Chelmsford The City Times January/February 2016

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See page 9 for some great live music coming up in 2016 at CCFC

Including: Boreham, Broomfield, Danbury, Great Baddow, Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers, The Walthams and Writtle 10000 copies distributed monthly

Issue Number 28: 15th January - 18th February 2016

MONDAYS

Millennium Community Centre Recreation Ground, Baddow Road, Great Baddow, CM2 9RL 9:30am, 11:30am and 1.15pm Lucy 01245 262457

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

Church of Our Saviour Aston Place New Day Chelmer Village New Venue CM2 6ST 5.30pm and 7.30pm Sandon Village Hall Woodhill Road, Sandon CM2 7SQ 7:00pm Lucy 01245 262457

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 The Salvation Army Hall Maldon Road, Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford, CM3 2HS 5.30pm and 7.30pm Lesley 07973 239899

Life Church Hall Street, off Moulsham Street, Chelmsford CM2 0HG New Time 5:30pm and 7.30pm Angie 07814 992628 Boreham Village Hall, Main Road, Boreham CM3 3JD 5:30pm and 7:30pm Emma 07887 692906

Writtle Community Association Longmeads House, 12-14 Redwood Drive, New Writtle CM1 3LY Consultant 5.00pm and 7:00pm Jennifer 07792 516866

Springfield Park Baptist Church Springfield Park Road, Springfield CM2 6EB 7.30pm Emma 07887 692906 St Michael's Church of England Junior School, Barnard Road, Galleywood CM2 8RR 7:30pm Tracy 07981 609044

THURSDAYS THURSD

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

FRIDAYS

The Church Of Ascension, Maltese Road, Chelmsford CM1 2PB 9:30am WEDNESDAYS Samantha 01245 266442 Church Of St Augustine Of Canterbury

St Augustines Way, SATURDAYS Springfield CM1 6GQ Springfield Park Baptist Church, Church 9:30am and 11:30am Springfield Park Road, Emma 07887 692906 Springfield CM2 6EB

8.30am and 10.30am Emma 07887 692906

CT Welcome Hello readers

Welcome to the January/February edition. Happy New Year!

We are already planning for the year ahead with the music on offer at Chelmsford City Football Club (see page 9) - we have some great acts coming up!

Magazine-wise, we have expanded our Moulsham Times to 9,000 copies now with delivery to Tile Kiln. You can also view the magazine online at www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia.

Regards Paul & Nick www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk | www.moulshamtimes.com

Advertising Nick Garner 07970 206682 ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk

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

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

Trade enquiries welcome

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CT Fashion - How do we Fill the Gap? By the time you are reading this, 2016 will have begun - so Happy New Year!

Lots of exciting things are in store for Chelmsford’s High Street this year; the arrival of John Lewis and the other Bond Street developments means lots of new stores and restaurants. However, there will be departures too, including some long time favourites.

When I was Christmas shopping, I was greatly shocked and saddened to learn about the imminent closure of Gap from one of their staff. I have been a customer of this retailer for as long as I can remember, in my view they fill a gap (sorry!) between fun, fast fashion like H&M and Miss Selfridge and something more grown up like Marks and Spencer. I think, without them many 30-plus men and women are going to be a bit lost.

Gap’s clothes are stylish and simple and the quality is good meaning the clothes often look like they could carry a much heftier price tag.

I have a blue tailored dress that looks far more expensive than it was, the fit is amazing, the fabric is great quality and it washes like a dream - it’s my go-to dress. The childrenswear is great quality too - cool, colourful and stylish and the prints are inventive and fun for both girls and boys.

Gap accessories are also spot on, I have had endless comments about my leather cross-the-body bag and Gap’s printed scarves liven up any outfit. The customer service has always been incredible - never any rudeness and every member of staff is always cheerful and happy to help. You simply do not get this level of attentiveness in every shop. Some of the staff have been there for years, which says something about their level of professionalism and job satisfaction. I think we need a Gap in Chelmsford, as where else are people who are not into ‘fast fashion’ going to shop?

not to sit on our laurels, but to up our game and to make Chelmsford a diverse shopping destination with a full mix of stores. High street and independents for all ages, not just ones offering trend-led fashion and wouldn’t it be great to have everything on our doorstep and not have to travel to Bluewater, Lakeside or Westfield?

A few years ago, Mary Portas was asked by the Prime Minister to conduct an independent review of the future of the British high street. She has real concerns that many of the shops are disappearing, being replaced with empty shop after empty shop. She said: “Fundamentally, I believe that our high streets are uniquely placed to deliver something new. I believe that our high streets can be lively, dynamic, exciting and social places that give a sense of belonging and trust to a community.”

We have lots to be proud of in Chelmsford and Baddow Road with Now and Then for vintage and Zagger for designer, and Number Six in Can Bridge Way for designer and independent labels. But we need a wide range for all ages to make it a vibrant and buzzing place to shop for clothes. I do hope Gap once again finds it place in our high street and I for one would like to say a big thank you to Gap for their great collections and the Chelmsford staff for all their hard work and expertise. Thanks Gap. Emma Smith lives in Chelmsford and is a style consultant. She offers personal shopping and wardrobe planning. You can contact her via her website: www.emmasmith.co.uk or email her at: emma@ emmasmith.co.uk.

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Help, I Need a Helpline by Simon Culleton There are two pieces of expert advice that I often refer to, not because of their guidance and judgment, but as my favourite examples of just how unreliable and fallible expert advice can be. 1) The Californian fitness guru who wrote the book Live Long Through Jogging died of a heart attack while jogging - and 2) The co-writer of the lyrics Don’t Worry be Happy committed suicide.

It is with these thoughts in mind that I tend to doubt everyone who claims to give expert help; a fact that was brought home to me the other day and prompted this month’s subject when I phoned a computer helpline only to have one of their experts ask me to hold while she ‘googled’ it.

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The helpline first started from humble beginnings, when in the mid 1970s, Crisis Line was first established by The Samaritans in San Francisco for people contemplating suicide. Nowadays here in the UK, there are over 50 official helplines ranging from the NHS information helpline to Parent Line or Narcotics Anonymous to Anxiety UK, giving an endless supply of advice and empathy for almost every situation. There is even a helpline for people that hear voices, which is effectively a voice telling you you’re not hearing voices. Unsurprisingly, there is a helpline for people looking for helplines.

The people that operate these helplines are nothing short of living angels, often giving their time for free to help and advise in awful situations. Yet the helpline nowadays has moved into a less imperative and more superficial advertisement of help.

Last year I bought a kettle for £11.99 (befitting my lavish and opulent lifestyle), which actually came with a helpline (‘...where do I put the water?’). My iron has one too (warning, do not attempt to iron clothes while wearing). I somehow managed the complicated and stressful procedure of walking into a shop and purchasing a kitchen mixing bowel though the makers believed I needed reminding via a diagram - ‘this way up’. There is even a helpline on my mattress, no doubt to help those poor unfortunate squashed people who have chosen to sleep underneath it.

Although, thanks to Yahoo’s help page, which dutifully keeps a record of all the ridiculous and mind numbing questions received, it does go to show that there is always someone in need of basic advice.

‘Will looking at pictures of the sun hurt my eyes?’ was one of the questions asked. Another person inquired whether midgets had night vision. I simply love the person (who’s thought process is not that far away from mine) who asked ‘how can I lose weight without moving?’

My personal favorite - and with some pity - is the poor ill-informed mother who agonized, ‘how do I know that my daughter is really mine?’

Yet not all the information gleaned from helplines is incorrect: According to a BBC medical research survey, 1 in 4 patients selfdiagnose from internet helplines rather than consult a doctor.

Although some took it further demanding medicine and treatment from their GP; one doctor was quoted as replying to the patient: ‘Would you like a second opinion from the butcher?’

So the best expert advice I can give you is to never trust anyone claiming to be an expert and remember that not all helplines are helpful. So don’t worry, be happy and go for a jog, but could someone please help me fix my computer? simon@limepad.com PS: You may not be seeing as much of me this year (please don’t cheer) as I am working on a novel (that’s writing, not reading it). Yet I shall from time to time continue to cover subjects that some of you have been kind enough to suggest.

PPS: If you wish to join me in a new writer group, email me for details.

Web sites from £249 web sites | business cards | flyers | 01245 262082 Page 6

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Chelmsford Slimming World Consultants Are a Hit with Singer Jason Donovan A group of Slimming World consultants are feeling ready to make any (weight-loss) dream come true after meeting legendary soap actor and popstar Jason Donovan.

too, and as they enter their 47th year of helping people to lose weight, they’re better placed than ever before to help people to lead healthier lives.

The team, who run Slimming World groups in Chelmsford, were delighted to get a chance to cuddle up to the Australian heartthrob when he swapped Ramsay Street for the annual Slimming World Awards. He co-hosted the event with the organisation’s chair and founder, Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE.

“At the awards I met lots of people who’ve lost incredible amounts of weight and it has completely changed their lives - in fact, it’s saved their lives in some cases. And every single one of them told me that they couldn’t have made the changes they have - to eat more healthily and become more active - without the help and support of their Slimming World group and their consultant, so the people who run the groups are clearly very important.”

Tracy Slayman said meeting Jason was a wonderful way to round off a fabulous year for Slimming World, as well as a great way to get ready for another successful 12 months: “I couldn’t be prouder of our members. They’ve lost fantastic amounts of weight throughout 2015, with many of them making their weight loss dreams come true by hitting their target weight, improving their health and more.

“It’s so rewarding to see people being able to do things that they didn’t think possible before losing weight, whether that’s wearing smaller clothes, taking up new hobbies, reducing medication or being able to do more with their family and friends. Every week I feel so lucky to play even a small part in people’s achievements and I felt very honoured to represent Slimming World groups in Essex when we met Jason. Now I feel incredibly motivated and I can’t wait to support more people to lead healthier, happier lives in 2016.”

Jason, who found fame on Aussie soap opera Neighbours before launching a pop music and stage career, said he was thrilled to meet the Slimming World consultants at the event, which was held at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre.

He added: “I’ve been in the business for some time now and I like to think that I have improved with age and experience. It certainly sounds like Slimming World’s only going from strength to strength

Emma Lodge says 2015 has been a big year for Slimming World, with the organisation welcoming hundreds of thousands of members and launching its first ever food range and hopes 2016 will be just as successful.

“Lots of people will be making resolutions to lose weight and improve their health this New Year. I truly believe that joining their local Slimming World group is the best way for people to lose weight and learn new habits. Thanks to our famous Food Optimising eating plan they’ll see big results on the scales without ever having to feel hungry or deprived, and at our groups they’ll discover a whole world of support and advice that’s sure to help them reach their targets.

“What I love is that while our members lose weight, they also grow in confidence and happiness - we joke the only thing that gets bigger at our groups is our smiles! We’ve had a lot of fun together in 2015 and I can’t wait to see what 2016 holds for Slimming World. I’d love anyone who’s thinking about losing weight this January to join us.”

To live happy with Slimming World in 2016 visit www.slimmingworld. co.uk to find your nearest group.

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Page 7

a less unobtrusive finish. I would CT Gardening by Tom Cole for suggest working on wires being placed

Vertical Gardening

Fancy a change this year? Then pop into Writtle College on the 13th January 2016 from 6:00 - 7:30pm to see what’s on offer: You can discuss all types of courses; short (1/2 day to 2-3 days) through to part and full time further or higher courses. All of the team will be on site to chat through options. If this doesn’t float your boat, then why not consider purchasing a climber or wall shrub and follow my advice below?

I’m trying a few plants this year; Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica and Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris and a range of honeysuckles.

Now, all of these are true climbers but will need a helping hand to get started up your walls, fences or over balustrades.

I tend to use screw vine-eyes and galvanised wire.

You could use batons on walls with trellis fixed to them - this works well but can be a little obtrusive. If using screw vine-eyes ensure they are placed on mortar lines so that when wire is fed through and made taught the wire blends into the mortar to make

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every 60cm (2’) from the ground up the fence, wall etc.

For the clematis, I have placed this to run through an already positioned rose called Penny Lane; an excellent perpetual climbing rose with great fragrance. The clematis will enable you to have colour from November through to March - and be followed by the rose which will keep giving until the frosts. As the wall is being used, plant around 45-60cm (1-2’) from the wall and angle roots away from it, as these structures can rob additional moisture from the surrounding soil.

With the honeysuckle, I tend to grow these on their own rather than grow them through other plants as they tend to take over!

With the climbing hydrangea I’ve popped this on to a fence still using screw vine-eyes and wire. These plants need anything from shade through to full sun, but do need a fertile soil. As the fence is being used, you can plant right up to the fence line without any detriment to the plant. Hydrangeas develop aerial roots along the stem and this helps it to fix to the fence and posts. Don’t expect a mass of flowers straight away, this plant needs to be left to get on with life for a few years.

Don’t bother to feed at the moment, use a general feed in March such as Growmore, fish, blood and bone or Vitax Q4. Lightly work this in and apply a good quality organic mulch. The mulch will suppress weed growth and keep moisture in. For the best results, the mulch needs to be 10cm (4”) and applied up to the stems, but not covering them, as it may burn new growth.

Good luck and happy gardening!

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

Unit 1, The Paddocks, Highwood, Chelmsford, CM1 3PU Page 8 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Live Music Coming Up in 2016 at CCFC Friday 29th January - The Rollin’ Clones

Doors 7.30pm

Tickets £13 in advance and £15 on the door. The Rollin’ Clones were established in 1997 and have worked hard to earn their reputation as the most accurate and complete Rolling Stones tribute show, as well as the nation’s favourite! The Rollin’ Clones have been entertaining crowds across the World for over 17 years.

Sunday 28th February - An Evening with Benny Gallagher (Gallagher & Lyle)

Doors 6pm

Tickets £25 including 3 course meal - Perfoming the hits and telling the fascintaing stories of 50 plus years in the industry and of the people he has met and worked with. Gallagher & Lyle gained their first recognition when they were signed by The Beatles to write for Apple Records' artists.

Saturday 19th March - Class of ‘76 and Headline Maniac

Doors 7.15pm

Tickets £10 in advance £12 on the door. This is a double headliner with Class of ’76 with Barrie Masters & Steve Nicol (Eddie & the Hotrods) Nigel Bennett (Members & Vibrators) Russ Strutter (Wilko Johnson & Tonight) and Headline Maniac a 3 piece Essex rock ‘n’ roll band.

Friday 22nd April - The Blow Monkeys + SportsDay

Doors 7.15pm

Tickets £20 in advance and £23 on the door. With the original line up The Blow Monkeys with hits such as Digging Your Scene and It Does Not Have to be This way. With support from local band SportsDay it is sure to be a great night.

Friday 13th May - The Animals + The Sharpees

Doors 7.15pm

Tickets £20 in advance £23 on the door. The Animals with iconic hits including House of the rising Sun, We Gotta Get Out of This Place and Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood visit Chelmsford for one night only. Join us with what is going to be a night of rhythm and blues with support from The Sharpees.

Saturday 18th June - Chris Farlowe & the Norman Beaker Band + The 60s Project

Doors 7.15pm

£13 in advance and £15 on the door. Chris is best known for his hits Handbags and Gladrags "Out of Time", which rose to #1 in the UK Singles Chart in 1966 and his association with Colosseum and the Thunderbirds. Support from the fantastic The 60s Project.

At the Clarets Bar, Chelmsford City Football Club, Salerno Way, Chelmsford, CM1 2EH Tickets from CCFC call Chelsea 01245 290959 and from The Hop Beer Shop Moulsham Street. CM2 0LD and Intense Records, Viaduct Road, CM1 1TS Or search We Got Tickets - www.wegottickets.com

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Page 9

CT Cooking by John Jacobs

There are no platitudes or sage words of wisdom or clichéd banalities that have not already been said to sum up the coming of the next three hundred and sixty five days, other than ‘made it’. I, like you, will never openly admit to resolutions. Too much pressure to deliver.

Secretly, I’ve got one eye on gym membership for my covert strategy for a healthier mind, body and bank balance. Realistically, what I will hope for in 2016 is at best, to be less grammatically intolerant and perhaps hope for a brief but significant mention in the will of a distant relative. I’d settle for the makers of TOWIE to look favourably on Norfolk, or perhaps Kandaha Province. Also, I’m reliably informed by the owners of the City Times, I have completed an entire twelve months of column inches without eliciting a reader complaint.

My only low moment recklessly comparing dining at a particular restaurant to an invasive vetenary procedure. This year will also be positive, welcoming and without an iota of disdain.

2015 brought some real delights to Chelmsford in the way of restaurants. Live Dosa filled a gap with authentic Keralan cuisine straight from the southern coast of India. Bake n’Grape proved itself to be at the forefront of good food, service, innovation and value, adding to the diversifying food culture in the city. So, who ended the year on top you may ask? Newbies aside, the top five restaurants in the city, according to the number one online review site are - and feel free to imagine Led Zep’s Whole Lotta Love whilst reading this: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

There has also been an exponential rise in pre-prepared, delivered through the post, ready-meals that plan and execute your diet of choice and aim to take the planning out shopping and cooking; perfect for the hard of thinking with an excess of disposable income.

Nevertheless, the next twelve months will be an interesting time for our bars and restaurants, as Chelmsford positions itself onto the radar as a destination for those all over Essex to enjoy its vibrant and growing hospitality. Some will thrive, and no doubt we will say goodbye to others. Such is the transient trade. This year, the Chelmsford the City Times food column will bring you reviews of the best bars and restaurants, new recipes to try and enjoy, along with news of forthcoming openings and events.

It remains to wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year from us all at the Times.

John Jacobs left a career as a solicitor to become head chef at a number of award winning restaurants. You can contact him with your comments, reviews and recipes at: cctfood@gmail.com.

Vita Bella Olio Bartellas The Gurkha Restaurant Zorba the Greek

A magnificent achievement for any of the restaurants who made the top ten out of well over two hundred listed. We applaud you all.

What does 2016 bring to the city in terms of new experiences?

This year we anticipate the coming of the some famous names, as Chelmsford continues with its fast moving redevelopment. Antonio Carluccio is conveying his take on traditional Italian cooking to High Chelmer and the John Lewis development intends to include an Ask Italia, a Bill’s Burger Bar and a Coast to Coast American diner so lots of interesting multiplicity there. Also in the pipeline is a Las Iguanas and Wagamama. Progress is inevitable and only a pompous Canute would seek to stem the tide.

What of the newest hot culinary food predictions for this year?

Column inches and trend analysts suggest a pending backlash to the no-sugar, low fat, low carb’ collective consciousness that imbibe the books and increasingly hackneyed television programmes of celebrity chefs. If you’re largely unfazed by the inconveniences of flavour and enjoyment, healthy ‘whole’ foods are for you. I would not however advocate the polar extreme of doughnut topped milkshakes and cheesy meat fries that are creeping onto menus as a sinful but acceptable indulgence.

Page 10 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Tryanuary by Simon Tippler of roundtowerbrewery.co.uk

For the second year in a row, tryanuary is up and running during the month formerly known as January. January is traditionally a difficult month for the pub trade with so many people on a health kick for the month. The idea of maintaining alcohol intake to within medically recognised safe levels and with the recent suggestions that having a couple of alcohol free days each week, means it is probably a good idea to monitor alcohol intake. However, this attitude should be applied to the whole year and not just one month.

beers, bars and bottle shops, and share your discoveries with people throughout January. Even though the UK is currently enjoying a boom in all things beer, those hard-working independent businesses still need your vital support!

With that in mind, last year #tryanuary was set up by a beer enthusiast on Twitter. The main idea is to promote local beer, try something new and tell your friends.

This isn’t about drinking more, it’s about trying something different and tasting something new, experiencing something interesting.

This doesn’t just have to be for January, but remember - drink in moderation, all year round!

Make it your mission to seek out new INDEPENDENT breweries,

By celebrating, sharing and enjoying what’s out there, you can help.

We all know that supporting local businesses benefits everyone in the long run. Why not visit your bottle shop for a couple of new brews? Try the new micro-pub that’s opened up round the corner.

Visit a local brewery to learn about the beer they make. Ask in your local which beers really are local. Then share your discoveries and find other people’s via the #tryanuary hashtag!

Camera Winter Beer and Cider Festival Beer Today, Gone Tomorrow Beer and indeed cider are to be enjoyed throughout the year, but with the changing seasons, the choice and sheer variety potentially available is astonishing. The Chelmsford & Mid-Essex branch of CAMRA: Campaign for Real Ale have held 54 beer festivals and will hold the 17th Winter festival 17th-20th February at King Edward VI Grammar School on Broomfield Rd, CM1 3SX. See advert for details.

Is This the Way to Amarillo?

As always, we aim to provide the full range of beer styles from golden beers to strong dark ales and everything in between, and a blend of interesting new beers and old favourites.

we have extended our opening hours from noon - 11pm each day, Wednesday 17th - Saturday 20th February.

Special souvenir tankard: Limited edition.

Thank you to all our sponsors and supporters.

Cheers!! and Waissail!! See you there!

Claire Irons Publicity Officer Chelmsford & Mid-Essex CAMRA

New breweries should include Appleby from Cumbria with the wonderfully named Midlife Crisis, Senior Moment and Middle Aged Spread, along with Box Social from Newcastle and Frewheelin’ from Peebles.

Old favourites should include Green Jack Baltic Trader Imperial Stout 10.5%, Crouch Vale Amarillo, Titanic Plum Porter, Mauldons Blackberry Porter and beers from the Blue Monkey brewery. We will have Harveys classics including Harveys Old and Christmas Ale. Brilliant beers!

Luscious Locales There will be plenty of Essex beers including Chelmsford’s own Round Tower Brewery and the new Silks Brewery from Sible Hedingham and Red Fox from Coggeshall, with a special beer for their 750th brew appropriately called 750! The list of pubs selling Locale will be in the festival programme. Drinkat the Locale bar!

Look on the Bright Cider Life!

Spice up your life with our special spiced ciders - sure to give you a glow! Orchard Pig Maverick Chilli and Ginger Cider, Westons Mulled Cider and from Essex, Winter Festival from Delvin End, and new for this festival from Berties in Braintree, Winter Phoenix. Of course, we have a fantastic range to satisfy and to provide Thirst Aid with many award winners of cider, perry and pyder of all styles to suit all sorts. The cider bar is restocked on Saturday!

For information, see: www.chelmsfordbeerandciderfestivals. org.uk which is updated regularly before and during the festival.

Organised and Staffed by CAMRA Volunteers So please give all the volunteers respect and why not join us?

With so many beers and ciders to sup and savour this year, www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk Page 11

What’s On In Chelmsford

January Friday 15th Asylum - We Are Sportsday + New Subjects Bassment - Rowntree Records: Winter Warmers + Greydolf + Rob Wakeman Civic - Are You Experienced? Jimi Hendrix tribute band Fleece - Adrenaline Saturday 16th Asylum - Steve Hooker + Acidultra Bassment - Surge + Different People CCFC Away: Margate v Chelmsford City Cramphorn - Comedy Club 4 Kids!

Star & Garter - Fast on the Draw Sunday 17th Civic - Beyond the Barricade Star & Garter - Open Mic Tuesday 19th Cramphorn - The Second Mother (15) Wednesday 20th Bassment - Live indie rock Cramphorn - Lunchtime concert Thursday 21st Asylum - The Sidekicks + Billy Collins + Andy Poole + George Death Bassment - Live indie rock Fleece - Quiz night Friday 22nd Asylum - Eight Days + Let Demons Run + Under Possession Bassment - Mother’s Jam - Crums + Lost Ashore + Wolfe Sunday + Rhys Timpson + Matthew Haslam Hammond Chelmsford City FC - Annual Legends Evening Civic - Swinging at the Cotton Club Fleece - Nook Star & Garter - The Locals Saturday 23rd Alehouse - Bourbon Shot featuring The Flying V’s Asylum - Undiscovered Heat 2: Buried by the Thousand + Greydolf + Katy Forkings + Sharvargo Bassment - Saturday’s Alright For Dancing: Irie Firat Birthday Set CCFC Home: Chelmsford City v Whitehawk Fleece - Voodoo Child Ideas Hub - Fundraising event for Side by Side Humanitarian who work with the refugees in Calais. Vegetarian food by Essex vegetarian chef, Leon Lewisoor (5pm until 11pm) Star & Garter - Storm Sunday 24th Cramphorn - The Taming of The Shrew Civic - That’ll Be The Day 30th Anniversary Special! - SOLD OUT Star & Garter - Open mic Monday 25th Bassment - Rat Boy Cramphorn - Tangerines (15) Tuesday 26th Cramphorn - Rhapsody/The Two Pigeons

Page 12

Wednesday 27th Asylum - Rucksack Project Fundraiser - Attila the Stockbroker + Paolo Morena Bassment - Rock ‘n’ roll bingo Cramphorn - Lunchtime concert Great Baddow Parish Hall - Hayfever Thursday 28th Fleece - Quiz night Bassment - Americana night: Southern Generals + The Lucky Strikes + The Delta Jacks Ideas Hub - Film: This Changes Everything (7.30pm) Lion Inn - Chelmsford Comedy Club O’Connors - Charity Race Night Friday 29th Asylum - Undiscovered Heat 3: Evergreen + Madeline Marie + Painting on Pavements + Pepper Collins Bassment - Kevin Pearce + Christopher Walken’s Alien Dance Party Chelmsford City FC - The Rollin’ Clones Cramphorn - Phoenix (12) Fleece - 6 String Makeover Star & Garter - Anuva Cover Saturday 30th Asylum - Silas + Oceans Aside + Conflict North Bassment - Origami Noise + The Mighty Fallen + Mister Jones CCFC Home: Chelmsford City v Sutton United Civic - Halfway to Paradise: The Billy Fury Story Cramphorn - His Way: The Frank Sinatra Story Fleece - Skamite Star & Garter - Stoney Road Sunday 31st Civic - Blake Star & Garter - Open Mic Woolpack - Open mic at the Woolpack (from 8.30pm) February Wednesaday 3rd Bassement - Jazz Funk: Roberto Manzin (saxaphone) Cramphorn - Lunchtime concert Thursday 4th Asylum - Comedy Night Bassment - Blues Jam (all welcome to play or just watch) Civic - La Traviata Fleece - Quiz night Friday 5th Asylum - Last Born Unicorn + Proximus + Velvet Rose Bassment - Shakey’s Sessions: Guilt Coins (EP launch) + Chasing Vegas + Paul Dale CCFC Away: Hemel Hempstead v Chelmsford City Fleece - The Rising Star & Garter - The GT40s Saturday 6th Asylum - Thomas Hingley (Inspiral Carpets) The C90s + Tim Smith Bassment - Saturday’s Alright For Dancing Civic - Philharmonia Symphonic Brass: M&G Classical Concert Series Fleece - Dawgfish Star & Garter - The Redtones

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

Sunday 7th Cramphorn - Chelmsford Jazz Club - 11.45am Civic - Fifty Shades of Dance Woolpack - GC’s Jazz Club with guests, Tim Huskisson & Mike Sagrott Trio (8.30pm - free admission) Wednesday 10th Bassment - SJ Denney Cramphorn - Lunchtime concert Thursday 11th Bassment - Wallop! - Sophie Ray + Anna Rest Easy + Paul Barke + Alex Fox Fleece - Quiz night Star & Garter - Mojo Moon Friday 12th Asylum - Contact: Melvin? + The Err Yeahs + Smear Bassment - Electric Jam: Paolo Morena and friends Civic - The Bohemians Fleece - Beggar Star & Garter - Indigo Hammer Saturday 13th Asylum - Zuul + Stormbridger + Greyhaven + Stonewolf Bassment - Primo Nelson + Exilir CCFC Away: Havant & Waterlooville v Chelmsford City Civic - The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark Cramphorn - Romancing Miss Bliss or The Dentist’s Dilemma Fleece - Grounds for Divorce Hyde Hall - Chelmsford Art Society Exhibition Star & Garter - Lithium Sunday 14th Civic - The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark Hyde Hall - Chelmsford Art Society Exhibition Wednesday 17th Bassment - Blues in the City: Bex Marshall + The Diceman Brothers Cramphorn - Lunchtime concert Kegs - Winter Beer Festival Thursday 18th Bassment - Club Static: FrejaCivic - The Elvis Years Fleece - Quiz night Kegs - Winter Beer Festival Friday 19th Asylum - Snide + Antibodies + Slutdrop + Drop This Bassment - Brickhouse Promotions Cramphorn - Undiscovered Semi Final 1 Kegs - Winter Beer Festival Saturday 20th Asylum - The Marksmen Bassment - Sweet Release Records CCFC Home: Chelmsford City vs Margate Civic - Dillie Keane Cramphorn - Undiscovered Semi Final 2 Kegs - Winter Beer Festival Star & Garter - Indiscreet Sunday 21st Cramphorn - Bassett Star & Garter - Open mic

Star & Garter Live music every weekend (See listings for gigs)

Real Ale Hand Pull Ciders Free Wifi Free Pool on Monday’s www.facebook.com/star.garter.792

Happy Hour Monday - Friday 5-8pm 159 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford CM2 0LD 01245 600009

February/March Issue Deadlines: Artwork - 10th Feb Articles - 4th Feb Please send us your events for the next edition (for events between 19th February and 20th March) to: editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

Four Page Chelmsford’s London’s not the only city with a West End, here in Chelmsford we’ve got our own and this week thebestofChelmsford has been taking a look.

The area occupies an enclave of mainly independent businesses providing that extra choice and vitality that every city needs. It’s great to have the main stores, but it’s also important to have somewhere that offers something different.

The West End is an interesting mix of a residential and business community complementing each other. An example is the use of the railway arches and the various businesses that occupy them (they all offer something different.)

So let’s take a taster of what’s on offer in our West End; because of it’s close proximity to the station there are places which are perfect to unwind in after your day’s work - pop in to the Ale House and try a beer from their brilliant selection - and don’t be fooled by the name, they also sell a superb range of lagers, ciders, wines and spirits.

A meal at Live Dosa will let you experience the delights of the very first authentic southern Indian cuisine from the region of Kerala known as ‘the land of spices’ - here you’ll taste the difference!

The well known Ghurka Restaurant offers fine Nepalese dining and entertainment at their ever popular Elvis nights.

Under the arches you’ll find Zorba the Greek for a taste of the Mediterranean in a great space and atmosphere. Find out why they have the certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor!

Wedding Flowers Gift Flowers Corporate Funerals

Don’t forget Valentines Day 14th February

Opening times - Monday - Saturday - 9am-6pm

37 Broomfield Road, Chelmsford CM1 1SY 01245 255579 www.eternalbloom-chelmsford.co.uk

Blues in the City Monthly on a Wednesday night at the Bassment in Wells Street www.bluesinthecity.co.uk

If you want to make a night of it, you can stay at the iconic County Hotel whose County Kitchen Restaurant boasts an AA Rosette. This hotel has been serving the city since 1920.

There’s also Barista, an over 21s bar where you can eat, drink and hire a great section for a party with your own dance floor. Don’t forget they are also CAMRA Real Ale recommended, so you’ll be bound to come back.

At Intense Records, you’ll find a vinyl heaven covering many music genres. They can also set you up with a new turntable and Jennie will also help with DJ equipment and customised clothing.

For a gym with a difference, talk to Adam at Anytime Fitness just yards from the station. It’s different because you can go anytime you like it’s open 24 hours! You’ll love the space and facilities.

Round the corner in to Broomfield Road we have Eternal Bloom, what Shirley does not know about flowers is not worth knowing, the smell of the shop is enough to make you want to receive some fresh flowers!

For the ultimate bridal heaven, visit Katie at Adore Brides to see a dazzling selection of bride and bridesmaid’s dresses that would grace a royal wedding. With over 150 bridal gowns in stock they have the largest selection of bridal gowns in Chelmsford!

David John Casson are the local family-run estate agents who cover Chelmsford and beyond. They not only sell properties but their lettings department is going from strength to strength. Experts in property on the doorstep.

Page 14 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Focus on West End

Turkish Barber Near the railway station

In Wells Street you will see the Bassment Bar with live music every week along with djs playing a great variety of music from blues to rock to jazz and funk. Just a few doors away is Axis Hair for a great haircut. They offer hair Design, colouring, curling , shine & condition and Keratin Complex and are open 7 days a week. Also open 7 days a week just around the corner is Goodfellas Barbers incorporating NewMe hair dressers.

Eddie from Asylum, Chelmsford’s only dedicated live music venue, explained how his idea of a venue stemmed from when the arches were a little different: “One of the main reasons Asylum came into existence was a gig that took place in the Viaducts over 20 years ago. There used to be an Army & Navy surplus supplies shop in the viaducts, about half way up, and one night they decided to have a gig with a local band. I’m not sure, but I believe it was Mouthful of Ashtrays that played. From then on I was of the opinion that it would be a great location for an underground club, and now we have one a hundred metres down the road...”

It really helps our local economy to buy local, so let’s support our local businesses - use ‘em don’t lose ‘em!

This is just a sample of what you’ll find in the West End, so take a trip and experience all the other independent shops and businesses located there.

Tom Bosher

Gents Hair Cut £9 Gents Face Shave £10 Gents Beard Trim £4 Kids Haircut from £6

Gents Clipper Cut Mon-Thur £7.50 Senior Citizen Mon - Thur £7.00

37 Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1HY

Phone 01245 699728

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Page 15

Now for little trip down memory lane!

This area has changed a lot in the last few years with the new bus terminal and sky rise apartments. To bring bring back memories for people we thought we would turn to the popular Facebook group, Chelmsford Remembered, which has proved to be a great source of information and photographs. Thanks to all who contributed, if you have not seen this group then search ‘chelmsford remembered’ and you will find the group and can request to join, at the time of writing there were nearly 11,000 members from all over the world with a common interest - our city.

Some moved away many years ago and are loving the new photographs and some are seeing Chelmsford in a new light; its history. There is something to learn for almost everyone.

On the Facebook page, Jeffery says: “Parkway was opened in two stages, the first bit up to Coval Lane and the Broomfield traffic went up there into Rainsford Road and then Cedar Avenue. Parkway 2 opened about 1987 I think, past Coval Lane into Rainsford Lane and blending into Broomfield Road. Shops were demolished in Broomfield Road as well as a parade of shops in Rainsford Lane to make way for the new road.”

When I asked the group for memories of shops, we got a great list and great variety too. Do you remember any of these?

Parkinson’s Chemist Meesons Sweet Shop Wimpy Viaduct Cycles Burtons Grocers Bellamy’s Chemist Stan’s Lighting Sachs Tylers Cobblers Gramlick Jewellers Edwards Fishing Tackle

Orrins Walton’s Hardware Shop The Sunray Cafe Lummis Coach Trimmers Woods the Bakers Gilberts Shoe Repairs Mansfields Antiques Goodmans Wet Fish Days Hardware Lings Seed Merchants Peri’s Nightclub

We specialise in Open Brazilian blow dry, 7 da y call 01245 284444 a we s ek to book a free consultation and quote

Find us behind the train station at: 8 Wells Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1HZ

www.axisstudio.co.uk

T: 01245 835 859 www.charlesdavidcasson.co.uk 36 Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1SW

Raymond says: “Chelmsford Star Co-op Butchers opposite the bus station in Duke Street had no refrigerator counter, just old marble slabs in the windows. They had 13 shops around Chelmsford plus the mobile butcher that used to go out to the surrounding villages, plus the slaughter house in Coval Lane, really old style butchers.”

The arches themselves used to be very different before their renovation, the road had units with wooden doors (as you can see from the photograph below), there were many car sales and repairs including windscreen repairers. Keiley says: “My dad had Budget Windscreens at the viaducts, I think it was late 80s early 90s, as kids we used to sit upstairs and the whole floor was decked out in Scaletrix. All the windscreen fitters used to come up and pinch the controllers - we’d sit up there for hours!”

Photograph from Sarah Hartwell If you don’t normally shop in the West End, why not take a visit and see how it has changed!

Bourbon Shot + The Flying Vee’s

Opening Hours Mon - Thurs 11am-11pm Friday 11am-12am Saturday 11am-12am Sunday 12pm-11pm

Bring you A Southern Rock Extravaganza on 23rd January 2016 from 8pm

www.the-ale-house-chelmsford.co.uk 24-26 Viaduct Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1TS 01245 260535

CT Business

sponsored by: A Stylish Reinvention by Linda McNeill I had the pleasure of meeting Cat Williamson this month, a Stella & Dot independent stylist. I think it might have been less of a pleasure for her as I had to bring my toddler along, but she was very tolerant!

Stella & Dot is a company I had heard of but knew little about, so I was eager to hear more. Cat herself first came across Stella & Dot when she was looking for a birthday gift for herself from her husband. They are a fashion jewellery and accessories company and I have to say, they have some very gorgeous pieces. Cat chose some stackable rings for herself for her birthday and then her husband continued to buy her pieces online for birthdays and Christmas until she had begun to build up a small collection. Stella & Dot jewellery and accessories can be bought online or through jewellery parties with a stylist. Cat began to realise she would love to be a stylist herself. Then her husband could buy the jewellery for her, from her!

Smart!

Cat had been looking for a new direction for some time: “Before I had my boys I worked in HR at Canary Wharf. I went back when Callum was 14 months, but only for 6 months, as I decided I wanted to be at home.” When her second son Damon went to school, Cat looked into being an LSA and midday assistant as she wanted to work around her children, but ultimately she did not find these roles right for her.

So when she came across Stella & Dot it seemed as though she had found what she was looking for, “It meant I could work flexibly with products I loved and I was really excited!”

Cat brought a number of pieces of jewellery with her to show me and I have to say they were really impressive. Many of the necklaces are statement pieces which would set off an outfit beautifully and they turned out to be rather clever too. The Sutton necklace can be worn 5 ways using the multiple layers of beads so you can completely change its look. If you think this is good, the Zoe Lariat necklace can be worn 20 different ways including down your back to set off a backless dress or top - amazing! This is a running trend through many of their pieces, as Cat also showed me earrings, rings and bracelets which can be worn in different ways. She also showed me some beautiful bags and a purse - all very tempting! Cat oozed enthusiasm for the products “I absolutely love the jewellery and accessories, they are really versatile and great quality.”

Cat started her business last January. She began by asking a few friends from different circles and they had parties and invited people from their own circles. “Some of the people at the first parties then had their own and it was a process of osmosis... In May I did a Macmillan ‘Day and Night in’ with a donation to charity and some games and it was great to use my business to raise money for charity.” I wanted to know how the parties worked: “Stella & Dot call them Trunk Shows and they can be anything from a coffee morning to a party or pop-up at a school fair. They are a great opportunity to see the jewellery and try it on - something you can’t do when you buy online, although Stella & Dot do offer a 90 day ‘delight guarantee’.

They are usually a couple of hours long and the host normally provides some light refreshments. I do an introduction and then demo some of the pieces. 10 - 20 guests are ideal, but it can still work really well with a small number. Ideally everyone tries pieces on and has a play. I want people to feel comfortable if they don’t want to buy anything and it is a lovely social gathering.”

If someone books a party it goes online and then if people can’t make the party, they can still shop online. All the products are delivered by Hermes courier so everyone gets their products delivered to their own home or destination of choice and they also deliver to lots of European counties.

Because Cat has enjoyed running her own business though Stella & Dot, she is keen to help other women who are looking to do something similar. “I had never sold anything in my life before, but I have been provided with excellent training, I have a fantastic up-line of support and there are monthly meeting of Essex Diamonds in which all the local stylists can get together. We also have an annual sales conference - Hoopla. This is a weekend, usually in London, where we receive training, hear very inspiring stories, have a lot of fun and meet many lovely people. Last year, Harpers Bazaar magazine came to the sales conference and gave tips on top style trends.” A new stylist sign-up special has just launched and runs until 31st January - new stylists can sign up for as little as £169 and get £375 of free accessories (normally £300). “I’d love to help other women launch their own flexible business or paid hobby!”

So what has Cat enjoyed most about her first year in business and what does she want to do next?! “Being my own boss is great. My boys were poorly last week and I was able to look after them. It is lovely to earn my own income again and I get to work with a really lovely group of people and have made a lot of new friends. The next things I would like to do is become a team leader - my team director is a very inspiring lady and you can do it in a small way or a bigger one. It is all about empowering women and giving them an opportunity. It doesn’t feel like work as it’s so much fun!”

If anyone is interested in having a party or becoming a stylist, just get in touch to have a chat. One of the UK stylists is a forensic scientist by day and a Stella & Dot Stylist by night! “The new collection launches on 12th January and January hostesses will be able to earn an extra £40 product credit, so at least £70 product credit if their show qualifies - The new collection is gorgeous, so the extra will come in very handy I’m sure!” You can get in touch with Cat on 07717 172702, or via www.stelladot.co.uk/catwilliamson.

If you run your own business locally and would like to be featured in my column, please get in touch at linda@bunintheovenbirthing.co.uk.

bestofchelmsford

It’s an amazing statistic, but a whopping 88% of consumers look for reviews online for a business before they use their services. At thebestofchelmsford, we want everyone to know how good you are at what you do. We will host and showcase your business and reviews to thousands of locals and most importantly, we will monitor them so there will be no nasty surprises. We have even created a brand new reviews widget which sits on your website showing all your potential customers all thebestof reviews you have acquired.

This is just one of the tools we give you to enhance your business when you join thebestofchelmsford. We know that in our area there are some great businesses, not just at what they do, but the way that they do it. These are the businesses we want to know about and work with, so recommendations from you let us know who are the best.

If you have a favourite local business, let us know and tell us why they’re so good at what they do. We’re not a web directory, we only work with a limited number of businesses - the ones local people consider to be the best.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

We’d like you to get in touch with us by visiting our website at www.thebestof.co.uk/chelmsford, or by giving us a call on 01245 701020.

Page 18

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Business Interview - Happicabs by Tom Bosher This month I had the pleasure of interviewing Waqas, the business manager of Happicabs.

•

A small beginning in 1958 as Corry’s Taxis (in fact there was only one!) was the start of what is one of Chelmsford’s oldest established taxi firms. Corry’s Taxis merged in 1992 with Happicabs. In May 2010 Happicabs merged again, this time with A1 Cars and has continued to provide the same excellence of service to the people and businesses of Chelmsford city and the surrounding area.

Their drivers and support staff are firmly committed to providing a highly professional and courteous solution to your transportation needs. After all, it’s what they have been doing for over 50 years.

“We are the only company in Chelmsford to offer this level of service.”

Since you have started has competition risen in Chelmsford? If so, how have you overcome this?

“Competition is rising in the taxi industry day by day. With queues increasing on the taxi ranks and the number of new taxi companies opening every so often, there is more competition than ever before.

We welcome fair competition and new taxi business start-ups, we do not see these companies as a threat, but as an opportunity to show customers how Happicabs is different. Happicabs has a lot of loyal customers and some who have used our service since the 1970s.

Most recently, we have won business from our key competitors as a result of our service reliability.”

You have a great reputation in the city. How do you ensure that your drivers meet the standards to maintain your good name? You must look for some qualities.

“All our drivers are vetted and licenced by Chelmsford City Council.

Our recruitment process is designed to help us find polite, customer service orientated and professional drivers. We go further by training our drivers on a regular basis to ensure our service quality remains at its highest. During December 2015, 94% of our taxis arrived on time bearing in mind that it is the busiest time of the year. Normally, this figure is between 97% and 99%.”

Receive taxi arrival text alerts and email confirmations of your booking.

We hear that you are rebranding? What are the reasons behind this?

“Happicabs is a well-recognised logo in and around Chelmsford and for almost twenty years the brand has been recognised for its pink face, bow tie and a cap. We felt it was the right time to modernise and give the Happicabs logo a new style whilst keeping the key features of its original logo.”

What is the future of Happicabs?

“Technology and growth is the future for Happicabs. We are now living in a world where everything relates to technology. Let’s first think about it from our personal lives; today you interact with technology to do all the simple daily activities: • • •

You ask for opinions.

You want to know what are the new trends and social ideas about products and services.

You want real time response to your needs and issues etc.

“So, organisations need to use real time tools to map, understand, interact and answer what their customers want. We are always working on better ways to improve the level of service to our customers and currently are working on exciting projects to better connect our cars to our customers. Technology helps us to grow our business without compromising on the service level that Happicabs is renowned for.

How many drivers do you currently have working for your company?

“We currently have 47 self-employed drivers and this figure includes full and part time drivers.”

What technology do you use to ensure the smooth running of the business?

“We use intelligent dispatch software which connects our cars to our customers efficiently to ensure we continue to maintain our service reliability. Our technology allows us to send the closest car to our customers reducing waiting times and fuel emissions.

the impact on air quality in Chelmsford.”

“Not to mention, we will continue to invest in technology on the road also. Last year we invested in hybrid vehicles to save fuel emissions and reduce

If you would like Tom to interview you about your business please email us at ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk

“Our free new smartphone taxi app, available on Android and Apple iOS devices, enables customers to book, track and go with a tap of the finger. Some of the key features of our smartphone app consist of: • • • • •

Make, edit or cancel a booking.

Choose your vehicle type, for example saloon, estate, minibus.

Track your vehicle live on a map and see a picture of your driver.

Pay by cash, card or your Happicabs priority account.

Have a message automatically sent to a ‘Buddy’ when your car arrives, so they can track where you are.

www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

Page 19

Hypnotherapy by Jenny Hartill

the business of therapy.

Before I start on this month’s subject I have a very exciting announcement to make.

I have opened a room rental service for therapists, students and those awaiting accreditation. At Chelmsford Therapy Rooms our aim is to provide therapists with the facilities they need, without the high costs and complications that can get in the way of

Located in the heart of Chelmsford, just a couple of minutes walk from Chelmsford railway station and bus station, our rooms in Perception House offer a convenient, yet comfortable setting for therapy sessions. Further details can be found on www.chelmsfordtherapyrooms.co.uk, or you can email info@ chelmsfordtherapyrooms.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Please note this is a room rental service only, not a student counsellor placement service. We require the therapists to be a member of Chelmsford Therapy Rooms before we allow any bookings, this is to ensure the relevant qualifications, training and insurance are in place. Once the therapist is a member, they can easily book and pay for the rooms using our online calendar. Feel free to contact me if you would like further information.

Now to move on to this month’s subject. In this article I will discuss something that many people mention as though it is part of their everyday life, when in fact they have little understanding of the impact this disorder can have on people. This disorder is debilitating to many sufferers and can destroy lives. It is linked to anxiety and phobias but almost always has links to an initial sensitising event, a bereavement or loss, a feeling of a lack of control and of course a specific type of negative mindset. I am talking folks, about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

you beyond question, the door handle you just touched was touched by someone before who had just been to the toilet and not washed their hands. So your hand is now contaminated with deadly germs and unless you remove the germs you will pass them on to your loved one who will get a disease and die. Once I have convinced you that your hand is covered in deadly germs you may have become a little anxious, but even if you believed me, the anxiety would soon fade after you washed your hands. For someone with OCD, that sense of anxiety will remain, but the belief in their compulsion to wash their hands in order to solve the problem, as illogical as it may seem, also remains. We repeat a habit when it has worked for us, even if on a minor level, at some point in the past. Our subconscious remembers it and stores it for future use. It only recognises the fact it worked once, not necessarily that it doesn’t work now! So maybe our OCD sufferer washed their hands and felt cleaner at some point. That’s all the subconscious needs to know, the intrusive obsessive thoughts do the rest.

The problem that OCD creates is an increase in anxiety. Whilst a normal response to an anxiety provoking situation is for the anxiety to slowly decrease after the initial event, for someone with OCD the anxiety is maintained and often increases, usually because of their overestimation of the perceived level of threat.

Many people say in everyday life ‘I’m a bit OCD about...’ - if you like things done a particular way or are a little uncomfortable with change, this is not OCD. Although OCD can occur on different scales in different people, it is a disorder that stops people from living their lives as they wish to. Let me explain:

OCD can also be linked to control. Sufferers feel more in control if they are performing their task. This becomes debilitating because of course the task they perform can only give them so much control because their anxiety level remains, hence in many cases, if left untreated, the OCD can escalate into other fears and habits forming - and even being unable to leave their home. If we look at the obsessive, intrusive thoughts alone though, spending so much time thinking about their task, or about what they believe will happen if they don’t perform their task, or obsessing about how they don’t feel in control etc etc can interfere exponentially in someone’s life. If the person is haunted so much by their intrusive thoughts, how can they possibly lead a normal life? Many people manage to hide their OCD quite well, but others have their OCD completely taking over their life and their family’s life, and this makes it even more difficult for the sufferer to lead a normal, fulfilling life.

A common OCD is washing hands over and over several times per day. Sometimes this can escalate to obsessive cleaning but obsessive cleaning can occur in it’s own right. Anyway, it’s not just the action of washing your hands over and over (that can cause health problems anyway like cracked and bleeding skin) but it’s the mindset that goes with it. The obsessive part of OCD refers to someone suffering with thoughts that are intrusive over whatever it is they believe they have to do to prevent something bad happening, this then becomes an uncontrollable compulsion.

OCD can be successfully treated using counselling and/ or hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy, as we know, is excellent for reprogramming negative thought patterns and habits. But first we absolutely must find out how the OCD developed - what is the sufferer actually afraid of - and then teach them techniques to help them rationalise this. Then we can write a kick-ass hypnotherapy screed to help them get rid of their OCD - or at the very least manage it - for good! Tune in next time to see how we can use hypnosis to treat OCD sufferers.

Understanding what drives a person to continue performing the seemingly nonsensical and repetitive behaviours that OCD creates, is difficult, but partly it is due to the belief in the perceived level of danger and threat. OCD is not necessarily the person trying to keep themselves safe. In fact OCD in many cases affects people who have an overinflated sense of responsibility to prevent harm to loved ones and over estimation about the perceived threat the obsessive and intrusive thoughts bring. It is these factors which help drive their compulsive behaviours, because they feel responsible to try and prevent bad things happening.

For more information on hypnosis or counselling you can go to my website: www.cloud9-therapy.co.uk.

So think about this folks, next time you claim to be ‘a bit OCD’ about something bear this in mind - these intrusive thoughts really do have such power over a person - they make them feel compelled to perform these behaviours repetitively. In order to help you understand, try this exercise: Think of the person you love the most, picture them in your mind. Now imagine if I tell you that without a shadow of a doubt, and convince Page 20

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Music by Nick Garner Well I must say 2015 came and went very quickly for me, did it for you? So I wish you all a very happy, healthy, musical and full 2016.

We finished 2015 with a storming night at The Bassment with Mississippi MacDonald and the Cottonmouth Kings, who started off with a short acoustic set before the whole band joined them for what was a great show - and a fine way to end 2015.

As the magazine comes out, we will have just had our first show of the year.

best Rolling Stones tribute acts in the world.

You will see all the acts we have booked for the next six months in this magazine on page 9 - we think it is a great line-up.

Blues in the City has lots going on over the next few months at The Bassment as well our regular monthly Wednesday events - and we have some specials coming up. On Saturday 12th March is our second Essex Delta Blues Day, which is a twelve hour music marathon with eighteen acts playing nonstop on two stages. Last year was great and we had loads of music lovers turn up which was fantastic. We have just about completed the line-up of the eighteen acts and we are very excited by it. Tickets will be on sale very soon and are only £10 in advance and £12 on the day (if we have any left) and can be bought from The Bassment or Intense Records in Viaduct Road and at The Hop Beer Shop in Moulsham Street or online from www.wegottickets. com.

As the magazine comes out we will have just had our first show of the year. In February on Wednesday 17th we have a special night with a first for us with Katie Bradley and Nigel Fiest who played at the Blues in the City Festival last year and stunned all who saw them. They are joined by the amazing Dudley Ross who played in 2013 and Dave Gwilliam for the first time on guitars. We are so excited and hope you are as this is an amazing line up. The support we have are the Dicemen Brothers who are none other than two legends from Essex Steve English and Fergie Fulton.

We also have another special coming up in May as a tribute to the late great BB King - a day after the first anniversary of his death - on Sunday 15th May. Again, last year this was a massive success and more information will follow over the coming months.

Also on Friday 29th January, It’s Your Music, in conjunction with Chelmsford City FC, are putting on the Rollin’ Clones at the Clarets Bar at the football club. The doors will open at 7.30pm and the show will start at 8.30pm with the band playing two sets of Rolling Stones classics. The Rollin’ Clones are widely regarded as one of the very

As ever, do keep supporting live music. To find what we have lined up, you can either find us on Facebook: Blues in the City or It’s Your Music, or our websites: www.bluesinthecity.co.uk or www. itsyourmusic.co.uk.

There is lots going on in and around Chelmsford in the form of great live music from originals to indie to jam sessions and much more; just check out the events listings in the magazine to find out what and where.

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Page 21

Fitness and Well-Being

Use the New Year to Your Advantage know that by March, most of the people have dropped off after their initial enthusiasm has waned - and yet we still get on that merry-go-round.

I have mixed feelings about the whole New Year thing. Apart from the fact that I’d be too worried about the taxi queue to even consider going out in Chelmsford on New Year’s Eve, I see the ‘fresh start’ aspect of New Year as both good and bad.

The bad is that the success rate of a New Year exercise or diet regime is pitifully low. We know that the gyms go big on advertising in January, and we

My gut feeling about all of this is that if you were serious about losing weight, exercising more, or trying to be healthier, then you would be doing it already. You don’t need some arbitrary date on a calendar to get going - just start.

This year though, I feel a little different. You see, a New Year does indeed present you with an opportunity to write a new chapter. It’s a whole year with blank pages waiting to be filled in. It also helps that your friends and family are likely

to be trying something too, so there will be more support, more understanding about your ‘weird’ diet, and extra impetus to keep going. If you see people quitting, use that to your advantage and tell yourself you won’t quit. If you see people succeeding, know that you can too.

If I were you, there are a couple of things I would do to try to make this New Year about lasting change, rather than yet another flash in the pan. First, set small, realistic goals - aim to exercise once a week, not every day. If you’re changing your diet, change one meal at first.

Focus on dinner only, and make it as healthy as possible. And if there’s some habits you want to change, start with one.

Taking on big, unrealistic goals will likely leave you struggling to stick to the dramatic new regime, and you’ll find yourself back where you started before you know it. Achieving these small goals allow you to gather momentum throughout the year.

New Year resolutions, and the New Year itself are full of energy and optimism. Grasp it with both hands and make this year different.

If you’re interested in personal training in the New Year, drop me a line at keith@liveasimplelife. co.uk.

What are You Committed to in 2016? by Kellie Jones

Big question eh? Yes it sure is and one I have been asked by my life coach that is far more powerful than ‘what’s your New Year’s resolution?’ Speaking from my own perspective, it turns out I find it easy to commit to anything inside my comfort zone but when it comes to the subject of anything that is outside of that I have real trouble and realised that this may be the case for many of you out there. The message of ‘New Year, New You’, seems to be everywhere, and to embark on a journey of change will take commitment and delving into the meaning of the words. It seems that there are two obvious directions this can send us in, which is likely the reason as to why we may struggle.

1. The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, ‘her commitment to her students continued undiminished’.

Gong Baths throughout the year, (a gong bath is an immersion in vibration, through the sound of the gong you will be taken on a deeply relaxing and healing journey which will rejuvenate the body through the stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system while soothing the mind through the enchanting soundscapes it creates. It is open to all levels at whatever stage in your journey, you simply have to come, lay down and let go, the vibration of the gong will do the rest).

We will also be announcing Clean-eating/Self-Love/Sound Healing and Biochemistry for Well-Being talks plus many more. Don’t forget we now have a little shop where you can kit yourself out with a fab yoga outfit and healthy goodies to get you started.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year!

Well this is definitely in my comfort zone as committing to my students has been an authentic passion that I have loved to do. What is yours?

I hear these kind of statements frequently, ‘I should start pilates’ or ‘I have to lose weight’ and I always come back with the response: “You will only keep doing something if you love it - anything else will just seem like: 2. ‘Responsibility, obligation, duty, tie, charge, liability, burden, pressure with so many business commitments time for recreation was limited.’

I realise there are some things that fall into the two. Meaning that we just cannot avoid it, but how would it be if we dedicated ourselves to limiting these and increasing what we love to do? Self-commitment requires showing up and feeling worthy and increasing your self-worth/ love is something we can definitely help you with. However, as much as we would love it if you came to Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga to start your ‘New You’ plan we’d love it more if you committed yourself to your authentic passion, because that will definitely increase your self-worth!

Even if regular pilates, yoga and meditation classes are not for you, we have lots of workshops and talks lined up this year to help you take care of yourself. We can excitedly announce we will be holding regular Page 22

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30 Ne M D w em a C l be ys ien r Un t O (T s & h lim ff C 's i ap p pl f ite er y) o r d ÂŁ3 5

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 Page 23

Charity of the Month - Fresh Start for Hens Fresh Start For Hens is a group of volunteers who work to rehome ex-commercial hens. In addition to this, they promote good farming practises and offer help and advice to anyone regarding the welfare of hens.

The group has a website: fsfh.org.uk, and a Facebook page (see below). The group spans England and Wales and for each rehoming event there are usually more than 50 collection points. In Scotland, the group has a sister group by the name of Phoenix Rescue.

are people to whom the farm team will deliver hens. They will advertise locally and drum up as much interest in the hen rehoming event as possible. Reservations and donations for the hens can be made via the website, the minimum donation is £2.50 per hen to cover van rental, fuel and the price paid to the farmer. Any profit made goes towards the purchase of more crates for transporting the hens.

On rehoming day, the farm team arrives between 5am and 6am.

They work quickly to catch and crate the hens. Everyone has a job, from loading crates onto awaiting vehicles to looking after poorly hens in a hospital crate. Each driver then delivers the reserved quantity of hens to the collection point volunteers. In theory, no one should have more or less hens than they should, but this depends largely on how well the farm team can count! The vans with the most distance to travel leave the farm first, but hens do not travel well. They overheat and dehydrate quickly. Once they arrive at the collection point they are fed and rested for an hour or so before their new owners come to take them to their forever homes.

There are 3 types of commercial egg farms in the UK: free range where hens have access to an outdoors area for part of each day, barn - where hens can run freely within an indoor area and enriched cage - where the hens are kept in cages to restrict their movement to make egg collection easier.

When hens reach about 18 months old they may slow their egg production and not lay an egg every day. At this point, they stop being economically viable to the farmer. The normal practise is to send the hens to be processed at a slaughterhouse and this happens to hens in all 3 types of commercial farm. It is a little known fact that the meat from egg hens is used to make baby food, in addition to pet food and cheap meat pies.

FSFH admin members will contact farms to offer an alternative to the slaughterhouse. The farmer is offered the same rate per hen, usually about 50p, for a team of volunteers to collect and rehome them. The group has a database of farmers who regularly make contact and see FSFH as offering an ethical alternative.

When a collection date has been agreed with the farmer, the admin team send the details to the volunteer collection point hosts, these

Rehomers will have been checked before their reservation is confirmed and donation accepted. This involves either a home visit, or photographs of where the hens will be accommodated being sent.

Hens make fantastic pets. The good thing about ex-commercial hens is that they are already used to humans and are extremely friendly.

Most rehomers take 3 or 4 hens to let run around in their back gardens and providing they have somewhere safe to be kept at night, hens are fairly self-sufficient during the day and will not usually try to escape. Hens can be kept in a run if there is a risk of a fox attack, or they need to be kept away from prize petunias, etc. They do not need much space - think about where they came from after all. Hens will love to help with gardening at every opportunity, but this usually involves a certain amount of destruction, though hens will rid your garden of slugs and snails. There is nothing quite so rewarding as seeing an ex-caged hen take her first steps on grass and find her first juicy earthworm. Egg production will continue for years but will eventually stop altogether of course. Hens are flock animals and do not thrive if kept alone, so it is recommended that new hen keepers take a minimum of 3 to start with, but a warning: hens are addictive!

If you are considering buying a coop, get a bigger one than you need.

It may sound strange to say, but hens have personalities and a new flock will immediately start sorting out their ranking - this is where the phrase ‘pecking order’ comes from!

To get general help and information about hen rehoming, visit the main website www.fsfh.org.uk, or Facebook page (search ‘Chelmsford Fresh Start for Hens’). As the Chelmsford Fresh Start For Hens co-ordinator, I will post news about rehoming dates on the local Facebook page. I can also be contacted by email on chelmsford@ fsfh.org.uk.

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Inspector’s Nomination led to £500 Funding from Police Mutual for a New Children’s Charity Inter Driving The Live Laugh Love Foundation will receive funding from Police Mutual to provide 20 Buddy Bags to Essex refuge centres.

During September, Police Mutual ran its national Force for Good community sponsorship scheme open to serving and retired police officers and staff to apply for funds to support community projects in their local area.

Chelmsford Inspector, Andy Sawyer, liaised with Chelmsford City Council, who suggested the Live Love Laugh Foundation, a new charity for the work it does to provide Buddy Bags to children in emergency accommodation which often includes children fleeing from violence and domestic abuse. This suggestion resulted in him submitting a bid for funding.

He said: “Having researched what it sought to achieve, it struck a chord - as police officers we recognise the courage needed by victims of domestic abuse to make a break from their situation. I thought that any support that could be provided at that difficult time would be very worthwhile and this initiative certainly would provide some level of comfort.”

Karen Buttress, Community Safety Officer at Chelmsford City Council, said: “After being approached by Angela Gakis from the Live Love Laugh Foundation approximately six months ago, we met to discuss the charity and look at ways in which the Safer Chelmsford Partnership could assist them in starting the project within the Chelmsford area.

“The police often see the worst of domestic violence situations and supporting charities such as ours will give them peace of mind that they are making a real difference to these vulnerable children and young people at crisis times.”

The Buddy Bags are catered to various age groups (0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-13 and 13-16 years) and are filled with items that a child or parent might not be able to pack in an emergency situation including toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, underwear, sleepwear, reading books, colouring books, stationary and a teddy. The charity has packed over 1,000 Buddy Bags now with the help from volunteers, item donations and financial donations, as each bag could cost up to £50.

If you would like to write for either of our magazines or if you would like to write us a letter please email us editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

“After an initial internal drive for items to go into Buddy Bags, we were approached by Essex Police for ideas for community based projects which would benefit from Police Mutual funding. The team felt that this project would fit well into the criteria as well as meeting two of the Safer Chelmsford Partnerships criteria in protecting vulnerable people and tackling violent crime, whilst going a long way to supporting families with children fleeing domestic violence.”

The Live Love Laugh foundation was set up in January by entrepreneur Karen Williams after a being inspired by the Australian charity, the Alannah and Madeline Foundation. During her visit down under, Williams learned about the Alannah and Madeline Foundation which has delivered over 50,000 Buddy Bags to children in emergency care since 2007. Upon her return to the UK, Williams researched Britain’s own facilities and discovered a huge need for Buddy Bags here.

Karen Williams explained: “Currently over 48,000 children require emergency care in the UK each year. Children who arrive in emergency care often come with nothing but the clothes or pyjamas they are standing up in. At this point their whole world has been turned upside down, so you can imagine how daunting this period of their lives must be, especially for very young children.

“I am delighted that we were chosen to receive funding from Police Mutual especially at Christmas time. We really appreciate the help and support to provide such essential items and a little bit of comfort to these children that they can call their own when they arrive in emergency care. www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk

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Rotary Calling All School Children The various youth competitions organised

by Rotary are hotting up after the preliminary heats, but not to worry as there are still many opportunities for our young people to demonstrate their prowess in the coming months.

The five clubs in Chelmsford are keen to get more involvement for some of the events that haven’t started yet, including Young Photographer and Young Writer.

This year’s theme for both of them is ‘Our World is Beautiful’. Young photographers are asked to submit a portfolio of three photographs not larger than A4. Young writers are invited to write a piece of up to 500 words or one page of A4. The composition may be fiction or non-fiction. The competitions are open to those aged up to 17 on 31st August 2015 and entry forms are available from our club Youth Services Chairman, Keith Otter, whose details appear at the bottom of this article.

This year RIBI (that’s Rotary in Great Britain & Ireland) is running an additional competition in parallel with Young Writer, to write a poem for the Queen’s 90th birthday on 21st April. This should not be more than one A4 page. This particular additional contest is unusual in as much as all ages are judged together with no advantage given to younger entrants and the winning poem in our district will be forwarded to the Queen along with the successful entries from the 25 other districts in Britain. So do we have a budding Keats or Byron or even Victoria Wood to represent us in Essex?

Another event for which there is still time to enter is RYLA - Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. Selection day is 17th April at Danbury Outdoor Centre and if you would like to be considered, contact Keith in the first instance as soon as possible. The purpose of RYLA is to develop leadership skills and teamwork and it does help if it’s on your CV when applying for jobs or university.

finish as winners is quite an accolade and yet, this is precisely what our intermediate team achieved last year with the seniors only just missing out at the last hurdle. We have every reason to be very proud of our schools locally.

By the time you read this, you will have just missed the Young Musician heat at St Cedds School on 17th January. The formula runs on similar lines to Youth Speak and once more, this Rotary District has a wonderful record at national level with the musicianship of our youngsters being amazing.

Finally, in this article, a quick update about Young Chef. With a catering college in Chelmsford, it is not that surprising that we have so much talent. In past years it has been largely hidden with disappointing levels of entries but I am happy to report that there has been an upturn and I will keep you posted as to how our chefs are doing at every stage.

The youth competitions are just one aspect of what Rotary does in the local community. Rotary is open to men and women from aged 18 to newly retired, so if you would like to become involved yourself or learn more about it, then please visit www.chelmsfordrotary1240.org or give me a call on 01245 260349. The contact for Keith Otter is by email at: rotarian@the-otters.uk.

With best wishes for a happy and peaceful New Year.

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I mentioned that some of the competitions are already underway.

Last month there was the Chelmsford heat of the Youth Speak competition held at Hylands School. There are intermediate and senior categories and the standard of speakers at both was incredible. Hylands School on home territory won the intermediate with a debate on ‘Do we wish to be uniform because of uniforms’ and St John Payne School arguing that ‘English Should Not Be Compulsory’ took the title in the senior group. They both move onto the district finals in March and if successful, they will have to fight their way through the regional and then the national finals, so to

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Page 27

Chelmsford City FC Christmas is over, a new year has begun and at Chelmsford City Football Club our New Years resolution is simple - do the best we can on and off the pitch.

Our Boxing Day raffle was a great success, with lots of winners taking home some fantastic prizes and we had a great turn out from the fans on the day as always, so thank you - please see our website for details of our upcoming fixtures and any local companies who would like to sponsor or advertise with us, please contact Mick Hull on 07789 225501, or email mick.hull@chelmsfordcityfc.com. All sponsorship packages include a meal, networking opportunities, advertising as standard and lots of extras. Remember that every home match has breakfast served in the Clarets Bar from 11.30am -

1.30pm, with the bar open and sport on the TV so you can really soak up the atmosphere before the game, and if you would like to really experience a day to remember, why not book a top class matchday experience, which includes a two course meal, entry and so much more? For more information please call the office on 01245 290959.

The live music events in conjunction with It’s Your Music are still proving to be a success and we have many exciting bands booked, including the The Rollin’ Clones on Friday 29th January, An Evening with Benny Gallagher on Sunday 28th February, Class of ‘76 on Saturday 19th March, The Blow Monkeys on Friday 22nd April, The Animals on Friday 13th May and Chris Farlowe & The Norman Beaker Band on Saturday 18th June.

If you’re a Clarets fan we have our Annual Legends Evening on Friday 22nd January, where we will be celebrating the success of the club’s former players Steve Ward, Eddie Dillsworth, Dean Wells, Colin Norman and Garry Cross in true clarets style, with sausage and chips, a quiz, retro programme and lots more.

We also have one of our hugely popular Sportsman’s Evenings with Alan Mullery on Friday 26th February, which includes a three course meal, heads and tails, raffle and auction.

For more details on all our upcoming events please visit our website www. chelmsfordcityfc.com, or call 01245 290959.

Follow us on Facebook: officialchelmsfordcity footballclub.

Twitter: @officialclarets.

Instagram:chelmsfordcityfc

Pick Up The City Times in supermarkets in Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers and Chelmsford as well as many pubs and other outlets across the city and surrounding villages.

Also outside Rayleigh Hifi, Allegro Music, McCarnteys and Priest Brothers.

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Wildlife Corner by Nick Green December remained incredibly mild with few frosts - even the BBC weather forecasters described conditions as ‘unseasonably mild’.

Essex managed to avoid the worst of the extended wet weather, but it was distressing to see the flooding in Cumbria and in Scotland.

The Butterfly Conservation Society in 2015 has reported a staggering 40% slump in butterfly numbers, with 76% of the UK’s species in decline. As encouraged in previous reports, please visit the following website to find insect friendly plants to put in your garden: butterflyconservation.org.

Winter is the hardest season to survive, particularly for birds, so garden feeding stations can play an important role with feeders containing a mixture of nuts including peanuts and niger seed. Fat balls are also a good idea and even mealworms. Thrushes also have a liking for apples. The feeders can also attract grey squirrels and rats, so consider their siting carefully. Chelmsford feeders are likely to attract common bird species like blue, great and coal and long-tailed tits, robin, house sparrows, dunnock, blackbird, song thrush and even larger birds like collared dove and woodpigeon. Scarcer species may include redpolls, siskin and perhaps even a wintering blackcap. Be aware that predatory sparrowhawks may visit the area, attracted by the number of visiting birds...

Essex Wildlife clubs include: Essex Birdwatching Society: www.ebws.org.uk RSPB: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/chelmsford Essex Field Club: www.essexfieldclub.org.uk Essex Wildlife Trust: www.essexwt.org.uk/get-involved/local-groups/ chelmsford

Coal Tit, copyright Glyn Evans Recent Essex Wildlife News The most noteworthy December 2015 bird news: A rough-legged buzzard still proved popular at Holland Haven CP all month. A glossy ibis was still at Wat Tyler CP and area at the end of the month. Wintering skuas were of note off the coast with numbers of great skuas (or bonxies) and some pomarine skuas. Abberton Reservoir highlights included Bewick’s swans, slavonian and blacknecked grebes, red-breasted merganser - the café at the EWT Visitor Centre is proving ever popular!

CT History by Stephen Norris - Hoffmans WWII Years Part 2 Towards the end of the Second World War, the Chelmsford works was employing a never to be exceeded ten thousand workers. This was only possible because of the use of extensive night shift work.

Hoffmann was serving 1,800 meals a day at their canteen.

A lone raider bombed Hoffmann and some neighbouring houses in July 1942, killing 4 people and injuring 20. Production was limited for a while with a good deal of damage to the lapping shop and a concrete floor which collapsed. Tailor-made machines were difficult to replace quickly. The Hoffmann fire brigade were summoned.

Luckily no regular shift was working at the time, so injuries were far fewer than they otherwise might have been. The civil defence and rescue services worked well. There were two rescue squads, three ambulances, two stretcher parties, one mortuary van and the National Fire Service. A rest centre for those bombed out was opened at the local Congregational Church. Angry residents complained, however, that no sirens had warned of the attack and AA defences at Hoffmann had failed to fire.

In October 1942 the Hoffmann factory was raided again, with houses in Henry Road and Rectory Lane also damaged and four people killed. One bomb scored a direct hit on the works, penetrating the roof and exploding in the assembly shop, leaving a crater fourteen feet across and six feet deep. Of course, rain fell through the roof causing further damage. Only eight machines were affected, but the cage and the assembly shop were put out of action. Like the previous attack, this caused a big dip in production with six weeks production lost. A Luftwaffe aerial photograph of Chelmsford as early as 1940 shows Hoffmann’s clearly, and the Germans obviously targeted the factory. Bernard Wren’s house was destroyed in the raid and rescuers had to dig him out. It was a year before he could start his education again. Many of those in nearby houses were saved from serious injury by their Morrison shelters.

The factory escaped serious damage during the second incendiary raid in on the town in May 1943, but a company store at the Victoria

National School was hit.

In December 1944, a V2 caused the greatest individual loss of life in the town during the war. It came down near Hoffmann’s, destroyed a large area of the factory and demolished a number of houses in Henry Road. Thirty Hoffmann employees were killed, along with nine residents in the road. Most of those who died at the Hoffmann factory were young women who had just been to a carol service.

“There was a festive spirit among the employees at Hoffmann that early morning. There came a blinding flash, a roar, then chaos.

People were trapped. The screams of the dying and injured were distressing.” Bertie Upson, a Hoffmann worker and member of the firms ARP, recalled: “I shouted at the girls to get out...” He told them to go to the canteen that hadn’t been hit. “I kept four fellows back with me and said we had to help. We got bodies and people who had been injured and half carried them out.” A nurse told them not to bring any more bodies to the surgery, only those who were injured.

“We had to leave dead bodies at the surgery door.”

Hoffmann’s gave Upson 30 shillings and seven coupons to buy new shoes because the soles of his existing pair had been burnt through.

He was promised a medal but this didn’t materialise. Upson said: “All I wanted was for them to be alive...” The factory’s cage and assembly department were badly damaged. Chelmsford’s fire brigade sent four pumps and a number of American servicemen came to help. A food kitchen was operating in Henry Road within half an hour. Hoffmann’s profits fell by three quarters. One man who was slightly injured had come to live in ‘nice quiet Chelmsford’ after being bombed out twice in Deptford!

The RAF, when overrunning a field at Quedlingburg, Germany, found a scale model of Hoffmann and Marconi. It was based on a photo taken by a German reconnaissance aircraft in 1941 and the model was remarkably accurate in most details.

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Stargazing with Mark Willis - January/February The constellations of Gemini and Orion are dominant this month.

Orion serves as a very useful tool in locating other stars in the sky.

This is called ‘star hopping.’

Seek out distant planets, galaxies and nebulae. Best time to see the Andromeda Galaxy is about now, as it is sinking toward the western horizon.

Orion has a very distinctive shape. I’ve always thought that Orion looks like a sweet wrapper, rather than a hunter! Using this group of stars you can locate the Pleiades, Procyon and Sirius. Star hopping is explained beautifully in Patrick Moore’s book, Guide To The Night Sky, and also Astronomy For Dummies.

Jan 28 - 01:00 (UT) - looking at the south eastern sky, the Moon and Jupiter will appear very close together.

Gemini can be found almost directly above the star Procyon. The two major stars in this group are Pollux, and Castor. Castor is remarkable as it’s actually a multiple of no less than 6 stars.

Next time in Stargazing with Mark Willis: More about the Great Bear and the Pleiades - a beautiful binocular sight.

The other group, The Great Bear, on the opposite side of the north sky will complete your star knowledge toolbox. More about that next month.

January 10 and February 8 - New Moon: This is an excellent time to take advantage of the darker skies that a New Moon gives you.

Feb 24 - 06:00 (UT) - the Moon and Jupiter back together, quite close.

Looking west south west.

Mark Willis presents Willis Wireless every Monday at 7pm on Chelmsford Community Radio.

Web: Tweet me: Email:

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

Chelmsford City Supporters Sponsored Walk for City’s Homeless Seventeen Clarets walked nearly eighteen miles on Saturday (2nd January) when they hiked the lengthy trek from Liverpool Street to Dartford. Due to engineering works, a very early start was required that saw the hardy boys and one girl walking down Jamaica Road, South London while many others were still tucking into eggs and bacon. The group are looking to raise vital club funds for the Supporters Club 12th Man scheme and for CHESS, Chelmsford’s charity raising awareness of the plight of the city’s homeless and vulnerable people.

The group left Liverpool Street station at 8am and made steady progress along a route that crossed the Thames at Tower Bridge, went through Greenwich Park and then up the long steady incline of Shooters Hill, the first of the Kent Downs. Lunch was had at a pub in Bexley around midday, and all arrived together just over an hour before the three o’clock kick off. The walk took place ten years to the day that Chelmsford City resolved its own homelessness issue, when the club moved back into Chelmsford at Melbourne Park after an exile that involved ground shares with Maldon and Billericay.

“We have all got a roof over our heads, but there are many out there in our growing city that would have found themselves invisible over the recent festive period,” said walk organiser Jon Read.

“The homeless people of Chelmsford have been in the spotlight the past month or so, but it isn’t just about those citizens that you see camped out by the library, or in doorways of Moulsham Street.

There’s more to it, people’s circumstances can forever change. Help might be fleeting, or more long term. There may be vicious circles, relationship breakdowns or even mental illness - CHESS Chelmsford tries to address all these issues and many more as best it can. So we chose to help CHESS and our fellow Chelmsfordians in this small way, by walking to the match at Dartford. We all had a really good day, delighted at raising funds for this much needed cause, though there might have been just a few blisters and a few sore limbs. In fact the day was only really spoiled by Dartford’s last-second equaliser!”

If anybody would like to donate in support of the group’s efforts, they can email Jon Read at joniread68@googlemail.com.

Exciting News for Chelmsford!

The forthcoming Marconi Exhibition will be held from 1st March 2016 at The Original Marconi Wireless and Telegraphy Works, Hall Street, where Marconi arrived in Chelmsford in 1898.

As a pre-requisite of the planning permission, we have been invited by the developer, MAC Design and Build Ltd, to set up an exhibition on the ground floor of this unique building for 3 months

Do come along and see rare photos and videos from the archives and hear talks by notable speakers.

A volunteer-led initiative by Chelmsford Civic Society in collaboration with BBC Essex. facebook.com/marconiscienceworx facebook.com/chelmsfordcivicsociety

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