The City Times January/February 2018

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CT Welcome Hello readers,

Welcome to the January/February edition.

We are well in to the new year and spring will be on its way soon hopefully.

There is lots going on as usual, so do remember to keep sending those events to us for inclusion in the What’s On pages.

Enjoy your month!

Regards Nick & Paul

www.thecitytimes.co.uk | www.moulshamtimes.com

Advertising Editorial Nick Garner Paul Mclean 07970 206682 07595 949701 ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

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CT Fashion - New Clothes Resolutions: What to Promise Your Wardrobe This Year ‘New Year, New Me...’

If I had a pound for every time I heard or saw this phrase in the last few weeks I would be sipping cocktails in Marbella. Sadly, I am confined to my house by blustering winds and dark evenings, wondering whether it really is worth spending any time making New Year Resolutions. Do they really make us happier, or better people?

I feel like I have heard them all. There are the usual ones - eat more healthily, do more exercise, spend more time with family - and over the past week I have heard some others: ‘I want to say yes to DO THINGS more often’ a friend of mine said. Ironically, another said, ‘I want to learn how to say no more.’ My boyfriend, head in hands, announced: ‘I am going to stop buying ridiculous things this year!’

(I’ll believe that when I see it - you should see what is parked on my drive).

But one thing’s for sure, the New Year Resolution is a personal thing.

I’ve decided I’m changing mine up this year, my New Year Resolution is fashion focused - I’m making promises. Promises to my wardrobe and its luxurious inhabitants. My clothes are going to be so much happier in 2018. Maybe yours could be too... Here are my 5 steps to a wonderful wardrobe this year:

accessorise box just waiting to be filled with stuff from the bottom of my actual wardrobe. It will also mean that I need to…

4. Pledge to have a spring clean: By ‘spring clean’, I mean a clear out. I am going to be brutal. I probably don’t need 687 T-shirts of varied shades but similar cut. It is highly unlikely I will find time in my life again to wear a fluorescent orange cowboy hat. I’m planning on getting some of my friends around and having a ‘clothes party’. The idea is that everyone brings some clothing they don’t want in the view that they might find something ‘new’ they like from someone else’s wardrobe. As they say, ‘one girl’s trash is another girl’s treasure.’

There are rules: you must be sure you don’t want the stuff you’re offering up (no one wants clothes envy), and make sure the pieces are clean and in good condition. It may sound obvious, but I have seen holey socks at one of these before! Finally, as variety is the spice of life, once I have sorted my wardrobe…

1. I pledge to buy less, wear more: It is a scientific fact that spending money on ourselves makes us happy and let’s face it, January can be pretty miserable. So what do we do? Buy a few bits to make ourselves feel better. A few impulse buys later and you’re knee deep in Primark shopping bags wondering where it all went wrong. My suggestion? Stay away from the shops and go to what you already have. I have not set foot in a shop since the beginning of January because…

2. I pledge to revive my old favourites: I can’t be the only one who has clothes from 5 years ago still waiting patiently to be reacquainted with sunlight? I am on a mission this year to wear clothes that haven’t seen the light of day for a few years but are still perfectly wonderful pieces of clothing. I will also be thinking about ‘relegating’ (that sounds mean, I don’t want to offend them) certain pieces to work wardrobe, or loungewear, or casual wear rather than ignoring their existence (also mean, but true).

They and I would be so much happier if they were actually being worn rather than sitting in a wardrobe. I plan to dedicate a whole afternoon to getting them all out and allocate some time to piecing outfits together, and once I have done this I will…

3. Pledge to ORGANISE and CATEGORISE: Anybody else got a spare room that is in fact a ‘bedrobe’ (a bed laden with various attire) or a ‘floordrobe’ (a floor laden with various attire)? When in a rush, the last thing you want to do is put all your clothing back where they should be, and you know where it is when you leave it on the chair/bed/cat, right? Well I plan to organise the whole of my wardrobe with sections for work/rest/play and those areas in between. I have also got a holiday drawer brewing, and an

5. I pledge to rotate my outfits: We are all creatures of habit. There has been time in the past when colleagues have said to me, ‘It must be Wednesday, because you’re wearing that dress/skirt/ scarf again!’ This is horrifying. The only way I can rectify this is by taking steps 1-4 and then actually taking time to mix up my outfits. A friend of mine actually rotates her outfits in the wardrobe: one out, one in the wash, the next one ready at the opening of the wardrobe. I’m just going to promise to go to bed with an idea of what to wear tomorrow so to save that mad dash in the morning, and ensure I don’t go back to my usual ‘easy wear.’

I’ll let you know how I get on - and I hope I have inspired you to consider a fashion-focused resolution. As they say, ‘happy wardrobe, no floordrobe’ - or something like that.

Rebecca Forde is a writer with a penchant for fashion, great literature and drinking a lot of coffee. You can contact her by emailing rebeccaforde@hotmail.co.uk. © All images: Little Mistress

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All Things Music - by Nick Garner Welcome and a very happy and healthy 2018 to you all.

I have been to see a lot of great live music in Chelmsford over the festive period, from Who’s Next rocking the football club at Christmas to light acoustic shows on a Sunday in the UB in Chelmsford (from 3 to 6pm), to Jimi Whitewolf in the Bay Horse and Guthrie Govan and the Fellowship packing out the Bassment as he always does. On New Year’s Eve I went to the UB where Trevor Gentry on guitar and vocals and Geoff Hall playing double bass played a great set and got people up and dancing and singing along.

By the time this edition goes to print, we will be having two big meetings regarding the Chelmsford Arts and Cultural Festival and I will be updating you on this in the next edition.

One thing that we are pleased to be able to announce is that Suzi Quatro has agreed to be patron of the charity that we are setting up to run the festival. She has said she that will help where she can.

We are now looking for commitment from you, as we will have a lot going on and will need help in many areas. The biggest requirement being volunteers for a variety of different things. The best way to contact us is to email at contact@ chelmsfordaacf.org.

Chelmsford and the surrounding areas have a lot going on during the coming year including the Essex Book Festival from 1st to 31st March featuring many top authors as well as singer-songwriter Billy Bragg. There is also of course the Essex Delta Blues Day, 3foot People Festival, The Fling, The Chelmsford Arts and Cultural Festival, The Maldon Festival, The Film Festival, The River Festival, Bay Days, Fake Fest and Dragon Boat Racing. I’m sure there will be many more festivals to be announced as the year progresses as well.

Alongside all of this there is lots of great music and entertainment going on in Essex; Chelmsford has the likes of the Bassment, The United Brethren (UB) The Fleece, Civic and Cramphorn Theatres, Chelmsford City FC (in the Clarets Bar), The Olde Court Theatre and all the many many pubs, halls, schools and universities and colleges that host events of all types, from music, theatre, exhibitions and lectures and a whole lot more. We do try to list as much as we can in this magazine, so let us know about your event and we can list it! I would also suggest searching online events as well as the Visit Essex website and Facebook page.

I have lined up some good music so far for the coming year starting at the football club on the 27th January with The Jam Project, who wil have special guest Spencer M Taylor supporting them. Tickets are available in advance or on the door (see the advert in this magazine) - the outlets are always the same. In February we greet The Cureheads; they have been around now for thirty years and are considered the number one tribute act to The Cure. Special guests for the night will be a new local original band called King Peasant.

In March we have 60s legends The Pretty Things playing a rare UK

show. They still have their original front man Phil May and original guitarist Dick Taylor in the band. The Pretty Things have influenced many bands from The Who and Led Zeppelin, to the Sex Pistols and Ramones plus many more in between - and they are still making great new music to this day.

Jamie Williams and the Roots Collective are signed to the same record label as The Pretty Things (3M’s Music) and I am happy to say that we will be using this show as our album launch party and will play Diff’rent Gravy - our first release for the label - in its entirety. You will be able to buy the CD as well as merchandise on the night and we hope that our beer (brewed for us by Round Tower) will also be ready and on sale as well!

In April we are so pleased to welcome back for his third show the amazing Albert Lee and his band, and in May we have one of America’s blues legends coming to play for us - the multi-award winning Larry Garner, who as well as being a stunning guitar player is also a great singer songwriter and a very funny man. He will be accompanied by Norman Beaker and his band. Special guests for this show will be Mississippi MacDonald with the Soul Fixers.

For June we have a top U2 tribute show with U2 Tribe playing, featuring Chelmsford’s very own Paul Stevens as the Edge. We are currently finalising deals for most of the rest of the year, although we have confirmed Limehouse returning in December.

Blues and Roots in the City have a few shows booked at the Bassment, starting on the 25th January with the Bad Day Blues Band.

Opening the night will be our very own Joe Anderton. Moving onto February and we have JFK Blue; this a band that is gaining lots of attention on the blues scene at present. In March we have the fourth Essex Delta Blues Day with eighteen acts playing two stages nonstop from noon to midnight. All are playing for free and all the money is going to CHESS, the Chelmsford homeless charity. The following week we are happy to welcome back Guy Tortora and Ben Tyzak.

On 5th April we have Dave Kelly of the Blues Band along with Denny Newman from the Mick Taylor band playing a special show.

I am also booking all the music for the UB now, so do keep an eye on the What’s On guide in this publication, as we have a few special surprises coming up (like Dave Sharp from The Alarm). You will see the UB have live music every Saturday and Sunday afternoon and once a month on a Friday and also on bank holidays. In the future, there may be some Thursday and Monday events as well.

The Bassment has a whole host of music from jazz, blues and indie nights to DJ nights and lots of special one-offs. The Fleece also has many live music events every week and a couple of festivals each year. Not forgetting The Woolpack, which has regular monthly music nights and live bands playing at their beer festivals.

There are of course many other venues, pubs and halls and other places putting on live music and all sorts of other forms of entertainment.

As ever, please do try to come out and support the great live scene that we have in Essex, because if you do not - we may lose it. For more information on all of the above and more, see the links below and go to our What’s On page to see what else in happening in your area. Check around the Internet - Facebook is always good as is Twitter as well as your local papers and community boards. www.bluesinthecity.co.uk www.facebook.com/bluesinthecitychelmsford Twitter: @BluesintheCity1 www.itsyourmusic.co.uk www.facebook.com/itsyourmusic Twitter: @itsyourmusic

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WEDNESDAYS Life Church, Hall Street, off Moulsham Street, Chelmsford CM2 0HG 5:30pm and 7.30pm Angie 07814 992628 MONDAYS Millennium Community Centre, Recreation Ground, Baddow Road, Great Baddow, CM2 9RL 9:00am, 11:00am and 1.00pm Lucy 01245 262457 Millennium Community Centre, Recreation Ground, Baddow Road, Great Baddow CM2 9RL 3.30pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Samantha 01245 266442 Springfield Community Centre, Perryfields School, Lawn Lane CM1 7PP 5:00pm and 7:00pm Angie 07814 992628 Hatfield Peverel Infant School, Church Road, Hatfield Peverel, CM3 2RP 5.30pm and 7.30pm Lesley 07973 239899 TUESDAYS Broomfield Village Hall, 158 Main Road, (behind Angel Pub), Broomfield CM1 7AH 3.00pm, 5:00pm and 7:00pm Victoria 07823 441198 Millennium Community Centre, Recreation Ground, Baddow Road, Great Baddow CM2 9RL 3.30pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm Samantha 01245 266442 WEDNESDAYS WEDNESD Church Of St Augustine Of Canterbury, St Augustines Way, Springfield CM1 6GQ 9:30am and 11:30am Emma 07887 692906 Writtle Community Association, Longmeads House, 12-14 Redwood Drive, Writtle CM1 3LY 3.00pm, 5.00pm and 7:00pm Jennifer 07792 516866

Boreham Village Hall, Main Road, Boreham CM3 3JD 5:30pm and 7:30pm Bobbie 07813 324599 Springfield Park Baptist Church, Springfield Park Road, Springfield CM2 6EB 5.30pm and 7.30pm Claire 07852 638666 St Michael's Church of England, Junior School, Barnard Road, Galleywood CM2 8RR 7:30pm Sarah 07494 408634 THURSDAYS THURSD Millennium Community Centre, Recreation Ground, Baddow Road, Great Baddow CM2 9RL 9.30am Samantha 01245 266442 Newlands Spring Community Hall, Dickens Place, Chelmsford CM1 4UU 5.30pm and 7:30pm Jennifer 07792 516866 North Springfield Baptist Church, Havengore, off Pump Lane, Springfield CM1 6JP 5.30pm and 7:30pm Victoria 07823 441198 Moulsham High School, Brian Close, Chelmsford CM2 9ES 5.30pm and 7.30pm Claire 07852 638666

FRIDAYS The Church Of Ascension, Maltese Road, Chelmsford CM1 2PB 9:15am and 11.15am Samantha 01245 266442

SATURDAYS Springfield Park Baptist Church, Springfield Park Road, Springfield CM2 6EB 8.30am and 10.30am Emma 07887 692906

CT Gardening by Tom Cole

Happy New Year! I hope that you are all well rested after the festive season… I know I am, and I certainly do need to lose some excess poundage. Getting out into the garden is definitely going to help!

This is a great time of the year to renovate hedges such as beech or hornbeam when they are dormant and leafless. Thin out any very old unproductive limbs to the ground or to a well spaced lateral shoot, clear away any debris from the base of the plant and remove any ivy - if ivy is left, it can really undermine the hedge. Consider feeding plants in spring with a general fertiliser (such as Fish, Blood and Bone or Growmore) at a rate of 35-50g/m². In the meantime, potash could be added now as this does strengthen the plant and make it a little more tolerant of any diseases.

It is also the perfect time to plant a hedge from scratch. Pop to your local nursery to see the range on offer and ask for ‘whips’. These

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are young bare-rooted saplings usually around a year old that can be purchased in bundles or as single plants. This is the cheapest way of starting a hedge off compared to pot grown types. Make sure the area to receive the plants is well cultivated and plant prior to bud burst in the spring. Again, in the spring apply a general purpose feed. It would also be worth tipping the plant - take off top of plant by ¼, this will force side growth in the coming growing season and start to thicken the plant. Towards the end of the season, multiple leaders will have developed.

A mixture of the following would help local wildlife as nesting sites, a food store, and/or possibly attract natural predators and parasites: Acer campestre (field maple) Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) Viburnum opulus (guilder rose) Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) Corylus avellana (hazel) Carpinus betulus (hornbeam) Fagus sylvatica (beech) Prunus padus (bird cherry) Taxus baccata (yew) Ilex aquifolium (holly) Euonymus europaeus (spindle) A few other jobs for this month…

For those of you fortunate to have a lawn, you may see worm casts from time to time. Formed from just a couple of species of earthworm, they can cause a nuisance clogging machinery, blocking light to grasses, being smeared across the soil etc. They can be simply removed by using a wire rake or stiff broom, but only when conditions are dry. Alternatively, they can be collected and composted.

Force rhubarb: Cover crown with a super traditional clay/terracotta forcing jar or use a bucket or upturned pot now, to ensure that all light is blocked out. I tend to cover any drainage holes of a pot with a few bricks or tiles. As the stems reach the top of the container, you can harvest the lovely lush, thin pink stems. After harvesting leave the main plant to grow naturally.

Don’t forget to help wildlife throughout the winter period. Help birds by using fat blocks in wire cages. Also, provide shallow dishes of water at ground level to benefit other animals as a well as birds.

Good luck and happy gardening!

For any gardening tips, contact Tom Cole, Senior Horticultural Lecturer, Writtle College, Chelmsford, CM1 3RR by post (including a SAE) or by email at tom.cole@writtle.ac.uk.

Page 8 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Massive Rise in Popularity of Vinyl in Recent Years With the massive rise in popularity of vinyl recently, it was not surprising to the staff of Intense Records in Chelmsford that the turntable was the most popular Christmas gift with one record player being sold every minute in the run up to the big day. While some fans are buying vinyl simply to own and collect it, many naturally want to be able to enjoy its warm, authentic sound, Jon at Intense says: “For Christmas we are stocked a wide variety of records ideal for Christmas presents and a new range of turntables and speaker packages.”

Intense Records is Chelmsford’s only independent record store. They have put together some amazing Vinyl Starter Packs from leading brands Rega, Pro-Ject and Pioneer, all consisting of a turntable, speakers and a selection of vinyl to start your collection off. Packages start from just £189 - check out the advert on this page for an idea or pop in to the shop under the arches on Viaduct Road by the bus and train station. You can also check the website at www.intenserecords. com for more information.

The vinyl revival is one of the fairytale success stories of recent years.

Having faced near extinction in 2007 when only 205,000 LPs were sold, it’s been reported that vinyl sales topped 4million in 2017. With that in mind, Intense have been sourcing all the most popular records around and some undiscovered gems across all genres including rock, indie, pop, jazz, funk and soul plus a massive dance collection.

They also have a massive second-hand selection, which is well worth digging through. If you are looking to sell your collection, Intense are always on the hunt for more records, so drop them in to the shop to be valued.

If you already have your turntable, then Intense can provide all the

essential accessories to boost up your system from vinyl cleaning products to retro wooden record storage crates that come boxed and are easily assembled. To pimp your deck, choose from a range of popular Slipmatt designs or a design your own option - just bring in a picture or logo and they will print it for you.

Also worth checking out is the Chelmsford Record Fair held at The Ale House just a few doors down from the Intense store. Held monthly on the first Saturday of the every month, expect a vast selection of music available from 10 different knowledgeable sellers including rock, indie, punk, dance, reggae, soul, funk, folk, pop and all styles in between.

Every month The Ale House will be supplying great beer, amazing records, live bands and will have the best DJs in town providing the soundtrack to your day. Just down the road, the Intense Records shop will also be providing a great atmosphere with a vast selection of vinyl as always plus alternative live DJs in-store. The Intense Gourmet BBQ will be in cooking the finest burgers & dogs!

Record Sellers Wanted!

If you have records to sell, Intense has space for a couple of sellers this month at the Ale House.. Pitches from £30 Contact them for more info on 01245 347 372, or email enquiries@intenserecords. com.

Intense Records 33/34 Viaduct Road Chelmsford CM1 1TS 01245 347 372 www.intenserecords.com

CT Food - by John Jacobs

Plane Stupid We open the hefty oak doors to a new year, perhaps a new you, a new outlook with new plans, hopes, dreams and promises - and the same old credit card bill from Christmas past...

I decided to go full-on for the festive period and fly off to visit an historic friend in Eastern Europe; namely Prague. The last time I was there some 15 years ago one could get a three-course meal for two with drinks and a Trabant home for less than a super-saver munchie deal at the Odeon. Not so today. As part of the new ‘old’ Europe, prices are pretty much in line with ours, though not as stomach clenching as Paris.

My previous journey there was by coach with my then girlfriend who, frankly unreasonably (and dare I say stubbornly), refused to accept that the only way to survive such a mammoth road trip across the continent was by Jonnie Walker induced oblivion. I tried a similar tack on the return by way of absinthe and genuinely lost several days of memory. For those not familiar with absinthe, also known as the green fairy, it’s a drink that pretends to be your charming, interesting friend, a playful puppy of a liqueur in winter spruce green, drunk with a spoonful of sugar in small cafés fronted of frosted windows in a heartwarming Dickensian tableau... In truth, it’s a raging snarling green goblin waiting to lure you under the bridge and tear at your braincells with an ice pick. Distilled of wormwood, absinthe was banned in France, Switzerland, the United States and many other countries in the early 1900s having become associated with illicit behavior. In fact, it was accused of turning children into criminals, encouraging loose morals and inspiring murders. Apocryphal has it that Van Gogh lobbed his ear off whilst hallucinating on it. All of these endearing attributes we now call ‘bohemian’. You can buy a tamer version in supermarkets here, but it’s still likely to leave bruising...

I vowed to never again set foot on a coach. Ever. This time I booked a business class flight with our national carrier. This involves paying five times the standard fare for exactly the same service. only we were allowed non-plastic cutlery. I suppose the theory being that homicidal lunatics would probably fly economy. A small tip for BA: cutlery is largely redundant when the only food in business class is a plate of

sandwich triangles. Next year I think I’ll do Christmas at home. Far less expensive.

This is a food column, I need to focus on the point - this being goulash. I’ve fallen in love with eastern European food in recent years and no dish more so than goulash. Like most widely cooked staples, recipes vary from town to town and even street to street, but guaranteed the best I’ve ever eaten is in Prague and dare I say, not Hungarian...

As we head on into the heart of winter, this weighty slow cooked stew was the first thing I cooked for the family this year and always reminds me of the great times spent with friends ambling through the festive markets. Like most slow cook recipes, you can be quite creative in the herbs and spices you use - but as long as you remember that the key flavor of goulash is paprika. Enjoy...

Ingredients (serves 8. Cooking time 3-4 hours) 5 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 onions, sliced 2 tablespoons Hungarian sweet paprika ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1.25kg (3lb) beef stewing meat, diced 150g (5oz) tomato purée 350ml (12fl oz) water 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon salt Method 1. Heat oil in a large pot or casserole over medium heat. Cook onions in oil until soft, stirring frequently. Remove onions and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, combine paprika, salt and pepper. Coat beef in spice mixture, and cook in onion pot until brown on all sides.

Return the onions to the pot and pour in tomato purée, water, garlic and the remaining salt. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, 1½ to 2 hours, or until meat is tender.

Page 10 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

WANTED!! Students with an Interest in Dance, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Parkour, Cheerleading or Ice Skating Writtle University College is launching a Sports Science with Aerial Performance Foundation Degree due to start in September 2018.

The specialised sports science course enables students to develop skills in aerial performance alongside an applied academic and scientific understanding of sport.

Course tutor Dr Diana Entwistle from Roxwell was a triple gold gymnast, Cecchetti ballerina, and gold level dancer before developing innovative aerial acts above the ice. In her professional career she performed at London Fashion Week, modelled for Vogue Russia, appeared in television adverts for Dancing on Ice and performed in numerous galas and ice shows on cruise ships and in cabarets.

She has produced, choreographed and directed several shows, gained a PhD through research into figure skating, has a HNC in Sport Science, Diploma in Biological Science and a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science, as well as being a qualified sports therapist, skating coach, pilates instructor and yoga teacher.

Diana runs her own business called Little Starts Circus in Chelmsford (www.littlestarscircus.co.uk), which teaches aerial hoop, silks, trapeze and aerial yoga to both adults and children.

Commenting on the new course, she said: “Having been a performer for the last ten years, I can see that a lot of people come to the end of their performing life and do not have any other skills.

The Foundation Degree provides a great backup plan and lays foundations to support performers after their performance career.

“Writtle University College has experience of delivering specialist programmes, including the Cycling Performance Foundation Degree. The FdSc Sports Science with Aerial Performance works in the same way - it gives students the opportunity to study core health sciences such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition and biomechanics alongside specialist modules that develop them as an aerial acrobatic performer, coach or event manager.

“The result is a specialised programme that gives them the highlevel practical experience and skills to be a performer, but also wider opportunities in the varied sports industry, so they could go on to do more training and become a PE teacher or physiotherapist for example.”

To find out more and to apply, go to www.writtle.ac.uk/FoundationDegree-(FdSc)-Sports-Science-with-Aerial-Performance/ Email: admissions@writtle.ac.uk, or gregory.deacon@writtle.ac.uk Photo credit - Dan Pluck Photography

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What’s On in the Area

January Friday 19th Bassment - Undiscovered Band Heat (hosted by Shakster Records) Cathedral - Lunchtime Concert: Hans Montanana & Xander Benham Civic - Message in a Bottle Cramphorn - Daphne (15) The Golden Fleece - Strikeout Star & Garter - Storm Saturday 20th Bassment - Blues Sisters with Tanya Piche Band + Fistful Of Dirt CCFC Away: Weston-Super-Mare v Chelmsford City Civic - Thanks Abba for the Music The Golden Fleece - Reptillia Millenium Centre - Baby & Children’s Market Star & Garter - Fast on the Draw The Three Elms - Steak Night (6-9pm) United Brethren - Big Joe Bone Sunday 21st Civic - Glenn Miller Orchestra - In The Mood Cramphorn - Romeo and Juliet The Transition - Resonance: Wired United Brethren - Sunday Sessions: Trevor Gentry (3pm -6pm) Monday 22nd The Transition - Free business start up workshops!

Tuesday 23rd Boreham Village Hall - Ballroom and Latin American Dance (classes for beginners & improvers - www.danceasy.co.uk) CCFC Away: Hemel Hempstead Town v Chelmsford City Civic - That’ll Be The Day Wednesday 24th The Chichester Hotel, Rawreth - Belvedere Jazz & Music Club: 1920s & 30s music with the Harlem Civic - That’ll Be The Day The Transition - Free business start up workshops!

Thursday 25th Bassment - Blues & Roots in the City: The Bad Day Blues Band + Joe Anderton The Golden Fleece - Quiz night The Three Elms - Burns Night. 3 Course Set Menu (£19 per person, 7pm start. Bookings only) United Brethren - Burns night with Perfect Day Caterers Friday 26th Bassment - JAR Records with BILK Cathedral - Lunchtime Concert: Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer Civic - Whitney: Queen of the Night Cramphorn - Buena Vista Social Club: Adios (PG) The Golden Fleece - The Hit List Star & Garter - The Stents United Brethren - Ash Mandrake Saturday 27th Bassment - Stipe (REM Tribute Band) CCFC Home: Chelmsford City v Hampton & Richmond Borough Chelmsford City FC - The Jam Project + Spencer M Taylor Page 12

Civic - Legend of a Band The Golden Fleece - Steal The Three Elms - Curry Night (6-9pm) Star & Garter - Dead Man’s Hand Sunday 28th Civic - Let’s Hang On The Transition - Chatty Hands Opening United Brethren - Sunday Sessions: Connor Selby (3pm -6pm) Monday 29th The Transition - Free business start up workshops!

Tuesday 30th Cramphorn - Blade Runner 2049 (15) Wednesday 31st The Chichester Hotel, Rawreth - Belvedere Jazz & Music Club: ‘Broadway to MGM’ - Atila

February Thursday 1st Bassment - Bassment Blues Jam The Golden Fleece - Quiz night Star & Garter - The Phil Ball Band Friday 2nd Bassment - Independent Venues Week: Shakster Records & Bassment presents: SLAVES (DJ set) + Grandma’s Waffle Velocity + Victories Cramphorn - The Death of Stalin (15) The Golden Fleece - Cadence Star & Garter - Oasis/Britpop Tribute Evening United Brethren - Keeping It Soulful Saturday 3rd Alehouse - Chelmsford Record Fair Bassment - Independent Venues Week: Asylums + Bare Traps Cathedral - University of Essex Duruflé: Requiem CCFC Home: Chelmsford City v Chippenham Town Civic - Swinging at the Cotton Club The Golden Fleece - The Nook Star & Garter - Two Bob Short United Brethren - Martin McNeill Trio Sunday 4th Civic - Chelmsford Dance Centre Spectacular Cramphorn - The Lady of the Camellias (pre-recorded from the Bolshoi Ballet, Moscow) Golden Fleece - Superbowl Sunday United Brethren - Sunday Sessions: Richard Townend (3pm6pm) Woolpack - GC’s Jazz Club: Guest: Paul Higgs Trumpet & Gabriel Keen Trio Tuesday 6th Boreham Village Hall - Ballroom and Latin American Dance (classes for beginners & improvers - www.danceasy.co.uk) Wednesday 7th The Chichester Hotel, Rawreth - Belvedere Jazz & Music Club: Rob Barron Quintet with Colin Oxley Golden Fleece - S Factor: Sing it to Win it!

Thursday 8th Bassment - Jazz Funk Monthly (live)

Please note, all events are subject to change. Please visit the relevant websites or Facebook pages for more details

Thursday 8th Continued...

Civic - The Rocket Man: A Tribute to Sir Elton John Cramphorn - The Florida Project (15) The Golden Fleece - Quiz night Friday 9th Bassment - Machine Gun Men (+ more TBA) Civic - Shappi Khorsandi: Mistress and Misfit Cramphorn - Judie Tzuke The Golden Fleece - Kinetic Star & Garter - Rockhouse Saturday 10th Alehouse - Stoney Road Bassment - The Rolling Clones (Rolling Stones tribute band) CCFC Away: Dartford v Chelmsford City Civic - Academy of Ancient Music (part of the 30th anniversary M&G Classical Concert Series) Cramphorn - Comedy Club 4 Kids The Golden Fleece - The Locals Star & Garter - The Statins United Brethran - Dave Sharp Sunday 11th Cramphorn - Tosca (live from the Royal Opera House, London) United Brethran - Sunday Sessions: Baz Morris (3-6pm) Monday 12th Cramphorn - Goodbye Christopher Robin (PG) Tuesday 13th Boreham Village Hall - Ballroom and Latin American Dance (classes for beginners & improvers - www.danceasy.co.uk) Civic - Dear Zoo Cramphorn - There and Back Again: An Odyssey Old Court Theatre - Mad Forest Wednesday 14th The Chichester Hotel, Rawreth - Belvedere Jazz & Music Club: Humphrey Lyttelton/Buck Clayton Band Civic - Dear Zoo Old Court Theatre - Mad Forest Yhe Three Elms - Special Valentines Menu (ÂŁ23 for 3 courses & coffee. Please book) Thursday 15th Bassment - Blues & Roots in the City: JFK Blue The Golden Fleece - Quiz night Old Court Theatre - Mad Forest Friday 16th Bassment - Backwater Channels presents: Different People + The Mighty Fallen Civic - Oh! Carol - The Musical Story of Neil Sedaka Cramphorn - Undiscovered Solo Final The Golden Fleece - Head Old Court Theatre - Mad Forest Star & Garter - Hit Parade Saturday 17th Bassment - Drama Llamas Presents!

CCFC Home: Chelmsford City v Hemel Hempstead Town Civic - Think Floyd Cramphorn - Undiscovered Band Final The Golden Fleece - Red Leaf Old Court Theatre - Mad Forest Star & Garter - Rewind United Brethran - Spencer Taylor band Sunday 17th United Brethren - Sunday Sessions: Paolo Morena (3pm -6pm)

Please send us your events for the next edition (for events between 17th February to 18th March) to: editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

CT Business: Say Cheese! - by Lindsay Whitehouse Opening a new business is an exciting and empowering time, but that initial glow of excitement can soon turn to the depths of despair if things go wrong. How do you minimise potential to fail? Well there are some simple steps you can follow, and I am pleased to report that Frances Nethersole, the owner of Fen Photography on the White Elm Garden Centre site in Bicknacre, is making a good start to her new venture.

Fran started her photography business in October. In the first two months of operation she has made enough money to cover all her costs. That is the first and most important lesson for all new businesses: you are not likely to go into profit straight away, but it is important to cover all your outgoings from the outset.

Fran does not, at the moment, need to rely on her business income to be able to survive. She is still working for the NHS 3 days a week as a paediatric dietician. She hopes to be able to support herself as a full time portrait photographer by the spring time. That is another great decision by Fran, she has made a sensible start to developing her business without the desperate need to earn her living immediately.

She has also avoided tying herself into a long term fixed lease for her studio. Fran has also avoided the temptation to invest in unnecessary hideously expensive equipment, although she has invested in quality lenses to ensure that her work meets customer quality expectations.

Some people have allowed their huge enthusiasm for a new project to draw them into a maelstrom of business demands from which they cannot escape. I am so pleased that Fran has adopted a sensible approach to building her business incrementally. Fen Photography is much more likely to prosper and still be around in 10 years’ time than if she had launched in a blaze of publicity with lots of bling but no substance.

Fran’s hobby is photography and she is close to realising her dream to earn a full-time living from following her hobby. How many of us would love to be in that situation? Plenty of us I am sure, and me for one!

Fran was refreshingly honest when I spoke to her. She admitted that her pricing strategy was not quite right to begin with and she also acknowledged that her website was focussed more on what she could offer rather than what the customer could choose. She is also learning about how to give her customers enough information to make a buying decision, but without overloading them with so much information that they get confused. These are all powerful learning points for many a business. Her willingness to identify and admit her mistakes are important, without this commitment to learning no business can survive.

Fran tries to specialise in portrait photography. She is committed to continual development of her technical skills to provide even better classical and contemporary portraits. She believes that her experience of working with children in the NHS gives her a natural advantage when working with very young children and being able to encourage them to relax, so that the final portrait is of the highest quality.

All photography is available as quality printed images of any size from 6” x 8” upwards. She can put images onto canvas and aluminium as well as on specialist lustre paper which produces vivid colours and sharper images. She has produced portfolios for models, including aspiring child models, and has been known to do the odd wedding or two! She believes her unique selling points are a combination of affordability, quality, no hidden costs, no hard sell - and if the young child is not feeling quite right on the day, she will rebook the session to ensure she captures your child at its best.

She is a member of the Guild of Photographers and has also received valuable business advice from an organisation called NWES who provide free help and information for all aspiring businesses. I cannot over emphasise the importance of new businesses making sure they get access to, and act upon, impartial sensible and realistic business advice. The pitfalls lying in wait are many, but the rewards and sense of achievement in making your business work far outweigh any personal satisfaction we can ever derive as employees. Well done to Fran for her sensible start in a hugely competitive field. If you want a family image to be captured forever, I am sure that Fran will help you achieve this.

White Elm Garden Centre I should give a brief mention to the White Elm Garden Centre which hosts a number of small businesses as well as providing an excellent day out for families with their specialist garden products, impressive catering facilities and petting farm for children. A number of other businesses currently operate on-site and during my time there, Tracey Watson who runs the Baby Chic boutique with her sister, was planning a joint marketing initiative with Fran’s photography business.

White Elm seems to be growing organically. Its tenants also include Handbags and Gladrags, Enhance Beauty and Nails, a specialist bra consultancy and an artist’s painting studio. I particularly liked how the centre converts former shipping containers into specialist retail units. This innovative use of materials keeps costs down without impacting on quality as well as appealing to my instincts about protecting the environment. Rob and Steve who run the centre are also growing their business at a sensible pace. The centre is well worth a visit and I recommend it to you - especially parents and grandparents with young children in tow. There is plenty of free parking on the site, and it is well worth the drive when you get there. www.fenphotography.co.uk

MENORCA HOLIDAY VILLA WITH PRIVATE SWIMMING POOL FOR RENTAL

• Close to Es Castell, restaurants, bars and amenities • A short 15 min drive to gorgeous beaches.

• Air conditioned bedrooms • Sleeps 2-7 Tel: 01621 741810 / 07860 232854 menorcaholiday@aol.com

www.menorcaholidayvilla.co.uk

New Venture - Activitots MULTI-SPORT TODDLER CLASSES

࡟ HOCKEY

࡟ BASKETBALL ࡟ FOOTBALL ࡟ RUGBY

࡟ CRICKET ࡟ TENNIS

AND MUCH MORE!

Activitots is a multi-sport class that has been designed with energetic toddlers in mind.

• Ages 2 – 4 years old • Weekday & weekend classes

Come along for a FREE trial: www.activitots.net

Find us on Facebook: ActivitotsEssex

Let your active tot be an

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Activitot

Activitots is an exciting new venture started up by two sisters passionate about giving toddlers and young children an active start. With over ten years’ combined experience, the duo have designed a toddler class that is as varied and engaging as it is rewarding. Activitots works on a rotation of different sports and activities to provide exposure to a full range of sports, harbouring and developing new skills and confidence along the way.

Activitots not only enables little ones to try their hand at a range of sports, but also encourages the advancement of gross motor skills, with birth to aged five widely recognised as a crucial window for these to develop. This is why the diverse classes also include balance exercises, colour games and counting activities.

Now entering its second year, Activitots has grown from just a few initial classes on one day a week, to twelve classes a week across eight different venues. With more being added all the time, the sisters are enjoying both the exciting growth of their venture and also the wealth of positive feedback from the parents. Keeping active toddlers on their toes, watching them develop and flourish and witnessing the untold growth in social confidence in their participants, has been more rewarding than they could ever have imagined.

Come along and see for yourself with a free trial. Make some special memories having fun and being active together. www.activitots.net

Page 15

Quiz Time - by John Theedom 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

What was Sir Charlie Chaplin’s middle name?

What is a baldric?

Tallahassee is the capital of which American state?

Why is a siren suit so called?

What is a lentigo?

In which year did Torville & Dean win Olympic gold for their Bolero dance routine?

7. Gatwick is in which UK county?

8. Dick Van Dyke had a birthday on December 13th 2017, how old was he?

9. What was Margaret Thatcher’s maiden name?

10. What nationality was Burt Reynolds at birth?

11. How many rings are there in the Olympic symbol?

12. From which part of the animal do we get tripe?

13. What is wampum?

14. Ella Fitzgerald’s birthday was on April 25th 2017, how old was she?

15. What is jackspeak?

16. Which king was on the UK throne between 1936 and 1952?

17. In which year did William Roach first play Ken Barlow in Coronation Streer?

18. Where can you see the remains of The Mary Rose?

19. What is the former name of Sri Lanka?

20. In 1989, who invented the www?

21. What is the first name of the actor Mr Cumberbatch?

22. Which material is shoddy?

23. What is silbo gomero?

24. What is calennig?

25. How much is a cubit?

26. When was the first mobile phone call made in the UK? 27. On which part of your body would you wear a kepi?

28. Where is The Laxey Waterwheel?

29. What was the name of the dog that went into space in Sputnik in 1957?

30. What is atavism?

31. What is heeltap?

32. What is the ‘W’ in WH Auden?

33. The kiwi is native to which country?

34. What goes with a mortice?

35. What was the name of the world’s first heart transplant patient?

36. What was Audrey Hepburn’s name at birth?

37. In music, what is pianissimo?

38. What would you do with a cep?

39. Who would use sesterce?

40. Halitosis is what?

Answers on page 30

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Chelmsford Civic Society Annual General Meeting - Friday 2nd March

This years Chelmsford Civic Society AGM is at 7.30pm Friday 2nd March 2018 Guest Speaker - Vicky Ford MP Venue - Trinity Methodist Church, Rainsford Road

Vicky Ford was elected as our new Member of Parliament in 2017 and this is a chance to hear from her on her early experience of representing the Chelmsford constituency. Vicky was a Member of the European Parliament for the East of England, from 2009 to 2017.

The Civic Society is part of an England-wide movement that aims to ‘make places more attractive, enjoyable and distinctive’. Our Civic Society is a charity that exists to ‘stimulate public interest in, and appreciation of, the history, appearance and character of Chelmsford.’ The society’s year runs from April to March.

a copy of our Spring 2018 Newsletter.

We are also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ ChelmsfordCivicSociety, and Twitter at www.twitter.com/CMCivicSociety.

Anyone interested in joining the society should email us at info@ chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk, or visit the website to download an application form. The annual fee is £10 for an adult and £5 for under 18s and £12 joint membership for two adults living at the same address.

I hope to see you at our AGM. Malcolm Noble Chairman

Highlights have been the Marconi: Titanic Honour and Glory exhibition curated by Pam Swaby, with Tim Wander’s talk on the Marconi Radio Officers aboard the ship (with thanks to Aquila Developments Ltd located in Bond Street). Another highlight is of course the Heritage Open Days. This programme was commissioned by the City Council and run on behalf of the society by Alan Pamphilon. It proved the most successful ever with 2,172 people visiting 30 sites. Our first event of 2018 was a talk by Dr Viv Newman on Women’s Suffrage, which was attended by 50 people.

The society has been engaged in the consultations over transport infrastructure and the new Local Plan. The society has made the case for a dedicated section on heritage and this was included in the second draft of the Local Plan. We have argued successfully for retaining the strapline Chelmsford the Birthplace of Radio on the new city road signs.

The AGM is open to everyone and costs nothing to attend. There will be a chance to ask questions of society officers and express views and there will also be an opportunity to find out more on our 2018 2019 programme which will include the following: •

•

The society has secured £9,760 National Lottery funding for the Chelmsford Ideas Festival in October 2018. A centrepiece will be marking the centenary of the First World War armistice, including a visit to the Stow Maries Aerodrome and talk from Ian Flint the CEO. A visit on 16th May to Bletchley Park and the Heritage Open Days programme 6th to 9th and 13th to 16th September. In November there will be a talk on Marriage’s Mill.

Details on society activities can be found on our updated website, www.chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk. You will also be able to download www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

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Wildlife Corner - by Nick Green December 2017 experienced ‘serious’ Essex snow (1 inch on Sunday 10th plus ice causing chaos; where were the gritters??), a significant snow shower on 27th and significant rainfall on several days - river water levels looked good for a change! Frosts were experienced several times.

rare passage migrant in Essex, with a national breeding population of just 500-1,000 pairs. However, late autumn/winter 2017-18 has proved exceptional with a national influx. Some flocks nationally have reached 150. Essex records last autumn have come from (maximum number in brackets): Thorndon Country Park (30), Pleshey (2), Meece Brook (11), Langdon Hills (2), and Upshire amongst others. Thorndon Country Park North has been consistently reliable for sightings.

The large bill and powerful neck muscles show that for its winter diet, the hawfinch has the capability to crack cherry stones, beech mast, elm and sycamore seeds. In the breeding season the adults feed on caterpillars to supply their young. The flight call is a robin-like ‘tick’.

Recent Essex Wildlife News The most noteworthy December 2017 news: Abberton Reservoir: 3 great white egret, 3 bitterns, 4 smew, 3 little stint, slavonian and black-necked grebes, Dartford warbler. The Naze: 2 shorelark. Rainham Marshes RSPB: water pipit, 2 firecrest. Old Hall Marshes RSPB: glossy ibis, ring-necked duck.

Hawfinch images available from www.123rf.com The hawfinch Coccotharaustes coccothraustes is generally a shy and retiring bird and an uncommon and declining local resident and

Beer - by Simon Tippler of Round Tower Brewer Having read a few different articles on beer over the last few months predicting trends in the beer market for 2018, here is a little summary.

Firstly, cans, cans and more cans.

Over 2017 we have seen a big rise in the number of breweries putting beer out in cans, and the consensus of opinion is that is only going to increase in 2018. These are mainly 330ml cans that have in the past been the domain of soft drinks, but also there has been a steady rise in 500ml/pint cans available. Cans keep beer fresh and away from the light, which means the beer stays in good condition longer. Cans are also lighter and easier to transport so are making it easier for good beer to travel further, which has to be a positive thing for breweries and the public.

As with a lot of things, the more opinions you read, the more confusing it can become. I’ve read articles from respected beer writers suggesting that full flavoured but low abv beers will be on the rise. In contrast, there are articles suggesting that the market is moving towards stronger beers and the fact that sales of double IPAs increased by nearly 100% last year.

Nationally, notable selected highlights included: Cornwall: Pacific diver, snowy owl. Yorkshire: desert wheatear.

Shetland Isles: an American pied-billed grebe. Norfolk: desert wheatear. Dorset: an American stilt sandpiper.

Chelmsford Library News Nina Balloch Exhibition - Great Baddow Library Nina Balloch is a local artist working mainly in ink and watercolour. She is inspired by her travels and love of wildlife, including birds, insects and flowers.

The exhibition runs until the 27th January 2018 and her artwork will be on sale.

Have you received a new tablet for Christmas? Not sure how it works?

Then come along to a Tablet Taster session held every 1st Thursday of the month between 11-12 noon at Great Baddow Library in the Vineyards.

Please telephone Great Baddow Library via 0345 603 7628 to book your place.

Writtle Library Writtle Library hold a Community Teatime every first Tuesday of the month between 2pm and 3.30pm. Each month there are different speakers who talk about local interests.

For more details contact Writtle Library via 0345 603 7628.

Galleywood Library Moving on is a creative writing group held at Galleywood Library on the first Friday of the month between 2pm and 3-30pm. Galleywood Library can be contacted on 0345 603 7628.

Chelmsford Central Library Children’s Library Grand Reopening Easter Bonnet Party, Tuesday 10th April 10 am - 3pm.

Although it has been around for a few years now, the suggestion is that beer and food matching will become a bigger thing in 2018 with several well known chefs showing an interest in pairing their food with beer instead of wine.

Easter Bonnet Party Theme: crafts trail around the library - create a hat from recycled rubbish - show case all the new items, Peter Rabbit puppet show, Building Block Construction Club, Raspberry pi, code club. All are welcome, see the website for details.

With the increase in breweries and ever spiralling hop prices, there is a suggestion that there will be a move towards more malty beers. Whether or not this is true, one trend that has been predicted is that for more balanced beers. However, there will always be a beer for the hop heads out there.

It’s a brand new year, pop along to your local library and get inspired to do something new. Learn a language, read an e-book or magazine, join a book group, volunteer for baby and toddler rhyme time - the choice is yours!

Happy New Year from all of us at Round Tower Brewery.

Visit the website at www.libraries/essex.gov.uk or telephone Chelmsford Library on 0345 603 7628.

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Hairy Monster - Random Thoughts I don’t like winter. I never have. It’s cold, grey and miserable. If I lived in a country like Austria or Switzerland or Norway where they have proper winters with snow and reindeer and the people dance a lot in giant log cabins I could probably appreciate it better. But here we get a day or two of fluffy white stuff followed by a wet, slushy mess and power cuts (I live in Boreham).

A few years ago my doctor diagnosed my intense dislike of autumn and winter as Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is essentially ‘winter blues’. We tried a ‘happy light’ which is a desk lamp that emulates natural daylight to improve the mood and it did indeed help cheer me up, but as soon as I switched it off after the recommended thirty minute exposure, I returned to my normal grumpy self.

There were only two further options available to me - antidepressants or find somewhere warm to spend winter. The first, and less costly, alternative turned out to be a disaster; the pills made me nauseous, I was shaking like a leaf, splitting headache - and outside it was still winter. It was with a heavy heart that I had to resort to the only option left open to me - escape to the sun. I’m staying in an apartment at the top of a hill in southern Spain. From the balcony I can see the Moroccan coast and the daytime temperature hasn’t fallen below 22C. Of course, I’m still grumpy sometimes, but usually it’s just when I find only one checkout is open at the local Lidl...

terminal building waiting for my mate Skooby to pick me up when a gritting lorry drove past and sprayed me with road salt. Welcome back to jolly Britain!

Obesity I saw a magazine article about childhood obesity recently and it made horrific reading. This is the first generation of children whose life expectancy is less than that of their parents. We all know the causes, fatty food, sugary drinks and lack of exercise, but would parents continue to take the kids to fast food restaurants if they knew that it could ultimately take eight years off their lives?

I suppose a lot depends on how much they like their offspring, but just remember mums and dads; you’re going to rely on them to push you in your wheelchair one day and that’s not going to happen if they’re too fat to get through the door of the retirement home...​

O f 28 fer th v F al 20 eb id 18 ru un ar til y

After a month in Spain, I flew home for Christmas and the New Year, but from the moment I landed at Stansted I began to wonder if I’d made the right decision. As the door opened on the plane, a blast of freezing air hit me. The temperature at Malaga had been 23C when we boarded, but despite the pilot’s cheery mid-flight announcement that it was sub-zero at Stansted, I wasn’t prepared for this. The automatic passport scanners were out of action and the only border force kiosk was being manned by an elderly gentleman who seemed to be working at tickover speed. After what seemed like an eternity (but was probably about 45 minutes), I was standing outside the

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Page 19

Therapy - by Chelmsford Therapy Rooms Happy New Year readers! Here at Chelmsford Therapy Rooms we’ve been busier than usual over the festive period, so thanks so much to everyone that recommended our services and therapists! For those still contemplating seeing a therapist, we still have therapists with available slots and new therapists are advertising their services regularly, so do keep checking the website if you’re still looking.

Carrying on the theme of New Year Resolutions, this year we’ve seen an upturn in clients wishing to tackle their anxiety and depression.

With all the publicity surrounding talking about mental health recently, it’s great that more people are realising that they’re not alone and that anxiety and depression are two mental health issues that are more prevalent than anyone ever thought. However, being aware that you’re not alone sometimes isn’t enough, because anxiety and depression cause the sufferer to feel ever more isolated no matter how much they’re aware that others are also suffering. It’s this feeling of isolation, of not being understood, that can lead people to seek help.

Anxiety and depression reaches further than just affecting the sufferer. Family members and friends often feel they just don’t know what to do, how to help, or how to react when their loved one is panicking or simply cannot get out of bed. This can lead to a feeling of helplessness. It’s important to remember that we all have mental health, we all need support from time to time. Everyone is a unique individual and therefore everyone feels and processes uniquely. Even if you perceive someone to be ‘worse off’ or ‘suffering more’ it doesn’t mean that you are not entitled to some help also.

Everyone is entitled to help if they feel they need a little extra support.

improve your life/change whatever behaviour has brought you to therapy in the first place.

Therapists are available to help you talk through all kinds of issues.

If you would like to make an appointment to discuss your New Year Resolutions and the motivation behind them, go ahead! We’re more than happy to discuss with anyone how they wish to improve their life.

Even if you don’t quite know what you need to do to feel better, don’t worry. Therapists are here to help you figure out what you need to do.

We don’t just help you talk through it, we try to aid you to understand things better too.

If anyone is interested in therapy, Chelmsford Therapy Rooms has a range of therapists that can help with a multitude of issues. We offer many therapies from hypnotherapy to counselling to nutrition. Please see the website www.chelmsfordtherapyrooms.co.uk, or you can email info@chelmsfordtherapyrooms.co.uk, or call 0330 100 5162.

Chelmsford Therapy Rooms is owned and run by Jenny Hartill, an integrative counsellor and hypnotherapist, who is happy to answer any questions!

Do you have a New Year Resolution? If you attend self improvement seminars or expo’s, one saying you may have heard often is ‘what’s your why?’. This means looking at your motivation, what exactly is motivating you? Why have you chosen this resolution? What will you gain from it? It’s important to look at this in order to keep yourself motivated.

One method you can use is called an image board. This is where you print images that represent your New Year Resolution and what the motivation is behind it. You then put these images together to create one big positive reinforcement - you then put this somewhere you’ll see often. For example, opposite your bed so it’s the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you look at before going to sleep. The idea is that the positive subliminal messages are repeated over and over to motivate your subconscious mind and you keep up your New Year Resolution without having to think so hard about it consciously.

This is how suggestion therapy works in hypnotherapy. The therapist suggests something to your subconscious mind over and over and your subconscious takes on these positive, life changing suggestions so that you automatically feel good about yourself/cease a habit/ Page 20

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Kids Page by Kip McGrath - Answers on their website www.kipmcgrathchelmsford.co.uk

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Heart-Brain Is the New Mind-Body - by Kellie Jones I am absolutely sure that pretty much everyone on the planet who is aware of what is going on in the world is done with all the fear-porn that is being churned out 24/7 and are looking for a more peaceful and kinder way of living. For those of us who have already switched off to as much of it as is possible, we have been looking elsewhere for a different kind of news...

News that uplifts, inspires, gives hope and grows us not just intellectually but spiritually too. I have been to my fair share of mindbody-spirit events, and whereas previously they were always for the woo woo hippies and witches, it seems that they have quietly become ‘mainstream’ as everyday people are searching for something other than consumerism and consumption. It is clear to see that if the statistics are correct, that we are being sold sickness, and no amount of increased awareness of the bad news is making anyone any better.

I really believe it is crucial to our human existence that we open our minds to a new way of being.

practised the opposite of this for a lifetime and it takes dedication to practise a different way of being, but let me offer this question I read in Gabrielle Bernstein’s book The Universe Has Your Back:

“The energy you put out is either polluting the planet or healing it.

Which do you choose?”

I know which choice I prefer. I believe that we have to find our own inner power to help heal the world instead of waiting for those in power to do it for us.

To help you get started on your heart-brain journey, we offer you 30 days of unlimited yoga, pilates and meditation for just £45 - which is far less than it costs for 30 days of coffees! We also run regular workshops all designed to assist you to return to love. Sign up at www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk, or download our free app at Apple or Google Play.

New Gallery at University

So what do I mean by heart-brain? Well, there is concrete evidence that our hearts have nuerontransmitters just like the brain, so when you hear the wise words, ‘listen to your heart’ or ‘what does your heart say?’ it is actually true. In controlled experiments we can see that negative emotions cause chaotic heart rhythms and positive emotions cause heart coherence. In a nutshell, this means that our emotions are felt first in the heart which affect our nervous system which has a direct effect on our health and well-being.

“Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye”.

H Jackson Brown Jr. Since 1991, the Heartmath Institute has been dedicated to researching and developing scientifically reliable tools to connect us with the heart of ‘who we truly are’ for living healthier, fulfilling lives and building a brighter future. Their mission is to ‘facilitate a shift in social and global consciousness from instability and discord to balance, cooperation and peace.’ The institute has performed scientific experiments that prove that our hearts know what’s coming before our brains do. As I only have a few hundred words to explain it, you can check them out yourselves (as I sincerely hope you are interested) here: www.heartmath.org.

Anglia Ruskin University has taken up the challenge to increase the city’s arts profile with a new gallery called the Rivermead Gallery, situated by its New Street car park entrance.

It housed a photography exhibition organised by Tracy Vine at the end of 2017, and has now reopened with the painting, drawing and writing of John Power until January 26th.

So it is no surprise that more and more people are seeking the ancient wisdom of yoga and other spiritual practises to help them reconnect to a deeper inner knowing that has been numbed by too much brain work and not enough heart intelligence. When we put our hands into prayer position against our hearts we are automatically connecting to our intuition which ultimately helps us to make better decisions instead of listening to our logic which is based on external information.

How many times have you made a decision based on other people’s opinions and then wish you had gone with your first instinct?

Practising yoga, meditation and prayer is a far more reliable way of knowing - and when we sensitise ourselves to this we experience more peace and joy.

That’s why I love practising and teaching strala yoga at Hummingbird, as the ethos of strala is to practise what feels good in your body, not to practise being good at yoga! I realise that our mindsets have www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk Page 23

The History of Marconi in Chelmsford Part Four - by Stephen Norris As in the First World War, the Marconi Company made a big contribution to Britain’s success during World War II. Before the war as well as the development of radar, crash programmes had already started to provide all three armed forces with radio equipment. By the end of 1938 the power station had been improved so that it could provide up to 80% of the work’s electricity needs. Also the work’s fire brigade strength had been doubled. After Munich, the New Street works were camouflaged and the Great Baddow Research Laboratory, which had only just been opened, was immediately taken over by the government.

On October the 6th 1939 the works manager received the instructions ‘this is a red hot job from the ministry’. The firm had to install short wave transmitters into ten luxury motor coaches. These had to be converted into two heavy mobile field stations with a transmitter, power plant, central telegraph office, receivers and accommodation coach. The first station was completed six days later, the second five days after that - Marconi’s team had worked 24 hour shifts. Before leaving the works they were christened the ‘blue trains’. Several months later the sole remaining transmitter limped back into the works. In all 380 such conversions were made at Chelmsford.

Dramatically increased demand for receiver sets in all three armed forces meant that Marconi was forced to adopt standardisation for the first time. Just three types of receiver were designed and made and in total, 10 thousand receiver sets were manufactured.

Standardisation of production meant that a considerable amount of dilution of skills was inevitable. Like the other Chelmsford works, New Street lost many of its men to the call-up. The girls and women brought in proved conscientious and often skilled workers. Very often they didn’t know what they were making because production was piecemeal and they weren’t told what the final product was. 1,200 were employed in June 1939 at New Street, by June 1940 this had gone up to 1,900 and by August this had risen to 6,000. The works never shut down because shift work ensured 24 hour production.

One of the basic, but vital components that Marconi made during the war were screening sets used to protect the wireless apparatus installed in planes from all the electrical ‘noise’ created by the aircraft engines. The company made over 72,000 of these sets.

Another was the stabilovolt, developed at Great Baddow, which controlled the voltage of radio receivers. Because of the vast numbers of these that were needed, production was switched from Great Baddow to Waterhouse Lane. Marconi equipment was carried on all bombers and most spitfires and hurricanes. By the end of the war, 350,000 stabilovolts had been produced.

Marconi had trained 2,000 radio officers before the war, by the end of 1940 this had risen to 6,000. In all, 956 Marconi staff lost their lives carrying out their radio duties at sea. Marconi research staff had developed a supersonic buoy for locating the enemy. It couldn’t be picked up by the enemy but was also fitted with a ‘hari kiri’ device for blowing itself up.

Wireless apparatus was also essential for the war in the desert.

Each division had a Royal Signals unit, 700 strong with 200 vehicles, many equipped with wireless apparatus. The commander could keep in touch with every unit. Wireless was important in reconnaissance and many spectacular raids. For the Chindits in South East Asia, the valves in radio equipment were stored in jam jars containing silica gel to counteract the humidity. Fungal pests were finally countered with zinc varnishes.

The increased demand for radio receivers led to an increased demand for crystals. In 1942 a separate department had to be set up for their production at New Street and by the end of the war this was employing 200 people spread over two shifts. Another call to Marconi during the war, this time from the BBC, was for more powerful transmitters. This was because of the increased demands put on this institution by the war. Twenty new two kilowatt transmitters were built

and more than half the transmitters used by the BBC were made by Marconi.

In the first war direction finding equipment (D/F) had been used to a limited extent. During the second war D/F was used extensively, despite the development of radar, particularly the Marconi/Adcock HF D/F stations, which were used to identify the location of secret enemy transmitters in the UK and on the continent. After D-Day, mobile direction finders developed by Marconi with the National Physical Laboratories were used extensively in France. Direction finding equipment was also used in the Atlantic to protect British ships. At the end of the war many of the static stations in the UK continued to operate during the Cold War under the control of GCHQ. By 1942, radar was being used not only to counter the threat from the air, but also the threat at sea. The use of type 271 radar produced by Marconi saw a big increase in the number of U-boats destroyed and a fall in the amount of British merchant shipping that was sunk by the Germans.

One of the most vital pieces of equipment used by the highly secret and highly trained Auxiliary Units was their special wireless sets weighing less than 40 pounds. The units had been created with the aim of resisting the expected occupation by the Nazis. Marconi made many of these sets.

The company and its now immensely skilled group of engineers made therefore, a great contribution to the war, but at a cost to the company. No records were kept of the Marconi technology used in the war and a large number of patents and production expertise was lost. By 1943 the company had supplied over 500 skilled men to the Government. Patents taken out by these seconded staff became owned by the particular ministry. The firm therefore, had lost much of the advantage it had over its competitors by the time the post war period began.

Despite this, much of the technology developed during the war, such as the magnetron, was to be at the heart of the company’s development over the next half century and indeed the development of its spinoff company EEV. Of course, the big contribution of the company to the war effort came at no little cost. On the 17th of May 1941 there occurred the most destructive attack on the town so far. 17 workers at Marconi’s New Street factory were killed. In a daring attack, two bombs fell as direct hits with one hitting the centre of the machine shop. The next day a 500lb UXB was found still ticking. It was exploded even though this inevitably caused more damage.

Production was badly hit and fell 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 two destroyed. A few days later the cathedral was filled for a service for the Marconi victims, and five months later a memorial to the workers was unveiled.

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Christmas Tree Recycling Scheme

Farleigh Hospice would like to extend a huge thank you to all the volunteers who took part in the Christmas Tree Recycling scheme over the weekend of 6th-7th January.

Local companies donated their machinery and over 80 people gave up the weekend to help in the fundraising effort.

As Christmas drew to an end and new year began, Farleigh Hospice made getting rid of real Christmas trees easy. Residents could register online, and for a small donation the hospice collected the Christmas tree and had it turned into chip wood.

“We have raised over £20,000!” beamed Debbie de Boltz, Fundraising Manager for Farleigh Hospice. “I can’t thank everybody enough, the morale and efforts of the team was absolutely fantastic.

Without our volunteers generosity this venture would have been impossible. I would like to say a special thank you to all the individual volunteers who so willingly gave their time plus the following companies for their amazing support; Essex Highways, DF Clark Landscaping, Bluefin Insurance, Mr O Removals, Secret Hamper, Chelmsford City Council, Chelmer Marquees, Chelmsford Van Hire, Chandler Material Supplies, Reliable Removals, Chelmsford Lions Club, DM Dixon & Sons, Icex Ltd, The Church of Jesus Christ the Latter Day Saints and General’s Farm.”

The money raised helps fund the invaluable work that Farleigh Hospice does of caring for people with life-limiting illnesses across mid Essex.

You can donate now by calling 01245 457 408, or by visiting www. farleighhospice.org.

r fe d f t O ite 5 n im £3 ie Cl Unl for w s ) Ne Day shipapply r s 30 mbe(ts &c Me

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

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Chelmsford Slimming World Consultant Sets Sights on London Marathon A slimmer from Chelmsford, who lost 3 and a half stone with Slimming World after feeling fed up that she couldn’t run around the park after her son, is set to do something she would never have dreamed of before losing weight - run the 26.2 mile London Marathon on April 22nd.

Victoria, who is now a Slimming World Consultant, joined her local group in January 2010 as a size 18. Now a slinky size 8-10, she has joined a group of 100 from all over the UK as part of a team running for MS-UK. The team are aiming to raise a combined quarter of a million pounds which will go directly to the Colchester based charity who help individuals diagnoised with multiple sclerosis through a wellness center, a dedicated helpline and resources to help those recently diagnoised.

herself. She started following Slimming World’s Body Magic activity programme, which helps slimmers to take small steps towards a more active lifestyle based around things they enjoy. She completed a couch to 5km running course with Chelmer Road Runners, a running club based in Chelmsford, starting at running for just 30 seconds, building time and distance gradually. Then in October she completed her first half marathon and has decided to set herself the ultimate challenge.

Victoria is now deep in training and can’t wait to run her first (and only, she swears!) marathon for MS-UK: “I can’t believe how far I’ve come in the past few years and all the incredible changes I’ve made.

I’m happier and healthier, and by making all these healthier changes, I’ve reduced my chances of developing a range of health problems.

I’ve really found a love for running and I can’t believe I’m now going to be running the big one this year - my dream - the London Marathon!

“I can’t wait for the atmosphere on race day and to cross that finish line. Achieving this lifelong ambition would never have been possible before losing weight. I‘m excited to give something back and raise money for MS-UK. It’s going to be an honour to run where my dad ran before his diagnosis, and all of my amazing Slimming World group members will be willing me on at every step.”

Victoria is holding a charity night at The Tulip Public House in Springfield on Friday 23rd February, featuring singing Chelmsford duo Danny and Michelle, and fabulous prizes to be won including tickets to theatre shows, cricket matches, spa days, a horse race meet, hampers, gym memberships and brewery tours to name just a few.

If Victoria’s story has inspired you to lose weight, everyone is welcome at any of the 18 Slimming World groups in Chelmsford.

Details can be found at www.slimmingworld.co.uk.

Victoria chose this cause as it is close to her heart, her dad was diagnoised with MS in 2001. Before years of varying symptoms, he was fit and well and ran the London Marathon himself. She has seen how this illness can change someones life and Victoria is aiming to raise at least £2,500 through her own fundraising activities.

Before joining Slimming World in 2010, Victoria was inactive, eating high processed on-the-go foods, and over the years her weight had crept up and up. After struggling to complete normal every day activities without becoming breathless, like walking up stairs, she decided to do something about it. She began following Slimming World’s Food Optimising healthy eating plan and discovered a love of cooking, swapping her choice of foods when staying in hotels due to her job that travelled the UK, microwave meals and sandwiches for cooking healthy, wholesome meals from scratch including her favourite dish of spaghetti bolognese packed with loads of vegetables. Victoria says: “Before joining Slimming World, although I had a job that involved me standing up and delivering training to hundreds of people, I was terrified of walking into a room full of strangers. But joining was ultimately the best decision I could have made; nobody was pointing or laughing or judging me and straightaway I felt like I was one of them. It was a magical feeling, I felt safe and I knew I belonged in that room. Slimming World has taught me so much; how to shop, cook and how to eat so much better. Small changes have made a massive difference.”

After losing her weight, Victoria then went on to have her second son with continued support from Slimming World for a healthy pregnancy and then decided to become a Slimming World Consultant Please let our advertisers know you saw their advert in The City Times

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New Years Resolutions The Christmas tree has been taken down, the lights stored away in the loft for next year and the obligatory New Year Resolutions have been made. The usual suspects - go to the gym, lose weight, more exercise, keep in touch with friends and family more often - we all say them as soon as we have digested the turkey and Christmas pudding and we mean them most sincerely at the time, but somehow with the best will in the world, they are difficult to maintain and a few days into January we begin slipping back into bad habits. It’s cold, it’s wet and for some reason some nonsense on the television becomes more appealing.

membership is open to men and women, it is open to all ages, it is open to everyone, not just professional or business people. If you would like to put something back into the community then Rotary is for you.

So back to the Sponsorship Days. Apart from two at the Racecourse, the dates of which are Thursday 22nd February and Saturday 10th March, there will be another on Saturday 3rd February at the Colchester United football match against Newport County (who have just knocked Leeds Utd out of the FA Cup) and one at Southend’s game against Walsall on 3rd March. These are all opportunities for Rotary to engage with the public and to show what we do but also to listen and answer questions.

If you would like to find out how to become involved, you don’t need to wait for the special sporting days out, you can visit our website at www.rotary1240.org, or just as easily give me a call on 01245 260 349. You would also be made most welcome at any Rotary club meeting to get a flavour of what is going on.

Happy New Year to you all and if I don’t see you jogging around Chelmsford in the trainers and track suit you got for Christmas, then hopefully I will see you at one of the numerous events organised by local Rotary clubs.

Stan Keller

It could be like that for Rotary as well, but hopefully it is not the norm.

January is just half-time in the Rotary calendar which begins 1st July, so members are energised to complete tasks they pledged to do six months ago. In order to accomplish these goals innovative ways need to be found, as doing the same old things won’t work.

Rotary has three main aims at the moment: 1. To increase membership so all the great work will be continued.

2. To raise awareness of this work.

3. To build on the areas of focus of need in the community.

All three are interconnected, and by way of a New Year Resolution local members have come up with some different ideas for raising the profile of Rotary. Over the next few months we are holding four Sports Sponsorship Days. There will be two at Chelmsford City Racecourse where Rotarians will be on hand to talk to the public and explain the benefits of joining.

Mentioning the areas of focus above - these cover education, health, peace, water and sanitation. All of these are designed to make the world a better place and a fairer society, and projects undertaken could be within our own city, nationally or internationally. It goes without saying that we need as many volunteers as possible to do more and more or even to keep up involvement at the current levels.

Every month I write about examples of what Rotary clubs are doing and I emphasise it isn’t all about fundraising and passing the money on to someone else to do the work. That is part of it, but Rotary is very much hands-on and simple things such as giving mock job interviews in schools or driving an elderly person to the doctor’s are just as important.

Making people aware is therefore paramount if Rotary is to get new members and to dispel the myths about Rotary. Let me make it clear; Page 28 Please let our advertisers know you saw their advert in The City Times

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Ever Wondered Why You See So Many Mummies in Coffee Shops? Sleep Regression! - by Eleanor Searle I am writing this as an overtired mummy of a baby, who is a less than perfect sleeper. Pre-baby, I thought that years of early morning swimming training, doing a Masters while working full time and running two businesses would be good training for the sleep deprivation that comes with motherhood, but it turns out that sometimes babies let you have even less sleep than you thought possible!

We are in the midst of sleep regression and being woken up every 20 minutes to two hours. Sleep regressions are believed to occur when a baby’s sleep pattern changes and they begin to wake frequently at night and fight or refuse naps. If your baby hasn’t learned to settle itself back to sleep yet, they may wake more frequently, as they move between light and deep sleep. Sleep regressions feel like they arrive out of nowhere and can last indefinitely and they often occur at 3-4 months, 8-9 months, and 18 months. Regressions appear as baby’s sleep needs change and the number of naps that they require alters. Babies then become overtired, and overtired babies counter intuitively wake frequently or refuse naps leaving you knackered and them in a sleep regression.

Some sleep experts believe that regressions also occur around periods of significant development such as such as crawling.

Research showing this as a link is limited, but anecdotally there may be a link between physical milestones and increased periods of waking up at night. So think of sleep regression as part of their normal development, a milestone in itself, albeit one with its own unique challenges. I also feel that regression for us occurs around growth spurts, with increased need for feeds at night.

help. If it doesn’t work drop it and try something else! Controlled crying being a case in point - in our house crying means that there is a problem that needs intervention so leaving him to cry just ramps up the volume and levels of distress all round. However, for some of my friends this has worked, as their babies actually just needed a minute to settle themselves down.

Remember you know your baby better than anyone, but understanding a little more about sleep regression and stopping them from getting overtired may help you though this challenge of parenthood!

Having an hour or so to your self to re-energise can help too; obviously for me a bit of yoga and pilates are my recommendations.

February/March Issue Deadlines: Artwork - 28th January Articles - 6th February

Four months sleep regression hit us hard. At 4 months baby’s sleep becomes more like that of an adult, so previous strategies of rocking or nursing a baby back to sleep may stop working. Newborn babies immediately enter into deep non-REM sleep, whereas at about 4 months, babies do not immediately enter into non-REM/deep sleep stage, as soon as they go to asleep. Instead, they will first enter into a lighter sleep stage (non-REM sleep). The effect of this is that when you are rocking or nursing your baby to sleep, they nod off and then as soon as you put them down, they startle and are straight back into wide-awake mode.

So what’s the solution?

Well trying to recognise and adapt to your baby’s needs and understanding what sleep regression is definitely helps. As does a deep breath, a cup of coffee and remembering that they aren’t doing it just to challenge you! For me the key is making sure that he naps, even if it means pushing him out in the buggy to enforce a nap; this prevents him getting overtired and helps me to get him down at night. The fresh air also does us both good, even though arguably more sleep would be better still. However, this may not work for everyone, as by this point some babies find it difficult to sleep on the go as they become increasingly aware of their surroundings. Some babies just need to be put down as anything else that you do by this point just over stimulates them. Some experts recommend keeping a consistent bedtime and naptime routine in place however, others recommend a flexible schedule that is in tune with your baby’s needs.

Our schedule is flexible by default but he has started to consistently go to sleep by 7.30pm now, which is a great success as before it was 9.30pm due to cluster feeding. Making sure that naps don’t occur after 4.30-5.00pm and moving bed time earlier if his last nap starts to get too late in the day, definitely helped.

Also, if something isn’t working don’t keep doing it. Sounds like common sense right, but I can’t tell you how many people soldier on with something out of desperation as a book suggested that it should

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Stargazing with Mark Willis - January/February 18th January: 21:00 and looking west-northwest is the planet Uranus.

Although Uranus is officially a naked eye object, it is much better to have either a telescope or binoculars - a surefire way to see it is to visit a stargazing evening. On 20th February Uranus will be easier to spot as it will be close to the Moon.

18th January: 22:00 and looking north east. The Plough, Ursa Major and also known as the Big Dipper will have the handle of the Plough pointing down toward the horizon.

20th January: The Moon is near Neptune, the outermost planet.

31st January: Total Lunar eclipse. Tonight, the Moon will darken and then will take on a rusty red colour.

8th February: 20:00 and looking south is the constellation of Orion.

Two stars really stand out, Betelgeuse and Rigel. Betelgeuse, some 640 light-years away is classified as a red supergiant. If Betelgeuse were placed within our solar system replacing our Sun, then it would swallow Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars and Jupiter. You may well have

heard that Betelgeuse is about to supernova. Don’t worry if it blows up next week. It is too far to affect us here on Earth!

Rigel, some 863 light-years distant, as seen from Earth is actually a multiple star system of three to five stars, the primary star (Rigel A) being a blue-white supergiant which is estimated to be anywhere from 120,000 to 279,000 times as luminous as the Sun. New Moon: On 17th January & 15th February there will be a new Moon. This means the skies will be extra dark which is a great opportunity to see planets, galaxies and deep space objects.

As usual, email me with any questions….

Mark Willis presents Willis Wireless every Monday at 7pm on Chelmsford Community Radio on 104.4 FM and online at chelmsfordcommunityradio.com.

Twitter: @WillisWireless Email: mark.willis@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

Dempsey Broughton Intimate Tour Dates Set for 2018

Kevin Dempsey and Joe Broughton are back for a series of intimate gigs including Maldon’s The Sunny Sailor on 17th February 2018.

2017 saw the duo return to the fray with a series of exciting live appearances to accompany the release of their acclaimed album, Off By Heart. The collection’s nine tracks ranged from outlandish and inventive instrumentals, to traditional and original songs. With ‘a slightly political twist’ running throughout. The collection earned a raft of four and five-star reviews.

Since forming in 1999, the duo have toured extensively, performing across over 20 countries and releasing three albums - Every Other Word (1999), Freehand (2004), and last year’s Off By Heart.

Combining emotive songs, unrivalled musicianship, and a spectacular high energy show, Dempsey (guitar, vocals) and Broughton (fiddle, mandolin) never fail to create a spellbinding atmosphere.

Quiz Answers

1. Spencer 2. A sash or belt worn from shoulder to waist for carrying a sword 3. Florida 4. It was originally designed to wear in the air raid shelters in WW2 5. A kind of freckle 6. 1984 7. West Sussex 8. 92 9. Roberts

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Cherokee Five Stomach North American Indian money 100 Slang used in the navy King George VI 1960 Portsmouth Ceylon Tim Berners-Lee Benedict

At the top of their game, the list of acts they’ve played with includes such names as Whippersnapper, Pentangle, Mary Black, Joss Stone, Dando Shaft, The Urban Folk Quartet, Fairport Convention, The Albion Band, Dave Swarbrick, and even soul singer Percy Sledge!

Kevin and Joe continue to value their unique musical partnership rooted in ‘folk music’ yet drawing on influences from the four corners of the world: “With the album and the sell-out gigs, last year was our most successful to date so we can’t wait to get back out again,” enthuses Joe. “We’re really looking forward to playing songs from our previous releases as well as a few new tunes which we’ve been working on.”

Referring to the lengthy gap between Freehand and Off By Heart, Joe jokes: “The new songs are sounding great, they really continue the themes and ideas from Off By Heart, and after the 13 year gap between albums, we hope it won’t be that long ‘til the next one!”

“We’ve spent the last few months exchanging ideas, so new songs are coming together - instrumentals, traditional songs and original songs,” interjects Kevin. “We spend a lot of time working on arrangements and always enjoy our time together, both of us - from the gigs to our annual guitar/fiddle Summer School - so who knows?

Maybe we’ll find the time to do some more recording this coming year… Or the year after. We’ll see…” www.dempseybroughton.co.uk www.facebook.com/dempseybroughton soundcloud.com/dempseybroughton

22. Any one made from shredded fibres of old cloth 23. A language that is whistled

by Canary Islanders 24. Welsh for New Year celebrations 25. The length of your forearm 26. January 1st 1985, made

by Michael Harrison to his father, Sir Earnest Harrison, chairman of Vodaphone 27. On your head 28. Isle of Man 29. Laika 30. Human feelings 31. Drink left in the bottom of

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32.

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the glass Wystan New Zealand Tenon Louis Washkinsky (December 3rd 1967.

Audrey Kathleen Ruston (May 4th 1929) Very softly Eat it, it is a mushroom The Romans, it was a coin Bad breath

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