carers. Local SEN families have been consulted during the design phase of the exhibition, to ensure interactive elements are widely accessible to all families and provide positive sensory experiences for SEN children. The outcome of this work will help build upon the museum’s existing offer for SEN families.
Donation of Toy Collection Sparked New Exhibition
In 2023, Kes returned to the Museum of Chelmsford for the first time in more than 50 years. After the visit, he decided to donate a large part of his collection of toys, games and literary memorabilia to the museum.
Following further discussions with museum curators, an idea formed to create a children’s exhibition dedicated to his stories. Kes says his memories and collection of childhood toys has been crucial to his success as a children’s author: “I have always believed that to be a children’s author it is essential to stay in touch with your childhood. I have always stayed in touch with mine, both through the acute memory I possess and the toys and childhood memorabilia that I have retained and collected throughout my life.
“65 years into my life, I am very happy to be gifting my author archives as well a large part of my childhood collections to my hometown museum. The roots of everything I am today, grew in Chelmsford. The roots of many of the stories and characters I have created, grew in Chelmsford too.
“Working so closely and inventively with everyone at the Museum of Chelmsford has been a privilege and a joy. I very much look forward to the exhibition opening and to seeing my residency of Chelmsford, in a fun way, come full circle!”
As well as interactives and illustrations, the exhibition will connect Kes’s stories to elements of his Chelmsford childhood through his own recollections, archival material and his donated collection of toys and memorabilia.
Exhibition curator, Sarah Harvey, says: “Most families, including my own, know Kes Gray’s books very well. From the sassy Oi Frog! series to the cheeky Trouble With Daisy books, his stories have had a significant impact in the field of children’s literature over the last 25 years.
“So, when Kes got in touch with us to donate some of his historic toy collection and archival material to the Museum of Chelmsford, we knew right away what a great opportunity this presented to celebrate a well-known Chelmsford figure, and we very quickly decided to work with Kes on an exhibition exploring his quirky stories and their Chelmsford roots.”
The exhibition opens on Saturday 29th November and will run until June 2026. An accompanying programme of events will provide opportunities for families to further explore the imaginative world of Kes Gray.
After the exhibition closes, a selection of Kes’s donated toys and memorabilia will go on display in the Toys and Games gallery of the museum, allowing families to continue to engage with Kes’s books and characters.
Volunteer at Chelmsford Coroner’s Court
The Coroners’ Courts Support Service’s trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.
We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at the Coroners’ Court.
Could you be there for a family when it matters most?
The Rainbow Trust children’s charity are looking for caring volunteers to support families with a child who has a life-limiting illness.
They have a few different roles available; from hospital trips to playtime, a listening ear to light practical help - your time can make a huge difference.
Support the Memory Walk 2025
On 4th October 2025, The Alzheimer’s Society will be hosting its annual Memory Walk at Hylands House, to raise funds and awareness for people affected by dementia. We need volunteers to make this day a success.
Help Us pack meals for charity! - 9th October at Essex Cricket Ground
Every October, Zambrero pack up and donate hundreds of thousands of meals to school feeding programmes.
This year, to commemorate our 100 million meal milestone, we’ve set a global meal packing target of 1 million meals!
We need help to pack as many meals as we can on Thursday 9th October at Essex Cricket Ground.
Please sign up and bring along your friends and family!
Mars at Chelmsford Cathedral
An enormous floating model of the planet Mars will be suspended from the ceiling of Chelmsford Cathedral for 3 weeks in October, accompanied by concerts, performances and educational exhibitions.
We need lots of volunteers to welcome people in and help us run the events. Please get in touch for an out-of-this-world experience!
Meet Morris - our minibus needs a driver like you!
We’re looking for confident, friendly volunteer drivers to help our Mencap students access a range of exciting activities, events, and community projects.
You’ll be more than just a driver - you’ll also lend a hand supporting students and staff at their destinations. Whether it’s a seaside day out, working in a community garden, or helping develop independent living skills, your support will be invaluable.
No Jabs - Just the Joy of Real Food: Healthy Habits, Happy Life: Mum of Two From Chelmsford Sheds 5st With Slimming World
When Katie Marrion from Chelmsford spotted a photo that had been posted on social media following a family holiday she realised that she needed to make a change to be a healthier mum for her children. Katie says :“I was scared, anxious and nervous at starting this weight loss journey and the first walk though the door was hard but from the minute I joined the Monday night Slimming World group I felt at home and part of the family and I knew something was going to change for the better. I lost 5lb my first week and started to make real change with my food choices, meal plans and shopping lists. My husband cooked more and more of my favourite meals just making small changes to make them healthier and I could even enjoy my favourite tipple!
“I also started to run again - something I loved before covid and before I knew it I was regularly running 5K - my personal best run was this summer at Chelmsfords Race for Life 10K which was the most amazing day raising money for Cancer Research with many of my Slimming World friends. It has taken 1 year and 11 months to loose just over 5 stone. I have dropped 4 dress sizes and if I didn’t love shopping before I love it even more now. Slimming World has not only helped me lose weight, it’s changed my whole relationship with food, it has helped me fall back in love with exercising and running but the biggest change is that I love me again. Losing weight isn’t always easy, but I wouldn’t change any part of it. It’s frustrating sometimes, we all have difficult weeks but that’s all part of the process - it’s reality, there is no perfect time or magic fix. But it is so worth it! I made the first step, kept going even when I felt it was impossible. I’m proof you can do it - you don’t need to wish for change you just need to choose it!
Katie’s story is part of a wider movement happening across the UK and Ireland, as Slimming World launches its new group experience this August. With more buzz, more inspiration and even better results, the updated format is designed to help members feel more connected and supported than ever.
Emma Lodge runs 2 Slimming World groups in Springfield. She says:
“I’m incredibly proud of Katie, as well as her incredible achievements, she really is everybody’s biggest cheerleader! In a world of quick fixes, our real-life groups offer something truly powerful - community. Seeing that support from member to member is so special, cheering each other on and picking each other up when things might be difficult. That support is second to none and whether someone is using weight loss medication, returning to group or starting out for the first time, we’re here to help them build habits that last. Now more than ever, the power of being together has never been more vital. That deep sense of community - the very heartbeat of Slimming World - reminds us that we’re not meant to go it alone. Losing weight isn’t easy and real change happens when we feel seen, supported and truly understood.”
Emma says: “I’m so proud to be supporting people to lose weight, gain confidence and transform their lives.
“With over 55 years of experience in helping people lose weight, at Slimming World we offer an inclusive, nonjudgemental community for everyone - including those who may be using weight loss medications or have had weight loss surgery. If you’re thinking of starting your weight loss journey, together we can do it! We have groups in Chelmsford 6 days a week so you are sure to find one to suit you”
Crafts - By Magali Ellis and Scrap-Circle
Scrapbooking Through the Seasons: Capturing Life’s Everyday Shifts
As summer winds down and the first hints of autumn creep in, many families find themselves shifting gears into the familiar back-to-school routine. The slow mornings, late evenings and spontaneous summer adventures give way to early alarms, packed lunches, homework sessions and new activities. While the return to structure can feel like a whirlwind, it is also the perfect time to pause and preserve these changes through scrapbooking and crafting.
Scrapbooking is more than placing photos on a page; it is about telling the story of your life. The transition from summer freedom to school-year schedules is a story worth documenting, filled with both big milestones and small details that may otherwise fade with time. The first-day-of-school outfit, the nervous smile at drop-off, a fresh set of pencils neatly tucked into a backpack-these are the everyday treasures that shape our memories.
Crafting these moments onto a scrapbook page allows us to slow down and reflect. Adding ticket stubs from a last summer movie night, a leaf collected on a cool September morning, or even a handwritten note about the chaos of getting out the door on time turns ordinary days into lasting keepsakes. These little pieces of life, when stitched together on a page, form a meaningful record of change and growth.
More Than a Shop - Community, Caring, Learning, Hope and Love
Artist of the month: Tamara Eden Bringing Animals to Life Through Art Tamara Eden is a Chelmsford-based artist who brings animals to life through her work. Drawing on her years as a zookeeper, Tamara captures their unique personalities and physical power. She completed her degree in Contemporary Art and Design at Writtle College, where she expanded her technical range and deepened her fascination with all forms of art.
After Writtle, Tamara volunteered as an Art Technician at Moulsham High School and soon after at The Art Place. There, she curated exhibitions of local artists’ work, organised shows, and ran workshops. Passionate about teaching, Tamara enjoys guiding young artists to create what they love. She has supported a local youth art group and now works with home-schooled pupils, helping them achieve GCSE qualification in art. You’ll often find Tamara painting and exhibiting at The Artists at the Meadows, or leading craft workshops at special events in Chelmsford City Centre.
Her growing portfolio includes more than 50 animal portraits, many on display and she has two upcoming exhibitions - at Hanningfield Reservoir and at The Art Place (in the Meadows Shopping Centre in Chelmsford) in December.
Her recent public artworks include Bee Inside, which featured in Chelmsford’s Buzz in the City Farleigh Hospice trail, a three-foot pigeon sculpture for the Concrete Canvas project and a full-body anatomical mannequin exhibited at Hot Box.
For many, crafting is also a calming ritual during busy times. Sitting down with scissors, paper and glue after a hectic day provides both creativity and grounding. It is a chance to shift focus away from to-do lists and toward appreciation-documenting, not only the polished highlights but also the real, messy and sometimes humorous parts of family life.
As routines settle into place, consider creating a dedicated ‘Backto-School’ journal section. Capture the rhythms of the season: the weekly meal plans taped to the fridge, doodles in the margins of a homework sheet, or the after-school snack that suddenly becomes a favourite. These are fleeting details, but together they tell the authentic story of your household at this particular moment in time.
When we take the time to scrapbook and craft, we are doing more than preserving photographs - we are creating a tangible record of life’s chapters, big and small. The return to school marks a shift not just for children, but for families as a whole. Documenting these changes helps us celebrate growth, embrace new routines and hold onto the everyday beauty found in life’s little details.
If you are interested in having a go please join us at one of our craft days! We’re meeting at Highwood Village Hall just outside Chelmsford between 9.30am till 4.30pm on those following dates: Saturdays 27th September, 25th October, 29th November and 13th December 2025.
Have a look at our website for more details and booking links: www. scrap-circle.co.uk.
Tamara is very active in supporting the development of the arts in Chelmsford, dedicating a lot of her time on a voluntary basis to this cause. Tamara’s support is very much valued both at The Art Place where she also delivers art sessions to teenagers with social anxieties and our sister gallery Artists At The Meadow (also in Meadows Shopping Centre Chelmsford).
With her obvious passion for art and for supporting others in our city to learn and experience art, Chelmsford is very lucky to have Tamara Eden, and we thank her for all her efforts, energy, and support. Tamara’s work can be viewed on her website at www.tamaraeden.com.
The Art Place actively supports the development of art and culture in Chelmsford. It provides a place for local artists to exhibit and sell their work and for visitors to engage with and purchase local art and crafts. The commission on the sales goes to support its charitable activities (as part of the Ideas Hub Chelmsford charity) which supports the well-being of local residents. The Art Place is in (and supported by) the Meadows Shopping Centre in Chelmsford.
By Elena from EKM Gallery
For more information about Art Place work, projects, workshops and support offered, please visit: www.ideashubchelmsford.org and follow 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
Designing the Future: The Challenges Shaping Interiors in 2025
Interior design has always reflected the spirit of its time, but in 2025 the industry faces an unusual crossroads. Homes are asked to do more than ever - function as sanctuaries, offices and social hubswhile grappling with global concerns like sustainability, rising costs and rapid technological change. The year’s design trends capture not just what looks beautiful, but how we navigate these challenges.
Sustainability vs. Affordability
Eco-conscious design has moved from trend to expectation. Consumers want recycled materials, non-toxic finishes and energyefficient solutions. Yet many sustainable options still come with higher price tags. Designers are tasked with finding the balance: incorporating reclaimed woods, eco-friendly paints and low-impact textiles while staying within realistic budgets. The challenge lies in proving that sustainable living can be stylish and accessible.
Technology and the Human Touch
Smart homes are no longer futuristic - they are everyday reality. Automated lighting, AI-driven climate control and voice-activated appliances bring convenience, but they also raise new design questions. How do we integrate screens, sensors and devices without making spaces feel cold or overly mechanical? The best designers in 2025 are those who can weave technology into interiors seamlessly, ensuring the home feels human, not high-tech showroom.
The Flexibility Dilemma
With hybrid work and fluid lifestyles, rooms are expected to multitask; living rooms double as offices, kitchens as classrooms and spare bedrooms as gyms. Flexible furniture - modular sofas, extendable tables, foldaway beds - is in demand. But there is a challenge: multifunctionality can easily lead to clutter and compromise. Designers must solve the puzzle of creating spaces that adapt without losing clarity or comfort.
Rising Costs and Shrinking Spaces
Urban housing costs continue to rise, and living spaces are shrinking. Interior designers face the challenge of making smaller homes feel
spacious, luxurious and practical. Clever storage, light-enhancing layouts and space-saving furniture are essential. The trend toward ‘soft minimalism’ - calm, uncluttered spaces with warm texturesstems partly from this reality. Less space demands more thoughtful choices.
Authenticity in a Mass-Produced World
Another challenge lies in authenticity. Mass-market furniture and fast décor trends flood social media, creating a sameness across homes. Yet people increasingly crave individuality - pieces that tell a story. The resurgence of craftsmanship, vintage finds and artisanal décor is both a trend and a response to the challenge of standing out in an era of copy-paste aesthetics.
Colour, Expression and Risk
After years of neutral dominance, bold colours and patterns are reappearing. But embracing jewel tones or patterned wallpaper isn’t always easy and homeowners often fear commitment. Designers must encourage risk-taking while ensuring longevity, so that interiors feel personal without becoming quickly dated.
The Bigger Picture
The story of interior design in 2025 is one of balance: sustainability and cost, technology and warmth, flexibility and clarity, individuality and timelessness. The challenges are real, but they are also inspiring a new wave of creativity. Homes are no longer just backdrops for living, they are active participants in how we navigate modern life.
And in meeting these challenges, design proves once again that it is about more than beauty; it is about shaping the way we live.
If you would like any advice on interiors we offer a consultation free of charge. Our services include interior design. colour consultation and styling.
07979 66 3339
info@saltmarshinteriors.co.uk www.saltmarshinteriors.co.uk
Tales From the Circle - By Sylvia Kent
An Invitation to Discover the Joy of Writing - A Tradition of Creativity Autumn often brings fresh motivation; perhaps to start a new hobby or even explore a new career.
Every published author, journalist, poet, or storyteller once began where you are now: with words waiting to be written and stories longing to be told.
Brentwood Writers’ Circle has been meeting since 1st May 1941. Born in the midst of the Second World War, it grew at a time when many people kept diaries as an outlet to record their fears and hopes. Some of those writings were later published, giving future generations a vivid picture of life in those straitened times.
Today, our circle continues that tradition of encouraging people to write in the numerous ways that interest them. We may not be the oldest group in the UK, but we are among the best known - offering inspiration, support, competitions and a community where writers’ words can find their way into the world. We regularly invite well-known guest speakers along to our meetings.
In a world dominated by screens, there is something refreshing about gathering in person to share stories and celebrate the written word with a cup of tea and biscuits. Our circle isn’t just a meeting - it’s a special place for learning more about the business of learning how to create a book, article, short story and poetry - a veritable launch-pad for literary dreams.
When We Meet
We usually meet monthly at The The Bardswell Social Club, Weald Road, Brentwood on the first Saturday of the month at 2.30pm. This October however, is rather special. It is our Annual Writers’ Day on Saturday 4th October from 10am to 4pm, with two superb guest speakers - best-selling authors Kate Thompson and Caroline Lawrence - who will bring their latest books and will join us for lunch served at 12.30pm.
Details are on our website at www.brentwoodwriterscircle. com where you can book your place (via bank transfer). Tickets include refreshments and a super buffet lunch: Members’ price is £12 with guest price at £20. You can purchase tickets online at brentwoodwriterscircle.com on the ‘Annual Writers’ Day’ page (or contact kentsylvia5@gmail.com).
In 1968, Manchester United became the first English club to win which cup?
What is the meaning of ‘felicific’?
Which two acts recently headlined Radio 2 in the Park?
What article of neckwear can change colour using which system?
Who sang the theme song to the James Bond film Skyfall?
As sung about in The Sound of Music, what is the national flower of Switzerland?
How many terminals does Gatwick Airport have?
What kind of fruit are James Grice, Cortland and Gala all varieties of?
In textspeak, what does IMO stand for?
How much is the brown ball in snooker worth?
In 1986, which Swedish rock band had a worldwide hit with The Final Countdown?
Who served as Mayor of London from 2000 to 2008?
Jon Pertwee, David Tennant and Jodie Whitaker have all played which time-travelling doctor on TV?
Valentine’s Day falls on which day of February?
Which year in the 20th century is known in British history as ‘The Year of 3 Kings’?
According to the company themselves, what is the most popular flavour of Walker’s crisps?
Miniature, Toy and Teacup are all breeds of which dog?
The ‘Ceremony of the Keys’ takes place every evening at which historic London landmark?
In the Bible, who dies first?
A shepherd’s pie is usually made with which meat?
Which actor was the very first to play Dr Who?
Which animals star in Watership Down?
Comedians Katy, Jo and Russell all share which surname?
‘My Bed’ was a 1998 artistic installation by which contraversial artist?
Which four-letter word means exactly the same anywhere in the world?
Which Australian band had albums called High Voltage, TNT and Back in Black?
What name is given to the method of hair removal in which strands of cotton are used to pluck unwanted hair?
In its own language, which European country is known as Hellas?
The pommel, the seat and the cantle are the three main areas of what?
The Toyota Camry, Corolla and Corona cars all have names that derive from Latin or Japanese words that mean what? What does US president Trump do every time he appears on TV?
How many colours are there on the beak of a puffin?
In the NATO phonetic alphabet, which boy’s name represents ‘O’?
Which bird features on the crest of Crystal Palaces FC’s strip?
When holding his gun, is James Bond right or left handed?
What was Billy Connolly diagnosed with in 2013?
During WWII, who earned the nickname ‘Forces Sweetheart’?
What is the source of ivory?
In what year was the Lockerbie disaster, when 270 people were killed?
Cerumen is the technical term for which secretion?
(Answers on pages 30 & 31)
Smart-Motoring is a motoring news blog bringing you the latest features, stories and information from the motoring world. smart-motoring.com
The Blisteringly Powerful 2025 Corvette ZR1
I’ve always had a soft spot for the Corvette - the quintessential American muscle car, a muscle car that during the 1960s also managed to bring a visual, pure American hint of the style of an iconic sixties’ Ford Thunderbird. Looks-wise, there’s also a slight hint of the Jensen Interceptor about a Corvette from the past too; especially worthy of note due to the fact that a right-hand drive Corvette was not heading to British shores any time soon. That all changed from 2021 with the V8-powered Corvette C8 Stingray showing face at Goodwood.
Another reason I took so fondly to the Corvette was that I once dug up a Matchbox model in a friend’s garden - a 1963 second-generation Corvette with twin rear windows. He let me keep it and I still have it today. I am reminded of this because the little Matchbox car was a rich, sunny yellow - much like the 2025 Corvette ZR1, a 1,064bhp hypercar with a top speed of 233mph and 828lb ft of torque.
While the regular combustion engine now viewing its own twilight, you can’t help but marvel at how certain manufacturers are currently revelling in pushing its boundaries to an excitable level - The Corvette ZR1 is powered by a 5.5-litre twin turbocharged DOHC V8. When the V8 finally goes, we will surely lament its demise.
Apparently, Corvette design engineers had planned for the ZR1 to have around 850bhp, but when testing the engine, the designers soon realised that they could push this thing more and more, ending up with bhp that tips over 1,000. So, we end up with a sports car that is capable of 0-60mph in just 2.5 seconds - or less, depending on any extra performance packages you might wish to purchase, such as the ZTK.
New for 2025
For 2025, Corvette has improved aerodynamics for the ZR1 and added carbon-ceramic brake rotors which are now the largest ever to be fitted to a Corvette at 15.7-inches up front: this is an attempt to reduce the temperature under use.
There are now five wheel designs, with four of them being alloy and one a carbon-fibre design. A weight reducing carbon-fibre roof is also available. New colours are also available too, such as Competition Yellow, Sebring Orange and Hysteria Purple. The ZR1 comes in two trims - the 1LZ and the more up-market 3LZ, although once you start moving you are probably not very likely to notice the inside too much. Of course, there are some considerable, less-than-green
compromises to such a powerhouse. If we consider the muscle of that V8, then we are looking at around 10-12 miles per gallon in stopstart traffic, maybe going up to 18 on a steady motorway. With a cost of around $174,995 which can easily rise up to $242,000, then the Corvette ZR1 certainly has some limitations.
Inside, the Corvette ZR1 looks fighter jet-ready, with a sleek dark coloured design and figure-hugging sports seats. There is a 12-inch display and a round/square steering wheel. You don’t get into a ZR1, you sort of slot yourself inside one. Aside from the breathtaking power, more mundane stuff like Apple CarPlay and Android capabilities are evident. Safety comes from various driver assistance features.
The Corvette ZR1 is a muscle car in every sense of the word; from an engine that proved capable of extra tuning before the car was released, to a sleek and aggressive design that pays homage to that second-gen Corvette that I still own (in Matchbox form) - the ZR1 even has a split rear window.
Despite starting this article with the joy of the Corvette finally reaching our shores, unfortunately as yet, Corvette is not planning on bringing the ZR1 to the UK. But let’s face it, even if we could afford a Corvette ZR1, it would remain one of the most impractical cars we could ever wish to own in the UK. But we can marvel at it all the same.
By Sean Neylon
Courtesy of Smart Motoring magazine smart-motoring.com
Images: chevrolet.com
September 22nd: September Equinox
Sep 21st: Saturn at Opposition
The ringed planet, Saturn, lies on the opposite side of Earth to the Sun and is visible from sunset to sunrise.
What is Opposition? In astronomy, an ‘opposition’ is the time when a planet or planetary body is in the exact opposite position in the sky to the Sun.
Also known as the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, the September equinox is considered by many as the first day of autumn.
What is the September equinox? The autumnal equinox occurs in September each year, and in the Northern Hemisphere the date marks the end of summer and beginning of autumn. At this time, the nights and the day are very close to being equal in length.
October 7th: Harvest Moon
October’s Full Moon is called the Hunter’s Moon. This year, it is also
the full moon closest to the September equinox, making it 2025’s Harvest Moon as well.
October 8th/9th: Draconid Meteor Shower
The best time to see the shooting stars of the peaking Draconids is just after nightfall. In 2025, the brightness of an almost full moon will reduce the number of meteors that can be seen. Here’s the URL: www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/meteor-shower/draconid.html.
October 21st/22nd: Orionid Meteor Shower
This peaks around October 21st-22nd but usually remains active from around October 2nd to November 7th. This year, the peak period coincides with a New Moon, giving us a dark, moonless sky.
New Moon
On September 21st and December 20th 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.
www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com mark.willis@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com
The Retro Chart Show with Mark Willis is every Monday morning at 10am on Chelmsford Community Radio, 104.4 FM and online at: www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com.
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