The CIty Times - March/April 2023

City Times Intro

Hello readers,

Welcome to The City Times March/April edition.

Spring is nearly here with the clocks changing towards the end of March... Although the daffs have had a covering of snow as we go to print!

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Nick’s Music and Ramblings

Its almost Easter how did we get here so quick? I must say don’t eat too much chocolate as you may get sick, but with all the kids off school, do enjoy yourselves please.

How awful has the weather been? I am freezing here as I type this, as like so many others I can’t afford to put the heating on. You may now have experienced some snow too by the time you read this. We are all expecting the start of springtime now and the weather to be getting warmer, not colder!

A new thing that has come into force is that we all now have to prebook a slot to go to the tip to get rid of any rubbish - so don’t just turn up as you will not get in! I have heard whispers about some of our street collections as well, but will wait to see if anything occurs before saying anything.

Some people have suggested I should write something about alcohol-free beer or very low alcohol beers. I have been drinking such beverages for over three years now since l gave up alcohol and l like the taste. I will not name particular ones, but it is good to see that so many breweries are brewing such beers now - even Guinness, as well as most of the German and Belgian breweries. I have also noticed that many of the wine and spirit companies have joined in and are even advertising these choices on TV. A couple I know did a test for fun; she poured two gin and tonics and asked her partner which he preferred and it was the zero alcohol one - he was astounded!

I find the benefits from not drinking are good: l wake up with a clear head and sober; I do not have sugar problems due to the lack of alcohol and the calories are very low - and I can drive without being worried about being pulled over for drink driving. I also like water which is good for me. I do like the flavour of beer and I find many of these low alcohol varieties satisfy my taste buds. Some people have commented that some of them have 0.5% alcohol in them - well, I say so do some fruits! I must say that I feel better for not drinking or smoking, but I need to get more exercise - hence I have now got myself a bike.

Besides Easter, we have spring to look forward to, and my granddaughter has her exams this year and I wish her luck with them all. She studies so hard and deserves to do well and to get to where she wants to be, as does my grandson who is a bit younger but is a great studier as well. I never did any good at school - in fact I hated it; they did not understand things like dyslexia back then which I suffer with (if this was not proof read you would notice it!) thanks Sean for correcting all my mistakes!

We also have 3foot People and Fling events happening around the time this edition comes out, and of course we have local elections coming up - so please do make sure you vote: it is very important to express your voice and to have your say on who you think best represents you.

Colchester is a little out of our area but I think it’s worth a mention, as Colchester has just been visited by King Charles and the Queen Consort, due to Colchester being the UK’s newest city. I am listening to it on the radio and there is a lot of excitement for people seeing and meeting them. They have also named the baby white rhino that was recently born in Colchester Zoo - Dara; a name for both male and female, meaning ‘Pearl Of Wisdom’ and ‘Beautiful’.

Music

It has been as busy as it always is for me. We had to postpone Hamish Stuart as he currently has some voice problems and felt he would not be well enough for the 17th March, so he is now playing on

Friday 14th July - and all tickets that have been purchased already are valid for the new date. We have also confirmed Katy for Kings from Chelmsford to open the show.

You will of course see that we have many more great shows coming up this month at the Chelmsford Social Club. We are soon to be starting up again with some more shows at Hot Box, where on Tuesday 11th April we have two top folk acts from Finland who will be playing here for the first time. See the listings in this edition for any relevant links and more information.

We have a great show just confirmed for Hot Box - Robbie McIntosh will be playing a rare special Saturday afternoon acoustic show with his best buddy Steve on Saturday 22nd April; this is the day after the full band show. The acoustic shows are rare events here and the gig will be from 2pm to 4pm and just £10 a ticket. Tickets are limited due to venue capacity, so book soon! We have also confirmed Rhino’s Revenge, which is John ‘Rhino’ Edwards of Status Quo performing with his own band, which includes his Quo bandmate Leon Cave on drums. This show will be on Thursday 12th October, and once again entry is limited due to the venue capacity being just 80 people.

I am just awaiting a couple of confirmations for acts to play this year to fill up the last few slots left now. I do have a few support openings still to add and have just added The Next Agenda to the Noasis show.

I have also been to see some great bands as well as booking acts. One of which was Clearwater Creedence Revival with my buddies playing - I got our very own Trevor Gentry and Phil Powell to support and they wooed the audience and were just perfect openers for this sell-out show in Colchester. I also went to Barleylands to see Innes Sibun with his band Malone Sibun - they just blew the place apart! What an afternoon to remember.

I will be going to the Fling Cabaret Extravagasam on Saturday 18th March, which I am looking to - the show is already a sell-out.

I have also been asked to book some acts for this year’s Chelmsford Summer Beer Festival which is returning to Chelmsford this year, although a little smaller than before. I am sure it will be just as much fun though. This will be from Tuesday 11th July to Saturday 15th July.

Do remember to keep your eyes and ears open for what is happening, as I do not have enough space to mention it all. One thing worth remembering is the Chelmsford Carnival on Sunday 2nd July. They still want people to join in and take part, so if you know of any groups or clubs or the likes, do please contact them - you can also do this by going to the Art Place in the Meadows in Chelmsford.

Remember, if you have anything you think would be of interest to our readers, including events of all types, then please email editorial@ itsyourmedia.co.uk. If you just want to comment about anything please do email us as well.

It would be fantastic if you could share our magazines The City Times and Moulsham Times 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, then please contact us at ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk, or if you have an event you want listed, or have an article that could be interest, then 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 other venues, go to www.linktr. ee/BlackFrogPresents or scan the QR code on our advert in this magazine. You can also pre-book for the paid show with a text or call to 07508 496 411 and then pay cash or card at the door at the advance price without commission.

Hello and welcome to the March issue of my food column. Another month has passed and how nice is it that the days are getting longer and lighter - however, as I write this it’s definitely not warm yet; it’s been so cold this week! I don’t know about you, but when it’s cold I want to eat warming, comfort food.

Following on from my article last month about eating out in the local area, I spoke about a new restaurant in Maldon called Paparazzi that we were visiting and my gosh it didn’t disappoint. The steak was amazing, the menu beautiful and it’s well worth a visit. I’m looking forward to trying some more local restaurants this month and reporting back!

It’s been so cold that I’ve gone back to basics with my cooking. This month I wanted to talk about store cupboard stock. In my house we can pretty much make most meals from our store cupboard.

If you have a well stocked cupboard it makes cooking so much easier. I’m not saying go out and spend a fortune in one go, but keeping it well stocked up with essentials really does keep that weekly shopping bill down as you can buy in bulk.

If you are just starting out cooking from scratch, then these are my essentials that we always have stocked: Tinned tomatoes, kidney beans, chickpeas, coconut milk, rice, pasta, honey, soy sauce, herbs and spices, stock cubes and flour.

My top spices that I use are oregano, paprika, basil, chilli, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, curry powder and salt and pepper. I find cooking for the family so much easier having all these things in the cupboard.

My recipe of the month is a good old fashioned chilli con carne which

is made mostly out of ingredients from my store cupboard. This should serve 4 people.

Ingredients

1 onion finely chopped. 500g lean mince.

2 garlic cloves chopped.

1 tsp chilli.

2 tsp cumin.

1 tsp coriander.

1 tsp paprika.

1 green pepper chopped. into cubes.

1 tin chopped tomatoes. Beef stock.

1 tin of kidney beans. Fromage frais. Fresh coriander.

Method

1. Chop onion and garlic and fry in Fry Light or vegetable oil with the mince for about 5 minutes until all the meat is browned and the onions are soft.

2. Add all your spices and cook for 2-3 minutes.

3. Add green pepper, tin of tomatoes and stock cube along with 300ml of water and bring to the boil.

4. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

5. Add kidney beans (I like the tins that come in chilli sauce to add a bit more spice) and cook for another 5 minutes.

6. Serve with the fromage frais and chopped fresh coriander on top.

Eat Better to Feel Better - By Demelza Rayner

It’s the middle of March, which means that spring is just around the corner! For many, the lighter evenings and warmer weather gives a natural boost to the spirits but, for others, low energy is a year round concern.

Indeed, fatigue can impact upon every aspect of daily life; it saps your motivation to do exercise and reduces your resolve to prepare fresh, healthy meals.

There are many reasons why your energy levels may be low. You may not be getting enough sleep, you may be eating sugary foods that cause energy dips and you might be consuming too many caffeinated drinks, which can drain energy levels and impact sleep.

Insufficient iron levels may also be a contributory factor. Good sources of iron in the diet include shellfish such as mussels and oysters, liver and other organ meats, and red meat such as beef or lamb. Other excellent sources of iron include spinach, lentils, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds and - surprisingly - dark chocolate. However, even if you are consuming lots of iron-rich foods, you may still be suffering from fatigue. That’s because the body requires vitamin C for absorption of iron, particularly iron from plant sources. Vitamin C is fairly fragile, so locally grown fruit and vegetables will provide the best source of this essential nutrient. Bell peppers, strawberries, kale and broccoli are all high in vitamin C.

Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency can also cause extreme tiredness and a lack of energy. Although this is more common in older adults, B12 and folate deficiency can also be found in adults of any age. Good sources of vitamin B12 include organ meats such as liver and kidney, beef, eggs, oily fish such as sardines and salmon, nutritional

yeast, milk and dairy products.

Folate can be found in beans, peas and lentils, eggs, leafy greens such as spinach, kale and rocket, beetroot and citrus fruits.

Good examples of meals that combine these fatigue-busting vitamins and minerals include:

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs on wholegrain bread with smoked salmon or natural yogurt topped with satsuma segments and pumpkin seeds.

Lunch: Vegetable and bean soup or shakshuka (eggs poached in tomato sauce with peppers, onion and garlic).

Dinner: Mixed vegetable stir fry with beef (or tofu as a veggie option), or sardine and tomato spaghetti with olives and chilli.

If you’re sleeping well, are managing your stress and eating healthily but still struggling with fatigue and low energy, then an underactive thyroid could be to blame, particularly in women entering perimenopause. This is because oestrogen levels fluctuate wildly during this period, thought to directly impact thyroid function.

If you want to get to the root cause of your fatigue and low energy then I can help! Visit www.linktr.ee/demelzaraynernutrition to book one of my personalised nutrition programmes, or sign up to receive my free monthly nutrition tips and recipes at www. demelzaraynernutrition.co.uk.

Chilli Con Carne - By Lauren Capp

City Times Gardening Lawn Bowls

Tom is taking a well deserved break from writing this month, so keeping with the green theme of gardens, we have an article on lawn bowls from Writtle Bowling Club.

We open our doors for the coming season in late April and hold open days during May on the 13th, 20th and 27th. These open days are open to anybody who wants to give bowls a try.

1. What is lawn bowls, and how does it benefit my health? Lawn bowls is a sport where players roll biased balls, usually made of plastic, toward a target ball on a flat grass surface. It offers a range of health benefits, including improved fitness, flexibility, and mental well-being.

2. How does lawn bowls improve my cardiovascular fitness? Lawn bowls requires players to walk or jog around the green to deliver their bowls, which helps improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

3. Is lawn bowls a low-impact sport? Yes, lawn bowls is a lowimpact sport that puts minimal strain on joints and muscles, making it an ideal form of exercise for people of all ages.

4. Can playing lawn bowls improve my balance and coordination? Yes, lawn bowls can help improve your balance, coordination, and motor skills, as players must maintain their stability and precision when delivering their bowls.

5. How does lawn bowls benefit my mental well-being? Lawn bowls is a social sport that can help improve your mental health by providing a sense of community, reducing stress, and boosting self-esteem.

6. Can playing lawn bowls help me maintain a healthy weight? Yes, lawn bowls can be a great way to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight, especially when played regularly and with intensity.

7. Does lawn bowls improve my flexibility? Yes, lawn bowls requires players to bend, stretch, and twist their bodies when delivering their bowls, which can help improve flexibility and range of motion.

8. Can lawn bowls reduce my risk of chronic diseases? Yes, regular physical activity such as lawn bowls can help reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

9. Is lawn bowls suitable for people with limited mobility? Yes, lawn bowls is a sport that can be adapted to suit people with limited mobility. There are various equipment and modifications that can be made to make the game more accessible.

10. How often should I play lawn bowls to see health benefits? It is recommended to play lawn bowls at least once a week to see health benefits. However, playing more frequently and with greater intensity can lead to even greater health benefits.

For more information about Writtle Bowling Club and the upcoming open days, please visit writtlebowlingclub.co.uk.

info@writtlebowlingclub.co.uk 01245 421 224

Mr and Mrs C in Wickham Bishops were unhappy with the kitchen that had been in their property since new. The challenge was that it was a fitted kitchen with a standard design and they couldn’t imagine it any other way. They loved the pictures in brochures with beautiful islands and mantles above a range cooker, but couldn’t imagine it working

in the space that they had.

After they met an existing Regal customer, they thought it would be worth a visit to their Chelmsford showroom. They were so impressed with the quality and breadth of products that they asked if they could make an appointment with one of the designers to see what could be done.

They were excited when they realised that by moving the American fridge freezer into the utility they would be able to create a large, family island as well as a range cooker, which complements other appliances from NEFF. They opted for a beautiful two-tone grey timber kitchen with quartz tops. The Ogee on the island has a beautiful softening effect, and with the double butler sink and mantle shelf in conjunction with the polished porcelain floor, the kitchen really has a timeless quality. The icing on the cake is the antique mirror splashback.

Pensions and Property

Today we will take a look at pensions and property - what they have in common, where they differ and why some strategies are more suitable than others when planning for retirement. Some clients see their property (or property portfolio) as their pension arrangement and therefore do not see the need to start a pension plan or keep contributing to an existing scheme.

On the surface, property values, broadly speaking, follow a general upward trend, so the logical conclusion is that there is either an equity waiting to be released or substantial capital gain to be realised.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? Almost an ideal investment then - in simplistic terms, you buy an asset for x-amount, wait a few years or decades and hey presto - huge gain in the form of a lump sum to be had. Well not so fast - a slump in the housing market or a downward trend in property prices can be a real thing, and if it does happen that could mean a slide into negative equity.

What about ‘part time’ landlords with a couple or more properties? Surely, the rental income pays for the upkeep of the property, covers the mortgage, and maybe even generates a healthy income stream. So why is buy-to-let not the best retirement income strategy? Void periods, less than ideal tenants and numerous tax changes in recent years, have meant that this type of asset should not be relied upon to provide secure income. The illiquid nature of bricks and mortar means that it could take a long time to sell, or worse, not sell - or even worse, sell at a loss.

What if you could use property as an investment for retirement, without all the hassle and headache of physically owning the property or properties? Options for indirect property investments come in many guises, such as Real Estate Investment Trusts, Property Unit Trusts, Property Investment Trusts among many others - this could be a means of generating income or capital growth depending on your objectives, within a diversified portfolio. Your independent financial adviser will be able to assess the suitability of any such investments with regard to your risk profile and capacity for loss.

For comparison, to reflect the level of risk, the yields tend to be higher than bonds or gilts, but do remember that investment values can go down as well as up.

As we can see from the above strategies, whilst having their place in the context of a solid financial plan, the scope for providing retirement income is somewhat limited. With many of us living longer than before, it is of paramount importance that we seek income that is sustainable for potentially a very long time. This is particularly the case if property is your preferred choice, it goes without saying that it’s imperative that you seek independent financial advice to make sure that any retirement strategy is the correct one for you and your circumstances.

To sum up, property - whether it’s in a physical form or as an investment counterpart - could present an option for your retirement income strategy. However, best not to try DIY in either sense of the word!

If you would like to discuss any of the above, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Silvia Johnson BSc(Hons) DipPFS EFA CertCII (MP) is a Director & Independent Financial Adviser at Royale Thames Wealth Ltd.

www.royalthameswealth.co.uk silvia@royalthameswealth.co.uk 020 8720 7249 / 07908 109 741

Royale Thames Wealth Ltd is an Appointed Representative of New Leaf Distribution Ltd which is authorised and regulated by Financial Conduct Authority number 460421.

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

Wills and Estate Planning are not regulated by the FCA.

Viva Retirement Solutions

Hello, having lived in Chelmsford for the past 8 years and always enjoyed reading The City Times, and I thought it would a be great place to share my thoughts and knowledge around the lifetime mortgage market.

I haave always worked in finance, and back in 2019 there was a big change for me. I wanted to start working from home and help my wife with our new baby, so I became fully qualified as a lifetime mortgage adviser and secured a position with the multi-award winning broker Viva Retirement Solutions. This was the best decision that I could have made and I haven’t looked back since. I have helped so many clients throughout Essex and across the country to fulfil their retirement needs.

Whether it be paying off an existing mortgage, moving to a new house, or home improvements or help the children, the lifetime mortgage has become a really flexible product that can benefit so many people aged over 55 in many different ways. Contrary to the myths, you can make flexible voluntary repayments, you retain full ownership of your house, and inheritance can be left to family, and you can move house if required.

All of our clients are different and I really enjoy listening to their needs and guiding them in the right direction, even if that means saying a lifetime mortgage is not quite right for you at this current time. If you would like to discuss this and your potential plans in more detail, then please don’t hesitate to contact me - see our advert on the opposite page.

Shaun Tillyer Equity Release Specialist

Viva Retirement Solutions

07771 590 015

shaun@vivaretirementsolutions.co.uk

www.vivaretirementsolutions.co.uk

Rambling with the RAF - By Britain’s

When will RAF grownups stop acting like children with a new board game containing the keywords, ‘diversity’, ‘equality’, ‘inclusiveness’ under a Diversity and Inclusion Directive? Utter nonsense of course, and a slap in the face of RAF veterans.

Which bright spark dreamed up the current fantasy recruitment quotas, which I understand will target 40% women by 2030, 20% from ethnic minority backgrounds, but 0% white males?

Three cheers for the head of RAF recruitment, Group Captain Lizzie Nicholl, who has reportedly stepped down from her post - her resignation a rare act of defiance. Unfortunately, it became clear that the Royal Air Force had broken employment law with its recruitment policy to prioritise female and ethnic minority candidates over white men.

Quotas rarely work and can be interpreted as a sign of desperation. Publicising quota targets immediately creates pressure on those luckless souls charged with meeting those targets. The idea that jobs, position and promotion are best allocated solely on merit and ability, regardless of background, are being replaced by a new religion, almost a fanaticism that elevates diversity and inclusion above all else, but sadly has been swallowed whole by the RAF. The RAF should have nothing to do with ‘quotas’ and those who have created them should be ashamed - as should the head of the armed forces Sir Tony Radikin when under his tenure the RAF had taken steps to become more inclusive, such as replacing the term ‘airman’ with ‘aviator’ and embracing gender-neutral pronouns in signatures. Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, Chief of Air Staff, has a lot to answer for regarding the RAF’s diversity mess.

Chelmsford Library

Easter is fast approaching and, along with all our regular library events and activities, we have some exciting events for children coming up, so do take a look!

Oldest Angry Young Man

The whole sordid story can be found in a Daily Mail investigation published Saturday August 27th 2022. For the RAF it was not pleasant reading, but it does reveal the depth of ‘wokeness’ permeating every corner of our country. Two years ago, it emerged that the Ministry of Defence employs more Diversity and Equality officers than the Royal Navy has warships (44). Also, the ministry was looking to recruit a Diversity and Inclusion Director on a £110.000 annual salary, which is more than the total earned by an army colonel who commands an army battalion of 800 soldiers. Meanwhile, it emerged that all three armed forces were signed up to Stonewall’s Diversity Champion’s Programme. How did that happen? How stupid can you get? I am ex-RAF (recruited on merit) and am appalled at the way the RAF has rolled over to have its tummy rubbed by the diversity fanatics, and this ‘woke’ disease.

It is worth quoting here one of the key lines from the RAF Diversity and Inclusion Directive: ‘The RAF is intent on increasing diversity across all minority groups, including race, religion and beliefs, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and reassignment marriage/civil partnership, socio economic representation and neuro-diversity.’ Note, nowhere in this box-ticking list is there mention of ‘ability’ or the ‘best person for the job’, a bizarre omission. Pick the bones out of that lot of rubbish.

Sadly, thousands of brave young airmen (sorry, aviators) will be turning in their graves. I would urge the RAF to toss this nonsense into the nearest dustbin and get back to recruiting on ability and merit when consigning Stonewall and its deluded fanatics to the history books. Despite all this nonsense I am still proud to be ex-RAF.

A fun session introducing money maths on Tuesday 4th April from 11am to 12 noon at Chelmsford Library. This relaxed and fun session will be run by experts from HSBC who will introduce young children to basic money maths with the help of Hoot the Owl, Dotty the Ladybird and Savvy the Squirrel. Suitable for children aged 3-7 years. Just come along - no booking required.

On Sunday 16th April from 11.30am to 12.30pm, come and join us at Chelmsford Library for a wonderful production of The Velveteen Rabbit. This beautiful tale is brought to life on stage by two actors, inventive puppetry and original songs. A joyful and uplifting tale of magic, friendship and hope, this is a show for all the family! Suitable for ages 3+. Everyone attending will require a £6.50 ticket.

Warm Welcomes Community Tea Times

Every Wednesday from 10.30am - 11.30am and on alternate Saturdays from 2pm - 3.30pm. Next dates: 4th March and 18th March.

We invite you to come and join us for a hot drink and refreshment. As well as providing a warm, comfortable space, we have information about help during the cost-of-living crisis and can direct you towards any additional advice you may need. There will always be somebody to talk to and somebody to listen.

Full details of all our events and services, including dates and times and how to book your place, are on our website - there are too many to list here! You can also search for us and follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or subscribe to our newsletter. All details are on our website.

libraries.essex.gov.uk

A Woodland Adventure

The Velveteen Rabbit Production

About Us

Other halves is a charity that provides contact for those close to loved ones with dementia, to share experiences and to support one another. It can be those currently living with a relative who has dementia or now living alone. Anyone who has experienced living with dementia is welcome.

We are a regional project coveri ng Mid-Essex with local people organising activities and supporting one another. We meet weekly for a mixture of events, activities, and sometimes just coffee.

We aim to offer support and friendship to each other in a peer network of dementia carers.

March

Friday 17th

Central Park - The 3foot People Festival Party

Chelmsford Theatre - Cinderella: The Chelmsford Ballet Company

Hot Box - Model Man

Saturday 18th

Central Park - The 3foot People Festival Party

Central Park - Fling Cabaret Extravagasm

Chelmsford Theatre - Cinderella: The Chelmsford Ballet Company

Chelmsford Theatre - Making Headway

The Swan (Bicknacre) - Music Bingo

The Village Hall (CM8 3JZ) - Wickham Bishops Jazz ClubAlan Gresty and Friends with Pete Neighbour (6.30pm for 7.30pm - email wickhambishopsjazzclub@gmail.com, or call 07548 775 777)

Sunday 19th

Chelmsford Theatre - Making Headway

Hylands Estate - Open Day with Hot Box Live

Monday 20th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club night

Sandon School - Scottish Country Dancing (7.30pm - 9.30pmwww.sandonscotdance.org.uk - sandonscotdance@gmail.com)

Tuesday 21st

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

Chelmsford Theatre - The Adventures of Mr Toad

Christ Church - The Chelmsford and District Diabetes Group (Sara Backhouse-Wood from Medical Detection Dogs speaking about their organisation and their work - 8pm. New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0AW)

Bardswell Social Club - Spike’s Place Jazz Club: Renato d’Aiello Quartet (8pm 01245 420 475 www.spikesplace.co.uk. Weald Road, Brentwood, CM14 4TJ)

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

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 22nd

Chelmsford Theatre - The Adventures of Mr Toad

Thursday 23rd

Chelmsford Theatre - Lipstick on Your Collar

Chelmsford Theatre - The Adventures of Mr Toad

Friday 24th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: The Post Floyd Dream + Rostock

Chelmsford Theatre - Frankie’s Guys

Chelmsford Theatre - The Adventures of Mr Toad

Hot Box - Radical Dance Faction

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga

Saturday 25th

Chelmsford Theatre - The Adventures of Mr Toad

Hot Box - Letherette

The Jazz Centre UK - Spike’s Place Jazz Club: Leon Greening Trio (2pm start, 01245 420 475, www.spikesplace.co.uk.

(Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Avenue, Southend, SS2 6EX2)

The UB - 80s Night: Paul Dupree + Chris Piper

The Woolpack - Poptarts Podcast Presents: All Tribes Go to War

Sunday 26th

Chelmsford Theatre - Turandot

Chelmsford Theatre - Pschycology of Serial Killers

Hot Box - Folk Sunday

The Jacks Centre (Latchingdon Bowls Club) - Open Day (10am4pm, www.jackscentre.co.uk)

Monday 27th

Chelmsford Theatre - Back to the Theatre

Tuesday 28th

Chelmsford Theatre - Back to the Theatre

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

Hot Box - Country & Americana Night

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 29th

Friends Meeting House (Rainsford Road) - CRAG Retirement Group (monthly meeting - 9.30am - First visit free)

Hot Box - The Round Up: The Jackson Line

Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music

Supper Club: The Rag & Bone Club Swing Septet (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)

Thursday 30th

Chelmsford Theatre - Eshannn Akbar: The Pretender

Chelmsford Theatre - Twirlywoos Live!

Hot Box - Hip Hop Live Collective ft Shao Dow

The Lion Inn - Chelsmford Comedy Club

Friday 31st

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Bamboozle + 251s

Chelmsford Theatre - NT Live: Life of Pi

Chelmsford Theatre - A Country Night in Nashville

Hot Box - The Return of the Rub Brothers

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair Yoga

Saturday 1st

Chelmsford Social Club - The Koolkatz @ 9 Lives

Fox & Hounds - Wayne’s World Karaoke

Hot Box - Codex Serafini + Guranfoe

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

Sunday 2nd

Hot Box - The Utopoiates

Monday 3rd

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club Night

Sandon School - Scottish Country Dancing (7.30pm - 9.30pm - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk, sandonscotdance@gmail.com)

Star & Garter - One Tree Hillbillies

Tuesday 4th

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 5th

Riverside - The Little Mermaid on Ice

Chelmsford Theatre - Dinosaur Adventure Live

Friends Meeting House (Rainsford Road) - CRAG Retirement Group: monthly meeting (9.30am - first visit free)

Hot Box - Abba Night

Patch - Humans Returning to the Moon Talk (7pm - email info@ chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk to book)

Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music

Supper Club: The Essex Hot Five (7.45pm - to book, call Phil on 07850 607 075)

Thursday 6th

Acanteen - A Comedy Night

Chelmsford Theatre - Ray Bradshaw: Deaf Com 1

Hot Box - Open Mic Night II

Riverside - The Little Mermaid on Ice

Woolpack - Easter Beer Festival

Friday 7th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Jeff Beck a tribute and celebration of his life

Chelmsford Theatre - The Sensational 60s Experience

Hot Box - Hothaus Drag Presents: The Retro 80s Ball

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga

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

Friday 7th (continued)

Riverside - The Little Mermaid on Ice

Woolpack - Easter Beer Festival + Oink!

Saturday 8th

Chelmsford Theatre - 9 to 5 The Musical

Chelmsford Theatres - Goldilocks & the Three Bears

Hot Box - Jamie Williams & the Roots Collective

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

Woolpack - Easter Beer Festival

Sunday 9th

Hot Box - Two Year Break

Woolpack - Easter Beer Festival

Monday 10th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club Night

Tuesday 11th

Chelmsford Theatre - Cinderella

Chelmsford Theatre - Milkshake Live

Hot Box - Joose Keskitalo + Kadonnut Manner (from Finland)

Sandon School - Scottish Country Dancing (7.30pm - 9.30pmwww.sandonscotdance.org.uk - sandonscotdance@gmail.com)

Tuesday 11th (continued)

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

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 12th

Hot Box - Music Quiz

Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music

Supper Club: Ben Holder & Julian Stringle Quintet (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)

Thursday 13th

Chelmsford Theatre - Dance, Sing, Clap

Friday 14th

Chelmsford Theatre - Dance, Sing, Clap

Hot Box - Transmission - Billy Hunt & T MC + Snakes + The Wicked Ravens

Woolpack Marvlus Soul Club

Saturday 15th

Chelmsford Theatre - Thanks Abba for the Music

Hatfield Peverel Village Hall - Local Bands Night

Sunday 16th

Hylands Estate - Open Day with Hot Box Live

Chelmsford Marathon Returns This Autumn to Support Havens Hospices

A sea of marathon runners will return to the Chelmsford city centre this autumn to support hospice care for local children.

The Chelmsford Marathon, Havens Hospices’ event - which is being sponsored by Countryside Partnerships and L&Q’s flagship development, Beaulieu - will take over the city on Sunday 15th October 2023. Runners will pound the pavements from the start line at Shire Hall through the surrounding countryside, finishing in beautiful Central Park.

The popular 13.1 mile half marathon route will also return for those wanting to race a shorter distance.

Proceeds raised from the event will help support the charity’s work across the county, supporting children, young people and their families by offering end-of-life care, bereavement support, symptom management and respite stays in the family home or at the hospice, Little Havens.

Jane Hopkins, Community Engagement Manager at Havens Hospices said: “The Chelmsford Marathon is one of the biggest events in the Essex race calendar and a favourite with locals and runners across the country. Big events like this raise vital funds for our hospice care, and without the generosity of the public making donations and collecting sponsorship, we couldn’t provide specialist hospice care for hundreds of families. We must raise more than £85,000 each week to be there for everyone who needs us.

“Whether you’re looking to achieve a first half or full marathon, personal best, or run in memory of a loved one, the Chelmsford Marathon and Chelmsford Marathon Half is the perfect event for you. It’s also an excellent practice race for those looking to participate in next year’s London Marathon.

“If you think you have got what it takes, why not register today? Every mile will be truly making every day count for every child, young person and family relying on our care.”

Havens Hospices is thrilled to have Beaulieu Chelmsford back on board to sponsor this year’s event. Staff members and residents from Beaulieu will be coming on board once again to participate and

support the charity.

Martin Leach, Managing Director, Strategic Land and Major Projects, Countryside Partnerships said: “We are delighted to be continuing our support for our longterm charity partner, Havens Hospices, by sponsoring the Chelmsford Marathon again this year. It’s a hugely popular event which successfully brings the local community together, as well as runners from across the UK, raising much needed funding for the provision of palliative care for young people and their families across Essex.”

Adam Simpson, Development & Project Management Director at L&Q, said: “The marathon has quickly become a staple in our community at Beaulieu and, together with our partners, L&Q are proud to support it again this year. Each year it succeeds in bringing our residents and neighbours closer together, as well as encouraging active, healthy lifestyles, and promoting the good works of local charities.”

Online registration is now open for the Chelmsford Marathon and the Chelmsford Marathon Half. To sign up, visit www.havenshospices.org. uk/chelmsfordmarathon.

To find out more about Havens Hospices and how they are making every day count for those living with complex and incurable conditions across Essex, visit www.havenshospices.org.uk.

From Two Lane Blacktop to Roy Locock, the Road Movie Dream Lives On

You may have heard the tale of Roy Locock, the man that got into the driving seat of his 1977 MG Midget, put it into gear, and just drove and didn’t stop driving until he had gone all around the world, just to prove someone wrong. It’s that romantic notion of the road movie, the freedom of the road, that we can all subscribe to on one level or another. It’s also that grit and determination to prove wrong the heated steering wheel and air con brigade that laugh in our faces when we spend so much hard-earned cash on an old classic car.

Let’s face it, who needs a heated steering wheel or air con when you have a soft top called Bridget the Midget to travel with? In fact, let’s be honest here, those of us that live in the UK did just fine without air conditioning right up until very recently, so why do we now all turn our collective pampered noses up at buying any vehicle without it? Take a step back; it’s faintly absurd. For me, when I think of the road movie as a genre, it’s hard not to think instantly of one movie - and no, sorry, it’s not Thelma & Louise..

Two Lane Blacktop was released in 1971, just as the dust began to settle as America came to terms with the disintegration and failure of the Peace and Love movement as it inevitably fell into the dark world of Charles Manson’s agenda and Jim Morrison’s darker visions. Meanwhile, The Rolling Stones’ ill-fated Altamont gig had put the final nail in the coffin for anyone who still believed music could change the world.

Two Lane Blacktop starred musicians James Taylor and Dennis Wilson (The Beach Boys) as drifters living in their 1955 Chevy One-Fifty, a modified 2-door sedan. The duo travel Route 66 (preInterstate Highway, note) making their living by challenging the various petrol-heads that they come across in small towns to races as they go on their life journey. None of the characters had a nameJames Taylor is ‘The Driver’ and Warren Oates is merely referred to as ‘GTO’ for example. A name was a bad idea of course; a name would pin down each character to a history; a previous life and a future.

Oates drove an awesomely beautiful 1970 Pontiac GTO 455 in the film, engulfed in a fetching Orbit Orange paint job, with the optional eyebrow stripes and a rear spoiler fitted, which were standard on the Pontiac Judge. Two GTOs were used during the filming of Two Lane Blacktop, and there were three Chevrolet ‘55s used. One of the Chevys was an original race car that was just far too loud inside to record any dialogue, while another was quiet enough to record in. The third Chevy was used to perform the film’s stunts.

If you hunger for the throaty roar of an American classic muscle car or long for the freedom of the road, then this film will do one of three things: it will either put you off for life, make you remortgage and buy a Pontiac GTO, or make you follow in the admirable footsteps of Roy Locock, a latter day, more sedate version of The Driver.

Sean Neylon

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Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys on set, 1971

A History of Sport in the Chelmsford Area Part 5 - By Stephen Norris

‘We are planning not just for the time when Chelmsford will be a fourth division club, but when they will be one of the top clubs in the country.’

It is over a century since Chelmsford was unarguably the centre of sport in Essex. When it comes to the national game, Chelmsford City made a number of applications to join the league - none of them came close to success. After a good deal of mismanagement the club is at least back in its own home town, but no nearer to having its own ground. The county town is home to the Essex County Cricket Club, which was very successful towards the end of the century, but immediately after the war there were long spells when cricket wasn’t played at all in Chelmsford.

For a brief period in the early 1950s, Boreham had one of the fastest and most popular motor racing circuits in the country. Long held plans to re-establish horse racing in the area stalled in the new millennium, until the all-weather track opened briefly at Great Leighs in 2008. For all its early problems, the county town does now house one of the best sport and leisure centres in the county - Riverside.

Following the 2nd World War, Chelmsford City started well, winning both the Southern League and the Southern League Cup in 1946 under their manager Arthur Rowe, later to be a successful manager of Tottenham Hotspur. An early proposal to have dog racing at the New Writtle Street ground was rejected by the council after complaints from local residents. Many football clubs had followed this route in the 1930s because greyhound racing was popular and brought in much needed finance. After WWII however, the Football League was against clubs holding race meetings and the club’s shareholders thought racing might hurt Chelmsford’s league ambition. The poor finances of the club were met by the supporters who donated £1,000 in 1947.

In 1948/9, City finished second in the league - but was told its application for Football League status had arrived too late! The club continued however to attract major players, including Hong Ying ‘Frank’ Soo, an Anglo-Chinese footballer who had previously played for Football League clubs Luton and Stoke City. He signed to

Chelmsford for a reported fee of £2,500. After finishing his playing career at the club, he went on to coach various European clubs in the 1950s and 1960s. City’s leading player of the 1940s was probably Denny Foreman who scored 96 goals in 101 appearances. The club’s lethal strike force of Syd Plunkett and Cecil McCormack scored an incredible 89 goals between them in the 1949/50 season.

By 1949, City had three players with a combined market value of £28,000. Although 11,327 turned up for the Third Round FA Cup home tie against Ipswich, which City lost after a replay, managers and shareholders bemoaned the lack of big crowds to support the team. Their average crowds of 4,000 didn’t match Colchester’s 10,000 and indeed, the only guaranteed large crowd was when Chelmsford played local rivals - in 1949 a club record 16,807 saw Chelmsford play Colchester. During the early 1950s, the club’s crowds contracted further, and this was a major reason why Colchester and Gillingham were elected to the Football League ahead of City.

By 1952 the gates were now under 3,000, the players had to go part time, and the club became even more dependent on supporter donations and by 1954 the club was losing £700 a week. The following year a tax demand of over £10,000 on previous donations seriously threatened the club’s future. This demand was eventually dropped and this and a new supporters’ pool, where all the money was given to the club as a donation, led to a big improvement in the club’s financial position. Both Arthur Adey and Roy Stroud were leading goal scorers in the 1950s.

The club managed to raise £10,000 to install floodlights in 1960, and in 1963 the club produced its first ambitious plan for expansion. This would have included a swimming pool and ten pin bowling alongside a new football ground. A group of well known Football League professionals were signed by chairman John Coward, but Chelmsford still failed initially to get anywhere near winning the Southern League and had to watch the likes of Oxford, Hereford and Cambridge enter the Football League.

In 1967 in another application for Football League status, the club received only one vote. The club had gone back to full time professional status, but this was again threatened by poor finances. Despite this, the club was able to win the Southern League in 1968 for the first time since 1946/7. Further financial problems led to the club merging with Brentwood, but the club remained at New Writtle Street. Wes Maughan scored 50 goals in 111 appearances in the 1960s.

Despite winning the Southern League in 1972, the club declined to apply to the Football League. Hereford finished second and was elected because of their FA Cup run and sound financial position. Another ambitious plan to redevelop the grounds and enhance the club’s bid for league status was announced in 1974. Chairman Alan Cherry said: “We are planning not just for the time when Chelmsford will be a fourth division club but when they will be one of the top clubs in the country.” This scheme was turned down by the planners because it included office development. Another overly ambitious plan followed the next year and was opposed by residents.

In 1975 Cherry was replaced by Claude Seymour when City owed £120,000 and the police were called in to look at the books. Another proposal was made to bring in greyhound racing, which was again blocked by local residents. Extra finance was essential, because the club had now been relegated from the Premier division of the Southern League. Subsequently, a punk rock festival at the football ground was an unmitigated disaster. By the end of the 1970s, crowds had dropped to below 400, although Jimmy Greaves played for the club in the 1976-7 season. Probably the most popular player in the 1970s was Frank Peterson who scored 146 goals in 302 appearances.

Next month’s article will look at the progress of Chelmsford City over the last 40 years.

Remus Horse Sanctuary Celebrates 40th Anniversary

2023 sees Remus Horse Sanctuary in Essex celebrate its 40th anniversary. Sue Burton, founder of the charity in 1983, recounts how it all started and those first ten years...

“Coming from London I had never met a horse, so was amazed when having moved to Essex and on a trip to see a friend, I noticed a field full of horses and remember thinking how many there were. I knew nothing about them and therefore was oblivious to the fact that these horses were in desperate need of help until I saw the photograph on the front page of the Romford Recorder in February 1983 about the horses at Rainham Marshes, and this is what got me started.

“I could not believe that in this day and age we allowed animals to die and did nothing. This gave me the impetus to go back over and try to help and contact other animal welfare people in the areafriendships and acquaintances that have lasted to this day.

“After being involved with the Rainham Marsh horses, my friend Pat and I soon heard of the awful plight of Remus. Again, I could not believe that another horse had died, another entity wiped out, and yet so few people seemed to care.

“Before long, I was involved in an animal rights group and because Pat had equine knowledge, she and I went out to see a horse that was meant to be in a bad way, and in particular her foal was becoming a nuisance - apparently attacking people on the footpath. We went out to Hornchurch and found Misty, tethered with the most enormous swollen face and her foal - cheeky chappie Pickles running amok in the area!

“We were able to take them both and took them to a yard in Aveley where sadly the vet diagnosed Misty as having a fractured skull, which had happened some months before when she was one of those horses left on Rainham Marshes. We had no option but to end her suffering and let her go, but poor Pickles was distraught. It took many months for him to start interacting and playing again. He remained a cheeky chappie all his life and loved getting up to mischief when he was able to.

“Once we had Pickles, we had to find somewhere to keep him, so we took on a few stables and fields in Havering-atte-Bower. Then followed Jenna the donkey with severely overgrown hooves; Butch a 5-day old calf who had been left to die, and then Caesar who had been illegally castrated and left in a stable on 5ft of dung. Instead of mucking him out the owner just had a square of the roof cut out for his head to stick out, the entire length of his spine was cut where it had rubbed against the roof. It was pitiful to see him, and it took many visits before we were able to convince the owner to let us take him.

“In these situations, it’s always important to achieve what you need - to get the animal out of the awful situation - and you don’t want to upset the owner. We have always said a large part of our work is social work before we can help the animal. This was a perfect example - as I remember only too clearly her dog constantly chewing on my wrist - which I put up with as I so wanted to get Caesar out of there! When we did get him out, the first year was fraught with him needing an operation, dragging us almost daily face down across the muck heap and nearly giving Pat an unplanned mastectomy. Funny now but not then!

“We went on to take in many animals, and I always recall getting a call in 1987 to some horses in Essex. We stumbled late at night over fields that were 3-4ft deep in snow. I gave up trying to count how many times we fell over in the snow in the pitch darkness. When we entered the barn we stopped dead in our tracks. We found emaciated, lice-infested animals without food, water or bedding. Their urine frozen to the ground.

The youngsters had never been let out and did not know how to walk and, when we could take the horses out the next day. we had to move each leg for the youngsters as they did not appear to be able to walk.

The bigger one, Benjamin, had had a stake rammed through his stifle (the area where the tibia meets the femur) which went on to cause him problems throughout his life. We took five horses out and all had such awful problems. Getting them well became all-consuming and we worked so hard to give them the best we could to allow them to go on to lead healthy lives and to forget about all they had experienced at such a young age.

“The cases came in thick and fast - horses kept in houses, the awful plight of the Rush Green Horses... suffering seemed to be everywhere, and we did what we could for those that we could. For Ben who had been left with a fractured pelvis and we couldn’t save, despite a scaffold company, the Fire Brigade and vets involved in trying to assist him.

“Little Heidi came to us in 1987 at just 5 days old. Her mum had been tethered and had died on the chain and Heidi was left with a headcollar that had cut into her face. She needed years of care including operations to get her well, but went on to live a lovely life, except when she got us into trouble having decided it was fun to pick people up by their clothing and push them into the ditch!

“The most rewarding part of the job is to get the animals beyond what they have suffered. To get the weight on, to ease their mental suffering, to help them get over what they have suffered, and it never fails to amaze me that whatever they suffer at the hands of humanity, they always begin to trust again!

“It’s just an amazing feeling to be able to win their trust after all that they have endured.”

The story obviously continues and hopefully will for many years to come but, in conclusion, Sue says: “I am so proud of what Remus has achieved in its 40 years. I am proud of where we are now and how much we have improved. I am proud of everyone who is involved now and has been involved over those years in whatever way to help develop us to do the work we now achieve.”

Look out for further information on the website and Facebook page, as the charity celebrates throughout the year.

Remus Horse Sanctuary is fundraising for winter food. Learn more here: www.remussanctuary.org/appeal.

For further information, visit www.remussanctuary.org or contact Sue Burton on 01277 356 191.

Benjamin before and after arrival at Remus

New research, involving an online survey of over 2,000 adults, led by the UK’s largest weight-loss organisation Slimming World, has revealed over half (57%) of slimmer’s have dieted ‘in secret’ - many because of fears of being judged or failing.

Emily Arber, aged 38 from Witham, agrees. She says “When I joined my local Slimming World group, it took a lot to walk through the doors because I thought I would be judged, but everyone was friendly and welcoming. It was wonderful! It kept me on track because I knew that if I went to group every week it would keep me on my toes! It really helped knowing that others knew how I felt - my weight was confidential and I chose my own target weight.

Local mum Emily said: “I first tried to lose weight on my own because I felt ashamed and although I wanted to lose weight, I was embarrassed to go to anywhere for help because I was young! Silly now really. Trying to lose weight on my own didn’t go well. I didn’t feel like I was making much progress and wasn’t really motivated.”

The recent study shows that of all those who are trying to lose weight, 37% value the camaraderie of losing weight with a group and how you can motivate each other, and 34% feel the accountability that comes hand-in-hand with losing weight with others would keep them on track.

Emily said this was absolutely the case for her: “I went to the Springfield group in Chelmsford on a Wednesday morning and my consultant Emma Lodge and the other members were there every week with encouragement and ideas. I found Slimming World’s Food Optimising Eating Plan was flexible enough to fit around my life and the things I enjoyed eating, so I never felt hungry - and being part of the group made me feel that if they could do it, so could I!”

Having lost 2 stone, Emily has now been maintaining her target weight for over 3 years. She says: “Before losing weight I used to hate exercising and never did it, now I’m doing weight training. I never believed I would have done that before Slimming World! My advice for

others would be - you can do it. Facing the scales and admitting you are overweight is not a nice experience, but that is one of the biggest and best steps you can do for yourself. I always wanted to lose weight, but lots of factors held me back, until I decided to lose weight for me Not to impress anyone, or show off my amazing new look, or to say how great I am now... but I did it for my own confidence, for my own peace of mind, and for my own happiness. So I could finally look in the mirror and see how far I have come, and others can do it too. Just take that litttle step onto the scales.”

If you’d like to join Emma’s or any other local group, see the advert on page 5 for details.

This month I’m going to focus on another foundational yoga pose, Bridge Pose, which is a backbend. In Sanskrit it’s called Setu Bandha Sarvangasana, pronounced ‘SET-too BUHN-dah Sahr-von-GAH-sahnah’

Bridge pose is an extremely versatile pose which I often use at the beginning of my practice as a gentle warm-up, or in the middle as a dynamic and strengthening pose, and at the end for its calming and restorative benefits.

Bridge pose is not just a backbend, it shares many of the same benefits of other inversions, such as shoulder stands and headstands but is a gentler alternative. Bridging improves your posture, counteracting the effects prolonged sitting. It strengthens your mid to upper back muscles, buttocks, core, thighs and ankles, and gently stretches your shoulders, chest, and abdomen.

Where to Start

I always take my time to establish a good foundation for bridge pose. Lie down on your back, legs extended, hands down by your sides and find Shavasana (Corpse pose). Then find your Dristi, directly above you, and introduce your three-part breath, breathing in and out slowly through your nose, filling your belly, mid-chest, and upper chest with a little pause at the top and the bottom of each breath, do this a few times, establishing a slow, even and steady breath.

Relax your shoulders and stretch your arms by your sides, palms facing down. Draw your feet in, as close towards your bottom as you can, heels hip-width apart (4 inches or 10cm between your ankles and knees). Feel the four corners of your feet - eg, big toe joints, your little toe joints and the inside and outside edges of your heels - ideally you want your ankles to be directly under your knees. Tuck your chin in towards your collarbones, then lower the base of your skull to the mat, before lifting your chin very slightly to re-find your Dristi. This will lengthen the back of your neck, avoiding any uncomfortable compression. Maintain slow steady breath. Try to make your movements last the entire length of each inhalation and exhalation.

On your next inhalation, press gently through the 4 corners of your feet. As you do this you’ll feel your pelvis tilt upwards, pressing your lower back into the floor, keep rolling up through your spine. You’ll feel front of your thighs tighten, your core engage. Try to maintain this through the pause and your next exhalation, pausing at the bottom of your breath. As you breathe in again, draw your belly button inwards to engage the core a bit more, and press through your hands, elbows and especially your shoulders. Ground more firmly through the 4 corners of your feet, and begin to roll upwards from your tail bone all the way up your spine, one vertebrae at a time. Try to keep the knees hip-width apart as you push them towards the front of the room, the hips to the ceiling and your sternum to the back of the room. Pause and hold the pose for your out breath. Then, lift the hips a little higher on your next inhalation, pausing, before rolling down one vertebrae at a time as you breathe out.

I tend to do this pose in sequence - three or five times - in a row, rolling up with each inhalation, and holding for the exhalation, then lifting higher on the next inhalation, before rolling back down in time with the outbreath. The little pause at the top and the bottom of the breath really focuses the mind on the breathing, as well as on the movement.

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

Street Support Chelmsford is a directory of help services aimed at those experiencing homelessness, the vulnerable, or any individual or family faced with being forced to choose between putting food on the table or paying the energy bill.

This is a crucial tool to aid people to access the help they need, as well as signposting members of the community or professionals on the front line to the appropriate support for the people they are assisting. It is a one-stop digital shop for all support groups, referral routes, and information on both voluntary and statutory services in Chelmsford. Both the website and app are free for individuals and professionals to access and download, and as both platforms are available 24/7, users can access help and information at the times they need it the most.

Cool to be Kind (www.c2bk.co.uk), who host and manage Street Support, work hard to ensure that Street Support Chelmsford continues to grow, and as a community we can come together to support those in need. If there are any organisations or community groups that wish to be added to the site, or any individuals or businesses wishing to help, please contact chelmsford@streetsupport.net.

Can You Make a Difference in Your Community?

a workshop environment as part of their City & Guilds training programme in construction. You don’t have to have experience of construction, but a good understanding of manual tasks and DIY types activities is useful.

This is truly rewarding role that changes the lives of our young people.

Are you passionate about arts and culture?

Can you give people a warm, kind, non-judgemental welcome? Are you passionate about sharing arts and culture with those who don’t usually get to access it?

Culture Chelmsford and partners are working together to transform an empty shop in The Meadows shopping centre into a warm, buzzing and artistic space for vulnerable people and families in our district.

We need volunteers to help with artistic activities, welcome people in, and make tea and toast!

Customer service (wheelchair) volunteer - British Red Cross

Each year we hire out or loan over 75,000 wheelchairs to help people to get around after an injury or illness. We need volunteers to help with giving a warm welcome to customers visiting or phoning us, helping people wanting to hire a wheelchair or other equipment, showing people how to use equipment, and taking payments or donations

Construction training for young people in Chelmsford Essex Youthbuild is a charity that works with teenagers helping them gain construction and employability skills.

Volunteers are needed to provide support to 14-19 year olds in

Introducing Ali James - Chelmsford Community Radio

‘What’s up you cheeky little scamps? Ali James here with The Rock Show on CCR...’ is what you’d hear if you tuned in to CCR 104.4FM at 7pm on a Tuesday evening!

I’m Ali, I poison the airwaves on a Tuesday evening with my favourite rock and alternative tracks, ranging from classic rock ’n’ roll (like Jimi Hendrix) right up to modern alternative (like Foals). I started my show about 1 year ago and the thrill never wears off. The benefit of a local community radio station is that I can really make the show my own, and I always play what I feel and I think this lends it a real authenticity that can’t be replicated as easily on the mainstream stations.

I’m 25, I have lived in Chelmsford for coming up to 10 years, and the role CCR plays in the community is a subtle but important one underpinning events, community enterprises, other charities, public service announcements and local businesses. I feel lucky to play a part in it, even if it’s under a rebellious, rock ’n’ roll façade.

Please continue to support the station, the fantastic community within it, and the wider community it represents. Most importantly though, come and hang out with me on a Tuesday night at 7pm!

Be safe be seen! Ali, out.

www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

Volunteer car driver - Chelmsford Community Transport

We need friendly, patient volunteers to help drive vulnerable people to social clubs, shops and medical appointments in Chelmsford. You will drive your own car and transport mostly elderly people (pre-arranged) to various places and ensure that they can maintain good quality of life. Interesting conversation guaranteed! Expenses reimbursed.

Help disabled adults at our Create & Connect Club

We at Caffe Marconi are passionate about advocating for people with different challenges and abilities, and want to help people access fun, social and engaging activities.

On Thursday mornings we welcome adults with additional needs into the café for arts, crafts, quizzes, exercise workshops and lots of tea and chat!

We are looking for cheerful, creative volunteers to help with run these sessions.

Social media volunteer - Millrace Furniture Project

We are looking for a volunteer to help develop and update the social media for this local charity which helps people recover from mental health issues. You’d need to have a good working knowledge of the internet and social media.

Crafts - By Magali Ellis and Scrap-Circle

Let me ask you a question. What size page do you use to do some scrapbooking?

When I first started, I used 12”x12” pages and albums. However, since then, I have made albums in other sizes, 7”x7” and 8”x8” to be precise. They were special albums, given as birthday and Christmas presents to my children and containing layouts with pictures of the first weeks of my grandchildren. Soon enough though, I returned to 12”x12” pages. To this day, this is by far my first choice!

I have noticed a new trend in scrapbooking using standard A4 size paper and card. I do not know why I had not thought of using that size before, especially as good 12”x12” albums are becoming more difficult to find. A standard A4 size makes a lot of sense and there are plenty of different types of albums and files available in most shops to store the layouts.

It is strange to change size, isn’t it? Maybe it is the blank page syndrome that authors face? I do not really know where to start when using a different size. I find myself running out of room and getting the proportions all wrong. It definitely takes a while to get used to it. My other problem (or excuse) is that I like putting several photos on my layouts, so a smaller page proves to be quite a challenge. However, I must admit that I am intrigued by scrapbooking on an A4 and I would like to try it out. Maybe I will use it to record my next holiday photos. It could be a self-contained album. Maybe I will

try it out on my next craft retreat. After all, I always encourage my delegates to try something new. I guess I should lead by example!

A weekend retreat is ideal, as there is plenty of time to craft and that should give me some time to think about proportions. I could also print my photos on a smaller format than a standard 6”x 4” so I can still have several photos on my layout.

Weekend craft retreats offer a special time where crafting, laughing, chatting among like-minded people and eating cakes count! You can craft till late in the night or start really early in the morning. It is a wonderful time when somebody else is preparing lovely meals. We meet at Grafham Water Centre in Perry, Cambridgeshire, and our craft room overlooks a gorgeous lake. The dates for our retreats this year are 21st-23rd April, 13th-15th October and 8th-10th December.

The ultimate treat is our Craft Cruise: ten whole days to craft to your heart’s content! Check www.scrap-circle.co.uk for more information and details on how to book.

Ideas Hub Chelmsford - Exhibitions at the Art Place: More than Just an Art Scene

When we visited the empty retail unit that would become The Art Place for the first time and saw the long wall, we knew instantly what we would do: an art gallery! This had to be the most asked-for local art need in our community feedback, and finally we saw a way that it could become a reality...

Fast forward 2 years and you have a few days left (ends 20th March) to come and enjoy a high quality photography exhibition by a renowned international (Ukrainian) photographer, Oleksandr Nesterovskyi. He has featured on the BBC, exhibited in London, and been a finalist in the 2016 Art of Building Architectural Photography Competition. In his words, “I have been doing photography since 2009. I prefer landscape, abstract and concept photography. The main goal of creating works is purity and harmony scene in a frame. Most of my works were created in the territory of my beloved country of Ukraine, some of these works were published in various publications, devoted to photography all over the world. My work has taken part in collective and personal exhibitions both in Ukraine and abroad (Great Britain, USA, Germany, France, Australia, etc).

“During a full-scale invasion, returning home from an overseas trip, I ended up in the suburbs of Kyiv, in the town of Bucha (since December 25th), I witnessed terrible events and the war crimes of the Russian army. I joined the resistance forces. Unfortunately, then I ended up in occupation - expecting the worst. But later, together with my family, I managed to get out of the occupation. Now I am part of a volunteer movement, an instructor teaching our military to use UAVs, this is a matter now taking up most of my time. I plan to return to photography as a main activity after our victory.”

This exhibition has been organised by artist Elena KhomutovaMiller who has worked relentlessly to support Ukrainian creatives in Chelmsford.

One of our upcoming exhibitions in June will be led by myself based on a passion of mine. It will explore how climate change affects the natural world and contributes to biodiversity loss. Titled Earth 23, it is a collaborative exhibition that will feature paintings, prints, sculptures and clay models from artists of all ages. 10% of each piece sold will be donated to The Rainforest UK to help endangered wildlife and develop their conservation work. Please contact me if you want to be involved.

Our exhibitions are important to promote artists’ well-being, support social causes and local events, and empower under-represented communities. Our Young Artist of the Month wall is dedicated to under 25s to nurture budding talent.

If you’re interested in hosting an exhibition of your own work, or to empower your community, please email the gallery team at artplacegallery@ideashubchelmsford.org. If you’re looking to exhibit photography, please email photo@ideashubchelmsford.org.

To know about new exhibitions and our work, please search for us and follow us on social media.

Indigo Moon Communications Manager

Interior Design Tips for Your Home - By Tania

This month we are focusing on the most used room in the house the kitchen. When it comes to kitchen design, there is more to it than meets the eye...

Function: How many uses does your kitchen have, Is it also used for homework, dining or socialising?

Flow: It’s important to get the flow of the kitchen space right. Think about the position of the appliances, Is everything where you need it?

Lighting: Planning the lighting needs to be done early on. Aim to shed light on the parts of the kitchen you regularly use, such as cookers and work tops. Pendant lights are versatile and ideal for the kitchen or above the dining table area.

Flooring: Consider the practicalities as well as the look, durability, and expense. Natural stone floor tiles can be costly, Consider wood flooring eg, engineered oak, or a great alternative is herringbone luxury vinyl flooring which looks like a real wooden floor (LVT) at a fraction of the cost.

Dark or light flooring? The rule of thumb is a contrast will work better, dark floor and light cupboards or vice versa.

Storage: Think about what you need to store. Do you have a lot of crockery or glass? Do you need more drawers than cupboards? Are you looking for a pantry cupboard to store all your ingredients? Pantry cupboards are incredibly popular right now. Kilner or glass jars are great to store dry items, they can also look good if they are on display.

Furniture: Room for a sofa or armchair? How many people will sit round the kitchen/dining table - can it be extended for dinner parties or Christmas? Dining chairs can be uncomfortable if the seat area

is not padded, so maybe a combination of chairs and a bench. Accessorise with cushions, throws and sheepskins in the winter.

Clear the Decks: Keep the clutter off the countertops for clean lines and a more minimalist look.

Smart Ideas: A charging station. Create a docking drawer with a hidden charge station ready to top up your appliances. Perfect for keeping your smartphone and iPad out of sight.

Herbs and Plants: Add a touch of green to brighten up your kitchen and also give you fresh and fragrant herbs to add to your favorite dishes.

Entertaining: Consider how often you might entertain and how many people will you invite over. Is it going to be just drinks and nibbles or for a dinner party? Maybe a combination of events. A built-in wine cooler is a great place for cooling the fizz and adds a extra feature.

Tales from the Circle - By Sylvia Kent

Following yet another successful gathering of the writing clan at Brentwood Writers’ Circle on Saturday, our committee is delighted with an increase in visitors and new members. Despite three difficult pandemic years, writing thoughts are on people’s minds these days and we are delighted with the news that several of our members are celebrating the publication of their new books. The link with the writing fraternity has never been more important than in today’s publishing climate.

Although several long-standing organisations in Essex have closed due to covid, others have managed to continue via Zoom and WhatsApp, and some writing/literary groups have actually evolved, mainly online via Amazon.

As a columnist for local and county press, as well as archivist/VP to the International Society of Women Writers & Journalists, it’s been aweinspiring to meet people with fascinating stories to tell. From budding authors to experienced journalists, the variety of topics continues - from children’s books, romance, crime, sci-fi, history and a panoply of other genres has been

awe-inspiring.

Drama is now in the forefront, thanks to Janet Howson, a member of both BWC and SWWJ. Janet compliments the equation by also being a published playwright. Janet, whos is a retired teacher, has given her reflections on writing: “I taught Drama and English in various comprehensive schools in Essex for 35 years. It was then I began to write scripts for the pupils that ranged from pantomimes to serious dramas. I belonged to several amateur drama groups and performed in church halls, the Brentwood Theatre and the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch. All the experience of the above, plus my undying love of the theatre lead to me writing two novellas based on an amateur drama group.

“The first on Dramatic Episodes features the group rehearsing for Midsummer Nights Dream and the second, A Cue for Murder, continues the stories of each of the group’s members and their lives, rehearsing for a Murder Mystery Play. One of the episodes of Dramatic Episodes has been turned into a script and is the first play featured in The Script Challenge. All the above publications are available on Amazon and my latest published radio play Grave Conversations can be purchased on Silver Birchington Plays online.

“Hopefully, I will carry on writing about drama using my own experiences. My love of the subject will never cease.”

To learn more contact: www.brentwoodwriterscircle.com and www. sylviakent.blogspot.com.

Quiz Time - By John Theedom

On what type of surface is curling played? In which country is the historic St Andrews golf course?

What name is used to refer to a group of frogs? How much would you be betting if you put a ‘monkey’ on a horse?

In football, what do the initials ‘OG’ stand for? Who made the big-selling album J.Lo? Which David has charted with both Bing Crosby and Mick Jagger?

Where was Crocodile Dundee’s homeland?

Which actress married Prince Rainier of Monaco?

What is the name of the Spice Girls’ 1997 film? On which island is the volcanic Mount Etna? In which country is the world’s highest waterfall?

Which English Queen has the same name as a plum?

Betz cells are found in which part of the human body?

Which song was a British number 1 for Jimmy Young, the Righteous Brothers, Robson & Jerome and Gareth Gates?

Which group of countries did the Vikings come from?

How many presidents faces are carved into Mount Rushmore?

Who went to sea with silver buckles on his knee?

RIBA is the Royal Institute of British what?

Pop and Ma Larkin appeared in which TV series?

Sirloin, rump and topside are types of what?

What nickname did the Ford model ‘T’ have?

Tom Thumb and Little Gem are types of what?

According to the rhyme, who killed Cock Robin?

What name is given to a two coloured oblong cake covered with almond paste?

In which month is Father’s Day in the UK?

What is locked up in a tantalus?

Pontoon and suspension are both type of what construction?

Where is Lord Nelson buried?

Which major landmark is seen at the start of News at Ten?

On which river does the city Cairo stand?

Which watch company has a pointed crown as its logo?

In the royal address HIH, what does the ‘I’ stand for?

The characters Fletcher and Godber appeared in which TV series?

What is the square root of 64?

How would 14 be written in Roman numerals?

What word can follow ‘fruit’, ‘rabbit’ and ‘Suffolk’?

Who had a hit with the song Dancing Queen?

Which car company produced the Cresta model?

Which imperial measure is equivalent to 4.546 litres? (Answers on page 31)

Stargazing With Mark Willis - March/April

20th March: The Spring Equinox. The length of the night is equal to the length of the day.

24th March - 21:00: Mars, looking south west, is still looking good although it has now moved considerably further away from Earth. It’s quite settled in the constellation of Taurus, just a little to the right of the constellation of Orion, the Hunter. Tonight it will be 11 light minutes (206.9 million kilometres) distant from Earth, compared to the 4.58 light minutes (82.4 million kilometres) back in December. So, the distance Mars has travelled is quite mind-boggling in Earth terms!

26th March: Don’t forget to put your clocks forward by one hour. I only have the kitchen and car clock to worry about these days, as all the rest seem happy to change themselves!

20th April - 21:00: You’ll see Venus forming the apex of a sky triangle, a bright star called Aldebaran, about 66 light years away. So the light

we’re seeing now left the star 66 years ago in 1957 - So Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley will be a new release for any Aldebarans if they are able to listen in to our radio stations!

22nd-23rd April: Lyrids Meteor Shower. Look north-east. When people learn about meteor showers, they are often surprised that these impressive displays are produced by the rather lowly substances of meteor and comet dust!

New Moon: On 21st March and 20th April there will be a new Moon. This means the skies will be extra dark which is a great opportunity to see planets, galaxies and deep space objects.

As usual, email me with any questions.

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

Wildlife Corner - By Nick Green

The Met Office stated that February 2023 was the driest February for 30 years for England and the fifth mildest on record, with less than half the expected average rainfall for the UK.

The red kite is an increasing resident and passage migrant. The species has successfully bred in the county in 2016 and 2017, the previous being in 1854! Indeed, in early spring this year 11 have been recorded in West Colchester. Like our common buzzard, spring migration may involve a flock of birds and when they find a thermal and spiral upward which is known as a ‘kettle’. The red kite is readily distinguished from its near cousin the black kite by its red, deeply forked red tail which is constantly used as a rudder. The red kite seems to hang in the air just using its tail to manoeuvre, whereas the shorter tailed buzzard uses a far more active flight.

Selected Essex February 2023 Highlights

The Naze: short-eared owl, 13 snow bunting. Abberton Reservoir: great northern diver, black-necked and red-necked grebes, female long-tailed duck, 9 scaup, 4 smew, 6 Bewick’s swans, 4 great white egret, up to 11 Caspian and 3 yellow-legged gulls, ruff, short-eared and barn owls, 2 peregrines, 3 rock pipit. Wallasea Island RSPB: 2 great white egret, 1-2 spoonbills, hen harrier, merlin, 3 short-eared owls. Bowers Marsh: 29 barnacle geese (6 with white neck rings). Rainham Marshes RSPB: Caspian gull, hen harrier, 3 water pipit.

The successful UK re-introduction programme included:

• The Chilterns (1989-94) involving RSPB and Natural England, bred 1991.

• Wales (1989-94) This scheme involved a total of 93 young birds imported from Sweden and Spain. Travelling on the M4 and M40 is now delightful sorting out buzzards and kites! I have also identified them on the M25, M11, A14 and A1.

There are currently some 1,800 breeding pairs of red kites in the UK.

Red kite (copyright Glyn Evans)

Unchained