The City Times - Jul/Aug 2023 by Itsyourmedia

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

City Times Intro

Hello readers,

Welcome to The City Times July/August edition.

There are quite a few new advertisers this month - please make sure you let them know your saw their advert in The City Times magazine.

Check out the What’s On pages for all this month’s events, and in the centre pages you can find out all the details of this year’s Heritage Open Days!

If you want to advertise, please email ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk to enquire about our advertising space.

Please do also remember to let our advertisers know that you saw their advert in The City Times

Paul & Nick

www.thecitytimes.co.uk

Advertising Nick Garner 07970 206682

ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk

Editorial Paul Mclean 01245 262082 / 07595 949701

editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

Nick’s Music and Ramblings

Well, that was a hot June - the hottest on record so they say and I will can’t argue with them on that! l also remember 1976; as my daughter was born on 1st September and her mother did have to suffer the heat that year. What a wonderful outcome for us though.

So, what has been going on then? Quite a lot I think. Firstly, my granddaughter has finished her exams and now it’s the wait until August to see how well they have all done.

Having my house decorated inside and out is almost at an end. What a great job has been carried out too. My garden is starting to look great with a lot of watering to keep the plants alive, but it’s worth it!

We have had quite a lot going on in Chelmsford. We have recently had Pride and also Fake Fest. And of course, we have just had the month-long Chelmsford Festival which had so much going on for all to enjoy and take part in. I was told it is my fault, as I started it back in October 2017! Soon after, I then handed the reigns over to Edith Miller and Tony Morrison, who with their team have done a sterling job.

Did you make the carnival parade the other Sunday? I did, and I remember when we started it the city centre manager saying you may get about 50 people to take part that first year - well we had over 100 and this year it was 500! It was colourful and fun and ended in Oaklands Park with a stage full of different dance troupes and singers, there was just so much going on with many people and stalls all having fun. The weather and the whole atmosphere was perfect; it is just what we all needed to lift us I think.

I went to a music sale in Great Baddow the other day at Stacey’s Auctioneers in the Bringey in Church Street, Great Baddow. They sold a very rare early CD by Ed Sheeran, recorded when he was still at school - it is titled Spinning Man and it made £8,000... Amazing! I also purchased a couple of instruments there. Stacey’s Auctioneers are well worth visiting as they do all kinds of sales throughout the year.

I attended the Foodies Festival in Hylands Park the other week to see a band who all live in Spain, but are predominantly English: Adam King (vocals) and Mark Bodan (keyboards and backing vocals) and an American who is Dorian Foyil (guitars, sax and vocals). They are called Aliens Don’t Ring Door Bells. Dorian, Adam and Mark founded the band during the lockdown. Prior to this, they had played in various covers bands but wanted to get their own music out there, so they set about writing their first album Arrival (nothing to do with ABBA I must stress) and they are now preparing a second album for release in September.

The songs are good well constructed pop/soft rock songs with some good hooks. They played very well live with added bass and drums producing a great solid rhythm for this cosmic trio. I can recommend going to see these guys play and to listen to their recordings which you can do on most platforms. They are working hard and touring hard - go visit their website to see all and find out more at www. aliensdontringdoorbells.com. The name is interesting and you can read about how that came about that on the website as well. I give them a 10 out of 10 for all songs and their live performance.

I also saw most of the other acts and tried some of the food which was scrummy. it was a great afternoon but the Aliens were my favourite part of the day.

I see that Go Ape are opening in Hylands Park in August, which will be their first venue in Essex. l recommend going on their website to find out more at www.goape.co.uk/locations/chelmsford-hylands-park - I believe bookings start in early August. It is there now for all the family to enjoy.

As you can see, my month has been quite varied as I have been to visit my family, gone to gigs, played in some jams, and been out and about around Essex as well! Remember we would love to hear all your comments about what you have done or what you have coming up: see the contact details below or on page three.

Music

I have been to few Hot Box events recently, mainly the ones run by Alter States (Ian Flavill). Alter States Promotions puts on a monthly Country & Americana band night on the last Tuesday of each month, where Three Rivers Band provide the support to the different headliners each month. Tuesday 25th July 2023 sees Ags Connolly headlining - we will be there, will you?

If you have never visited Hot Box, I can highly recommend it - even if only for a drink or to see what all the fuss is about. I think once you have been you will want to go back as many of us do. See our What’s On guide for what is happening there.

There is lots more going on elsewhere as well. In Writtle the Folk, Country and Jazz weekend is coming up at the beginning of August. Sadly I will be away as I have a couple of other festivals I am attending out of the area.

We have put on some amazing shows, with Noasis (who are rebooked for next year already), then Town Of Cats who were stunning and will be rebooked. We also had Back Street Crawler who as ever were fantastic, and then Gerry McAvoy’s Band of Friends who were amazing as well.

We have the great Hamish Stuart - the voice of the Average White Band - with his own band playing very soon with local act Katy For Kings opening. I have also been busy booking for some Hot Box shows (listed in my main advert in black and red and with HB at the end of them). l have booked two of the world’s top award-winning acoustic guitarists to play on 7th December with former Chieftain guitarist Tim Edey, and also the incredible ex-Chelmsford resident Clive Carroll, who plays with the likes of Tommy Emmanual. I am already starting to look at bookings for 2024 for both venues - more soon on this. All in all, I think things are looking great. We just need lots of you to come along and enjoy and support all live shows; not just Chelmsford, but that are all over the country.

If you know of anything happening or want to comment about something, please let us know via the email address below.

It would be fantastic if you could share our magazines The City Times and Moulsham Times with others for us. We continue to publish both magazines in print and online at www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia.

If you are interested in advertising your business or event with us then please contact us at ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk, or if you have an event or want to comment or have an article that could be of interest please send to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we will reply to you as soon as we can.

For all updates and information for Black Frog Presents shows at the Chelmsford Social Club and Hot Box and other venues go to www. linktr.ee/BlackFrogPresents or scan the QR code on the advert in this magazine. You can also pre-book for paid shows with a text or call to 07508 496 411 and then pay cash or card at the door at the advance price without commission.

City Times Food!

Lamb & Fruity Couscous - By Lauren Capp

June was a hot one, and for me the weather definitely affects the food I want to eat and cook. Roast dinners in this heat are definitely not an option! The recipe I’ll share later on is a alternative to still being able to have a special meal on a Sunday.

This month, I’ve been trying lots of new recipes - different flavours that are quick and tasty, because it’s too hot to be cooking meals that take hours to cook and prepare in this heat. I’m trying to do most of my meals in the week in under 20 minutes including prep and cooking time. This allows time to spend with my children and other things, but it still feels like we are having a fresh meal.

We’ve been having a lot of salads with nice balsamic dressings which jazz up any salad! I just use balsamic vinegar mixed with honey and olive oil, salad leaves, spring onions, grated carrot and even some salad cheese sometimes, that’s all it takes to make boring leaves tasty.

Another thing that I wanted to talk about was herbs. I’ve mentioned before in my past articles about having well stocked spice rack. Another thing I’m finding very beneficial and not a lot work is to have fresh herbs in my garden. If you don’t have a garden you can grow these on your windowsill - my favourite herbs to plant and grow my self are basil, dill, tarragon and mint.

I’m finding it such a nice thing to get the children involved in cooking by going out into the garden and picking the herbs for dinner. They don’t need a lot of looking after either.

My favourite meal that’s been the biggest hit with my family this month is couscous and lamb cutlets, which are easy to cook and

ready in about 12 minutes. I’m not going to lie, couscous can be so boring. You need to add lots of flavours and textures to make it taste good. So I hope you enjoy this easy dish as much as we do!

Lamb and Fruity Couscous

Ingredients: chicken stock cube. 150g couscous.

3 lamb cutlets.

Half a cucumber cut into cubes.

3 radishes, sliced.

3 spring onions, sliced. Red pepper, cubed. Handful of mint chopped. 200g pomegranate.

Method:

Make the chicken stock by dissolving the cube in 300ml boiling water.

Pour the stock over the couscous and cover with cling film, leave for 10 minutes.

Season the lamb cutlets with salt and pepper and cook on a medium heat for 6 minutes on one side, then 3 on the other.

Turn off the heat and cover the pan with foil and leave to rest. Resting meat is so important, as it makes the meat more tender to eat and keeps the juices in.

Add all the chopped salad bits to the couscous and fluff with a fork. Serve with the lamb.

I hope you enjoy this lamb dish which is a perfect alternative to a roast dinner on a summer night.

Eat Better to Feel Better - By Demelza Rayner

The summer holidays are upon us! While there’s so much to look forward to - spending time outside with the family, get-togethers around the barbecue and sunny getawaysbeing out of routine alongside juggling work and childcare can send our healthy eating habits into freefall.

If you’re concerned that all the progress you’ve made over the past few months is just about to be eaten up by a neverending carousel of hot-dogs, ice-creams and the odd jug of Pimm’s then worry not - I have some top tips to keep you healthy and happy throughout the summer break:

1) Set yourself a summer health goal. This could be something as simple as achieving a certain number of steps per day/per week, swimming a set number of lengths in the pool on holiday or even stretching yourself by doing something you’ve never done beforepaddleboarding, orienteering, wild swimming and climbing are just four examples. Who knows; you may even discover a new hobby!

2) Whether you’re at a family barbecue or an all-inclusive resort, make the most of all the wonderful salads on offer. Ideally fill about three quarters of your plate with salad and then the rest with good quality protein such as poultry, meat or fish. If you’re hosting, there are some fantastic salads that can be created with minimal effortthink couscous with roasted vegetables, Greek salad or (one of my favourites) a mix of féta, beetroot and mint. Having a variety of plant materials in your diet will support your gut, thereby having a positive effect on your mood, immune system and weight.

3) Steer clear of sugary soft drinks and instead select one of the following thirst-quenchers:

• Sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

• Jug of sparkling water infused with cucumber, mint and lemon.

• Sparkling kombucha - make your own or buy from most major supermarkets.

• Non-alcoholic gin mixed with soda.

As for alcoholic beverages, take it easy with holiday cocktails as they’re often packed full of fruit juice or sugar, which will see your blood sugar level soar (leading to fat storage). Instead, opt for lower sugar beverages such as dry red wine, dry white wine and prosecco. Many spirits are also low in sugar or sugar-free, such as gin, tequila, rum and vodka - just be careful of over-sweet mixers! And - this may not be a popular tip - try to keep a couple of days a week alcohol-free to give your liver a chance to repair and recover!

Finally, the most important thing is to leave guilt out of the equation - it’s a negative emotion that serves no purpose in helping you to achieve your health goals. If you overindulge one day (or one week!) then simply re-establish your healthy eating habits the next. Just like Christmas, the summer holidays are not the time to set stringent weight loss goals. A maintenance target is far more effective. Wishing you all a wonderful summer!

If you’d like to make long-term, sustainable changes to your health by improving your eating habits without calorie counting or deprivation, then please book in for one of my weight-loss strategy sessions at www.demelzaraynernutrition.co.uk.

City Times Gardening

It looks like some earlier plantings of trees and a number of shrubs are starting to show symptoms of drought or intense sunlight damage over the last few months. It’s crucial at this time of year, as we move through the summer, to ensure that all fresh plantings this year are looked after carefully. In fact, even those that were added to your garden over the last couple of years will need care and attention in order for you not to let their growth and development suffer.

Summer

Ensure the tree is well watered for the first two to three years. 15-20 litres of water should be applied every fortnight during the growing season when sufficient rain has not fallen. A thorough soaking is preferable to light watering, as it will promote deep rooting, making the tree more tolerant of drought in the future. Watering through plastic piping, used when planting the tree, ensures a good supply of water at the roots. Watering aids can assist watering of

newly planted trees such as irrigation tubes (biodegradable tree irrigation pipe made from potato starch is available) or watering bags such as Treegator®. Check out this RHS link to watering in a changing climate: www.rhs.org.uk/ garden-jobs/watering.

Keep the plant weed-free, as weeds compete for water and nutrients and may harbour pests and diseases. Cultural methods such as mulching are very effective and beneficial. Physical methods such as forking or hoeing are effective but care should be taken not to damage shallow roots. Herbicide controls should be approved for the particular situation but non-residual products are usually most suitable for applying around recently planted trees and shrubs. Residual herbicides are only approved for established plantings.

Check for pests and diseases and treat accordingly - key for this time of year seems to be the dreaded aphid. There are many species - however, they are all sap suckers, could introduce viruses, weaken young growth and leave a sugary deposit which is attracted to sooty mould. Check out this RHS link to aphids for the myriad of controls that you can use www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/aphids. It is worth noting that this pest is worth trying to control on younger, manageable plants, however, as they get taller this becomes a challenge. Try to encourage into the garden beneficial predators and parasites such as ladybirds, hoverflies and lacewings to keep aphid populations down to a manageable level.

As we move towards autumn and winter, plan for the following:

• Check the stake and loosen the tie if necessary. The stake should remain in place for two to three years.

• Remove heavy falls of snow - particularly from conifers, as it can damage their shape.

Here are a few other jobs to consider this month:

• If you have a few gaps on the vegetable plot, why not consider using quick growing crops such as lettuce, spring onion or radish? These are great for sowing in situ between longer term crops where they will mature quickly, not impacting on longer term crops such as parsnips or carrots. Known as intercrops, they’re super for maximising land area and increasing the quantity of veg you produce. They are equally brilliant in pots and window boxes if space is limited.

• Check stakes and ties to avoid plants from toppling over.

• Continue to deadhead flowers by removing the flower and flower stalk (pedicel) to keep plants compact, removing the potential for diseases and possibly encouraging additional blooms.

• Top up all containers and recently flowered or pruned plants in the borders with additional top dressings of feed. For roses, I tend to feed at this time of year with a high potash fertiliser to give them a burst of growth and possible additional flushes of fresh flowers. I repeat for all climbers, wall shrubs and anything that has just finished flowering, eg, Philadelphus, Choisya and a number of Viburnum species.

Here’s a look at other jobs for the rest of the month of July: www.rhs. org.uk/advice/in-month/july.

Happy gardening!

For any gardening tips, please contact Tom Cole, Horticultural Lecturer, Capel Manor College, Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex, EN1 4RR, or send an email to tomcole8@hotmail.com.

Music

Saturday: 10am - 6pm

Sunday: 10am - 4pm

Entry - tickets on th / Group of 4: £10 / U

For the children, Trudles Doodles will be on hand to face paint. Mini Meadows Golf Course and play area will also be open.

Bop away beside the main stage, enjoy the food and drink and relax amongst the straw bales to enjoy the

Meadow Croft Garden Centre, Woodham Road, Battlesbridge, Wickford, SS11 7QU

Chelmsford Kitchen Retailer Wins at Prestigious Awards for Second Year in a Row

Kitchen designer and retailer Regal Kitchens, based in Chelmsford, has won a prestigious award for Best Showroom Experience.

Up against five other shortlisted businesses, Regal Kitchens took home the accolade at the Studio Partner Awards, hosted and organised by Häfele UK, which is one of the biggest manufacturers and distributors of kitchen fittings, features, hardware, lighting and accessories.

The event, held on 29th June 2023 at Warwick Castle, saw 17 studios vying for winner trophies in the most contested awards to date following a record number of nominations and categories decided by just a few marks.

Regal Kitchens picked up the prize for Best Showroom Experience, with judges highlighting the company’s creativities, like organising charity treasure hunts and annual interior student workshops around its Navigation Road showroom.

Regal Kitchens Director and Senior Kitchen Designer commented: “It’s an honour that the Regal team’s commitment to our company ‘Where Client is King’ standard is recognised by the leading industry experts. We couldn’t be happier to have won this prestigious award which we will proudly display in our showroom for all to see.”

Gareth Bevan, Sales Director at Häfele UK, added: “From the calibre of the entries, it is clear that showrooms like Regal Kitchens are some of the best in the business. This is the second year in a row that they have picked up an award, which is a testament to constant drive to improve and be more creative in their marketing and customer engagement. Congratulations to Regal.”

The Studio Partner programme is a network of independent kitchen studios, hand-selected based on their superb customer service,

business excellence and growth.

Regal Kitchens has won several awards for their innovative designs, customer service and dedication to living by their company ethos ‘Where Client is King’. Their beautiful showroom is open 7 days per week between 10am and 4pm.

01245 351 151 www.regalkitchens.co.uk

Green City Returns to Chelmsford High Street This Summer

After the success of last year’s launch, Green City returns to Chelmsford High Street this summer.

Curated by Chelmsford for You, the city’s Business Improvement District, Green City is a fun and inspiring event set to bring the city centre to life with a range of free family entertainment, whilst raising awareness of environmental issues and educating the public in ways they can be more green.

Green City will run in multiple locations across the city centre from Monday 21st to Saturday 26th August 2023. The programme of activities features a family-friendly mix of unique street entertainment, music, poetry, creative installations, fun shows, exciting story sessions, engaging workshops, a local green market and more. We also welcome the return of our beautiful 50 foot sperm whale where people are invited to venture inside and be entertained by a fabulous environmentally themed show.

An exciting addition this year is the live music stage, which will be located in the brand new Tindal Square development outside Shire Hall. We’ve teamed up with local promoter’s Steve Mortimer and Martin Jeffries (Emjay Media) who will be kindly programming the stage entertainment with a mix of eco-inspired music, poetry and more.

Each element of the event will touch on key environmental topics in a light-hearted and enjoyable way, whilst highlighting how small changes in daily routines can help preserve the planet and ecosystem. Topics include sustainability, plastic waste, waterways and nature/green spaces.

The full programme and schedule will be available to download in early August for families to start planning their visit - go to www. chelmsfordforyou.co.uk/greencity for more info.

BID Manager, Sara Tupper said: “We can’t wait to bring back Green City this year. We have an incredible packed programme of free family entertainment; from captivating shows to inspiring workshops, and exciting walkabout acts to

green market, plus much more!

“The programme of entertainment has been carefully created to be fun and captivating, whilst also raising awareness of environmental issues and educating our community on how to be greener. Many of the businesses in Chelmsford already play their part in looking after the environment through green schemes, eco ranges and more - and we’ll be using Green City as the opportunity to highlight these through our social channels, so make sure you give us a follow, on social media by searching @chelmsfordforyou.”

If you would like to be involved, please contact the Chelmsford for You team by emailing info@chelmsfordforyou.co.uk or call 01245 260 009.

Rambling With a Donkey - By Britain’s Oldest Angry Young Man

A 16 year old boy minding his own business, saw a group of boys tormenting a donkey. Quite why the donkey was there, is a mystery. The boy asked the group to lay off the donkey. The boys refused. Instead, they turned on him and beat him up, necessitating a trip to hospital to be patched up.

That boy was my grandson.

I don’t know how you feel dear reader, but I am very angry with the gratuitous violence and even murder stalking our streets. Where are the law enforcers whom we pay to keep us safe? Running scared, that’s where. Have you tried to prize a copper out of their police car or from behind their desk? I have.

What is the point in making laws that are unenforceable because the council apparently lacks the resources to do the job we pay them to do. When was the last time you saw a couple of coppers patrolling the streets? E-scooters and cyclists use the pavements as an extra lane all to themselves. I have been almost hit three times by an e-scooter when walking on the pavement and twice by a cyclist on the pavement. Who do I sue if I am hit?

Chelmsford now is one huge car park. Correct me if I am wrong, but is Writtle Road classed as a residential area? If so, why are there no speed restrictions? Traffic bombs down Writtle Road up to 60

Chelmsford Library

The warm weather has arrived - and so has our Summer Reading Challenge! This year it is called Ready, Set, Read! and starts on Saturday 15th July, finishing on 2nd September. A free reading challenge for all children - sign up and read or share 6 books over the summer holiday.

There are stickers awarded for each book completed and on completion of the whole challenge, certificates and medals will be presented. Just come along and sign up and you’re ready and set to read! We have lots of brand new books and look forward to seeing you over the summer!

Look out for other events for children to enjoy through the summer - details will be on our website and social media so keep an eye on these...

miles an hour in places. However, there is no point in using speed restrictions, they will be ignored unless cameras are used.

I am tired of my visitors joking about how many potholes they managed to avoid. If anyone is interested, RobJohn’s Road currently is playing host to 17 potholes grouped together on the approach to the Widford Industrial Estate. I have witnessed a cyclist hitting the ground trying to navigate these potholes. I have drawn this matter to the attention of the Chief Executive of Essex County Council, but, as usual, nothing has been done and 17 dangerous potholes remain - an after dark accident waiting to happen. We are now living with a slob culture. Witness the rubbish strewn around Chelmsford.

I have suggested to the Chief Executive to see for himself the mish mash of these potholes and to ask Rod Stewart to come to Chelmsford and have some fun with them. He is very good with potholes.

As a city, Chelmsford’s pavements and roads are a disgrace. Not all of us have cars, yet we have potholes and pavements chewed up by parked vehicles. The reasoning for that, I suggest, is Essex County Council has not seen enough walkers to justify spending council tax money repairing the pavements, again, after dark accidents waiting to happen. I have seen the irony of a pavement pothole opposite the entrance to the Crematorium. Interpret this how you will.

Lots of other events are still taking place, so check out the website for details. These include Community Tea Time, Work Club, Crochet Club, Block Builders Construction Club - there’s something for everyone!

We also have computers with printing and scanning facilities, study spaces, photocopying, and free WI-FI. You can pick up hearing aid batteries from us and you can recycle your used batteries, small electrical items and home printer ink cartridges here at the library, just bring them along and put them in the appropriate recycle bin!

For more information and details of all our events and services, including dates and times and how to book your place, just visit our website at libraries.essex.gov.uk. You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter or by subscribing to our newsletter - details on our website.

PAVING YOUR WAY TO A PERFECT GARDEN

If you are looking to transform your garden, driveway, decking or fencing, come and visit our landscaping display area and start planning your dream space.

Wide range of products – from stones to paving, sleepers to gates, Chandler has your outdoor area covered.

Local display area – visit our Chelmsford site to view our outdoor landscaping materials.

Experts on hand – if you’ve got a question or need advice ask our friendly on-site team who’ll be happy to help.

Trust a local company supplying quality building materials to the trade and public for over 70 years.

Pop in to 91 Widford Road, Chelmsford CM2 8SY Visit us at www.chandlermaterials.co.uk

Call us on 01245 352650

July

Friday 14th

Acanteen - Goldie

Admirals Park - Chelmsford Summer Beer & Cider Festival

The Bay Horse - Fast on the Draw

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Hamish Stuart (AWB, McCartney, Ringo) + Katy For Kings

Chelmsford Theatre - The Magic Lamp

The Courtyard - Oink

Hot Box - Leanne Louise

Hyde Hall Gardens - Jane Austen’s Emma

The Queens Head (Burnham) - JDS Duo

Saturday 15th

Acanteen - Jimpster Invites: Mood II Swing

Admirals Park - Chelmsford Summer Beer & Cider Festival

All Saints Church, Writtle - Summer Concert: Of Byrd and Bard

The Bay Horse - Emma (2.30pm) - Rebel scum (8pm)

Chelmsford CIty Racecourse - Save My Soul

Chelmsford Theatre - The Magic Lamp

Clayhill Vineyard - Arts and Craft Fesitval

Danbury Village Hall - A Night at the Musicals

Hot Box - Depeche Mode, New Wave, Ultravox and Bowie Night

Ingatestone Hall - Ingatestone Rotary presents an outdoor charity jazz concert (featuring The Jive Aces and New Orleans Jazz from The Salty Town 6. For info & to book online, go to www.summereveningjazz.co.uk)

Longwoods House - Buskerteers Choir Festival

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

South Hanningfield Summer Show - (12 noon to 6pm - free entry - vallisc@aol.com - CM3 9HL)

Sunday 16th

The Bay Horse - Karaoke

Chelmsford Theatre - Essex Dance Theatre Showcase 2023

Hot Box - Sairie

Hylands House - Open Day

Hylands Park - Community Walk and Talk: Oils

Hylands Park - Race for Life Star & Garter - Jam session

Monday 17th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club night

Tuesday 18th

Hot Box - Open Mic

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

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 19th

Black Rabbit, Maldon - Karaoke

Hot Box - Control Voltage: electronic music open mic

The Lion Inn - Chelmsford Comedy Club

Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music

Supper Club: 1920s to 1950s (swing band: Jivin’ Miss Daisy (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)

Thursday 20th

Black Rabbit, Maldon - Quiz Night

Hot Box - Ignition: AWAP + EMIR + Acid Throne + Acorah

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 21st

The Bay Horse - Adrenalin

Chelmsford Theatre - 10 Years of HAPA

Hot Box - Darlin

Radio City Social (Viaduct Road) - Radio City Social’s First Anniversary Weekender!

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga

Saturday 22nd

The Bay Horse - Fraserburgh (2.30pm), Parma Violets (8pm)

Chelmsford Theatre - 10 Years of HAPA

Melbourne Stadium - The England Athletics Senior & Para Championship

Radio City Social (Viaduct Road) - Radio City Social’s First Anniversary Weekender!

Star & Garter - Reggae Sunsplash BBQ

Sunday 23rd

The Bay Horse - Karaoke

Chelmsford Theatre - Rhythm of the Dance

Melbourne Stadium - The England Athletics Senior & Para Championship

Radio City Social (Viaduct Road) - Radio City Social’s First Anniversary Weekender!

Monday 24th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club night

Tuesday 25th

Chelmsford Theatre - The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Hot Box - Ags Connolly + Three Rivers Band

Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing

(barn dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660)

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 26th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

Chelmsford Theatre - The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Spread Creative - Nothing On: A Life Drawing Workshop

Thursday 27th

Acanteen - Boozy Bingo

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz Night

Chelmsford Theatre - The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Hot Box - Uber Jam

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 28th

The Bay Horse - My Space or Yours

Hot Box - Jack Browning & the Family Guns

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga

Woolpack - Rum & Reggae Festival

Saturday 29th

The Bay Horse - Katie Hawkins (2.30pm)

Chelmsford City Racecourse - Essex Food Festival

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

Star & Garter - House All Dayer

Woolpack - Rum & Reggae Festival

Sunday 30th

The Bay Horse - Karaoke

Chelmsford City Racecourse - Essex Food Festival

Hot Box - Kungens Man

Star & Garter - Jam session

Monday 31st

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club night

August

Tuesday 1st

The Black Bull - An Evening with Jordon Cox, The Coupon Kid

Hot Box - Games Night

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 2nd

Black Rabbit, Maldon - Karaoke

Friends Meeting House (Rainsford Road) - CRAG Retirement

Group: monthly meeting (9.30am - first visit free)

Hot Box - General Knowledge Quiz

Hyde Hall - Flower Show

Wednesday 2nd (continued...)

Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music

Supper Club: Love Letter to Broadway, Catherine Lima Quintet (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)

Thursday 3rd

Black Rabbit, Maldon - Quiz Night

Hyde Hall - Flower Show

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 4th

Acanteen - Whitney Houston Tribute

The Bay Horse - Social Grammar Project

Central Park - Ibiza Orchestra Experience

Hot Box - HotHaus Drag presents the Summer Ball

Hyde Hall - Flower Show

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga

St Mary’s Church (Maldon) - Festival of Flowers in the Church (refreshments on the patio)

Saturday 5th

The Bay Horse - August Hayley (2.30pm), Far Q (8pm)

Central Park - Sausage and Cider Fest

Hot Box - Boogie in the Box

Hyde Hall - Flower Show

Stow Maries Aerodrome - The Call to Arms

Writtle Green - The Hot Box Country and Folk Festival

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

Star & Garter - Chuffed to Bits

St Mary’s Church (Maldon) - Festival of Flowers in the Church (refreshments on the patio)

Sunday 6th

The Bay Horse - Karaoke

Hot Box - Jazz Sunday with Zak Barrett and friends

Hyde Hall - Flower Show

Star & Garter - Jam Session

St Mary’s Church (Maldon) - Festival of Flowers in the Church (refreshments on the patio)

Stow Maries Aerodrome - The Call to Arms

Writtle Green - Writtle Jazz Festival 2023

Monday 7th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Tuesday 8th

Hot Box - Games Night

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

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 9th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

Hot Box - Big Music Quiz

Hylands House - Outdoor Theatre: Romeo and Juliet

Thursday 10th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz Night

Hot Box - HotHaus Loves Hot Box

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 11th

The Bay Horse - Revival

The Star & Garter - Born Wild

Saturday 12th

The Bay Horse - Charlotte Rose (2.30pm), Invertabeats (8pm)

Chelmsford Theatre - The Magic Lamp

The Living Memorial (Rettendon) - Echoes of History

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

Star & Garter - Dub, Jazz All Dayer

Sunday 13th

The Bay Horse - Karaoke

Hot Box - Sunday Afternoon Jazz

The Living Memorial (Rettendon) - Echoes of History

Star & Garter - Jam session

Monday 14th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Tuesday 15th

Chelmsford Theatre - Blood Brothers

Hot Box - Ganes Night

Hylands House - Outdoor Theatre: The Wizard of Oz

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 16th

Black Rabbit, Maldon - Karaoke

Chelmsford Theatre - Blood Brothers

Thursday 17th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz Night

Chelmsford Theatre - Blood Brothers

Hot Box - Ignition: Die Kur + Maxdmyz + Black Skull Ritual

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 18th

Acanteen - Magic Mike Million Dollar Men

The Bay Horse - Half Stoned Band

Chelmsford Theatre - Blood Brothers

Hot Box - Khary

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga

Saturday 19th

The Bay Horse - Brian and Steve (2.30pm)

Chelmsford Social Club - Johnny Wildheart & The Blue Lights +

The Blazin’ Aces

Chelmsford Theatre - Blood Brothers

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

Star & Garter - Star & Garter - 3s a Crowd

Sunday 20th

The Bay Horse - Karaoke

Star & Garter - Jam Session

The Mayor, Cllr Linda Mascot and her Consort Ian Mascot, were delighted to be invited to the Farleigh Open Gardens in Springfield on a bright and sunny morning. They enjoyed walking round all the open gardens and seeing the array of flowers in bloom, appreciating the amount of gardening time spent in making them look so lovely. Particular thanks goes to Angela for the tea and delicious cake.

The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jude Deakin attended the 6th June D-Day Landings Memorial 79th Anniversary at the Living Memorial in Rettendon. During the service Jude read A Quiet Place and afterwards spoke to the VIP guest of honour Don Sheppard, who at the age of 103 is one of only a handful of Normandy veterans left alive. She also talked to many veterans, armed forces representatives and their families. It was a beautiful and very moving event.

Later that same afternoon, the Deputy Mayor went on the Melbourne Park to watch the Primary School Mini Games. There were several schools taking part in that afternoon’s session. There were lots of happy Year 2s trying their best at all the events. The Deputy Mayor presented the days individual winners with their medals. The games were running for four days and the overall winning school would be announced at the end of the games. The winning school for that session was Ford End Primary - well done to them.

On Wednesday, the Mayor was pleased to meet up with the Mayor of Towcester to wish him well on walking 125 miles solo along the route of Boudica’s revolt to raise money for her charities. Cllr David Torbun started his walk in Colchester and will continue his journey through London, St Albans and Dunstable, finishing back in Towcester on 11th June.

The Mayor, Cllr Linda Mascot and Consort Ian had a great time at Young Gen’s production of 13 The Musical at Chelmsford Theatre on 7th June. The Mayor has a particular interest in musical theatre and really enjoyed this lively and fast moving show with brilliant performances from all involved.

Chelmsford Community Radio hosted a Radio Drama Festival recording at Essex Records Office which the Mayor was pleased to attend on Friday evening and is pictured with some of the participants from Impala films. There were two recordings - the other written and narrated by John Mabey - were very enjoyable.

On Saturday evening, the Mayor and her Consort attended the Annual Welsh Society Concert at Chelmsford Cathedral with the fabulous voices of the Cor Godre’r Arun Welsh Male Voice Choir, who had travelled from North Wales to bring their vocal joy to the audience with their wide selection of music. The Mayor and Consort thoroughly enjoyed the evening, particular thanks to the soloists and musical director Eirian Owen.

The Curve Foundation hosted their first charity 7-a-side football competition during a very hot Sunday afternoon at Moulsham

High School. The Mayor heard all about the mission of Curve to educate, motivate and inspire children and young adults on mental health issues. This tournament brought together local businesses, organisations and the local community to raise awareness of their mission. Congratulations to all the teams who took part and particularly the winners Dandara and runners up Inter Springfield who were presented with the first Curve Ball Cup by the Mayor.

The President’s Sporting Club and The Essex Disabled Sports Association held their annual sports event for 500 disabled children from all over Essex at Chelmsford Sports and Athletics Centre in Salerno Way. The Mayor and her Consort Ian met sporting legends Sir Trevor Brooking, Peter Shilton OBE, and President of the charity, Frank Bruno MBE. The children had a great time with opportunities to try many different sporting activities both inside the Sports Centre and outside on the playing fields. Volunteers were on hand to help the young people from Chelmsford City Football Club and students from Felsted School. Mike Jackson is chairman of the charity and its aims are to increase their self-confidence, physical development and self-esteem to help them meet challenges that they may face later in life. There was a wonderful atmosphere with the children’s laughter ringing out during the day, such a joyful and worthwhile event.

The Mayor and her Consort visited the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) stall in High Chelmer on Saturday 17th June to meet the volunteers and hear about the welfare support and care it offers to their members. Such a vital service for our veterans and their families.

Springers put on a spectacular performance of Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Chelmsford Theatre which the whole mayoral party attended on Saturday afternoon for the matinee. The performances, costumes and scenery projections were brilliant and so well produced. The mayor was delighted to see the performance was captioned on screens at either side of the stage for anyone with a hearing impairment.

The England Athletics Under 20 and Under 23 championships were hosted by the Chelmsford Sports and Athletics Centre last weekend and welcomed more than 2,000 athletes, coaches and visitors to the stadium, including former Olympic sprint and hurdler Tony Jarrett and Dwain Chambers - one of the fastest European sprinters in the history of athletics. The Mayor and her Consort enjoyed watching track & field events on Sunday afternoon and said it was great to see such a high standard of sport at such a prestigious event in our city. Comments from visiting athletes and coaches were all positive - saying how good the facilities were as well as the efficiency of staff on duty. A great weekend - well done to Centre Manager Justin Hubbard and all staff involved for staging such a successful event.

The Deputy Mayor attended the Chelmsford Drama Radio Festival finale at Anglia Ruskin University. The cast had been working throughout the day on their version of The Owl and the Pussycat. The Deputy arrived for the final run through and then the recording, which

went off without a hitch. The recording will be broadcast soon on Chelmsford Community Radio.

On Monday 19th June, Chelmsford City Council was proud to raise the Armed Forces Day flag above the Civic Centre during a special ceremony led by the Mayor, Cllr Linda Mascot. The raising of the flag honours Britain’s armed forces of the past, present and future during Armed Forces Week.

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor were pleased to attend the Southend on Sea Council Civic Service with Mayor of the City of Southend, Cllr Stephen Habermel, and really enjoyed hearing The Music Man Project with Southend Vox Choir performing Music Is Magic

The Mayor attended the North Avenue Youth centre AGM where Lady Rosemary Ruggles- Brise, Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, presented awards to the inspirational young people who attend. Thanks to Charlie and the trustees and volunteers for the great work and opportunities they provide at the Youth Centre. Around 85 walkers set off on the Summer Solstice Stride on either 5K or 10K options, including previous Mayor, Cllr Sue Dobson. The regular walk was arranged by Chelmsford City Council’s Anthony Bensley as part of the Heart & Sole initiative and saw the many volunteers set off from ARU whilst raising money for the mayor’s charity, YMCA Essex.

Chelmsford and District Junior Schools Music Festival at Chelmsford Theatre took place with 23 primary schools participating over 4 evenings and was aptly titled Back for Good after not taking place for the previous 4 years. The mayor really enjoyed the show conducted by Musical Director, Natalie Thurlow. All the children sang joyfully with big smiles on their faces.

The mayor enjoyed attending the NHS Pride Picnic on the garden area behind Broomfield Hospital. It was great to meet staff wearing a wonderful array of rainbow colours to celebrate the inclusion and diversity of their employees, with hospital radio providing a musical

backdrop.

The Mayor and her Consort enjoyed a very pleasant evening at the Chelmsford Lions dinner at Ivy Hill hearing about and celebrating the great work they do in their local community. Recent projects include helping Farleigh with recycling Christmas trees, creating a new garden project at Riding for the Disabled, providing stewards at charity events, and many more in the wider and global communities. Congratulations to Andrea Cooper for 2 very successful years as President and best wishes to VicePresident Jim who takes over as President on 1st July.

Moulsham Lodge Community Trust (MLCT) held a Health and WellBeing event on Saturday showcasing local services to support health & well-being in the local area. The Mayor and Consort found it very interesting.

Pride is one of the Mayor’s favourite events having attended for more than 10 years, and on Saturday 24th June it started with a fabulous parade of colour and joy through Chelmsford city centre into Central Park.

What a brilliant event, thanks to Garry Ormes and the Pride committee for their hard work and commitment to making Chelmsford such a vibrant, diverse, inclusive and welcoming place to be.

Chelmsford City Opera put on a fabulous performance recreating a night of Viennese music at An Evening in Vienna (it was St John’s Church in Moulsham Street, but the audience were transported there through the excellent music). The Mayor attended with her Consort and thanked Conductor Gerald Hindes, the orchestra, soloists and chorus for an excellent concert.

A History of Sport in the Chelmsford Area Part 10 - By

By 1949 the town’s open air swimming baths was in dire need of replacement, or at least improvement. A five year scheme to modernise the baths at a cost of £35-40,000 was delayed by financial restrictions. In 1952 another more modest scheme was proposed at a cost of just under £14,000. By this time the dressing rooms were in a disgusting condition. In 1961 cutbacks delayed a new indoor pool, which was delayed again two years later when the county council refused to give a grant of £223,000.

1965 finally saw the opening of the £280,000 new pool next to the original outdoor pool off Waterloo Lane. In 1975 the new pool was closed because of a collapsed ceiling. The bill went up to £130,000 when severe corrosion was found. A learner pool was added to the indoor pool in the 1980s. Protests prevented the closure of the outdoor pool in 1983 with 3,000 people signing a petition and in 1985 the outdoor pool was included in the £5 million plans for the new Riverside Leisure complex.

The Riverside Leisure Centre was opened in April 1987. Apart from the two indoor pools and the outdoor pool, it included an international standard ice rink, a sports hall with room for six badminton courts, four squash courts and a health and fitness centre. The final cost was £7 million. From the start design faults were obvious in the new complex. In 1989 the management pulled out of running it, at a time when there were 25 major leaks in the roof. The council took over the running of the centre, but one problem was that it was proving impossible to prevent people entering without paying. A £30,000 facelift started in 1989 to rectify the faults. In 1991 no private company could be found to run the Riverside and the only bid from the council’s own direct services was accepted. After plans for a new complex fell through, the Riverside underwent a complete refurbishment in 2010. The ice rink is now reckoned to be one of the best in the country.

The ice hockey team the Chelmsford Chieftains celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Riverside in 2012 and they played their first game against Peterborough in September 1987. The Chieftains spent nine seasons in the English Premier Ice Hockey League between 1998 and 2008 before deciding for financial reasons to enter the Essex National Ice Hockey League.

After the Second War, the Chelmsford Golf Club’s finances were in a poor state with an overdraft of over £4,000. New members in the early 1940s enabled the condition of the course to be improved. The well known amateur Michael Bonallack won the club championship ten times in fifteen years. In the 1960s, overspending led to another worsening of the club’s finances, but a revival in the 1970s enabled the installation of a pop-up watering system and an extensive reconstruction of the course. In the early 1970s work began on reclaiming gravel pits at Little Waltham and a 9-hole course was established, which became Channels Golf Club. This was extended to an 18-hole course in the 1980s and finally 27-hole in the 1990s. A new course at Hylands was also established at Margaretting in the 1980s and a new golf centre was also opened on Regiment Way.

The Grove Tennis Club moved again in the 1960s to Moulsham Drive and celebrated its centenary in 1993. Its Vicarage Road site was sold to raise finance for the new development; the club now has six all weather courts and a membership approaching 350. Its new courts were opened by Mrs Christine Truman Janes.

In the late 1980s, Chelmsford had its own American football team, but in 1991 the Chelmsford Cherokees merged with the Colchester Gladiators. ‘We both realise that neither club can reach the top on its own’. Initially, they played as the Essex Gladiators at Melbourne Park, with some games at Basildon. In 1992 however, after a proposed merger between the Essex Gladiators and the Kent Mustangs fell through, the club reverted to its original name of the Colchester Gladiators. There is currently a local university team, the Anglia Ruskin Phantoms.

Stephen Norris

In 1990 ten pin bowling, which was in the middle of a nationwide expansion, came to Chelmsford. A 36 lane bowling alley was built on the Widford Industrial Estate - it was the tenth to be built in the country that year.

Chelmsford Table Tennis Club only dates from 2007, but it was previously known as Great Baddow Table Tennis Club before 1982 and Baddow Village Table Tennis Club from 1982 until 2007.

In addition to the Sports Centres at the Melbourne Stadium and the Riverside, which has recently undergone another facelift, there is also a leisure centre at South Woodham Ferrers and Dovedale Sports Centre in Moulsham. As for Chelmsford City FC, it remains very unlikely that it will have its own stadium.

In October 2013 it was announced that the third stage of the Tour de France would pass through Chelmsford City in 2014. The route took the peloton through Howe Street, Great Waltham, Chignal Smealy and Roxwell.

High Cobra Pose - By Steve Johansen, Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga

This month I will teach you High Cobra as promised - the more advanced version of last month’s Low Cobra pose. In Sanskrit, it is called Bhujangasana (boo-jang-GAHS-anna) and is a strong back bend. It requires a strong core, lengthening rather than compressing spine, and good alignment especially in the shoulders. I love this pose, but you need to be particularly mindful of your alignment in order to benefit from it.

The right placement of the hands beside the ribs (not under the shoulders) will make this pose more challenging but also more effective. Ensuring right distance and placement of the hands and feet, will ultimately help you to practice safely, which is especially important as we move into more demanding sequences of poses, as in the vinyasa flow Sun Salutation or (Surya Namaskar), in which Cobra pose is towards the end.

I always feel that the best way to learn how to do a pose properly, is to break it down and do it as a standalone pose. Here is my how to guide:

Where to Start

Start in Extended Childs pose, kneeling at the back of the mat, big toes touching, you can rest forehead on the mat stretching the arms forward with elbows off the mat, fingers spread wide, middle finger pointing forward. This will establish the right distance between the hands and feet.

Roll your shoulders and elbows, backwards towards your hips. On your inhalation, press the big toes into the mat. Outwardly rotate the thighs, tuck the tail bone under pressing it into the mat. Lift the shoulders and chest off the ground, as you do this lift the crown of your head to the ceiling, find your Dristi, forwards towards the front of the room into Low Cobra pose.

With the elbows still drawn back and into your sides, press firmly into the mat with your hands lifting your shoulders and head higher. Your elbows should be bent beside your ribs, the pubic bone should stay pressed into the mat as you draw your serum forwards and upwards allowing you to raise your Dristi even higher, into High Cobra pose. Your spine should feel extended and lengthened and not under

pressure with good technique, as described above.

This strong backbend and took me some time to master, so if you’re new to yoga I suggest sticking with Low Cobra pose. However, if you want to work a little harder on your inhalation, roll the shoulders back keep the elbows tucked into your sides and press through your hands into High Cobra pose and exhaling as lowering yourself down into a prone position.

Move in time with the breath for 3 or 5 repetitions.

For those of you who would benefit from seeing both High and Low Cobra pose taught in action, you can find a video on our at Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga Facebook page both pinned to the top and as one of our reels. Alternatively, book now and join me at the studio using this free pass code HPYFREECLASS. My gift to you.

Little Waltham Gardening Club

The June outing of the Little Waltham Gardening Club was to Sandy Lodge NGS Garden in Halstead. We had a good turnout with many friends as well as members of the gardening club enjoying the beautiful garden on a hot and sunny day.

The owner, Emma, made us all feel very welcome and we spent a lovely afternoon wandering around the various areas of the garden, including the woodlands walk, the stumpery, the long border and the two tier gravel garden. The latter was completed in 2012 and was inspired by Beth Chatto’s gravel garden.

The next outing of the gardening club will be a visit to Strandland in Manningtree on 5th July. This is a four acre decorative garden with a formal courtyard and wildlife meadow.

We’ve been trusted by 100,000 customers to transform their home. It’s no wonder we’re the most recommended on Trust Pilot and Check-a-Trade, so you can rely on us when we say we are the UK’s number one! Our straightforward approach is backed by our trusted local engineers who are on-hand to guide you through the whole process.

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REMAP Essex at the Chelmsford Carnival

This year’s Chelmsford Carnival on Sunday 2nd July was a huge success with over 5,000 people attending.

Launched in 2018 as an eco-friendly parade route through the city centre, the goal of carnival creator Tony Morrison was to make it as inclusive as possible. Tony met Peter Livingstone, REMAP Chairman for this area, and expressed his desire to include people with disabilities in the parade.

REMAP is a national charity whose mission is to design and custommake equipment, filling the gap where no suitable equipment is available commercially. Tony envisaged ‘chariots’ for participants with disabilities and Peter Livingstone suggested inviting Emma Harris, a local lady with Cerebral Palsy who has gained independence from custom gadgets made by REMAP volunteers.

A ’Soap Box’ previously used by REMAP in other charity events was adapted to safely mount Emma’s wheelchair, and this was towed by Dave Stratton, REMAP volunteer, on his mobility scooter. Emma wore her games maker uniform from 2012, a game she played for England. She likes to show how her limitations do not stop her from enjoying life, and one year she chased the REMAP soapbox down the hill in her wheelchair in a soapbox derby. Up for the challenge of the chariot, Emma said, “I was pleased to help represent REMAP - they have done so much for me. They made a joystick and foot switch for my computer, a cup holder for my chair that I can’t knock off, a bracket to accommodate a headrest on my wheelchair and stop it falling down so I can use a switch for my mobile phone attached to the headrest.”

These adaptations and many more have helped Emma lead a much more independent life. The customisation for each individual is the goal of the engineers who design and make or adapt everything. The joystick for Emma’s computer contained a small computer programmed to customise the stick dynamics to better suit Emma’s movement, and work with her new PC. Parts and pieces are available, but a finished product to meet individual needs are not. REMAP’s army of ingenious inventors design and make equipment and gadgets for young or old alike and all work is free.

REMAP Central has recently worked on simple but life-changing projects:

• Modifying an aid to help a lady with severe arthritis put her socks on. A drinking aid for a man with Parkinson’s who cannot bring a straw to his mouth.

• Make a light on a raised pillar fixed to the wheelchair of a boy with Cerebral Palsy to enable him to attract the teacher’s attention with a simple hand switch.

• Made an eating aid, a headstick and aid to enable fitting and removing reading glasses

• A laser light attached to a walking stick to stimulate people with Parkinson’s to walk.

• Trays and cup holders attached to wheelchairs and walking frames.

For more information about REMAP Essex and to request help please contact:

CM Postcodes - Peter Livingstone: essexcentral@remap.info

CO Postcodes - Ashley Slater: chairman@remapgroups.org.uk

SS Postcodes - Shelly Taylor: chair@remapgroups.org.uk

RM/IG Postcodes - Allan Harris: essexwest@remap.info

About REMAP

• REMAP is a unique national charity founded in 1964 which brings together two sets of people: volunteers who are skilled at making things, and people with a disability that could be eased by a piece of specialist equipment. The result is that each year thousands of pieces of custom-made equipment are made to help transform the lives of those with disabilities.

• REMAP’s army of ingenious inventors; design and make equipment and gadgets for young or old alike and these are then provided free of charge. The aim is always to help people achieve independence and quality of life, filling the gap where no suitable equipment is available commercially.

• New projects and volunteers are welcomed by REMAP National which is expanding its service.

www.remap.org.uk

Can You Make a Difference in Your Community?

Help at a friendly, town centre charity shop - Chelmsford 4 Good

We can promise you a welcoming, cheerful environment with friendly volunteers and regular customers. Our shop in the centre of town takes everything from furniture, clothes, books and other assorted treasures.

We welcome volunteers from all walks of life and all abilities.

Care home mobile shop volunteers - Cherrywood Grange

We are looking for 2 volunteers for our friendly care home to attend once a week to come and run a mobile shop for our residents on a Tuesday from 10am - 2pm.

You will need to be able to communicate well as there will be a lot of involvement and socialising with our lovely residents.

Emotional Support Volunteer - DeafBlind

Do you have counselling qualifications and skills you want to put

Community Radio

Continuing the series introducing our presenters, this month it is the turn Will McKenzie!

Will has been with Chelmsford Community Radio since 2014 and has hosted The Will Show since 2015 - no mean feat for someone who has Cerebral Palsy and a learning disability. Will’s passion for music has been with him as far back as he can remember, which lead to him hitting the decks as a young man for family, friends, functions and parties.

He likes to keep his links short so that he can concentrate on playing what he calls his ‘feel good play list’, so you won’t get too much chat when Will’s on air!

His musical influences stretch as far back as Elvis and include The Beatles, ELO, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, George Michael and Abba, to name just a few; but that doesn’t mean he restricts his show to oldies - he’s also a fan of George Ezra, Dua Lipa and Sam Fender and keeps an ear out for new music to add to his list.

You can catch The Will Show every Monday from 2pm on Chelmsford Community Radio.

chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

to good use? We are looking for volunteers with experience of counselling at level 2 and above to support our Emotional Support programme.

Our six-week support service gives participants the chance to talk through feelings, thoughts and emotions during difficult times on a one-to-one basis with an advisor.

Trustees needed

Trustees play a crucial role in guiding charities, helping make plans and decisions and making sure they stay on track. It is a fantastic opportunity to make real difference to the organisation you volunteer for. You don’t need prior experience, just enthusiasm and dedication. We are currently recruiting for: Age Concern, Farleigh Hospice, Millrace Furniture, Essex Youth Build, Interact, Essex Community First Aid, Support 4 Sight, RAF Association, Chelmsford Education Foundation.

Community

first responders

Our community first responders are volunteers who are trained by us to attend certain types of emergency calls in the area where they live or work. Their aim is to reach a potential life threatening emergency in the first vital minutes before the ambulance crew arrives. We give full training and constant support.

Ideas Hub Chelmsford - The Art Place

The Art Place: More Than a Shop, Quite Like a Tardis

On first look, The Art Place in Meadows Shopping Centre is a normal shop selling local art and crafts. However, like a local resident recently remarked: ‘It’s a Tardis..!’.

The Art Place helps to tackle loneliness, provides a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space, and offers volunteering and work experience including for young people from 14 years of age.

The Art Place is the physical bases of Ideas Hub Chelmsford, registered charity, whose main objective is the well-being of Chelmsford residents.

This article is often about my reflections on what it’s like running the Art Place. This time including the words of others, and focusing in particular on our young people volunteering with us. Below are the voices of 4 of these young people who are with us at the moment and who have worked on this article together:

“I’ve felt really welcomed by The Art Place, the volunteers are very friendly and so is the shop environment. It is also a great place to discover and buy gifts too.” - Adam

“Working here has been nice and has been a wonderful experience, the work here is amazing, and I’ve definitely gained experience.”Tyler

“The Art Place is welcoming, with hardworking staff and a place that promotes kindness and helpfulness” - Renecia.

“The Art Place was a great way for me to ease into working life and

allowed me to come out of my shell at a steady pace with its calm and friendly atmosphere”- Zoya.

They also talked together about their experience at the Art Place and came up with the following:

“The Art Place does not just allow a safe place for aspiring artists but also a warm welcoming space for volunteers. With its slow pace and calm atmosphere, The Art Place supply volunteers with a safe working environment to not only gain the work experience they need but to also let them socialise with people their age and learn the importance of teamwork. The Art Place welcomes volunteers of all ages, but it is an especially great place for young people to gather and be part of a community of their own.”

This month, I attended a meeting where the Essex Chamber of Commerce gave a talk. Around 700 Essex employers were surveyed about skills priorities. Soft skills and behaviours, basic English, maths, baseline digital skills (Word/Excel, etc), green skills, and leadership and management skills were identified as the musthaves for young people entering the world of work. Employers and both further and higher education providers remarked that young people who have undertaken volunteering are at an advantage for 2 reasons:

1. Volunteering is a great way for young people to develop skills, particularly their soft skills.

2. Volunteering experience is something the young person can talk about at an interview.

To volunteer at The Art Place, please email: volunteer@ ideashubchelmsford.org

Interior Design Tips for Your Home -

Interior and Kitchen Design

Kitchen trends come and go. When choosing your kitchen, it’s best to go with something you love rather than the latest design trend. Kitchen units tend to last a long time, planning is crucial to making sure you have a style that in 5 years’ time you still like and that you also make the best use of the space.

Planning

Your Kitchen

The layout of your kitchen needs to be considered carefully.

• How do you move around your kitchen? Elements that you often use at the same time, such as the fridge and work surface, should be close together.

• Where do you prepare food? Put your worktop space where you like to prepare food - possibly next to the hob.

• How much storage do you need? Do you need more than you currently have? Open shelving or big, deep cupboards?

• Who will you be entertaining in your kitchen? You may want space for a table or a breakfast bar where people can sit and talk to you while you cook.

• Which utensils and crockery do you use the most? Ensure they’ll be easily accessible in your new kitchen design.

• Do you have a lot of gadgets? If you want them on display, you’ll need lots of worktop space; if they’ll be tucked away, you’ll need deep cupboards.

Style and Design

Handleless or classic Shaker remain the most popular kitchen styles. When considering colours for more permanent kitchen items, such as cabinets, worktops, and wall paint, opt for neutral shades. Natural colour palettes never date because they are so versatile and timeless. This is also a great option for potential buyers if you ever sell your house in the future.

Storage

In a time when we strive to declutter for our overall well-being, storage is of the utmost importance in current kitchen trends. Especially in kitchens where we need so many things, from the ingredients to the cooking equipment. Well-placed, concealed storage ideas are a saviour for the aesthetic of our kitchens.

Work Surfaces

Worktops need to be tough and practical to use, as well as stylish.

Marble, granite, ceramic, timber… Choosing a kitchen work surface can be tricky. Never underestimate the impact your worktop choice will have on the overall scheme. It’s important to give it due consideration and not to view it as an after-thought. Kitchen design is a careful balance between what’s going to look good and what’s going to work well.

Flooring

There are two main types of wood flooring which are solid and engineered. Solid wooden floors, as the name suggests, are made of solid planks of timber, whereas engineered floors are made up of multiple layers of timber finished with a solid wood veneer.

Another option is wood-effect porcelain tiles laid in a herringbone pattern for open-plan kitchens extensions that have lots of natural light streaming in, they bring a sense of warmth and texture to the space, yet don’t fade in the sunlight and are very easy to clean.

At Saltmarsh Interiors we can plan and design your Kitchen to your specifications. Call us to discuss your design requirements.

Tel: 07979 6633339

Web site www.saltmarshinteriors.com email info@saltmarshinteriors.co.uk

Tales From the Circle - By Sylvia Kent

Belonging to one of the longest-standing writers groups in Britain, our Brentwood Writers’ Circle members have enjoyed monthly gatherings over the past 82 years. Here, they have had an opportunity of meeting, maybe, a best-selling novelist, a debut author, an entertainer or indeed someone from the world of film to stimulate their own aspiring writing project.

We are here to help aspiring authors and enjoy hearing of writers’ publishing successes. Sometimes, a piece of writerly advice had set their career spinning, or perhaps Lady Luck has had magical input, but we all enjoy listening to a guest speaker’s story about their personal slice of success.

Writing is a fascinating pastime. Having met and listened to dozens of famous writerly professionals during June (our 24th year of Essex Book Festival) - it’s been a revelation to hear how other creative folk have started their life-time career in such a demanding industry.

Essex has been home to numerous creative people prominent in the world of music, art, film, theatre and TV. One such BWC guest speaker some years ago, was the theatre, film and TV actor, Mike Edmonds. Born in Writtle with achondroplasia (dwarfism) there is certainly nothing small about Mike’s acting ability and huge personality which have contributed to his long-standing career. Mike attended the Billericay School and still retains friendship with classmates.

Although he is well known in the acting business and attending US conventions, recognising Mike is quite another matter. Many of the parts he has played in top movies such as Star Wars, Return of the Jedi, Time Bandits and the Harry Potter film adaptations, have called for spectacular prosthetic special effects, often taking hours in the make-up studio and him being encased in masks and uncomfortable costumes.

Mike remembers: “As a teenager, I worked with my Southend mates organising discos for weddings, bar mitzvahs - all sorts of gigs before going into acting,” he recalls. “Then one day, a lucky break happened when I spotted The Stage newspaper advertising a part in the upcoming Ken Loach film Black Jack. Off I went for the audition, got the part and enjoyed my first film which followed the life of the circus where I was part of Tom Thumb’s Army. The film came out in 1979 and is often repeated these days on TV.”

We hope Mike returns for another talk to join other interesting future personalities. Check our website www.brentwoodwriterscircle.com for details of visiting our monthly meeting at Bardswell Social Club, Brentwood.

www.sylviakent.blogspot.com

Quiz Time - By John Theedom

What are the names of Prince William’s 3 children?

What year did the Channel Tunnel open?

F1 driver Lewis Hamilton was seen recently wearing a tiger print suit. How much did it cost him £1,430, £2,430 or £3,430?

How many members are there in The House of Lords?

What is the more common name for the plant plantain?

In showbiz, what is Russell Watson good at?

What is Britain’s most violent sport?

What type of animal is a kittywake?

Salman Rushdie is blind in one eye, how did it happen?

Which group sang the hit song Gold in 1983?

Who or what is a doorer?

What is the first name of the composer M Chopin?

In which year did Steven Spielberg release the blockbuster film Jaws?

Pogonophobia is the fear of what?

When is the longest day of the year?

In America, what is a ZIP?

What connects suitcase, horns and brakes?

Which band’s original line up was Mark, Howard, Jason, Robbie and Gary?

Where did truck driver Jack Burton get in to trouble?

What is a hookah?

What kind of animal is a tercel?

What type of creature is a northern cardinal?

Japan’s shops sold out of which items after the visit from Rishi Sunak?

How many times must you say ‘Beetlejuice’ for him to appear?

In which UK city is the Clifton Suspension Bridge?

Complete the film starring John Candy ‘Uncle...’?

Who actually drew the sketch of Rose in Titanic?

Which football team has the nickname The Hatters?

What is John Spilsbury credited with inventing?

On an Ordnance Survey map, what do the initials CG indicate?

What pastry is Portugal known for?

Where was Cliff Richard’s spontaneous musical perfomance in the summer of 1996?

John Mills starred in the film Ice Cold In ……..?

Where on his person would a Roman Catholic cleric wear a zucchetto?

Apart from hair maintenance, what else can be a comb?

Which film company used a man hitting a gong in its logo?

Who was America’s first Roman Catholic president?

Where were The Vengaboys going in 1999?

What is the name of the BBC’s longest running radio quiz show, first broadcast in 1947?

Apart from animals, what else can be ‘asses’? (Answers on pages 30 & 31)

Stargazing With Mark Willis - June/July

Cygnus, the Swan can be seen in July. Easy to spot because it has an “X” pattern and sometimes dubbed the “Northern Cross”. Like most groupings of stars called constellations, the stars only appear to be close together from our Earthly perspective. When in fact, the stars are very far apart from each other indeed!

Find out more about Cygnus by looking here: https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/cygnus-constellation/

Saturn, 3 August: This is a good time to spot the planet Saturn as it is very close* to the Moon. (*from a line of sight perspective, of course!) There is a snag! You will have to stay up till about 1 am to see it. On the plus side, it will be properly dark.

Solar observing: Warning!

When solar observing, do not look through any of the lenses, the eyepiece or the viewfinder. Blindness will result!

I must admit, Until about 20 years ago, I wasn’t really a fan of solar observing for a variety of reasons. Here’s a safe way to enjoy solar observing here:

Trixies 13th Birthday Party

Trixie is now a teenager and don’t we know about it!!! She is going out at all hours, is obsessed with the composter, disgusted if woken up early, and has taken up selective deafness when finding something more interesting to stick her head into. Despite the transitions into being a teenager, or for her in doggy years a little old lady, she is still a little darling even if she is becoming like Catherine Tates ‘Lauren or Nan’.

After Trixie finally decided to get out of her bed on her big day, she spent the next 20 minutes preening herself and looking at herself in a pane of glass. She was then “Trixie sat”, whilst her party was set up in a spot in the Park on another Beautiful English Summers day.

Little Trixie went into excitement overdrive and squealed with delight as she greeted her friends both human and dog in a way that only Trixie can get away with. There was again lots of tails wagging, tongues licking, backside sniffing and a doggy expectation that we don’t mind our dogs happily licking us after we’ve seen them doing

https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/skills/how-to-safelyobserve-the-sun/

Solar observing can be very rewarding. In May 2016, I was able to observe safely through a telescope (which had a hydrogen filter fitted which cuts out 99% of the light and heat). I saw the transit of Mercury. This is where the planet Mercury crosses the sun’s disk. It took about 6 hours to move from one side of the sun to the other.

New Moon: On 17 July and 16 August there will be a new Moon. This means the skies will be extra dark which is a great opportunity to see planets, galaxies and deep space objects. However, during summer months, this means staying up much later.

Please feel free to email me with any questions.

I present the Retro Chart Show on Chelmsford Community Radio on 104.4 FM as well as online every Monday at 10am.

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

all that. God bless wet wipes!

We were very lucky to get a lovely sunny day and enjoyed a couple of hours of getting together to eat an al fresco lunch and relax whilst the dogs ‘hung out’ and enjoyed the contents of their party bags courtesy of Benoxer. com of which Trixie is their favourite model.

Trixie then went home to open more presents from her friends, popped outside to hassle the wildlife in her garden before dragging mud all over the carpet ‘again’ on her way back to bed for sweet dreams of a very lovely day.

Happy birthday Trixabelle you little Beaut, you get better every year.