Chelsmford The City Times December 2014/January 2015

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Chelmsford

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Issue Number 15 - 12th December 2014 - 15th January 2015

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CT Welcome Hi readers,

Welcome to the December/January edition.

We would like to express our season’s greetings to all our readers, advertisers and writers and hope you have a great festive break.

We will be back in January 2015 with the next edition.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Happy New Year!

We hope you enjoy reading!

AND A

Nick & Paul

HAPPY NEW YEAR! www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk, www.moulshamtimes.com and www.braintreelife.co.uk Advertising Nick Garner 07970 206682 ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk

Editorial Paul Mclean 07595 949701 editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

Disclaimer: It’s Your Media Ltd publish Chelmsford 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, Chesmford. Reg No 9154871. Printed by Imagery UK.

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It is illegal for a promoter or a participant in a trading scheme to persuade anyone to make a payment by promising benefits from getting others to join a scheme. Do not be misled by claims that high earnings are easily achieved.

CHRISTMAS LAST MINUTE APPOINTMENTS Amazing deals on last minute Salon appointments! are available for ALL of our gorgeous clients – not just newbies!

Treat yourself to re-style, cut and colour this Christmas.

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CT Fashion -

Christmas Accessories

Last time I wrote about Christmas partywear, this month I will be covering Christmas accessories for ladies and gents. I will be featuring sparkly stuff and luxury accessories from the high street, with great high street prices. These are my best buys for preChristmas, whether you want to liven up your outfit for the party season, or if you want to find an Christmas gift for a girlfriend, boyfriend, best friend or member of your family. There is something for everyone here.

Brooches If you are tired of buying the same old body lotion for a gift and want to buy something unique this Christmas, head to Now and Then Dress Agency and Vintage Boutique. I saw two beautiful brooches on my visit, the Large Diamante Brooch £10.00, which would dress up any blazer or coat and, the Vintage Christian Dior Brooch £32.00, an amazing pressie for someone special.

Evening Bags Ladies, are you looking for a statement sparkly clutch to dress up your outfit?

There are loads on the high street currently. My favourite, for it’s vintage look, is the Lexi Hardcase Clutch Bag 6893359700 £45.00 from Accessorize.

Or try out the pared down, but stylish, Metallic Woven Abbey Clutch Bag 6892238100 £29.00, also from Accessorize. For an absolute bargain, head to Primark, they have some lovely encrusted jewelled bags, that are only £10.00; Gold & Grey Beaded Evening Bag £10.00, Primark.

For that special present and something that will be treasured, the 50’s 3 Way Clutch £29.00 is stunning, it’s from Now and Then Dress Agency and Vintage Boutique.

Necklaces This necklace from Warehouse, looks far more expensive then it is, it will go with any outfit as it’s black and gold and, it is a statement piece without being OTT; Multi Stone Fan Necklace £12.00 from Warehouse. If you know someone who loves big, bold and blingy, then head to Marks and Spencer and snap up the Limited Edition Necklace ref 290175 £22.50, it’s a gorgeous, gem encrusted, collar style necklace, which will dress up your LBD.

party season; 1980’s Gina Shoes £39.00 in dark silver with fan detail and M&S (St Michael) Shoes £35.00 in glitter. At Next, take a look at the ‘oh so sparkly’ Mid Point Courts £26.00 in Shimmer. Or, if you are on a budget, then head over to Primark and check out these gorgeous and very wearable going out shoes; suede-look courts in electric blue 93769 £12.00 and black suede-look Mary Janes 73446 £12.00. There are also some great deals to be had at Debenhams; Carvela has reductions on party shoes in all sizes. For the guys, at Topman, I spotted some smart loafers, Grail Black Tassle Loafer £36.00 97O01IBLK and Grail Perforated Black Suedette Loafers £36.00 97O10IBLK. Hats For the gents, if you want to get ahead this party season get a hat!

Topman have trilbies and fedoras on offer. Over at Marks and Spencer, they have the very dapper M&S COLLECTION Pure Wool Fedora T090802M £23.60, this could be a stylish but practical gift for your dad.

For the ladies, you will find a wide selection of hats at Accessorize.

My favourite hat, was at Miss Selfridge, the Teal Felt Fedora Hat 49A34MGRN £17.50.

Gloves Next should be your first and only stop, if you are looking for gloves for a gift. You will not go far wrong with their selection of ladies Leather Gloves £16.00. They come in a wide variety of colours, from berry to green. And nothing beats a classic leather glove, for warmth and style.

Bow Ties For the guys that are determined to dress up this Christmas, or a perfect gift for your boyfriend, husband, dad or grandad, it must be a bow tie.

You’ll find some on-trend and slightly quirky bow ties at Topman.

For something more classical, head over to Marks and Spencer or Debenhams. M&S have the M&S Collection Pre Tied Velvet Bow Tie T128570, £12.50. At Debenhams you’ll find the Hammond and Co Designer Navy Embroidered Pheasants Bow Tie, 0970103903, £16.00.

Scarves A great addition to a man’s wardrobe is always a scarf, why not tart up an outfit with a tartan one; M&S Blue Harbour Pure Lambswool Checked Scarf T096043B £20.00. And ladies, you don’t have to miss out, there are lovely blanket scarves, available from Accessorize; Bright Check Blanket Scarf 6872569900 £19.00 and Indigo Aztec Blanket Scarf 6871504100 £19.00.

Shoes Happy Christmas Everyone.

If you are searching for some fabulous heels, there are a Emma Smith is a style consultant and lives in Chelmsford. couple of pairs that really stand She offers personal shopping and wardrobe planning. out; you’ll find them at, Now Contact her on emma@emmasmith.co.uk. and Then Dress Agency and www.emmasmith.co.uk.

Vintage Boutique. Both pairs are perfect for the Christmas Photo credit Now and Then Dress Agency and Vintage Boutique.

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MONDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

Springfield Community Centre Perryfields School Lawn Lane CM1 7PP 5:00pm and 7:00pm Angie 07814 992628

Life Church Hall Street off Moulsham Street Chelmsford Chelmsfo CM2 0HG 5:30pm Angie 07814 992628

THURSDAYS

NEW CONSULTANT 7th JANUARY Boreham Village Hall Main Road Boreham CM3 3JD 5:30pm and 7:30pm Glynn 07984 049777

North Springfield Baptist Church Havengore, off Pump Lane Springfield CM1 6JP 7:30pm Victoria 07823 441198

Millennium Community Centre Recreation Ground Baddow Road Great Baddow CM2 9RL 9:30am and 11:30am Lucy 01245 262457

NEW VENUE Sandon Village Hall Woodhill Road Sandon CM2 7SQ 7:00pm Lucy 01245 262457

TUESDAYS

NEW 3.30pm SESSION from 6th JANUARY Broomfield Village Hall 158 Main Road (behind Angel Pub) Broomfield CM1 7AH 3.30pm, 5:00pm and 7:00pm Victoria 07823 441198 Millennium Community Centre Recreation Ground Baddow Road Great Great Baddow CM2 9RL 5:30pm and 7:30pm Samantha 01245 266442 NEW GROUP OPENING 6th JANUARY Salvation Army Hall Maldon Road Hatfield Peveral CM3 2HS 7.30pm Lesley 07973 239899

Church Of St Augustine Of Canterbury St Augustines Way Springfield CM1 6GQ 9:30am and 11:30am Emma 07887 692906

St Michael's Church of England Junior School Barnard Road Galleywood CM2 8RR 7:30pm Emma 07887 692906

Newlands Spring Community Hall Dickens Place Chelmsford CM1 4UU 7:30pm Kierra 07971 349932

Writtle Community Association Longmeads House 12-14 Redwood Drive Writtle CM1 3LY 7:00pm Lesley 07973 239899 Springfield Park Baptist Church Springfield Park Road Spingfield CM2 6EB 7.30pm Victoria 07823 441198

Chelmer Village Hall Chelmer Village Way (Next to Asda) Chelmer Village CM2 6RE 7:30pm Emma 07887 692906

FRIDAYS

The Church Of Ascension Maltese Road Chelmsford CM1 2PB 9:30am Samantha 01245 266442

SATURDAYS

Springfield Park Baptist Church Springfield Park Road Spingfield CM2 6EB 8.30am Emma 07887 692906

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purpose being to protect us at work and at home, which in fairness it does. Yet, mention health and safety now-a-days and people will recoil in frustration and most can recall an occasion where it is used more as an excuse not to do something for fear of being sued than for protection: a school in Gloucester banned girls from wearing frilly socks because it was a trip hazard; a Yorkshire woman had her parasol confiscated at a day at the races for fear it would hurt others, although she was allowed it back when it rained. My favourite was in the West Midlands where a fish monger, under the guise of health and safety, refused to fillet a fish for a customer on account it was too slippery. Even a council who proclaimed to be proud to fly the flag of health and safety later because of a fire risk banned the flying of flags from their council flats. It’s examples like that, which cause people to believe that health and safety has gone mad.

Now, at this festive time of year it seems that health and safety has come like the ghost of Christmas passed to dampen our sprits. Last year a growing number of councils replaced human Santa’s on the top of floats with plastic ones for fear the human ones will slip off; (ho ho ho aaah). Some department stores advise their Santa’s grottos not to give out sweets for fear of allergies and children not to be encouraged to sit on Santa’s knee and if they persist to be placed there only by a parent. A fact that a Santa Claus working in Selfridges realised at the expense of his job in 2008 when he not only encouraged the child but it’s pretty mother to sit on his knee as well (“what would you like for Christmas?”)

His defence was “I just wanted her to get involved in the moment”.

Safety Is No Accident by Simon Culleton For the purposes of health and safety I must first warn all the readers that this column may contain overly long sentences with numerous syllabled words that some readers may find arduous and stressful. Also sarcasm and if possible wit - may be interjected throughout, and if not completely understood may induce confusion followed by a distinct loss of humour. I therefore strongly advice that you resist the urge to comprehend something that you may later not fully understand. For more information contact www. getalife.com Health and safety does seem to have gone crazy recently, although it has been with us for a surprisingly long time: over 150 years in fact, with the first laws in 1847 restricting the working week. Although, it’s only been since 1974 (when they should have banned flared trousers) that health and safety as we know it today really took hold. It’s noble

Yet, for all its confusion, misuse and stagnating affects, health and safety is there to protect us and one cannot deny the impressive and overwhelming statistic that since 1974 there has been an 87% reduction in work related deaths. We now enjoy shorter working days, machinery that doesn’t rip your hand off, houses with smoke alarms and fire exits, gas fires are less likely to suffocate us with carbon monoxide and we can enjoy the use of electrical goods without fear of electrocution. (Unless of course you are on ‘death row’ in Texas). In short; thanks to health and safety we now have a better chance of ending our working careers alive and with all the arms, legs and fingers that we started with.

But, if you are still concerned about your health and safety over the Christmas holidays especially when opening presents then you can always wear eye goggles, ear defender, gloves and a face mask… and don’t forget; if you are going to leave some milk and biscuits out for Santa; make sure it doesn’t contain nuts. simon@limepad.com

Next Issue Deadlines Copy - 2nd January Art Work - 5th January

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Calling All Song Writers - Song Writing Contest!

New for 2015, Future Music is launching a UK songwriting contest to find the best songwriters in the UK. The UK songwriting contest will provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters to get their music heard and potentially get signed.

There is also the opportunity to perform in a grand final showcase in London.

A prestigious panel of music industry judges will be at every stage of the songwriting contest, offering songwriters exposure of their music to the most influential decision-makers in the music industry, including A&R representatives who work for the UK’s three major record labels – Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and Universal Music.

The UK songwriting contest is brought to you by Future Music, the company behind the discovery of many of the best songwriters in the UK; song writers such as: Atlantic Record’s Jacob Banks Warner Music’s Birdy Sony’s Luke Friend Columbia Record’s Lucy Spraggan Categories...

The songwriting contest is open to all ages; however, there will be additional categories for songwriters under the age of 15 and 18 years of age. There will also be additional songwriting awards for the categories of genres including; Rock, Country, Jazz, Pop, World, Rhythm & Blues, Hip Hop, Urban, Christian, Gospel, Latin, Electronic and Folk.

heard by music industry professionals, please enter via our website: songwritingcompetitionuk.com/enter-songwriting-contest.

Acts do not need to have a professional recording to enter the songwriting competition, as entries will be judged on their originality, melody, composition, lyrics (where applicable) and the potential to be a hit song.

A Showcase of UK Songwriting Talent...

The winning acts that make the grand final showcase in London will have the chance to perform on the stage at Dingwalls that has previously hosted the likes of Mumford & Sons, Ellie Goulding, Coldplay and the Foo Fighters - a world-renowned music venue right in the hub of London’s music scene in Camden.

So, if you think you’ve got what it takes and want your songwriting Page 7

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CT Gardening by Tom Cole

Thanks to all those of you that wrapped up against the cold to come to Writtle College for our pre-Christmas Information Event on the 3rd December - what a turnout! Hopefully all of your questions were answered.

(it’s an equivalent to multi-purpose loam-less composts). If you can still find spring flowering bulbs, add these to the container to extend the season in the spring when the grasses will not be looking so spectacular.

Don’t forget we have NEW courses starting in January and February Whatever you do over the festive period, have fun… but be prepared 2015. Ask for details on Practical Horticultural classes; ideal for the onslaught of work in the spring. It could be all you need to get for anyone on Job Seekers Allowance or other related benefits. rid of those Christmas excesses.

Equally, we have Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) classes starting mid-February in Garden Planning - check out this link for more Good luck and happy gardening! information: http://www.writtle.ac.uk/RHS-Level-2-Certificate-in-thePrinciples-of-Garden-Planning-Establishment-and-Maintenance.

For any gardening tips why not contact Tom Cole, Head of Faculty for It’s only a few weeks till Christmas day and still there’s a load of Land & Environment, Writtle College, Chelmsford, CM1 3RR by post jobs yet to complete (including a SAE) or by email at tom.cole@writtle.ac.uk. before you rest up and enjoy the festivities. I for one am still trying to clear the garden of this years old dying perennial foliage - other than the grasses which I leave until February before raising to the ground. They can look so good covered in frost. Try out these personal favourites of mine, Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ (Feather reed-grass ‘Karl Foerster’); it gets to about • Trees • Pruning • Hedge Trimming • Roots 90cm, non-spreading habit, upright with beautiful dense branching Removed • Topping • Rotovating • Turfing flowering panicles in summer. Another is Anemanthele lessoniana (New Zealand wind grass); this is a great semi-evergreen grass with • Fencing • Garden Design • Decking • Patios feathery sprays of tiny reddish-brown flowers. And lastly, every garden • Block Paving • Drives • Tar & Shingle should have Pennisetum setaceum (African fountain grass); usually grown as an annual, forming a mound of narrow, upright leaves, with Property Maintenance slender feathery pinkish flower panicles. For me, the latter is perfect • Roofing • Chimney Repairs • Building Work with late flowering asters… with both not being cut down until late winter.

• Flat roofs • Guttering • Fascias & Soffits Haven’t got the space? Then all three 20% Merry Christmas and are perfect for pots discount when and containers. You you mention a prosperous new year just need to have a The City to all our customers suitable depth of at Times least 60cm by around 60cm in width. For Free written quotes and advice 10 year compost I tend to use guarantee on all work 25 years experieince soil-based examples such as John Innes Unit 1, The Paddocks, Highwood, Chelmsford, CM1 3PU No2 Potting Compost Page 8 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

01245 422712 / 07711 606561 www.highwoodlandscapes.co.uk

Food and Beer Matching for Christmas Day by Simon Tippler of www.roundtowerbrewery.co.uk As the variety of beer styles increases and becomes more widely available, it is also geting easier to choose some great beer to compliment food. If chosen correctly, the beer will not only match the food but they can work together to compliment and accentuate the flavours in each.

If possible, it is nice to serve the beer in stemmed glasses, halves or thirds. This adds some theatre to the experience and reminds people that you are not swilling pints but instead enjoying the taste and experience of a great beer to go with a meal. Drinking out of thirds or halves also means that you are able to experiment with some of the full flavoured and stronger beers available on the market at the moment.

As an aperitif, a good start would be something crisp and full of flavour to get your taste buds ready such as a pale ale from Kernel.

If you are feeling adventurous, you could try a Geuze beer, such as Brouwerij Boon. Geuze beers are sour and an acquired taste. roast turkey would be well accompanied by a blonde or pale ale, which depending on your taste could be anything from an American pale (Weird Beard Mariana Trench), English (Partizan Pale Ale) or Belgium (Duval). Try to choose something light and crisp to go with the subtle flavours of the turkey.

Christmas pudding could be complimented with a vintage or old ale (Fullers Vintage Ale) which would pick out and accentuate the dried fruits or alternatively something strong and bitter to be a contrast to the sweet dried fruits of the pudding such as Round Tower 6% Stout.

Chocolate torte or other rich chocolate desserts are best paired with an imperial stout (Dark Star Imperial Stout) as the rich roasted

complex flavours of the stout work collaboratively with the flavour of the dark chocolate.

A cheese board is just begging to be paired with big bold beers. A strong chedder, with its concentrated flavours would be well paired with a bold English (Kernel IPA) or American IPA (Beavertown Gamma Ray) where the fruity hop flavours and high levels of bitterness cut through. A Christmas cheese board is almost never without a well-matured stilton with rich, complex flavours which can carry off a barley wine (Fullers Vintage) whose sweetness can complement the salty flavour in such a way as it does in a salted caramel.

Alternatively, a rich stout (Round Tower 6% Stout) will allow the roasted malt to blend with the mould of the cheese.

This is just a taste of the fantastic range of beers available that can be used to good effect when planning a meal or celebration. Most of the beers mentioned in this article can be found at the pop-up beer shop at Round Tower Brewery open on Saturday afternoons in December, the Hop Beer Shop in Moulsham Street, or online from various mail order retailers.

Happy Christmas.

Remember, drink sensibly but most importantly drink great beer, there is so much of it about!

To celebrate 40 years of Chelmsford and Mid Essex CAMRA in 2015 we will be organising Real Ale and Cider Trails.

From: Saturday 17 January 2015 To: Saturday 13 June 2015

Simply collect stickers when you visit participating pubs and the Black Bull, Margaretting Based on the 39 pubs from the booklet and the Black Bull, Margaretting, where the CME branch first met, Chelmsford City Centre approx 14 pubs, Out-and-About approx 14 pubs, Rural approx 12 pubs. Collect a numbered pub sticker when you buy a half pint, or a pint, of real ale or real cider. 10, 20, 30, 40 stickers will give you entry into the prize draws: Prize winners will be contacted. You can collect your prize at our Summer Beer and Cider Festival from 7 to 11 July 2015 Pick up your entry form from a participating pub or download it: www.chelmsfordcamra.org.uk Completed entry forms by midnight 13 June 2015. Draw prizes yet to be confirmed, may be beer/cider related!

For rural pubs the branch may run organised transport (similar to our Real Ale Runarounds) Terms and Conditions apply; not all are stated here.

For more information: www.chelmsfordcamra.org.uk Page 9

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CT Cooking

by John Jacobs Happy Holidays

A vast seasonal hello readers and welcome to the Christmas Winterval (bring it) edition of Chelmsford City times. Unusually, this year I’m ahead of the game having completed my Christmas shopping in April. My wife will not be anticipating the 2 for 1 novelty Easter eggs in her stocking that were on special at my local garage, and that my friends, is keeping Christmas magical. Also, no Black Friday crush for me.

I get quite excited at the thought of cooking for family and friends this time of year but from your emails last year, there are many of you dreading the thought. Christmas dinner is, if you let it, an exercise in juggling. Personally, it’s this man’s odyssey to cook a massive roast whilst drinking cream based liquor and avoiding Broomfield A&E. Just think of it as a Sunday roast on a bigger scale and remember, you’re not on Masterchef being judged by that scary looking sous chef and a dancing greengrocer. You’re with spongeing freeloaders who love you.

Traditionally as a nation we ate goose at Christmas until Henry VIII decided he preferred larger breasted birds. I’m all for equality, so have decided to forego the customary turkey this year and cook a three bird roast for our family Yule gorge. I could use up this entire page guiding you through the de-boning process but frankly who has the time? So simply use turkey and duck crown and just trim the breast meat from a poussin, all things readily available from the supermarket.

4. Lay the duck onto the turkey and then do the same with the poussin breast. Duck can dry out quickly so keep spreading the butter on each layer. Place the sprigs of thyme in the centre.

5. Bring the edges of the turkey crown together at which point you will discover the skin isn’t stretchy enough to cover the birds. To do that, just use the duck skin and tie the whole thing with cooking string so it looks like a roasting joint.

6. Season generously and lay the streaky bacon over the top to protect the skin whilst cooking and add a smoky bacon flavour.

7. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees/gas 4. And cook in a roasting tin for 2-2½ hours. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure.

8. Rest the roast for 30 minutes before carving.

So, good people of Chelmsford, 2014 comes to a close and you cast off your workplace ID lanyard to don the Christmas party plumage, do remember photocopier glass is fragile and HR departments are largely unforgiving all year round. From all of us at Chelmsford The City Times, have a great Christmas and may your ding-dongs be merrily higher than anyone else’s.

The Christmas Dinner Cheat’s Guide If you want this writer’s top 10 tips for cheating your way through the festive feast you can find these at issue.com. You can also write to me with your recipe ideas at cctfood@gmail.com. If they’re really good, they may appear in this space in the new year.

Three Bird Roast: (Serves 4-5) 3-4 kg turkey crown 2 Cressingham duck breasts 1 poussin 250g salted butter 2 cloves garlic 2 sprigs thyme 12 rashers streaky smoked bacon 1. Carefully remove the breast bone from the turkey trying not to cut through the skin.

2. Slice the breast meat from the poussin and remove the skin, along with the skin from the duck and put to one side.

3. Lay the turkey breast on a clean surface skin side down and spread butter and crushed garlic on the exposed meat.

All doors conform fully to EU safety directives

01245 396910

CT

01245 396910.

View all of our magazines online at www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

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CT What’s On In Chelmsford Dec/Jan 2014/15 Decemmber 12th Asylum - Lady Grey & The Earls + Different People + House of Sirens Bassment - Shakey’s Xmas - The Kubricks + Ekko Ekko + The Velettes Billericay FC - Rosco Levee & The Southern Slide + 24 Peso’s Civic - Peter Pan Cramphorn - Comedy Club 4 Kids!

The Fleece - The Heaters 13th Asylum - Joe Boyd + Loose Joints + DJ David Arscott Bassment - New City Kings + Concept + Indie Alt Disco - Ryu + Hilly Civic - Peter Pan The Fleece - Dawgfish The Ale House - Redwood Band Star & Garter - 2nd Delivery 14th Cramphorn - D’Ukes Civic - Peter Pan 15th Civic - Peter Pan The Fleece - Xmas Party Night with DJ Darryl Fulton’s On the Green - Sarah O’Shea singing 16th Civic - Peter Pan Cramphorn - Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland The Fleece - Quiz night - 9pm start Fulton’s On the Green - Tony Vegas singing 17th Asylum - Hollow Demise + Countless Skies + 8 Days Till Summer Bassment - Midnight Barbers + Mandeville + Loose Joints Civic - Peter Pan Cramphorn - Lunchtime concert The Fleece - Midweek Madness 18th Asylum - Broadway Clash Bassment - The Fellowship with Guthrie Govan The Fleece - **** and the Gang 19th Asylum - Andy Poole’s Xmas & Asylum Alternative Nativity Bassment - Frere’s Xmas Party - Magistrates + Courts Club Miya - The Intense Xmas Party Civic - Peter Pan Cramphorn - Larry Berkovitz and Zak Barrett: Xmas Jazz Night The Fleece - Electronic 80s Star & Garter - Jamie Williams Strip Down Roots Collective 20th Asylum - Steve Hooker + George Edwards & Sam Washington + Luke Saunders Bassment - Bassment Xmas Party - TERRY HALL (THE SPECIALS) + Dead Formats Soundsystem (Live) Civic - Peter Pan Cramphorn - Larry Berkovitz and Zak Barrett: Xmas Jazz Night The Fleece - Break For Cover The Ale House - The Coyotes 21st Bassment - Marc Halls, Jakob Deist & Bongo Steve Xmas Special Civic - Peter Pan Cramphorn - The Nutcracker Ale House - Irish music session 22nd Bassment - Club Bolo Xmas Party - Brickhouse Trixx + Claire Wyatt + Comedy: Tracy Shave Civic - Peter Pan The Fleece - The prepre Xmas eve party Fulton’s On the Green - Sharaz singing

23rd Bassment - Ethno Jam Night – (turn up and play) Civic - Peter Pan The Fleece - Xmas Quiz £200 Jackpot Fulton’s On the Green - Hannah Delaney singing 24th Asylum - Christmas Eve Party Bassment - Xmas Eve Knees Up! Piano sing-along Alex Fox Civic - Peter Pan The Fleece - Xmas eve Party, Djs Rev & Ox Med Fusion - Jamies William’s Trio Boxing Day Bassment - Boxing Day Knees Up! Indie Alt Disco Civic - Peter Pan The Fleece - Captain Fleecey’s boxing night Party 27th Bassment - Staple Diet presents STAPLEMAS II Civic - Peter Pan The Fleece - Stone the Crows The Ale House - Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective 28th Civic - Peter Pan The Ale House - Andy Poole’s RIddled With Booze Orchestra 29th Civic - Peter Pan 30th Civic - Peter Pan 31st New Year’s Eve Asylum - Andy Poole Band + Midnight Barbers Bassment - Winston & The Lads + Indie Alt Disco (All Inc Ticket) The Fleece - Chelmsford’s biggest & craziest party right thru till 8am!! Djs Rev & Ox, FREE ENTRY!!

Fulton’s On the Green - 5 course dinner and live music £85.00 Med Fusion - David Aka January New Year’s Day Civic - Peter Pan 2nd Bassment - Indie Alt Disco Civic - Peter Pan 3rd Asylum- Witching Season + New Love Engine Bassment - Indie Alt Disco Bassment - Jazz Funk Monthly - Zak Barrett, Holly Barrett, Dan Banks, Dan Parker, Josh Law, Andy Staples Civic - Peter Pan The Fleece - SPECIAL SURPRISE PARTY – Check our facebook or twitter 4th Civic - Peter Pan 6th Cramphorn - Chelmsford Film Club - Nebraska (15) 8th Asylum Wolfe Sunday + The Two Jonnies + Chay Appleyard + Famous For Nothing Bassment - Blues Jam Night 9th Bassment - Mary Do You Wanna + Indie Alt Disco Cramphorn - Pride (15) 10th Bassment - Indie Alt Disco 11th Cramphorn - Chelmsford Jazz Club - Scott Hamilton

13th Cramphorn - The Riot Club (15) 14th Asylum - Distance to Fall Bassment - Blues In The City - The Sharpees + The Blues Spiders 15th Asylum - Chris Mackinin’s Punk Bash - The Domestics + The Tickturds + Drop Dead Fred + Pogo Assault Bassment - Acoustic Underground

Please note, all events are subject to change.

Please visit the relevant websites or Facebook pages for more details.

Please send us your events.

Email us at editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk.

• Theatre • Book clubs • Exhibitions • Charity events • Jumble sales • Christmas bazaars• Garden events

A NEW osteopathic and physical health clinic offering: • Osteopathy • Sports Massage • Functional Training Set in a beautiful rural environment, but with easy access to our local towns, forte360 is the perfect place for healing and wellbeing Our practice integrates the latest in movement science and strives not just to rid people of pain, but to take them on a journey of health.

Contact us to book your consultation today or visit our website & book online.

01245 522 360 www.forte360.uk info@forte360.uk

18 Old Park Farm Main Road Ford End Chelmsford CM3 1LN

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CT Business

sponsored by:

Edmund Carr by Darren Lerigo of www.modernmint.co.uk This month we had the pleasure of leaving behind our work at Modern Mint for an hour and visited David Drain, a partner at accountancy practice Edmund Carr on New London Road, and the firms marketing secretary, Kris Hampson.

Edmund Carr was started in 1953 by Kenneth Edmund Carr and is still going strong today – his son David Carr is a director of ECFS, which is the financial services subsidiary company.

The practice deals with annual accounts, tax returns, company and pension fund audits, payroll services, and personal tax planning together with new areas including academy schools and probate work.

I asked David about the new services, like the work for academies….

“We are exploring new markets and have been particularly successful with academy schools. Although it is a relatively new area, we do have a long association with many private independent schools which has helped”.

opportunities to youngsters to become partners.

This year we have taken on two graduates and one school leaver – so we now have forty nine people and the building is full. In order to expand further we either need to build on the existing extension or move the financial services division to another office nearby nearby to free up a bit of space.”

As marketing secretary, how do you find new work Kris?

“I am very fortunate in that our current clients are happy to recommend us, so my job is really to try to find ways of letting others know that we exist, what we do and that you don’t necessarily need to use a large organisation to get a great service. The internet and website are really important so I do my best to keep up to date with that. It really is about getting our name recognised in the business community. We also sponsor the Great Baddow Charity Races and help out at schools with careers events.”

Edmund Carr celebrated sixty years of the firm last year. They are thoroughly rooted in Chelmsford, in the local community, so if you need an accountant please do go and see them – they are in New London Road, number 146.

Why is the firm successful in winning new work?

“Each of our teams is led by a partner. You get to know a client. You see them two or three times a year, you get to know their children… then you still see them when their children aren’t children anymore.

Clients trust us.”

“The reputation of the firm is very strong and we offer great value for money compared to other firms especially those with a London connection. In fact, we often win on price and are also lauded for our better service and the resources we can put to the work.”

Date for your diary: Sunday 17th May 2015 Edmund Carr Great Baddow Charity Races.

And ECFS, how did David Carr come to work here too?

“Many clients need advice on financial products and eight years ago David joined us to set up the financial services side of the business.

His parents were really delighted! We have three qualified IFA’s now and we can send our clients along the corridor if they require help.”

How did you come to be a partner at Edmund Carr, David?

“I started as an articled clerk straight from school in 1973, when there were just two partners and seven staff… I qualified in 1979 and went to work at the Chelmsford office of a London based firm for three years. I then came back as a partner in 1982, at the age of 26.”

Twenty-six? I cannot believe how young David was when he became a partner.

“It was a bit young, I was daunted, but I knew what I was coming into” Three other partners at Edmund Carr also trained with the firm, went off to larger firms for more experience, then came back. The other three partners qualified with London based firms and then joined us.

They have added significantly to our skills and what we offer.”

Why is that?

“They have brought a different approach and new ideas to the firm and have made us more outward looking.”

How has the company changed in your time here?

thebestofchelmsford It’s Christmas time again and the message from thebestofchelmsford is simple: whenever you can, buy local. By supporting our local businesses more of the £ you spend remains locally. Businesses survive and prosper and employ local people - this helps us all.

Our Buy Local campaign has put the spotlight on over 400 local businesses by posting photos and details on Facebook and Twitter at no charge. You may have seen our Buy Local stickers in shops and businesses around the area. If you have a business and would like to participate contact us and we will deliver a sticker and let people know you support Buy Local.

At thebestofchelmsford we’re pleased to represent not just business, we also provide a means of knowing what’s going on in Chelmsford, just look at our events page. We also give local charities, groups and associations the facility to use our website. at no charge, to promote what they’re doing to improve the lives of local people.

We consider Chelmsford city to be the beating heart of Essex and a centre of business excellence. We congratulate Chelmsford City Council for providing events such as the Chelmsford City Showcase for Business and for the city having the purple flag award for a safe night time environment.

Why don’t you get involved as an individual or business by paying us a visit at www.thebestof.co.uk/chelmsford and register free or send an email to chelmsford@thebestof.co.uk or give us a call on 01245 701020. Have a great Christmas.

“The growth of the practice has accelerated in the last ten to fifteen years. Kris is the marketing secretary now (she has a real flair for it) having moved over from the secretarial department. We are now geared up for growth, for bringing on trainees and giving Page 14

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A Pilates Reinvention! by Linda McNeill I had the pleasure of meeting with Monica McCarthy this month of The Therapeutic Pilates and Nutrition Centre in Chelmsford.

Monica set up her own Pilates studio earlier this year after years of teaching in halls around Chelmsford.

Despite the fact that her studio has only been open for a matter of months, it is already thriving – and after talking with Monica it is easy to see why.

From her warm welcome (coming to fetch me from the car park where I was loitering!), to her gorgeous studio and her clear depth of knowledge and experience, I am not at all surprised that her business has become so successful so quickly.

Monica has been building up to opening her own studio for many years but like so many parents has had to wait until her family are less dependent on her. Now her son is settled at secondary school she has been able to realise her ambition – a very exciting step! Monica has not reinvented her career overnight but has steadily been working towards her goal. She worked in HR for about twenty years but found after having her son that working in London was not compatible with raising a small child, so she made the choice to change careers. Monica worked as a personal trainer for two years and then began actively pursuing her interest in Pilates. She steadily gained qualifications and experience, teaching classes around Chelmsford for many years and now specialises in therapeutic pain control and

nutrition.

Monica was such a delight to talk to as she has a beautifully calming voice (softly spoken Irish accent) and she has such passion for and dedication to what she is doing. Her knowledge and experience shone through as she described how she assists her clients in their management of pain both through Pilates and nutrition.

Monica has employed three other Pilates teachers who each have different areas of expertise. This means the studio can offer a very high quality of teaching, a very personalised service and a diversity of classes ranging from general classes to very specialised classes such as restorative Pilates for stress management, Pilates for back pain, and physiotherapist led Pilates. Pregnancy and post-natal Pilates has also proved very popular. Monica also offers free taster classes so people can have a ‘test drive’ and see if they think it is for them (this is definitely an opportunity I will be taking advantage of!).

One of the key aspects of the service Monica offers is the time she takes to ensure she knows what her clients are looking to gain from Pilates. She offers clients a 30 minute consultation to make sure that she gains an understanding of what they hope to achieve and they in turn gain insight in how to achieve it. ‘People’s answers are often profound. One wonderful woman had just come through cancer and was in remission.

She wanted to see gorillas in Uganda and was not strong enough and so wanted to do pilates to gain strength. I want to understand what people are looking for so I can give them the best help possible’.

I was lucky enough to be given a peek at Monica’s studio which is housed in Moulsham Mill. It is a really gorgeous room – high ceilinged and airy yet still very intimate and calming. There were candles burning in the fireplace and the room smelt amazing. I felt wonderfully relaxed just stepping in there for a moment, so I can see how her clients must benefit from the lovely surroundings.

Classes are limited to 8 people so as to allow for a personalised service with individual attention.

I so enjoyed talking to Monica and left with a smile on my face and a spring in my step as I felt so excited for her as she is just at the start of a whole new and very exciting chapter of her life. She is clearly such a genuine lady who cares very deeply about others and is striving to help them through her expertise. She was brimming with ideas and enthusiasm for how she is going to continue to develop her business and the future seems very bright!

If you would like to contact Monica or find out more about the classes and services she offers please visit her website www. pilateschelmsford.co.uk, or give her a call on 07903 503730.

If you are a woman who has reinvented her career or developed your own business and would like to be featured in my column, please get in touch at linda@ bunintheovenbirthing.co.uk.

Local Independent Craft Supplies Company Wins Theo Paphitis Award A Danbury-based craft supplies company has won an award from former Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis.

Blooming Felt is an independent company specialising in 100% wool felt craft supplies. They have quite possibly the largest selection available in the UK and supply a whole range of people including royal palaces, TV & theatre production companies, milliners,

individual crafters, and even magicians!

Owner, Sarah Tremelling, entered the weekly SBS (Small Business Sunday) competition, which is run via social networking site Twitter, on Sunday evening. Companies are invited to tweet Theo using the hashtag SBS and give a short introduction to their company. Theo then retweets his favourite 6 companies to his 454,000 followers the next evening. This has given Blooming Felt massive exposure on social media, which could previously only have been dreamed of. “To be chosen as an SBS winner by Theo is just amazing”, says Sarah. “We have been trying for 3 years, so to suddenly be selected from almost 800 entrants this week is fantastic. Since we won the award, we have been inundated with emails from companies interested in stocking our products. Sales via our website have gone through the roof and we are now looking to be featured in a number of major craft magazines”.

Blooming Felt stock a huge range of Fairtrade wool felt craft supplies, along with a massive range of buttons, ribbons and, as Sarah says “a whole host of other bits and pieces that you might not necessarily need, but just have to have”!! Their first book “Felt Fantastic” was published in September 2013.

Shop online with Blooming Felt at www.bloomingfelt.co.uk. Their “Shedquarters” is also open most Friday mornings from 10am until 1pm for crafty visitors. More details are available through their website.

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Angel Broomfield City detective Episode 10: The Case the Ging Gang Goolies Angel Broomfield, Chelmsford’s very own private detective, was raised by nuns in a secret monastery in Boreham with only the complete volumes of Sherlock Holmes for company.

Angel is now a resident of 221½ Moulsham Street, home of the City Detective Agency, with his trusty side kick John and the radiant Helen, Angel is now ready to serve the city.

In the last episode we left the detective trio of Angel, Helen and John neck deep in the river Chelmer as the boat beneath them was slowly sinking; when suddenly, like an axe through hot butter, came the chosen twelve of the Chelmsford’s ‘Woman Against Suppression’ rowing club who’s canoe cut through the murky water at one stroke per second and plucked them out.

“I say” said John straddling the boat, “I’ve not seen oars move like that since the chaps at Cambridge thrashed Oxford by twenty strokes and then beat them in the boat race.

“No chaps in this boat” said a butch woman with a five o clock shadow. “No need for men”.

“Always trying to put us down”. said another.

“And take advantage of the weaker sex” agreed a huge woman with butchers forearms who had pulled Helen out of the water and gave her a wink. Angel who had also clambered aboard sat crouched between the hairy knees of the woman’s captain who grunted at every strain of the oar.

Thinking quickly he said: “There is a German spy on the boat ahead of us who thinks he can row better than any woman”.

“Do you hear that?” growled the captain who then demanded two strokes per second as the canoe shot forward as if powered by a large motor.

It wasn’t long before the steamboat of Herr Hoffman was in sight, but just as they were gaining it turned off into a side water and beached onto the bank. Herr Hoffman could then be seen running off into a forest towards the sound of a beating drum.

As the canoe came along side, Angel scrambled onto the bank and struck his Sherlock pose and deduced: “wherever that music is coming from we are bound to find Herr Hoffman and solve the case of the missing money.”

Helen jumped off the canoe to the whistles of the crew and to the reluctance of the larger lady who was insistent that she get out of those wet things. John forgetting where he was stood up to thank the ladies and accidently put his foot through the floor making a spout of water like a whale.

“Typical man, always trying to put us down”, screamed one of the women as the canoe began to sink. The women’s captain grabbed John as he tried to crawl onto the bank and bent him over her knee while another took a swing with the oar to exact vengeance on the suppression of women. This was all lost on Angel and Helen as they had already disappeared into the thickets in the direction of the drumming music.

Angel hacked, pushed and scrapped a path through the undergrowth until, the two of them crouched in the long grass and spied the amazing view which lay before them.

Sitting cross legged around a roaring camp fire and roasting chestnuts where 100 little boy scouts all singing Ging Gang Goolie to the beat of a drum.

Helen Whispered, “They look so cute.”

“They will burn their nuts if they sit any closer”, replied Angel remembering the secret nun’s annual naturist camping trip when sister Farters Parters, as she was known on account of her windy nature and passion for baked beans, had let one loose while straining to stand up by the camp fire and singed the eyebrows of the right reverent Sister

O’Donald.

Suddenly and immediately the scouts stopped singing and fell into silence as the grand scoutmaster entered into view and paced around the fire. It was none other then Herr Hoffman himself the suspected German spy who although now wore a scout scarf around his neck was still recognisable by his jackboots, trench coat and pointy helmet.

“Vel done mine English kinder,” he began “ but no more of the singing of the ging gang in zee goolies.” He then ordered them all to stand to attention, which they all did with impeccable timing, clicking their heals together for it was now noticeable that they were all wearing little jack boots.

Herr Hoffman, gesturing with a clenched fist continued, “you are no longer scouts but the elite youth, you will now be known as ‘The Hoffman youth.” He barked.

“So that’s what he’s up to and that’s why he needs the money...” gasped Angel. Helen, who had huddled very close to Angel, whispered.

“We’d better sneak out of here before they see us.” Suddenly there was a loud creaking and rustling sound from behind as John appeared out of the bushes rubbing his backside.

“That woman had a good swing on her” he said. Then noticed the little boy scouts who were now wearing pointy helmets and charging towards them with burning torches from the fire, urged on by the barking command of their leader, “Get zee enemy”.

The three of them ran back into the thickets with the screaming ‘Hoffman Youth’ close behind them. Angel, who was leading the way almost made it back to the river were it not for an angry line of the chosen twelve of the Chelmsford Woman Against Oppression rowing team, who stood with paddles in hand blocking their path; the huge lady with butcher’s forearms winked at the sight of Helen who then hid behind John who was already hiding behind Angel. With the Oppressed Woman in front of them and Hoffman Youth behind them and both moving in for the kill all seemed lost when suddenly out of the blue came…..

Tune in to the next episode to see if Angel can escape the advancing Hoffman youth and can John avoid oppressing the already Oppressed Woman and can Helen avoid being oppressed by one of the Oppressed Women’s advances and escape with Angel and John. All this and move in the next addition of Angel Broomfield City Detective.

www.the-ale-house-chelmsford.co.uk Season’s Greetings to all of our customers from all at the Alehouse!

Sat 13th December - Redwood Band Sat 20th December - The Coyotes Sun 21st December - Irish Music Session Sat 27th December - Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective Sun 28th Dec - Andy Poole’s Riddled with Booze Orchestra Along with our usual great range of ales! Join us over this festive season!

View our magazines on line at www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

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Vinyl Is Back!!!

For the staff at Intense Records it never left, but with the recent popularity in the beloved format, UK sales have topped 1 million physical copies sold this year, the first time since 1996. So not only is it back, it’s more popular than ever. Jon at Intense says “we have seen more and more people coming into the shop this year and we have also had the best year for as far back as I can remember. With this in mind and Christmas approaching, we are stocking a brand new range of turntables, including one for the kids in funky bright colours and then for the serious listeners we have an all in one hifi system, like the old days but modernised for 2014 with USB and Bluetooth to convert your record collection.”

For those that don’t know, Intense Records has been running for over 15 years and is now a truly established music specialist. Situated under the railway arches in Chelmsford city centre, Intense is a walkin shop and online record store (www.intenserecords.co.uk), featuring the latest releases across all genres on vinyl or cd as well as a vast second hand section. Intense have recently started stocking alongside dance music - a lot more genres, from rock to pop and from indie to jazz by popular artists such as The Beatles, Kings Of Leon, Rolling Stones and many more.

Intense are also an official store for National Record Store Day and every year have a huge selection of exclusive coloured vinyl and picture discs in stock. Black Friday saw many more releases come out including the bat shape Wu Tang picture disc, for the girls, 5 Seconds of Summer on picture disc and for the kids a Frozen picture disc is proving a popular Christmas present.

Jon says: “these releases have been flying off the shelves in the shop and online, but luckily we’ve restocked, so don’t hang around they are hot property.”

vinyl, cd or with an mp3 controller hooked up to your laptop. For aspiring DJs, Intense offer DJ lesson courses where skilled DJs teach you the basics and set you on the road to success.

Date For Your Diary: Friday December 19th 10pm-4am - The Intense Xmas Party @ Club Miya in Chelmsford, featuring Drum & Bass headliners Ivy Lab, LSB & SP:MC with support from the Intense DJs and the best in local talent. ­­­­­Keep it Intense!

Intense Records 33/34 Viaduct Road Chelmsford 01245 347372 www.intenserecords.co.uk

Intense also supply all the latest DJ equipment, whether you are on

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Keep Kids Seen

In the winter time, I was driving through Chelmsford in the evening twilight, when suddenly a small child of perhaps 6 years old ran out in front of my car. Luckily, I was able to take avoiding action at the last minute to avoid a collision. When reflecting about the incident, it later occurred to me that, together with better road safety education, the chance of any collision could have been significantly reduced had the child been more visible in the twilight.

And thus the idea for an innovative child safety campaign came to mind. In short: why not get school children in the area to wear high visibility vests?

As the manageing director of a local signage company, I started to approach schools and businesses in the area with my idea. For the schools, I outlined the principle of keeping children under their charge safe whenever adjacent to roads.

For the businesses, I outlined my blueprint proposals for required sponsorship. To date, through the generous sponsorship of local businesses, some 500 Chelmsford children have now been issued with high visibility vests.

We are now teaming up with the Moulsham Times and Chelmsford The City Times to further the coverage of our campaign.

The scheme works like this: A sponsor provides funding to purchase the high visibility vests and nominates a school to receive them (at a cost of £2.50 for each vest). Signmasters provides all printing and associated costs free of charge. Each high visibility vest is sign-written with the recipient school logo emblazened on its rear with the logos of both the sponsor and Signmasters and Chelmsford The City Times on the front.

There is no minimum number of high visibility vests to purchase or donate and the sponsorship scheme is available to both individuals and corporations.

Together we can “Keep Kids Seen”. Interested parties can contact us by email safe@itsyourmedia.co.uk.

Freelance PHP/MySQL Developers We are looking for freelance web developers to join our team.

You will ideally have experience of WordPress and OpenCart.

Email info@chelmerwebdesign.com

Specialists in 100% wool felt craft supplies, buttons, ribbons & more !

10% off with code CITYTIMES (not available for use with any other promotions)

www.bloomingfelt.co.uk Open to the public most Friday mornings – see website for details.

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Hypnotherapy by Jenny Hartill Today I’ll discuss how hypnoanalysis can be used to help clients suffering from Repression and Cumulative Trauma. In order to do this we need to look at the impact that Repression, Simple Cumulative Trauma and Compound Cumulative Trauma can have on a person. I have provided case studies below so you can all see some typical examples and how hypno-analysis can help.

Please note none of these examples are real people, I made them up to demonstrate the situations in which hypno-analysis can be helpful: Case Study 1: Repression Person A has never been able to form healthy romantic relationships.

Whenever somebody gets too close, they become very scared and push them away. Person A has no idea why this keeps happening, they’ve never been a particularly confident person but they can’t think of anything that could have made them seemingly unable to find a loving partner, equal to them, someone they can share their life with and be happy.

When Person A comes to me with this problem, the first thing I do is ask them about their childhood. This is because our expectations of how we should be treated are developed as a result of our belief system and our belief system is built when we are very young between the ages of 0 and 7. Once the foundations of our belief system are in place, we then test our experiences against these foundations so that we can ascertain what we feel is “right” and “wrong” for us. Person A cannot remember much of their childhood.

When I ask about their parents they get very upset and squeamish - I get the feeling this is a very uncomfortable area to be talking about.

Person A does manage to tell me that most of the “blank spot” is just after their father’s death. Even after a few weeks of intense counselling therapy person A still cannot unlock those memories, therefore with the client’s permission, I decide to use Hypno-analysis.

Through hypnosis I am able to take Person A back to a significant time around their father’s death. They go back to the day of the funeral where a relative tells a young, impressionable and very upset person A that “nobody will ever love them like their daddy did” - children interpret things very differently to how adults do.

Person A realises that they feel immensely guilty whenever they have tried to get close to someone else. They also tell me that they have always been more attracted to people older than them. It looks as though the relative’s comment had such an impact on the young person A that they have been testing the reality of this comment ever since, but have felt very guilty and afraid of losing their father again whenever they have begun to get close to someone else. Now we have used hypno-analysis to uncover this very significant event, we can work through person A’s grief, challenge the belief they’re holding about it, and help person A discover the kind of person they want to be with.

them and also children interpret the world very differently to adults, hence in this case person B has associated eating all their food with them having value as a person. In other words, they believe the parent is telling them they’re a bad person if they don’t eat everything on their plate and this in turn affects the starving children in Africa.

Remember that the suggestions and attitudes that form our belief systems as children do not meet with adult-led disagreement and criticism because the child does not have any experience of the world and is neither emotionally or intellectually mature enough to argue the facts. Once we have discovered this negative belief we can work on building the client’s self esteem in a healthy way and explore how the client can amend this negative belief.

Case Study 3: Compound Cumulative Trauma Person C comes to therapy with severe anxiety, they feel very insecure and as though they’re never safe. They feel as though the world is a cold, unforgiving place and they seem to have a lack of faith in life and in people. In particular this client has issues trusting people, therefore coming to therapy is a big step, but one that has been recommended by their workplace because person C doesn’t seem to react well in certain circumstances. When taking a case history of person C it becomes clear that this person has suffered a lot of trauma and upheaval in their life. They were put into foster care at the age of five, fostered by many different carers, bullied at school, got close to a foster carer but this person died suddenly in a car accident, they decided to go travelling after this to get away from it all and try to recover from the loss but ended up in Indonesia in the 2004 earthquake and resulting Boxing Day Tsunami where they almost perished. On their return to this country they were unable to find work until recently and therefore want to make a go of therapy so they can keep their job. Client C sees all this trauma as something that’s “just part of their life” as opposed to something that has affected them. In this case hypno-analysis helps by allowing the client to go back and experience these events again, but in the safety of the therapy room. The idea is to create a sense of security within the client, to help them realise that they are safe, they can cope, they are coping, this trauma no longer needs to affect them etc. Hypnosis itself is very relaxing, Person C probably needs to learn to relax and this itself would have a profound effect on the client and help them build their sense of security.

If anyone would like any further info or has any enquiries about hypnotherapy or counselling, please see my website: www.counsellinginchelmsford.co.uk.

If you would like to advertise in any of our publications: Chelmsford The City Times Moulsham Times Braintree Life

Case Study 2: Simple Cumulative Trauma Person B comes to therapy because they are suffering with low self esteem, low confidence and weight issues (they’re overweight). They seem to have issues specifically surrounding food, the client tells me they feel guilty when they eat too much, but bad about themselves when they don’t eat everything on the plate, even if they’re full. We decide together to use hypno-analysis to see where these feelings stem from. It turns out that when I ask the client to go back to the first time they felt this way, they go back to a time where a parent is telling the client to eat all of their food on the plate because “there are starving children in Africa”. Many children after the age of 7 tend to think that their actions actually affect the way the world turns out, therefore you would think that child - person B - would want the starving children in Africa to have access to their leftovers. However, in the case of simple cumulative trauma we often see people reversing the symptoms of the negative belief that was put upon Page 20

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High Street Christmas Lights Switch On

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My Top Secret Tip For Awesome Health by Keith Porter

I picked up a copy of the Daily Mail a few weeks ago when I was sitting in my parents’ conservatory. I know, I know. You’re disappointed in me. But I couldn’t help myself, as there was apparently a lot about ‘health’ in there that was daring me to pick it up and read it.

I read about how wearing high heels was pretty much essential for every woman over 60, how yoghurt could prevent diabetes (even high sugar, aspartame-party yoghurt), and why you should be drinking more milk. *Sigh*.

And it made me think - if you are looking in the mirror and unhappy with the body staring back at you, what should you do? Where do you look for that inspiration when the newspapers sensationalise studies to sell papers, slimming groups have let you down before, and your doctor has to follow the government’s advice?

And then it struck me. I realised exactly what every one of us should do: Pick the healthiest person you know. Ask them how they do it.

Easy! But isn’t it amazing how many of us don’t do this?

And yet, when I decided that I wanted to be a personal trainer, I asked a couple of friends who were personal trainers for some advice. When we decided to run our own company, we asked our friends who ran their own companies a heap of questions.

But when the topic is health and fitness, we rarely look to the people around us and take that step of asking them, even though it might be the breakthrough that we need.

So, don’t get your health or nutritional advice from the newspapers.

Don’t get your nutritional advice from cereal packets, or TV adverts that tell you that you need the very thing that they’ve packaged up nicely into this heavily-marketed product.

Instead, find the people around you who are fit and healthy and ask them to share little bits about how they did it. What books did they read? Who inspired them? How should you get started?

It might not be the path you ultimately end up on, but it will get you thinking. It’s a start – the first step towards standing confidently in front of your mirror and smiling at the progress you’ve made.

To find out more about Personal Training in Chelmsford, visit www.liveasimplelife.co.uk.

No it’s Not a Medieval Torture Device! by Kellie Jones.

We are very excited to announce the arrival of our new, state of the art, Pilates Reformer and Cadillac machine here at Hummingbird! We traded in our old portable machine and just can’t get enough of the variety that this awesome piece of equipment is providing. A well kept secret for many years by dancers and celebrities and more recently top athletes and sports personalities, it is now available for booking in our very own city of Chelmsford!

cheat. It ensures precision and therefore fastracks the results.

Anyhow, if you’re intrigued I’ll be running some mini masterclasses all about it in the New Year so watch this space…..

So what is a Pilates Reformer and Cadillac machine? Yes I know that’s how it looks and you’re not that far from the truth in that it does originate from a prisoner of war camp. Joseph Pilates was interned in the Isle of Man during WW1 and whilst looking after injured soldiers too weak to get out of bed, took bedsprings and attached them to the head and footboards of the iron hospital beds and turned them into resistance equipment. Legend has it that during the great flu epidemic of 1918, not a single one of the soldiers under his care died. So not only was Joseph the creator of what he called ‘Contrology’ but also a creative inventor of machines that started as beds, armchairs and beer kegs!

We wish you all loving kindness at Christmas time and always, see you in the New Year xx

In the meantime, to get you through the Christmas frenzy, we have two workshops in December, one focussing on prosperity and the other is total relaxation in candlelight. We also have a donation class with all proceeds going to the Hope Foundation. Ooh and gift vouchers are also available online too!

Please book online via our website or give us a call as we love to chat! www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk.

What can it do for you? Well the list is endless as over the years I have worked with everything from spinal surgery and knee replacements to sport specific training and honing and toning some beautiful pilates bodies. I can guarantee you that any celebrity that does pilates is going to be using a reformer and I’ve seen footage of Andy Murray using a cadillac machine prior to winning Wimbledon.

So how does it work? In a nutshell, the reformer does not lie! Very sneakily, because you’re on a moving carriage that is attached to springs and pulleys, you just cannot Page 22 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Pilates, Yoga, Meditation Book your space online or call: Small Classes & 1-2-1’s www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk Inspirational Teachers 01245 422556 Friendly, Community Vibe Reeds Farm Estate, Writtle, CM1 2ST

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Page 23 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

CT History

The Essex Ripper - a Victorian Ghost Story for Yuletide by John Power

The rustic charm of Thorpe-le Soken, near Clacton, could not be further removed from the grizzly events which took place at the end of the 19th century around the Whitechapel area of London’s East End, in what became known as the Ripper murders, of several prostitutes living in that part of London. But the most popular explanation of the crimes does link the two locations to a perpetrator of some of the murders.

That explanation was first put into print by author Stephen Knight in his book Jack the Ripper, the Final Solution. Knight’s book concerned itself with checking the details of the story told by the Victorian painter Walter Sickert to his son, regarding five of the eleven crimes investigated relating to a series of murders that took place in the summer and autumn of 1888. The story takes the form of a confession by Sickert about his part in four or five of the murders. It has become the story line for three films and a graphic novel after a BBC team of investigators checked out the evidence soon after the book’s publication in 1976 and then presented it for television. It has since received further confirmation in a book a by Jean OvertonFuller called Sickert and the Ripper Murders, which details another confession given by Sickert.

The form that Sickert’s confession took was that he was part of a team of three that identified and silenced five girls who knew of information that would embarrass the Crown, and one amongst them had sought to profit by that information by blackmail. Sickert had frequented the East End brothels and knew the victims and so was able to gain their confidence and introduce them to the knife man, Dr. William Gull, Queen Victoria’s Surgeon in Ordinary. The third member of the trio involved was Royal Coachman John Netley, in whose coach at least two of the murders took place. The Royal connection, which accounts for why the murderers were never named, was said to have been that a child had been fathered with a Catholic prostitute, Annie Crook, by Prince ‘Eddy’, Duke of Clarence, and second in line to the crown after his mother Queen Victoria, head of the church of England. The five girls were all friends of Annie. Remarkably, records survive of the child’s birth, and she was brought up by Sickert’s family. Equally, records survive that show that Annie was removed to a mental hospital and labotomised (reduced to motor functions by brain surgery) by Dr Gull. This was not the first time Gull had acted to silence women that were an embarrassment to the Crown. When Lady Harriet Mordant told her husband she had had an affair with Prince ‘Bertie’ (for some reason Victoria swapped their son’s names over when giving them nick-names): Edward ‘Eddy’s elder brother, and future King of England, it was Gull, an early vivisectionist, who certified her insane and had her removed to a mental asylum where she spent the rest of her life.

Charles Warren and Sir Robert Anderson, both high ranking policemen involved with the investigations, of covering Gulls tracks, as oath would have them bound to do, but which does not mean they approved of his activities, although Anderson is also named as a plotter. Knight relates how when Victoria found out about the conspirator’s activities she ordered police chiefs to make it stop, but it would seem to have been too late by then as the crimes reached their frenzied climax with the most complete mutilation of the original blackmailer, Mary Kelly.

Sickert’s other confession recorded in Jean Overton-Fuller’s Sickert and the Ripper Murders was related to her by her mother about what she had been told by a friend of Sickert’s who had known Mary Kelly and to whom Sickert had repeated in hushed and secretive tones the same story. A painting by Sickert of a room that can be identified as being one in Camden, North London, where Sickert lived after the murders, bears a message in Sickert’s hand “The Home of Jack the Ripper”. The painting is now held in a Manchester museum. For no other reason than to seemingly give clues to Gull’s identity, other paintings contain images of seagulls, and one shows a naked woman on a bed with a mutilated face. Art historians are quick to dismiss the Ripper connection to such a prominent artist as Sickert but in so doing avoid the matter of his confessions. The idea of a confession is to satisfy a psychological need to clear one’s conscience. Implicating other innocent people does not fulfil that need.

Of the girls Sickert mentions, Mary Nicholls (died 31st August) and Annie Chapman (died 8th September), had their throats cut and suffered internal mutilations. The third, Elizabeth Stride (died 29th September), had her throat cut but the attack seems to have been disturbed and no other bodily mutilations took place. On that same night, unusually, two murders took place, as Catherine Eddowes was found three quarters of an hour later also on 29th September half a mile away in Mitre Square, a centre of Masonic activity. The circumstances of her death varied to those of the others as a kidney was removed from the scene and a message that ‘the Juwes will not being blamed‘ was scrawled on the wall by the body. The following day half the kidney was sent to a newspaper with a note from someone claiming to be the Ripper, saying he had fried and eaten the other half of the kidney. It did prove to belong to Catherine. A cold case forensic test of Catherine’s clothes was done in 2014 and blood on them also belonged to Aaron Kominski, a Polish Jew who had lived in Whitechapel in 1888. He was a known misogynist with a special hatred of prostitutes after contracting syphilis. He was a suspect at the time, and also known to have homicidal tendencies. He was incarcerated in a mental asylum in 1889. The ‘Juwes’ message may relate to his own Jewish origins, but is also used with that spelling

by Masons to recall their supposed history in building the Temple of Soloman. Sickert’s team were unlikely to want to draw attention to Masons. Copycat, or even camouflage, murders were common during the reign of terror. Eleven cases altogether were under investigation at the time. Although Catherine knew the other girls, it seems it is therefore not the case that both the murders on the 29th of September were by the same hand, but oddly she had given the alias of Mary Kelly when arrested as drunk and disorderly that night, which could have led the Sickert team to act out of mistaken identity, but they relied on facial recognition. When released from custody she seems to have gone in the opposite direction to that of her home to pick up trade rather than face an irate partner. Her choice of customers proved fatal. When the real Mary Kelly was identified, again in different circumstances, in her own home on 9th November, the butchery was so savage to face and torso that most vestiges of human form were rendered indistinguishable.

Gull had suffered a stroke prior to the murders which had impaired his mental faculties, but was said to still be physically strong in 1888, when he was 69 years old. Robert Louis Stephenson’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde was a theatre performance in London in 1888, and Gull had seen it. He was born in Thorpe-le-Soken and had risen to his high office through his medical career and something that Knight makes much of having risen in Freemasonry to similarly high degree passing beyond the Royal Arch and the normal three degrees of Craft Masonry to many of the 30 higher degrees. Masonry was a far more secretive organisation in the Victorian era than it is in the 21st century, and society was more martial and wholly male dominated. Knight points out that masonic ritual includes oaths of secrecy and obedience on punishment of death by gruesomely prescribed means, which were not ever expected to be carried out. This included disembowelling, which four of the five victims concerned suffered, and three had their throats cut in a symbolic silencing, but the Ripper seems to have been disturbed and prevented from the full mutilations on a fourth.

According to Knight’s narrative, Dr Gull himself began three years of While the last victim was so badly mutilated a cut throat would hardly incarceration in a lunatic asylum before he died, while a man who be discernible. The girls could not have been Masons as there was died in the asylum on the day of his admission was taken to the no female lodge at the time, so could not have taken such oaths church of St. Michaels in Thorpe-le-Soken for an almost state burial in themselves, but some demented individual could conceivably have terms of its elaborate occasion. Gull’s own body was smuggled to the thought that he was protecting the Realm by using such punishments grave at a later date. I have visited the church and the old verger who on those who sought to threaten it. Sickert also implicates Sir tends the graveyard said to me “Its a big grave isn’t it? They say City Slickers - www.nickschofieldart.co.uk Page 24 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

there’s three bodies down there.” We can presume that local legend refers to Gull, his wife and the man buried in the doctor’s stead. The verger also said that there was a ghostly presence that would stop people from walking past the Gulls’ grave after dark.

At this point I have to own up to having a personal interest in St. Michael’s Church, in Thorpe-le-Soken, as my grandmother, Elizabeth Unice Austin, is also buried there. She was found drowned down the well in the family’s garden in the early hours of Thursday 8th April 1915, when my mother was seven years old and 27 years after the Ripper murders. The coroner’s court in those days was held in the church and despite the strange circumstances of the death, she was buried three days later in hallowed ground from which suicides were, at that time, barred.

So we can assume that the cause of death was not thought to be suicide. But judgements of coroner’s courts were not made public for 100 years at that time, although that figure has been reduced since to 75 years. So I wrote to the church to see the records. The vicar said that the courts were no longer held in the church and that they had been sent to the NHS Records Office in Clacton.

When I asked them for them they said that they had not been received! Conspiracy theorists get ready.

Dr. Gull’s forebears had been bargees from the River Lea on the Hertfordshire-Essex border. My great-grandfather had a coal merchant’s business which depended on deliveries around the coast. There was already a trade route for corpses around the east coast for use in medical experiments in London. The Yarmouth Resurrectionists were the best know team of fresh grave robbers to fulfil this service. There is no doubt that the two families knew each other, even in terms of simple coal deliveries. If a body needed to be smuggled from London to Thorpe, barge and delivery wagon calling at the church or nearby houses would attract no unusual attention even the hours of darkness, due to the tidal considerations. Was this the information that disturbed the highly religious Elizabeth and why she wound up down the well? Another form of Masonic punishment requires the victim of silencing to be suspended above water, or within a cable’s tow of it, as Roberto Calvi ‘God’s Banker’, who was implicated in the Vatican bank scandal, which also involved Italian Masonic Lodge P2 found out when he was suspended under Blackfriars Bridge in London. The newspaper article that reported Elizabeth’s death said that my grandfather got her out of the well, he was a small man, and could only have done that to a waterlogged body if she was tangled up in the rope. He became alcoholic and lost the coal business, yet was employed by Lady Fairfax on her estate, Comarques, for some inexplicable reason. The three children who were left to grow up in his care all suffered some degree of mental health problems.

When my mother was near dying she said she was troubled by memories and dreams about Thorpe. When I asked what they were she just stared at me but wouldn’t say.

A Sense of Place Histories of Chelmsford and Essex events and arts You read them first in Moulsham Times and City Times The articles are now gathered in one book.

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I am not suggesting that 21st century Masons would still follow all the practices of their forerunners, but life was cheap in 1888 and during the First World War in 1915. The odd misguided or de-arranged member could use his privileges to advantage to achieve ill ends. Masons generally claim altruistic motives for their organisation, and the secrecy that has been needed in previous centuries has all but disappeared. But if I suddenly go missing, try looking down a well!

CT

CT

Page 25 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Christmas at Hylands House

Page 26 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Jan 2015

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CT CHARITY

The Society came close to folding last January. However a packed meeting showed that members felt that there was still a need for a society determined to care for the ‘appearance, history and character’ of Chelmsford. At the AGM on 19th March, a new committee was elected with ten members.

Details of the project and our programme can be found on the website www.chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk. We can be found on Facebook and followed on Twitter. If you wish to join, please complete and return the form below or contact us via our website.

Since then, we have arranged a full programme of events for members and the general public. These included: meeting the magistrates, historical walks, visit to Hylands House, and a talk from the Dean of Chelmsford. We have a visit to the Coroner’s Office Malcolm Noble - Chairman arranged for 19th December. Next year’s programme has a talk on Chelmsford Civic Society is a registered charity No:271779 the restoration of Chelmer navigation and a visit to the Stow Maries First World War airfield. We were involved in this year’s Heritage Open Days with the County Council’s ‘Essex at War’ Please complete the form below. If you require further information please event in Hylands Park. We visit www.chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk organised five events during this year’s Ideas Festival.

The Society has been working with the County and City Councils on the future of Shire Hall for the past two years. With the removal of scaffolding, the newly cleaned frontage is now visible to all. We will continue to press for the protection and appropriate use of our heritage buildings.

Our Heritage Lottery Fund bid, for the Chelmsford Remembers project, on the First World War centenary, was successful and is now underway. We are working in partnership with the High Chelmer Centre: with the ‘Dead Man’s Penny’ display in the central shopping area.

Rotary at Christmas

As it’s Christmas I thought I would give you all a flavour of the various events and activities that clubs are doing around the district.

Starting close to home in Chelmsford at the recent turning on of the Christmas lights there were Rotarians from the local clubs handing out mulled wine and mince pies for a modest fee and this raised over £1100 for the mayor’s charity as well as raising the spirits of the shoppers. Also round and about you will probably come across Santa’s sleigh or meet up with Rotarians with collection tins. These Christmas collections are all for local good causes and Essex folk are so generous when it comes to support for those less fortunate.

In Chelmsford we will be taking some of our senior citizens to the pantomime which is one of the highlights of the year for them as many live alone and they really look forward to this special treat.

We particularly look to support CHESS, the homeless shelter and a small charity called Sanctus in Chelmsford which is a cafe that provides free meals to all those who need them – and sometimes this can be as many as 40 people in a single day - a sobering thought in affluent Chelmsford. This, coupled with the Foodbank, shows that many people are struggling to make ends meet.

The Rotary Club of Chelmer Bridge will be putting on the traditional New Year’s Day Charity Concert in the Cathedral featuring the Essex Young People’s Orchestra and admission for this is just £10 for adults and £5 for those aged eighteen or under. Tickets will be available on the door. Concert starts at 7.30pm.

Our Essex team recently returned from the 33rd Disabled Sports

Championships in Coventry and Rotary clubs support the games financially and through escorting all the competitors. A new trophy has just been introduced for Sports Personality of the Championship in memory of David Lee who died earlier this year and who was instrumental in getting Rotary’s involvement.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when talking about Rotary and Christmas but there is also lots of fun and parties in the Rotary clubs themselves because Rotarians know how to have a good time. All the usual stuff – silly hats, brussel sprouts, crackers and carols. So whilst Christmas is a time for sharing and caring for the less fortunate it is also a time to spend with friends.

We are always on the lookout for like-minded people to join us to put something back into the community so if you would like more details as to how you can be part of a Rotary club visit www.rotary1240.org or phone me on 01245 260349. You will get so much enjoyment and satisfaction.

Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year Stan Keller

Page 28

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The Playlist

by Richard Merriman Richard Merriman, musician and DJ with @GodsJukebox, lends his ear to the local music scene.

First up, let’s talk about a group of lads from South Woodham Ferrers. Laika, who take their name from the first dog in space, have some real ambition in their sound, setting them apart from the usual indie-boy wannabies. Mark Fenton (guitar and vocals), Cem Ozer (drums) & Sam Cowie (bass) craft a noise which sits in the same spikey, math-rock ball-park as groups like Foals but with a refreshing, melodic edge and bags of energy. Opening track on the 100% EP, Glass Eyes, kicks things off with a pleasingly psychedelic reverse guitar soundscape before launching in an accomplished anti-love song.

Then, Throw your Voice is reminiscent of the Wombats without the annoying blokeisms. Fenton’s vocal is refreshingly honest and his classic indie guitar action keeps the momentum up.

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The EP is a shared We are open from December 10th effort with and are offering half price rehearsals SWF chums, until January 1st Died in Orbit: James Looby (drums and vocals), Torben /808studio808 Robjohns House Macrae Navigation Road @studio808uk (lead guitar), Adam Pattrick (vocals Chelmsford and guitar) and Matt Shorter (bass), @808studio808 who have built a less epic, but equally CM2 6ND creative, alt-pop noise. There are some cracking shared girl-boy vocals on Never www.studio808online.com 07903 322 118 Gonna Work courtesy of guest vocalist, Abby Greensmith, stop start structures which never takes itself too seriously. and some welcome glockenspiel to add Spanner describes The Tickturds as, another colour to the mix. A polite beginning gives way to a glorious “either the hardest working band in Essex, punky noise and some really satisfying energy. The final track on the or the worst band in Essex.” Sadly, at the split EP, Faster, is a more standard affair and lacks Greensmith’s time of going to press I was unable to gain charming contribution, but still benefits from some great dynamics independent verification of either of these and despite the angsty lyric, never descends into self-pity. Overall, claims, but you can decide for yourself if this EP is representative of the state of rock and roll in South by checking out their back catalogue at Woodham Ferrers then there’s clearly a lot more going on in the thetickturds.bandcamp.com and looking satellite town than I expected, and I’m looking forward to seeing both out for their upcoming appearances via of these young, clever and vibrant bands at a gig very soon. facebook.com/TheTickturds. They gain extra brownie points, at this time of year, for having a Christmas Search for Laikaband and Died in Orbit on soundcloud.com to hear single called, The Santa Clause, free to download from their this record and other tracks, and keep up with their movements at bandcamp page. Don’t expect to see it on any cuddly Christmas facebook.com/wearelaika and facebook.com/DiedInOrbit. compilation too soon. Mary’s Boy Child it ain’t!

An entirely different kind of racket can be heard emanating from If you are a local musician and would like Richard to plug your latest whatever garage is currently being shaken by Colchester based The record or up-coming gigs then get in touch with biographies, music Tickturds. Rik Spanner (guitar/vocals), Clive Chaotic (lead guitar), links and social media @GodsJukebox.

James Balcombe (drums) and Luke Fisher (bass/vocals) offer up classic punk sounds without ever falling into the trap of sounding too much in awe of their influences. Latest long player, Tickturdius Maximus, is an impressive fifteen track slice of anger and mayhem Page 29

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Chelmsford Jewish Community As we reach the end of 2014, Chelmsford Jewish Community can reflect on a momentous and busy year. We’ve had many services and celebrated the main festivals. The recent High Holydays were served by our loyal band of honoury officants. We were very proud of their scholarly religious knowledge.

Earlier in the year we celebrated Passover with an excellant and well attended Seder service and meal. Succot, our ‘harvest festival’ took place more recently. The service took place in a room bedecked with leaves, branches and flowers. The many offerings of fruit brought on the occasion were donated to Farleigh Hospice, where they were gratefully received.

Last January we commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day hosted

by Chelmsford City Council and presented by Chelmsford Jewish Community. A Holocaust survivor gave a moving and memorable

talk and many local people took part on that occasion. We are now preparing to commemorate it again in January 2015.

Our fledgling Ladies Guild is soon to celebrate its second birthday.

We have had an interesting and busy year with some very good speakers on subjects as diverse as Harrods, New York and one by an author whose grandmother was apparently a spy. There have been outings to Hylands House and to Ingatestone Hall and a very notable ramble. There has been an art class and a book group and we look forward to a new year of happy events in a very friendly group.

The most noteworthy event of the last year was the 40th anniverary of the inception of Chelmsford Jewish Community which was celebrated with a luncheon at the Miami Hotel. Now we have a very friendly and happy community which welcomes all Jewish folk and their partners, whether Jewish of not, to our social events and services. If you’d like more information, please ring Harry on 01245 475444.

We would like to thank all our advertisers, writers and contributors for your support in the last year!

Walking Chelmsford Introduction by Pete Kent When it comes to travel, especially in the cold weather, I’ve found that most people are only willing to take public transport as it’s cheaper than driving (I assume) and generally much easier. Jump on, pay £2.50, jump off, done. Easy. One form of transport that people often overlook, however, is walking. Yes it’s mundane, slow and usually boring, but once in a while it can be fun.

Psychogeography, flaneurism and peripateticism have a basic combined meaning of “learning whilst walking”. On their own, however, they all have different meanings. Peripateticism originates from the Peripatetic School in Ancient Greece and was used to refer to Aristotle habit of walking through the Lyceum as he taught his students. A flaneur is a person who walks for pleasure (such as myself) and psychogeography is the act of going for a walk with no specific destination in mind.

I became a flaneur during my first year of studying at university in 2010. Wanting to live the student lifestyle, I spent most of my student loan on booze, junk food and clubbing, but inevitably this meant that at some point during the year I’d run out of money and end up living on dry pasta and tomato sauce. And so, as I succeeded in living as a student, I soon became penniless and had to either jump on the DLR in Tower Hamlets, hoping that a controller didn’t make an appearance, or I’d have to walk to my destination. It was here that my love of walking began.

Over the next two years I’d spend up to three hours walking from the University of East London Docklands campus to Tower Bridge before embarking on another two hour walk along North Bank towards Westminster and through Central London. I’d then walk back to Tower Gateway and jump on the DLR having now walked over 15 miles.

I enjoyed it so much that it became the basis of my dissertation – Walking London.

Sadly, being no longer able to afford a Tesco Meal Deal lunch I had to move back to Chelmsford in August which for the past four years I’d called “crap” and “boring”. I now retract that statement. Thanks to a certain TV programme many people are forced to believe that our county town is filled with heavy-drinking chavs who don’t know what an aircraft hangar or condom is. But they’d be wrong. By simply stepping out of one’s house there is a lot more to see than large tower blocks and a river which runs through the town. Walking for 45 minutes west through the parks will bring you to the Writtle fields and mysterious paths where one can travel in silence in the middle of the day or sit by the streams and observe the naturally-built dams whilst listening to the woodpeckers high in the trees. With its large trees and wide, expansive fields this area is also good for people interested in nature photography.

With the cold weather approaching, going for a walk may not seem very appealing unless out of necessity, but once the walker or flaneur gets going it can be very refreshing, especially if they’ve not left In late 2010 I was offered a role as an extra in the film Cockneys vs the house for days due to Christmas deadlines and work, and also Zombies which I accepted instantly. However, with a starting time uplifting. Plus, by taking a trip by foot to the gym and back without of 7am, I had very little choice but to start walking (I was unaware entering, membership fees can be cut down and by walking home of the N51 bus at the time) through East London to Elephant and at half 1 on a Friday night with a bottle of water, a hangover can be Castle starting at the ungodly time of 4am. And it was great fun. With prevented. With our yearly “worst in a century” snowfall due within Google Maps in my pocket, a pot of dry pasta and a book in my bag the next three months, there’ll be the opportunity to walk some very I’d set off into an almost dystopian London – the streets were empty, picturesque areas, many of which are just around the corner. So, everywhere was closed and the City of London was silent. There was once you’ve finished that final paragraph of your end-of-semester always going to be a risk of walking out at this time of night, but that essay and flipped down the laptop lid, get your walking boots on and just added to the excitement. go for a stroll. You might just like it. Don’t forget your jacket, though, it’s cold out there.

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