The City Times - Dec/Jan 24/25 by Itsyourmedia

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

City Times Intro

Hello readers,

Welcome to The City Times December/January edition.

Well, that’s another year nearly over. If you are reading this before Christmas, then we hope you are having a great festive holiday, but if you are reading this after Christmas, then happy New Year!

There are still plenty of festive events to attend from our What’s On pages in the centre of the magazine, and also lots of events to see off those January blues - and of course, the evenings start getting lighter after Christmas which must mean spring will be on its way!

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Editorial

Nick Garner 07970 206682

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Paul Mclean 07595 949701

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Nick’s Music and Ramblings

Hello to you all - and it is already the final magazine from us for this year! We would like to wish all of you a very happy and fun festive season, and let’s hope that we have a better year next year for us all.

Of course, I have to mention it - yes, the weather: we have gone from mild to freezing weather with even a bit of snow and rain and some gales. You cannot tell me this is normal; you just have to look at what has been going on around the world to see that.

I have been quite busy recently - mainly with music of course. I was supposed to go to Enlightened at Hylands Park, but unfortunately I was unable to make it this year.

Sadly, the Christmas lights switch on in Chelmsford had to be cancelled due to the weather. I think there were other events that were also cancelled that weekend, although many other lights were switched on during the weekends before and after. Maldon as ever did a great job. There are still many other Christmas fayres still going on - just check out our What’s On guide and social media to find out more.

I am not a fan of fireworks as they have got so loud and often go on for weeks these days it seems. They also get used for weddings and Christmas light switch on events and New Year and more. I would prefer silent ones or drone displays. Fireworks upset and scare so many people and animals; it was not the same when I was young in the late ’50s and early ’60s and I am sure many others will agree with this also.

Some fantastic news has come in from the fabulous Ideas Hub, which is run by Edith Miller and her team. They have just been awarded a £20,000 Community Fund from the National Lottery which I think is so richly deserved. The work that they do is invaluable helping people in the community with their basic needs, and they also run the Art Place in the Meadows and the Chelmsford Festival among many more things. They are always looking for more volunteers as they do so much, so go along to the Art Palace in the Meadows if you are interested in helping out.

The vote for assisted dying has happened in parliament and it went in favour - but it still has a long way to go yet before being approved fully.

I will tell you one thing though; I am fed up with all my friends and other people dying. Though I know that I am getting older, so it is bound to happen. I also look around at all the great musicians and entertainers that we are now losing... I just wonder who is going to take their place?

Please do remember if you would like to comment or have something you think our readers would like to know then please send an email to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we will do our best to publish it for you.

Music

I must mention a very good friend who I have recently lost - Steve Simpson. You may know him best from Slim Chance. He was a great multi-instrumentalist, and he was also part of Meal Ticket from the ’70s. Steve Simpson played for me many times over the years - I would often get up and play a bit of harmonica with him. He will be greatly missed.

I have had to move one date for 2025 and that is for Broadway Clash; they will now play the Social Club on Friday 25th April. Other gigs booked so far for 2025 now include on Friday 28th February Derek Nash (Jools Holland) Funk Experience with Louise Marshall (Dave Gilmour and others), then Friday 27th June we have What a Waste

(playing the Blockheads), on Friday 3rd October we have the Mim Grey Band, then on Friday 24th October Saints & Sinners (gospel-blues) will be playing. On Friday 7th November we have the Deborah Bonham Band, then Friday 14th November gives us the Robert Vincent Band. On Friday 21st November it’s Limehouse Lizzy, then on Friday 28th November the Connor Selby Band will be playing, and Friday 5th December it’s the Robbie McIntosh Band.

Now for Blues Box at Hot Box. Please note that for all Sunday shows the doors open at 3pm and the show starts at 4pm. We have now added quite a few more dates and there are a couple of changes too. Robin Bibi is now on Sunday 1st June and The Krissy Matthews Band is on Sunday 2nd October. Also, note that Craig Joiner and Odette Marshall are on Sunday 21st September.

We have now added the Paul Rose Band for Saturday 25th January (doors are at 1pm and the show is from 2pm). The Greg Coulson Band is on Sunday 16th February, and on Sunday 30th March it’s the The 251s. Next on Thursday 10th April we have the Roy Mette Band (doors 7pm show from 8pm), and on Thursday 22nd May we have the Fran McGillivary Band (doors 7pm show 8pm). And finally for now on Thursday 24th July we have Geraint Watkins Mosquitoes (doors 7pm show 8pm).

We do also have acts who have reserved dates at both venues and we will announce them when they confirm with us.

Recently, I have been putting on and going to some great shows. Since the last edition, I was pleased to put on Robbie McIntosh with his amazing band - they were joined by Andy Grant and Hamish Stuart. The next day it was Hamish and Robbie at Hot Box, which was mind blowing. The next week we had Martin McNeill opening and then Connor Selby, and both were fab.

The next day I was away at Barleylands to see Paul Rose and his band. I’ve seen them all play before but not seen Paul play like he did this night, hence booking him for a show. It was like watching all the great guitarists rolled into one! Then it was off to see more buddies play Nine Below Zero and Dr Feelgood - always a great show to enjoy.

I then had Martin Harley play Hot Box and what a show that was! I then I had to wait a week for Merry Hell and Virginia Kettle (both were fantastic and both will be back). On the Sunday it was off to Cliffs to see Robert Vincent opening for Robert Plant and Saving Grace. Both acts were tremendous and I also confirmed Robert Vincent’s return. The headliners? Well Mr Plant, you were on great form as was the band. I know Suzi from the band from when she was in Roadhouse some years back. Next we had The Rolling Clones who are always great fun. Then it was off to Barleylands again for another good show, and so I carry on...

If you have anything you think that could be of interest to our readers for either publication, then please let us know by emailing editorial@ itsyourmedia.co.uk - it may be an event or a topic of interest. Or have you done anything unusual or are you planning something? If so, we want to know about it. If know of someone who may wish to advertise with us, then please ask them to contact ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we can send you over full details.

You can get tickets for all our shows at The Social Club in Chelmsford from Intense Records, Hopsters and Chelmsford 4Good - please pay cash in person when you buy. Tickets for all shows including Hot Box are available online from www.wegottickets.com/BlackFrogPresents, or via our ticket hotline at no extra charge - call or text 07508 496 411 and you can then pay the advance price on entry to the show rather than the walk-up price.

City Times Food!

• 1 tsp cumin.

Welcome to my last article for 2024! I just wanted to say thankyou to everyone that has read and made my recipes over the last year; I really do enjoy sharing my recipes and tips with you all.

Also, a quick sorry about my last article and my recipe where I totally missed out the spices for the fruity curry - so where it says ‘add the spices’ these are as follows:

• 1 tsp cinnamon.

• 1 tsp coriander.

• ½ tsp Garam masala.

• ½ ginger.

Over the last few weeks, when I start to plan an article I have been thinking about what recipes I wanted to share, and so this time I thought I’d touch of the main event, Christmas dinner. The key is in the prep - that is my biggest tip to anyone that is cooking on Christmas Day; get what you can prepped the day before, as those with children will especially know how busy the next morning can be!

My first tip would be to prepare your potatoes and vegetables the day before. Get all these chopped and cut ready to go. I like to shop local especially at Christmas - I use Meat Line for our meat and Jamie’s fruit and veg, which is at White Elm Garden Centre in Bicknacre, for everything else.

Now, let’s talk roasties! I tend to always use Maris Piper just because I find they always make the best crispy outside and fluffy inside roast potatoes. I peel and chop these and put them water the day before. When ready to cook, I set my oven to 180oC. Part-boil them in salty boiling water for 10 minutes. Whilst they are boiling put your goose fat into the oven in a roasting dish. Drain the potatoes after 10 minutes and cover them with flour. Carefully get the roasting dish out off the oven with the goose fat in and place each potato in the dish turning them to cover them in the fat. Cook for 50 minutes. These come out perfect every time.

Now for vegetables. For Christmas Day I like to have honey-roasted

Essex Food - By Krista

Can you believe it’s December already? This year has flown by, hasn’t it? If you are visiting Chelmsford to do your Christmas shopping this festive season, here are two fabulous independent spots in the city centre that are worth visiting to escape the crowds.

Driink Coffee Club

Tucked away on Baddow Road within a stone’s throw from the city centre is Driink Coffee Club; a hidden gem offering exceptional coffee from their cosy café. The team at Driink roast their own beans (which you can buy online and in store) and often have new coffees on the menu to try.

They also offer sandwiches, cakes and delicious cookie cups made by local baker Rosebery Bakes. If you’ve ever fancied learning how to make coffee like a pro, Driink host barista workshops can be booked online - a great present idea for a coffee enthusiast! www.driinkcoffeeclub.co.uk

39b Baddow Road, CM2 0DD

Fête Grays Yard

This is one of my favourite places in Chelmsford, which I cannot believe I haven’t mentioned in The City Times yet. Fête (pronounced ‘fett’), is an independent restaurant in the heart of the city with an

carrots, Brussels with bacon and chestnuts and spiced red cabbage. Roast the carrots by peeling and chopping these the day before. The key again is in the prep! When ready to serve, part-boil them in salted water for 15 minutes, then add straight into the oven at 180oC with a bit of olive oil. After 10 minutes remove and cover them in honey and blast back through the oven for a further 5 minutes. These can even sit in the bottom of the oven to keep warm whilst cooking the other items.

If you can, buy your Brussels prepped as it saves time. If not, remove the outer leaves and trim at the base of the sprout. Boil these up for 5 minutes - do not overcook or you will lose the nice bright green colour. Run under cold water after 5 minutes. Then cut up your bacon and fry this off, adding your chestnuts with a bit of olive oil, then add back in your Brussels with knob of butter and heat through and serve.

Spiced red cabbage to me is a must with my Christmas dinner. Chop up your cabbage and heat some butter in a large saucepan, then tip in the onions and gently fry until softened for about 5 minutes. Add some orange zest to the pan along with the cinnamon stick, then cook for 1 minute more. Then add the shredded cabbage and pour over port, red wine vinegar, orange juice and 150ml water. Bring up to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the cabbage is softened.

Turkey! It’s always best to follow instructions on cooking times from the butcher or label if you’re buying from a supermarket. I’m not going to tell you how to cook your turkey as everyone has their own ways, but here are a few tips that I follow:

• Choose the right size turkey.

• Adjust the cooking time based on the size of your turkey.

• Bring the turkey to room temperature before cooking.

• Use a roasting rack so the juices drip down.

• Start with a super-hot oven, then reduce the temperature.

Thank you again for supporting me over the last year, and have a fantastic Christmas and a happy New Year!

Lauren xx

incredible menu that I am slowly working my way through.

What began as a coffee van in 2019 has grown into one of Chelmsford’s most popular eateries for brunch, cocktails and dinner. So far, my favourite dish has been the beef short rib benedict, which consists of 12-hour pulled short rib with poached eggs, served on a cheddar waffle.

If you visit in the evening, the menu features a selection of small platesperfect for sharing with a group of friends and a great way to try a bit of everything. They have also brought back a Thursday night dinner service for December with live jazz music. If you’re stuck on how to celebrate the New Year, they are also hosting a New Year’s Eve party upstairs with a resident DJ till late for only £15 a ticket. Bookings can be made on their website.

www.fetegraysyard.co.uk

10-13 Grays Brewery Yard, CM2 6QR

I would just like to thank you for reading my column over the past year. I really enjoy sharing my favourite places with you all and I hope you’ve had the chance to visit some of them! Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! As always, you can follow my Instagram account by searching ‘@thehungrykp’ for more local recommendations.

Chelmsford Foot Clinic

Chelmsford Foot Clinic is a friendly and caring podiatry clinic providing care for foot and lower limb problems. The clinic was established in 2005.

We have plenty of free car parking in front of the clinic, with easy access to the clinic, including wheelchair access, and we are open Monday till Saturday.

The clinic has three podiatrists working throughout the week: Heather Norburn, Fran Poelman and Ross Rutland Miller. All the podiatrists are Health and Care Professions Council Registered Podiatrists (HCPC). Each has a university degree in Podiatry after 3 years of training. They also have post graduate qualifications.

Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat foot and lower limb problems. There is no difference between a podiatrist and chiropodist, but ‘podiatrist’ is a more modern name.

We relieve pain and treat infections and we work with people of all ages, and can especially help older people to stay mobile and independent.

We offer podiatry care for corns, hard skin, ingrowing toenails and toe nail care. We perform nail surgery procedures for severe ingrowing toe nails and provide verruca treatments. We also provide gait and biomechanical analysis and prescribe insoles and orthotic devices. We have infrared laser equipment for soft tissue injuries and verruca treatment.

The clinic is 1 mile north of Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford on the B1008 next to Waltham Service Station and near to the village of Little Waltham.

www.chelmsfordchiropodyandpodiatry.co.uk

City Times Gardening

As the year winds down, December offers the perfect blend of quiet reflection and gentle preparation for the growing seasons ahead. Whether you’re tidying up after autumn’s golden display, protecting delicate plants from frosts, or planning for a burst of spring colour, there’s plenty to enjoy in your outdoor space this month.

Think of this as your time to wrap up the garden’s to-do list with a festive flair - mulch a border, hang a bird feeder, sort out the climber and rambler roses, or even pot up some winter blooms to brighten your doorstep. Don your cosiest hat, grab a warm drink for the shed, and embrace the crisp air as you give your garden a little TLC.

With this in mind, I’ve been busy getting climber and rambler roses pruned in preparation for next year. For the time being I’ve concentrated on the ramblers Rosa ‘Albertine’ (very fragrant double, salmon-pink flowers in clusters in midsummer and Rosa ‘Wedding Day’ (large trusses of richly fragrant, single, creamy-white blooms 2.5cm or more across with orange-yellow stamens fade to pale pink and open from yellow buds, in midsummer). Here are a few tips for success:

Gather Your Tools

• Sharp secateurs for clean cuts.

• Loppers for thicker stems.

• Sturdy gloves to handle thorns.

• A pruning saw for older, woody canes.

Inspect the Plant

• Assess the rose to identify dead, diseased, or damaged wood.

• Look for overcrowded or crossing stems that may hinder airflow or growth.

Remove Old and Spent Canes

• Identify older, flowered canes (usually darker, woody stems).

• Cut these down to their base to encourage fresh, vigorous growth.

• On my mature Rosa ‘Albertine’, I tend to remove the oldest stems to promote a strong framework of younger canes.

Retain and Train New Growth

• Leave this year’s healthy, flexible new canes intact; these will carry next year’s flowers.

• Gently tie new canes to a support structure, such as a trellis or arbour, in a fan shape for even growth and flowering.

• For a customer who has Rosa ‘Rambling Rector’, I fanned out the new shoots to optimise light exposure. It also looks decorative in the winter months to see the frame.

Tidy Up Laterals

• Shorten side shoots (laterals) growing from main canes to around 3-4 buds (10-15cm).

• This encourages flowering spurs while keeping the rose neat.

Remove Weak or Crowded Growth

• Thin out spindly or overcrowded stems to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

• This is worth doing on Rosa ‘Wedding Day’, thinning out congested growth to prevent mildew.

Final Clean-up

• Remove all cuttings from around the base to prevent disease.

• Apply a mulch of well-rotted garden compost or leaf mould around the root zone to protect against winter frost and retain moisture.

Additional Tips

• Cut just above an outward-facing bud at a 45° angle to encourage growth away from the centre.

• Disinfect tools between cuts to minimise disease spread.

• Feed with a balanced rose fertiliser in early spring to support vigorous regrowth.

Good luck!

Other tasks to do in the garden this month:

• Continue to manage large clumps of overgrow perennials by lifting, splitting and dividing. Not only will this invigorate the plant, but it will also enable you to rid the plant of any pest and disease build up or die back.

• Plants that are too small for going back into the garden can be potted up into a suitable potting compost. I tend to use a bended peat-free and soil based compost. With the addition of loam, the mix tends to hold onto water for longer. If you’re worried about

whether this would be too much moisture, you can also add coarse sand or horticultural grit to alleviate this.

• If you are cleaning through beds and borders, always try, if you have access to it, to apply a generous layer (mulch) of well-rotted organic matter. This will make for a pleasing look and the benefit that as it rots down it’ll feed the soil.

Check outt this RHS website for other garden jobs to do this month: www.rhs.org.uk/advice/in-month/december.

Happy gardening

For any gardening tips please contact Tom Cole, Freelance Horticulturist and online tutor (www.learningwithexperts.com) by email at tomcole8@hotmail.com.

Bulb Planting at Old Park Meadow

Over the last couple of months, Old Park Meadow hosted their annual bulb planting event, where families are invited to help plant bulbs supplied by Old Park Meadow around the grounds.

Delyse Jackaman, manager of Old Park Meadow had this to say about this year’s event: “We are grateful to all the families who came out and helped plant the bulbs. Between the team here, the families and our volunteer gardening club. we managed to plant thousands of bulbs. We can’t wait to see them all flower in the spring!”

Why not visit the grounds over the spring and summer and have a walk in nature?

To learn more about Old Park Meadow and how we can help you say goodbye to your loved one, please visit oldparkmeadow.co.uk or call 01245 806 332.

Youngest Grumpy Old Man

Christmas is nearly upon us. What has got my goat since the last article? One that did big time was not calling a bully a bully. It’s a WHAT!? moment. How dare the do-good brigade tell us not to call bullies, bullies!

I have been on the receiving end of being bullied as a child and as an adult. So you can see my anger at not being able to call them bullies. At school, older students, or bigger and louder students, would bully you. Secondary, upper and comprehensive school was much worst than primary school. It was name calling or assuming your sexuality. My family weren’t very well off either.

When we moved from one town to another and changed school, I bumped into the school bully. It was name calling and threats, which never got physical - which was lucky. But not calling bullies, bullies? So what do we call them then? Plus, does this mean they get away with it?

The next bit of this article is about younger people, who are more likely to complain about modern life. It’s a complex phenomenon

that can be attributed to several social cultural, economic and psychological factors.

While older generations often view younger ones as overly entitled or discounted, the reality is that today’s youth face a unique set of challenges that make the dissatisfaction more vocal and visible.

Economic instability and job insecurity is one point that can be made. Wages have stagnated while the cost-of-living has soared. Social media has provided more comparisons in our face. Previously, what you didn’t know didn’t hurt you - but now you can actually see so much more. So keeping up with the Jones’s is made even worse.

Political and environmental anxiety affects yound peoples’ lives more. There are climate change problems and mental health is more to the fore than it has ever been. Which can be good and bad.

Regards

Thomas Indergard

Get Your Gander up in Backnang - By

Last month, I mentioned Backnang’s Goose Market - a festive Sunday of shopping in October.

Unlike in the UK, German retailers are normally closed on Sundays with the result that downtown districts are quite sleepy. The Sunday Goose Market by contrast, provides a revenue boost for local stores while creating an effective advertising venue for associations and injecting life into the city center.

In preparation, hand-painted, wooden geese take roost along main thoroughfares, and the market itself features live geese at the base of Backnang’s iconic Goose War fountain.

An image of a smugly smirking peasant girl with geese around her billowing skirt, the fountain honors peasant women who staged a revolt in the 17th century.

Historically, goose keeping was a beloved means of topping off domestic coffers for those who could not afford a cow or a goat.

And who could blame them? Geese were, after all, generous animals who provided meat for the kitchen, quills for pens, feathers for fletches, down for bedding and wings for brooms.

Sabrina Moser

There was a catch, however, as the birds roamed free, and in their search for tasty morsels, they ravished gardens and fields along the river. Farmers with damaged crops complained bitterly to town authorities who, in an effort to keep the peace, told the women of Backnang in 1606 that their goosing days were over.

Their dander up, the women rebelled by penning an emotional petition to the Duke of Wuertemberg in Stuttgart. Sympathising with their plight, he insisted on compromise but expressed himself so ambivalently that the conflict escalated with the mayor slandering the ‘recalcitrant and stubborn womenfolk’ and even clapping their ringleader in jail.

Alerted by desperate husbands, the Duke put an end to the flying feathers in 1612 by issuing the Backnang Goose Decree. The edict secured the rights of goose holders, in Backnang and in all the realm.

The goose fountain, erected in 1981, stands outside town hall as a reminder to municipal authorities in the present age that no one should interfere with additional revenue sources - especially not on a Sunday in October.

Introducing...

Meet Rebecca, the vibrant presenter of STATIC and The Spotlight Sessions Rebecca comes to us from a solid background in the world of performing arts; teaching, performing and directing her way around the stages of Essex. She is an active member of Chelmsford Theatre workshop and is also their current Artistic Director. Being part of Chelmsford Community Radio means that Rebecca gets to showcase her eclectic taste of music and her love for all things performing and creative arts with you all!

Listen to the Spotlight Sessions on the second Thursday of the month, as along with her thespian troop, Rebecca brings you all the latest developments for her outlook on the local theatre scene and beyond.

When Fridays roll around, it’s all about cranking up the volume with some high-energy punk, rock and heavy metal. Whether spinning classic hits or featuring the latest underground tracks, chat to some bands and music venues, Rebecca’s goal is to connect with listeners, promote what’s happening in the rock world and have some fun whilst doing so!

www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

December

Friday 13th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Imagine the Beatles

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Old Court Theatre - Cinderella

Saturday 14th

Budworth Hall (Ongar) - Ongar Art Society Winter Art Sale (9.30am4pm)

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Chelmsford Theatre - Dear Santa

The Compasses - Karaoke

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

Hot Box - An Evening of Dark Alternative Music

Old Court Theatre - Cinderella

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

Thirst Syndicate - Dope: A Night of Hip Hop

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 15th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Cathedral - Carols by Candlelight

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Chelmsford Theatre - Dear Santa

Hyldands Estate - Christmas Open Day

Old Court Theatre - Cinderella

Monday 16th

The Bootmaker - Swign Dance

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Chelmsford Theatre - Dear Santa Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Tuesday 17th

The Bootmaker - Quiz night

Central Baptist Church (Victoria Road South) ECC Retirement Fellowship monthly meeting (2-4pm new members welcome)

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Chelmsford Theatre - Dear Santa Hot Box - Open Mic Night

Wednesday 18th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

The Bootmaker - Salsa Dancing

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Chelmsford Theatre - Dear Santa

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - Independance

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666)

Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music Supper Club: Louise Cookman & Enrico Tomasso Quintet (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

Thursday 19th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz Night

Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Chelmsford Theatre - Dear Santa Courtyard - Karaoke

Hot Box - De Profundis + Mechromorph + Vulgaris

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

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 20th

Chelmsford Cathedral - Midday Carols

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Chelmsford Theatre - Dear Santa Hot Box - HotHaus Drag: The Christmas Show

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga

Saturday 21st

Bar Vino (South Woodham Ferrers) - 80s vs 90s Night

The Black Bull - Shakey’s Sessions: The March Fleet + The Rubber Necks + No Idea + The Number Twenty

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Chelmsford Theatre - Dear Santa

Saturday 21st (continued...)

The Compasses - Karaoke

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

Hot Box - Soul, Northern Soul, Disco & Motown Night

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

Village Hall (South Hanningfield, CM3 8HL) - Christmas Fayre

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Wickham Bishops Village Hall (CM8 3JZ) - Wickham Bishops Jazz Club (6.30pm for 7.30pm) - Allen Beechey’s WB New Orleans Allstars (contact Pete, wickhambishopsjazzclub@gmail.com, 07548 775 777)

Sunday 22nd

Bar Vino (South Woodham Ferrers) - Soul Sunday

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Chelmsford Theatre - Dear Santa

The Gardeners - Open Mic

Hot Box - Hot Box Guitar Club

Monday 23rd

The Ale House - Beery Bingo

The Bootmaker - Swing Dance

Chelmsford Cathedrals - Christmas Jumper Carols

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Chelmsford Theatre - Dear Santa

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

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Tuesday 24th

Bar Vino (South Woodham Ferrers) - Christmas Eve Party

The Bootmaker - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Chelmsford Theatre - Dear Santa

Hot Box - Hot Box Waxes Lyrical

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit

bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

Wednesday 25th

Happy Christmas Day!

Thursday 26th

Happy Boxing Day!

Friday 27th

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Chelmsford Theatre - Christmas Jazz After Party

The Oddfellows Arms - Karaoke

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga

Saturday 28th

The Black Bull - Christmas Family Quiz

Chelmsford Cathedrals - Christmas at the Movies

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Chelmsford Theatre - Christmas Jazz After Party

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

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

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 29th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Chelmsford Theatre - Christmas Jazz After Party

The Gardeners - Open Mic

Monday 30th

The Bootmaker - Swing Dance

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

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

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

Tuesday 31st

The Bootmaker - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

The County Hotel - New Years’ Eve Party

Hot Box - New Years at Hot Box

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

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

Woolpack - Quiz

January

Wednesday 1st

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

The Bootmaker - Salsa night

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666)

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

Thursday 2nd

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Courtyard - Karaoke

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

Hot Box - Resonance Open System

The Oddfellows Arms - Quiz

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

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 3rd

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Chelmsford Theatre - The Big Christmas Assembly

Hot Box - Soul, Northern Soul, Disco & Motwown Night

Old Court Theatre - Cinderella

The Woolpack - Delvis: Elvis Tribute night

Saturday 4th

Chelmsford Social Club - Record Fair

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Chelmsford Theatre - Xmas WiFi Wars

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

Old Court Theatre - Cinderella

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

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 5th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Chelmsford Theatre - RBO: The Nutcracker

Hot Box - Black Frog Presents: Bag O’ Bones

Monday 6th

The Bootmaker - Swing Dance

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

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

Tuesday 7th

The Bootmaker - Quiz night

Hot Box - Open Mic Night

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

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

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 8th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

The Bootmaker - Salsa night

Friends Meeting House (Rainsford Road) CRAG Retirement Group

monthly meeting (9.30am for 10am - first visit free)

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - The Hot Box Big Music Quiz

Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666)

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

Thursday 9th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening Courtyard - Karaoke

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

Hot Box - The Big Fat Quiz of the Year

Thursday 9th (continued...)

The Oddfellows Arms - Quiz

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

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 10th

Hot Box - Dark Wave Rising

Saturday 11th

The Compasses - Karaoke

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

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

Thirst Syndicate - Dope: A Night of Hip Hop

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 12th

The Ale House - Quiz

Monday 13th

The Bootmaker - Swing Dance

Chelmsford Theatre - Snow White

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

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

Tuesday 14th

The Bootmaker - Quiz night

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

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

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 15th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

The Bootmaker - Salsa night

Chelmsford Theatre - Simon Brodkin: Screwed Up: TV Special

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - Control Voltage: Electronic Music Open Mic

Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666)

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

Thursday 16th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening

Courtyard - Karaoke

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

Hot Box - Levent & Taylor’s World Band

The Oddfellows Arms - Quiz

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

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 17th

The Black Bull - Shakey’s Sessions: Elysium

Chelmsford Theatre - Sleeping with Beauty

Saturday 18th

Chelmsford Theatre - Sleeping with Beauty

The Compasses - Karaoke

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

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

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 19th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - Peter Andre: The Best of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

Chelmsford Theatre - RBO: The Tales of Hoffman

Venues are in Chelmsford, unless mentioned in the listings as being elsewhere. Please double check the event is still running over the festive period.

If you have a event between 15th January and the 16th February for the next issue, then please email it to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

Caterham Celebrates 20 Years Since Upgrading the Seven with the Seven CSR Twenty

While it might seem like the wrong time of year for Caterham to release a new model, such kit-car style cars are essentially big boy’s toys and with Christmas coming up, maybe Caterham are thinking outside the box. The brand-new Caterham Seven CSR Twenty is certainly a little exposed for this weather, but it really doesn’t make it any less exciting.

The Seven CSR Twenty celebrates the two decades (hence the name) since Caterham decided to create the new CSR chassis for the Seven, incorporating a new tube spaceframe and thrusting the Catheram Seven forward into a new era. This model will be the first time that Caterham has used the CSR chassis with the oft-used 2-litre Ford engine though…

With Caterham’s designs being somewhat idiosyncratic, marking their visual spot in the automotive world, we are never going to expect the company to deviate from what it knows best or that its fans love so much, so the Seven CSR Twenty certainly looks pleasingly familiar, with the naturally aspirated engine powering the rear wheels of the lightweight new model, no doubt inducing heart-in-mouth excitement on the right surface. The Seven CSR Twenty also features independent rear suspension.

Weighing in at just 620kg, the Seven CSR Twenty can propel you from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds, which will feel twice as fast in such an open vehicle of course. Top speed is 136mph with 210bhp. Power arrives courtesy of a 5-speed manual gearbox, and stopping is achieved with ventilated front discs with red Quad Piston callipers.

Inside, there is as much luxury as you might be able to get into a small 2-seatrer, with plush, deep pile carpeting and a leather Momo steering wheel and leather tunnel top. The seats are premium leather with Alcantara inserts, as is the cover for the gearstick and handbrake giving a uniform feel to the interior. There is, you might be pleased to hear as we sit in the heart of December, adequate heating too.

The front grille features a monotone, two-tone Union Jack with a ‘7’ across the middle - it looks very traditionally British and very nice and matches the black Caterham badging all round. Alloys are Vulcan 15-inchers with a hint of a classic retro spoke wheel (especially when spinning) but far easier to clean.

The Seven CSR Twenty is available in a choice of Kinetic Grey, Dynamic Silver, or custom colours with a myriad of highlight colours, from muted to more extravagant such as Solar Flare (light orange) or Crimson Charge (red). Options include leather roll bar with red stitching, lowered floors and a suede Momo steering wheel.

Pricing will start at around £79,995 dependant on any extras you might desire, and there will be a very limited number of 20 individual models produced.

Sean Neylon

Courtesy of Smart Motoring magazine smart-motoring.com

Images: caterhamcars.com

This article deals with some of the changes in local schools between the two World Wars. It also covers the establishment, finally, of a girls’ grammar school in the area.

The school log books, which had to be kept by head teachers, reveal a great deal about life in schools during the early part of the 20th century. After its opening in 1911, the Trinity Road School logbook shows the frequent visits by Temperance societies, including the Band of Hope. At the Widford Church of England school, the Reverend Thurlow gave weekly lessons. One inspection mentioned the ‘friendly discipline’ but ‘it is a pity that more children cannot work by themselves’. Both the Widford and Trinity Road schools, like all the Chelmsford schools, celebrated Empire Day, on which the flag was saluted and national songs sung.

In 1919 a school nurse was finally appointed to the district and visited the Widford school. During 1923 the school competed in the first Chelmsford Schools’ Sports Day, which was held at Crompton Sports Ground. After the First War, the school always held a memorial service on Armistice Day at the Widford War Memorial by the churchyard gate.

Diphtheria remained a dangerous disease and in 1928 a case at the school was removed to the isolation hospital. The drains and lavatories were inspected and swabs taken from the children. Widford’s logbook finishes in 1934 when boundary changes meant that the school became the responsibility of the borough. At the new Trinity School, the inspectors from the beginning identified a major failing, common to all the Chelmsford schools; namely the lack of facilities for practical manual occupations like woodwork etc.

During the First War, Trinity, like the other schools, contributed to war savings. In 1917 each child was given instruction as to what to do in the event of an air raid. By 1918 the absence of two teachers who had been called up was causing the school great difficulties, and a student teacher was given a class of 21 ‘backward’ pupils in 1921. In the same year the SMO examined those pupils whose parents were unemployed.

By 1924, the school nurse was coming in to weigh, measure and test the eyesight of the boys. The absence of woodwork was still being mentioned in 1929. A 1931 report on Trinity again mentioned the ‘kindly discipline’ which conflicts with many other recollections of life in Chelmsford schools in the early part of the century. Vic Hales remembered the regular use of the cane at the Friars School before the First War, as did Fred Warner who went to the Church of England School, Springfield.

Economic depression after the war meant that the aim of raising the amount of free places to 40% at the boys’ grammar school had to be abandoned. The school introduced the School Certificate and Higher School Certificate to try to get pupils to stay on to the sixth form and a written contract with parents ensured that parents did stay on until 16, but only a few stayed beyond that.

Further scholarships were needed for higher education after the first scholarships had been named after Frederick Chancellor. Despite the cuts imposed by the Geddes Axe, a well-qualified teaching staff was built up and by 1922 only one teacher remained from before the war.

By 1927 money from the Board of Education had ceased going straight to the school and was going first to the education authority. The school continued to improve under a new head, H Bailey, and by 1930 County Scholarships were taking 19% of entrance places.

A further new head, Norman Squier, took over in 1934 after being a pupil from 1902 to 1906. Bailey left when questions were raised about his wife’s relationship with several of the boarders! In 1935 the County Council said they would only finance necessary new buildings in return for the school taking fully maintained status. This would have meant giving all the foundation property to the County Council.

Instead, the governors mortgaged the Broomfield Road site with the right of repossession should the governors default. The depression meant that fewer pupils stayed on past 16 and prior to the outbreak of the Second War, there were only six boys in the 6th form and none went on to university. Even so, the grammar school was wellestablished as a state school with two thirds of its entrants coming from the elementary schools.

By the 1900s Chelmsford still didn’t have a girls’ secondary school, but the success of female adults in the Cambridge University extension classes held at the museum had showed the need was present. The new county education authority recognised that there were very few girls’ secondary schools in Essex and one was earmarked for Chelmsford. It was to give a general education for those who could afford payment or those who could secure free places. The school opened in May 1907 and by July had 77 scholars.

By 1909 it had 110 pupils, almost equal to KEGS, of which 35 were fee payers and 20 boarders who stayed in an approved lodging hostel. In 1910 Miss Harcourt, the first headmistress, announced her wedding and - as was the custom - had to leave.

The new headmistress was Edith Bancroft from Radford School, Bristol, who was to leave an indelible mark on the school. The school soon reached 150 pupils and in 1914 the county gave a grant for enlargement. Gymnasiums were started but not finished until after the First War. A domestic science room was completed in 1916.

During the war, the school provided an education for students who had fled from Belgium. By 1922 the school had reached a peak of 350 but was seriously overcrowded. The county had bought army huts as a temporary measure, but they were still there 25 years later.

The school received a large donation of £500 in 1924, but that had to be used for school leaving scholarships. Inspectors of the school had a very high opinion of Miss Bancroft. At the speech day of 1922 her warning was ‘cinemas, dancing, motor jaunts all were enemies of the weekly work routine’. In 1929 she said that women aged 21 would soon have the vote and ‘it was very important that a girl should be well educated so that she can think, weigh and choose’.

She retired in 1935 but never missed a speech day afterwards until her death in 1971. The year before, she had attended a dinner to mark her 100th birthday and when a Bancroft wing was opened in the 1950s she had performed the opening ceremony.

As with the boys, numbers declined during the 1930s because of the depression. Fees were raised to £4. 6s. 6d. for parents in the Chelmsford area, and £4. 11s. for parents elsewhere in the county. In 1935 the county said that one of each year’s three forms had to be ‘scholars’ with no automatic entry from the Preparatory School. The county had sanctioned £2,500 for essential building work when the Second War started.

We distribute 10,000 copies around Chelmsford, Writtle, Broomfield, Danbury, Boreham, South Woodham Ferrers, Maldon, Burnham-on-Crouch, Great Baddow, Southminster, Bicknacre, Stock, Ingatestone, Great Waltham and Little Waltham and more...

We have just had our first anniversary at City Sound, and coming up we have a daily advent calendar which will feature a different choir singing a carol every day, from schools, theatre groups and adult choirs. A live pantomime, Aladdin, on 22nd December, featuring local actors, station presenters and surprise local celebrities and joint broadcasting with Hospital Radio Chelmsford for the main two-week festive period with live presenters throughout.

We are also preparing for our first monthly simultaneous broadcast at Hot Box in January where we feature new musicians and bands on stage, and live on City Sound at the same time.

What sparked the idea for City Sound?

“City Sound is the brainchild of directors Paul Morrish and Tony Knight, who have been involved with local radio for many years. Their idea was to bring a radio station to Chelmsford that not only provided a more balanced and thought-out music format than most stations, but also better served local interests, particularly in the areas of the arts (theatre and live original music).”

Where is City Sound be based?

“The station is based at Moulsham Lodge.”

How is City Sound differ from other local radio stations?

“Apart from having enthusiastic and highly-motivated presenters, the station sets out to engage with the community by allowing creatives to help make its shows, ranging from local musicians playing sessions in our dedicated studio, theatre groups, through to presenters reaching out to listeners for content input.

“Also, the music policy is bespoke and includes releases from local artists alongside chart and archive selections, as well as curated presenter playlists.”

Can you give us a taster of who’s involved and what they’ll be bringing to City Sound?

“Ian Gilbert presents Ovation, a 3-hour weekly show about theatre musicals. playing songs from the shows, with guests from local theatre groups.

“Paul Dupree, who is also the other Station Director. presents a 3-hour weekly alternative music show, Transmission, which showcases local music alongside more well-known artists. Every week, he has guests in the studio, discussing their music and then playing live acoustically in the studio or full band in our dedicated Live Lounge. This digital recording facility and large performance space, is as far as I know, the only one of its kind, outside of a funded

radio station. The space is also used by creatives making their own podcasts.

“Other genres catered for with curated shows are film, heavy rock, ska and reggae, dance, soul, funk, all-vinyl and even a gardening programme. Topics of local interest are also covered in the daytime shows. Behind the scenes there are technicians, admin and those involved in community engagement.”

Does Chelmsford’s heritage as ‘the birthplace of radio’ have any bearing on what City Sound will be about?

“Not only is the phrase part of the station’s on-air programming, it drives our continual search for excellence in what we do and finding new avenues to pursue that make our station unique.”

How has the popularity of podcasts and talk radio shaped City Sound?

“There is still a need for live radio, the immediacy and comfort that it brings to many people, knowing that someone is there at that particular moment, but we have taken on the positives that podcasts can provide, bringing themed and targeted broadcasting to much of our weekly schedules.

What’s your quick sell on why people should tune into City Sound?

“People will find City Sound much more of a friend than most stations. We give out several communication options with the live presenters, allowing listeners input to the show, or just to say hello.”

Listen live at www.citysound.radio, or on the app downloadable from your app store. Or tell your smart speaker to ‘play City Sound radio’or you can find City Sound on radio.garden.

Namaste - By Steve Johansen, Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga

Each month I agonise over writing my monthly yoga article for this magazine. While I’m confident in my knowledge and understanding of yoga, I struggle to overcome the hurdle of my dyslexia, and equally hard is the dilemma I have with the content of the article - what should it be about; a pose? Or perhaps one of the 8 limbs of yoga? This month I finally decided on a Sanskrit word, Namaste.

Out of all the Sanskrit words I could have chosen, why, I asked myself, did I pick out this word? Partly because I had been thinking about when I first started doing yoga and how I focused on the physical practise of the Asanas. This was because it was easier than the overwhelming number of strange sounding words and the eastern philosophical concepts that the yoga teachers were using and as I

didn’t understand the meaning behind the words, I was reluctant to use them or to fully engage myself in the yoga philosophy. Over time, as I began to feel the benefits that yoga gave me, I realised I needed to deepen my knowledge and gain a greater understanding of yoga as a whole. This is why I undertook my yoga teacher training - which turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Namaste isn’t just a word or phrase, it is also a gesture that we often see as well as hear yoga practitioners say - sometimes at the beginning and more frequently at the end of the yoga class. Sanskrit like Latin is a ‘dead’ language that outside of yoga nobody useseven in India. Although the idea, gesture and meaning of Namaste is still widely understood, it isn’t spoken on a day-to-day basis. Consequently over time in India, it’s evolved into a silent gesture, referred to as a salute, and used in the same way that we might use the phrase ‘Good day’ as a greeting or a goodbye.

The full translation of (nuh-muh-steh) Namaste from Sanskrit to English is ‘My true self, sees your true self!’ The true self in yoga is the Atman, the little spark of life that resides in the heart of all sentient beings - in essence the thing that make you you! Your likes and dislikes and of course your personality, the idea of Namaste is often shortened to ‘I recognise you’ or ‘I see you’. While for us, the concept of Namaste is foreign, when we meet people, we tend to shake hands, this is why lots of yogis say Namaste at the same time as making the gesture. Just using the gesture means it’s possible to express Namaste across a noisy room.

Where to Start

The Namaste gesture can be made sitting or standing. Bring the hands together in prayer at the heart centre indicating the Atman, then inclining the head in a little bow towards the other person, showing deference to their true self. One can also include reference to someone’s knowledge or wisdom by bringing the hands to prayer at the third eye between the eyebrows. Then on your exhalation down to the heart centre as you lower your head in a little bow and say ‘Namaste’ while lowering your head. Alternatively, you can just say ‘Namaste’.

For all those of you who would like to know more, about Namaste or yoga in general and how to incorporate it within your practice, join me at my studio, using this free pass code, ‘HPYFREECLASS’. My gift to you.

Essex’s Europlaz Gives Birth to New ‘Neonatal’ Innovation That Can Save Babies Lives

A medical innovation, developed in Essex, is promising to help improve neonatal care and save the lives of more babies born prematurely or in distress.

Europlaz, which has more than 40 years’ experience in manufacturing products for the medical device, diagnostics and life sciences sector, has come up with an integrated ‘sidestream’ CO2 sampling port that is joined to the side of its existing neonatal flow sensor.

This patented addition enables clinicians to follow the correct protocols of using both lung protective volume control and CO2 monitoring, giving the baby the best chance of survival and limiting the possibility of longer-term conditions, such as cerebral palsy or lung disease.

It achieves this by combining the sensor for measuring flow volume with the optimally placed sampling port for safely extracting gas for tidal flow CO2 monitoring, reducing the ‘dead space’ found in existing products and ensuring more accurate readings.

Southminster-based Europlaz, which is currently embarking on a major recruitment drive, has been developing this innovation for years and believes now is the time for ventilator manufacturers to consider switching to this neonatal flow sensor to save lives, reduce costs to the NHS and avoid expensive litigation.

Katy O’Keeffe, Marketing and Strategy Director, commented: “In essence, our new flow sensor helps tiny babies on ventilators breathe safely. It combines two sensors into one smaller device, with one sensor measuring how much air is going in and out of the lung and the other measuring carbon dioxide being expelled, which shows how effective the lungs are working.

“Prior to this innovation, the two sensors had to sit next to each other, and it was like making a baby breathe through a very long snorkel, making it harder to ensure carbon dioxide was getting out of the pathway. Too much carbon dioxide can harm the brain.

“Our new sensor makes the ‘snorkel’ much shorter and checks that babies are getting rid of the right amount of carbon dioxide to keep them safe and healthy.

Momentum is definitely growing, with two global manufacturers adopting Europlaz’s new flow sensors and trials about to begin with Barts NHS Trust in London. This will provide the clinical evidence that many of the ventilator manufacturers have been asking for.

Frede Jensen, Product Development Manager at Europlaz, picked up the story: “We are dealing with the

tiniest of lives, so it is imperative that we give clinical teams the best possible technology to help them do their jobs.

“This is exactly what this innovation does, with the side sampling port delivering the stable and accurate readings of CO2 being exhaled that they need to better inform the care of the child, and the level of ventilation support required.”

He continued: “Europlaz has been manufacturing neonatal flow sensors for more than ten years and we have sold over 1 million to date - all without the sampling port. This must change, and we believe that when one hospital or manufacturer commits to it, the rest will follow.

“It just makes too much sense not to. Why not embrace a product that gives you greater clarity, greater control and a greater chance of saving a baby’s life?

“There is also a financial element to it as well, with 60% of the NHS’ Resolution’s £9bn liability budget spent in 2018-19 dealing with cases involving maternity care.”

Europlaz is investing heavily in ramping up production for its new neonatal flow sensor, with a brand-new robotic welder arriving shortly.

This is the central element to a modern production cell that uses vision controlled micro-robotic wire welding to deliver highly consistent sensor quality, performance and reliability.

Frede, who has extensive design, development and manufacturing experience in neonatal products, continued: “This latest piece of equipment is very impressive, with the robot capable of welding a 13-micron precious metal wire (which is a third of the thickness of a human hair) to a surface smaller than a pin head with 5-micron precision.

“Importantly, it gives us the repeatable quality that we know is required and the confidence that our sensors will deliver accurate readings time and time again. We can also increase capacity, with the genuine expectation that we can supply 500,000 sensors every year.”

The innovation being added to the neonatal sensor is just one of the advancements Europlaz is currently working on in this space. It is

also a few weeks away from starting exciting trials of its own range of neonatal ventilation monitors at four major UK hospitals.

For further information, please visit www.europlaz.co.uk/our-work/ neonatal-respiratory-flow-sensor, or follow the company on its social media channels.

Frede Jensen (Product Development Manager at Europlaz) with Rory O’Keeffe (Commercial Director at Europlaz)

Santa in Libraries

We’re excited to host a fabulously festive family event, Santa in Libraries, where you can meet Santa in person at your local library and unleash your creativity with festive Christmas crafts!

Santa will be visiting 28 libraries across Essex this December and there will be a complimentary gift for every child attending. This event is free, but booking is required - visit our website to book your place today: libraries.essex.gov.uk/events.

Cards for Good Causes

The Cards for Good Causes pop-up shop is here and will be open in the library Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm until Monday 23rd December!

In addition to cards, you can also buy a range of Christmas goods, so why not come along and not only purchase some Christmas essentials and

Trustees needed

Trustees play a crucial role in guiding charities, helping make plans and decisions and making sure they stay on track. It is a fantastic opportunity to make real difference to the organisation you volunteer for. You don’t need prior experience, just enthusiasm and dedication. Trustee meetings are usually just 4 times a year, so this is a great role for people with busy lives who still want to help.

Minibus and/or car drivers - Chelmsford Community Transport

Can you help isolated people to get out and about? Having access to affordable door-to-door transport helps with simple everyday tasks like shopping, visiting friends/social clubs and attending medical appointments (GP and hospital), tasks that most of us take for granted. Getting out of the house makes a huge difference to a person’s quality of life, increasing independence and giving someone a new lease of life.

We are looking for volunteers to drive our fully accessible minibuses, or their own cars.

Volunteer Telephone Befriender

Can you chat to a lonely person on the phone once a week?

also support over 25 national and local charities at the same time?!

Mince Pies and Tinsel Community Tea Time

Come along on Wednesday the 18th of December at 10:30am for a wonderfully festive Warm Welcomes Community Tea Time and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a mince pie or a slice of Christmas cake!

We’ll also be joined by Chelmsford City Council, United in Kind and other partners on the day.

Our Warm Welcomes Community Tea Times give you a chance to connect with the local community. They’re run entirely by friendly volunteers who will greet you with a smile and be there for a chat.

Bring a friend or come alone - there will always be somebody to talk to and listen in a warm, friendly space. This is a free event, no booking required.

Essex Home Help Service are looking for volunteers to support with our Telephone Befriending Service, which is designed to be supportive, reliable and enable friendships to be built through volunteer befrienders for people who may otherwise be socially isolated.

You will come into our friendly offices in Ford End, Chelmsford for 2 hours per week to make telephone befriending calls. Travel expenses reimbursed.

Helpers urgently needed for youth club at Chelmer Village Youth Club

Would you like to volunteer with young people aged 8-12 years? We need help with the canteen, interact with the young people and if you play a musical instrument such as a guitar, keyboard or use a drum machine, then we would love you to come and help us. There will be lots of opportunities to help with organising events, competitions, art projects, sports, music, outdoor activities in the summer and help in workshops too.

Our club runs on Wednesdays, 6.30pm-8.30pm.

Help a young person learn construction at Essex Youth Build We help out-of-school teens gain construction and employability skills for more than 12 years. We take referrals from across Essex. Volunteers are needed to provide 1-2-1 support on specific tasks and may accompany and supervise them on building site visits. Experience of the construction industry and relevant tasks (bricklaying, painting, tiling carpentry and plastering) would be ideal, but a good understanding of manual tasks and DIY types activities is essential.

Crafts - By Magali Ellis and Scrap-Circle

Colours I was getting my Christmas decorations together the other day and I started wondering which colours people use in their homes.

Are you the traditional red, green and gold? Or are you the blue, white and silver? I must confess, I used to have both sets of colours and would alternate them every other year. One year I could not decide which one to have and opted to have two Christmas trees: one in the lounge and one in the dining room, one in traditional colours and the other in the blue/silver combo.

Some of us have alternative colour schemes for this time of year. I have been known to have bright fuchsia pink baubles. I even have a small tree with turquoise and purple decorations that I took to a Christmas tree festival as a representation of my craft business!

When I moved house, I could only take one of the Christmas decorations sets and I chose the blue, white and silver as it matched my new interior décor. Over the last few years, I added green baubles to my Christmas tree to add an extra colour, which is also matching my feature wall.

Have you got a favourite decoration? Maybe something with a sentimental value, passed down the generations, or something bought as a thoughtful present?

One year, I went to a glass workshop and we made some decorations, among whom a stand up one that I can put on the windowsill or on top of my sideboard or in the middle of the table. It has moved locations along the Christmases and it is something I cherish as I had great fun making it!

Colours add important value to our lives. My sister and I use colours

The Art Place at Meadows Shopping Centre

More than a shop - community, caring, learning, hope and love...

The Art Place is pleased to announce the opening on the 15th of December of its collective exhibition project, Where is Home. This project delves into the intricate relationship between the concept of home, migration, and nostalgia. These themes are intricately intertwined with the quest for personal and national identity, offering a profound exploration of the emigration experience and a re-evaluation of our ties to our homeland.

The exhibition portrays home not merely as a physical location, but also as a symbolic anchor that enables us to reconnect with our origins and rekindle a lost bond with our native land. This process holds particular significance for emigrants who grapple with the loss of familiar customs: loved ones left behind, cultural traditions, and the familiar landscape. Nostalgia becomes a poignant element of their journey, blending memories of the past with a sense of displacement in a new environment. In such circumstances, home becomes a realm of memory and imagination - simultaneously comforting and painful.

The

in very different ways. She wears dark colours when her mood is upbeat and she wears bright colours when she needs to be lifted up.

I must say I haven’t had many clothes in dark colours until recently and only because they look a bit more professional, so I keep them mainly for work. Otherwise, I wear colourful clothes most of the time.

I like being surrounded by an array of colours. I use colour to classify and sort. That also translates into my craft. I very rarely, almost never, craft in black and white or neutral papers. I use them as part of a page, but they are not the main colours on it. I challenged myself once to only use black and white but even then, I had to add a splash of bright pink, or yellow! I just could not help myself as you can see on the pictures!

Wishing you a colourful Christmas and a bright New Year!

countries, each sharing personal narratives through visual art. Through architectural landscapes, childhood memories, family heirlooms and national symbols, these artists evoke a profound emotional response, illustrating how migration reshapes our perception of home. These stories resonate universally, underscoring the deep-rooted connection we maintain with our birthplace, even if it means relocating just a few miles away.

The artworks on display offer a glimpse into the internal dialogue of the artists, capturing the delicate balance between nostalgia and the search for a new sense of belonging. Through their work, the artists illustrate the enduring significance of roots, national identity, and connections to one’s homeland, even in the face of physical distance. The exhibition Where is Home prompts viewers to contemplate the concept of home in the context of global migration. It challenges us not only to empathise with those who have experienced displacement but also to consider how our memories and cultural heritage shape our understanding of belonging. This artistic journey encourages introspection on the idea that home, even when physically lost, remains a powerful force in shaping our identities.

We cordially invite you to experience the exhibition and delve into a world where the notion of home serves as a meeting point between the past, present, and future. The exhibition will be open for viewing until the end of February.

For more information about our work, projects, workshops and support offered, please visit: www.ideashubchelmsford.org and follow us on Facebook by searching ‘The Art Place Chelmsford’ (for The Art Place) and ‘Ideas Hub Chelmsford’ for the charity in general, and on Instagram by searching, ‘Art Place Chelmsford’.

Written by artist Elena from EKM Gallery

exhibition showcases works by artists hailing from diverse

Interior Design Tips for Your Home - By Tania Dadd

Out with the Old and in with the New? With the new year upon us it’s that time of year when we start to think about what we would like to change or improve at home.

When the decorations have been taken down it can feel a bit drab and things might need a refresh. Especially if any outstanding jobs have been staring us in the face over the holidays.

January sales are a great time to look at purchasing new furniture and any items for the house, but after Christmas money is usually tight for most of us.

Does It Have to Be the Case of Out with the Old and in with the New? You could change it up and buy nearly new. More and more people are using Facebook and eBay to look for as good as new, secondhand or recycled items.

You might have to put some effort into searching for what you are looking for, which can be time consuming, but the difference in cost will obviously be a great benefit.

I am an advocate for mixing it up with old and new items, also recycling is a much better option and less wasteful than buying new items every time. You can make huge savings on higher priced furniture.

My tips below are based on what I have found buying and selling on the popular sites.

You might want to consider…

• The location and distance of where the item is located.

• If it’s a large item have you checked the measurements?

• Are you going to be able to collect the item yourself or will you need to pay someone to collect it for you? The cost needs to be added to the item you are buying.

• Check the condition with the seller beforehand, ask for any extra photos if there are any scratches or wear or tear.

• Remember to look for the fire-resistant labels on sofas, chairs etc.

• Electrical items - you could ask for a video or demo of the item working, just to make sure that it’s in full working order.

• Make sure you are happy with the item before any money changes hands.

• If you are selling any items yourself, it can be tedious answering any questions and making arrangements with anyone thinking of coming to look or buy what you are selling.

• Be prepared for time wasters and no shows.

• Beware - there are scammers.

If you would like a free chat regarding interior design, give me a call. We are now located closer to the A12 for easier access to the whole of the Essex area.

Our services include interior design. colour consultation and styling.

Book your free home consultation by calling 07979 6633 39

info@saltmarshinteriors.co.uk www.saltmarshinteriors.co.uk

Tales from the Circle - By Sylvia Kent

Christmas seems to be moving along more quickly this year. We all realise there will probably be a scarcity of festive cards on the mantelpiece this year and those often amusing/annoying ‘round robins’ dropping through our letterboxes. This is due to the new exorbitant increased postal charges, but still many of us are planning to pass on yule-tide greetings to friends and families, possibly using numerous digital platforms that were unavailable last December. All the time, new ideas in our current wave of writing methods, are being introduced.

At Christmas and New Year, when traditionally, many families manage to catch up with each other, often people begin reminiscing about the past and age-old stories and photographs are likely to emerge. During friendly gatherings, as we grow older, many of us think back to childhood - hopefully digging up happy memories. This sometimes results in deciding to perhaps write one’s own life story or that of a family member and many fascinating memoirs and unusual book titles result, either destined for the family, or indeed more professionally displayed on the shelves of our local bookshops.

This is currently the situation surrounding our super local world champion javelin legend Fatima Whitbread, who recently appeared on television and local radio advertising her newest book (she has already produced several bestselling novels). Her latest title, My Bright Shining Star, sold out within a very short space of time. Her own story and message are vital to young children and society; a beautifully illustrated book which appeals to both adults and youngsters of all ages.

So why not think about your own earlier years, sorting out some good photos and writing your own memoir? Go hunting around the house for photographs and begin thinking of your earlier years, so that by new year, the idea of starting an autobiography emerges. Very often, new writers become stymied and run out of creative steam, looking around for like-minded folk to get them on the road to producing their first manuscript. There are numerous ‘how to write’ books available

from Amazon, together with helpful videos - but a little helpful tuition and a pinch of personal inspiration to guide them is available from oficionardos such as Brentwood Writers’ Circle that meets monthly at Bardswell Social Club, Weald Road, Brentwood on the first Saturday 2.30pm-4.30pm and welcomes new members. First visit is free.

Details on our website: www.brentwoodwriterscircle.com.

Quiz Time - By John Theedom

Which daily newspaper is printed on pink paper?

What are the two ends of a magnet called?

What meat is traditionally used when cooking a wellington?

What is kulfi - fruit, vegetable or ice cream?

Cullen Skink is a traditional soup from which country?

What was the name of the department store in the TV comedy, Are You Being Served?

A polygraph is another name for what?

Justin Timberlake was a member of which boy band?

The River Nile lies on which continent?

Which of the Channel Islands is the largest?

Stoke-on-Trent is in which English county?

According to the rhyme, what does seeing two magpies signify?

Jimmy Choo is famous for designing what type of clothing?

Sinology is the study of things from which country?

Anthony Benedetto is the real name of which legendary crooner?

Which US president resigned from office in 1974?

Who did David Cameron succeed as British prime minister?

What is the character Geraldine Grainger more commonly known as?

What was the name of the coffee shop in Friends? What sign of the zodiac is represented by a water carrier?

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of which Asian country?

What day precedes Good Friday?

How many deadly sins are there?

Who played King George V in The King’s Speech?

Canines, incisors and premolars are types of what?

Active, dormant and extinct are classifications of which geographical feature?

Who sang the theme tune to Goldfinger, Diamonds are Forever and Moonraker?

A yarmulke is worn by practitioners of which religion?

Claret wine comes from which region of France?

Which cartoon character‘s catchphrase was ‘what’s up Doc?’?

In which ocean would you find the Falkland Islands?

What Christian religion was founded by John Wesley around 1738-9?

The last edition of which Sunday newspaper was published on 10th July 2011?

Who built the first steam locomotive?

Zucchini is another name for which vegetable?

The Charge of the Light Brigade took place in which war?

Cryptography is the study of what?

Which poker-faced artist’s debut album was called The Fame?

Kevin Rowland was the lead singer with which group?

Which British singer won 6 awards at the 2012 GRAMMY Awards?

Stargazing With Mark Willis

The Christmas Star In The Bible I should point out that there is insufficient information in the Bible, but these are the best possible explanations.

Explanation 1: The Christmas Star Was a Nova or Supernova Explosion

This is Johannes Kepler’s idea. It has had many supporters since.

Explanation 2: The Christmas Star Was a Comet Chinese records can be invoked but give no good support, apart from the potential 5BC nova/comet.

Explanation 3: The Christmas Star Was a Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn

Possibly three conjunctions took place where the two planets were close to one another in the sky, but they weren’t close enough that they’d appear as one object.

Explanation 4: The Christmas Star Was a Stationary Point of Jupiter Jupiter moves from east to west across the starry background. Because we move too, this motion appears to slow and then stop as the planet reaches what is called a ‘stationary point’.

Explanation 5: The Christmas Star Was a Conjunction of Jupiter, Regulus and Venus

A set of conjunctions of the planets Jupiter and Venus, and the bright star Regulus.

I have very briefly summarised this information. More detailed information is available here: www.rmg.co.uk/stories/ topics/what-was-christmasstar.

Astronomy in 2025

Seeing Jupiter, Saturn or Mars through a telescope with your own eyes, gazing further afield to other galaxies... Yes! You can indeed see other galaxies through a telescope. Not quite the dinnerplate size you see in magazines, but you’ll be amazed at seeing these with your own eyes.

Just think, there could be alien life, similar to us, also in a park observing this Milky Way galaxy (our home).

On 11th January and 9th February there will be a new Moon. This means the skies will be extra dark, which is a great opportunity to see planets, galaxies and deep space objects.

As usual, email me with any questions.

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