The City Times - June/July 2023

The City Times

Issue Number 115 - June 15th- July 12th 2023

Asian Cooking Demonstrations with Essexcookingman

Wine Tastings with Essexwineman

Saturday: 10am - 6pm

Sunday: 10am - 4pm

Entry - tickets on the gate

Adults: £3 / Group of 4: £10 / Under 16's : FREE

Live Music Craft Stalls

Meadow Croft Garden Centre

Woodham Road, Battlesbridge, Essex, SS11 7QU

Including: Chelmsford, Hatfield Peverel, Danbury, Great Baddow, Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers, Stock, Ongar, The Walthams and Ingatestone

Chef Christopher Laurie

Feat. New Hall Estate & Alma Das Donas

City Times Intro

Hello readers,

Welcome to The City Times June/July edition.

There are still lots of events and festivals this month; do remember to check the What’s On pages for many more local events. The Chelmsford Beer and Cider Festival is back this year, see page 7 for more details, as is last month’s advertisers, the Foodies Festival!

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

Advertising

Nick Garner 07970 206682 ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk

Editorial

www.thecitytimes.co.uk Disclaimer:

Paul Mclean 01245 262082 / 07595 949701 editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

Nick’s Music and Ramblings

Here we are now into the summerwhere is this year going? I know I say this most years, maybe it’s my age but time just seems to fly by now.

Well, we have had our local elections completed. Congratulations to the winners and my commiserations to the losers. Let’s hope that the elected do their best for us and that they listen to us all as well.

This year’s summer events have begun - the first for me was attending the Maldon Mud Race! We have also just had our second Concrete Canvas event in Chelmsford too, which has been fantastic - I look around our city and see the art that has been created for our pleasure outside. Have you also noticed that we have some great indoor art galleries around the Chelmsford area?

Now the festival season is starting up again too and we have the Chelmsford Festival up and running here until early July. We have also just had Creamfields, which I believe was a great success - especially with the weather having been so favourable for them.

Do please have a look to see what is going on around! Also worth noting that this is also the open garden season; I have attended a few of these in the past and really loved doing this and l hope to get to see some more again this year.

By the time this edition comes out, the exams will have finished for our youngsters in school. My granddaughter has had 24 exams to do and she can now take a well-earned rest!

You might remember that I spoke about Hot Box last month. I’m pleased to say that they have, just about, reached their target for now, so it is looking good for them currently. So now let’s hopefully fix it for the long-term. As I have said before we all need them to stay and keep on doing what they do. I am continuing to put some shows on at Hot Box and would love to do more with them in the future.

Have you visited our museums recently? There are plenty to visit, like The Museum of Power, and the combined Military Services Museum and the Museum in the Park - these are in Maldon, the castle in Colchester and in Chelmsford. We really do have some great museums. The big one is at the top of Moulsham Street the Chelmsford Museum, as well as the Police Museum at the Police Headquarters. Museums are fun and for both young and old and they are so good to learn from as well.

If you google and ask it for ‘events in your area’ I think you will find quite a lot of what is going on. We try to put as much as we can in the What’s On guide, but for so many of the smaller events we really need you to tell us about them though. If you have anything you think that could be of interest to our readers, then please let us know.

Music

We have heard that the Hideaways Festival in Hatfield Peverel has been cancelled which is sad to see. But on a positive note, I see that Shakey has been celebrating at his current main venue The Black Bull, where he does a great job of putting on local acts. He also has his show on CCR radio (who also currently have their radio drama festival going on too, incidentally) which is good to see.

Of course, the big gig I think was in Colchester at the Arts Centre with Blur. Sadly I was not there, I was there the night before though to see The Wedding Present. Colchester, is always good and vibrant with something seemingly going on most days with music or the arts - the city seems to be very supportive of the arts from what l can see.

By the time this comes out I will have had two shows at Hot Box and I have just confirmed two more for Saturday 7th October with Robbie

McIntosh with Steve Wilson for another afternoon show from 2.30pm. Then on Thursday 7th December we have the amazing Tim Edey (double BBC Musician of the Year award winner) and Clive Carroll who is one of the top acoustic pickers in the world. The two join together for a double-header at Hot Box, so keep your ears and eyes peeled for the full details. Talking of Hot Box, they have recently just had Fat Boy Slim play and have Frank Turner coming up shortly too. More reasons that we really need them to stay.

Do you play chess or would like to? Then Hot Box on a Monday night is the place to be - they also have an array of other games being played that you can join in with too.

There seems to be more open mic and jam nights happening all over the place. I have been to a few and taken my guitar or my harmonicas to them. Such events are generally in pubs and are appearing all over the country, so if you go along do take your instrument with you!

For the rest of this year, we have also lined up The One Tree Hillbillies who I booked for the Star and Garter in Moulsham Street on a Monday. Robbie McIntosh and Steve Wilson are also going to open for Mim Grey and her band. When Robbie and his band played, Mim opened for him and this is why we booked her for her own show with us - it is on Friday 6th October as she was so good.

I have just confirmed Imagine the Beatles for the beginning of November. These guys are about as good as it gets as a Beatles tribute band we think. They have played for us in the past at the football club, and we felt it was the time for them to return.

I am starting to book a few acts for 2024 and so far I have three booked. On Friday 9th February 2024 we have Cregan & Co at last. Jim Cregan is of Rod Stewart, Cockney Rebel and Family fame. Rod says that if you cannot afford to come and see him, then go and see Cregan & Co! On Friday 22nd March we have Cold Flame, who not only play originals but are also rated as the best tribute to Jethro Tull - so much so that Martin Barr has them do shows with him. So all in all, I think things are looking great - we just need lots of you to come along now and enjoy the shows.

If you know of anything happening or want to comment about anything that we have going on, 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 our readers then please contact us at ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk, or if you have an event or have an article that could be of interest then please send to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we will reply to you as soon as we can.

For all our updates and information for our Black Frog Presents shows at the Chelmsford Social Club 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 the 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.

See page 17 for the up-and-coming gigs at Chelmsford Social Club

WE’VE GOT

NOTHING ON

AN EXPLORATION OF THE CONTEMPORARY NUDE IN ART

JULY & AUGUST 2023

Open evening Wednesday 5th July from 6pm RSVP to gallery@spreadcreative.com

GotanythingonthisSummer? Neither have we!

identities,andexperiences -openingupconversations aroundrepresentationand diversityinart.

JoinusattheSpreadGallery inChelmsfordtoexplorethe contemporarynudeinart. Theexhibitioninvitesyou toreimaginethenudeand witnesshowemergingartists arereshapingandchallenging historicalpresentations ofthenudeasanobject of admiration, desire and consumption.

But wait, there’s more!

Scan the QR code for all the informationyouneed,andto signuptobecomeafriend ofthegallery.

To make the occasion even moremeaningful,theopening nightoftheexhibitionalso marksthe6thbirthdayof Spread!Don’tworry,we won’tdonourbirthdaysuits fortheevening;we’llleave that to the art.

Mark your calendars! The exhibitionwillopenfrom 5thJulyuntil30thAugust. Throughout July, we have anarrayofexcitingevents linedupforyou,including invigoratinglife-drawing classes and a thoughtprovokinglecturebythe brilliantLilyMcGonigal.

Experiencethebrillianceof renowned artists such as MoragCaister(PortraitArtist oftheYear2022Winner), HelenGirling,RebeccaFoster, Caroline Deane, Francoise Odill,AlexanderEnglish, Gareth Barton, Tamara Jovandic-Everson, Rae Birch CarterandMarkDoherty. Together, they push boundaries and create a visualtapestrythatcelebrates thevastspectrumofbodies,

One Pot/Pan - By Lauren Capp

This month I’d like to talk about meals that we can cook in one pot/pan.

I love these kinds of dishes as they lock in all the flavours in the same pan - and of course it saves on washing up! There are many meals we can cook in one pan, such as spaghetti bolognaise, curries, risotto, chilli and many more.

My recipe this month is cooked in one pot and uses chicken thighs. I find chicken thighs are very underrated. It’s very easy to overcook chicken breast as I’ve found people sometimes are scared of undercooking it, which then makes it dry and tough, whereas the thighs stay moist and are so tasty. The cost of a pack of chicken thighs is also a fraction of what a pack of chicken breasts cost.

I find that this is case with a lot of cuts of meat that maybe people are scared to try as they do not know how to cook them. Take lamb for instance. Lamb cutlets are very lean but the cost is very high, whereas lamb shoulder and neck needs slow cooking for a few hours and a bit more prep, but is very tasty - and once again is a fraction of the cost. It’s worth talking to your butcher about these cuts and as I’ve said before, if you ask them they usually are more then happy to prepare and guide you.

My recipe this month is chicken and apricot tagine. This dish is fruity with a hint of heat - and the rosemary, apricots and ginger complement it so beautifully. It can also be made with other meat such as duck or pheasant.

Serves 4

1 onion, finely chopped.

3 sprigs of rosemary.

2cm ginger (grated).

2 red chillis, (chopped).

1 cinnamon stick.

8 chicken thighs.

175g apricots.

2 tbsp honey

Tin of plum tomatoes. Basil to serve. Olive oil.

Method

Heat the oil in a casserole dish or big pan, add the onion, rosemary, ginger, chillis and cook until soft for about 5-6 miutes on a medium heat.

Add the cinnamon stick and chicken thighs and brown off on each side.

Add the apricots and honey and coat the thighs. Stir in the plum tomatoes and add 200ml of water. Bring to the boil and reduce the heat. Cook for 35-40 minutes.

Garnish with the basil.

This dish is perfect on its own, but I like to serve it with cous cous and a slice of lemon. I hope everyone has a lovely month, and I’ll catch up with you all in July.

Lauren xx

Eat Better to Feel Better - By Demelza Rayner

To mark Men’s Health Week (12-18th June), I thought I’d offer some advice on getting a better night’s sleep: one of the cornerstones of good health! Main sleep concerns generally fall into three categories:

1) struggling to fall asleep, 2) frequent nighttime waking, 3) Feeling that you’ve had a good night’s sleep but then waking up feeling exhausted.

The good news is that making small, sustainable changes to your eating habits and lifestyle can help with all three struggles. And if your sleep is better, this has a positive effect on every aspect of your life: your stress levels drop, you have more energy to exercise and you make better choices with regards to food and nutrition.

If you regularly struggle to fall asleep then try my top tips below:

1) Embrace Morning Light

When weather permits, get out in the fresh air soon after waking, even if it’s just sitting outside with a morning coffee. By exposing yourself to daylight for at least 15 minutes, you’ll be setting your circadian clock, which will result in better sleep and improved mental health.

2) Reduce Bright Lights

Where possible, put down phones and other devices at least one hour (ideally two) before bedtime. Otherwise, consider investing in a pair of amber-tinted glasses which will help to block the blue light emitted from technology.

3) Keep the Bedroom Cool

While everyone loves to feel warm, snug and comfortable, bedrooms should be kept cool to promote better sleep. A temperature of 64 degrees F is considered best.

4) Set a Routine

It’s not just children who need a clear bedtime routine, adults do too. Going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each day really helps to set your circadian rhythm and supports lower stress and better health.

5) Reduce Caffeine

Take a look at the number of caffeinated drinks you’re consuming in a day and at what times. Although some people can happily drink a cup of coffee at 5pm and then still drop off to sleep quite happily at 10pm, for others caffeine needs to be consumed before midday to prevent sleep disruption.

Sleep and Exercise

Regular exercise is hugely beneficial to sleep quality and quantity. However, high intensity exercise, especially less than two hours before bedtime, can negatively affect sleep. This is because it prompts the body to produce high levels of stress hormones that keep the body in ‘fight or flight’ mode. If you regularly participate in high intensity exercise then the following tips may help to improve sleep:

• Taking a warm bath with magnesium flakes (Epsom salts) before bed.

• De-stress in bed with a guided meditation or slow breathing exercise.

• Avoid eating within a couple of hours of bedtime.

• Stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day.

• Massage from a qualified practitioner or home use of a foam roller.

I hope you find these tips useful. This really is just the tip of the iceberg, so if poor sleep is impacting upon your life then please book in for one of my sleep-strategy sessions at www. demelzaraynernutrition.co.uk.

Summer

Plans are well advanced for the return of this very popular Chelmsford city event in Admirals Park this summer. A team of dedicated volunteers from Chelmsford CAMRA have been working very hard in the background to make sure that the good people of Chelmsford and surrounding areas can once again enjoy a great selection of real ales and ciders from around the UK.

With the current economic pressures and with less people able to help, we will be considerably smaller than our last festival in 2019 (about half the size), so we have introduced a ticket system so people can guarantee the chance to take part.

We will be having a lot of the regular features, including some very tasty food outlets, live music every evening, a Wine and Gin Bar and a family afternoon on the Saturday (no funfair this year, sorry!). Book your tickets and come along and make sure the event is a sell-out.

Full details and a link to the ticket site can be found on our festival website at www.cbcf.camra.org.uk.

City Times Gardening

Its already looking to be a bumper year for fruit such as apples, summer fruiting raspberries and strawberries - although the later has been a little later than usual due to that early cold snap. Although these are fairly staple crops, have you tried anything new? There are many other fruits available to grow in this country that are worth considering. Many fruits that were not grown in this country until recently are now widely available, such as blueberries, while others come and go in popularity such as gooseberries. Why not explore these fruits further?

Blueberries (Vaccinium Corymbosum)

Blueberries are a soft fruit and can be considered as a type of bush fruit. Blueberries must have acid (pH 4.0-5.5) and moist but welldrained soil with a high organic content to succeed and should never be subjected to drought.

A small range of cultivars are available and all are suitable for growing in containers:

‘Duke’ AGM: Stocky bushes produce good yields of medium to large fruit of excellent flavour. Duke flowers late but crops early so is especially good for northern areas where the growing season is short. It is partly self-fertile.

‘Nelson’: A mid- to late-season cultivar that is very hardy and selffertile. The large fruits and good flavour make it useful for the home fruit garden.

‘Spartan’ AGM: Very hardy, early- to mid-season Spartan bears large fruits with a sweet, tangy flavour. To crop well, this cultivar needs another blueberry cultivar nearby.

Blueberries ripen from mid summer and crop through to late summer depending on the variety. They should be picked when soft and blue-black in colour with a waxy bloom. Pick over the plants several times as not all the fruit ripens at the same time. The fruit can be kept for a few days after harvesting or up to three weeks in the fridge. Blueberries can also be frozen.

Gooseberries (Ribes UVA Crispa)

Gooseberries are long-lived bush fruits that flourish in cool summer climates. Both culinary and dessert cultivars are available and the cropping season extends from late May or early June through to August. There is a wide choice of cultivars in various colours easily available to purchase.

‘May Duke’: Early July. Dual purpose cultivar that can be picked early when green for cooking or left to mature and sweeten to be eaten fresh.

‘Invicta’ AGM: Mid season to late July culinary variety with green fruits with good flavour. Offers some resistance to mildew.

‘Lord Derby’: Late season to early August. Dual purpose variety that forms a small bush with dropping branches and nearly black berries. Heavy yields can be obtained, providing a regime of winter and summer pruning is maintained that establishes a healthy cropping framework of older wood. The plants also need to be kept cool at the roots with a plentiful supply of moisture and potassium.

Gooseberries should be removed with the stalk attached and will keep in a fridge for a few days. They are suitable for freezing although they will not keep their shape and colour when defrosted. Preservation by bottling or by processing into jam are also good methods of storing a surplus.

Aside from fruit, here are a few jobs to consider this month:

If you are growing members of the cabbage family, ensure netting is covering plants at all times in order to continue minimising the impact of the small and large cabbage white butterfly larvae and the cabbage moth from tearing up leaves etc. It may be a pain to do all those other jobs around the plants such as weeding, feeding and watering etc - however it’s worth it.

If you are finding that some of your flowering perennials are flopping over, too tall, or smothering other plants, the ideal solution is to cut

down hard.

Often referred to as the ‘Chelsea Chop’. It sounds harsh; however, you’ll be rewarded with a more compact plant and additional flowers.

Try this on hardy geraniums such as meadow cranesbill (Geranium pratense ‘Mrs Kendall Clark’), catmint ‘Six Hills Giant’ (Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’) and Macedonian scabious (Knautia macedonica). All three examples are good for providing nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.

If you haven’t started already, as spring flowering shrubs fade, prune to remove flowering stems, reduce vegetative growths and thin out the plant.

If you are taking significant material away, top up with a good top dressing of seaweed to boost growth. Check out this RHS link to pruning: www.rhs. org.uk/plants/types/shrubs/ pruning-early-flowering.

Here’s a look at some other jobs for the month of June: www.rhs. org.uk/advice/ in-month/june.

Happy gardening

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

Regal Kitchens - Kitchen Worktops

Buying the best worktop for your new kitchen can seem like a daunting task. With so many to choose from, how do you know what the ideal kitchen worktop is for you? Well, first of all you need to ask yourself some questions.

What colour and texture do I want? There are almost unlimited choices when it comes to colour and texture, so finding the right one can be a little overwhelming. Find your style and find something that matches perfectly.

What Is Your Budget?

Kitchen worktops can fit most budgets, but you don’t really want to be scrimping on such a focal point, so make sure you can afford exactly what you want.

Is There a Need for a Heat Resistant Worktop in My Kitchen?

Sure, we’ve all put a hot pan down only to find out that it’s left a mark on our work surface. If you want something that is resistant to heat, make sure you choose the right worktop.

Am I Good With Cleaning and Wiping up Any Spills Immediately?

Some worktops can be easily damaged through spills, whereas others take a spill in their stride. Choose wisely or it could end up costing you later!

riven, honed and riverwash. There are also laminate worktops that mimic other effects such as granite and wood. They’re easy to clean and maintain, but they’re not as hard-wearing as some of the other options out there.

Wood

Wood worktops are a popular choice for those who want a warm and natural look in their kitchen. They’re not as robust as some of the other options, but they can be sanded and refinished to remove scratches and stains. For achieving a traditional look, maple, oak and beech work well. For a slightly more exotic feel, Wenge, bamboo and iroko are excellent choices. What makes wooden worktops unique is they develop a character and an even greater aesthetic appeal over time.

Ceramic

People love ceramic worktops because they’re versatile and hygienic. They’re also easy to match to a particular kitchen theme due to the variety of colours and textures available. What makes ceramic different from quartz and granite is that even though it’s harder than both, it can create a work surface with thickness at less as 10mm. This helps you get that clean, modern and refined look for your worktop and kitchen.

Corian

Corian is a popular brand in the solid surface worktop market. Solid surface material is produced by mixing plastic resin and bauxite pigments. Once created, it is bonded to a timber substrate to create a solid surface worktop. When it comes to matching the worktop to the kitchen’s theme or design, Corian does a great job. Since it’s not a natural material, it can be used to create a ‘one-piece’ worktop that has zero visible joins or seams.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel worktops are a common choice for commercial kitchens, but they’re also becoming more popular in residential kitchens. Stainless steel worktops are used by many restaurants for a reason - they’re highly heat resistant and resilient, making them the ideal choice for kitchens with heavy cooking. Stainless steel worktops contain high level of nickel and chromium, which gives them the heat and stain resistant quality. They’re also easy to clean and maintain.

Glass

How Much Area Have I Dedicated for the Worktop?

Most worktops have a maximum length. If you want your worktop to be in one piece without any visible joins, the choice you make will be important. Once you have answers to these questions, you’ll be able to understand the different worktop materials and make the right decision. Let’s have a look at the different types of worktops that you can choose from.

Granite

Granite is a stone that is incredibly durable and resistant to scratches and heat. Since granite is a natural product, you can choose from many shades and patterns to match your kitchen’s colour scheme. Whether your kitchen is modern or traditional, you will be able to find something in granite that looks both unique and appealing.

Quartz

Quartz is another popular choice for kitchen worktops. It’s a manmade material from crushed stone and resin. It’s very durable and easy to maintain and has a consistent stone quality, which gives your worktop a more finished look and feel. Buying a quartz worktop helps in contributing to the green revolution, since it contains waste materials.

Laminate

Laminate worktops are an affordable surface that comes in an array of options available to choose from, such as matt, high gloss,

Glass worktops are a modern and sleek option that comes in a variety of colours and patterns. They’re easy to clean and maintain, but they’re not as durable as some of the other options. What’s more, glass worktops come in lots of different colours and unique designs. For example, cracked glass worktops are a popular choice with homeowners. Glass worktops can also be heavily customised according to your preferences.

Take your time when choosing the best kitchen worktop for your home, as it can be an investment that not only reinvigorates a kitchen, but it can increase the value of your home as well. As you can see, each type of worktop has its pros and cons, so make sure you know exactly what worktop fits your requirements and lifestyle before you make a purchase.

The friendly and knowledgeable designers at Regal Kitchens can help you choose the perfect worktop for your new perfect kitchen.

Rambling With Union Dinosaurs - By Britain’s Oldest Angry Young Man

Diversity, inclusiveness, equality and, for good measure, everything ‘woke’. Four toxic words, the mad obsession with which is tearing our country apart. Add the year long industrial cocktail created by Union Dinosaurs who clearly have not heeded the lessons of the 1970s and our government has a massive headache. Let’s also be clear that the current Union activities are not about pay (how can it be when train drivers allegedly are already paid up to £65,000 to run our Hornby train set). Also, the extravagant and unaffordable Union pay demands cleverly linked to the rate of inflation and cost of living tragedy, shows Union total indifference to the misery of millions of innocent voters’ attempts to continue running their lives under a cloud of Union intransigents and bloody mindedness. Who can forget the ruined 2022 Christmas for millions of families and children, New Year’s Eve, Easter holidays, this years’ bank holidays (so far) and disgracefully the current school half-term holidays. Union members should hang their heads with shame.

Pay and working practices are a cover for what the Union’s really want. Simply to kick out the present Conservative government and install a Labour government headed by the insipid Sir Keir Starmer. So where does our current Prime Minister stand on this threat to government? Regrettably, he swanned off to Japan to do a Tony Blair wheeze that is to be seen with the world’s Big Boys who spend time to make pledges for the good of the world, but, when on the plane home, throw them in the bin. Our Prime Minister (who would not recognize an English working man if he fell over him) should ditch

Chelmsford Library

June is Essex Book Festival month and Chelmsford Library has some great events for you to sign up to. Full details and booking information is on our website.

Author in ConversationEleanor Catton - Wed 7th June at 7pm - The Booker Prize-winning author of The Luminaries discusses her new novel, Birnam Wood, a gripping psychological thriller. Tickets £8 - to book, see link on our website.

Essex Writers Day - Saturday 24th June 10am - 4pm

Pick up writing tips and inspiration from workshops led by experienced authors.

Essex Libraries Author in Residence - novelist Syd Moore. Crafting a Killer Crime Novel - an introduction to writing crime fiction led by crime and mystery novelist Paul Gitsham.

The Path to Traditional Publication - taking your novel from laptop to library. Led by author Julia Stone.

Creating Characters through Dialogue - Led by local playwright and author Clare Shaw.

All our regular events are still taking place, so do check out the website for details of all of these, including Work Club, Rhymetimes, Community Tea Times, and many more!

We also have computers with printing and scanning facilities, study spaces, photocopying, and free WI-FI. Did you also know you can recycle your used batteries, small electrical items and home printer ink cartridges here at the library?

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

joy rides around the world and photo opportunities and get a grip on what is happening here - and in doing so, heed the lesson from America’s late President Ronald Reagan, who, when confronted by Unions’ representing Air Traffic Controllers, told them to get back to work or be sacked, they did not go back to work, so he sacked them and pulled in Air Traffic Controllers from elsewhere. Mind you, this was the time of Reagan, Thatcher and Russia’s Gorbachov. No nonsense from those three Big Hitters working together.

Show me a Big Hitter in the present government. There isn’t one. Leave Boris out of the equation, Boris is a law unto himself.

We are now in the world of catch 22. If the present government is kicked out in next year’s general election, it is highly likely that Labour will take over. However, Labour’s track record in government since the end of World War 2 has left an awful lot to desire, none of which will feature in its term of office.

So, as a year of industrial action continues with all the negatives influencing the lives of voters, the Unions have shot themselves in their feet. There are now rumblings from some quarters to stay with the present government, warts and all next year and use the general election to purge the randy MPs out of office while opening a new era of Conservatism strong enough to keep the Labour bully boys at bay.

Derek

Stop the Press - Fundraiser This September

Fundraiser for Hot Box. The legendary band The Ugly Guys, featuring former members of the Kursaal Flyers, Mickey Jupp and The Pinkies, are performing their new album launch at Hot Box and will be donating all ticket sales to Hot Box.

The gig is on Tuesday 5th September cost is just £15. Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 8pm. Details to follow from Black Frog Presents, who will be putting on the show.

What’s On

June

Friday 16th

Acanteen - Soulfood: Ronnie Herel & Noah Herel

The Bay Horse - Born Wild

The Black Bull - Shakey’s Sessions: Risen Ashes + Ecto Peach + George Sanders

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Town of Cats

Chelmsford Theatre - Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Chelmsford Theatre - Avalon Edinburgh Previews 1

The Courtyard - Genevieve Johnson

Hot Box - Sunscreem

Hyldands House - Elvis Outdoor Cinema

Star & Garter - Alibi

Saturday 17th

The Bay Horse - Break for Cover

Chelmsford Theatre - Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Creeksea Place - Woof Fest 2023

Father’s Day MotorFest 2023 - (Kings Farm, Writtle)

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

South Hanningfield Village Hall (CM3 9HL) - Race Night

(Saturday from 7pm. £5 per person. Tel 07396 546 050, email shvhall@gmail.com)

Star & Garter - Dub Club BBQ

Wickham Bishops Village Hall (CM8 3JZ) - Wickham Bishops

Jazz Club - Kevin Scott’s Golden Eagle Jazz Band (6.30 for 7.30pm)

Sunday 18th

The Bay Horse - Karaoke

Father’s Day MotorFest 2023 - (Kings Farm, Writtle)

Hylands House - Open Day

Star & Garter - Jam session

Monday 19th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club night

Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford and District Junior Schools

Music Festival

Tuesday 20th

Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford and District Junior Schools

Music Festival

Chelmsford Theatre Studio - Simon Day is: Dave Angel Eco

Warrior Living the Dream Tour

Hot Box - Open Mic

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

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 21st

Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford and District Junior Schools

Music Festival

Chelmsford Theatre Studio - Simon Day is: Dave Angel Eco

Warrior Living the Dream Tour

Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music

Supper Club: Club: Mark Crooks Quartet Benny Goodman/Stan Getz (7:45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)

Thursday 22nd

Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford and District Junior Schools

Music Festival

Ginny’s Maldon - Litery Lounge Open Mic

Hyde Hall Gardens - Curator’s Summer Walk

Maldon Promenade Park - 5K summer race

Friday 23rd

The Bay Horse - Rosewood Shanks

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Back Street

Crawler (Kossoff the Band Plays On)

Chelmsford Theatre - Alan Fletcher: The Doctor Will See You Now

Chelmsford Theatre Studio - An Evening of Edinburgh Previews featuring Luke Kempner and Bella Hull

The Courtyard - Alfie Tobin

Hyde Hall Gardens - Motown Live!

Hylands Park - Foodies Festival

Pleshey - Friday Night 5 Road Race

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga

Star & Garter - Dys-Function

Saturday 24th

All Saints Church (Writtle) - Summer concert

Chelmsford Library - Essex Writers Day

Chelmsford Theatre Studio - Starlight

Danbury Leisure Centre - Sinatra tribute

Hatfield Peverel Village Hall - Oasiz

Hot Box - 3 Foot High + Age of Discovery + Slumber

Hyde Hall Gardens - Hyde Hall Live Capital S

Hylands Park - Foodies Festival

Star & Garter - The Locals

Sunday 25th

The Bay Horse - Karaoke

Chelmsford County High School - Special Masterclass & Grading with Sensei Frank Brennan

Chelmsford Theatre - Applause

Cressing Barns - Midsummer Madness

Hyde Hall Gardens - Hyde Hall Live Jukebox Jets

Hylands Park - Foodies Festival

Melbourne Stadium - Celmsford Senior Judo Randori and Open Mat

Monday 26th

Black Rabbit Pub - Sunset Safari Paint Party

Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford Gotta Dance

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club night

Tuesday 27th

Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford Gotta Dance

Hot Box - Country and Americana Night: 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 28th

Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford Gotta Dance

Hot Box - Gringo Star + Manderville

Thursday 29th

Chelmsford Theatre - Lipstick on Your Collar

Hot Box - Uber Jam

Friday 30th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Gerry McAvoy’s Band of Friends (Rory Gallagher) + Big River

Chelmsford Theatre - Hal Cruttenden: It’s Best You Hear It From Me

The Courtyard - Charlotte Rose

Eagle & Hund - Friday Night Blues

Hot Box - HotHaus Drag: Divas and Divos

Hyde Hall Gardens - Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Patch - Open House

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga

All events are correct at time of going to press. Please check with the venue for updates

Saturday 1st

Central Park - Chelmsford Fake Festival

Chelmsford City Racecourse - ClockStock 2023

Chelmsford Theatre - Bowie Experience

Galleywood Vineyard - A Night at the Musicals

Hot Box - Boogie in the Box

The Jolly Sailor - AmyFest UK

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

St Andrew’s Church - Chelmsford Singers and the Michael

Horner Jazz Trio (conducted by James Davy, www.

chelmsfordsingers.co.uk - Melbourne Avenue, CM1 2DT)

Trinity Methodist Church - Chelmsford Male Voice Choir (summer concert with Steph Wilson Soprano - email

cmvchoir.co.uk for tickets £10, or CMVC members and door -

Chelmsford CM1 2XB)

Sunday 2nd

Chelmsford Theatre Studio - Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping

Beauty

Hyde Hall Gardens - Classic Car Show

Lawling Park Fields, Mayland - Classic car/motorbike family

funday

Promenade Park - Antique & Collectors Fair

Star & Garter - Jam session

Monday 3rd

Chelmsford Theatre - The Mousetrap

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club night

New Hall School - Zimbe

Tuesday 4th

Chelmsford Theatre - The Mousetrap

Hot Box - General Knowledge Quiz

Old Court Theatre - Not Such Stuff

Spike’s Place Jazz Club - Lily Dior, Jonathan Gee, Geoff

Gascoyne, Tristan Maillot - (01245 420 475 - www.spikesplace. co.uk - Bardswell Social Club, Weald Road, Brentwood, CM14

4TJ)

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 5th

Central Park - Race for Business

Chelmsford Theatre - The Mousetrap

Friends Meeting House (Rainsford Road) - CRAG Retirement

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

Hot Box - Satin Beige

Old Court Theatre - Not Such Stuff

Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music

Supper Club: Sarah Moule Quartet perform the Johnny Mercer

Song Book (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)

Thursday 6th

Chelmsford Theatre - The Mousetrap

Fox & Hounds - Quiz night

Hot Box - Alison + Sheer

Old Court Theatre - Not Such Stuff

Friday 7th

ACanteen - Amy Winehouse tribute

Chelmsford Theatre - The Mousetrap

The Courtyard - Genevieve Johnson

Old Court Theatre - Not Such Stuff

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga

Star & Garter - Rosewood Shakes

Saturday 8th

The Beryl Platt Centre - Country Music Night

Chelmsford Theatre - The Mousetrap

Chelmsford Theatre Studio - A Morning at the Musicals

Saturday 8th (continued)

Creeksea Place - Crafts & Gifts Fair

Old Court Theatre - Not Such Stuff

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

Star & Garter - Aubs Soul Night

Wheelers Farm (Little Waltham) - Maravilose in Paradise FSTVL

Sunday 9th

Chelmsford Theatre Studio - A Morning at the Musicals

Hot Box - Jazz Sunday with Zak Barrett and friends

Writtle University College - Tri Club Junior Triathlon

Monday 10th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Star & Garter - One Tree Hillbillies

Tuesday 11th

Admirals Park - Chelmsford Summer Beer & Cider Festival

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

Hot Box - Big Music Quiz

Spike’s Place Jazz Club - Sam Braysher, Linus Eppinger, Dave Green, Steve Brown (01245 420 475 - www.spikesplace.co.uk

- Bardswell Social Club, Weald Road, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4TJ)

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

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 12th

Admirals Park - Chelmsford Summer Beer & Cider Festival

Hot Box - High Fly

Maldon Reformed Church - Lunchtime concert: Hexachordia

Thursday 13th

Admirals Park - Chelmsford Summer Beer & Cider Festival

Friday 14th

Acanteen - Goldie

Admirals Park - Chelmsford Summer Beer & Cider Festival

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

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

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

City Garden Bar and Events Space in the Heart of Chelmsford

Bond Street’s City Garden is Chelmsford’s new number one outdoor summer spot, bringing a unique laidback festival experience to the heart of the city centre. Open 7 days a week from 11am throughout July and August, City Garden is the perfect daytime and evening destination to relax, enjoy and spend time with friends, family or on your own.

Private hire available for small or large groups and walk-ins welcome.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to chill out at lunchtime, take a break from shopping, or just grab some much needed sunshine, then head to our outdoor seating area or kick back under our shaded

stretch tent. Kids are welcome during the day and feel free to bring a picnic.

To help you recharge, we’re delighted to announce our fabulous Wellbeing Bar. Sit back and indulge in delicious smoothies, juices, herbal teas and mushroom coffees, all designed to boost your mind and health. These are made from fresh ingredients, and lovingly created by our qualified nutritionist, A Taste Of Goodness.

If you’re looking for the best weekend and post-work entertainment, we’ve got it sorted! Join us for a mix of the finest local DJs spinning a soulful selection of funk, disco, house, reggae, 80s, 90s, RnB and good times summer vibes. Alongside this, you can expect acoustic acts, live comedy, a quiz night, Wimbledon screenings, record fairs, pop up market and more.

To help you get in the groove, we have our beautiful container bar, fully equipped for all your alcohol needs. From rum punches to Prosecco, and craft beers to Pimms, we’re ready to satisfy your every taste and need.

July 1st - September 3rd 2023

Monday - Wednesdays: 11am - 7pm

Thursday - Sundays: 11am - 10pm

Bond Street, Chelmsford - free entry

Enquiries: citygarden@emucreative.com

Facebook & Instagram/citygardenchelmsford

The Caterham EV Seven Concept Will Showcase at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Not many automobile manufacturers create such a fine line in a niche market, and while one Caterham might look like another as it breezes past, this Caterham EV Seven concept is pure electric and will surely and eventually futureproof a unique and traditional brand.

While the Caterham Seven isn’t a sports car that might sit well with becoming all-electric and yet still managing to fight in both corners of track and your regular country road, it does seem as if Caterham has, sort of, managed to get it right...

Caterham collaborated with Swindon Powertrain Ltd to get the best of both worlds. As Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham, adds, we ‘must be true to the DNA of a Caterham’, meaning that the joys of the track and the joys of the road must not be compromised; overall, the guiding light will be that the Caterham EV Seven must be fun, simple and lightweight.

Inside, the EV Seven is expected to produce 0-62mph of just under 4 seconds and features a 40kWh battery which gives 240bhp along with 250Nm of torque. The EV Seven will feature adjustable Bilstein dampers from the Seven 420 Cup with regenerative braking and quad-piston brake calipers.

One of the unique (or compromise if you see fit) aspects of the pressure that the track-day drive will place the powertrain under is that it will be able to drive for 20 minutes and then be rechargeable in just 15 minutes, allowing for a quick coffee, then off to drive again for another 20 minutes - a 20-15-20 drive cycle.

The challenge here for the Caterham EV Seven is that the huge energy consumption required for driving on track is very different to being able to drive on a road - and road driving is something that we

are getting rather good at. This car has to be capable of doing both.

It might seems a little strange that the combustible engine can be lighter that an electric powertrain, and while the Caterham EV Seven is required to be as light as is possible, with careful tweaks it only produces an extra 70kg per vehicle - not unlike having an extra passenger on board.

But there is a bit of not so good news as such, as Caterham has said that they are not planning on putting the Caterham EV Seven concept into production at this stage.

On a brighter note, the EV Seven will be showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this July if you want to go and see it. But it’s not the end of the Caterham for greener fields, as the company is planning on producing a fully electric Caterham for production use later in the year.

Sean Neylon

Images: caterhamcars.com

Powered by www.peterbestinsurance.co.uk

Peter Best Insurance Services Ltd, Suite 4 Courtyard Offices, Braxted Park, Great Braxted, Witham, CM8 3GA.

01376 574 000

info@peterbestinsurance.co.uk

A History of Sport in the Chelmsford Area Part 9 - By Stephen Norris

Rugby restarted after the war at Kings Head Meadow, where the Chelmsford team consisted mainly of apprentices from the local works. The club moved again, this time to Melbourne Park where it rented a pitch from the borough corporation. By the time of its 40th anniversary in 1961, the club had moved again to Coronation Park with a new clubhouse and purpose built changing rooms.

The men’s hockey club was reformed in 1946 at a meeting at the Golden Fleece in Duke Street. Fixtures started on Saturdays but from 1956-7 regular fixtures were played on Sundays. In 1971-2 the mens club moved to Chelmer Park. The club became part of Chelmsford Sports Club which included the Chelmsford Ladies Hockey Club and the Chelmsford Cricket Club. The 1989-90 season was the first season an artificial pitch was used and the club celebrated its centenary in 1997-8.

After the Second World War Vivienne Wiseman, a former member, reformed the Chelmsford Ladies Hockey Club. A council pitch at Admirals Park was used for home matches along with a small pavilion. The club moved to Broomfield Cricket Ground in 1961. Increased membership led to a return to council pitches, this time at Melbourne Park. In 1971 the ladies joined the men at Chelmer Park. During 1972 the Essex team, which won the All England title, contained seven members of the Chelmsford club. Since the 1980s Chelmsford Ladies have regularly finished in the top four of the All England Indoor Championships. In 1979, as National Outdoor Hockey champions, Chelmsford played in the European club competition. Mixed hockey continued after the war, with Chelmsford winning the Colchester Exiles tournament six years running. The Veterans Ladies team won the national title in 1998 and 1999. By 2000 there were five outdoor ladies teams, four playing league hockey.

At the end of the 1997-8 season the separate men’s and ladies’ clubs were merged and this was followed by the laying of a new water-based artificial pitch. The existing sand-based pitch was also relaid and the clubhouse extended and reformed. In 2003-4 the ladies won the English Hockey League for the third time in five years. The men won promotion to the Premier Division of the EHL for the first time. In 2008-9 the men were East Indoor champions for the first time and were also the first winners of the national Indoor title.

After the war, the Chelmsford Athletics Club continued at its ramshackle headquarters at Waterhouse Lane, but in the 1960s the club moved to Melbourne Park with a plush new £8,500 clubhouse. In a 1962 a new cinder track was opened at the park. 20 years later the track was dilapidated and the National Athletics League deemed it not up to the standard for matches, and by the 1990s the ground was only used for training. The club contested matches at Brentwood, Harlow and Ilford. Eventually National Lottery funding was raised for a new artificial track, extension of the car park and a new road and the scheme also included a 600 seater grandstand and lighting - the new facilities were opened by Sir Trevor Brooking. In 2000, further lottery funding was given to add further indoor facilities including a 60 metres indoor track.

After the war the Boreham airfield was rapidly becoming derelict, when the Chelmsford Auto Club started using it for motorcycle racing. The first of eight motor cycle meetings was held on the 2nd of September 1950 - John Surtees, Ken Kavanagh and others rode there on the fast three mile track. There were 9,000 at a meeting in 1951, and motor car testing started and the first car race was held in 1949.

The meetings continued in 1951 and 1952, with the first 100 mile per hour circuits in the country achieved since the days of the Brooklands circuit before the war. With sponsorship from the Daily Mail, crowds at Boreham reached 80,000 in 1952.

In 1953 there was a shock end to racing on the circuit when advanced plans for racing during the coronation year were cancelled. The Chelmsford Auto Club were organising the first British Grand

Prix of Motor Cycle racing and the West Essex Car Club was to hold international meetings after attracting some of the world’s best drivers the previous year, including Mike Hawthorn and Stirling Moss. The Daily Mail gave no reason for its withdrawal of sponsorship.

During 1955 the Ford Motor Company bought the airfield to test trucks. In the 1970s and 1980s Fords built rally cars at the airfield. Although most of the airfield has been dismantled, part of it was still used by the Essex Police Helicopter Unit and the Essex Air Ambulance in 2012.

There had been no horse racing in the Chelmsford area for over 60 years when plans were announced in 2001 for a new racecourse on the Essex Show ground at Great Leighs. John Holmes, a local entrepreneur, announced plans for a 120-horse training facility and a one mile oval track. There was to be a covered grandstand holding 5,000 people. The project was made much more expensive by the plans of the ECC to route a bypass right through the new course.

In 2003 the new racecourse received a licence from the British Horse Racing Board - it was to be the first new racecourse in the country for 75 years. The facilities were to include a restaurant, bars and a nightclub, a fitness centre, conference facilities, TV production facilities and a permanent 100-stall training yard. By 2005 work on the grandstand and the all weather track was underway, but lack of compensation for the by-pass slowed construction and brought about the postponement of the opening when race meetings had already been allocated.

The new racecourse finally opened in April 2008, but went into administration in 2009, after the temporary licence had been withdrawn. This was a severe disappointment after the course and the facilities had been well received but bad weather had adversely affected crowds. Holmes was left with debts of £25 million.

The track was bought by a new company in 2011, which had a bid to start racing again in 2013 turned down by the BRB. A new application was entered in January 2013 to restart racing in 2014 but this was turned down six months later. The new owners MC Racetracks had been granted permission by the city council to use the powerful lighting despite strong opposition from local residents.

In December 2013 the racecourse was taken over by Fred Done, the owner of Betfred. Racing finally started again in 2015.

A Year in the Life of the Mayor

At a recent meeting of Chelmsford City Council, I had the honour and privilege of being elected to be Mayor of Chelmsford for 2023-24. Cllr Jude Deakin was elected as Deputy Mayor.

My charity for my mayoral year is Chelmsford YMCA and my theme is Bright Futures. This is just a little bit about me which I’d like to share with you before I start on my recent engagements.

I was born at St John’s Hospital and have lived in Chelmsford for most of my life. On leaving school, I became an apprentice at Marconi Communication Systems Ltd in New Street and my mother, Pat Starr, was Mrs Chelmsford in 1976’s The Essex Chronicle

I now live in Tile Kiln with my husband Ian, who is my Mayor’s Consort, and the youngest of my six children Isobel. Ian and I are proud grandparents to eight grandchildren.

I was first elected to the Borough Council in 2011 to represent Goat Hall Ward and was privileged to be re-elected in May 2019. I have contributed to more than 32 years of community involvement, including The Tile Kiln Residents’ Association and Neighbourhood Watch. I was a Founding Trustee of the Moulsham Lodge Community Trust, SEN Governor of Mildmay Junior School for 10 years, and I’ve written a monthly community column for the Moulsham Times for the past seven years.

As Inclusion Manager at a local junior school, I work closely with children who have special educational needs, young carers and other vulnerable pupils, offering practical and pastoral support to help them overcome barriers to their learning including social and emotional difficulties.

I spent a memorable four days in Italy with Angela Rippon filming a TV programme called Sun, Sea and Bargain Spotting. I have also appeared on The One Show, wearing motorbike leathers alongside Dolly Parton, whilst nominating World Superbike Champion James Toseland as Sports Personality of the Year!

As a Chelmsford City Councillor, I have chaired the Licensing and Regulatory Committee, was on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and was chair of the Liberal Democrat Group.

I am truly honoured to have been elected as Mayor of this great city of Chelmsford and look forward to actively supporting residents, businesses, community groups, charities, our diverse performing groups, art and culture.

With just a few days to adjust to this wonderful new role I was out and about attending my first engagements.

My first engagement was on Saturday at 7.30am when, accompanied by my Consort Ian, we were delighted to cut the ribbon and open a much larger and improved Home Bargains shop at Riverside retail park. The new store boasts 14 aisles and includes a large garden section, bakery, frozen food area and improved section for pet supplies. There are an additional 45 new staff employed at the new store doubling the total to 90 employees. I couldn’t resist stocking up on freshly baked croissants from the bakery which were delicious.

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon at the Bond St Bowl which was buzzing with music and creativity as Ian, the Deputy Mayor and I visited the Chelmsford For You Concrete Canvas collaborative Street festival. The Deputy and I took advantage of a bird’s eye view of the High Street and then toured the artwork and chatted to the artists, many had travelled from Europe to be part of this exciting venture. Artist Chaz Barrisson, who travels the world creating his

distinctive Street art of ‘Lads’ with Bob Gibson as The London Police, has been instrumental in attracting a diverse group of artists and told me how delighted he was that more and more well known artists are becoming involved to bring this great cultural event to his home city. All ages were joining in, creating fantastic artwork which can be seen all around Chelmsford, there is a street art map on the Chelmsford for You website - www.chelmsfordforyou.co.uk.

Our third engagement of the day was at the Chelmsford Theatre, watching a joyful and enthusiastic performance of Trinity Methodist Music and Drama’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Ian and I sang along to well known favourites, including Truly Scrumptious and Toot Sweets. I was delighted to meet the cast afterwards to pass on our congratulations at such a triumphant performance.

Stow Maries Aerodrome hosted their annual Wings and Wheels Festival on bank holiday Sunday where we enjoyed seeing a wide variety of different cars from Corvettes to Aston Martins and motorbikes from the Norton Owners Club - Essex Branch. Ian and I enjoyed walking round the hangars, learning about the history of the airfield, and watching a variety of different aircraft performing an outstanding aerobatic display which had us on the edge of their seats! A thoroughly enjoyable day at this historic WW1 airfield.

I welcome invitations to attend events held by organisations in the city. However, due to demand, it may not be possible to attend every event to which I am invited. If I’m unable to attend a function the current Deputy Mayor may attend where possible and should be accorded the same protocol as for the Mayor. We normally ask for at least two weeks’ notice before your engagement. Please contact the Mayors Office by emailing mayors.office@chelmsford.gov.uk or calling 01245 606 269.

Cllr Linda Mascot Mayor of Chelmsford 2023-2024

Cobra Pose - By Steve Johansen, Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga

upwards, lifting the shoulders and chest off the ground, raising the crown of your head to the ceiling and gaze forwards, the elbows draw inwards towards your sides as you push the elbows backwards towards your hips. There should be no pressure in your hands or lower back.

If you’re new to yoga, I suggest sticking with Low Cobra pose, just moving in time with the breath for 3 or 5 repatriations, as this strong back-bend took me some time to master.

In my next article, I will teach you High Cobra, the more advanced version.

Yoga has, for most of its 5-thousand-year history, has been taught verbally. Consequently the names of yoga poses are described in a way that we all recognise, such as Cat stretch and Cobra pose.

Cobra pose or in Sanskrit, Bhujangasana (boo-jang-GAHS-anna) suggests raising of the head and shoulders off the ground like a Cobra. Cobra pose is a strong back-bend. However, I like to think of them as front body stretches, helping me to practice this pose safely, preventing uncomfortable compression of the spine. It is also important to roll the shoulder blades backwards and towards each other to protect the shoulder joints.

There are a couple of variations to Cobra pose, the first is Low or Baby Cobra where you use the legs and core to lift the head and shoulders up and High or Full Cobra pose, which is a deeper backbend using the shoulders and hands to rise higher.

In the vinyasa flow Sun Salutation or (Surya Namaskar), Cobra Pose is towards the end, as we move with our breath, from Plank, exhalating as we lower down through Knee/Chin/Chest or Chaturanga

Dandasana to a prone position, then on your inhalation arching up to Cobra pose, exhalating and pushing back into Downward Facing Dog pose. As we move through these poses within the Sun Salutation, the distance between the hands and feet shouldn’t change. 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.

Where to Start

To establish the right distance between the hands and feet, providing a good foundation.

Start in Extended Childs pose kneeling towards the back of the mat, knees slightly apart, big toes touching, torso relaxed over the thighs, resting the forehead on the mat, stretching the arms forward, elbows off the mat, fingers spread wide, little fingers touching the side of the mat, middle finger pointing forward. Press through the fingertips and knuckles, especially the index finger and thumb.

On your next inhalation find your Dristi - an unfocused gaze - just beyond your fingertips. Lift onto your hands and knees and roll forwards, exhaling as lowering yourself down until you are lying face down in a prone position. Your hands should now be beside the ribs, fingers facing forwards. Roll the shoulder blades back and drawing the elbows inwards and backwards so they are above the wrists. I like to start with my feet and work my way all the way up to the top of my head.

On your next inhalation, press down with the tops of feet, engaging the thighs, and rotating them outwards (this will roll the heels inwards, helping press the big toes more firmly into the mat). Roll the pelvis slightly, so the tail bone points downwards to the heels, this presses your pubic bone into the mat, as you do this you should feel the fronts of the thighs tighten, along with your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Using the core draw the sternum forwards and

For those of you who would benefit from seeing both versions of 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.

Can You Make a Difference in Your Community?

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.

Help at Essex Pride

Essex Pride is looking for enthusiastic event support volunteers to help make sure that our annual event is safe, well managed and above all - fun! We have various parts of the event need covering from front desk and tickets sales to event stewarding. So if you have a few hours to spare and would like to help please get in touch. Essex Pride takes place on the 24th June 2023 in Chelmsford city centre, with a march down the high street and a festival in Central Park.

Social Media content writer for a creative charity

The Ideas Hub is a charity run by volunteers to help foster a stronger community in the city of Chelmsford; offering activities, classes and events for people of all ages and backgrounds.

An opportunity has arisen at the Ideas Hub for someone who loves writing social media content and social media posting!

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

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.

Search technician - Essex Search & Rescue

We need volunteers to join our team! You will be fully trained in search techniques, emergency procedures, first aid and other matters, in order for us to assist the police and other agencies with searches for vulnerable missing persons such as children and the elderly.

Volunteer minibus driver - Chelmsford Community Transport

We need friendly, patient volunteers to help drive our minibuses, and spend the day transporting elderly and disabled passengers to social clubs, shops, and medical appointments in Chelmsford.

In our presenter profile series this month, we’d like to introduce Gareth Jones:

If you love 80s music, then my show is the place to head for at Chelmsford Community Radio broadcasting every Tuesday afternoon between 2-3pm.

Gareth Jones is the name. My love for all things radio started from listening to Radio 1, like most people of my age, with a radio under the bedclothes waiting to hear the startup jingles first thing in the morning and then the breakfast show on my paper round, Steve Wright and ending up with John Peel. I remember hearing the start of Essex Radio before it became Heart and BBC Essex. Listening to Timbo after school on my new boom box that I received as a 13th birthday present still lingers in the memory.

I first came across Chelmsford Community Radio on social media, and it was an itch that had to be scratched. I had wanted to be involved in radio since I was young, but with no hospital radio where I lived at the time and no idea of how to get involved, it remained a pipe dream over the years that I didn’t follow up due mainly to a lack of confidence. I met with Matt who offered me a slot on the station playing my favourite decade of music and it was too good an opportunity to turn down.

The 80s Show does what it says on the tin playing all songs from the decade. Nothing is off limits as long as it’s suitable for daytime, but I try to play tracks that are less heard on other 80s shows to give

people an incentive to listen. This includes 12-inch tracks too - how often do they get room to breathe? On my show they do which I am very proud of.

I have been with the station 7 years now and still love getting in front of a mic as much as ever whether it be hosting my show, still trying to be as good as Chris Moyles or Kenny Everett, providing holiday cover, or helping on the other side of the mic, volunteering at events for the station or socialising with the rest of the team. My confidence has increased hugely, and I look back and realise this has been one of the best decisions I ever made.

Listen in as I keep the best decade in music alive and kicking on Chelmsford Community Radio 104.FM.

Gareth

Scrapbooking comes in many different ways, shapes and forms. The one that comes to mind for most people may be layouts or pages. These are usually a 12”x12” format with other variations, 8”x8” and more seldom 6”x6”. Increasingly, more crafters are using the humble A4 pages. It is more readily available and stores more easily than a 12”x12” page which needs a specific folder.

However, scrapbooking is not just to be confined to pages layouts. I wonder how many of you have made an album from scratch? Yes you heard it correctly, a whole album or otherwise referred to as mini-books. They come in all sizes, shapes and forms too. They are versatile as you are in control of adding pages, and making the types of pages you need, depending on the number of photos you want to put in them. They are ideal for specific events: trips or holidays are perfect to store in a mini-book because they are set in time and because there’s a beginning and an end to a holiday.

Because you can devise your own content, your mini-book is very unique, highlighting your photos perfectly! You can choose among the following: cascade page, hidden journaling, fold-out pages, envelopes for tickets and other memorabilia, notebook, and many more!

You can choose a soft or a hard cover. The closing mechanism is also varied - from magnets, to elastics, to paper bands. Mini books are also great because you can play with different techniques and different materials - card of course, but false leather, buttons, charms, metal clasps, pompoms, wood embellishments, acrylics, etc.

So whether you use, envelopes, acetate sheets, velum, paper, card, your album will keep those memories and photos with pride and they will make fantastic gifts.

A friend of mine was invited to a wedding and she wanted to give them a handmade gift. Because she knew the accent colour chosen by the bride, she set out to prepare a blank album in advance. All the pages were made, all using the accent colour.

On the day of the wedding she took lots of pictures. Then she spent the evening in the hotel room printing the photos on her portable Selphy printing machine. She trimmed and stuck them in the album. When morning came, she was able to present her gift to the happy couple over breakfast before they set off on their honeymoon. They were flabbergasted and really touched by the thoughtfulness of the gift.

Fancy having a go at making your own album/mini-book? Come and join us on our craft retreats at Grafham Water Centre in Perry, Cambridgeshire and at Kings Park Conference Centre in Northampton or on our monthly craft days at Highwood Village Hall. Check our website for more details and booking information: www. scrap-circle.co.uk.

Ideas Hub Chelmsford - Chelmsford Carnival: CommuntityCreativity & Fun

When is it a good time to ride a bike dressed as a pirate or push a buggy with a small mermaid sitting inside it whilst singing and waving flags? Is it the Chelmsford Carnival? Absolutely!

on sale from the Carnival Shop in Meadows Shopping Centre (near Wilko). At the Art Place we have an awesome group of artists who can provide advice and material for making your own homemade outfit.

Artist and illustrator Poppy Mayhew said of last year’s carnival: “I loved the colours and seeing others enjoy it just as much as we did. The made floats from recycled materials. Please spread the word about getting involved or come and watch the parade.”

Artist and postgraduate student, Katarina Rosell adds: “It was great fun, with lots of creativity on show and some really amazing costumes. I enjoyed the preparation process, including making floats and adding trim to my outfit. I had so many safety pins on the day just in case anyone needed emergency repairs!”

It’s become one of the main events of the Chelmsford calendar and is one of the UK’s only eco-friendly walking parades. This year it’s on 2nd July. Chelmsford Carnival gets bigger and better every year and provides an opportunity to explore your creative expression and join others across our local community to have fun. The mile-long accessible route through the city centre means everyone can get involved, whether watching or taking part in the parade.

We’re looking for children and adults to dress up as colourful characters. We especially need princesses and pirates. Bikes, pushchairs, scooters, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, wheelbarrows, or anything else non-motorised is welcome. Let your imagination go wild with your designs and outfits, or keep it simple (such as a dab of colour or make-up or anything to push or carry in the parade), and everyone is welcome.

We have mask making workshops on Friday 30th June (2pm - 4pm) and Saturday 1st July (all day) at The Art Place in the Meadows. If you want something really special, handmade carnival costumes are

The carnival is organised by Chelmsford Festival, a registered charity funded by grants, sponsors, and donations including from Arts Council England. Special thanks go to lottery players, Chelmsford For You, Chelmsford City Council, and our main sponsor Ultrafast Fibre Home Broadband - Lit Fibre, a new service provider in Chelmsford.

Chelmsford Carnival is free and getting involved is a great opportunity to express yourself, make new friends, and be creative. If you’d like to find out more information or to contact us, please visit www. chelmsfordcarnival.co.uk.

This year’s carnival is on Sunday 2nd July at 1pm from Shire Hall. You can also join the fun and entertainment at the end of the parade in Oaklands Park from 2-5pm including dance, music, face painting, children’s games and much more in a family friendly spot, and maybe an ice cream from the Hive Café!

Please spread the word!

Indigo Sapphire Moon Communication officer at The Art Place

Interior Design Tips for Your Home - By Tania Dadd

Top Tips for Choosing Window Treatments

If you are not sure how to narrow down your options for window treatments, there are quite a few options to consider...

Curtains, Blinds or Shutters

The location of the curtains makes a big decision in the choice of fabric needed. If you are having curtains in an older style property with draughty windows you might want to consider a thicker fabric with a thermal lining. A more modern setting might require a lighter fabric (with a blackout lining for bedrooms). It’s not just the fabric that needs to be thought about but the header for the top of the curtains as well.

These are many different header styles the most popular are: Pencil pleat: This is the most widely used header in residential and ready-made curtains. These consist of folds of fabric tightly gathered to create a heading that resembles a line of pencils.

Eyelet (also known as grommets): Refers to the header of the curtain, they are a contemporary choice, designed with metal rings on a header. The rings thread onto a curtain pole and hang in soft uniform folds.

Wave: A wave header allows the curtain to hang in regular uniform folds. This type of header needs to be fitted on a special wave track which is slim and discreet. The track can be fitted to the ceiling rather than the window frame, making your window feel taller and grander than they really are.

Tie top & tab top curtains: Tie top are the most casual curtain headers, these curtains feature two pieces of fabric that tie above the pole. Tab tops are loops of fabric on the header that are threaded on to the curtain rail/pole giving a more relaxed style.

Valances/pelmets: A pelmet/valance are both the same thing; they add structure to a window treatment and ensures the curtain track remains concealed. Straight pelmets add a more contemporary

feel, shaped pelmets are for more traditional interiors by giving a classic feel.

Tie Backs and Holders for Curtains

Tie backs also reflect your taste and personality. If you love elegant you could opt for beaded or metallic, which could incorporate silks and luxurious fabrics. The traditional tie backs are now making a big come back with tassels or fringes. Holders do the same job; they are more of a post or half ring for tucking the curtains behind.

Blinds

The three most popular types of blinds are:

Roller Blinds: These are made from a single piece of fabric that wraps around a casing sits into the top of the window frame. Roller blinds can be electronically operated.

Roman Blinds: In contrast to the roller blind, the roman blind is made by connecting slats, which are attached to cords into the back of a fabric panel.

Venetian Blinds: The structure of venetian blinds is made from horizontal slats in either wood, metal, or plastic. They are suspended on ladder cords and can be easily adjusted to let in more or less light. Venetian blinds have a reputation for office settings, kitchens and bathrooms. The material used makes them easier to clean.

Shutters

Shutters are a perfect solution for lager windows, not only do they improve control over the light and privacy they free up floor space inside your home. They work well in modern and contemporary homes. There are different types of materials that they can be made from such as hardwood, MDF and aluminium.

Lark Interiors

01394 834481

Covering Essex and Suffolk Visit

Tales from the Circle - By Sylvia Kent

Over the last eighteen months, I’ve enjoyed showcasing - via The City Times - the ups and downs of the world of writing in all its various genres. Members of my Brentwood Writers’ Circle have enjoyed being photographed and giving us their individual stories and their reasons for taking up their pens or, indeed, their keyboards.

It’s been great to hear of the publishing successes that many of our members have experienced; also we have commiserated when some of our friends manuscripts were turned down, but we were always around to support them in celebration or consoling mode.

On Saturday last, at our June gathering in Brentwood, the mood was sombre when we learned of the death of our former president, France Clamp. This lovely lady had been at the centre of our organisation for over 40 years and was such a good friend and, as it happens, she was a wonderful writer who produced at least 14 books

with leading publishers.

Frances wrote about all aspects of life and her children’s books were delightful. She also loved history and was a much-loved teacher and head of year at her Romford Comprehensive school. When she retired, she picked up her pen and small white manual typewriter and began writing for children, winning competition trophies in our very often difficult industry. Frances wrote hundreds of short stories which were published in women’s magazines. As far back as 2000, Frances was part of the Essex Book Festival and appeared on Phoenix FM giving interviews and publicising her own and our members’ books, always attending our individual book signing events in the town. As a member of the international writers’ association, The Society of Women Writers and Journalists, she won several awards and, in 2008, she and I both won SWWJ scholarships (she for children’s fiction - and me for journalism) We were presented with our silver trophies at Chester University in 2010.

Frances was also a favourite personality on BBC Essex and regularly broadcast her beautifully prepared local history programmes on PhoenixFM. She will be sadly missed by so many friends and family.

www.brentwoodwriterscircle.com

Quiz Time - By John Theedom

Who wrote the novel To the Lighthouse?

What is the official name of the tower that houses the Big Ben bell?

How much are the cheeky cards sent by Princess Diana to the King of Greece expected to make at auction - £2,000, £5,000 or £8,000 each?

What is different about the Gurkha Hari Budha Magar who is climbing Everest?

Who played the role of the tough prison officer in Porridge?

How many times did Red Rum win the Grand National race?

Who painted the famous artwork The Scream?

Which is the longer, the Panama or the Suez canal?

Which designer created Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding dress?

The dong is the currency of which Asian country?

Yvette Marie Stevens is the real name of which American soul singer?

What do most sharks live on?

Sabine and Saladin are types of what?

What is the opposite of occidental?

What is Freddie Starr’s real name?

Which country is know as the Land of the Rising Sun?

How many inches wide should a cricket wicket be?

What is exceeded to create a sonic boom?

What is April’s birthstone?

What can immediately follow ‘but’, ‘car’ and ‘bat’

to make new words?

What is the capital of Chile?

In what year did the Berlin wall come down?

Who is Liza Minnelli’s mother?

Which radio presenter has the same name as a type of egg-based sauce?

The last surviving Dambuster, George ‘Johnny’ Johnson died in December 2022, how old was he?

What is the meaning of the musical term allegro?

Who is the US songwriter who composed How

Much Is That Doggie In The Window?

What is the largest planet in our solar systems?

Which famous singer made the statement ‘People never talked about my music. They just counted how many knickers were on the stage’?

On May 17th 2021, Donna Summer ‘Queen of disco’ died. How old was she?

Where is the world-famous church with a twisted spire?

What was the original name of Australia?

What word connects ‘hurry’ and a type of plant?

What is the first name of the actress Miss Novak?

1 Russian ruble equals 100 ……?

In journalism, what does the slang ‘paps’ mean?

Which is the smallest planet in our solar system?

Which Scottish river has just one letter in its name?

What is Megan’s mother’s name?

How many starts are on the American flag?

(Answers on page 31)

Photographs from the Chelmsford Festival in Tindal Square. The Chelmsford Fesitval runs until July 9th and all events are listed here www.chelmsfordfestival.co.uk, along with photographs from Essex Faerie Fayre at the Museum of Power in Maldon.

Stargazing With Mark Willis - June/July

21st June at 11pm: Summer Solstice - as if to celebrate, the Moon, Venus and Mars are having a dance. From left to right is a small, but bright Mars, noticeably red. In the middle, Venus shines very brightly and to the right, a thin crescent Moon.

Stargazing in the summer months is a very late night activity. Solar observing, therefore, is a good activity to keep busy and also to do safely: Never, ever look at the Sun through any telescopes, binoculars - and that also means viewfinders too! Permanent damage to your eyes will result. A safe way around this is the pinhole solar viewer. Read how to build one here: www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/ diy/build-solar-projector-observe-the-sun. Because you view the projected view of the sun, it is perfectly safe.

July: The Summer Triangle is here, Vega, Deneb and Altair, and will be at its best this month. Vega is easy to find as it’s virtually overhead and it’s a bright star. The distances are 25, 2,620 and 16.7

light years distant from Earth. Look up Deneb, and you’ll see why it appears so bright even at this fantasic distance.

3rd July: This is the first of four supermoons this year.

New Moon: On 18th June and 17th July 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.

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

Wildlife Corner - By Nick Green

May 2023 experienced variable weather: the first half was somewhat unsettled and cooler, but the second half had calm, anticyclonic conditions, but with no rainfall.

The speckled wood butterfly is common and widespread in woodlands, hedgerows and gardens. In woodlands the species prefers dappled shade with both sexes nectaring on honeydew in the canopy. The eggs are laid on a wide variety of grasses in warm, sheltered spots. Caterpillar plants include false broom, cock’s-foot and common couch. The male often perches in a small spot of sunlight, spiralling into the air to chase off intruders.

Historically, in Essex the speckled wood was extinct as a breeding species to 1955 when it recolonised Langdon Hills. Since then it has spread northwards and westwards. Nationally, the species has recolonised many areas in eastern and northern England and Scotland.

Temminck’s stint, 2 night herons. Wallasea Island RSPB: 3-5 spoonbill, hen harrier, 2 short-eared owls. Rainham Marshes RSPB: glossy ibis, 2 black-winged stilts, hoopoe, white-winged black tern.

National News

A grey-headed lapwing - a first for Britain - breeding normally in northeast China and Japan, was found in Northumberland, before moving to Moray and then the Western Isles (North Uist). There have been just four other European records.

Rise by Louise Alexandra Erskine

Butterflies recorded typically on warmer, dry days included: brimstone, orange-tip, comma, holly blue, peacock, red admiral, small tortoiseshell.

Selected May 2023 Highlights

Essex Abberton Reservoir EWT: the heronry boasts grey herons, 2 pairs of spoonbills (third successive year), little and cattle egrets,

www.beautifullydefected.com

Instagram: @beautifully_defected

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Louise-Alexandra-Erskine/e/ B0BHWZY9VM

I know life broke you for a while it isn’t how you dreamed it would be but it’s time as you stand here now to realise life didn’t break you it made you stronger you didn’t let go or give up you’re a fighter and just maybe you’ve come through it all to realise that in the end you’re exactly who you’re supposed to be and this is exactly the right time for your dreams to rise

Speckled Wood (copyright: Glyn Evans)

Elizabeth Tower

Up to £5,000

He has 2 prosthetic legs after being blown up in Afghanistan

Fulton Mackay

Three

Edvsard Munch

Suez Canal

Norman Hartnell

Vietnam

Chaka Khan

Fish

Lettuce

Oriental

Frederick Leslie Fowell

Japan

Nine inches (3 stumps)

Speed of sound

Diamond

ton

Santiago

1989

Judy Garland

Simon Mayo

101

Fast, quickly, bright

Bob Merrill

Jupiter

Sir Tom Jones 63

Chesterfield

New Holland

Rush Kim

Kopeks

Paperazzi

Mercury

Mhor

Virginia Woolf