The City Times August/September by Itsyourmedia

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

City Times Intro

Hello readers,

Welcome to The City Times August/September edition.

A-level results are out with GCSEs following - let’s hope everyone got the results they were hoping for!

There are still lots of activities to come this summer, check out our What’s On guide on pages 18 and 19.

On pages 20 and 21 we have this year’s Heritage Open Days events for Chelmsford - and they are all free to enter, so get booking before they are all booked up!

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

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It’s 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.

I have recently been away to a couple of festivals; one in Wickham near Fareham, Hampshire. I went with my caravan and it was great fun. I managed to catch up with friends and stayed a night with my good mate Rob in Gosport which was very nice, and we also went to his local pub. I am now having a repair to my vehicle carried out before I go away again with my caravan for my next festival in Kent.

My granddaughter will have got her A-level results as we head to press and my grandson will be getting his GCSE results. I feel confident that they will both do well and that we see Kiki heading off to university - just the second in our family to do so. My granddaughter has also just had her 18th birthday and my daughter has her 49th coming up, I don’t remember getting this old, but I suppose I am though...

The other Saturday I met up with my brothers and sister and my two sisters-in-law. It was good fun as it has been far too long since we all got together. We tended our parents’ grave and then went for a very nice lunch at Ashlyns Farm Shop & Restaurant near Ongar on the A414 and we had a good chat. That evening, I went to my friend Barry’s Blues Barn and had a great evening of live music. On the Sunday I went to the Hylands House Open Day for the first time. There were a lot of people on the back lawn in the nice weather and lots of food stalls, and Dave and Jon hosting a Hot Box live music stage where I saw Katie for Kings play; she is always very good and deserves a much bigger stage to play on.

We know that there’s still lots happening in and around us, so do please check out our What’s On guide and social media channels. And remember, if you have anything that might interest our readers or if you know of any events that are happening, then please let us know by emailing editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk.

Music

As we prepare for BBC Radio 2 to take over Hylands Park for three days, I also have some great shows coming up too, with Led Into Zeppelin on Friday 5th September at the Social Club, and Sam Kelly’s Station House on Sunday 7th September at Hot Box. Then we have Martin Turner on Friday 12th on his Blowin’ Free tour celebrating 55 years since he formed Wishbone Ash - Martin also wrote and sung most of the music.

There’s still lots more coming up. We have John Otway and his band, Albert Lee, Wreckless Eric, Franck Carducci, Limehouse Lizzy, Los Pacaminos featuring Paul Young, Robbie McIntosh and Hamish Stuart, Creedence Rising and much more - and we are also busy booking for 2026 right now.

Here is a list of some of the acts I have put on recently: Held By Trees, Geraint Watkins and the Mosquitoes, The Fat Penguins, Nigel Bagge, Leighton Phoenix, Rich Miller with Nick Beggs of Kajagoogoo, and Satin Beige.

At the Wickham Festival in Hampshire I saw Steve Knightly, Phil Beer, Miranda Sykes, The Peatbog Faeries, The Dhol Foundation, Martha Tilston, Mery Hell, Kate Rusby, Richard Thompson, Fisherman’s Friends, Lucy Spraggan, Track Dogs, Danny & the Champions Of The World, Katie Spencer, The Bar-Steward Sons Of Val Doonican, Tom Robinson, Leo Sayer, Judie Tzuke, Lindisfarne, and more. Some of these - from both local and festivals - I will be bringing to Chelmsford

hopefully next year.

I was unable to make it to Cropredy this year, although I did help them secure Albert Lee as a headline act. The Debroah Bonham Band also played with Robert Plant as guest, and both Albert and Deborah will be playing for me soon in Chelmsford at the Social Club.

Please do remember to support all live events whatever it might beespecially in your local area to help keep the events and 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, then please let us know by emailing to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk - it may be an event or a topic of interest. Or have you done anything unusual or are you planning something? If so, we want to know about it. If know of someone who may wish to advertise with us, then please ask them to contact ads@ itsyourmedia.co.uk and we can send over the full details for this and the Moulsham Times

You can get tickets for all our Black Frog Presents shows at The Social Club in Chelmsford from Intense Records, The Hop Beer Shop and Chelmsford 4Good - please pay 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 as well 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.

Leo Sayer At Wickham Festival

City Times Food!

School’s Out for Summer!

I can’t believe that the summer holidays are now upon us and we are already a few weeks in. I think I’ve mentioned this before, but I am a food technology teacher at a secondary school nowwhich I love, as I get to teach what I love and still have the summers with my girls at home!

As I thought about what I wanted to talk about this month, I decided on sauces. In my previous articles I’ve touched upon salad dressings but I wanted to talk about pasta sauces this month. I know that my kids and other parents I have spoken to tell me that most nights the kids ask for pasta, which can get a bit boring if it’s the same thing every time! My daughter changes between what sort of shape she wants to eat and can be very specific if I get it wrong!

We all like convenience. How easy is it to buy a pasta sauce from the shops? The problem with these sauces they are full of so much salt and other things that aren’t great for us. By making our own sauces we know exactly what is going into them. It’s also a great way to hide vegetables! We eat with our eyes and children often decide that they don’t like something before they even taste it due to its appearance. You can pack these sauces with as many vegetables as you like and blend it all up and they will never know, plus the more vegetables you use the more flavour there is.

Just the other night my teenage daughter had her friend over and I could hear them looking for food. Her friend said to my daughter, ‘You don’t have any pasta sauces...’ I went down and I said, ‘Look, we can make a tomato sauce in less then 10 minutes!’ She was amazed as we fried onion and garlic, a touch of sugar and salt and a tin of tomatoes. I then blended this - I love the velvety texture this gives. It was so quick and easy and the kids loved it.

Here’s another quick easy sauce I like to make for the kids, which is full of goodness - and veggies that are hidden!

Essex Food - By Krista

Hello everyone, another month has flown by! I’ve been out and about around Essex, enjoying plenty of tasty food as usual. This month’s foodie adventure took me on a little bike ride just 20 minutes from Chelmsford city centre to check out an exciting new pop-up that has just launched at Pontlands Park.

Pontlands has long been a favourite with Chelmsford locals - chances are you’ve been there for a Sunday roast, afternoon tea, a wedding, or even a Christmas party. This summer, the much-loved venue is beginning a new chapter with the launch of something fresh and exciting - Drakes.

Housed in a tipi-style building decorated with pretty fairy lights, Drakes offers a mix of cosy indoor corners and outdoor seating, perfect for alfresco dining on sunny days whilst soaking up the stunning countryside views. And yes, your dog is more than welcome to join you!

The menu is full of classics, from fish and chips and juicy burgers to colourful, healthy salads. I went for the pepperoni pizza and enjoyed watching it being made fresh in the pizza oven. It was perfectly crisp, with a generous layer of tasty toppings, alongside a chicken salad which was light and packed with flavour.

For dessert, I had to try the cherry cheesecake, recommended by the lovely manager. It was rich, creamy and so good that it’s worth

To start the sauce, chop garlic and onion, fry them off then add your veggies. I like to use courgette, carrots or whatever I have in the fridge that needs using up. Throw it all in, add some herbs if you like, add 2 tins of tomatoes and cook this until the veg is soft. Add this to your blender and you have your basic sauce, It’s so cheap and full of flavour!

So here is my pasta dish that the whole of my family enjoy and is a quick fast meal that hits the right spots.

Creamy Mushrooom Tagliatelle Serves 4:

Ingredients

• 1 onion finely chopped.

• 300g mushrooms, roughly chopped.

• 2 garlic cloves crushed and chopped.

• 1 tub of cream cheese, 165g.

• Tagliatelle (I aim for 75g per person, but you can cook as much or little as you want).

• Fresh thyme, leaves picked.

• Parmesan to serve.

Method

• Fry the onion, garlic until soft.

• Once the onion and garlic are cooked, add the mushrooms until cooked and soft.

• While these are cooking, cook your pasta - timings will depend on where to you buy it, so follow the instructions on the packet. Once cooked, drain and leave to one side.

• Add the tub of cream cheese and fresh thyme leaves into the mushrooms. Once this is hot, add your pasta and serve with fresh Parmesan.

I hope you enjoy this easy, fast pasta dish, which is a homemade quick meal for all the family to enjoy without spending hours in the kitchen in this hot weather.

visiting just for this alone. To drink, I had a refreshing mango and passionfruit mocktail and an Aperol spritz, both of which went down very nicely.

While Drakes is perfect for lunch, dinner, or simply cocktails on the patio, the main hotel also offers an elegant indoor space ideal for private events and special occasions. If you fancy making a night of it, there are lovely rooms available to stay in. Overnight guests can also enjoy complimentary access to Reflections, the on-site leisure centre, where you can relax in the pools and unwind in the sauna and steam rooms.

If you’re looking for delicious food in a beautiful setting, Drakes is a must-visit.

For more information and to book a table, visit www.pontlandspark. co.uk. Follow me on

Local Essex Families Love a Mud Run!

Tickets are selling fast for a very muddy day out, coming to Brentwood this September.

The event, called Mud Tribe, is being launched by family run Essexbased company, Nuclear Races, and will take place on Saturday 6th September.

The main part of the event is the 5k muddy obstacle course run, taking participants over 17 different obstacles. The course is aimed at all abilities, and features fun, achievable obstacles that everyone can enjoy. There’s no time pressure, and participants can go at their own pace. Spectators can also attend for free.

Aside from the run itself, the day will feature a mix of other entertainment and activities in the Mud Tribe Village - including inflatables, bucking broncos, music, food, drink and more.

Mud Tribe features different ‘waves’ throughout the day, and the most popular choice for the event so far is the Family wave option.

Race Director James Parrish says, “It seems that local families are really keen to find something fun to do together with their kids. Maybe it’s the appeal of being away from screens and consoles, or maybe they all just really love mud!

“The family waves are proving very popular - in fact one wave is completely sold out, and the second is close to selling out too. So we’ve released a third family wave due to the demand.”

The Mud Family waves are the best options for grown ups who want to run with their young families and take on the course together, and are open to ages 7+. There’s also a shorter 1.5k course, open to children as young as 4.

Other waves available include Mud Misters (all-male wave), Mud Sisters (just for women) and Mud Blast (mixed wave for ages 13+). To grab a ticket before they go, visit www.nuclear-races.co.uk/mudtribe.

August sits at the tipping point between high summer and the first whispers of autumn. The garden is in full bloom, but so are the weeds. Fruit and veg are ripening in abundance, but watering cans are never far from hand. This is the month to enjoy your hard work - while keeping just enough control so things don’t slip away before September.

Flowers & Borders

Deadheading: keep summer colour going by deadheading bedding plants such as pelargoniums, dahlias and cosmos.

Snipping off spent blooms channels energy into new flowers rather than seed production.

Perennial TLC: Cut back faded hardy geraniums and Alchemilla mollis to encourage fresh foliage. Divide bearded irises if they’re overcrowded -

August warmth helps new roots establish before winter.

Late summer stars: Add instant pops of colour with potted rudbeckias, echinaceas, or Japanese anemones. They’ll flower for weeks and provide nectar for late-flying pollinators.

Fruit & Veg

Harvesting: Pick beans, courgettes, cucumbers and tomatoes regularly to keep them producing. Allowing fruits to over-ripen signals the plant to slow down.

Soft fruit: Raspberries, blackberries and blueberries are at their sweetest now. Net fruit bushes if birds are helping themselves.

Autumn prep: Sow salad leaves, spinach and radishes for quick crops before the first frosts. Plant overwintering brassicas like kale and spring cabbage in prepared beds.

Fruit trees: Summer-prune trained apples and pears (espaliers, cordons, fans) to improve sunlight and airflow.

Lawns

Dry Weather Care: Lawns often brown in August heat - don’t panic. Grass is resilient and will green up with autumn rains. If you must water, do so deeply once a week rather than little-and-often.

Mowing: Raise mower blades slightly to reduce stress in hot weather and retain more moisture.

Overseeding prep: Towards the end of the month, start prepping for autumn lawn repairs or overseeding.

Watering & Drought Care

Prioritise: Focus water on newly planted shrubs, fruiting vegetables, and container plants. Established borders usually cope without extra watering unless there’s a prolonged drought.

Morning routine: Water early to reduce evaporation and fungal disease risk.

Mulching: Top up mulch around perennials and shrubs to lock in moisture and suppress weeds.

Wildlife Watch

Pollinators: Keep nectar flowing with plants like Verbena bonariensis, buddleja, and sedums.

Water stations: Provide shallow dishes for birds and insects, refreshed daily.

Hedgehog paths: If you’re trimming hedges, check for nesting birds first. Create small openings at fence bases to help hedgehogs roam for food.

Greenhouse & Containers

Ventilation: Prop doors and vents open in hot spells to prevent overheating.

Tomato care: Keep feeding weekly with a high-potash fertiliser. Pinch out tomato side shoots (except bush varieties) and remove some lower leaves to improve air circulation.

Container refresh: Remove tired annuals and replace with laterflowering plants for autumn interest.

Jobs for Later in the Month Spring bulb orders: Plan and order bulbs now for autumn plantingthink snowdrops, crocus and early tulips.

Biennials: Transplant foxgloves, wallflowers and sweet williams sown earlier in the summer into their flowering positions.

Hedge cutting: Give evergreen hedges a tidy trim, but check for wildlife first.

Enjoyment & Observation

August is as much about enjoying your garden as working in it. Take time in the early morning or evening to simply sit and watch. You’ll notice pollinators foraging patterns, fruits swelling day by day and the subtle shift in light as the month advances.

This quiet observation often informs the best garden decisionsseeing which plants thrived, which areas need more shade and where late-season colour could be improved next year.

Quick August Checklist

• Deadhead flowering plants regularly.

• Harvest fruit and veg often.

• Water containers and young plants.

• Ventilate greenhouses.

• Sow quick-maturing crops for autumn.

• Order spring bulbs.

August is the garden’s ‘last big push’ before autumn. Keep on top of the essentials, enjoy your harvests, and take mental (or actual) notes for next season. By September, the balance tips - and the garden shifts into its next chapter.

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.

Why

When you’re planning a home improvement project - especially something as personal and impactful as a new kitchen - choosing the right company matters just as much as choosing the right design. Your home is your most valuable asset and you deserve to work with professionals who are trustworthy, reliable and committed to delivering the very best. That’s why choosing a Which? Trusted Trader is one of the most important decisions you can make.

Backed by the UK’s leading consumer champion, Which? is the UK’s most respected independent consumer organisation.

Their Trusted Traders scheme was created to help homeowners find businesses that consistently meet the highest standards of workmanship, customer service and business integrity.

At Regal Kitchens Ltd, we’ve proudly held our Which? Trusted Trader endorsement for over a decade and we continue to meet their rigorous standards year after year.

Award-Winning Recognition

We don’t just meet expectations - we’re proud to be recognised for exceeding them:

• Which? Trusted Trader of the Month: Winner two years in a row (2023 & 2024).

• Finalist for Which? Trusted Trader of the Year: A national recognition of excellence among thousands of endorsed businesses.

These awards are more than just titles - they’re a reflection of the hard work, care and professionalism we bring to every project - and the trust our customers place in us.

Why It Matters to You

Choosing a Which? Trusted Trader like Regal Kitchens Ltd means you benefit from:

• A company that’s been thoroughly vetted - from customer reviews and trading standards checks to financial stability.

• Clear, honest quotes with no pressure selling or hidden fees.

• A code of conduct that ensures you’re treated with fairness and respect at every stage.

• Access to an independent complaints procedure if neededgiving you total peace of mind.

• Which? continuously monitors feedback to ensure that all Trusted Traders uphold their standards, so you’re not just hiring someone who was great once, but a team that delivers excellence consistently.

Trusted by Which?, Chosen by Homeowners

Our motto is ‘Where Client is King’, and that philosophy guides everything we do. We don’t just install kitchens, we build relationships based on transparency, reliability and highest quality craftsmanship. If you’re starting a new kitchen project and want the peace of mind that comes with choosing a company endorsed by the most trusted name in consumer protection - look no further.

We’re Regal Kitchens Ltd:

• Which? Trusted Traders for over 10 years.

• Award-winning service providers.

• Committed to excellence in every kitchen we create.

Let’s make your dream kitchen a reality - with a team you can trust.

Radio 2 to Broadcast Shows From Chelmsford in the Run up to Radio

2 in the Park - And Listeners Can Get Involved

Radio 2 in the Park is headed to Hylands Park in Chelmsford, Essex from 5th - 7th September. Back by popular demand and following its debut at Radio 2 in the Park in Preston last year, there will be a Friday night DJ party to kick things off - featuring sets from Vernon Kay, Scott Mills, Rylan, DJ Spoony and Michelle Visage - ahead of a weekend packed with stellar live performances, including headliners Bryan Adams and Def Leppard.

As the excitement builds towards the weekend, several BBC Radio 2 presenters will be broadcasting from the city.

Scott Mills and Rylan Clark will be doing a Pop Top 10 podcast recording with a secret guest, and Jo Whiley will be hosting a BBC Introducing special edition of her evening show with listeners able to join the audience, and Jeremy Vine will be presenting his lunchtime show from the town, focusing on the county of Essex and exploring what it has to offer.

All three programmes will be available to hear on BBC Radio 2, the UK’s most listened to single radio station with a weekly audience of 12.6 million (RAJAR Q2, 2025), and BBC Sounds.

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said: “Radio 2 has always been proud to take the station out and about across the UK, and these events in Chelmsford in the run up to Radio 2 in the Park provide a wonderful extra opportunity to shine a spotlight on the city and for our star presenters to meet and connect with our listeners face-toface.

“We are so excited to bring the full BBC Radio 2 experience to Essex in September and we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone.”

For the first time, you can be a part of the action in Pop Top 10, Scott

and Rylan’s feel-good podcast where the pair rank the biggest tracks, artists and iconic moments in pop to come up with their own pop top 10s. This time, alongside a secret VIP guest, they debate and rank their favourite pop songs live in front of an audience. This will be recorded at Chelmsford Theatre on Tuesday 2nd September, and will be available on BBC Sounds from Wednesday 3rd September and will also be broadcast on Radio 2 on Saturday 6th September (1am-2am).

Expect hilarious stories, pop gossip and a lot of fun. Listeners can get a taste of what to expect by listening to Pop Top 10 on BBC Sounds, with episodes featuring Katherine Ryan, Perrie Edwards and Anastacia.

Scott said: “I’m so excited to take Pop Top 10 out of the studio and into the theatre! Rylan and I have so much fun recording this podcast and it will be amazing to have the lovely Radio 2 listeners with us!”

Rylan said: “Pop Top 10 is coming to Essex! Scott and I always have such a laugh doing this podcast so we can’t wait to welcome you all in.”

Tickets are available here: bbc.co.uk/radio2events.

On Thursday 4th September, Jo Whiley is hosting her BBC Radio 2 show live from local music venue Hot Box (7pm-9pm) in Chelmsford, and a handful of lucky listeners can see behind-the-scenes of a programme being broadcast live, as part of an intimate audience. The BBC Introducing special will feature live interviews and music from local artists. BBC Introducing is a platform that supports upand-coming artists from across the UK.

Jo says: “I am very excited to be broadcasting my show live from Hot Box in Chelmsford ahead of Radio 2 in the Park. Before we hear all the incredible artists performing over the weekend, it seems only right to also take a look at some of the talent of the future, through what promises to be a fantastic BBC Introducing special.”

Tickets will be allocated by a random draw for this 18+ live recording. Listeners were able to tune in to Jo Whiley’s show on BBC Radio 2 from 7pm on Tuesday 12th August to find out more information on tickets. The ticket ballot will be available here: bbc.co.uk/ radio2events.

On Friday 5th September, Jeremy Vine broadcasts live from Chelmsford (12-2pm), with a show that will celebrate and explore the county of Essex. He plans to visit the secret nuclear bunker maintained during the Cold War as a potential regional government headquarters, hear about Chelmsford’s role in the birth of radio, and sample wine from a local vineyard whilst hearing about Essex’s role as arguably England’s wine capital.

A local choir will also join Jeremy Vine to bring some live music, and he’ll hear great stories from the people of Chelmsford as they look towards a great weekend of music from Hylands Park.

Radio 2 in the Park, the station’s annual flagship live music festival, is a three-day music juggernaut featuring performances from some of the world’s biggest pop stars alongside DJ sets on the Friday 5thSunday 7th September from the station’s much-loved presenters. This year, the headliners are Bryan Adams and Def Leppard.

Listeners and viewers will be able to catch all the action live throughout the weekend on Radio 2, BBC Sounds and iPlayer.

For more information and tickets, please visit www.bbc.co.uk/ radio2inthepark.

The self-proclaimed Queen of Aimless Chatter, Amy Boyd, didn’t exactly plan on becoming a radio presenter - but she’s embraced it like she was born for the airwaves. Eight months ago, she 'tripped and fell' into the world of community radio, and she’s been loving every moment since.

At just 23, Amy already has an impressive creative history. She grew up singing and performing from the age of three, whether it was starring in plays, directing with friends, or recording music in GarageBand. A natural storyteller with a gift for connecting to an audience, she also speaks Spanish - because, as she jokes, “waffling in one language isn’t enough.”

Her journey to radio began in November 2024, fresh out of university with a degree in International Media and Communications with Spanish. Unsure of her next step, she contacted Chelmsford

This last month has seen two successful City Sound events take place outside of our broadcast studios. The first took place at the UB in New Writtle Street, where four of our regular presenters, Rebecca Skingly, Ian Gilbert, Roy Thomas and Paul Dupree entertained a packed crowd for almost six hours, playing the best of British music, from pop and rock in the afternoon to an indie disco in the evening.

At the Hot Box venue, it was the turn of Disney to become the focus of our Ovation team’s second event of the year, hosted by Ian Gilbert and Ellen Trim, with a number of talented local vocalists and actors providing live entertainment amongst the usual anthems.

We thank everyone who took the time to attend these events, and we will keep you posted of future dates.

From Mixtapes to the Mic: Meet Amy Boyd

Community Radio. Within days, she was live on air - and instantly hooked.

Amy solo-hosts Tuesday Drive at 5 and also steps in to cover at short notice, mentors newer presenters, and trains them on broadcasting software. Her enthusiasm for radio is infectious, and her creativity shines through with features like Love Through the Ages, which explores quirky romantic traditions from history.

Music is at the heart of her presenting. Amy has a knack for putting together playlists that appeal to CCR’s diverse listener base, weaving together tracks from multiple eras and genres with her trademark warmth. She still makes old-school mixtapes for loved ones and treats her on-air playlists with the same care and personal touch.

Beyond the studio, Amy is a force in her community. She says, “I truly believe radio brings the community together.” She plays volleyball, supports local productions and events and has grown a social media following of over 10,000. She uses TikTok (@amyontheradio) and other platforms to engage with listeners from Chelmsford to Canada, America and Germany, often receiving messages from abroad asking for the CCR stream link.

Whether she’s collecting vox pops at Chelmsford Pride, interviewing local theatre groups, or simply keeping a Tuesday commute cheerful, Amy brings a mix of humour, heart, and curiosity to everything she does.

In other news, we recently posted our 800th show to the Mixcloud platform for catch-up of our live shows. Do yourself a favour and drop in to our show page and take a listen to City Sound’s varied output at www.mixcloud.com/CitySoundChelmsford.

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 (citysound. radio), 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

Anyone for Croquet?

Maldon Croquet Club, based at the Keith Bigden Memorial Ground in Hatfield Peverel, assures you of a warm welcome if you would like to visit and try a game.

The club has had a very successful season to date, with an increased membership and members taking advantage of the lovely weather to enjoy our ‘roll up’ sessions.

Our cub competitions are under way, with members of all abilities playing to win our club awards. We also take part in local league matches and friendly matches with other clubs. Recently we spent a very enjoyable weekend in Ramsgate where teams from our club played teams from the Ramsgate club. The overall result did not go in our favour but a good time was had by all!

The All England Golf Croquet competition final will be held in Bath this year and we hope to be sending members to represent our club.

Throughout the season, we welcome local groups to try croquet and take tea in our club’s beautiful setting and those who have attended to date have said that they enjoyed the experience. We also have a summer BBQ and hold a regular quiz and lunches throughout the winter months to keep our members in touch.

If you would like to try croquet, as an individual or as a club, please visit our website at maldoncroquetclub.org.uk, or contact us at maldoncroquetclub@gmail.com.

Old Park Meadow Team Member Soars for Charity, Raising Over £2,400 for Farleigh Hospice

A dedicated team member from Old Park Meadow natural burial ground recently took to the skies in a thrilling charity skydive, successfully raising over £2,400 for Farleigh Hospice. The incredible feat of bravery and generosity was supported by a fantastic community effort, including a popular charity quiz night and numerous generous donations.

Tom Millar from Old Park Meadow, completed their skydive in June freefalling thousands of feet in support of Farleigh Hospice, a local charity providing vital care and support for people affected by life-limiting illness across mid Essex.

“I am absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible support we’ve received,” said Tom. “The skydive was an exhilarating experience, but knowing it was for such a great cause like Farleigh Hospice made it even more meaningful. Every pound raised will go directly towards helping them continue their invaluable work in our community.”

A large portion of the funds was raised during a charity quiz night at Old Park Meadow. The event saw a fantastic turnout, all eager to test their knowledge and contribute to a great cause. “Thank you to everyone who attended our charity quiz night,” added Delyse Jackaman, Manager of Old Park Meadow. “The atmosphere was fantastic and the generosity of those who came fantastic.”

Old Park Meadow also wishes to express its deep gratitude to everyone who donated money directly to Tom’s fundraising efforts. Whether through online platforms or cash donations your support has been amazing.

The funds raised will directly assist Farleigh Hospice in continuing to provide compassionate care, emotional support and practical advice to patients and their families.

A Scooter, My Steed

On the pavement it stands forlorn alone

Deserted, left by some unknown young boy

Have I nothing to do, my idle time?

Tentative I climb aboard - a single foot on

And await instructions on what to do

As I await some experience, frightening new.

My steed with words, supplies me what to do

And in soft soothing voice calls me by my name;

Amazed, I place both feet safely on board

And hold on tight in such fearful delight;

short ride in the clouds or so it says

Though destined for where I cannot confess.

Slowly at first on smooth tarmac we ride

To left and to right, poor shoppers abound,

An old man on scooter, an unusual sight

One holding on tight as quick pick up speed,

When then a quiet runway before my eye

And we lift up to the clouds, head to the sky

The wind on my face the speed of my steed

The blood in my veins throbs fast in the clouds

As we fly though the downy stratus high

The marvel of flight I hold on in awe

All earthly cares now gone, lost for the day

As I look down on earth, falling away.

The trip comes to end, the church clock, it chimes

On my silvered watch I look at the time

The hands had stood, remain, unmoved were they

But an hour had passed on my scooter display.

Had my epic journey been in my mind?

Had the trip that passed been head designed?

What then is dream and what is certitude,

As the scooter display showed altitude

Twenty thousand feet we had reached it showed

And all travel by air, none on the road.

By Richard Simmonds

August

Monday 18th

The Ale House - Beery Bingo

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 19th

Bootmaker - Quiz Night

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 20th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - Qujaku + The Trial

Thursday 21st

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Library - Evening with Gary Powell

Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening Courtyard Karaoke

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

Hot Box - The Number Twenty + Ladhood

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

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

The Station Arms (Southminster) - Folk Club

Friday 22nd

The Clay Pigeon - Summer Lovin’ With DJ Gary Hot Box - Ceephax Acid Crew

Saturday 23rd

Bar & Beyond - Drag Disco Bingo

The Clay Pigeon - Bubbles & Bingo

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

Hot Box - Dan Murphy Blues Trio (1pm)

Hot Box - Rosalie Cunningham

Oddfellows Arms - Parlour Presents: Terrace Party

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 24th

The Clay Pigeon - Clay Pigeon Olympics

Hot Box - The Rabbits

O’Connors - Karaoke

Monday 25th

The Ale House - Beery Bingo

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

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

The Wheatsheaf - Club

Tuesday 26th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Creative Collective Meet Up

Hot Box - Hot Box Waxes Lyrical

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

Wednesday 27th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

Bootmaker - Salsa Dancing

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - Elysium + Luke Fisher + The Ghost Tales

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

Thursday 28th

The Clay Pigeon - Sports Quiz

Hot Box - Winter Gardens + The Snakes

Friday 29th

Hot Box - Bashran + Mr B & the Wolf + Ethan Wilson Band

Saturday 30th

Chelmsford City Racecourse - Armand Van Helden Summer Session

The Clay Pigeon - Summer Vibes Part 2 With DJ Mat Format

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

Stow Maries - Back to the WW2 Farm

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Whitehouse Farm Essex Farm Fest

Sunday 31st

The Ale House - Quiz

Hot Box - Tribute to Doris Day: Sentimental Journey

Stow Maries - Back to the WW2 Farm

September

Monday 1st

Ale House - Beery Bingo

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

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 2nd

Bootmaker - Quiz Night

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 3rd

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

Bootmaker - Salsa dancing

Chelmsford Cathedral - South Earth Collective

Friends Meeting House (Rainsford Road) - CRAG Retirement Group (monthly meeting - 9.30am for 10am - first visit free)

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - Resonance Open System

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: ‘Simply Frank’ (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

Thursday 4th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening

Chelmsford Theatre - NT Live: Inter Alia

Chelmsford Theatre - The Upbeat Beatles

Courtyard - Karaoke

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

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

Patch - Chelmsford Tech Meet Up

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 5th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Led Into Zeppelin

Chelmsford Theatre - Jonny Cole: Armagudd’n

Chelmsford Theatre - Adam Kay: A Particularly Nasty Case

Hot Box - HotHaus Drag Presents: Nicht at the Movies

Hylands Estate - Radio 2 in the Park

O’Connors - Charity Pub Quiz for Farleigh Hospice

Saturday 6th

Central Park - Streets, Eats & Beats Festival

Chelmsford Cathedral - The Great Gatsby Ball

Chelmsford Social Club - Record Fair

Chelmsford Theatre - Lee Hurst: No Particular Order

Chelmsford Theatre - Crooners Uncaged

Hatfield Peverel Village Hall - Jack-Austin Despy Blues Band Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm) Hot Box - Beneath the Arches

Hylands Estate - Radio 2 in the Park (sold out)

Nuclear Races - Mud Tribe (see page 7)

Oddfellows Arms - Chelmsford City Soul

St Luke’s Church - New City Voices Autumn Concert The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 7th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - Back to Bacharach Hot Box - Sam Kelly’s Station House

Hylands Estate - Radio 2 in the Park

Monday 8th

Chelmsford Theatre - Baga Chipz: Chip off the Old Blick Tour

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 9th

Bootmaker - Quiz Night

Chelmsford Theatre - Chris McCauseland: Yonks

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 10th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

Bootmaker - Salsa dancing

Chelmsford Theatre - Members evening

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - Alex Francis

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 11th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - Adam Kay: A Particularly Nasty Case

Chelmsford Theatre - Austen’s Word: Lady Susan Courtyard - Karaoke

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

Hot Box - Liam Cromby

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

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 12th

Chelmsford Theatre - The Chicago Blues Brothers

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Martin Turner (ex Wishbone Ash)

Hot Box - Native James

Saturday 13th

Chelmsford Theatre - Improptu Shakespeare

The Compasses - Karaoke

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

Hot Box - Arliston

Tindal Square - Heritage Open Days: 1950s Day

Saturday 13th (continued...)

Tufnell Hall (Little Wlatham) - Butterfly Barn Dance

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 14th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - Lionel

Hot Box - Cozy Folk With Luna Keller + We Are Fossils

The Jolly Sailor (Maldon) - Handmade Monthly Market

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

Local Choir Become International Recording Artists

Funky Voices Choir, based across Essex/Suffolk, has just returned from their largest international tour to date, and it was nothing short of spectacular. With 95 singers, a genre-spanning repertoire and their signature sparkle, Funky Voices, and their sister ensemble Classical Voices, lit up Paris with a whirlwind of unforgettable performances.

The four-day tour saw Funky Voices perform at outdoor locations including Jardin du Luxembourg and Parc Montsouris, delivering powerhouse vocals and dazzling arrangements penned by founder and musical director Sandra Colston MBE, of songs by Eric Clapton, Lionel Richie, Aretha Franklin, Dua Lipa, and Gloria Estefan. Meanwhile, Classical Voices, accompanied by pianist Simon Smith-Daye, gave moving concerts at Saint-Sulpice Church and the American Cathedral, with a repertoire spanning Beethoven, Bach, and even Bring Him Home from Les Misérables

A plot twist came after their very first performance in the city, when representatives from Abbey Road Institute Paris were so impressed, they extended a surprise invitation for the choir to record in their iconic studio the very next day. Funky Voices laid down fresh, wallof-sound - including tracks by Coldplay, Shalamar, and Hue and Cry, joining the ranks of global icons who’ve recorded in the same space, including Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Céline Dion, Sting, Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Phil Collins, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez.

“This was beyond anything we imagined,” said Sandra Colston. “To perform in Paris and then record in one of the most iconic studios in the world - it’s a testament to the talent, heart and dedication of every singer involved.” The unforgettable Abbey Road recording session will be released as Funky Voices’ 11th album.

This milestone tour marks Funky Voices’ 18th anniversary, celebrating nearly two decades of musical excellence. Over the years, the choir has toured internationally including New York, Barcelona, Gothenburg, Corfu, Berlin, showcasing their dynamic sound and collaborative spirit. Importantly, every singer is given these incredible opportunities simply by being a member of the choirfrom international tours to world-class recording sessions, gigs and festivals far and wide, it’s all part of the Funky Voices experience.

The celebrations continue with a special 18th anniversary concert at the stunning Layer Marney Tower in October titled The Piano Sessions. Expect evocative eloquence of live piano fused with the heavenly, heartfelt harmonies of Funky Voices that only they can deliver.

Meanwhile, Classical Voices will host their own concert, Choral Crescendo, at Chelmsford Cathedral, showcasing their rich and emotive repertoire.

Music lovers are invited to become part of one of the UK’s most celebrated choirs. No audition or prior experience is necessary - just an enthusiasm for singing as part of a vibrant musical community. Prospective members are welcome to attend a complimentary taster session. For further details and see where they’re performing next, please visit: funkyvoices.co.uk and classicalvoiceschoir.com.

Transitions 2 - By

Steve Johansen,

Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga

Last month, I started to explain the importance of transitions in yoga - ie, the movement from one pose to the next. I explained how the movement between the poses was as important as the poses themselves.

Today I am going to focus on the complex transition between the famous poses Warrior 1 to Warrior 2. I am going to break them down so that you can finesse them within your own practice and feel the benefits for yourselves.

The Transition From Warrior 1 Into Warrior 2

Where to start:

• Start by stepping the right leg back into Warrior 1.

• Keep the feet hip-width apart and angle the right foot forwards to 45 degrees.

• Bend into the front knee to keep it above the ankle.

• Ground through the 4 corners of the feet.

• Rotate of the fronts of the thighs outwards, helping you to maintain a stable base.

• Roll the pelvis slightly, engaging abdominal and pelvic floor muscles.

• Establish a long slow, steady breath to relax and quieten your mind.

• Reach up with the arms, hands shoulder width apart, relaxing the shoulders.

• Find your Dristi, an unfocused gaze, on a point at eye height.

The Transition from Warrior 1 Into Warrior 2 Pose

and nature. The challenge runs from Saturday 19th July to Saturday 6th September in all Essex libraries and mobile libraries.

There are six stickers for children to collect over the summer. After collecting six stickers, the children earn their certificate and medal. Children can read any library book of their choice - they all count. Children under four are not forgotten either, with a special version of Story Garden just for them.

Freegal Music+ Comes to Essex Libraries

You can now access Freegal Music+ with your library card and enjoy listening to millions of free songs every month! They have a collection of over 18 million songs belonging to over 200 genres from more than 93,000 musical labels worldwide. With 200,000 songs added

On your next exhalation:

• Keep the core engaged, rotate the right hip backwards to face the right of the room.

• Maintain your Dristi. The rotation of the hips will turn the torso slightly towards the right.

• Keep the left knee still, directly above the ankle and the 4 corners of the feet grounded.

• Turn the palms of the hands outwards, preparing the shoulders for the next move.

• Reach backwards with the right fingertips and forward with the left to shoulder height.

• Reaching further backwards though the right fingertips will help to turn the torso to the right.

• If your shoulders have lifted, rotate your palms upward, as this will relax the arms and should help to roll down shoulders onto the correct position. Keeping them still, rotate the palms down.

• Resit the tendency to lean forwards or tilt the hips, reaching backwards helps with this.

• Keep your core strong with length though the spine. Look straight ahead.

These poses and transitions are key to yoga. If you’d like to improve your practice, this is a great transition to focus on.

I’d love to help you to perfect it, view my videos online at www. hummingbirdpialtes.co.uk under blogs and join me at my studio for a class using code HPYFREECLASS. Book now at www. hummingbirdpilates.co.uk.

monthly, there’s always something new for listeners to discover. Whether you’re seeking a blast from the past or a current Billboard hit, they’ve got what you’re looking for!

Buzz in the City Art Trail

Chelmsford Library is proud to ‘bee’ a part of Buzz in the City, Chelmsford’s very first art sculpture trail, this summer. We are so excited to be part of the buzz and

welcoming visitors until Tuesday 9th September. This free event is raising money for Farleigh Hospice, the charity that provides specialist care and support, free of charge, to people affected by life-limiting illnesses and bereavement across Essex. Chelmsford Library is hosting one of the mini bee swarms of the trail. We are proud to be supporting this fun, free art event, that is raising much needed funds for Farleigh Hospice.

Story Garden, This Year’s Summer Reading Challenge, Is Here! Story Garden will inspire children to tap into the world of imagination and reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling

Chelmsford Library

The Coroners’ Courts Support Service

Did you know that the Coroner’s Court for Essex is in Chelmsford? It holds inquests for deaths that occur in all parts of Essex.

Coroners investigate deaths that have been reported to them if they think that the death was unnatural or violent, the cause of death is unknown, or the person died in prison, policy custody or another type of state detention such as while detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.

Most people will never have to attend an inquest and most of us don’t know what happens at one. However, if you do have to attend the inquest of a family member or friend, or you are called as a witness, the Coroners’ Courts Support Service (CCSS) can help you.

The CCSS was set up by the founder trustee who attended an inquest with her cousin whose son had tragically died in a road traffic collision abroad. She knew nothing about inquests and wanted to ensure that others attending inquests would receive some muchneeded support.

The CCSS is an independent voluntary organisation whose trained volunteers offer emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending an inquest at a coroner’s court. We are a registered charity and have been operating since 2003. Our volunteer training and services received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2010.

Since 2003 we have helped around 500,000 bereaved families and witnesses. The CCSS is proud to be pioneers in our field, providing support that is not currently offered by any other charity. We provide services within 49 of the 80 coronial courts within England and Wales and we aspire to provide services within all of them. The Chelmsford Coroner’s Court was one of the first courts to use our service and is very supportive of the charity and our volunteers.

How We Help People Attending Inquests

The CCSS provides support through a system of volunteers who operate from courts around the country. The volunteers use listening skills and demonstrate empathy. They show a non-judgmental and non-prejudicial attitude to support those attending, who come from many different backgrounds, circumstances and lifestyles. The volunteers build rapport and trust to enable those attending to identify and talk about their needs in order for them to fully understand and participate in the proceedings.

It can be difficult for families and witnesses to attend a coroner’s court, and they may have little or no understanding of the processes and procedures that occur. They can also find the experience emotional; it can be difficult to hear information about the circumstances of the death of their loved one. The CCSS volunteers are there to meet families at the court and to explain the processes, procedures and the remit of the inquest helping those attending to have a much better understanding of their role within the inquest.

We also enable families to find additional support at the end of an inquest such as bereavement counselling or other services. for individuals requiring more specific support we sign-post on to other relevant services.

Helpline

Our National Helpline operates Monday to Friday from 9am - 7pm. We provide essential practical and emotional support prior to court, delivered by experienced volunteers. If you need any support, please call 0300 111 2141 or email us at helpline@ccss.org.uk.

Donations

We do not receive central government funding and rely on grants and donations to be able to undertake our work. There are many ways you can support the CCSS including donations, organising sponsored

fundraising events and activities and by spreading the word to ensure as many people as possible are made aware of our work. Any support large or small makes a huge difference to our work, and we are grateful to everyone who supports us. Please go to our website to find out how you can help coronerscourtssupportservice.org.uk/donate.

Volunteer With Us

Volunteers are at the heart of the CCSS. At the Chelmsford Court we have a small, friendly team of 8 volunteers and we are looking to increase the team so that we can provide support at more inquests. All our volunteers find the role very rewarding. We are looking for people who are caring and compassionate with good listening skills. Could you help to support families and witnesses who may be experiencing a wide range of emotions and feelings when attending a coroner’s court?

We ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 2 court days per month and we also hold quarterly team meetings, so that the volunteers can get together and share experiences. Full training is provided, and you will be supported by experienced volunteers when you begin to take on this new role. Potential volunteers are asked to come into the court and observe several inquests to help them decide if this volunteer role is for them.

If you would like to get involved, please get in touch with us. You can find more details about the role and an application form on our website at coronerscourtssupportservice.org.uk/get-involved.

Poem - Wonder

What a wonderful feeling I hope you’re feeling it too It comes from this old world It’s bigger than me and you

Let’s hold onto it for all time

It’s really not that hard Are we in our prime? It’s certainly on the cards

A lifetime full of wonder How does it make you feel? I won’t steal your thunder It’s all but part of the deal…

martin.kilbey@gmail.com

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-thisworld 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.

We especially need drivers on Mondays, but opportunities are available most weekdays, with occasional evenings and weekends too.

SOS Bus volunteer Open Road is looking for volunteers of all backgrounds to join our SOS Bus team.

The SOS Bus operates in Chelmsford and Colchester city centres on Friday and Saturday nights, to support those that have found themselves in a vulnerable situation while out using the nighttime economy.

Join part of this award-winning team and you will receive full training and the opportunity to shadow existing staff and volunteers.

The opportunity is particularly rewarding to those seeking a career in public health and medicine, as well as event management, security, hospitality etc...

Why It’s Important to Take - And Be In - Photos

Photos are more than just images on paper or screens; they are time capsules that preserve the people, places and moments that shape our lives. They tell stories long after the memories have faded and allow future generations to see and feel a connection to the past. This is why taking pictures is so important - not just of what you see, but of yourself too.

Many of us shy away from the camera, feeling uncomfortable or preferring to stay behind it. But think about this: years from now, your children, grandchildren, or even great-grandchildren will want to know who you were. They won’t care about a stray hair or a forced smile, they’ll care about seeing you. If you’re always the one taking the photos but never in them, your presence in family history will feel incomplete. By stepping in front of the lens, you’re giving your loved ones a priceless gift - a glimpse of your face, your style, your expressions and the moments you shared together.

Photographs also serve as visual reminders of the places we have visited, the holidays we have celebrated and the milestones we have reached. From birthdays and weddings to everyday moments like a cozy Sunday morning, every photo holds a fragment of life’s beauty. They help us remember not just the big events, but also the small details that might otherwise slip away.

When it comes to preserving these memories, variety matters. Portrait shots capture the emotions and faces of the people you love, while landscape photos show the environment that shaped those moments. Some pictures are small and intimate, others are large and sweeping, showcasing the bigger picture. Together, they create

The Art Place at Meadows Shopping Centre More than just a shop - community, caring, learning, hope and love.

Art Together: How Shared Creativity Heals and Connects

In today’s world, where so many face anxiety, burnout, and depression, art has become a lifeline. Group creative activities - from painting and sculpting to music sessions and art therapy - provide not only a space for self-expression but also a vibrant, supportive community.

In a group setting, people no longer feel alone with their struggles. Art connects us - even without words.

Sharing ideas, creating side by side, and being part of a collective process help restore emotional connection with oneself and with others. This is especially valuable for those experiencing depression or navigating difficult times.

The Art Place at Meadows Shopping Centre is a vibrant sociocultural hub, offering a wide range of creative workshops throughout the week and on weekends. It welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to discover healing, inspiration and a sense of

a richer story. This variety becomes especially meaningful when creating scrapbooking layouts. Each page becomes a tapestry of memories, with different angles and sizes of photos coming together to tell a fuller, more personal story.

So my challenge to you this summer: even if you are camera-shy, be brave enough to step into the frame. Take lots of photos - of yourself, your family, your friends, your surroundings. Years from now, you will be thankful you did, and so will the people who love you. After all, photos are the threads that weave generations together.

Then come to our monthly craft days to see how you can embellish them even further. Our next dates are 30th August, 27th September, 25th October, 29th November and 13th December at Highwood Village Hall. Book your place online at www.scrap-circle.co.uk.

th September and 14th October for the next

community through creativity.

A powerful example of art’s unifying strength is our Monday Art Group, led by Lynn Gentry since 2016 - which is now nearly a decade! Lynn’s workshops offer therapeutic, creative sessions where participants can explore their artistic expression in a welcoming environment.

Over the years, many beautiful friendships have blossomed, forming a strong support network that proved especially vital during covid, helping participants navigate that challenging time together.

This spirit of togetherness will shine in the group’s upcoming exhibition. From 15th to 29th August, The Art Place Chelmsford will showcase their latest works, created by people of all ages and backgrounds, united by one shared goal: finding healing through creativity.

Visiting the exhibition offers more than the chance to view art - it’s an opportunity to experience the energy of shared creation. It’s a reminder that the journey toward emotional balance can begin with something simple: a brush, blank canvas and a warm welcoming space.

In times of isolation and overwhelming demands, it’s worth remembering that art is always close at hand - and it holds the power to connect, uplift, and inspire change.

By Elena from EKM Gallery

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

Sorbet Dreams and Seaside Stripes: Bringing Bold, Breezy Summer Style Indoors

When summer rolls in, there’s a natural pull toward lighter fabrics, sun-washed colours and carefree living.

But why reserve that feeling for your holidays when you can bring it into your home? By pairing pastel-perfect sorbet shades with crisp nautical stripes and a bold yet breezy aesthetic, you can transform your interiors into an everyday escape that feels like a summer getaway.

Sorbet Shades: The Colour of Sunshine Days

Think peach gelato, mint mojito, lemon sorbet and raspberry rippledelicate, refreshing hues that evoke beach cafés and lazy afternoons by the water.

Sorbet shades are lighter than brights but sweeter than neutrals, giving a playful lift to any room. They work beautifully on walls for a soft, airy backdrop or as accents - a blush pink side table, a mint throw draped over a linen sofa, or a lemon-hued ceramic vase catching the afternoon light.

For a balanced look, layer two or three sorbet tones in the same space. A combination of pastel coral and ice blue, for example, instantly channels seaside charm. If you prefer subtlety, keep your main palette neutral and let sorbet shades appear in cushions, rugs, or art.

Nautical Stripes: A Classic With Coastal Energy

Nautical stripes never really go out of style, but in summer they feel especially at home. Wide navy and white stripes recall deck chairs and crisp sailor shirts, while thinner stripes can add elegance to upholstery, curtains, or even bed linen.

For a modern twist, try sorbet stripes - imagine a pale mint and

white rug or a coral-striped outdoor lounger. Stripes work wonders in elongating spaces too: vertical stripes on wallpaper can make ceilings appear higher, while horizontal stripes across a balcony or terrace wall can visually widen the space.

Bold & Breezy: A Style That Breathes

Summer interiors should feel open, light, and a little adventurous. This is where the bold and breezy element comes in - statement pieces that still feel relaxed. Think a rattan egg chair hung in a sunny corner, a woven pendant light over a dining table, or an oversized seascape painting in turquoise and gold.

Keep windows dressed in light, airy fabrics like cotton voile or linen, allowing sunshine to pour in. Replace heavy rugs with flat-woven or jute alternatives and let your décor breathe with space between furniture pieces. A bold touch could be a vibrant patterned cushion, a cluster of mismatched vintage chairs, or a statement ceramic bowl filled with fresh lemons.

The Endless Holiday Feeling

The magic of combining sorbet shades, nautical stripes and a bold yet breezy approach is that it makes your home feel like it’s on holiday - even on an ordinary Tuesday. You don’t need to live by the sea to feel its influence; with the right colours, patterns and textures, you can create a retreat that’s equal parts uplifting and soothing.

This summer, let your interiors dress the part: sweet pastels, crisp stripes and a spirit that’s as refreshing as a sea breeze and as indulgent as your favourite gelato.

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

July and August may be the long-awaited months for sun, sea and sand holidays, but for some of our keen scribes, writerly pursuits continue all year round. Believe it or not, a few members are already in a festive frame of mind - polishing Christmas-themed articles, stories and competition entries destined for magazine editors. Journalists, after all, work far ahead of the calendar.

Our last meeting, advertised as a Members’ Showcase and Open Day, welcomed some fresh faces and offered excellent readings of short stories. We were also treated to excerpts from works-in-progress, which proved especially useful for those contemplating new writing projects.

Whether you’re building a competition entry, crafting an essay, or embarking on a new book commission, hearing other writers discuss their work can be incredibly inspiring. Ideas inevitably surface and even though our members differ widely in style and genre, creative sparks often leap from one mind to another.

As for me, my interest is rooted in history. In my role as archivist for the Society of Women Writers and Journalists (established in 1894) I find joy in exploring the provenance of people, places, buildings and social customs.

Memoir and profiles are high on my reading list. That said, I deeply admire the diversity among our members: some write romance, others delve into politics, crime, poetry, modern literature - even horror. Whatever the genre, we all need a little inspiration to guide us

toward publication. One member collects dolls’ houses, another has a remarkable array of vintage pens, and yet another is passionate about antiques. Each of these interests could easily become the seed of a new article, book - or even a haiku.

Spotlight on RH Welham

Recently, one of our long-standing members, Robert, released another clever novella in his Egyptian series.

Drawing on his knowledge of archaeology, Welham invites readers into the world of Selene, the latest instalment. Spanning five millennia, the story continues the twisted path first laid out in his first novella The Terracotta Jar. Both titles are available on Amazon and offer a gripping blend of ancient history and imaginative storytelling.

Don’t forget to visit Bentwood Writers’ Circle website at www. brentwoodwriterscircle.com and join us (first visit is free) on the first Saturday of the month 2.30pm - 4.30pm at The Bardswell Social Club, Weald Road, Brentwood.

Which city is the UK City of Culture 2025?

What type of plant is a lady’s slipper?

Which children’s TV show featured Dougal and Zebedee?

Cassandra in Only Fools and Horses mum, Pamela played by Wanda Ventham, has a famous son, what is his name?

What is a sackbut?

What is non-rhyming poetry called?

What was Popeye the Sailor’s favourite food? What is pyrophobia?

Name the type of cheese usually sprinkled on minestrone soup and spaghetti bolognese?

Which type of wine usually accompanies fish?

They may be complex, vulgar or mixed; what are they?

What is the name for a female deer?

What are the names of Princess Anne’s two children? Where would you find the Guggenheim Museum?

What would you do with a Lee Enfield?

The Island of Zealand is part of which country?

Paul McCartney has always used his middle name; what is his first name?

Who has appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine more times than any other woman?

Which Cornish dish consists of baked pilchards whose heads protrude through the pastry crust?

What ws the name of the UK’s first offshore pirate radio station?

In 1956, the first Eurovision Song Contest was held in which country?

What former member of the Spice Girls launched her solo career in 1999 with her debut album Schizophonic?

What woodwind instrument’s name comes from the French term for ‘high wood’?

Battledore was the forerunner of which sport?

What is a lintel?

Pam St Clement played which EastEnders character between 1986 and 2012?

In a leap year, which month gains an extra day?

What colour are the seats in the House of Commons?

Which part of the body is also known as the trachea?

Balmoral Castle is located in which country of the UK?

Found on the island of Sicily, which is the largest active volcano in Europe?

‘Romaine’, ‘butterhead’ and ‘iceberg’ are types of which vegetable?

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

What is the name of Barack Obama’s wife?

With what part of their body does a snake ‘hear’?

What is the highest mountain in the Alps?

What is the capital of Jamaica?

In 1986, what Swedish rock band had a worldwide hit with The Final Countdown?

In anatomy, which part of the body does the word rhinal relate to?

What is the name of the latest album by Ringo Starr, released earlier this year?

(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

Period-Perfect Alan Mann 68 Edition Ford Escort

The Ford Escort was created to be another Ford that was intended to sell uniformly well and become a regular sight on our roads. Originally known from the Mark 1 when the car debuted at the Brussels Motor Show in 1968, it only took a further 6 years until Ford could proudly announce the two-millionth Ford Escort to roll off the production line.

The Ford Escort’s unwavering popularity saw versions such as the Twin Cam, GT, Sport and the RS 1600 and RS 2000. Unlike VW and the ever-popular Beetle, Ford were never shy of offering the Ford Escort with various sportier variants for sale.

While the Mark 2 - which came to fruition in 1974 - was just as popular, the Mark 1 has dated better and certainly has a sense of being far more stylish as time has progressed. This is very evident with the beautiful Alan Mann 68 Edition, resplendent in striking twotone fire engine red and old gold.

sixties. The Alan Mann 68 Edition is a continuation model, with the new version extending the legacy of the car that won the British Touring Car Championship in 1968. The car has been engineered by DRVN and put together by Alan Mann Racing, using the geometry of the original winning car.

These days, Alan Mann Racing is run by Alan’s son, Henry, who is certainly well equipped to recreate this small part of automotive history. Henry’s plan is to build 24 period-correct Alan Mann 68 Edition track cars, by reverse-engineering an original, scanning the parts and recreating using CAD. AMR will offer 2 variants: an exact historical replica or a ‘modern race’ car which will enable owners to compete.

The rear-wheel drive power comes from a Ford Twin Cam 1.8-litre engine capable of 8,000rpm, all powered from a Ford ‘Bullet’

Not only does the car look great, it also has the kudos of being an officially licensed Ford Motor Company product, which means it has been carefully developed with the aid of Ford’s motorsport and heritage programmes. The Alan Mann 68 Edition Ford Escort arrives courtesy of Boreham Motorworks, which is a division of DRVN Automotive Group, in agreement with Ford.

Alan Mann Racing has collaborated with Ford for quite some time, becoming an official racing partner with Ford Europe in the mid-

4-speed straight-cut gearbox. Twin Weber 45DCOE carbs offer up 205PS. The car benefits from being very lightweight at under 800kg and features a 50:50 balanced weight distribution. Although periodcorrect, Boreham Motorworks says that the Alan Mann 68 Edition is effectively re-engineered to modern standards.

Outside, those distinctive bubble-arches cover retro Electron magnesium-style wheels, now recreated in aluminium. Up front, the wheels are 13 x 8 inch, with the rears being 13 x 9 inch, and Girling NR brakes bring things to a halt. KONI 2-way adjustable coil-over dampers and a sliding McPherson strut keep the car under control. Cost is likely to be somewhere north of £300,000.

Sean Neylon

Courtesy of Smart Motoring magazine smart-motoring.com

Images: borehammotorworks.com

August 19th - Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation: Greatest Western Elongation sounds baffling, although put simply, it means that Mercury is at its highest point above the horizon.

I’ve known very seasoned astronomers who have had difficulty spotting Mercury! I’ve seen it just once, with the help of an experienced astronomer...

Early morning is the best time to see this very elusive planet.

September 21st - Saturn at Opposition: At ‘opposition’ means that Saturn is at its closest point to Earth and therefore easy to see, even with the naked eye!

With a 150mm (6 inch) telescope, you will see Saturn’s rings and its multi-coloured bands. Not the dinner plate-sized images you see in astronomy magazines, but it’s cool to see Saturn with your own eyes, isn’t it?

It’s worth remembering that Saturn is nearly 10 times further from the Sun than we are!

September 22nd - September Equinox: This is the day, or night where the length of the day and night are equal in length. From this point onward, the nights will now be longer and the days shorter.

September 23rd - Neptune at Opposition: Neptune is just about within naked eye visibility. In reality, it’s better to use either some binoculars or a telescope. Even in the most powerful telescopes, Neptune is a tiny blue dot. Not surprising when you consider that Neptune is nearly 30 times further from the Sun than we are! Good news: Neptune will be visible all night long...

New Moon: On August 23rd, September 21st and October 21st there will be a new Moon. This means the skies will be extra dark which is a great opportunity to see planets, galaxies and deep space objects.

As usual, email me with any questions.

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

mark.willis@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com