The City Times - Nov/Dec 2020 - Jan 2021

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The City Times

Including: Boreham, Broomfield, Danbury, Great Baddow, Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers, The Walthams and Writtle 10000 copies distributed monthly Issue Number 85/86 - Nov/Dec 2020 - 14th January 2021

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City Times Intro Hello readers, Welcome to this latest edition, and we hope you are all safe and well. Due to the lockdown we have skipped an edition; so this is effectively a 2-in-1 edition covering the festive season and beyond.

A big thank you to all of you for your continued support in reading and to all of our advertisers and writers during this difficult year.

We hope that you have as good a festive season as is possible within the current restrictions, and that we can all look forward to a brighter and better year ahead!

Stay safe!

Regards Paul & Nick www.thecitytimes.co.uk | www.moulshamtimes.com Advertising Editorial Nick Garner Paul Mclean 07970 206682 01245 262082 / 07595 949701 ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

it’s your media Ltd Disclaimer: It’s Your Media Ltd publish The City Times. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of It’s Your Media Ltd. No part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of It’s Your Media Ltd. Registered offices: 15 Hayes Close, Chelmsford. Reg No 9154871. Printed by Warners (Midlands) PLC.

Panto Time

The script has been written by CBeebies presenter Chris Jarvis, and the talented cast is led by Will Haswell and Frances Dee as Prince Dickie and Princess Rose. The production has been designed to allow for the cast to maintain social distancing throughout - although real life couple, Prince Dickie and Princess Rose, won’t need to stay apart from each other. There will of course, be a dame and Civic panto regular Neil Bromley appears as Nanny Nutkins.

The theatre team has been busy putting measures in place to keep customers safe in the lead up to - and during - performances. Only 30% of the auditorium is being used this season, with a special seating plan to allow households of up to 6 people to sit together.

Surfaces have been sprayed with a 28-day anti-viral treatment and you’ll be able to order food and drink via an app to be delivered straight to your seats.

Those with tickets already booked have been given the first chance to secure their seats, with any remaining tickets placed on sale if and when they become available. Keep an eye on the theatres’ social media accounts for the latest news, and all information about safety and ticket sales will be published on the Chelmsford City Theatres website at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres. You can also sign up to the theatres’ mailing list while you’re there.

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Chelmsford City Theatres open their doors for the first time since March with a month long run of Sleeping Beauty. The Covid-secure panto is planned to take place at the theatre between 4th December and 3rd January as long as Government restrictions allow. Although audiences can expect a different sort of experience this year, all the much loved elements of their traditional Christmas panto will be included.

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City Times Food Time for the Sunshine Vitamin? - by Lisa Whittle I was in an estate agent’s recently and on the desk was a pot of shiny vitamin D3 capsules. I voiced my approval and the estate agent told me his client had brought them for him, saying he needed him to stay alive at least for the duration of his house sale! I was heartened to hear at least someone else in Chelmsford was taking vitamin D as seriously as me at this time… and by that, I mean both at this time of year when our levels of vitamin D naturally tend to run low, and most especially at this time of COVID-19 pandemic.

Vitamin D is necessary for the proper functioning of our immune system, which is your body’s first line of defence against infection and disease. This vitamin plays a critical role in promoting our immune response. It has both anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties and is crucial for the activation of immune system defences.

Vitamin D is known to enhance the function of immune cells including T cells and macrophages - that protect your body against bacteria and viruses. In fact, the vitamin is so important for immune function that low levels of vitamin D have been associated with increased susceptibility to infection, disease, and immunerelated disorders. In other words, a deficiency in this nutrient may compromise immune response and increase your risk of infection and disease.

For a number of years, I was mystified as to why my favourite eye liner would start making my eyes itch around early December. No one could explain this to me. When I discovered vitamin D supplements and started taking them, my eyes got better within days, even using the same make-up - the allergy cleared up. Allergies are connected to the immune system.

So why does vitamin D tend to get low at this time of year? Why is it in the winter months world-wide infection rates from all infections tend to rise, including COVID-19, to the point where this is predicted and planned for? Why do we (in the northern hemisphere) start coming down with coughs, colds and flu of all sorts around October each year and we generally ‘get better’ as a population around April and May? More Even the NHS is importantly, why isn’t this significant factor being recommending we talked about right now? all take vitamin D supplements in Sunshine is by far and away our most important the winter months source of vitamin D. The UVB rays from the sun - shouldn’t we stimulate the production of vitamin D3 when it be hearing more hits our skin as long as we are not wearing sun about this right cream above factor 8. Even 20 minutes a day now? of sunshine on our face, neck, hands and arms creates enough D3 to make a significant impact on our levels. As we head towards autumn each year and the power of the sun’s rays weaken, this affect reduces our blood levels of vitamin D take a dive. We also tend not to spend so much time outside in the colder, darker months of the year. As this vitamin is so important for our immune system, could this reduction in vitamin D in the population at large play a part in the increase in infection rates?

Conversely, would making sure we have enough vitamin D help us stay healthy at this time? Surely, it’s got to be worth a try…

So, how can we keep our levels up in mid-winter, heading towards the shortest day of the year, when going on holiday to the sun is no longer an option?

We can get a limited amount of vitamin D from certain foods. It comes in two forms: vitamin D3, the most effective form for our body as it’s what we make in our skin, and vitamin D2 found in plants.

The biggest food source by far is cod liver oil. It’s no coincidence that generations before us swore by taking regular doses of this in the winter months - it contains a lot of vitamin D3 as well as essential fatty acids needed for all round physical and mental health. Oily fish, such as fresh salmon and tuna, herring and sardines, also contain D3, so if you like fish, eat regularly. There’s a small amount in liver and red meat and a very small amount in milk, cheese and other diary-products.

Egg yolks are the other source of D3, although the levels are unfortunately quite low, especially in the winter when the birds laying the eggs have lower levels of vitamin D themselves from lower sun exposure. Indeed, anyone who has kept chickens will know they lay fewer eggs at this time of year. And battery hens that Here comes the sun - well almost, there’s just a smidgen of vitamin D3 don’t ever see daylight just can’t muster enough vitamin in egg yolks D for themselves, as you might imagine, let alone to put in their eggs.

D2, the plant created form of vitamin D, is found in mushrooms particularly chestnut mushrooms. Fascinatingly, the amount of this vitamin in mushrooms increases when they are exposed to ultraviolet light and it becomes D3. So, leave your mushrooms outside in the sunshine for a few hours to increase their vitamin D levels unfortunately, the UVB rays required do not go through most modern window glass, so neither we, nor mushrooms, get more D3 from sunshine that’s coming through a window, unless its open of course.

Some countries like the USA also fortify some foods like milk and orange juice with vitamin D, but this is not so common in the UK. It’s actually hard to get what you need in terms of vitamin D from your diet, especially if you are vegetarian or vegan. As a result, the British Nutrition Foundation, and even the NHS, recommends everyone takes vitamin D supplements during the winter months.

How Much Should You Take?

Depending on your blood levels, supplementing with 1,000-4,000 IU of vitamin D3 a day is typically sufficient for most people. However, those with low blood levels will often require much higher doses to increase their levels to an optimal range. You can ask your doctor for your levels to be tested which will involve having a blood test.

Low levels of vitamin D can be associated with low energy levels, low mood and depression, as well as low bone density and muscle pain.

It is possible to supplement with too much vitamin D in which you run the risk of absorbing too much calcium, which can lead to digestive disturbance and calcium being deposited in tissues. It is thought that having vitamin D in conjunction with vitamin K2, which helps the body use calcium appropriately, is a sensible option. Both are fat soluble vitamins and are available together in some products.

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Business Interview: Chelmsford Brew Co - by Derek Threadgall Blue Shack, Cool Bay, Port Jackson and Radio Wave are not names of horses entered in the Grand National, but the names of an exciting new range of real ale brewed locally in Great Baddow by Chelmsford Brew Co.

fascinating creations that inspire further curiosity.”

The brewery is owned and run by the Oelofse family, who in 2014 produced a series of pilot batches that quickly got out of hand... In 2016 a site was identified for a brewery in Brewery Fields, the site of the brewery in Great Baddow in the 1800s. In September 2017 the brewery opened for business and is still brewing there today.

Hans, in reaching out to people, offers a popular delivery service for a minumum buy of £20 (just in time for Christmas).

Hans Oelofse is Head Brewer: “The vision for the brewery has always been to create beers that are very well made with a unique signature.

We have managed to achieve this with our chemistry and well-honed methods.”

Hans certainly knows what he is talking about, having always worked on bars as well as buying and selling beer since he was 18.

“We would like to employ people. We are now settled in the community and brewing in the community. Our goal for the brewery is for people to enjoy the beers and have a good time with friends and family. It has never been our mission statement to say things like, ‘we are going to lead a revolution in craft beer’ - this has already happened and craft beer is not a new invention. Most of the popular new styles are in fact decades old if not older, but they were only enjoyed by a small minority of beer lovers. The increase in craft beer popularity has helped to shine a new light on the endless amount of

Now on offer from the local real ale brewer are Blueshack Bitter at 3.8%, Cool Bay at 3.9%, Port Jackson at 4% and Radio Wave at 4.2%.

The production team supporting Hans is Assistant Brewer, Thinus Oelfse, Jakob Oelfse, Director of Business Development, Sunet Oelfse, Customer Service and Office Manager - and Samantha Flaum, their American Brewer.

The brewery has a shop as well as a web store with delivery service.

The brewery also has a tap room to enjoy the beer on-site.

Hans would like to add: “As soon as circumstances allow, we will again welcome people back to the brewery to have drinks on-site, in addition to our popular brewery tours. Until that time, however, why not take advantage of our delivery service or visit the brewery shop!?” www.chelmsfordbrewco.co.uk 01245 476 267 2, Brewery Fields, Church Street, Great Baddow, Chelmsford CM2 7LE

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Nick’s Music and Ramblings Hello and how are you doing now?

You will have noticed that we have come out a little later this time as we thought it good to miss out the latest lockdown, so with that in mind, this is now our final edition for this year!

We are hoping and looking forward to a much better 2021, and with us also being out of Europe we are moving into new unventured territory, so let’s hope for the best for us all going forward.

Now what would I like to see this year..? First and foremost is that we beat this virus of course. Next is that we show the world that we can stand alone and succeed as a country, just as we have in the past over many hundreds of years. I would like us all to take the world, our planet and climate change seriously, as I feel we are the destroyers of our planet and not its saviour. Our planet will survive - but we may not if we carry on like we are.

If there is one thing this pandemic has shown us is how much worldwide pollution has reduced during the lockdowns. Just look up into the skies around us without all those vapour trails. We also need to tackle the plastic problem and to improve recycling. It is important; just one cigarette end makes a difference you know. I love our planet and want to see that my grandchildren and then their families have somewhere to breath good air and to love and enjoy freely without fear.

Now onto music. A quick story I think, as the current Moulsham Times has another tale from my youth that you can read at www. issuu.com/itsyourmedia). During the early days of punk there was what was known as ‘the Bromley Contingent’ some of whom went on to bigger things, like Billy Idol, Adam Ant, Siouxsie Sioux (Siouxsie and the Banshees) and Max Splodge (Splodgenessabounds of Two Pints of Lager fame). I was a bit older than them and we were all mates as we were all musicians and rebels back then.

Siouxsie once told us to meet her in The Swan and Mitre pub in Bromley around 6pm one Friday. That was the time back then when people like our parents would be in there for a drink before going to the Bernie Inn over the road for dinner. Many of us turned up as asked. The door opened and in walked Siouxsie with striking make up on and her hair all spiked up and outrageous clothing (for the time).

She had another friend on all fours wearing a collar and lead like a dog.

She went to the bar and said quite loudly: ‘I’ll have a pint and a bowl of water for my dog.’ Well, the reaction on all the customer faces...

Most of were surprised and shocked to say the least! The bar person laughed though and gave her a pint. Being Siouxsie she carried on and she asked for a pint of water which was given to her. She then got an ashtray (smoking was allowed then inside) and poured the water into it, put on the floor and pointed to it - our male friend on the lead started to lap it up. I will never forget the shocked and disapproving faces all around; it certainly had the desired effect that she was after! She really is a very nice person as were they all were and I was lucky to know them, despite being more of a hippy they all still accepted us, as we were all artists together.

are an important hub of the community.

We are hopeful that we will be able to get the live music going again soon at Chelmsford City Football Club once we find out the finer details, so do keep your eyes and ears open, as I have been beavering away planning for this for a long time. All updates will be via my links below. I am beginning to line up some acts now as we also want to put on more shows than before at the football club, which I will now be doing under my Black Frog banner from now on.

We do a lot with Black Frog, which is run by musicians for musicians and is for all things music. It also includes all our online pay-to-view music, so it seems sensible to have all under one roof, so as to speak.

Here are some of the larger shows already confirmed for next year. We have Wille and the Bandits, Albert Lee, Slim Chance, The Animals, The Strawbs, Kokomo with much more to come. We are hoping (all being well) that we will be able to put on about 4 shows a month including some festivals as well. Our plan is to do as many as possible - not only live, but also as pay-to-view online shows meaning that we and the acts can be reaching out to a worldwide audience.

I have now invested in a new sound mixer too, which I have to learn about - and try to remember how to use once I have! I also have a couple of new cameras for the streaming and photo taking, so it’s onwards and upwards - after I learn how to use these as well! See my links below to be kept up to speed as to where we are at for the entertainment.

It would be fantastic if you could share our magazines the City Times and Moulsham Times for us. We also continue to publish both magazines online at www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia. If you are interested in advertising with us please contact us at ads@ itsyourmedia.co.uk, or if you have a comment or an article please send to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we will reply to you as soon as we can.

For all my updates and information visit Black Frog Bands at www. blackfrogbands.co.uk or www.faccebook.com/blackfrogbands.

The Isolation Festival/blackfrogbands page can be found at www.bit. ly/3cDoCYW. We are also now on YouTube as well, please go to www.bit. ly/3dEG4wK. Lastly, my new band page for Yes It Is is www.facebook.com/yesitis.

Stay safe and well please, and have as good a festive time as you can. Let’s start to get ready for the big celebration when we can see the other side, as we know that is going the biggest party ever.

What is going on now then we wonder?

It is now Thursday 26th November as I am writing this article, and I have just heard that we are in Tier 2 which does not surprise me. It is a sad situation for pubs though, so let’s hope they survive as they Page 6

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A Charity Who Cares for the Environment, Recycling Bikes Instead of Sending Them to Landfill Lindsay Hurrell reveals the work of an Essex charity which is transforming lives across the world and saving the environment too.

Re-Cycle (Bikes to Africa) is a small charity based in North Essex, which has been in operation since 1998. The charity receives used bikes and spare parts from the UK and ships them to rural communities in Africa.

649 million people live in rural communities in Africa, and many of these people must walk long distances to reach crucial services and social support networks.

Across the UK, thousands of bikes are thrown away or lie unused in sheds and garages, whilst many people in Africa are forced to walk carrying heavy loads to get to market, school, work and to fetch water and crops.

A bicycle lightens this burden and cuts travel time to a fraction, which dramatically improves health and well-being, as well as improving work and education opportunities.

Enriching the lives of those less fortunate by giving them the independence of a bicycle really does change lives. Having access to a bike can increase a family’s income by up to 35%. Other forms of transport might be either non-existent, or prohibitively expensive.

Our bikes provide people with opportunities to gain new skills and sustainable income from investment in their own projects, such as bee keeping, farming and water boreholes.

Re-Cycle choose not to refurbish donated bikes in the UK, and instead, after being quality checked, they are shipped, and ReCycle works with the partners to facilitate projects such as bicycle

maintenance and repairs.

Bikes which may not be suitable to send to Africa, might be stripped down for spare parts or refurbished and sold to the community here in the UK. In 2019 the charity received 14,500 bikes at its warehouse. Since being in operation, Re-Cycle has now shipped over 116,000 bikes.

Imagine where those bikes might have ended up if Re-Cycle had not received them?

Case Study Meet Ndey. She is 13 years old and attends Kuntaya School in The Gambia. Since receiving her bike last year from WYCE Gambia as part of the Cycle to School programme, delivered in partnership with Re-Cycle, her 6km round trip to school now only takes 30 minutes to get to and from school instead of over an hour and a half. She loves her bike and arrives at school not tired and able to concentrate more in class.

Donating our bikes helps change lives, reduces the impact on landfill and makes for a cleaner environment.

This Christmas we are asking for your support so we can provide even more bicycles to students like Ndey in 2021. To donate a used bike or to donate a financial contribution to our cause, visit www.re-cycle.org or call 01206 617 865.

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City Times Gardening Hasn’t autumn been such a great season this year? The colours from a good number of trees and shrubs has been spectacular. Something always worth remembering for next year and when you’re planning ahead for any new plants. I’m certainly going to try and sneak in the following plants whilst my partner’s not looking...

• • •

Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii ‘Profusion’ for its clusters of violet, bead-like clusters of berries.

Euonymus alatus ‘Red Cascade’ with its fabulous red leaves and pinky/orange fruits.

Betula utilis var. jacquemontii ‘Snow Queen’ for its super chalkWhite peeling bark.

3.

Aside from some wishful thinking regarding new plants for next year, this is a great time to tidy up the garden in preparation for winter and the new year, like pruning shrubs and some climbers and thinning out congested herbaceous perennials.

I absolutely love all things about plant propagation. This week with a group of RHS Practical students, we had a great day lifting and dividing a range of herbaceous perennials, planting them back in beds and borders. We also had the opportunity to pot up the surplus for plant sales. This is such a simple gardening task that will enable you to reinvigorate a congested border and pot up any surplus - or give them away to friends and family.

4.

Check out these steps to success: 1. Use border forks and spades, hand forks and trowels and a good pair of secateurs, a sharp knife and a wheel barrow (or anything to hold plants and debris from the borders).

2. Use border forks or spades to lift up the perennial clump. All

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can be done at this time of year.

Or if you’re doing other jobs, this can be completed before bud burst in the spring.

I would avoid lifting ornamental grasses during the winter season as I’ve found they don’t respond well; try this process around April/May. Once clear, this is an opportunity to invigorate the soil.

Dig in to the area and mix through well rotted organic matter and roughly level with a border fork.

With the removed perennial clump on the side, push two border forks through the centre of it with the fork tines interlocked.

Then push both handles towards each other. As you do this, the clump splits in two.

Continue with this process to leave you with handwidth pieces. If you’re lifting chunky perennials such as Crambe spp., Acanthus spp., and Agapanthus cvs, it may be worth using a propagation knife or old bread knife to cut through clump.

Clean through new sections, trim back roots by half and remove any loose/damaged leaves and old stems, then position back on the border before planting. Space around 30-45cm (1-1½’).

You’re now ready for planting with your hand trowel. Ensure the plant is planted at its original depth and firm in place. Follow this with a light watering to ensure root contact with soil.

Before bud burst in the spring, feed the bed with a compound feed such as fish, blood and bone and mulch with well rotted garden compost.

Any surplus plants can be potted up into 1 or 2 litre pots using a suitable potting compost. I personally favour a good peat-free blended compost containing coir or composted back, loam and coarse sand plus a slow release compound feed.

Once potted, plants can be set outside near the house or in cold frames. Water in lightly, label and keep weed free. Alternatively, spare plants could be potted into a suitable display pot. Ensure throughout the winter that water doesn’t overly collect and cause root rot.

Lastly, check out this link for other jobs for the garden as we move through to December: www.rhs.org.uk/advice/in-month/december.

Happy gardening and keep safe!

For any gardening tips please contact Tom Cole, Horticultural Lecturer, Capel Manor College, Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex, EN1 4RQ by post (including a SAE) or by email at tom.cole@capel. ac.uk.

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CHRISTMAS DAY & BOXING DAY

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS

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Dine on the finest locally sourced produce crafted into stunning rustic fine dining menus by our talented Head Chef Dan Pitts.

The ultimate destination bar and restaurant in Chelmsford.

Discover all our menus and events at: www.channelsestate.co.uk

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(Entrance by the Park & Ride)

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Regal Case Study

Mrs Gates - Epping We were approached by one of our regular property developers about a project he was starting in Epping, Essex. It was for a retired client in a completely refurbished property who wanted a new kitchen plus utility area. The brief was passed to our senior designer to start work on. He then invited the client and the project manager into the showroom to spec the kitchen.

The client wanted a traditional kitchen but with modern gadgets and ergonomics. The client wanted an elegant, traditional look, but lots of hidden storage solutions to help her enjoy her kitchen well into her old age without losing any functionality.

The client settled on Grey Mist painted timber furniture from our Italian collection. This gave us a light canvas to work from, so we were able to really contrast the 30mm black granite with the pencil-edge against the 30mm white quartz with the single Ogie to accentuate the island. Georgian bars on the glass doors, traditional double butler sink, and the cornice and pillaston really give history to the room. Although it is a fantastic sized room (25sqm with an additional 6sqm in the utility), we wanted to make good use of the storage space, so we used internal drawers as well as large heavy-load pan drawer sets, with a timber cutlery draw above and two larders with internal drawers.

Perhaps though, the most impressive is the opening furniture at the side of the mantle over the range cooker - not only a feature but excellent additional storage capacity. The customer wanted to house the wet appliances in a bespoke deep and wide larder in the utility room, so they were away from visitors eyeline. A kettle tap, hidden recycling bins and a LED pop-up plug really proved that style and function can successfully be achieved.

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Industry Award for Local Cemetery

Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground is delighted to have won the 2020 Silver Prize in the Natural Burial Ground category of the Cemetery of the Year National Competition Awards for the second year running. Philip Potts of the CYA said: “The awards are an excellent opportunity to reward hard working staff and demonstrate the central role that natural burial grounds can play within the community. They provide places of peaceful contemplation and beauty, as well as their ecological importance.

“The team at Old Park Meadow performed exceptionally throughout the extensive judging period which is focused on industry standards, environmental issues and good practice.”

Delyse Jackaman, Natural Burial Ground Manager said: “This award is wonderful for our team; it acknowledges that we really go above and beyond to try and provide a reliable, friendly and quality service. My team and I are thrilled.” www.oldparkmeadow.co.uk

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City Times History

Chelmsford in the Second World War (Part Six) - by Stephen Norris This article covers the early part of the bombing on Chelmsford.

As far as Chelmsford was concerned, the war started in earnest with the shooting down of a bomber which fell in Springfield on the 19th of June 1940 just before the start of the Battle of Britain.

The bomber fell in Bishopscourt, the grounds of the Bishop of Chelmsford’s residence. Some quotes from the time: ‘The Heinkel bomber narrowly missed a house where there were girl evacuees, before smashing through a fence and some trees and bursting into flames...’ ‘Searchlights held the bomber continuously as he came in from the coast...’ ‘Fighter planes were up quickly and after a few bursts of machine gun fire the raider was in difficulties...’ ‘There was a momentary pause followed by a huge burst of flame, the sound of petrol tanks burning and small arms ammunition exploding in the fire...’ ‘People watching from their homes cheered loudly when the plane came down...’

The wounded surviving German gave himself up. The other three airmen were buried in an unmarked grave in Writtle Road cemetery.

For Chelmsford, this marked the end of the Phoney War period, and on the 10th of August the first bomb was dropped on the district.

Eight days later a plane crashed in the Chelmsford area as a result of the Battle of Britain. When a bomb fell behind the Saracen’s Head causing a little damage. Bombs were still a novelty and the manager raised £100 for charity by charging a shilling per head for people to see the crater.

On the 19th of August the town suffered its first casualties of the war when a Heinkel appeared without warning over the town and dropped 23 small high explosives and incendiaries, probably targeting the police headquarters. They fell wide of their target but demolished or damaged a number of nearby houses. In one, a police sergeant and his family were killed. The fire brigade and civil defence were quickly on the scene but it was felt there were too many sightseers.

Chelmsford’s gasworks were targeted the day afterwards, but again the bombs fell wide of the mark, one leaving a crater in Navigation Road. George Brown’s parents’ house, where they and he had lived most of their lives, was badly damaged, though the army managed to salvage some of their possessions. Three houses were destroyed in the raid and three others had to be demolished afterwards. 50 needed repairs. Yet most bombs were still falling harmlessly in rural areas - a number of bombs, which fell near Chignall Smealy, succeeded only in shaking up a shepherd! A British plane crashed in White Hart Lane, Springfield, with the pilot managing to bail out.

A few days later a Messerschmitt was shot down at Rettendon and the crew of two were taken prisoner. In September 1940 the number of raids in the area increased greatly, with over 100 incidents being reported to the control room at the Civic Centre.

On September 3rd a number of British planes were shot down and many high explosives and incendiary bombs were dropped on the outlying districts of Chelmsford. A number of unexploded bombs had to be defused by the bomb squad who were hard pressed. 150 incendiaries were dropped in the Roxwell area and the Rural District Fire Brigade were kept busy as were the animal ARP organisation.

One of the few bombs that fell inside the borough hit upper Mildmay Road, injuring a woman. At this stage Chelmsford was subject to only very light attacks, compared with London which was enduring the Blitz.

The perception of the war by Chelmsford townsfolk was changed markedly when the 7-time Mayor and part owner of the Essex Chronicle John Ockelford Thompson was killed on the 13th October 1940 along with four members of his family. He had been recently invited to be Mayor again and would have done so had he lived.

One direct hit from a lone German bomber on their house at Brierly Place, New London Road, was enough to kill the Mayor, his wife, his son (a lieutenant colonel in the army), two grandchildren asleep in the basement and a maid. The ARP teams worked non-stop for 15

hours. Thompson’s body was not removed until October the 15th. At the funeral in the Cathedral the coffin was decorated by his deputy lord lieutenant’s plumed hat. His son’s coffin was wrapped in a Union Jack. Bishop Wilson, a close friend of Thompson, was apparently too upset to give the address. After the funeral the procession moved slowly down the High Street and into New London Road watched by large crowds before arriving at the Writtle Road cemetery.

October 1940 saw a falling off in the number of local incidents.

Curiously, Roxwell received attention in three successive raids but it may have been mistaken for Willingale Aerodrome. On October 12th a Spitfire crashed at The Cherry Tree on the New London Road killing the pilot. Unfortunately large crowds again hampered the work of the rescue services. later, four people were killed when a bomb fell on Watchhouse Road, Galleywood.

In November a number of German aircraft received heavy machine gun fire from the town’s defences. One plane released a stick of bombs that fell across Springfield - the first fell on the police headquarters. On 11th of November, German planes targeted the Crompton works. Again the bombs missed, one exploding in Upper Bridge Road.

In December a landmine fell on Stock Parish Church causing a good deal of damage, although the steeple was left intact. The road to Ingatestone was closed for 18 hours after the attack. The German News agency inaccurately claimed that the Hoffmann Ball Bearing Factory had been hit and seriously damaged.

A few months later two soldiers home on leave were waiting at a bus stop in Danbury when a car pulled up and a well dressed woman put a packet containing £150 in their hands. It was her son’s birthday and he had been killed on active service.

In January 1941 enemy aircraft machine-gunned a slow moving train outside Chelmsford, killing two people. During April 1941 the Eastern Commissioner warned the general public that an invasion was still likely. In the same month a large bomb aimed at the Crompton Factory missed its target but shook the building.

On 17th of May 1941 there occurred the most destructive attack on the town so far, and 17 workers at Marconi’s New Street Factory were killed. In a daring attack, two bombs were direct hits and one fell on the centre of the machine shop. The next day a 500lb UXB was found still ticking. It had to be exploded, even though this inevitably caused more damage. Production was badly hit falling by over a third, because over 60% of the machines were damaged and most of the factory’s roof had been destroyed. The workers complained that there had been no anti-aircraft fire because the machine gun on the top of the factory was only manned during the day. Around the factory 250 houses were damaged with 2 destroyed. A few days later the Cathedral was filled for a service for the Marconi victims and 5 months later a memorial to those workers was unveiled.

The last article in this series will deal with the bombing of Chelmsford during the later part of the war and the effect of the Cold War on the town.

If you have an interesting article you wish to share, please email paul@itsyourmedia.co.uk

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Community Support Helpline for Chelmsford Residents A helpline for the most vulnerable residents in Chelmsford is stepping up its activity as a result of tougher national restrictions and approaching winter. Chelmsford CVS, the leading community support organisation in the city and district, is boosting its helpline dedicated to the community.

It is there for those who have no one else to call on, so they know that help is at hand should they need to isolate, shield or if they face immediate financial difficulties.

The helpline number is 01245 280 731, and the new email address is community@chelmsfordcvs.org.uk.

This means that the most isolated and vulnerable people in the city, who are not able to call on friends, neighbours or family, continue to have a community service to turn to throughout winter.

The CVS will coordinate practical support, such as collecting prescriptions, an emergency food parcel, food shopping assistance, safe and well checks, telephone befriending, and finding longer term help should people need it.

In the spring, the CVS set up, along with Chelmsford City Council, the Coronavirus Community Response Hub and Helpline. The CVS coordinated a huge community effort, by recruiting a team of 176 DBS-checked volunteers and connecting people needing help with over 40 newly formed neighbourhood support groups and charity services.

In the 12 weeks of the first national lockdown, the Community Response Hub & Helpline responded to more than 4,000 calls for support, collected over 600 prescriptions and carried out over 500 welfare calls and visits.

Councillor Marie Goldman, Deputy Leader of Chelmsford City Council and Cabinet Member for Connected Chelmsford said: “The Community Response Hub was a lifeline for many people earlier this year and as we enter into the colder months, we want people to know that help is still available. The City Council’s partnership work with CVS aims to reassure people that they are not alone, and the Chelmsford community has plenty of people willing to offer a helping hand.”

Lorraine Jarvis, Chief Officer of the CVS, said: “The coronavirus pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on people’s lives and winter is uncertain. We want to offer reassurance to people who do not have anyone else to call on, that we are here.

“We work with lots of services, organisations and charities everyday, so we have the links, local knowledge and team of volunteers to be able to mobilise a response if you find that you have been told to shield this time, isolate or cannot pay for essentials.

For people who are alone, just knowing they have someone who will call them to see if they are okay or pick up their shopping, can make a big difference.

“Chelmsford has always had a strong community spirit and we see this in action everyday by the number of people who have given up their time to enable hundreds of local people to stay safe and well. I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of those who have, and continue to, support our communities.”

Helpline Details 01245 280 731 community@chelmsfordcvs.org.uk 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday www.chelmsfordcvs.org.uk/coronavirus Outside of helpline hours, support is still available. Calls will be diverted to the Essex Wellbeing Service, which will coordinate a response.

Think You Could Help?

If you think you could spare a just a little time - whether half an hour to pick up prescriptions in your lunch break or more regular help then email volunteer@chelmsfordcvs.org.uk or sign up by visiting chelmsfordcvs.co-impact.co.uk/registration.

Canon Tom’s E-Pistle

Hello everyone. The month of November sees the Church keeping the season of remembrance. It’s a very important time of year for Christians and indeed, society as a whole keeps remembrance at this time too.

We had All Saints Day and All Souls Day on the 1st and 2nd of November, and many of our children love to enjoy the fun and games of Halloween (the eve of All Saints). And whilst it’s right and proper to remember the saints of God, those who have done remarkable things for the world and for God, it’s also important to remember the unsung saints of our world too.

All Souls is about keeping in memory the people who have been special to us, who have been our inspirational ones, those who have taught us how to live good lives or have loved and supported us through the good and the bad times. There are often services in church where they are remembered by name or where candles are lit in their memory, as a sign that they are never forgotten and live on in www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

our hearts and minds.

November also sees Remembrance Day, when we call to mind those of all nations who sacrificed so much in the cause of freedom and think of those who still seek to defend freedom in our own time.

Although remembering those we have loved and lost can be hard, we know that it is only hard because we loved them, and we miss the love they shared with us. Memories may be painful, but they are important signs of how deeply we have loved and have been loved and ultimately, that must be a good thing.

This has been a very difficult year and we have often been forced to stay away from the ones we love most. All the more reason perhaps, to make sure that we remember to let those who are special to us know that they are special, that they are loved and valued. Don’t leave it till it’s too late, let your loved ones know how you feel now.

Tom

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City Times Finance COVID-19 and Your Money: Advice or Not?

Although COVID-19 continues to hold its grip over us, it’s not all doom and gloom. A vaccine is being trialled and all being well we may possibly be able to finally overcome this pandemic. But can we inoculate ourselves against our common nemesis procrastination about our finances? Let’s find out…

Despite the turmoil we may be finding ourselves in, life doesn’t just stop, it very much goes on - and for a lot of us, we need to take a hard look at our money situation. But what of taking advice? I get asked this question a lot - why should I take advice? Can I not read about my options and decide based on that? After all, surely I know what is best for me? Maybe my friends can point me in the right direction?

These questions are completely natural and I encourage you to ask them! The answers are a maze of different options; so it’s confusing, maybe a little frightening and most probably unknown. maybe similar to the feelings conjured by this pandemic. But unlike Covid, your retirement, investment or mortgage options are not a set of unknowns.

With the right help, guidance and support, you too can beat feelings of uncertainty around your retirement. And contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be rich to seek advice, all you need is a desire to make the most of your financial options, given your circumstances.

Make no mistake, financial planning is complex. It’s risk-based and it’s all about you. Would you use the Internet to self-diagnose your symptoms instead of going to your GP? No? So why would you attempt something like this with your finances? You and your family’s future is worth more than googling your money options.

Wherever you find yourself on the financial planning journey,

know that the value of proper professional advice can actually be measured. Measured in pounds and pence, in savings and in returns, in peace of mind.

Ultimately whether you decide to go with your own choice or be smart with your money and seek financial advice, the value you get from the latter will not be a compromise. The prospect of deep insights, experience and knowledge is no comparison to googling your possible options. An independent financial adviser will be able to look at your situation from all angles. From your personal circumstances, family arrangements, employment history to how you feel about risk, from life expectancy to tax efficiency – the approach will be multi-pronged and unique to you. Independent financial advice does make sense and it does pay off to seek the right adviser who will understand you and your goals.

Silvia Johnson BSc(Hons) DipPFS EFA CertCII (MP) is a Director and Independent Financial Adviser at Royale Thames Wealth Ltd. www.royalthameswealth.co.uk silvia@royalthameswealth.co.uk 020 8720 7249 / 07908 109 741 Royale Thames Wealth Ltd is an Appointed Representative of New Leaf Distribution Ltd which is authorised and regulated by Financial Conduct Authority number 460421.

The value of your investment may go up as well as down and the value is not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.

Wills and Estate Planning are not regulated by the FCA.

CT Wildlife by Nick Green

Early November weather proved to be rather wet and there was even minor flooding in Admirals Park! The coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic continued to strike on an international and national basis. The UK death toll surpassed 55,000 with over 145,000 cases.

but numbers vary. Spring passage is usually prolonged from midFebruary to April with birds returning to Scandinavia. The species favours rowan berries and fallen fruit like apples. Fieldfares have a distinctive call which is often the way the birds are first picked up with a low, throaty ‘chak chak chak’.

Autumn migration is now almost finished, but swallows are still being recorded in small numbers on the coast.

Selected October/November Highlights There was a first record for Britain of an American ruby-crowned kinglet on Barra in the Outer Hebrides, Isles of Scilly. American species included indigo bunting (3rd British record), 2 red-eyed vireos, lesser yellowlegs. Also, crag martin in Kent (12th British record), Hudsonian godwit in Fife, Scotland (4th British record), rufous bush chat (8th British record) in Norfolk. Moths recorded: Silver Y. The escaped juvenile lammergeier from the Alps remained in the Midlands, but drifted eventually to the south coast and at Beachy Head, Sussex on 15th October, it was seen to head out to sea.

Fieldfare (copyright: Glyn Evans) The fieldfare is a common passage migrant and winter visitor. The plumage is very distinctive with a grey head, brown back, grey rump/ black tail, black around the eye and a yellow bill. The main body of migrants usually arrives between mid-October to late November

Essex Highlights The Naze: dusky warbler, 2 Pallas’s warblers. An influx of cattle egrets was apparent with records from Old Hall Marshes RSPB, Abberton Reservoir, Lea Valley.

Keep safe. Keep alert.

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Charity of the Month 1 - The Friends at Broomfield Hospital The Friends at Broomfield Hospital have been supporting the hospital for over 70 years. Originally known as the League of Friends, the charity started life when Broomfield was a sanatorium for the treatment of tuberculosis patients. These patients could stay for anything between 6 months to about 4 years. Towards the end of the Second World War, about 50 per cent of the patients were exservicemen, who came from all over the country.

anniversary, we were able to donate £100,000 for the first time.

We respond to funding requests that come directly from the Trust.

These requests vary from medical equipment, to applying for grants to enhance the environment both inside and outside the hospital, grants to support the staff and of course grants to help the patients, so they have a positive experience whilst in hospital, including donating toiletry bags, grants for clothing, and grants for the enhancing of day rooms, gardens and artworks.

Our only purpose then and now, is to support Broomfield Hospital this is what the Friends at Broomfield does. We provide refreshments at events, and fund extras for the hospital that cannot be funded by normal exchequer funding. We take an active part in the life of the hospital by providing extras at Christmas - and most important of all we show a friendly, non-clinical face to patients in what can be a most challenging and stressful environment.

Over the last ten years we have purchased larger and more complex pieces of equipment, and are often the key to services being able to progress quickly into new areas. We gave almost £40k to the Stroke Service to purchase a machine to monitor swallowing in patients who have had a stroke. We have also just donated £45k towards the new surgical robot at Broomfield - a remarkable development for our hospital.

In 1948 the National Health Service was born, and a year later in 1949 a small group of philanthropic people got together to provide small comforts to these patients who were often a very long way from home and family. They did whatever they could to make the patients’ lives a little more comfortable, giving soap, shampoos and other small gifts.

This small group grew and in 1957 they were first registered as the League of Friends charity whose only aim was to support Broomfield Hospital. That charitable aim is still the same today. The membership grew, as more people volunteered to help.

The charity then decided to open a shop which operated out of a small shed. They sold sweets and drinks etc to the visitors and staff with the shop being manned entirely by volunteers, with all profits going to purchasing small comforts for the patients.

Over the years the profit from this trading grew to such an extent that small items of much needed equipment began to be purchased by the Friends, like bedside tables and curtains. A trolley service was set up to visit patients, then later a library service. A larger shop was opened in the ward block with a second one opening in the atrium many years later. Larger and larger pieces of equipment were purchased as the years went on, and trading in the busy shops increased, supported by patients, staff and visitors.

There must have been some challenges over the years, but none have compared to this year’s unprecendented disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first lockdown, the Friends’ shops had to close and the trollies could no longer go round the wards due to the Government restrictions. Although we could not operate in our usual way, the Friends still supported the hospital by supplying sandwiches to the Covid Ward’s staff free of charge and donating the contents of the shops to the staff, as well as allowing the shops to be used as much needed storage space for the huge amount of donated items given by the public.

During the second lockdown the shops have remained open, are Covid-secure, and provide a vital service providing refreshments to the staff. Our remarkable volunteers are manning the shops as before and generating those much needed profits for the hospital.

All our staff are volunteers and continue to be so, which enables all profits generated to be used for the hospital. The Friends give on average £50k to £60k in grants every year, but last year our 70th

All of this is only possible because of our volunteers, who give their time freely and willingly to support our work, and we can only continue our work because of them.

We always need more volunteers, so if you would like to be involved and would like help, please visit us at fabh.org, or telephone us on 01245 443 285.

Chelmsford Library

Chelmsford Library is open and back to its usual opening hours, so do come along and visit us - we would love to see you! We are adhering to Government guidelines regarding social-distancing, face coverings and hygiene, so be assured you will be able to have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Customers both young and old can return, borrow and renew items via self-service machines, and can use our computers and print documents and photocopy - and a limited number can spend time sitting at one of our study tables. As and when the situation improves regarding Covid, more of our services and events will return.

Customers can continue to access our digital services via our website including Borrowbox for eBooks and eAudio books. There is also a fantastic selection of free courses on offer on topics ranging from crafts and hobbies to computers and languages - 80 different languages are available! Follow this link to find out what is available and to keep up to date with future changes: libraries.essex.gov.uk.

Cards for Good Causes are currently selling cards, gift wrap and other essential items to prepare for Christmas to raise funds for various charities - they are open from 10am-3.30pm, so pop in to Chelmsford Library to make your selection for such a good cause.

Their final day of trading will be 18th December.

If you have more time on your hands, why not take a look at our craft books and take up a new hobby or prepare for Christmas with one of our seasonal cookery books? You can browse the Essex Libraries’ Catalogue to see what we have on offer at: librarycatalogue.essex. gov.uk/iguana/www.main.cls?surl=essexlibraries.

www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

Page 17

A Sense of Home ‘Help Shape the Future of Local Democracy in Chelmsford’ runs the headline from Chelmsford City Council who are calling on the 38% of Chelmsford without a parish council or neighbourhood group to consider forming a formal representation for themselves.

Here’s one account of how, along with some legal advice, local councillors with green policies in mind, and an impassioned community and a small residents’ association helped to save the lifeblood of their estate.

Local Plan for Chelmsford Seven years ago, the Sunflower Field, which sits just outside Writtle and runs adjacent to Roxwell Road, was first put forward as an area to be included in the Local Development Plan for Chelmsford.

Sometime later, the decision to build a housing estate on that location was bound by law and could not be reversed. The Chignal Estate was no longer to sit at the rural edge of the city; a hard blow for residents who currently enjoy the serenity of open fields.

Lifeblood of Chignal Estate Between the Avon Road and the Sunflower Field lies an open grassed area. Here you will find ancient oak trees, protected wildlife species, allotments, play equipment, a football pitch, wooded areas, footpaths and a stream known as One Bridge Brook. It is fair to say that many residents are strongly attached to this green space.

resident and close advisor to CERA, Daniel Condren, finally had the detailed information he needed to help us demonstrate that the road was unsuitable and unsafe.The project was returned for review by the Policy Board.

Chaos An alternative transport solution was drawn up in the form of cycle and pedestrian routes linking the estates. When the Policy Board met for the second time there were two options on the table: 1A (Masterplan including the bus gate) or 1B (Masterplan with cycle routes and sustainable transport package). Roughly speaking, arguments in favour of the bus gate ran that its absence would result in traffic ‘chaos’ elsewhere. The opposing view failed to accept that four buses an hour through the green space would make the difference between chaotic and free-flowing traffic. Cllr Rose Moore spoke for many when she summed up somewhat poetically with, “severance of that green space would have an enormous impact on the sense of home for residents.” How could such an impact be justified for the sake of minimal, if any, traffic relief?

After almost 2.5 hours of nail-biting debate, councillors voted to adopt the cycle routes and sustainable transport option. Chignal Estate residents breathed a cautious sigh of relief! The proposal has one more hurdle to overcome at the Cabinet meeting in midNovember. The outcome of that event, however, is less in the balance.

What’s Next?

With this issue (almost) behind us, CERA is looking forward to less weighty challenges starting with a litter pick this weekend.

Naomi Poole (CERA committee)

The Bike Stall at Chelmsford Market Chelmsford Indoor Market is home to our longstanding bike stall ran successfully by the Copping family for approximately 18 years. In this crazy year of 2020 there are some positives, and one for this stall is the expansion of their business as the demand for bike servicing and repairs increases.

A Bridge Too Far In 2015, the initial masterplan for the new estate (Warren Farm) was up for public consultation. On careful inspection, a small red line could be seen running from Warren Farm, through the green space and into the Chignal Estate. This red line was in fact denoting a road intended for buses, taxis and emergency vehicles; a route commonly known as a bus gate. The polite version of resident’s response to the proposal was they were ‘not very happy’! It was obvious the community was urgently in need some sort of formal representation to ensure objections were heard. Whilst the need for the housing development was generally accepted, the bus gate remained up for debate. This was the catalyst for the reforming of CERA (Chignal Estate Residents’ Association).

You Can Get a Bus Through There, Mate Despite the popular view being that loss of the green space was unacceptable and that the existing gap between the houses was too narrow to accommodate a road, CERA found that simply explaining, petitioning and protesting in general terms did little to convince planning officers to reconsider. A couple of year later, (a week after the Local Development Plan for Chelmsford was adopted), the engineering design and specific dimensions of the bus gate were released. It became clear that the road might be better described as a bus flyover: an elevated structure with steep ramps and turning bays leading into allotments. It required tree loss and a four-way traffic light system. In short; a it was shaping up to be a major blight on the landscape with many safety aspects left unresolved. Chignal

Early spring for some people meant exploring new ways to get fit and healthy within their household bubbles. So what better way to get exercise and fresh air at the same time than by exploring your local area and all it has to offer?

Manufacturers noticed a huge increase in the sale of bikes and accessories this year to the point where keeping up with demand has proved somewhat of a challenge. The bike stall sells a variety of accessories such as pumps, spares, seats, baskets and more.

Are your brakes in need of a check? Just like a car, a bike needs to be serviced to keep it maintenance free and in tip-top condition - the Copping family have got that covered. They offer servicing for a set fee of £25 and any repairs or parts needed are extras on top. You can drop your bike off in the morning and unless they’re exceptionally busy, most bikes are ready to be picked up at the end of the day. If you already have a bike and wish to upgrade or no longer have the need for one, they also offer a buy-and-sell second-hand bike service too.

You’ll find their newly expanded stall in the library end of the market on Tuesday through to Saturday. They operate 8.30am-4pm TuesdayFriday and until 5pm on Saturday.

If you have any questions, please call Glen Copping on 07933 219 376.

Chelmsford Markets - A great place to meet, shop and eat.

Page 18 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Xmas at Intense Records 3 for 2 on Vinyl This Xmas Intense Records are offering 3 for the price of 2 on all vinyl, just cut out the coupon on the advert in this magazine and bring it in! Offer ends Xmas Eve. We have thousands of new & second hand vinyl across all genres to choose from.

All I want for Xmas is a Turntable!!!

Turntable sales are still on the up so for Christmas we are stocking a range of turntables and speaker packages from leading brands such as Rega, Pro-Ject, Audio Technica and more.

Packages start from just £189 and include a free selection of vinyl to get your collection started. If you already have your turntable then Intense can provide all the essential accessories to boost up your system from Vinyl Cleaning products to slipmats.

Used Vinyl! Buy & Sell!

Over the last few years Intense have been searching high & low for used vinyl collections and now boast a vast 2nd hand section with some classic albums from the 60s, 70s, 80s up til present day from favourites like the Beatles, Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd & many more. “We have thousands now across all styles from Rock to Funk, Soul, Metal & more, it’s a vinyl diggers treasure chest, you will need to pop in to see them! We are always on the hunt for more so give us a bell and we can pop round to price them or just bring them in.”

If you haven’t been yet, make sure you check them out here.

Intense Records, 33/34 Viaduct Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1TS 01245 347372 www.intenserecords.com

ADVANCED METAL FINISHERS LTD

Manufacturer of Gates/Railings/Fencing/ Staircases/Handrails ect.

We manufacture/sandblast & offer a full powder coating service.

We can respray any garden furniture/ alloy wheels/car parts/bike parts.

Contact no: 01277356306

Address: Unit 11c Dunsteads Farm, Trueloves lane, Ingatestone, CM40NJ Email : advancedmetalfinishersltd@gmail.com www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

Page 19

City Times Well-Being

Therapy - by Chelmsford Therapy Rooms Hi everyone! In these very unique and sometimes difficult times it can be challenging to remember how strong we really are. Today I’m giving you an exercise that many therapists use in session to give you an idea of how a therapist might encourage you to remember your emotional strengths.

Each therapist is different, so rather than giving you my own version of this exercise, I’m providing you with a version that is easily accessible from a company called Between Sessions Resources. If you enjoy this exercise and find it helpful, you can go to their website and sign up to receive their emails and further coping techniques and exercises absolutely free of charge! Here’s the exercise on Thinking About Your Emotional Strengths: Many times we dwell on the problems that we are having and we forget to examine the emotional strengths we already have to overcome these problems. Below you will find a list of statements that reflect important emotional strengths. Rate each statement from 1 to 7, where 1 = strongly disagree, and 7 = strongly agree. Then answer the questions at the end of this worksheet: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

I am able to love other people.

My self-esteem is usually high.

I am a flexible person.

I am a creative person.

I am a curious person.

I don’t let other people’s opinions of me keep me from doing what I think is right.

I am assertive when it comes to looking after my own interests and the interests of those I care about.

I set realistic goals for myself.

I have good common sense.

I am able to control my impulses.

I take care of my body and my health.

I am a flexible person.

I usually trust other people.

I would not describe myself as a victim.

I don’t have a problem dealing with things that are unknown or uncertain.

I am easy going most of the time.

I keep calm even when I am stressed.

I am patient.

I am a positive thinker.

I take responsibility for my decisions and actions.

I am well liked.

I enjoy the company of others and also enjoy being alone.

I am good at predicting other people’s behaviour.

I am self-aware and like to learn about myself.

If something is bothering me, I can usually figure out what it is and do something about it.

My sense of humour often helps me deal with stress.

If I can’t control a certain situation I can usually ‘turn my thoughts off’ and stop worrying about it.

I have several close people I can confide in.

When I need help, I have several people I can turn to.

I have a strong support network.

I don’t have a problem getting angry when it is warranted.

I have techniques I use to calm myself down when I am upset.

I accept my feelings, even when they sometimes trouble me.

I am able to talk openly and honestly when something is bothering me.

When I make a mistake, I try to figure out what I did wrong and learn from it.

List other emotional strengths that come to mind:

Review the list of emotional strengths. Describe an incident that demonstrates how you used this strength to address a problem in your life.

What would your mother say is your greatest strength?

What would your father say is your greatest strength?

What would your best friend say is your greatest strength?

What is an emotional strength that helps you in your relationships?

Describe the best parts of your personality in five words: I hope you found this exercise helpful!

Chelmsford Therapy Rooms has a range of therapists that help clients both online via Zoom or Skype, and some of the therapists are now working face-to-face once more. Chelmsford Therapy Rooms offers many therapies from hypnotherapy to counselling to nutrition.

Please see the website at www.chelmsfordtherapyrooms.co.uk to see a full list of therapists, or email info@chelmsfordtherapyrooms.co.uk, or call 0330 100 5162. If you have a specific therapist in mind that you would like to get in touch with, please let us know!

To view both our magazines online visit www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

Car Parking Space Available to Rent

Page 20

In Old Moulsham, 10 minute walk to railway station.

Available 24/7 | £60 pcm Call Paul on 01245 262082

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City Times Fitness

Find Calm in the Chaos - by Mandy Haynes Well, it’s that time of year again! No doubt things will be a little different this Christmas, but even with the enforced changes of how we might be able to spend this festive season there will still be endless to-do lists and things to organise. Within that, we need to find time to look after ourselves and switch off from the world around us, to relax and find calm in the chaos.

Back in May I started writing a Home Practice Series which put together a series of poses and flows to create a full yoga flow to use at home. This month we are focusing on Savasana and the importance of deep relaxation. It might be useful to record yourself (or ask someone else to read/record it) reading the guided relaxation below for you to use when you’re in Savasana or need to relax.

Roll out your mat in a room where you’re unlikely to be disturbed, put some warm cosy clothes on (PJs are perfect), light some candles or switch on your fairy lights and gather some props - you might need a yoga bolster or 2-3 pillows, at least one blanket and an eye pillow.

If you have a copy of May’s article it would be a great idea to practice several rounds of the movement meditation (Cat/Cow, Tiger Stretch, Thread the Needle and Sweeping Cat/Cow) - this will gently ease out the body releasing any niggles or tensions and allow the body to relax a little more easily when you move into Savasana.

When you’re ready, come down onto your back and prop where needs to be propped - my suggestions here are: a bolster or folded pillow under the knees to release the lower back, a cushion (not too plump!) or folded blanket under the head and neck, a large super cosy blanket over your whole body and an eye pillow across the eyes, or simply close the eyes. You could also have a folded blanket under the feet and ankles or under your back. Do whatever you need to do to be as comfortable as possible. Make sure that the feet are wider than the hips, that the arms aren’t glued to the sides of your body and that the shoulders are drawn down away from the ears. Have the backs of your hands resting on the floor and allow the fingers to gently curl in.

moving up into your thighs and releasing these large strong muscles.

Allow the relaxation to move into the pelvis, relaxing the buttocks, hips and the pelvic floor. Allow the wave of relaxation to move into your back, feel it roll up the spine lengthening and at the same time widening, feel the shoulder blades spreading across the mat and relaxing the whole of your back. Feel the wave of relaxation move up and along the tops of the shoulders, softening them down away from the ears. Feel the relaxation roll down your arms relaxing the tops of your arms, your elbows, your forearms. Feel it move into the wrists, palms of your hands, backs of your hands, your fingers and fingertips.

Now feel that wave of relaxation roll over the front of the body, softening the chest, the rib cage and your belly. Allow the relaxation to move into the neck and throat and then move up across the back of your head and then the crown of the head. Feel the wave of relaxation now roll down your face, smoothing out your forehead, widening the space between your eyebrows and relaxing the eyebrows. Allow the eyelids to relax and the eyeballs to drop back into the head. Feel the relaxation softening the bridge of your nose, your cheekbones and the hinges of the jaw. Feel the lower jaw move away from the upper jaw as it relaxes and allow the tongue and the lips to relax. Feel this wave of relaxation coursing through your whole body now, allowing the body to release, to relax down on your mat. Allow your body to rest in this state of relaxation and your mind to rest in the stillness.

Namaste x I am sending this guided relaxation to you all with warm Christmas wishes.

If you would like to join me on the mat, you can find me at Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga.

Guided Relaxation Let’s take 3 breaths here - inhale deeply through the nose, and exhale the breath out of your mouth in a nice big sigh... Inhale again all the way down to the belly, sigh the breath out releasing tension...

Last one; inhaling fully and deeply, exhaling as you allow the body to settle and release down into the mat. Allow your breath to find it’s natural rhythm. Move your awareness to your feet and imagine or sense a wave of relaxation moving into the soles of your feet. Allow it to relax the soles of your feet, the instep and the top of the foot. Let it release the ankles. Allow that wave of relaxation to move into the legs, relaxing the shins, the calves, the knees and kneecaps and then

If you have an interesting article you wish to share please email paul@itsyourmedia.co.uk

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Page 21

A Year in the Life of the Mayor As we head out of our second lockdown (fingers crossed) and towards a very different Christmas, my civic engagements would usually involve many lovely carol services and attending so many events.

Unfortunately these have been cancelled in person, but the mayoralty continue to support local people and organisations predominately online.

Before this lockdown the Mayoress and I attended the Chelmsford multi-faith cricket (indoor event) at Hamptons Sports & Leisure Centre, all socially-distanced and great fun, although we lost to the Muslim team!

I also made a rare trip to the Mayor’s Parlour for an interview with Rob from Mildmay Rotary Club to record an interview for Rotary Roundup to be broadcast on Chelmsford Community Radio (104.4FM).

The Church of Our Saviour in Chelmer Village invited me to the opening of their Little Free Pantry where neighbours work together to meet community needs - anyone and everyone can take anything they need and others are encouraged to give what they can. Items include food, personal care items, stationery, books and small toys what a lovely idea.

A first for me has been recording two podcasts, with more to come - they are available as ‘The Chelmsford Mayor’s podcast’ on Spotify ask Alexa!

The Mayoress and I had fun judging the local pumpkin competition at the Black Bull pub in Rainsford Road. It was so difficult to choose a winner, but We plumped for the Cheshire Cat as it was so unusual and well carved - it was such a windy evening that many of the candles blew out.

The Mayoral Party was delighted to attend the opening of the Ideas Hub, with a large gallery wall for the Art Place in The Meadows Shopping Centre. There were two interesting exhibitions - Dying Matters, and as part of Black History Month - Black Lives Matter.

Thanks to Edith Miller and the team at the Art Place who have kindly offered to stock craft items to sell for my charities: Mind, Sanctus, and Helping Hands Essex - details of their click-and-collect service is on their Facebook page, The Art Place Chelmsford.

On Apple Day, the Mayoress and I spent a really enjoyable morning at Lathcoats Farm where we were shown around the apple orchards and pumpkin trail. We then joined others, socially distanced on our own tables to try and match 6 different apples to their corresponding bottles of apple juice, which was more difficult than you’d imagine!

It was a pleasure to meet Fatima Whitbread, MBE at Margaretting Primary School where the whole school ran a marathon by each pupil being sponsored to run round the playing field 6 times in aid of Chelmsford Foodbank, they raised more than £725 in total.

Fatima was inspiring and spoke to the children about her incredible achievements, sharing her Olympic and Commonwealth medals as well as her MBE for the children to pass round.

Despite restrictions, the Chelmsford Hindu Society invited the Mayoral Party (the Deputy Mayor and her consort attended in the evening, the Mayoress and I in the afternoon) to their Durga Puja celebrations which were full of colour and light. We all had such a lovely time and our hosts made us very welcome. We were presented with beautiful shawls that were blessed for us.

Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day had to be carried out very differently this year as they fell after the second lockdown restrictions. A more simple, but equally thankful, service was recorded for Remembrance Sunday when the Mace Bearer, Deputy Mayor, Royal Anglican Regiment County Colonel for Essex, the County President of the Royal British Legion and my Chaplain joined me to lay our wreaths at the war memorial to mark this important occasion.

Congratulations to the winners of my Christmas Card Competition Sophia Gridley, Viola Tewelde and Samantha Warne, and thank you to all who entered. The calibre of all the entries - pictures, poems and photographs - was extremely high and very difficult to judge. Well done!

Wishing health, happiness, prosperity and joy to you and your family in this festive season.

Cllr Jude Deakin Contact mayors.office@chelmsford.gov.uk if you’d like a mayoral visit.

You can also follow me: Facebook: Mayor of Chelmsford Twitter: @chelmsmayor Instagram: Chelmsford_mayor

Page 22 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Edmund Carr Great Baddow Virtual Races 2020

Joanne Day, Brentwood RC, with her medal

The Bucknells

Chelmsford Mildmay and Rivermead Rotary Clubs were thwarted by the current pandemic in deferring this year’s Edmund Carr Great Baddow Races twice this year. However, their Races Team remained undaunted and set up a virtual races event for both the 10 mile and 2 mile distances, to be run by athletes around their own locally planned course. By downloading a free distance/timing app, their results could be suitably judged. All participants would receive a medal and were able to collect sponsorship for their own causes.

The Fastest Male over 10 miles was Andrew Smith (1 hour 8 minutes 42 seconds) of Witham RC. He said: “Due to the weather I did not take a selfie as it wasn’t a pretty sight!” The Fastest Female was Natalie Simmons (1 hour 19 minutes 19 seconds). The most Interesting route disclosed was George Thomas using the old Flitch Way railway line between Bishop’s Stortford and Dunmow.

Some feedback from the runners outlined their pleasure with the

Natalie Simmons

virtual competition. Entrant Lee Burgess said: “This is my 11th Baddow race in a row and I would have been gutted to miss it this year thanks for making the virtual race happen.” Athlete Jodee Mayer said: “Thank you for putting this race on. My original plan was to run most of the route in Baddow, but other commitments meant I had to combine this with my Essex Way relay leg.”

Participants came mostly from local Essex clubs, Ipswich, and even from Swaledale in the Yorkshire Dales! The organiser’s Rotary Club members also participated with their best efforts on a lovely autumn day. The day proved a great virtual success as the Great Baddow Races continued for another momentous year to benefit the Rotary organiser’s charities, Dementia Adventure, and Barrow Farm Riding for the Disabled.

Thanks also go from Rotary to Edmund Carr LLP for sponsoring us for the 15th year in succession.

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Page 24 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Rotary Ensuring COVID-19 Won’t End in Tears As we enter a new phase of coronavirus regulations, we reflect on how difficult life has been for individuals, businesses and the charity sector. No part of society has been immune to the effects of this pandemic but with the announcement that three vaccines have been developed, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson says, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

It’s been quite amusing recently, as every briefing brings another metaphor about where we are with the pandemic. We know that three penalty shoot-out goals have been scored so that’s good and another sporting analogy warns that the vaccine is not yet a slam dunk. We have been engaged in a war with the virus, but we can now hear the distant bugle of the scientific cavalry, albeit still some way off. There was a lot of stuff about the train nearing the station but the doors don’t open and we are reminded that one swallow doesn’t make a summer.

All of this tells us that there is some way to go before any degree of normality is restored and Rotary has had to adapt to find different ways to support the community. Chelmsford Mildmay club is working with KidsOut based in Great Baddow to provide toy boxes suitable for age groups from tots to thirteen. All the toys are brand new and will go to children in local women’s refuges. The Mildmay club working with Chelmsford Rivermead Rotary organised the annual Edmund Carr Great Baddow Races. The usual 2 mile and 10 mile races were accomplished this year as a virtual event and funds raised were donated to Dementia Adventure and Barrow Farm Riding for the Disabled.

Another Chelmsford based Rotary club, Chelmer Bridge, has also been busy. First of all, their poppy day badges went nationwide and a five figure sum was raised for the British Legion. They followed this up with a quiz in aid of the Broomfield Hospital Airseal project and £700 was made. Chelmsford Rotary is also organising a Christmas quiz which is always popular and details can be found on their website.

They are also investigating whether Santa’s Grotto can be arranged virtually this Christmas.

Chelmsford Phoenix Rotary arranged a virtual treasure hunt. Some of the clues were quite difficult and some members reportedly are still lost in the ether. Nevertheless, much needed funds were raised for Chelmsford Mencap. As a joint initiative by four of the Chelmsford based clubs, Donate A Dinner is underway which will provide meals for families struggling a bit at the moment. This is being carried out in conjunction with Home Start, and the idea is to provide a hamper to feed a family of 4-6 people.

Another bright idea involved the 5-4-5 Challenge, where some Rotarians had to spend just £1 a day on food for five days and donate sponsorship or what they would have otherwise have spent to local homeless charities. www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

Generally, several clubs have supported Food Banks and Chelmsford Mildmay Rotary has been one of the clubs doing litter picking as a community event and this has been quite popular, with other Essex based clubs such as Dunmow and Manningtree also joining in. This is particularly relevant as the environment has recently been added as one of Rotary International’s Areas of Focus, so small steps to start.

Dunmow has also concentrated on youth and was delighted to learn that local girl, Lailah Albon won the District Young Writer Competition with an essay on The Unwanted Puppy, whilst Harriet Stigwood was the local Young Artist winner with her interpretation of Through My Eyes. Dunmow Rotary has also collaborated with Felsted Aid for Deprived Children UK to collect toys, children’s clothes, stationery, toiletries and other useful items.

Zoom meetings have enabled members to participate in meetings around the world and reciprocally to have Rotarians from across the globe join in with their meetings, so it has broadened horizons.

Lockdown hasn’t meant a temporary closure of Rotary activities, it has simply meant that there has to be innovative ways of going about the business of ‘service above self’ - Rotary’s motto.

If you would like to find out more about Rotary, please call me on 01245 260 349, or google ‘Rotary 1240’ for a list of clubs in Essex.

Stan Keller

Donate a Dinner Appeal Christmas 2020

Five Rotary Clubs in Chelmsford are collaborating to provide a Christmas lunch to the many families in Chelmsford who cannot afford a traditional festive meal this year. The recently formed Chelmsford City Satellite Club, working in partnership with the charity Home Start Essex, originated the project to donate as many boxes as possible which contain all necessary ingredients for a family Christmas meal, from the turkey to the mince pies - and not forgetting the cranberry sauce.

The boxes cost just over £25 each. The more money we raise the more families we can help. Can you help us with a donation?

Whatever amount will be gratefully received through the GoFundMe website. Logistically, all donations need to be made by 11th December in order to deliver the festive fare to families before Christmas Eve. The link to the GoFundMe site is: www.gofundme.com/f/The-Christmas-Donate-a-Dinner For donors who wish to use Gift Aid: myholt.uk/Rotary/Donate-a-Dinner.pdf

Page 25

City Times Fun

Spot the Difference - 10 to find(answers on page 31)

Page 26 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Quiz Time - by John Theedom 1. What type of animal is a jerboa?

2. Name the Christmas film staring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet?

3. What was the TV programme that Patrick Moore presented?

4. Which word was named Word of the Year 2020 by Collins Dictionary?

5. Camila Batmanghelidjh was the founder of which charity?

6. What kind of performer was Matt Monroe?

7. What is picks disease?

8. JK Rowling has just launched her latest book, what is it called?

9. On the London Underground map, what colour is the Northern Line?

10. What is the definition of the word dreadnought?

11. What is the name for a male bee?

12. What is the highest number on a British bingo card?

13. In which year did the UK stop paper driving licences?

14. Which fruit can be ‘Bartlett’, ‘Concorde’ or ‘Comice’?

15. In which country did the form of transport called ‘Landau’ originate?

16. Which Christmas film features Hugh Grant as prime minister?

17. Exactly when was the very first Coronation Street broadcast on ITV? 18. On board a ship, which is the orlop deck?

19. Who was the first Britain to go into space?

20. Which compound is used to treat malaria?

(Answers on page 31) www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

21. The last time England won the football World Cup was 1966, who was their captain?

22. What is the common name for the medical term hallux valgus?

23. How many children did Boris Johnson sire with his first wife Marina?

24. How many ghosts are there in A Christmas Carol?

25. Apart from singing, which instrument does Ed Sheeran play?

26. In the life of an Indian family, what is a diva?

27. Which well loved TV character has died recently at the age of 88 (first name Des)?

28. How many strings does a violin have?

29. Which food is King Edward a variety of?

30. Which French fashion designer has a name similar to a bedtime drink?

31. A racing pigeon was sold at auction recently for the record sum of what?

32. When exactly were Prince William and Kate Middleton engaged?

33. What starts with ‘e’, ends with ‘e’ and has only 1 letter in it?

34. Which adventure character was Johnny Weissmuller first to perform in talking movies?

35. What is the name of the 1966 film in which Steve McQueen earned his one and only Oscar nomination for Best Actor?

36. In which English county is the Goodwood Racing Circuit?

37. What is cire?

38. In France, before the euro, how much was a 100th of a Franc?

39. Which rock group was Sid Vicious associated with?

40. Charcoal is a form of which common element?

Page 27

Chelmsford Window Gallery Presents...

The Window Gallery 2021 Art Calendar, featuring the work of 12 local artists, is now available for pre-order at www.windowgallery.org/shop for £12, including delivery within the UK. 50p from each calendar sale will go to local charity Sanctus. Many of the artists involved in the calendar are also donating their artist fee to local art projects and charities including MIND. Name: Jennifer Flint Artist Name: Original Creative Work

When did you start making art?

“I have always been creative. My dad always encouraged me to draw and paint and my mum is very creative with textiles, quilting, crochet and knitting. I think I was lucky to have a great art education with some really inspiring teachers and have been fortunate to travel to some exciting cities to study art.”

design and many more.”

Where do you practice art?

“I work from home, which has its pros and cons! We have been renovating our house for the last few years which has been time consuming and a creative project in itself. I love to encourage my kids to get arty so we usually have a project on the go. I try and create something every day. I find that I make most of my artwork in the evenings while they sleep. I find it is a constant battle to stop the art materials invading the whole house!”

Do you have any connections with the art community in Chelmsford?

“I have had some lovely opportunities arise from connections with the Chelmsford Creative Collective. I have really found it a great source of inspiration during this difficult year. I have been contributing regularly to the collaborative portrait project, exhibited at the Chelmsford Museum and The Art Place, produced a sculpture for the light parade, was a runner up in the City Photo Competition and Exhibition, and created designs for High Chelmer’s socialdistancing campaign. I am really passionate about bringing art to the community; Chelmsford is really lucky to have such a flourishing creative collective.”

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

“I love the flexibility that it offers me to work around my family life. I love the people I meet and the places that art takes me and that I can find inspiration in everything I do. It’s always particularly exciting to see my art in a real-world context, whether that is a logo for a business, on a menu, in a newspaper, or a piece of art on a wall. I really enjoy it when my work helps convey a message or adds something to an environment. I also like to be able to teach others new skills and explore their own artistic abilities.”

Instagram: @originalcreativework Facebook: Original Creative Work www.windowgallery.org/shop

What sort of art do you create, and has this changed over time?

“I studied illustration at the universities of Lincoln and Westminster, and worked in academic publishing before setting up my own business as an illustration agent. After the birth of my son, I started to run art groups for new mums and also a creative preschool class.

More recently I have been providing art sessions for adults with learning disabilities which I find extremely rewarding. Every Christmas we host wreath making workshops which are always so much fun and incredibly popular. This year has been challenging as we have had to cancel many workshops. Luckily, I have been able to make provisions and kits so that my customers can continue to create safely at home.

In the past few years, I have decided to develop my illustration and graphic design portfolio and have become more involved in the local art community.”

What inspires you?

“Being an illustrator, I have found often find inspiration in words and the juxtaposition of image and text. I am often inspired by lyrics, stories, even the aesthetics of typography and I frequently include this in my work. I also find colour fascinating and often photograph any interesting combinations I might find. My work is usually bold and colourful. I have a wide range of styles and don’t like to be confined to one particular medium. I have been known to work in paint, pencil, pen, collage, sculpture, photography, floristry, sign writing, graphic Page 28

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Charity of the Month 2 - Friends of Hylands House Hylands House had been empty and neglected for many years. The Friends of Hylands House was formed in 1995 when, following the council’s decision to restore the house in phases, a group of local people got together. Their aim was to assist and encourage the development of the house and park and to raise funds for the preservation, maintenance, repair and improvement of the estate.

Three years later, after making donations into the Council’s Hylands House Restoration Fund, it was agreed that the Friends would purchase selected period furnishings - and where possible - artefacts directly associated with the Hylands Estate, and these you will see in the house. As the house hosts functions of all descriptions, the plan was to furnish the house with quality items to enhance the restored rooms, but not to completely furnish the house. In the entrance hall you will notice the stunning life-size marble replica of Venus with Apple commissioned by the Friends in 2002. The original statue was commissioned in 1816 by Pierre Labouchere who was the owner of Hylands at the time.

We have also bought items for the park, pleasure gardens and the adventure playground.

Recently, we made a substantial donation to the work done by skilled craftsmen in the Terrace Room, and the committee was thanked by the Mayor at a socially-distanced morning in the room itself. We are at the moment funding the project in the Hanbury Memorial Garden which is hoped to be officially opened next April.

via our website (see earlier in this article) or you could contact our committee member who manages the bookshop, Stan, at stankaluza@blueyonder.co.uk or call 01245 256 765. All of our volunteers have to be members for insurance purposes. There are morning and afternoon sessions - most people do one session every four weeks, but some do more!

Linda Knock, Chairman Friends of Hylands House

New Rail Station Mural Celebrates South Woodham Ferrers A new mural has been unveiled at South Woodham Ferrers rail station highlighting the countryside, beauty spots and tourist attractions of the area. Created by artist Keith Hollingsworth, local volunteers, The Village Group and the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership in conjunction with train operator, Greater Anglia, the mural will welcome visitors who arrive by train.

Catherine Gaywood of the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, said: “The mural has been well received by the South Woodham Ferrers’ passengers, many stopping to admire the image on their way to and from the station.”

The initial work to prepare the station building for painting was undertaken by a team of volunteer station adopters led by Ged Cooper. Artist Keith Hollingsworth then spent five weeks designing and painting the mural around the theme of South Woodham Ferrers.

It features RHS Hyde Hall, the River Crouch, Marsh Farm and former radar station on Bushy Hill as well as the local, the Black Swan.

Keith, who runs Murals by Wallworx based in Chelmsford, said he enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to engage with the community during the work: “Both young and old stopped to speak to me, asking questions and let me know they liked the image”.

We produce three newsletters for members a year and also have a website where you can find out more about us at www. friendsofhylandshouse.com - and where if you wish to, you get in touch with us.

Until the café in the Stables opened, the Friends’ Sunday teas were the main means of fundraising, attracting many regular visitors. Now, we have the Friends’ secondhand book shop, manned by a team of more than 100 Friends who are volunteers. Sadly COVID-19 has put this on hold until it is safe for our volunteers to return and our book shop has remained closed.

In normal times, we enjoy getting together for entertainment of different kinds in the beautiful Drawing Room, followed by afternoon tea or refreshments in the magnificent Banqueting Room. Our last concert was in February when we were entertained wonderfully by a group from Trinity Music and Drama. The Friends’ Christmas event for members is special - it is an occasion when we get together to enjoy a Christmas-themed meal in the grandeur of the house followed by Christmas carols - sadly, this year another victim of the pandemic!

Each spring, the Friends hold their Annual General Meeting in the house chaired by our President, Lord Petre. After the business meeting, a special guest speaker is invited to give a short presentation. We are keeping our fingers crossed that this will be able to go ahead in April 2021, though we are doubtful about our plans for events in March.

If you are a book lover and would be interested in joining our book team when things are back to normal, you can contact us

Richard Hewes, of The Village Group said: “We were happy to support the volunteers with this project, as we feel South Woodham Ferrers is a vibrant local town and one to be celebrated. This mural welcomes visitors to the area and promotes our local attractions.”

Helping to create a pleasant and welcoming station in partnership with Greater Anglia, the South Woodham Ferrers station adopters are local residents volunteering to enhance the station environment.

They tend the gardens, water the plants, and keep the area clear and tidy.

Adopter Ged Cooper said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in bringing this superb piece of art work to fruition. I hope the mural will be enjoyed by residents and visitors to the area for many years to come.”

Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, Alan Neville, said: “This fantastic community project has created a bright, colourful and attractive welcome to South Woodham Ferrers station and I would like to congratulate everyone involved.”

www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

Page 29

Stargazing with Mark Willis - December/January Lots going on this month!

December 1th, 14th: Geminids Meteor Shower.

December 21st: December Solstice.

December 21st: Rare Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn.

December 21st, 22nd: Ursids Meteor Shower.

The Story of the Christmas Star Explanation 1: the Christmas star was a nova or supernova explosion.

Explanation 2: the Christmas star was a comet.

Explanation 3: the Christmas star was a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn.

Explanation 4: the Christmas star was a stationary point of Jupiter.

Explanation 5: the Christmas star was a conjunction of Jupiter, Regulus and Venus.

If you would like to find out more details about this, visit www.rmg.co.uk/content/what-was-christmas-star.

Binoculars for Christmas I am a great fan of binoculars for stargazing. Binoculars offer a wonderful field of view. I have had both 10x50 and 7x50 binoculars.

10x refers to the times magnification, and 50 refers to the size of the

objective lens (the large lens on the front) in millimetres. The bigger the lens is at the front, the more light gathering power the binoculars offer you. Binoculars are great for observing the Pleiades. I would advise that you consider buying binoculars that you can attach to a tripod. You might not need that option all the time, but for prolonged observing, it’s very handy.

New Moon: On December 14th 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.

Mark Willis would normally present LiteBites every Tuesday at 12 midday on Chelmsford Community Radio.on 104.4 FM and online throughout the world. Sadly, I am in the vulnerable group. I hope to return to the airwaves as soon as I can. www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com Twitter: @WillisWireless mark.willis@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

To view both our magazines online visit www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

Support Community Radio in Chelmsford If you shop in the Co-op and have a loyalty card, then you can now support Chelmsford Community Radio 104.4FM every time you spend in-store. Simply log into your account online and set Chelmsford Community Radio 104.4FM as the local organisation you would like Co-op to donate cash towards supporting.

This act of kindness will help us raise vital funds to help CCR continue broadcasting to Chelmsford.

The Kids In Quarantine podcast has been featured on Chelmsford Community Radio 104.4FM and was shortlisted for a prestigious award this month. The Community Radio Awards 2020 has singled out the audio podcast as a potential winner by adding it to their nominations list. The audio showcase explores the COVID-19 pandemic through the eyes of kids, and the hosts of the show are Elsie (age 9) and Henry (age 7). Fingers-crossed for December and the announcement of the winners!

Follow our social media accounts (@ChelmsfordCR) to find out details of our special Christmas programmes, as we’ll be putting on a radio pantomime again this year. We all know that it’s been tricky for theatres to stage a panto in 2020, so our volunteers and their efforts will be even more special to hear. We also have some other special shows for the build-up to Christmas. If you haven’t

tried Chelmsford Community Radio 104.4FM already, December is a great time to tune-in.

Once again, we’ll be dual-broadcasting with Hospital Radio Chelmsford and helping to bring that service to a wider audience in Chelmsford.

Remember, another way to support community radio in Chelmsford is switch us on and listen! Even better if you’re able to interact with us online through social media.

104.4FM in Chelmsford Online at www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

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A desert rat The Holiday The Sky at Night Lockdown Kid’s Company Singer A form of dementia The Ickabog Black An outer garment of heavy woollen cloth Drone 190 2015 Pear Germany Love Actually December 1960 The lowest Mr Tim Peake Quinine

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