Chelmsford Borough council

SPRING 2012 / issue 64

News and views

from Chelmsford and South Woodham Ferrers www.chelmsford.gov.uk Local Sports Stars

Focus on housing

Enjoying our parks

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Page 5

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Come to the Party - Host Community for the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Be part of something special and come to Hylands Park and welcome the Olympic Torch to Chelmsford at a unique spectacle that the whole family can enjoy for free!

The event, Sparks Will Fly: Essex Finale & Chelmsford Welcomes the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, is part of the London 2012 Festival. It will take place on Friday 6 July, from 4pm – 11pm. It is a free event, although a ticket will be required. Tickets are available now and going fast.

The spectacular show will not disappoint. A live high-octane stage show will take place, during which the Torch will arrive and light the cauldron from the Olympic Flame. Following this event the audience will be led to a second area where stages will showcase some of the area’s best musical and dance talent. An outdoor arena will play host to a variety of demonstrations – ranging from bike displays to gymnastics and there will be the opportunity to tuck into the very best of both

Chelmsford is one of the best Chelmsford Borough Council has been shortlisted for 2012 Council of the Year in the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards, the longest running and most prestigious awards for local government.

Six Councils have been shortlisted, with Bournemouth Borough Council, Durham County Council, Hertfordshire County Council, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council all competing alongside Chelmsford for the esteemed title.

in the East of England’. It listed some of the Council’s key achievements, including International Safe Community status, its recently opened Customer Service Centre and its Parks’ Green Flag and Investors in People awards. The application also discussed the Borough’s bid to become a city.

Chelmsford Borough Council’s application set out its aim for the town to ‘become the economic, cultural, leisure and retail heart of Essex, and a leading regional centre

The Council was visited by LGC judges in January 2012. The winner will be announced as Life goes to print so watch this space.

global and local food and drink! There will also be ‘come and try’ activities, giving you the opportunity to try something completely new.

As the sun sets, the world renowned Red Devils Parachute Display Team will descend on Hylands Park.

The team will then lead the crowd towards the final performance arena where two giant Champions – Marina Mightier and Boreas Zephyr – will compete to become 2012 Champion of the Glass Bead Game in the finale of Sparks Will Fly. This is the culmination of two marathon journeys around the county’s towns and villages, where each Champion has been gathering the glass beads they need to play and win ‘The Game’.

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Getting involved Be part of something special

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This once in a lifetime event will play out in a magical outdoor arena, ringed with fire, mixing giant characters, a carnival atmosphere, stunning pyrotechnics and special effects to create a breathtaking showdown.

The Sparks Will Fly finale has been created by outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank, so expect to be immersed in an other-worldly game where your participation helps define the outcome. Sparks Will Fly in Essex is a partnership between Chelmsford Borough Council and Essex County Council with support from Arts Council England. The finale is part of the London 2012 Festival.

Tickets are available from 20 March at www.sparkswillfly.org.uk and on 01245 606505.

Please note that tickets purchased online or by phone will be subject to a £3.50 transaction fee.

If you can’t make it on Friday 6 July, then don’t worry – the Olympic Torch Relay will begin its journey the following morning of Saturday 7 July with a route right through Chelmsford Town Centre. The exact route will be released soon and will be included in the next issue of Life.

Spring time greetings Dear Resident What a wonderful 2011, meeting so many kind people giving their time and energy to help their fellow citizens and age is no barrier to their efforts. May I take this opportunity to thank you all for everything that you do to help your fellow residents.

As your Mayor I was delighted to take part in the Christmas celebrations to switch on the lights both at Moulsham Street and Tindal Square.

The Moulsham Street traders were delighted with the attendance. We’ve never seen so many people in Moulsham Street and at times, I am pleased to say, because of the crowds we had to battle our way through!

We had an amazing day in Tindal Square, with the entertainment on stage and the excellent help of BBC Essex.

Everything of course was well organised and the switching on of the lights, the fireworks display and the vast crowds made for a truly excellent occasion. At the conclusion of the event I was approached by many people who thanked me for this wonderful day that the Council had organised.

I was proud to receive the accolades from our residents, many people extolling the support given to them by the Borough Council and how Chelmsford was a wonderful place to live. However much of the praise is due to the excellent work of our officers, without their professional approach we could not achieve these satisfaction ratings.

Support Farleigh Hospice Contribute to the Mayor’s charity while having fun at the same time.

Antiques Valuation Day, Lantern Suite at Farleigh Hospice.

Saturday 14 April. 10am – 2pm

New and improved Council website Chelmsford Borough Council’s new and improved online services will be launched around May; this means customers can get the help and information they need at a time that’s convenient to them.

The new site, www.chelmsford.gov.uk, combines clear and straight-forward navigation with a clean, simple design, which is also suitable for tablets and smartphones. The content has been reviewed and rewritten, to make sure it is easy to understand, jargon-free and focused on giving visitors the information they really want.

New online services include: ■■ Make a payment (Council Tax, business rates, parking fines, etc) ■■ Make a booking (book and pay for theatre tickets, sports activities, other Council services) ■■ Report an issue (abandoned vehicles, graffiti, missed bins, stray dogs, etc) ■■ What’s on (local activities and places to visit) ■■ Your local information (bin collection days, your local Councillor and other propertyspecific information) ■■ Information for local businesses

Experts James Grinter and Michael Bowles from well known Auctioneers Reeman Dansie tell you what your prized possessions are worth for just £2 per item. There will be free parking and refreshments available to buy.

Mayor of Chelmsford’s Grand Charity Ball, Pontlands Park Hotel, West Hanningfield Road, Great Baddow.

Friday 18 May. 7pm – 12.30am This black tie event includes a drinks reception, sumptuous four course meal, close-up magic and dancing to the band Plan C. There will also be a superb raffle and a charity auction. Tickets are available from Yvonne Spence on yvonnespence@hotmail.com, Cllr Mike Harris on michael.harris@chelmsford. gov.uk and credit card sales from Farleigh Hospice, 01245 457408.

If you cannot attend the Ball perhaps you would consider donating a suitable raffle prize to the Mayor to be used at this event? If so, please contact the Mayor’s Parlour at the Civic Centre on 01245 606649.

For those that haven’t taken the plunge to get online there is help available.

A dedicated team of volunteer trainers from One Place offer IT/computer training to adults of all ages; ring 01245 607154 for details. Computers are also available for public use in our Customer Service Centre.

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Getting involved

Small groups doing ‘BIG’ things What could your community group do with £1000? Tell us!

The Chelmsford Grand Awards scheme is now open for community groups in Chelmsford to apply for a little extra help to turn ‘grand’ ideas into reality. The scheme is managed entirely online at www.chelmsfordgrandawards.co.uk.

On the website you can apply for the scheme, cast your vote on which community group should receive the award during any particular month and find out about previous winners. The website also features a countdown timer showing you exactly how long you have left to vote before the application process starts again.

Chelmsford Grand Awards launched in January 2012 to recognise and support the small groups doing big things across the local area. The awards cover the following themes:

■■Arts and Culture ■■Children and Young People ■■Older People ■■Environment and Nature ■■Health and Care ■■Sports and Activities ■■Support Groups

The scheme will run over the next four years so if your group is unsuccessful in achieving a Grand Award during any particular month, there will be further opportunities to apply in future months.

There is a rolling application process that begins again at the start of each month.

Each month, three applications are shortlisted and put forward for a public vote on the website. Each shortlisted applicant is encouraged to gather support from friends, colleagues and members of the public to ensure they gain the most votes to win that month’s award.

The first Grand Award winners were The Friends of Marconi Ponds (pictured). The group is going to use the award to purchase equipment and materials to build a trim trail to run through the nature reserve.

Visit www.chelmsfordgrandwards.co.uk now to cast your vote on the latest shortlist of applicants and find out more about the scheme, including how to apply for future months. Alternatively, email grandwards@chelmsford.gov.uk.

Join the conversations about Grand Awards on the Twitter page: twitter.com/ chelmsawards where you can give your support and follow what is happening with applications and promote the scheme.

National pride in town Chelmsford town centre will be flying the flag to celebrate St. George’s Day. On 21 April, the nearest Saturday to the day itself, Chelmsford Borough Council is inviting shoppers, residents and visitors to join in the celebrations on the High Street which will see a host of entertainment, including Morris Dancing by the town centre sign and a street market selling traditional English delicacies, locally sourced meat, vegetables and home grown produce.

Look out for next issue The summer edition of Life promises to be very exciting indeed. It will be packed with all the information you need on developments, services and initiatives that will affect you, giving you the latest on what’s going on in the Borough. The newspaper will also provide useful details on the Olympic Torch Relay event, telling you where the best place is to enjoy the action, as well as giving you the lowdown on all the great Olympic-related activities that are going on in the town. Summer Life should land with you around the last week of June.

Holocaust Memorial Day Chelmsford Jewish Community (CJC) and Chelmsford Borough Council hosted an annual Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration at the Civic Centre on 26 January 2012.

Guest speaker Mr Leslie Kleinman told how his family was moved into the Satmar ghetto in April 1944 and subsequently deported to Auschwitz. He was selected as a slave worker, whilst his mother and siblings were murdered on arrival. In January 1945, Leslie was transferred to various camps in Germany and was eventually freed in April 1945 whilst on a death march to Dachau. He returned to Auschwitz in May 2011, 67 years to the day that he first arrived there.

In addition, Robert Schuck and Marianne Olyver performed pieces by Jewish composers who did not survive the camps.

Stan Keller, CJC Chairman said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember the atrocities committed and to challenge us to work together in our communities to make them safe and united, with no discrimination because of race, religion, colour or gender, to ensure such horrific events never occur again.”

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Your Chelmsford

Public caterers go for gold Is your premises eligible for the Essex Gold Healthy Eating Award?

Chelmsford Borough Council food officers are looking to award premises whose caterers provide food for the same people on a daily basis. These caterers can have a big impact on the health and wellbeing of their customers.

To date, most award applications have come from school and pre-school premises but the award is also available to High Street premises and office caterers and canteens.

To be granted the healthy eating award, a business must be able to demonstrate that: ■■ Levels of salt, sugar, fats (in particular saturated fat) and oils in food served are kept to a minimum ■■ Fruit and vegetables are clearly available ■■ Starchy foods are the main part of most meals ■■ Healthy and nutritious children’s food is provided in places where children eat ■■ Food is clearly described as meeting healthy choice requirements i.e. prepared using healthier ingredients and cooking methods

Gold award nominations will only be considered from premises with good levels of food hygiene. So customers can be assured of high standards all round.

You can apply for the award by completing and returning a detailed application form, available online at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/environment

“As an outstanding nursery, we aim to provide a high standard menu that encourages healthy eating.

With meals that are freshly prepared and a team that understands how to encourage healthy eating, working with the Council to gain the Gold healthy eating award was a pleasure. The process was very smooth with a good communication shared.”

Jo Shwe, Deputy Nursery Manager, Kiddi Caru Day Nursery at Writtle College.

Remembering your loved ones Chelmsford Cemetery and Crematorium welcomed families and friends at its annual Christmas Service who came to remember their loved ones during this special time of year.

Over 160 people attended the event that took place in the crematorium’s newly extended South Chapel on Sunday 11 December. Each service included poems, readings, carols and Christmas songs.

Crematorium extended Works to extend the South Chapel at the Chelmsford Crematorium were completed in early December so it can now accommodate up to 110 people seated with further standing room available in its foyers.

Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Cllr Ian Grundy, said of the development: “The extension ensures that larger funerals can be adequately accommodated and those attending are in comfortable surroundings for the duration of a service.”

For more information on Chelmsford Cemetery and Crematorium, please visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/crematorium

The St John Payne School Choir, soloist Kathryn Harris, organist Eric Hayward and Dr. Katie Deverell helped to make each of these services special and memorable for those who attended. Rev’d Child of Witham, who led both services invited everyone to light candles while the names of loved ones were read out in a moving act of remembrance.

Comments received by staff about the Christmas activities were extremely positive with many

visitors highly appreciative of the opportunity to remember their loved ones.

For the first time, a Christmas tree was displayed in the Memorial Chapel and the public were invited to place messages to loved ones on its branches.

Throughout the Christmas period hundreds of red and gold tags were added creating a wonderful memorial. The tree, kindly donated by The Secret Garden Tearooms and Writtle Road Nursery, helped raise funds for Farleigh Hospice. This local charity has now received over £13,000 through the generosity of those attending the crematorium at Christmas time, the annual Open Day event and participation in the facility’s metal recycling scheme.

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Housing matters

Healthy boost for local housing Chelmsford Borough Council is strengthening its approach to tackling unhealthy housing conditions in order to reduce the number of avoidable accidents and illnesses suffered by residents.

If you have a property you’re trying to let, struggling to sell your home and considering renting it out, or need advice and assistance about finding a tenant for your property, Chelmsford Borough Council can help.

The Council’s Housing Options and Advice Team have a list of prospective tenants waiting to view your property. The team will arrange for a Private Sector Housing inspection to be carried out, which will assess if there is anything you need to do before the property can be let.

The Council wants to raise awareness so residents, their families and people working in the community can identify people at risk in homes that…

■■ Can’t be kept warm enough (18-21˚C throughout) such as those with an F or G energy efficiency rating ■■ Have dangerous stairs or steps ■■ Have hazardous electrics, poor layouts or otherwise present a high risk of fire such as those let as shared houses, bedsits or those poorly converted into flats These factors impact on the health of residents and have a knock-on effect on families, businesses, the NHS and the wider community. The Department of Health recently estimated that the NHS spends £850 million per year as a result of illness caused by cold homes.

The team can put tenants in touch with you direct for a viewing. If both parties are happy to go ahead with a tenancy, the team will organise an agreed sign-up date where a dedicated specialist officer from the Council will help complete all the paperwork with you and the tenant.

As a landlord associated with the Council you’ll have to follow certain guidelines.

Rents need to be in line with Local Housing Allowance. If you have a gas supply you’ll need to obtain an up to date Gas Safe Certificate that covers all gas installations as this is a legal requirement. It’s also a legal duty to have an Energy Performance Certificate.

For homeowners, including people who own and live in mobile homes or houseboats on a permanent site or mooring, the Council’s Housing Standards Team can provide advice and access to funding including an interestfree loan that is only repaid when the home is sold.

Where hazardous conditions are identified in rented homes and the responsibility rests with the landlord or managing agent, the Council will work with them to find solutions such as improved heating and insulation, plus upgrades to staircases and mains-wired smoke detectors. If solutions are not put in place within a reasonable amount of time then, for the most hazardous homes, the Council has a responsibility to take further legal action and it will charge the person responsible for the extra time this takes.

Calling all landlords

If you are concerned that your relatives, neighbours, clients or tenants may be living in a hazardous home then please contact the Housing Standards Team on 01245 606906 or by emailing privatessectorhsg@chelmsford. gov.uk for advice.

, That s Life!

On 27 November 2011, 8,000 people came to Chelmsford to see Peppa Pig and her brother George switch on the Chelmsford Christmas Lights. That’s more than the number of honey bees at Colchester Zoo and goals scored by Southend Football Club in their history.

For more information about letting through this service, call 01245 606238 or email us on housing.advice@ chelmsford.gov.uk. Further information on all aspects of letting a property is available online at www.direct.gov.co.uk.

Help is at hand for would-be landlords and The Council’s Housing Options Advice Team may be able to… charge ■■ Find you a tenant with no finder’s fee ■■ Make a rent payment in advance inst any ■■ Provide a deposit bond guarantee aga ning clea possible damage and /or ■■ Fast-track Housing Benefits claims the tenancy ■■ Offer advice and assistance throughout t ■■ Provide a free inventory and check-ou inspection on ■■ Arrange for a free property inspecti ■■ Advise on tenancy agreements Group who ■■ Put you in touch with Genesis Housing basis -term long may lease your property on a

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Taking action

Tackling Anti Social Behaviour Everyone has a right to live in a safe and respectful environment and you can help by reporting problems in your neighbourhood when you see Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) take place. First-hand evidence is important as it demonstrates the distress and annoyance of ASB and shows how it affects the community.

One of the Safer Chelmsford Partnership’s key areas of focus is ASB. This is when an individual or a group acts in a manner that causes or could cause harassment, alarm or distress to another person from a different household.

The Partnership is a multi-agency team that brings together organisations including Essex Police, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, Chelmsford Borough Council, Essex County Council, Essex Probation Service, Essex Police and Fire Authorities. The Partnership works to ensure that Chelmsford continues to be one of the safest places to live, work and visit.

You can report ASB through an online reporting form on www.chelmsford.gov.uk/communitysafety or by contacting the ASB Coordinator on communitysafety@chelmsford.gov.uk or phone 01245 606606. You can also contact your social housing provider and in an emergency always call 999.

Examples of ASB Misuse of a Public Space ■■ Substance misuse ■■ Street drinking ■■ Begging ■■ Abandoned cars ■■ Vehicle related nuisance Disruption of Community or Personal Wellbeing ■■ Noise ■■ Rowdy behaviour ■■ Nuisance behaviour ■■ Hoax calls ■■ Animal related problems Acts Directed at People ■■ Intimidation/Harassment Environmental Damage ■■ Criminal Damage/Vandalism ■■ Littering

Supporting enterprise in Chelmsford The Council has launched a new Chelmsford Enterprise Service to help local people wishing to start a business. The service is also available to local small businesses looking for some basic support to develop their business and tackle any issues they face.

The new service was launched in January following the restructuring of the national Business Link advice service and the closure of the Mid Essex Enterprise Agency at the end of last year.

The free service offers: Access to online business support information ■■ Local business events diary ■■ Business Directory ■■ Telephone helpline for basic queries ■■ A Business Start-up Guide ■■ For those who need it, face to face sessions with an accredited business advisor Customers have already raised a wide variety of queries through the helpline and initial feedback indicates that users find the service very helpful.

Councillor Neil Gulliver, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said: “We wanted to ensure local people could continue to get the help they need to start and run their own business and the Chelmsford Enterprise Service allows us to do that. The new service has already been well received, and we look forward to helping even more people in the future.”

The service aims to help people identify the issues they need to consider and address. It also supports them in finding the relevant information and advice to make good decisions. Clearly, though, some more complex business issues will need the services of professionals such as accountants, solicitors and business consultants.

To find out more about the Chelmsford Enterprise Service, please call the Council’s Inward Investment, Economy and Growth Team on 01245 606568 or visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/enterpriseservice

What is not ASB? There is some behaviour that’s not classed as ASB. Examples include: ■■ Children playing in the street or communal areas ■■ Young people gathering socially unless they are being intimidating ■■ Being unable to park outside your own home ■■ DIY and car repairs unless they are taking place late at night ■■ Civil disputes between neighbours e.g. shared driveways ■■ One off complaints about noise e.g. parties.

Fraudsters: nowhere to hide The Council employs a dedicated team of investigation officers who look into all allegations of people claiming benefits who are not entitled to them.

Between April 2010 and April 2011, £186,000 of overpayments have already been identified.

These amounts are now being recovered, with some investigations resulting in criminal convictions at Court.

If you suspect anyone of committing Benefit Fraud please call 0800 614469, the line is available 24 hours a day.

, That s Life!

Hylands Park received over 2.5 million visitors in 2011. That’s more visitors than the Tower of London in one year!

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Taking action

Easier ways to scoot around town Chelmsford Shopmobility purchase new Mobility Scooters for Town Centre.

Being aware of customers needs is very important to Chelmsford Shopmobility, and customer feedback has helped the service choose the right equipment as part of its replacement programme for the scooters.

Cabinet Member for Waste Management and Recycling, Cllr Janette Potter, said of the programme: “It gives me great pleasure to know that these new scooters will assist our residents in accessing the shops, market and services in the town. Our free Chelmsford Shopmobility service is extremely well used and we listen carefully to feedback from customers, to ensure that we have the correct type of scooters and wheelchairs available.”

Chelmsford Borough Council’s free Shopmobility scheme is available for anyone with limited mobility and provides a selection of manually-propelled and electrically-powered scooters and wheelchairs. To register to use the scheme, please call 01245 615800.

Recycling collections a success Food waste recycling collections are now fully underway to all households in Chelmsford.

Mobility users enjoy Hylands Park Hylands Park is also helping Mobility users by entering into a new partnership with Easy Mobility Services.

The partnership offers a second mobility vehicle as well as wheelchairs within Hylands House and the SVC, making it even easier for all customers to enjoy their visit.

Hylands Park is a beautiful place to explore, with enchanting gardens and stunning landscapes. Its first mobility vehicle was kindly donated by the Friends of Hylands House, and has proved very popular.

Easy Mobility has been supplying and servicing mobility equipment including mobility scooters, power chairs and stairlifts throughout the South East for over 10 years. It supplies charities, local authorities, NHS and Shopmobility schemes, and also supplies and provides warranty and aftercare for scooters and power chairs throughout England.

The Hylands Mobility vehicles are available from the Stables Visitor Centre within the park; to take advantage of this scheme please telephone 01245 605523 between 10am and 4pm to make sure a scooter is available for your use.

As part of a drive to prevent valuable resources such as wasted food going to landfill, the Council rolled out the new food waste recycling service across the whole of the Borough in December 2011. More than 360 tonnes were recycled in December alone with a 50 per cent increase in volume over the Christmas period compared to previous weeks.

Most of this food was fruit and vegetables, leftover meat and bones. This waste was sent to be recycled at a special treatment plant, where bacteria work to breakdown the food waste to produce biogas, which can be burnt to generate heat and electricity or turned into vehicle fuel.

On average, food waste accounts for nearly a fifth of all household waste. Between 2010/11 this amassed to about 12,500 tonnes of wasted food from Chelmsford residents, which was disposed in landfill. Recycling it can help cut the damaging effects of landfill on our environment and the associated taxes, which come at a cost to Councils and tax payers.

In response to the feedback received, here are the answers to some often asked enquiries.

■■ Your food waste bin is emptied weekly on the same day as your black bin but by a separate smaller vehicle.

■■ Egg shells can be recycled in your green food waste bin along with all other food, cooked or raw, and bones too.

■■ A new roll of cornstarch liners will be delivered to all households in Chelmsford (enough for two per week) every six months.

Don’t forget you can also use newspaper which is perfect for wrapping up drier food waste such as vegetable peelings.

For tips on making the most of leftovers see www.lovefoodhatewaste.com. For more on the food waste recycling service and other recycling related enquiries visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/recycling or email recycling@chelmsford.gov.uk

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Enjoying green spaces

Jubilee Wood update Thank you to everyone who has been involved in Jubilee Wood at the Hylands Estate so far.

As part of a project, supported by the Woodland Trust to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this year, Chelmsford Borough Council is creating a 1.2 hectare site of new woodland.

The initial planting of Jubilee Wood took place on Saturday 26 November. Around 100 local people attended the event, to plant 800 bulbs, shrubs and native British trees, including members of the Woodland Trust public, local councillors and the Chelmsford Mayor and Mayoress. It was a good day and the mince pies and hot drinks were welcomed by all. Children were pleased with their certificate signed by the Mayor and enjoyed the colouring activities.

“I enjoyed helping plant the bulbs most and I am really happy with my ‘I planted a tree at Jubilee Wood’ badge that I made,” said Eleanor, aged eight.

The planting can be seen by walking down from Widford Church and following the estate boundary adjacent to Greenbury Way. From spring, native woodland bulbs will take hold providing a display of

Help your local environment If you would like to get more involved in the growth of Jubilee Wood there are still plenty of opportunities to do so.

There are a range of sponsorship opportunities available. If you are interested in donating and would like more information, please phone 01245 606907 If you would like to play a more active role in the creation of Jubilee Wood and across Hylands Estate, why not become a volunteer? For more information on volunteering, please phone 01245 606554 Also why not spare a couple of hours to help elsewhere?

On the last Saturday every month from 10am to 12pm, you can set about various practical tasks at Chelmer Valley Local Nature Reserve. For more details call 07850 907279 or visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/chelmervalley On the third Saturday every month from 1.30pm-3.30pm you can get help out in the Marconi Ponds Nature Reserve please see www.chelmsford.gov.uk/marconiponds And every Wednesday you can join the Hylands Estate Volunteers in taking care of this landmark site www.chelmsford.gov.uk/ estatevolunteers

colour amongst the planting. In the coming years Jubilee Wood will grow into beautiful broad leaved woodland, benefiting park visitors and wildlife.

The woodland will link up existing tree plantations to create further areas for wildlife, increase the biodiversity of the area, and act as a natural screen for the industrial estate and Greenbury Way. For general information about Jubilee Wood, phone 01245 606900 or visit www.Chelmsford.gov.uk/jubileewood.

Blooming brilliant Winners of Best Kept Garden and Street Competition and Community Awards revealed.

Joint winners of Best Kept Garden Competition were Peter and Beverley Robinson of Sycamore Way and Dianne and Chris Cleaver of Gloucester Avenue with their hard surface gardens. Mr Edward Smith of Moulsham Chase was highly commended.

All three garden winners received a glass trophy, RHS membership pack (supplied by RHS Garden Hyde Hall), garden vouchers and bulbs. RHS Garden Hyde Hall supports the Best Kept Garden Competition every year.

Honey Close won the Best Kept Street Competition and the award was received by residents Mr and Mrs John Ansell and Daniel and Emma Demonakis. Anvil Close was highly commended with Moji and Ade Fasanya and Joanna Sears representing the street.

The winning street gets a plaque that is installed on the street name plate, plus each householder gets a certificate. Highly commended street householders get a certificate each.

Highwood Village Hall picked up the Community Award for their environmentally friendly and inspirational village hall. Members Anthony Pipkin (Chairman), Ron Lewis (Vice Chairman), John Kent (Treasurer), Petra Pipkin (Secretary), David Cameron, Martin Goddard, Richard Johnston, Sue Mitchell, Janet Young and Michael Young picked up the wooden plaque.

They will also get some plants for their village hall.

Best Kept Garden and Street Competitions are organised by Chelmsford Society with help from the Pride in a Cleaner Chelmsford Committee who also give out The Community Award.

, That s Life!

Over 32,000 people have signed up to the new Leisure Card which was launched in April last year.

This is just over the number of people who have been nominated to carry the Olympic Torch later this year!

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Enjoying green spaces

Kids get out and get active Chelmsford Borough Council is offering a series of FREE two-hour multi-activity sessions for children up to 16 years old during the Easter and Summer holidays.

These sessions are run by qualified and experienced staff at a number of different community and Parish venues around Chelmsford.

Play in the Park for children aged 0 to11 years Come and join Play Workers during the Easter and Summer holidays for sports, arts, crafts, games, and free-play. Selected sessions will have extra activities such as bouncy castles, face painting and reptile handling.

Supervised activities will be available for children aged six to 11 who can attend without parents.

Children aged under-eight must be dropped off and picked up by an adult and a password will be required. Children aged under six are able to attend,

but they must be supervised during all activities by their parents or carers.

New for young people aged 12 to 16 years Do your teenagers struggle to find things to do during the long school holidays? New this year, PITP Workers will be on hand at various venues throughout the summer holiday to offer active and creative activities exclusively for children of secondary school age. Some sessions could include extra activities based around urban sports, music and fashion. There will even be a supervised chill-out zone at some venues.

All Play in the Park and PITP sessions will be supervised by qualified and experienced staff, all of which have received a satisfactory CRB check.

Most activities will be based outside. Indoor areas will be used for some activities if available but gazebos will provide shade and shelter if the weather is very hot or if there is persistent rain.

For more information, including all the times and venues go to www.chelmsford.gov.uk/play, e-mail sportmad@chelmsford.gov.uk or call 01245 606979.

A Year in the Life of NEAT The Council’s Neighbourhood Environmental Action Team (NEAT) responds to requests from local residents’ and organisations to support them in projects to care for and improve their local environment. Here’s what you can expect from NEAT for the next 12 months….

July: NEAT teams up with Parks and Heritage Services and conservation volunteers to help maintain the Chelmer Valley Nature Reserve.

Popular with groups wishing to get involved in conservation, volunteers enjoy work such as improving paths and cutting back vegetation.

March: Spring cleaning time as Parish Councils and primary schools hold their litter picks. Preparations are put in place for the annual spring clean of Chelmsford rivers.

April: The River Litter Pick takes place when lots of good spirited local people get together to make a massive difference to the river environment.

May: Ongoing work on maintaining and planting the Council’s Waterhouse Lane community allotment and caring for its chickens. Supervised sessions run every Tuesday morning throughout the year, all are welcome. Volunteers get a share of the produce and fresh-laid eggs.

June: Toddlers and parents make the most of the warmer weather at the community allotment, planting, watering plants, tasting produce and splashing about in the wonderful puddles they have made.

August: Volunteers work on Frankland Fields and the Marsh Farm Country Park, improving paths, clearing graffiti and planting all year. The group is always looking for fresh volunteers and in August they’ll be busy on Frankland Fields clearing scrub.

September: Volunteers can help rid their local neighbourhood of graffiti. NEAT supplies graffiti removal kits for small areas and supports a paint-over project for a large structure.

October: The autumn river litter pick of the Chelmer and Can. With lots of the vegetation dying back, it’s a good time to get litter picking all over the Borough with NEAT’s support.

November: The awardwinning Bulb Planting project kicks off. In 2011 14,000 crocus bulbs and 4,500 daffodils were planted, NEAT aims to do the same again this year.

December: Tree and hedge planting projects and a RiverCare litter pick.

January 2013: The Big Tidy Up campaign is launched. Local schools, Parish Councils, organisations and residents are invited to hold their own litter picks. NEAT supplies equipment such as gloves, bags and skips, and provides support and publicity that may be needed. The Primary School annual environmental competition is also launched at this time.

February: Planting of wildflower plug plants in Compass Gardens, South Woodham Ferrers. Other planting projects also take place in Chelmsford town centre, Brownings Avenue open space, Meadgate shops and the library flowerbed in South Woodham Ferrers.

If any of these activities have inspired you to get involved, call the NEAT officer now on 01245 606377.

10 | www.chelmsford.gov.uk

Working for you

Council internship scheme wins award Chelmsford Borough Council’s Internship Scheme has been voted Best Public Sector Programme in this year’s TJ (Training Journal) Awards ­– the most prestigious in the Learning and Development industry.

Chelmsford Borough Council (CBC) launched the Internship programme in September 2010. It’s a programme with a difference; instead of viewing interns as a source of cheap labour, the programme provides real rewards for interns who add value to the Council.

HR Team receives its award

The scheme has given the Authority a costeffective programme for recruiting highly qualified and motivated students that meet the organisation’s needs while providing skilled labour for short-term projects.

It also gives interns a clear advantage in the job market and raises the Council’s profile as an employer of choice.

For the first time, people who had no changes to make to their household’s registration details were able to confirm them over the internet or by freephone rather than having to return their forms by post. Just over 10,000 households chose to do that, which at 14 per cent, is well above the average in areas using the system for the first time. As well as saving time, confirming your details online saves money: 12p per form is saved by confirming the details electronically rather than returning it by post, so last year the use of the system saved about £1,200.

Judging by the feedback received from those who used the electronic registration service, they found it very simple and convenient. Hopefully in the years to come many others will find it just as handy.

This update aims to keep residents informed with the latest news about our Local Development Framework (LDF) – a collection of documents that will set out the planning strategy, policies and proposals for Chelmsford Borough to 2021 and beyond.

During their placement, Interns work a 37-hour week and receive the same benefits as regular employees. They have access to a comprehensive, tailored development plan and opportunities also offered to other employees.

Regular coaching is offered by their Placement Coordinator and line-manager to make sure each placement is a success. It doesn’t end there, Interns are encouraged to apply for any vacancies that become available in the Council and have the benefit of coaching, learning interview skills, CV writing classes and access to a network of valuable business contacts.

If you are interested in taking part in the scheme, contact Martine Kettles on martine.kettles@chelmsford.gov.uk for more information.

Site Allocations Plan found ‘Sound’ The Site Allocations Development Plan Document (SADPD) includes sites for development such as housing, employment and transport infrastructure as well as site designations primarily for environmental protection including Coastal Protection Belt, Green Wedge and open space.

Good start for electronic registration Thanks to everyone who returned their electoral registration forms during the canvass last autumn. Of the forms delivered to households in the Borough, 92 per cent were returned, slightly up on the year before.

Local Development Framework Update

The SADPD covers the whole of the Borough except for areas covered by the Chelmsford Town Centre and North Chelmsford Area Action Plans.

, That s Life!

In 2011, the Council received around one million visits to its website. That’s nearly six times the entire population of the Borough and almost the same amount of visitors that Stonehenge received last year!

The plan was examined by a Government Inspector in November 2011 where he listened to comments raised by residents, stakeholders and businesses, as well as considering local evidence. The Inspector’s Report into the Examination was received in January and concludes that the Plan is ‘Sound’, which means he agrees with its proposals, subject to some minor changes. This has now been adopted by the Borough Council.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a new planning charge introduced by Government that allows local authorities to raise funds from developers who wish to build in their areas.

This money can be used to help fund a wide range of infrastructure needed as a result of new development. This includes new road or transportation schemes, flood defences, schools, hospitals and healthcare, green spaces and leisure centres. CIL will replace most of the existing system of Planning Obligations. Council’s will need to prepare its own Charging Schedules by 2014.

Chelmsford Borough Council is making good progress with the preparation of its CIL. For further details see www.chelmsford.gov.uk/cil For more information on the LDF please visit our website www.chelmsford.gov.uk/ldf

www.chelmsford.gov.uk | 11

Working for you

Confidence through quality Taxi Customers in Chelmsford can have confidence in quality every time they use a Taxi, whether it’s a private hire or hackney carriage vehicle, thanks to Chelmsford’s improved Quality Taxi Partnership (QTP) scheme.

The scheme is focused on improving Taxi services in the town and a quality taxi provision means people can travel in Chelmsford safely with an accredited operator.

So far, six operators have signed up to the scheme, covering around 100 vehicles. Operators will benefit from an opportunity to ensure that all of their drivers are working to a high standard based on Essex County Council’s Buy With Confidence status.

Chelmsford Borough Council, as licensing authority, ensures that operators of Taxis and private hire vehicles

meet legal and licensing conditions. Operators can then sign up to Essex County Council’s Buy With Confidence scheme to get fully audited, before becoming endorsed for providing an ethical, quality service to the paying customer. The audit covers: ■■ Complaints policy and procedure ■■ Routine vehicle maintenance and cleanliness ■■ Passenger charter display ■■ Respect for equal opportunities ■■ Organised record keeping

Chelmsford Borough Council is the first Council in Essex to incorporate a QTP scheme with Trading Standards’ Buy With Confidence scheme. The scheme originally launched in Chelmsford in 2007 and successfully led to NVQ training in passenger transport being undertaken by around 150 drivers. As part of the continual development of this scheme, stronger links have now been formed with Essex County Council.

Refreshing our busy High Street Chelmsford Borough Council is making plans to improve the High Street and Tindal Square (the areas around Shire Hall) in central Chelmsford. Giving pedestrians priority and raising the quality of paving will bring out the special qualities of these busy spaces to support shopping, business and public life.

The Council wants Chelmsford to continue to be the most enjoyable, accessible and attractive town centre in the region by transforming the spaces along the High Street.

Local residents are invited to help develop the masterplan for redevelopment plans based on the Runwell hospital site.

It plans to clear away the traffic islands and signs in Tindal Square and at, the top of the High Street, create a civic square to complement the Shire Hall. Links between High Chelmer and the future John Lewis development will be made as clear and convenient as possible. The lower High Street will be designed to connect Springfield Road, the Meadows Shopping Centre, Quadrant and Moulsham Street into a dynamic shopping destination. Street furniture will be laid out throughout the High Street to make the most of the space.

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has announced that it proposes to submit a new planning application for around 600 new homes on the Runwell site. The national housing and regeneration agency owns the land, having acquired it from the NHS some years ago, as part of an initiative to reuse old public sector facilities for housing need.

The application will support the regeneration of Runwell, and will provide transport improvements and community facilities as well as delivering new homes for both private sale and those on the housing needs list.

Although the pedestrianised shopping area has been popular, some of the yellow and red paving has grown shabby. New paving and furniture, plus scope for events will reinvigorate the heart of the town.

Where does all the dirt go?

Have you ever wondered what happens to all the mud, stones, dirt and debris we pick up off the roads and footpaths with our road sweepers?

Each year, the Street Care Team collect over 900 tonnes of dirt from the roads, which historically has just been taken to landfill for disposal.

However, since April 2010 the Street Care Team has been sending road sweepings to a local

New housing in the pipeline

company for reprocessing rather than to landfill.

The company sort out the road sweepings into metal, plastics and glass, which can be recycled, and turn the remaining material into a soil conditioner that can be put back onto the land.

Currently an amazing 99 per cent of the street sweepings is recycled in this way. We are now in the process of exploring ways of recycling more of the 700+ tonnes of litter waste collected each year either picked up from the streets or from general litter bins.

The HCA is committed to involving the local community in any decisions that are taken regarding the site. As such, there will be opportunities in June for the local community to have their say in the development of the planning application. A public exhibition was held at Runwell Sports and Social Club in March as part of this, providing information about the proposals, and gathering the community’s views on what they would like to see developed.

The master planning consultants, Atkins, will use this information to develop a proposal for the site.

The community will have another opportunity to comment on this proposal in early June through another public exhibition at the Sports and Social Club, followed by a public meeting.

More information about the consultation and the plans can be found on the Chelmsford Borough Council planning site www.chelmsford.gov.uk/runwellhospital.

For more information about the Homes and Communities Agency’s land ownership visit www.homesandcommunities.co.uk/ ourwork/land-and-regeneration

12 | www.chelmsford.gov.uk

What’s on

What’s on this spring Arts and culture

Family Fun Day Sunday 3 June Venue: Riverside Times: 1pm to 5pm Cost: £5 – Adults, £2.50 – Children (up to 16 years) A fantastic opportunity to try an exciting range of activities for one amazing price! www.chelmsford.gov.uk/riverside

Psychic Night Sunday 15 April Venue: Hylands House Times: 7.30pm to 11pm Cost: £10 per person Will someone have a message for you? Come and find out as our guest Medium conducts a platform reading to the audience here at Hylands House. Private readings are available after the demonstration for a nominal fee.

Cash bar available. To book call 01245 605555 Doctor in the House Saturday 30 April - Sunday 2 May Venue: Civic TheatreTimes: 7.45pm.

2.30pm Weds and Sat Matinée Cost: £18-£24.50 The classic sitcom on stage. Featuring Joe Pasquale and Robert Powell.

Sport and leisure

UV Bubble Disco Friday 23 March Venue: Riverside Times: 8pm to10pm Cost: £7.10 – Non Leisure Card Holders, £6.80 – Leisure Card Holders Grab your skates and your UV face paint and head down to Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre for our latest popular UV bubble ice skating disco. www.chelmsford.gov.uk/ iceskating Holiday Ice Skating Monday 2 to Friday 13 April (Ex Friday 6 and Monday 9 April), Wednesday 6 to Friday 8 June Venue: Riverside Times: Mondays to Fridays – 10am to 4pm Cost: £ 6.90 – Non Leisure Card Holders, £6.50 – Leisure Card Holders www.chelmsford.gov.uk/iceskating Holiday Activities at Chelmsford Borough Council’s Leisure Centres An exciting range of holiday activities will be on offer during Easter (Monday 2 to Friday 13 April) and Whitsun Holidays (Monday 4 to Friday 8 June). More information available at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/holidaycourses

Wildlife Fun Day, Sat 9 June Venue: Chelmsford Museum, Times: 1pm to 5pm Free Fun for all the family, including live owl display, handling snakes reptiles etc (small charge applies). For more info call 01245 605700,

Exhibitions, fairs, and courses Children and youngsters Family Food Frenzy – Cupcakes Monday 2 April Venue: Hylands House Times: 10am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 4pm Cost: £35 per family Designed for all members of your family and extended family. Learn how to make, bake and decorate beautiful looking and delicious tasting cupcakes just in time for Easter. All materials and cupcake container included in the ticket price. Some items will be for sale at the end of the class. To book call 01245 605555 Easter Craft Drop-in Session Tuesday 3 April Venue: Hylands House Times: 11am to 3pm Cost: £2 per child Get creative with craft materials and make your own Easter bunny. This will be a drop in activity (places may have to be limited at busy times), suitable for 3 – 10 year olds.

Accompanied children only. Upstairs in the Stables Visitor Centre. Bookings not essential Button Jewellery Making Wednesday 4 April Venue: Hylands House Times: 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm Cost: £20 per child Come along and join this fun workshop and make your own necklace and bracelet using buttons and cord. Learn how to tie knots and attach clasps in this popular session run by resident artist Lynne Sharpe. Suitable for ages, seven to 14 years. To book call 01245 605555 Easter Egg Hunt Sunday 8 April Venue: Hylands House Times: 11am until the prizes run out Cost: £2.50 per child Chelmsford Ladies Circle run their ever popular Easter event on the back lawn at Hylands House. Find all the bunnies to claim your chocolate prize! Registration takes place on the back terrace and the event is suitable for children of all ages. All proceeds go to local community projects. Bookings not essential Tie-Dye and Graffiti Fashion Tuesday 10 April – 10am to 3pm Venue: Hylands House Times: 10am to 3pm Cost: £20 per child Transform a basic t-shirt into a designer piece, using tie-dye and fabric graffiti techniques. Express your personality and style through bold use of colour, shaping and design to create a signature look. Just bring along two plain white 100% cotton t-shirts, apron and packed lunch, all other materials provided. Suitable for ages 10 -14 years. To book call 01245 605555

Food Frenzy - The Chutney and Jam Series Monday 19 March Venue: Hylands House Times: 6.30pm to 9pm Cost: £35 per person Second in the series join Dawn Shell from Butlers Pantry and make a trio of delicious chutneys to accompany cheese. Dawn will then show everyone how to take these chutneys and put together a cheese hamper, a perfect gift or, an exciting addition to your Easter cheese board. Bring along clean jars to take home your chutneys. To book call 01245 605555 Stained Glass Heart Sunday 25 March Venue: Hylands House Times: 10am to 4pm Cost: £45 per person Learn the copper foiling technique devised by Tiffany himself. Resident glass artist Mona Marnell will teach you how to cut, foil and solder your very own stained glass heart. All materials to make one item are included, please bring along a packed lunch. To book call 01245 605555

be provided. Please bring a sewing kit and a packed lunch. To book call 01245 605555 Food Frenzy – Sushi Sunday 15 April Venue: Hylands House Times: 2pm to 4.30pm Cost: £45 per person Yuka Poulten shows us the Japanese art of making Sushi. Using seasonal and traditional ingredients, learn how to make different sushi rolls and nibbles. All cooking materials included, just bring along a container to take your sushi home in. To book call 01245 605555 Silver Art Clay for Beginners Tuesday 17 April Venue: Hylands House Times: 7.30pm to 11pm Cost: £10 per person The most amazing medium to work with, the only limits are your imagination. If you want to expand your jewellery making skills or are a complete beginner join our resident artist Andrea Neale. All equipment and materials including 10grams of Art Clay Silver are provided, just bring along your own lunch and imagination. To book call 01245 605555 Wildflower Walk Saturday 21 April Venue: Hylands House Times: 10am to 12pm Cost: £5 per person Spring is a great time to see wildflowers at Hylands. Walk out to the woods to see what is in bloom and to learn more about our beautiful woodland plant life. Please wear suitable clothing.

No dogs. Suitable for adults and older children 10 years plus. To book call: 01245 605523

Spring Bunting Thursday 29 March Venue: Hylands House Times: 10am to 4pm Cost: £24 per person Learn how to sew your own bunting using pretty spring fabrics in different patterns and colours and finish with coordinating binding. All you need are basic sewing skills, fabric (materials list provided) and a sewing kit. Please bring a packed lunch. To book call 01245 605555 Heavy Horse Experience Day - Driving Saturday 31 March Venue: Hylands House Times: 10am to 4pm Cost: £85 per person The perfect gift or personal experience.

Spend a day with our beautiful Suffolk Punch horses and experience driving a cart by the end of the day. Classes run once a month. To book call 01245 605555 Horse and Carriage Rides Sunday 1 April Venue: Hylands House Times: 11am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 3.30pm Cost: £2 per person per ride Take a ride around Hylands Park in a horse drawn carriage. Carriage leaves from the front of the house every 15 minutes. No need to book.

Learn to Sew Sunday 15 April Venue: Hylands House Times: 10am to 4pm Cost: £20 per person Learn the basics of sewing and fabric choices to prepare you for more advanced projects.

In this class make either a cushion or tote bag with an appliqué panel. A materials list will

Heavy Horse Experience Day - Introduction Saturday 28 April Venue: Hylands House Times: 10am to 4pm Cost: £85 per person The perfect gift or personal experience.

Spend a day with our beautiful Suffolk Punch horses and experience driving a cart by the end of the day. Classes run once a month. To book call: 01245 605555 Marconi Ponds Nature Reserve Open Day Saturday 19 May Venue: Marconi Ponds Times: 1pm to 4pm Free Lots of family activities including pond dipping, guided walks and more activities.

Chelmer Valley Local Nature Reserve Open Day Saturday 26 May Venue: Marconi Ponds Times: 1pm to 4pm Free Family activities will include bug hunts, guided walks and play.

www.chelmsford.gov.uk | 13

What’s on

Civic Theatre celebrates 50 years of entertainment On 3 September 1962 Chelmsford’s Civic Theatre opened its doors to the public for the first ever season of shows. The opening show was Marriage Go Round by Leslie Stevens by theatre company Group of Three. Five decades on and the Civic Theatre is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

We would like to hear from people who have memories and memorabilia of the theatre from the last 50 years and perhaps even this first ever production. If you would like to share or contribute your memories with photos, newspaper cuttings, theatre programmes or anything else then please

contact artsmarketing@chelmsford.gov.uk or upload them to Chelmsford Theatre’s Facebook page. Alternatively please post to us at Arts Marketing, Chelmsford Theatre, Fairfield Road, Essex, CM1 1JG, we will be happy to return any original material on request.

Shows to put a spring in your step There are a huge range of fantastic performances to enjoy at Chelmsford Theatres this spring and a few famous faces to see too.

For a great girls night out there’s All the Single Ladies (22- 24 March) starring Leslie Ash and Brooke Kinsella MBE. Heartwarming and hilariously funny, the show is a must see for ladies, make sure you catch it locally before it goes to the West End. A true classic is brought to the stage in an adaptation of Sense and Sensibility between 18-20 April. Based on Jane Austen’s classic, the play adaptation is brought to the stage with original music, humour and heartbreak.

Joe Pasquale and Robert Powell will be doing their rounds in a fantastic stage show version of the classic sitcom Doctor in the House from 30 April – 5 May. This comedy farce is the perfect prescription for laughter!

Something wicked this way comes…

The vicious, barbaric undercurrent in Shakespeare’s epic tragedy Macbeth surfaces in a kinetic blood-thirsty production on 9 May. A new comedy comes in the form of Raining Men (1-2 June), the story of Phil the bouncer, Doug the DJ and Colin the barman and a night where the Full Monty meets Priscilla, Queen of the Desert… featuring the music of Barbra Streisand, Shirley Bassey and Judy Garland.

Music is well featured, with lots of large and small scale shows in the Civic and Cramphorn Theatres. The music show Unforgettable (1 April) features a world class cast of talented vocalists and musicians playing songs from some of the most loved musical icons of the 1950s and 60s.

One of the Civic’s favourite shows appears on 5 April when Fascinating Aida comes to town. The cabaret trio is a comedy sensation, with their Cheap Flights anthem getting over 7 million hits on You Tube.

Book fast, this will be a BIG seller!

Iconic band The Strawbs are moving gracefully into their fifth decade of music making but their successful international progressive folk-rock is still as unique as ever. Devoted fans can find them at the Civic theatre on 14 April.

If classical music is more your taste then the male vocal duo Foley and Hepburn could be just your thing. The Tenor and Bass-baritone sensations will include songs such as Time To Say Goodbye, You Raise Me Up and Ol’ Man River.

An array of musicals are on offer to audiences. Choose from Treasure Island (20-24 March), Honk! (16-21 April) and Half a Sixpence (15-19 May).

Audiences will be delighted that they can see a well loved nursery rhyme come to life. There Was An Old Woman Who Swallowed A Fly (11-12 May) will relive the delights of this most charming tale with a feast of first class games, colourful animal characters and heart warming family fun.

Age suitability: Four years+.

For more information on all shows and to book tickets go to www. chelmsfordtheatres.gov.uk/theatres or call 01245 606505.

, That s Life!

More than 100,000 people were entertained at shows such as Lee Evans and Sleeping Beauty at the Council’s theatres in 2011.

That’s more than enough people to fill Wembley Stadium.

14 | www.chelmsford.gov.uk

Sports

Why Pay More?

Leisur

Chelmsford Borough Councils Leisure Plus card is free for large parts of the community (including all children, over 60’s and those entitled to Benefits). For all other residents it costs just £3 for the year, meaning card holders can start saving money after just three visits!

Over 30,000 Leisure Plus card holders currently enjoy a great range of benefits: ■■ Reduced prices for a wide range of sports activities across all four Chelmsford Borough leisure centres ■■ Loyalty points for every pound spent ■■ Reduced theatre ticket prices on various performances throughout the year ■■ Advance online booking privileges up to ten days in advance ■■ Event booking privileges ■■ Special offers and promotions with further price reductions

“The Leisure Plus card is fantastic,” she says: “I can use the various centres to compliment my training and I can book my classes in advance online. There are so many perks with this new Leisure Card system, and I’d recommend people looking for a new training centre to give it a go! All the staff at the centres have given me encouragement, even when my health hasn’t always been the best.”

CheLm

s

boro ugh Cford and ac ounC tive life iL styles

Saving per session

Annual saving based on just one visit per week

Activity

Normal price

Leisure Plus card holder price

Evening Ice skate session including skates (Tues)

£4.90

£4.40

£0.50

£26

Swimming session

£4.80

£4.30

£0.50

£26

Fitness Class

£6.90

£5.90

£1

£52

Two very different Leisure Plus card users talk about what membership means to them - from tough training to making friends.

She has a long term lung condition and has undergone a double lung transplant. Justine competes in The Transplant Games each year and in 2011 she won two bronze medals for Team GB at the World Transplant Games in Sweden. She hopes to be selected again for 2013’s World Transplant Games in South Africa.

e pLus

ing hea lthy

Typical Savings with a Leisure Plus Card based on an Adult aged 18-59

Actively benefiting lives Justine Laymond uses her Leisure Plus membership card to train regularly at both Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre and Chelmsford Sports Athletic Centre (CSAC).

reward

Justine is also about to embark on her biggest challenge yet. In June she’ll be all setting sail with the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race on its last leg. Follow her journey on www. justinedoublelungs.blogspot.com It’s not just elite athletes who make use of the Leisure Plus card, anybody and everybody can benefit.

You never know, it could be the beginning of a beautiful long-term relationship, as Bob Owen, a regular at South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre says: “I started going to the gym at SWF when the pool was nothing but a dream. It now has a pool, a climbing wall, more courts, and the all-weather astroturf area. The staff are all friendly and I enjoy the camaraderie with the other users in the Excel Fitness Room.’’

So what are you waiting for? Apply for your card online at www.chelmsford.gov. uk/leisureplus or by visiting your nearest leisure centre.

Kids enjoy Easter activities Chelmsford Borough Council provides an exciting range of children’s activities across its four leisure centres and Sports Development team every holiday period. And this Easter is looking like the biggest and best yet!

Here’s a taste of what your children can get up to: Get active with Archery, Go Karts, Athletics, Trampoline, Football Go wild in Mad Science, Dance Mix and Artful Splodgers Make a Splash with Pool Fun, Crash Courses and Canoeing Show off with Super Action Stunt Camp, Cheerleading and Gymnastics Advanced booking is strongly recommended. Don’t forget Leisure Plus card holders can now book their child’s activities online from the comfort of their home by visiting www.chelmsford.gov.uk/ sportsbookings For further details visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/ holidaycourses or pick up a brochure at one of our centres (see below).

Chelmsford Centres ■■ Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre ■■ Chelmsford Sport & Athletics Centre ■■ South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre ■■ Dovedale Sports Centre

www.chelmsford.gov.uk | 15

Essentials If you have a Council enquiry of a specific nature, please call the appropriate direct number below:

directory enquiries...

Main Offices / Correspondence:

Civic Centre, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JE Office opening hours: 8.45am to 4.45pm (Mon–Thurs) 8.45am to 4.15pm (Fri)

Housing Benefits and Council Tax

Parks and Green Spaces

Benefits, Housing and Council Tax

01245 605566 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/parks

01245 606400 www.chelmsford.gov.uk

Car Parking and Enforcement

Business Rates 01245 606709 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/businessrates

01245 606710 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/parking

March

Benefit Fraud Report Line

Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre

0800 614469 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/benefitfraud

01245 615050 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/riverside

Development Policy Committee

1 March

Planning Committee

5 March

Housing Emergency (out of hours)

Cabinet

6 March

South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre

Licensing and Regulatory Committee

8 March

01245 605600 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/swflc

Audit and Governance Committee

21 March

Standards Committee

28 March

GENERAL ENQUIRIES/ MAIN NUMBER

01245 606606

Change of Circumstances

MAIN FAX NUMBER (01245) 606693 E-mail: mailbox@chelmsford.gov.uk Minicom: (01245) 606444 General telephone enquiries hours: 8.30am to 5.15pm (Mon–Thurs) 8.30am to 4.45pm (Fri)

01245 606879 www.chelmsford.gov.uk

Chelmsford Sport and Athletic Centre

Planning and Community

01245 605666 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/csac

Offices open at 10.00am on the last Wednesday of the month to allow for staff training

Building Control

24 hour payment phone line 0845 002 0686

Cemetery and Crematorium

Homelessness and other Emergencies (01245) 606644 Noiseline (01245) 606200 Parkwatch (07831) 189918

We publish details of services, activities and events within the Borough on our website.

Check regularly for up to date news and information on all Council Services.

Members of the public are always welcome to attend meetings and can ask questions or make statements on anything for which the Council or Committee is responsible, confidentiality restrictions allowing.

Leisure, Sport and Culture

01245 606644 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/housing

OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCIES

Council Meetings

Planning 01245 606826 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/planning 01245 606431 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/planning 01245 605630 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/crematorium

Environment and Waste

Dovedale Sports Centre 01245 605685 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/dovedale

April Planning Committee Cabinet

17 April

Overview and Scrutiny Committee

23 April

Theatres

May

01245 606505 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres

Planning Committee

Museums 01245 605700 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums

3 April

1 May

COUNCIL (Annual Meeting)

23 May

Planning Committee

29 May

June

Environmental Service

Hylands House

Cabinet

6 June

01245 606800 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/environmental

01245 605500 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands

Development Policy Committee

7 June

Information Centres

Licensing and Regulatory Committee

14 June

Overview and Scrutiny Committee

18 June

Planning Committee

26 June

Audit and Governance Committee

27 June

Refuse and Recycling Collections 01245 615800 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/refuse Litter Hotline 0845 245 1234 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/streetscene

Chelmsford Visitor Information 01245 606606 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/enjoychelmsford

Licensing

South Woodham Ferrers Community Information Centre

01245 606727 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/licensing

01245 605611 www.chelmsford.gov.uk/swfcic

Would you like a CD or mp3 audio version of Life?

Versions of ‘Life’ are available on audio cassette and in CD or mp3 format. To get a copy in another format, please contact Chelmsford Borough Council’s Corporate Communications Team on 01245 606900 or email publicity@chelmsford.gov.uk.

Alternatively, you can download a copy of Life in mp3 format from our website at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/life.

Help?

Need this in a different format or language? Call 01245 606606 or email: publicity@chelmsford.gov.uk

Life is published by Chelmsford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Duke Street, Chelmsford CM1 1JE. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding Life, please write to the Editor at the above address, or e-mail publicity@chelmsford.gov.uk, call 01245 606900.

Life is available in alternative formats including Braille, large print, audio tape and other languages. Please call or email the contact numbers, left.

Printed on environmentally friendly paper.

16 | www.chelmsford.gov.uk

Sports

Bright future for local athletes Chelmsford Sports Ambassadors Jessica Judd and Hayley McLean of Chelmsford Athletics Club have been selected for the 2011/12 UKA Futures Programme. This is an outstanding achievement.

The Programme helps athletes aged 17- 20 who show the potential to achieve a top eight place at Team GB at the IAAF World Championships or Olympic Games. It supports athlete-coach pairs based on their agreed annual plan and is limited to just 30 partnerships throughout the country.

fantastic ambassador for Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre, helping to inspire other young people attending the Council’s wide range of term time and holiday courses.

Jessica Judd

Middle distance runner Jessica, is ranked number one in the UK for 800m, 1500m, and 3000m in her age group. In 2011 she competed in the IAAF World Youth Championships and battled against America and China to come third in the 800m.

Hayley is ranked UK number one in 60m, 300m and 400m hurdles in her age group. She has been a

Their coaches are delighted with the girls’ latest achievement.

Both athletes have also helped aspiring youngsters at the Centre’s junior children sessions.

In addition, through the work of Karen Stephanou, Athletics Development Officer at Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre, the two young athletes undertake outreach work with the community and schools, hopefully creating even more sporting stars of tomorrow.

Hayley McLean

Carrying a torch for Chelmsford Local residents Moesha Howard and Ken Edwards will be bearing the torch with pride when the Olympic Torch Relay comes to town.

Moesha, 15, is ranked second in the UK for her age group in the 75m hurdles. She is no stranger to training, however she is going to have to change her practice in the run up to the relay as she explains: “I train around five times a week for sprint hurdles, but the relay will be 300m – I’ll need to do more endurance training and pace myself instead of sprinting, otherwise it could be over very quickly.”

The youngster started athletics where she was spotted by a member of the athletics development team from Chelmsford Borough Council in a primary school competition. She’s really excited about becoming a Torchbearer saying: “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. Chelmsford Sport & Athletics Centre has encouraged me from a young age so it’s an honour to represent them.”

She’s also delighted to be a Chelmsford Sports Ambassador: “It has given me the opportunity to train freely and encourage fellow athletes to go for their goals to be the best that they can be.”

Ken Edwards is a Galleywood resident who has made a great contribution to the local sports community. He played volleyball for 30 years at national league level and formed clubs in Witham and Chelmsford (Juniors). He’s also a qualified Level 2 coach and coaches the Chelmsford Volleyball Club women’s team.

He is immensely proud to take part in the Olympic Torch Relay: “I took a decision not to become involved with any direct volunteering at the Games because I wanted to see as many events as possible, so it’s wonderful to be nominated as a Torchbearer – it’s the best of both worlds.”

Ken also has tickets for the Games themself: “I managed to buy both Olympic and Paralympic tickets. Just don’t ask how much it all costs!”

We will continue to follow Ken and Moesha’s Torchbearing journey in future issues of Life.

Borough’s good sports awarded Chelmsford’s Dawn Barnard has been a pioneer in women’s and girl’s football in Essex for 25 years, forming and playing for Chelmsford City Ladies & Girls FC and instrumental in helping to create and run the Essex County Girl’s Football League and the Essex County Women’s Football League.

Her hard work has gained UK-wide recognition, as winner of the BBC Eastern Region Unsung Hero’ award and nominee for the BBC’s national honour. She also recently scooped the FA ‘Outstanding Contribution to Community Football’ honour and was described by 1966 England football legend, Sir Geoff Hurst as: “A real inspiration to any female, young or old, who wants to play football.”

Chelmsford Athletics Club volunteer, Roy Meadowcroft has been crowned Winner the of England Athletics ‘Services to Volunteering’ Award in the Eastern Region. Roy has dedicated 60 years of his life to sport, starting out as an athlete before taking on the roles of team manager, membership secretary, field judge, cross country and track recorder.

Described as ‘the quiet voice of Essex Athletics’, Roy has been instrumental in the development of Chelmsford Athletics Club, and was nominated for the award

by Chelmsford Athletics Club coaches and members who called him ‘a true volunteer’ and ‘an inspiration’.