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CT Welcome Hello readers,
Welcome to the March/April edition. The clocks go forward this month, so roll on those lighter evenings! As ever, there are lots of events this month with St Patricks Day and Easter celebrations occurring, plus various beer festivals and other celebratory nights! Enjoy your month! Regards Nick & Paul
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CT Fashion - Strut in to Spring in Style As the first day of spring - yes, SPRING - brought hurricane force winds and a thick blanket of snow, I thought to myself: firstly, what did we do to deserve such cruel weather and secondly, what am I actually going to wear? Which fashionista in their right mind would know what to wear in these unexpected freezing temperatures? Well, if you’re anything like me, I ‘welcomed’ spring in the comfort of loungewear with a hot chocolate in my hand. Not my usual spring style, but a gal’s gotta do what a gal’s gotta do. Luckily the bad weather has lifted, and perhaps by the time you read this the temperatures might actually resemble what we’re used to in March - and normal spring attire can grace our wardrobes in the shape of lighter materials, lighter colours and this season’s must have accessories. Fingers crossed... London Fashion Week brought us some exciting new fashion entries to take our mind off the deep freeze, and promises us a season of fun fixes for the hopeful trend setters out there. I’m under no illusion that the great British weather won’t throw us some ‘exciting’ surprises along the way, but here’s a rundown of what should keep you confidently clothed throughout spring and into - dare I say it - the bright lights of summer. The 1980s called and let us know that they are sticking around this spring too. It feels like the ’80s have influenced our rails for a while, and this is not due to halt any time soon - think oversized jackets, long lean legs, shoulders central and nipped waists. Which is why you’ll be needing… The waist belt to keep those waists pinched in. I’ve seen so many different styles of waist belt, with the circle style emulating the signature Gucci version a popular hit. If you don’t fancy shelling out over £200 for a belt, you might consider the cheat versions - I got mine from River Island for £12, and ASOS do similar styles for £10. Team your waist belt with pretty much anything you like, such as oversized shirts to bring in your waist atop high-waisted jeans and a tight fitting tee, vamping up a floral dress. The options
are endless. This of course, is useful when you might want to layer up in this unpredictable weather! The big logo T-shirt is also really ‘in’ this spring. On the catwalk we saw Gucci (again), Calvin Klein and Fendi to name just a few, all branding their attire and in particular their tops. For those who can’t quite justify these high end prices, the high street has graced us with some really affordable offerings - get yourself to Topshop, Primark or Dorothy Perkins for T-shirts with logos that could be taken for high end. If the weather gods continue to punish us with freezing temperatures, team your tee with either a bright blazer or waist-clinched trench coat (which thankfully were seen all over the catwalk again this year!) Crazy brights and tailoring set the bar for our expectations of the weather this spring season, too. Think bright blazers and matching shorts that can be worn together or as statement separates - yes, I did just say shorts, and I felt the shudder of your shoulders at that, but there’s nothing wrong with saving these for warm bars and a night out with the girls. I’m thinking the bright green or pink blazer and short co-ordinates from either Quiz Clothing (closest found in Debenhams) or pink, orange and green pieces from River Island. There are trouser combinations too which might be better for those of us who can feel corned beef legs coming on at the thought of showing a bit of skin. Polka dots and vintage florals are set to be the prints for 2018 spring and throughout the year. Polka dots will be mostly monochrome (though I have seen some red and white) and a bit more up-to-date than the 1950s housewife you might synonymise with prim polka dot. Wrap style tops, statement shoulder pieces and polka maxis will be found in our high street shortly. I’m already seeing some great polka ‘nice’ tops that could be teamed with jeans or tailored trousers for date night, or even work wear, in H&M and Warehouse. Vintage florals will also be a print for this season - think floaty, sometimes frilly but 100% floral - as this season’s ‘wear to whatever’ dress. I’ve eyed up some styles in Topshop and Miss Selfridge that would work well with ankle boots and a waist belt or dressed up with tights and wedges for a (no doubt) cool spring evening out. The yellow dress is also going to be popular this spring. If you are lucky enough to be able to look good in yellow (and not resemble Big Bird gone wrong like some of us) then I suggest you get yourself down to New Look, or if you’ve got the cash to spend Karen Millen has a beautiful tailored offering. Team these with simple accessories and let the dress do the talking - black pointed shoes for evening, strappy white sandals for the day - wow, I just wrote ‘sandals’, I must be feeling optimistic! Rebecca Forde is a writer with a penchant for fashion, great literature and drinking a lot of coffee. You can contact her by emailing rebeccaforde@hotmail.co.uk. © All Images River Island
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National Record Store Day on Saturday 21st April 2018 Intense Records in Chelmsford will once again be taking part in the massively popular National Record Store Day on Saturday 21st April 2018. This is the one day that all of the independent record stores celebrate vinyl and invite music lovers to come and get their hands on special releases made exclusively for the day.
Jon from Intense says: “this is the busiest day of the year for us, if you want to make sure you grab your favourite release I would advise getting here early. Last year we had a queue of over 200 hungry vinylists outside when we opened.” Check out the picture below from last year’s Record Store Day at Intense. This year’s list of hundreds of exclusive releases has been revealed and there really is something for everyone across many genres from hip hop, rock, pop to country, dance and everything in between. Releases from Niall Horan and Rudimental will be enticing a younger generation of music fans, whilst the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd help to rekindle the love of long-time vinyl fans. Hip hop fans will be pleased to hear of releases from Wu Tang Clan, Run The Jewels, The Notorious B.I.G. and Cypress Hill. Indie and rock artists include Led Zepplin with a super rare 7” vinyl never released in the UK before, and David Bowie releases 4 different vinyls from the archives which will be highly sought after, as they are every year. Dance music fans can look forward to special releases from Fatboy Slim, The Future Sound of London and also Goldie with a 25 year anniversary album of unreleased and remastered tracks. Also, local techno legend from Chelmsford, Sergio Vilas, will be releasing his first ever exploit to vinyl with the Rebate EP on US label Subsensory Recordings. He will performing on the day so make sure you get your copies signed by the man himself. The novelty releases we have picked out this year include the Lovely Eggs’ This is Eggland on a huge fried egg shaped vinyl and The Toy Dolls’ punk rendition of Nellie the Elephant, a classic children’s song, which hit number 1 in the UK indie chart. You can check out all the releases now at www. recordstoreday.co.uk, and
to make sure Intense are stocking your favourites, check out the new website at www. intenserecords.com where you can register your interest and download your very own wish list and send it back to us at enquiries@intenserecords. com.
Open from 9am-6pm, Intense Records will be holding a special instore event with live DJs, local bands, special guest appearances plus competitions, free giveaways, the Intense Gourmet BBQ, hot and cold refreshments and much more. For those that cant make it on the day, Intense will be opening up this Sunday as well from 10am-4pm. The exclusive releases will be available in store only for the following week, but any remaining stock will be made available online a week later on the 28th April at www.intenserecords.com. For more information, pop into Intense Records, 33/34 Viaduct Road, Chelmsford CM1 1TS (under the arches by the bus station). Alternatively, call them on 01245 347 372 or check their website: www.intenserecords.com.
All Things Music - by Nick Garner Chelmsford Arts and Cultural Festival Things are moving ahead and there are lots of exciting things going on as the plan begins hatching. We are looking to start the festival with a parade on Saturday 23rd June which will finish at the Bond Street Bowl outside John Lewis, where we will have a stage as well as lots of craft and food stalls. The stage over the weekend will have a host of events going on from dance to music to circus acts. The Maldon Festival will also start on the same day with a host of wonderful classical musical events going on in and around Maldon. We will let you know more as soon as we can.
Things are going well, and our Arts Trail is really looking amazing. Of course, we have a host of other great things that are going to happen throughout the festival - just keep an eye on our magazines for updates. We are also teaming up with Oaklands Museum for events as well. During the week, we are planning a host of storytellers to pop up all over Old Moulsham along with music events and more. The final weekend on Saturday 31st sees Sounds of Essex (who are now part of our festival) come to Central Park. They will be showcasing some of the best school musicians from across the county. We will also be including events and workshops across the city in High Chelmer and the Meadows shopping centres. We are still looking for more help and volunteers as well as sponsors, so please contact us if you would like further information or want to help. You can call us on 07970 206 682 or email chelmsfordaacf@ gmail.com. Music last month at the Bassment we had JFK Blue perform. They were stunning and we will be having them back again. We also had Danny Boy Piper playing, who as always wowed the audience. He’s always pleasure to watch. The UB (United Brethren) pub in Old Moulsham is hosting a lot of good live music and last month they had Dave Sharp from The Alarm play. Back in the eighties The Alarm were a big band, and recently Mike Peters and Dave have been playing together again. Chelmsford is putting on great music all over; from the Three Elms to the Fleece to the Bassment there is always lot to choose from across the city and we list as much as we can in our What’s On guide.
the backroom starts at 7pm on Sunday 25th March and is well worth going to. I went to the last one and had a great evening. At the Bassment on Thursday 5th April, Blues and Roots in the City hosts a very special night with Dave Kelly (from The Blues Band, where he plays with Paul Jones) along with Denny Newman who used to play with Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones. This is a rare show featuring these two playing together, as Denny now lives in Germany. Tickets for this gig will be just £7 in advance and £9 on the night. You can get them from the Bassment or send a text to 07508 496 411 with the word ‘Kelly’ how many tickets and your name, and we will text a confirmation back - you can then pay £7 on the night. Coming up at the football club a little later in April on Wednesday 25th we have Albert Lee returning to play again. See the poster in this issue for details - be warned though, we expect this show to sell out. Opening for Albert on the night will be Connor Selby playing a solo set. As you can see, there is lots going on in and around Chelmsford, so please do try to come out and support the great live scene that we have in Essex, because if you do not, we may lose it. For more information on all of the above and more see the links below and go to our the What’s On page to see what else in happening in your area. Check around the Internet - Facebook is always good as is Twitter - as well as your local papers and community boards. The Arts and Cultural email: contact@chelmsfordaacf.org www.facebook.com/chelmsfordaacf www.bluesinthecity.co.uk www.facebook.com/bluesinthecitychelmsford Twitter: @BluesintheCity1 www.itsyourmusic.co.uk www.facebook.com/itsyourmusic Twitter: @itsyourmusic
At the end of February Chelmsford City Football Club had The Cureheads play along with The White Gospel in support. What a night that was, the Gospel opened and I have to say it was the best I have seen them play - they suited playing this big stage and were very well received Dave Arscott’s voice was on top form that night. Next were The Cureheads and not only did Gary Clarke look like Robert Smith, but if you were to close your eyes and just listen, it was Robert Smith - he also had all the mannerisms too. They played all the hits and some of the lesser known songs. They did manage to get most of the audience up and dancing along. Another band I am sure we will have back to play again. On Friday 16th March we have The Pretty Things playing at the football club as part of their farewell tour after fifty five years. It is amazing that they still have two of the founding members in the line-up, with Phil May on vocals and Dick Taylor on lead guitar. Check out our What’s On guide for more information as to what’s happening in the area. The bi-monthly storytelling night at the UB in Page 6
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CT Gardening - by Tom Cole In bad weather, such as we have had recently, it’s time to think of your house plants. Start to make some checks on overall growth and habit. Here are just a few to look out for now:
1. Is growth weak, are leaves pale or dropping off? A sure sign that your plant is due for a much needed feed. If the plant is looking really poor then feed now, otherwise start in the growing season when you start to up water levels. Believe it or not this is supposed to be from March moving forward. As I’ve just potted up a few pot bound plants, I won’t need to feed for a couple of months as the compost is new and fertile. Aim to feed fortnightly using liquid feeds or house plant stick feeds for the best results. Pop to your local good garden centres for further information. 2. Are plant leaves browning at the tips, yellowing in colour, dropping off and flowers shrivelling? This indicates there is a lack of humidity. Our central heating systems are very drying on the atmosphere especially in living rooms and hallways. Bathrooms and kitchens are better for humidity. If your compost is very quickly drying out, this is a good indicator of low humidity levels. So what’s to do? Misting plants with tepid rain water or water that has been boiled will reduce the white staining on leaves. Placing plants together in groups increases humidity levels as water evaporates from the compost. Lastly, popping plants on trays of pebbles increases humidity around the plant. 3. Is growth pale, yellow and etiolated, with stems lengthened with large gaps between leaf junctions? Simply put, this is a lack of good quality light levels. Just move plants closer to the source of light and or use artificial grow bulbs. Check that you get the correct one for your plant.
4. Is plant growth washed out, bleached and are leaves shrivelling and drying out? This indicates too much light. Very simply, move your plant to the middle of the room and away from any directly lit areas. Don’t forget these other gardening tasks now that the weather is warming up... •
• •
Continue to cultivate vegetable areas if able to and start sowing (under cover) lettuce, peas, beans, beetroot, chard and brassicas. Don’t forget to also start tomatoes and chilli peppers in propagating units. Complete pruning of bush, shrub and climbing and rambler roses, Wisteria, butterfly bushes and those plants with coloured stems. Spruce up containers with new plants and importantly, apply fresh compost and ensure feeds are applied.
Lastly, why not buy a course for a friend or loved one this year? For RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture (1 year, day release), RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation & Development (September - February), RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance and RHS Level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture email or call me for information on availability of days and times. Happy gardening... Keep warm! For any gardening tips contact Tom Cole, Horticultural Lecturer, Writtle College, Chelmsford, CM1 3RR by post (including a SAE), or call on 01245 424 200, or email at tom.cole@writtle.ac.uk.
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Page 8 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk
CT Food - by John Jacobs
I made it through the snow, bones intact. What a start to the spring that was! I was waiting to wax lyrically about the burgeoning colours of the new season, blossom, fauna’s annual renaissance, awakenings blah blah... There was only one colour - white, everywhere. I barely made it into the office all week... and I work from home. Traditionally a down-time for restaurants, it affords chefs the opportunity to launch their new season’s menus of ingredients made entirely of prefixes, new potatoes, new season lamb, spring greens etc... Not so much in the centre of Chelmsford as we’re largely a restaurant chain affair. It’s the majority preference. Not a bad thing, but familiarity can have its downside. For example, your staple go-to old friend the fast food chicken restaurant might run out of chicken. I too joined the midnight candlelight vigil outside KFC on Broomfield Road. We linked arms and sang Hallelujah. Silent prayers were mouthed for the safe return of our boneless buckets and zinger meals. We hugged each other in shared disbelief asking why? Why? Why? DHL, apparently. I could have told them that was a bad idea. When I’m anonymously posting raw burgers to my local vegan restaurant, Royal Mail has never let me down nor indeed reported me to the authorities. Anyway, I did like KFC’s full page apology. Very funny. Here’s the other downside to being a chain but not as humorous to those thousands of hard working catering staff reliant on an income. Despite safety in numbers, they are of course subject to market forces. In the last month Prezzo has announced the closure of 93 of its restaurants, Jamie’s Italian is £71.5m in the red, Strada is closing a third of its sites and even Byron Burger is to close down 20 of its establishments. It was only a short time ago I was invited to the launch of Jamie’s Trattoria on the High Street. The experience was a good one. Whilst the public response was mixed, it is set to close. Why is this happening? There are a number of indices at work. In the last 12 months the average cost of ingredients has risen 9%, drinks 7% and the regrettable uncertainty over trade within the EU has left the pound struggling in value against the euro. Not good if you’re an Italian restaurant sourcing from abroad. This is not to say the famous names behind some of these big players are personally liable. The overwhelming majority of these restaurants are funded by venture capital. One can extol the importance of sourcing high
quality ingredients, but if the margins drop and it impacts badly on the balance sheet, adjustments must be made. The first casualty is - bizarrely - the food. Then the staff, then probable closure. The next twelve months is going to be one to watch and hopefully for the right reasons. However, at least fried chicken is back on the menu, and it is with this in mind, people of Chelmsford, we can never be denied finger lickin’ artery battery again. For the sake of our families, our friends, our children and our children’s children let us ensure that even in the wake of a zombie apocalypse we can dine on regardless. So with woefully inadequate lemon scented face square in hand, I give you my homemade not-so-secret recipe. JJ’s Cluckin’ Amazin’ Chick’n Ingredients: Serves 4 (or one if you’re me) Equivalent of 2 whole chickens, mixture of thighs, breast, wings etc.. Vegetable oil 4 cups plain flour (about a quarter of a bag) 6 tablespoons salt (Maldon sea salt works well) 4 tablespoons ground black pepper 4 tablespoons garlic powder 2 tablespoon onion powder 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper 2 teaspoons dried thyme 2 cups buttermilk Method Have one large bowl and a plastic sealable food bag handy. Place all the dry ingredients into the bag and the buttermilk into the bowl. Soak the chicken pieces a couple at a time in the buttermilk then pop into the bag of dry ingredients. Shake off the excess and then deep fry in the vegetable oil until the flour starts to get golden. To ensure your chicken is cooked, finish off in a hot oven for 5 minutes. If in doubt, use a meat thermometer. For those of you affected by this article, contact your nearest KFC for the address of a local support group. Have a great month everyone.
Page 10 www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk
Museum of Power
Did you know that the Industrial Revolution is right here on our doorstep? The Museum of Power at Langford is housed at a former pumping station near Maldon which supplied water to the Southend district until closure in the 1960s. The surviving pumping engine, which is the largest operational steam engine in Essex, can be seen in steam at several event days throughout the year. In addition there are displays including oil engines, a belt-driven workshop, early domestic appliances and the Story of Water, many of them interactive. A new display is currently underway which will cover space and the universe. There are currently exhibitions on Women in Engineering and on the history of the pumping station to accompany a new book by Patrick Chaplin on sale at the museum. The next event will be Science Sunday on Sunday March 18th which will feature an interactive robot and science demonstrations. The popular Transportfest will be on Easter Sunday April 1st when we expect over 200 classic vehicles, Zorb balls and a brass band. The miniature steam railway will be operating at both events offering rides around the museum grounds, and the magical model village will be open. The Steampump tearoom offers a range of tempting meals and cakes, and is open every day except Monday and Tuesday from 10am. The museum is situated about 3 miles from the A12 (J20) and 1 mile from Maldon. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday throughout the year except during January. Visit the website, www.museumofpower.org.uk, for full details of exhibitions, events and steam days. Museum of Power Hatfield Road Langford Maldon CM9 6QA
Transportfest Easter Sunday April 1st
• Over 200 classic vehicles • Zorb balls • Brass band. • The miniature steam railway will be operating at offering rides around the museum grounds • The magical model village will be open.
p pum en m a Ste om op o ay tear dnesd y We unda to S 10am from
Hatfield Road, Langford,Maldon, CM9 6QA
www.museumofpower.org.uk
www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk Page 11
What’s on in the Area
March
Friday 16th Bassment - Friday Night’s Alright! Cathedral - Lunchtime concert Chelmsford City FC - The Pretty Things + Jamie Williams and the Roots Collective Civic - Andy Kirkpatrick (16+) Cramphorn - Camp Rock, The Musical The Golden Fleece - Charlie’s Aunt Kegs - Big Pink Quiz Star & Garter - Strikeout The Transition - General Data Protection Regulation GDPR Are you compliant? Saturday 17th Bassment - WDR presents: TV Smith + Graves + Yur Mum + Memory Boy CCFC Away: Truro City v Chelmsford City Civic - Crooners Cramphorn - Camp Rock, The Musical Galleywood Heritage Centre - Essex Society For Family History Chelmsford Group Meeting The Golden Fleece - Adrenaline O’Connors - Winston and the Lads on St Patrick’s Day RE Club - Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective Star & Garter - The Kopy Katz The Three Elms - Celebrate St Patrick’s Day St Luke’s Church, Tiptree - Concert: The Chelmsford Singers United Brethren - Barry Owens + The Buskin Boys Sunday 18th Cramphorn - Chelmsford Jazz Club: Searching for Hope’ with Herwig Gradischnig (sax), Steve Fishwick (trumpet), Claus Raible (piano), Giorgos Antonia (bass) and Matt Home (drums) O’Connors - Matt Buckle Star & Garter - Open mic/jam United Brethren - Sunday Sessions: Dave Ferra (3pm) Monday 19th Cramphorn - Loveless (15) Tuesday 20th Boreham Village Hall - Ballroom and Latin American Dance (classes for beginners & improvers - www.danceasy.co.uk) CCFC Away: Billericay Town v Chelmsford City Galleywood Heritage Centre - Talk: Vicky, English Princess and German Empress, by Margaret Mills Waterstones - Local author Sheila Norton will be meeting readers and signing copies of The Pets at Primrose Cottage Wednesday 21st The Chichester Hotel, Rawreth - Belvedere Jazz & Music Club: Tina May + Chris Ingham Trio Civic - Snow Queen Cramphorn - Cezanne: Portraits of Life Thursday 22nd Bassment - AudioGiggle: A Night of Comedy & Music Civic - Snow Queen Cramphorn - Lady Windermere’s Fan The Golden Fleece - Quiz night Star & Garter - Quiz night Page 12
Friday 23rd Bassment - Friday Night’s Alright! Cathedral - Lunchtime Concert Civic - Snow Queen Cramphorn - We Are The Lions, Mr Manager! The Golden Fleece - Barney & the Rubbles Star & Garter - Thirsty Work Saturday 24th Bassment - Saturday’s Alright For Dancin’ CCFC Home: Chelmsford City v Wealdstone Civic - Snow Queen Cramphorn - D’Ukes The Golden Fleece - Beggar Star & Garter - VT11 The Transition - Lucy Can’t Dance: The 2nd Collection Launch Party & Fashion Show United Brethren - Boomers Sunday 25th Star & Garter - Open mic/jam United Brethren - Sunday Sessions: Robbie Gladwell (3pm) United Brethren - Storytelling (7pm) Monday 26th Civic - Springblast Cramphorn - Jane (PG) Tuesday 27th Cramphorn - Bernstein Century Wednesday 28th Bassment - Asylum Mag Launch Cramphorn - The Disaster Artist (15) The Chichester Hotel, Rawreth - Belvedere Jazz & Music Club: The Rag and Bone Club, formerly the Ronnie Scott’s Rejects! Thursday 29th Bassment - Scooter Club 35th Anniversary Year The Golden Fleece - The Repertoire Dogs The Transition - Cyber Crime for Small Businesses (BEST Essex Business Workshop) Friday 30th Bassment - Shakster Records & Asylum presents: Alternative Rock and Indie Live Show! Cathedral - Lunchtime concert CCFC Away: Bognor Regis Town v Chelmsford City Civic - The Wind in the Willows Galleywood Heritage Centre - Annual Easter Bunny Hunt The Golden Fleece - Charity Silent Disco Star & Garter - Ricky Flemming Three Elms - Easter Beer & Cider Festival: Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective United Brethren - Delta Ladies The Wine Cellar - Easter Gin Festival: over 50 gins + live music Saturday 31st Bassment - John Fairhurst Duo + Ghosts Of Men + Connor Selby & Joe Anderton Civic - The Wind in the Willows The Cock Tavern, Ongar - Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective The Golden Fleece - Sons of Southpaw Star & Garter - Illicit Three Elms - Easter Beer & Cider Festival
Please note, all events are subject to change. Please visit the relevant websites or Facebook pages for more details
Saturday 31st Continued United Brethren - Steve Hooker The Wine Cellar - Easter Gin Festival, over 50 gins, live music
April
Sunday 1st Bassment - Huey Morgan’s NYC Block Party + Stretch Soul Gang Golden Fleece - Winston & the Lads Museum of Power - Transportfest Star & Garter - Open mic/jam Three Elms - Easter Beer & Cider Festival United Brethren - Sunday Sessions: Paolo Morena (3pm) The Wine Cellar - Easter Gin Festival: over 50 gins + live music Woolpack - GC’s Jazz Club: guest - Andi Hopgood (vocals) & Gabriel Keen Trio (8pm) Monday 2nd CCFC Home: Chelmsford City v Concord Rangers Three Elms - Easter Beer & Cider Festival Tuesday 3rd Boreham Village Hall - Ballroom and Latin American Dance (classes for beginners & improvers - www.danceasy.co.uk) Cramphorn - Darkest Hour (PG) Suzie’s Gift and Tea Shop, Maldon - Kindness in a Cup Wednesday 4th The Chichester Hotel, Rawreth - Belvedere Jazz & Music Club: The Spirit of Django Reinhardt and Stephen Grappelli - Mike Piggott Quartet Cramphorn - Macbeth (live from the Royal Opera House) Thursday 5th Bassment - BRITC presents: Dave Kelly & Danny Newman Civic - Seven Drunken Nights - The Story of The Dubliners Cramphorn - Darkest Hour (PG) The Golden Fleece - Quiz night Star & Garter - The Phil Ball Band Friday 6th Bassment - Shakey’s Sessions: West54 + Sick As Funk Cathedral - Lunchtime concert Civic - Kate Rusby The Golden Fleece - The Rising Star & Garter - Indigo Hammer Saturday 7th Alehouse - Chelmsford Record Fair Bassment - Oh Maddie CCFC Home: Chelmsford City v Poole Town Civic - Northern Chamber Orchestra The Golden Fleece - Holding Aces Sunday 8th Civic - Ian Waite and Oti Mabuse - Rhythm of the Night Cramphorn - Giselle (pre-recorded from the Bolshoi Ballet, Moscow) The Golden Fleece - Asylum’s Sunday Service Star & Garter - Open mic/jam The Transition - Yoga & Chi Running Workshop United Brethren - Sunday Sessions: Joe Anderton (3pm) Monday 9th Cramphorn - Morgan and West: More Magic for Kids (2pm) Cramphorn - Morgan and West: Time Travelling Magicians (7.30pm) Tuesday 10th Boreham Village Hall - Ballroom and Latin American Dance (classes for beginners & improvers - www.danceasy.co.uk) Cramphorn - Baby Cinema (11am), Murder On The Orient Express (12A) (8pm)
Wednesday 11th Bassment - Panic Awards Afterparty The Chichester Hotel, Rawreth - Belvedere Jazz & Music Club: The Jeff Hooper Big Band (tickets £20) Civic - The Panic Awards Thursday 12th Bassment - Rare Groove & Funk with Sunchaser Civic - Dinosaur World Live Cramphorn - Battle of the Sexes (12A) The Golden Fleece - Quiz night Friday 13th Bassment - Backwater Channels presents Wax Colour (single launch) + Different People Civic - Dinosaur World Live Cramphorn - Jane Eyre: An Autobiography The Golden Fleece - Blow Star & Garter - Fishing for Robots Saturday 14th Bassment - AR presents: The Horse Heads + BILK + Wannaballon CCFC Away: East Thurrock United v Chelmsford City Civic - Dinosaur World Live Cramphorn - Jane Eyre: An Autobiography The Golden Fleece - Illicit Star & Garter - Brit Invasion The Transition - Natural Networking Brunch United Brethren - Jamie WIlliams Collective Sunday 15th Cramphorn - Chelmsford Jazz Club: The Humphrey Lyttelton Band (7-piece band) Star & Garter - Open mic/jam United Brethren - Sunday Sessions: Martin McNeill (3pm) Monday 16th Cramphorn - Macbeth (pre-recorded from RSC) Tuesday 17th Civic - West Side Story Cramphorn - Guesthouse Wednesday 18th The Chichester Hotel, Rawreth - Belvedere Jazz & Music Club: Elaine Delmar & The John Pearce Trio Civic - West Side Story Cramphorn - Vincent Van Goth: A New Way of Seeing Thursday 19th Bassment - Bassment Blues Jam Civic - West Side Story Friday 20th Bassment - Underwater Boys + Bare Traps Civic - West Side Story The Clay Pigeon - Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective The Golden Fleece - Break for Cover Star & Garter - The Stents Saturday 21st Bassment - Saturday’s Alright For Dancin’ CCFC Home: Chelmsford City v Havant & Waterlooville Civic - West Side Story Galleywood Heritage Centre - Essex Society For Family History Chelmsford Group Meeting The Golden Fleece - Definately 90s Star & Garter - Fast on the Draw United Brethren - Mike O’Leary Band Sunday 22nd Star & Garter - Open mic/jam United Brethren - Sunday Sessions: Bigt Joe Bone (3pm)
Please send us your events for the next edition (for events between 20th April and 22nd May) to: editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk
CT Business: Anything You Can Do - by Lindsay Whitehouse ATP Heating can be found just off the Old Roxwell Road on the Reeds Farm Estate in Writtle. The company will install your oil tank and boiler then maintain the system. I did not appreciate just how many households do not have access to a mains gas supply. Apparently there are quite a few houses in Leaden Roding, Dunmow, and Hatfield Peverel that rely on oil power.The ATP team also look after heating systems on a number of houseboats dotted around the county. OK, we all have our stories to tell about the Beast from the East. Imagine living in a lovely, but isolated, country cottage. There is no gas supply and your oil boiler is not working, almost certainly it is frozen and broken.
You manage to find a local company, you call them, more in hope than expectation. You find a lady on the end of the phone who tells you how busy the company is but she talks you through some simple things you could do to get your boiler fired up. Free advice - how good is this!? For lots of people this would be enough to enable them to get their oil boiler working. Oh bliss, you wonder how the lady on the end of the phone can know so much. How did she know how to fix it when she did not even see it? In your own mind you compare this type of service with the service you might expect to receive from a call centre located who knows where. Local companies work best, don’t they!? ATP Heating has no big conglomerates as business rivals. Probably because the big guns could not possibly provide service to this standard. Despite this great advice, some boilers will just not start. You wait for the engineer to arrive and before you know it, you hear the van outside and you dash out to greet your saviour. Except, your saviour does not look like you expected. There is no big burly man with a bag full of spanners, but there is Tania from ATP heating, one of only two female oil boiler engineers in Essex. In no time at all, problem sorted.
the company. She is helped by Office guru Angela who also worked with Steve. On the day I arrived, I was met by Tania’s daughter and Steve’s granddaughter, Phoebe. Even the dog who loudly announced my arrival is a female. There are some men around, but only Julie is qualified to drive the big truck that is sometimes needed to transport and fit a new oil tank. Tania is training up a man to the high standards demanded by the regulator, Oftec. When he is qualified, Tania will be able to cut back on her current 7-day working week. Julie runs a tight ship, and I was pleased to note that she does not have huge amounts of capital tied up in the business. She insists on buying her own vehicles and keeping them in tip top condition. However the main business asset is the team that provides the service. Julie was clear that good customer service is her number one priority. She told me that if boilers are properly and regularly serviced, they are unlikely to break down. When she says a service, she means a full service. Every working part must be checked, cleaned and tested. All householders should remember that. I know it can be tempting to skip on a service schedule when money is tight. However, it is a false economy. It is an old business maxim that prevention is better than cure. Julie tends to keep her customers, many of whom were initially the customers of Steve. Her team have also delivered a service to a number of the more famous residents of Essex, amongst them Rod Stewart, Suzi Quatro, Frank Bruno and David Gold. However she is probably more proud of providing a service to someone who may be elderly, perhaps vulnerable, and isolated. During severe weather ATP Heating is effectively the fourth emergency service. Julie knows her market and she wants to continue working in this area, but she will gravitate out to other parts of Essex. Other local companies provide a similar service. Most of the engineers in this business were trained by ATP’s founder, Steve Machin. Julie is pragmatic, she knows that if her team deliver a great service and meet high expectations, there will be enough business to go round. ATP are pretty busy in the summer when much of their servicing work is carried out. It is hard to manage capacity in a business of this kind, so Julie has a few people she can call on when it is really busy or if one of her key team members is ill. This tight logistical management is essential for any successful small business. It means the business can meet demand and not turn away customers. ATP is a business with decent cash flow and their domestic customers tend to pay on time. They don’t have hugely expensive premises, they have a niche market and deliver the highest level of customer service. They know their local market and market their service right to the core rural areas that are likely to need it. Steve would be delighted to see his business going from strength. The ladies who took it on are thriving in what many see as a very male environment. It was that famous Wild West character Annie Oakley who sang ‘Anything you can do, I can do better...’ Julie and Tania take it to another level, by showing the men how to do it. www.atpheatingservices.co.uk 01245 422 355
Tania told me that when she goes to work in someone’s house, if there is a little girl around she will often sit in complete silence and observe everything that she does. Tania is the step daughter of the founder of ATP Heating, Steve Machin. Sadly, Steve died in 2012 and the business was inherited by his brothers. However, his sister-in-law Julie carried on running
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Chelmsford Storytelling Club My name is Shane Ibbs and I am a traditional oral storyteller, I am a member of The Society of Storytelling and the Representative for Essex. I also run a bi-monthly traditional oral storytelling event called Tall Tales & Short Stories in Chelmsford at the United Brethren pub (The UB).
What is traditional oral storytelling and why is there a growing resurgence you may ask? I will try and explain: As our lives become more consumed by social media, screens and work, we are slowly becoming more disconnected with each other, and some would argue that we are becoming disconnected from our true selves. This is directly opposed to how we have lived for millennia and people are beginning to realise this. We are social beings, we are all a story - and we love nothing more than being social, together, connected. Anyone who has been to a music concert or festival knows how connected we feel when we all sing that same song together, for instance. Storytelling when experienced live has a similar effect, we all tell and hear stories every day. Traditional oral storytelling is somewhere between Shakespeare and Kate Tempest. However it is also very unique. It is perhaps easier to say what it is not, rather than what it is, so here goes: It is not poetry yet it can have rhyme and rhythm. It is not acting, but has characters. A story is not learnt verbatim or from a script, it can be written down but we do not read it out (ever). Stories are mythical, fantastical and unfamiliar and yet they sound somewhat familiar. They are not a lie and yet some of it is not true... It can be truthful and yet it could be a lie. When we are asked as storytellers: ‘Is it true?’ we say: ‘You may find some of your truth in the story’. We have another saying; we never tell the same story the same way, twice, each telling is different. We react to the audience, picking up cues from the people listening, from the immediate environment, the sounds and the sights. They can become a small part of the story told that day. It is often said that we tell ‘eye to eye, mind to mind and heart to heart’. Neuroscience has found that the parts of the storyteller’s brain that lights up when telling a story, are the very same parts that also light up in the audience’s brain. Isn’t storytelling just for children? Definitely not. Just take a look at
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how many storytelling clubs and events for grown ups are active in London and other cities across the UK. It’s a growing phenomenon. If you like or love spoken word, if you like to laugh, dream, relax or listen to stories, then this is for you. Check out my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/storytellershane. co.uk) or my website (www.storytellershane.co.uk) or email shane@ storytellershane.co.uk to keep up to date with events (the next one is in March). People comment that the atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly and no you do not have to tell a story, ever (unless you want to). We love story listeners as much as storytellers!
Single Essex Friends
Single Essex Friends is a small friendly self-run group for single, divorced, and widowed people over 50. We have now been running for 9 years in the area. Non members are welcome to come to one of our fortnightly bar nights held in Billericay on Mondays. Why not come along and meet some of us? There is no obligation to join on the first couple of bar nights that you attend. Members put on events themselves, but new members are not expected to do this for the first couple of months - unless of course, they want to. The events that are put on include meals out, West End and local theatre trips, socials, short walks and days out, cinema nights, garden parties and BBQs. We are also always happy for someone to come up with other ideas at our 3 monthly planning and social afternoon. Even though we base our bar night in Billericay, members come from a wide range of Essex, including Hornchurch, Thurrock, Tollesbury, Rayleigh and mid-Essex. We are non-profit making and run for members by members! If you would like to learn more, please telephone 07922 415 298 or contact us via our Meet Up site: Single Essex Friends (www.meetup. com/Single-Essex-Friends). We look forward to hearing from you!
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The Transition Art Gallery - Opening Night Chelmsford’s City Park West development has enjoyed the opening night of The Transition Art Gallery with a showcase of paintings of the development and surrounding site.
Bridget said: “The Transition is a great place in the centre of Chelmsford for work, art and socialising. Exhibitions will feature new and more established artists.” Gallery owner Andy Pinkney’s enterprise also offers freelancers and start-ups a desk hire service. “In essence, you get to work in a professional environment, free to interact with other professionals.” said Andy. City Park West will soon offer a collection of brand new one and two bedroom apartments in the centre of Chelmsford. The Transition is close to Chelmsford’s train and bus stations in Fenton Court.
April/May Issue Deadlines: Artwork - 4th April The Mayor and Mayoress of Chelmsford, Councillor Duncan Lumley and his wife Edna, were joined by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jon de Vries and his wife Deputy Mayoress Maria as well as over a hundred guests to celebrate the opening of the new exhibition on Tuesday evening. Higgins Construction and Genesis were also there to support the evening.
Articles - 12th April
The first exhibition includes vivid watercolour paintings by former BBC Essex presenter and City Park West’s Bridget Metcalfe, who began painting the views from the windows of an apartment with her left hand after breaking her right wrist last year.
Hairy Monster - Random Thoughts
I was travelling to Malaga on a Ryanair flight a few days ago and I was lucky enough to be allocated a window seat at no extra cost. Wow, I thought, how good is this! I’d only paid £18 for the flight. As the plane filled up, there was no sign of any neighbour and I looked forward to stretching out for the three hour flight... Of course, this smug feeling didn’t last long. Just as it seemed the last passengers were aboard, a young couple trundled up to the steps, loaded down with hand luggage - and a small baby. Of course, they were sitting next to me. It would be inexact to say they were of large build, they were huge and they spent the entire flight passing their offspring back and forth, which involved elbowing me in the ribs each time. Whilst I have no objection to breast-feeding in public or anywhere else, the ensuing odour of regurgitated milk and soiled nappy was enough to put me off my in-flight meal of spaghetti bolognese. The flight was, however, made memorable for me not for the aforementioned shenanigans but for the humour of the pilot. Ryanair runs a lottery for charity, and mid-flight the pilot announced the imminent approach of the cabin crew with the dreaded scratch cards. After the obligatory spiel about the altruism of the airline, he proceeded to reel off a list of prizes. £1,000, £2,000, £5,000, a car or a jackpot of £1 million. “Think of it” he said, “a million pounds you’d never have to fly with Ryanair again”. For the first time in my life I bought a scratch card. It is heartbreaking to hear of the death of Rob O’Conner, a man who was forced by circumstances to live on the streets of Chelmsford. How on earth can this happen in a wealthy town in a wealthy country in the twenty first century? It beggars belief that a man who suffered from throat cancer and who was unable to speak could die such a
tragic and lonely death. It’s only two years since there were plans to criminalise the homeless, so let’s hope that the agencies and the council will now be more proactive in solving the growing problem of homelessness in our city. With so many commercial premises lying dormant, maybe some of them could be converted for use as temporary shelters until there is a more permanent solution. We can’t go on ignoring the problem or blaming the homeless for their plight. It is a community issue and we as a community must put pressure on the powers that be to end this disgraceful situation. In the meantime, dig deep and fill those Sanctus collecting tins. Their café seems to be the only place that works hands-on and unconditionally for and with the homeless. I was pleased to hear that the council have decided to invest a large sum of money in the retail market. It’s long overdue and let’s hope they consult with traders this time, as the last refurbishment in the ‘90s was a mess, and traders are still serving from stalls made from scaffold poles. The market itself has always been a great place to find a bargain, to wander round and to meet friendly traders (well, most of them!) so let’s hope the improvements help ensure the continued presence of one of Chelmsford’s best assets for years to come.
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Wildlife Corner - by Nick Green In February the weather continued wet, the river levels remained high and then a cold spell followed with low temperatures and snow plus prolonged easterly winds at the end of the month! Despite this, with increasing day length and bird song, spring is truly approaching. The first African bird migrants will soon be passing through, like sandwich terns, sand martins, swallows and chiffchaffs.
The siskin Carduelis spinus is a common winter visitor and passage migrant to Essex in variable numbers. In a good year birds will be attracted to garden feeding stations. The species breeds in the coniferous forests of the boreal and temperate zones from Male Siskin (copyright Glyn Evans) Britain across to Sakhalin Island in the far east in the Japanese Sea. Although coniferous plantations are their preferred nesting habitat, there has been no confirmed breeding records in Essex. Autumn migration begins usually in August and most notable movements have occurred in the northeast, such as The Naze.
Beer - by Simon Tippler of Round Tower Brewery
A lot has changed over the last few years since I have been writing this column. The number of breweries in the UK has increased from around 1,200 to 2,000 and the influences from across the pond have changed the styles of beer and flavours that are now considered as acceptable and even desirable. Another quite significant change has to be the range of beer that you can find on the supermarket shelf. Punk IPA, now ubiquitous, started the avalanche of hop forward beer being available to the masses by appearing on supermarket shelves so you didn’t have to search out the specialist beer shops. Now walking down the beer aisle you are offered a great range of bottles and cans of craft beer from around the UK. A particular favourite of mine is anything from Vocation Brewery inWest Yorkshire, in particular Life & Death. I think that the change in the kind of beers available in supermarkets shows a real change in the nation’s palate. This change is slowly coming through into the pub trade. This increased availability of beer in supermarkets has meat that specialist beer shops have to work harder to entice you in to buy their beer, meaning that you can often find amazing beer on their shelves. Some new beers just coming to market are causing a buzz on social media (either due to a great marketing budget or just great beer), such as from Verdant Brewery (Cornwall) and Cloudwater (Manchester), or some of the small batch beers from breweries that supply their core range to the supermarkets, like Northern Monk (Leeds).
CT Thoughts If you rip a hole in a net, there are actually fewer holes in it than there were before!
Numbers increase in December as the wintering population builds up to a peak in January. Favoured trees are alder and birch and quite often in association with other finches. By the end of February, spring passage is apparent and favoured sites include Ongar Park Wood and Thorndon Country Park. Recent Essex Wildlife News The most noteworthy February 2018 news: Hawfinches continued to be seen at various woods all around the county as mentioned the last few months, with an amazing 70-plus at Meece Brook, Hatfield Forest. The largest Essex flock was an incredible 200 at Epping Forest on 28th February 1942. Abberton Reservoir: 3 great white egret, 3 bitterns, up to 10 smew, 3 little stint, slavonian and black-necked grebes. Rainham Marshes RSPB: 2 water pipit, little stint. Harwich: 5 waxwing. Jaywick: 9 snow bunting. Wallasea Island RSPB: 2 whooper swans, 4 white-fronted and pink-footed geese, 2 hen harrier plus 11 shorelark for a couple of days. Nationally, notable selected highlights included: Cornwall: Pacific diver. Isles of Scilly: snowy owl. Hampshire: a Thayer’s gull. Orkney: an American northern harrier. Shetland Isles: an American pied-billed grebe, white-billed diver, surf scoter and king eider. Dorset: an American stilt sandpiper and Ross’s gull.
Chelmsford Library News
Baby and Toddler Rhymetimes are changing their dates from the 5th March. Dates as follows: Tuesday 10.15am and 11.15am Thursday 10.15am and 11.15am Saturday 11am Daddy Cool: 7th April, 5th May, 2nd June Enjoy Rhymes and songs for the under 5s. Join in the fun, make new friends, sing along with your children and follow the actions. If you don’t know the words it doesn’t matter, we’ll sing along with you! Please note that during this transition period, places may be limited while we adapt to our new layout. New Babies New Parents Starting on Wednesday 28th March we are having a New Baby Rhymetime session aimed at newborns, new parents and grandparents. This is an exciting new venture and will be for half an hour between 3.30pm-4.00pm every Wednesday. It will be held in our new modern and bright Children’s Library. Saturday Community Teatime Saturday 31st March between 10.30am-11.30am we have a guest speaker who has written an eclectic and colourful collection of poetry. Janet Frost says: “I write about the Five Fs in my life: My Faith, My Family, My Friends (including the furry variety), My Frustrations (everything from bad driving being late doing the weekly shopping technology and also my battle with Mental Health Issues). My poems will make you laugh, cry and make you think. They are modern and deal with surviving this modern world.” Bereavement Aftercare and Support Group hosted by COOP Funeral Directors This is held in a private space to enable you to chat and meet other people in a similar situation, between 9am -11am. These meetings are held monthly, with the next one on Saturday 7th April. All ages welcome. Should you like more information about support groups and aftercare, visit www.funerals.chelmsfordstar.coop. For more information on our events and services, visit libraries. essex.gov.uk. Please also follow and/or ‘like’ us on our new Chelmsford Library Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ChelmsfordCentralLibrary.
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Therapy - by Chelmsford Therapy Rooms Hi everyone, Jenny here. I’m taking a slightly different slant on todays article. Rather than talking about a specific type of therapy or ‘issue’ I’m writing about mental health, mindset and personal development in general. A couple of weeks ago I went to an amazing Expo called The Best You. It’s all about personal and professional development but also improving the world in general by everyone looking after themselves, each other, the environment etc. This event tends to appeal in particular to those with experience of NLP, life coaching and hypnotherapy. The tag line for the event is ‘arrive with questions and leave with answers’. There are workshops on everything from healthy eating, fitness, motivation, mindset, how to set and achieve goals and lots and lots of other areas! The Best You corporation is owned by Bernardo Moya, an editor/ author/publisher/TV producer/CEO of NLP Life Training. He has been a leader in the personal and professional development industry for over a decade due to his experience in the self help industry, entrepreneurial mindset and many longstanding collaborations with leaders in the personal development industry, including individuals such as Paul McKenna and Richard Bandler, two individuals who are deeply involved with change using hypnosis. He is passionate about motivating people to live their best lives, as well as ensuring they leave a positive legacy and help look after the planet. This year, the event was held at Olympia and was split into various areas. Upstairs in the third floor auditorium was the Main Stage featuring such speakers as Paul McKenna (hypnotherapist and life coach), Jason Vale (the ‘juice master!’ specialist in health, addiction and juicing), Mirela Sula (founder of Global Woman magazine with a background in psychology, counselling, coaching, journalism, women’s rights and training) and Eric Ho (an entrepreneur who dropped out of college at 19 and now speaks internationally about his business success and balancing that with spiritual wellbeing) and many more. I went to see Paul McKenna and he gave a very interesting 2-hour workshop on various hypnotherapy and NLP techniques. He also had a few volunteers up on stage so that he could demonstrate how hypnosis and NLP can be used to treat certain issues. He even used some hypnosis techniques on the entire audience - I must admit sitting in an auditorium in a light trance with hundreds of other people was a new experience for me! Another angle Paul mentioned was that hypnosis and NLP techniques are not necessarily a ‘one-stop shop’. It’s important to keep up with practising them, if anything just to check in with yourself and keep up with your mental health. I totally agree, and I’m so glad he mentioned this very important point! Anyway, back to the Expo. On the first floor there were the following sections offering relevant workshops and exhibitors: • • • • •
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workshops and exhibitors that show you how to make your business idea profitable! Wealth and Riches: For those that already have a business, how to make your business more profitable and what to do with that profit, ie, creating a ‘money mindset’, learning money management etc. Yoga and Meditation Room: Different types of yoga and meditation for those that want to try it out or expand their horizons.
There was also a book shop and book signings, so you could meet your favourite author if they were there. I’m afraid I didn’t go to see anyone at the signing, I was in a workshop about networking at the time which has already culminated in someone emailing me thanking me for a lead I gave them - and they were also informing me a hypnotherapist friend was interested in joining Chelmsford Therapy Rooms - these events really do work! I went to this event last year and honestly it was life changing. I saw some people I recognised from last year so that was nice (I’m hoping to make contact again via the wonder of social media so I can keep in touch). I wanted to write about this Expo because I know that many people out there might have an interest in hypnotherapy, personal development, NLP, life coaching etc, but perhaps don’t know where to start. Going to something like this, an Expo where most of the exhibitors and people speaking at the workshops have been through dramatic and sometimes life changing events and have come out of it and want to share their stories, might be a good start for anyone feeling a bit lost. Your ticket in gives you access to all of the workshops - and you don’t have to sign up to anything either. It costs more to go and see the speakers on the main stage but they do have offers on, so keep your eyes peeled! If anyone is interested in going next year the website is www.thebestyouexpo.com - keep an eye out for the dates for next year’s event! If anyone is interested in seeing a therapist, Chelmsford Therapy Rooms has a range of therapists that can help with a multitude of issues, offering many therapies from hypnotherapy to counselling to nutrition. Please see the website www.chelmsfordtherapyrooms.co.uk or you can email info@chelmsfordtherapyrooms.co.uk or call 0330 100 5162. Chelmsford Therapy Rooms is owned and run by Jenny Hartill, an integrative counsellor and hypnotherapist, who is happy to answer any questions!
A Better World: How to create and live in a better world for all of us looking at lots of factors including environmental and personal issues. Best For Business: How to make your business successful, but also what is the definition of success to you? Ie, not just making lots of money. Empowering Women: Not just from a business perspective but a personal one too, whether that’s looking at self esteem, confidence, or your own personal soul journey. Health and Lifestyle: Nutrition, fitness, motivation, mindset everything that contributes to your health and how you live your life for the best you. Inspiration Zone: This is the ‘practical’ area, looking at overcoming phobias and improving esteem and generally having a jolly good time! Workshops included salsa dancing, singing, pole dancing, phobia cures and photo shoots to boost esteem. Life and Work Balance: Exactly what it says on the tin; how to balance life and work to live a happier more fulfilled life. Mindfulness and Wellbeing: Looking at changing mindset, getting in touch with yourself and healing anything that might be holding you back. Passion to Profit: Got a business idea? This section has
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Pilates, Yoga, Meditation Book your space online or call: Small Classes & 1-2-1’s www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk Inspirational Teachers 01245 422556 Friendly, Community Vibe Reeds Farm Estate, Writtle, CM1 2ST
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How to Find Peace in the Chaos - by Kellie Jones Peace - freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions ‘I have been in perfect peace and contentment’ (JH Newman)
This is not the first description I found whilst researching for this article but it is my favourite one. Here are some others:
few beers in peace...”
Freedom from disturbance; tranquillity. “he just wanted to drink a
A state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended. synonyms: law and order, lawfulness, order, peacefulness, peaceableness, harmony, harmoniousness, accord, concord, amity, amicableness, goodwill, friendship, cordiality, non-aggression, nonviolence.
Yamas are things not to do, or restraints, while the Niyamas are things to do, or observances. By practising being, not just doing yoga, the principles guide how we relate to other people and how we take care of ourselves. I don’t have enough word count to explain them all, but to give you an idea of a couple of the easier concepts, the Yamas of non violence and truthfulness, and the Niyamas of self study and contentment may help you to see how yoga can change our outlook. You may well be thinking that these are impossible ideals, but I see people striving for physical and material ideals every day hoping that they will bring contentment, only to find that they are still unhappy deep down. If we put that much focus into nurturing compassion for ourselves and each other surely that will radiate out and others will want to know what we are doing to be more at peace? I’m feeling hopeful that with the rise in the popularity of yoga, that eventually the majority will place less importance on being amazing at the physical asanas and will find harmony by employing the other 7 limbs of yoga. Even pilates with it’s safe reputation is still a step towards becoming more aware of yourself, as it is a very mindful way of moving your body and connecting to your feelings. If being on a yoga mat is just not your thing then maybe just sitting and practising mindfulness may be all you need to be more peaceful. Check out our schedule of classes, courses and workshops and see if anything jumps out at you. This month we have started our first 4 week Mindfulness Meditation course on Wednesdays (or Hump Day) at 7pm-8.30pm. If you can invest just £25 per week on peace of mind, imagine how much money you’ll save in the long run on all the stuff that just doesn’t fulfill you? Until next month, much peace and love to you from all from Hummingbird PY. Find out more at www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk, or call 01245 422 556.
CT Thoughts
Hmm, no wonder so many of us have no idea what peace really feels like if we think it is when we are not at war or having a quiet beer! I can’t say either way how true this fact that I found from 2003 is, but I’m pretty sure it’s not far off:
If vampires can’t see their own reflections, why is their hair always so neat?
Out of 3,400 years, there has been ‘peace’ for just 268... I felt like I needed a beer when I read that! Just like we seem to believe that wellness is not being ill, it really is quite a limiting concept when you think about it. It’s a belief that keeps us focussed on not being ill and not being at war. It’s a belief that keeps the disquieting, oppressive thoughts and emotions on a conveyor belt loop of low energy. Eek! I definitely know that it’s time for us to individually and collectively see beyond these limits and find a better way of being. So how can we find inner peace and peace in general through yoga? The Yamas and Niyamas are yoga’s moral and ethical guidelines, like a map written to guide you on your life’s journey. Simply put, the www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk Page 23
The History of Marconi in Chelmsford: Part Six - by Stephen Norris Chairman Admiral HW Grant resigned immediately after the English Electric Company takeover, which was not a surprise since he was 79 years of age. More unusual was that all the rest of the board of directors resigned en masse. The thirteen members were replaced by a board of only five. Nelson, the boss of EE, chose FN Sutherland to be the new general manager of Marconi at New Street. He had started with EE as an apprentice in 1922 and was both a highly qualified engineer and a successful manager. Sutherland had no connection with Marconi’s past way of doing things and was a good fighter. All the engineers thought he couldn’t possibly have any knowledge of electronics, in fact he had a long-standing interest in radio. After he took up his appointment, initially he did little preferring to assess his workforce and listen. In interview he said his aims were to increase production and improve the welfare of the workers. Although the workers were sceptical about the latter, there was a continuous improvement in working conditions and welfare facilities in which Sutherland’s wife played an important role. Sutherland showed the men a desire to run the company his way using methods that were often alien to them, but he shared with them an urge to see the company make progress. Although he did not make the informal addresses which the workers had become used to, he quickly became recognised as a man who got things done. New equipment, which had been impossible to get immediately after the war, began arriving and was quickly installed. Methods of working were not changed drastically overnight. Model shop methods of assembly by skilled craftsmen were still retained for large pieces of equipment. A new accountancy system was quickly formed with a new form of developmental planning. In addition, a technical sales department was established along with a new drawing office. When materials for production started arriving an increase in production finally came about after the fuel shortages abated. This was passed on in the form of increased wages and salaries resulting in a further improvement in the mood at the works. Another of Sutherland’s successes was in the appointment of key staff. He made Robert Telford a Marconi man who he had met out in Brazil, his assistant. Twenty years later Sutherland was Chairman of the company and Telford his Managing Director. Sutherland appointed RJ Kemp as Chief of Research and a Dr E Eastwood, who came from English Electric, his Deputy Chief. Eastwood had a high level background in radar research with the RAF. Nelson let Sutherland manage the company the way he wanted, safe in the knowledge that he would approve of his methods. Sutherland applied the same approach to the six new company divisions which he established. Each division had its own sales force. He gave the chiefs of division considerable freedom in how they ran their particular area and the new divisions gave much greater incentives to individuals at various levels. The progress of radar during the war and the company’s role in it, had been staggering. Although it was almost certain that post war demand for military radar would continue to expand, the commercial possibilities for radar appeared more debateable. Eastwood however had no doubts. He brought with him a contract from English Electric for a reworking of one of the wartime types of radar. This was to play a vital role in the company’s performance in markets for military and civil air traffic control. The sudden emergence of the Cold War made the building of new radars to wartime designs urgent. In a report requested by the RAF, Eastwood recommended the design of a completely new radar chain. After this was accepted by the government the New Street factory was put on a virtual war footing to produce the equipment for the new permanent and mobile stations which the company had designed. Despite extensive shift work, English Electric had to use a former shadow factory in Accrington and a hundred sub contractors. By the time the system was finished in 1955, the Services Equipment Division had been renamed the Radar Division.
At the same time civil aviation was beginning to recover and expand, which brought about a demand for improved methods of air traffic control. In 1950 the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation bought Marconi height finder and early warning radars for use at London Airport. Eastwood was heavily involved in the adaptation of new experimental defence radar for civil use. The first results of this research, the S232 50cm radar, was installed at London Airport in 1954. Its success was followed by many sales by the company in the following decade worth millions of pounds after the government allowed the sale of ‘fixed coil’ systems to NATO countries. Marconi gradually increased the power of these systems in equipment produced for New Zealand and Sweden. The military and civil radar system developed for the latter in 1959 involved the use of a high speed digital computer to both overcome problems of interception and to bring into use various types of weapons such as fighters and guided missiles at the right instant. The system involved the use of closed circuit television. The company’s high brightness display, first used at Gatwick Airport in 1962, was extensively used by the mid 1960s. As early as 1950 a patent was taken out by Christopher Cockerell, later to be the inventor of the hovercraft. This was to find the height of aircraft electronically. Such equipment remained too expensive for a long time and by the 1960s Marconi’s radar equipment was increasingly using transistor and microprocessor units. This involved the development of various forms of tabular display. The development of secondary radar allowing stations to identify ‘friend or foe’ aircraft was adapted for civil use. The need for computers in the development of new complex radar systems brought about Marconi’s involvement in new computer systems, which should have resulted in Marconi becoming a world leader in computer development. In the late 1950s a great deal of research went into microcircuit techniques, both semi-conductor and thin film. The production of previous computers, the MENTOR system was halted and a new machine called the MYRIAD, using microcircuits, went into production. By 1965 four out of five of British civil airways sites were equipped with Marconi radar. In 1966 the company had produced a computerised air traffic control system for London Airport. Developments at Marconi Radar enabled the company to get a foothold in the production of civil aircraft radar after the war. Post war aircraft such as the de Havilland Comet, the English Electric Canberra, the Armstrong Whitworth Apollo, the Bristol Freighter and the Handley Page Hermes IV were all installed with Marconi equipment. Marconi was just one of a large number of firms and government research departments which extensively researched the development of a device which would enable aircraft to navigate independently of all ground stations, and the extremely limited conventional compass. By the early 1950s most of this research was concentrated on the use of the so called ‘Doppler effect’ in physics. After extensive research at the Great Baddow laboratory, a prototype was produced and tested at Writtle. After initial suspicion, civil airlines embraced the ‘Marconi doppler’ with enthusiasm and in the 1960s whole fleets were fitted with the’ black boxes’. This was followed by a new direction finder, the AD712 which sold well on the continent, but not in America because it wasn’t adapted to meet US standards. An adapted version of this was used in the Canberra which set three flight records - a Marconi engineer was present throughout. By the late 1950s, transistors were gradually replacing valves in transmitters and receivers. New transistor equipment was unveiled by the company at the 1960 Farnborough air show. ‘They set new standards in reduced size, weight and power consumption and in reliability and ease of maintenance.’ This was an example of years of Marconi research resulting in millions of pounds of orders.
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All Ears! A New Look for Hearing Help Essex!
reach more people across the county.
Following the appointment of new CEO Sophie Biebuyck and a successful relocation to Moulsham Street in Chelmsford, Hearing Help Essex is delighted to launch its new logo in a bid to
A quarter of a million people in Essex have some degree of hearing loss. Hearing Help Essex exists to alleviate the isolation and loneliness that hearing loss can bring. They work with those who have lived in the hearing world and who now find themselves with some degree of hearing loss by offering practical help, support and guidance. The charity now run 3 services for residents of Essex living with hearing loss: Hearing Aid Support sessions across Chelmsford, Maldon, Braintree, Uttlesford and Basildon districts. These drop-in sessions are run by a team of dedicated volunteers who are able to offer advice and guidance, as well as clean and re-tube NHS hearing aids with moulds. The volunteers, many of whom are hard of hearing themselves, can empathise as well as offer practical help
and guidance. Information, Advice and Support service; The charity have two Outreach Workers who run regular information sessions at Broomfield, Basildon, Brentwood, Braintree and Epping Hospitals and at various ‘pop-up’ venues across the county. 1-2-1 appointments for this service can be arranged to try out assistive equipment, either at the charity’s resource centre in Chelmsford, or at the client’s home. A Befriending Service is offered to those who have become isolated by their hearing loss and is delivered by a specially trained team of volunteers who can provide a friendly conversation and companionship on a regular basis. The full list of hearing aid support sessions and events can be found by visiting the charity’s website at www.hearinghelpessex.org.uk. For further information, please contact the team at Hearing Help Essex. Email info@hearinghelpessex.org.uk, phone 01245 496347, or text 07950 406 173.
CT Thoughts
What if dogs only bring back the ball because he/she thinks you like throwing it?
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PechaKucha Comes to Chelmsford! The name PechaKucha means ‘chitchat’ in Japanese. The first PK Night, held in Japan in 2003, was the brainstorm of two architects who wanted to allow young designers to meet, show their work and exchange ideas. After that, other cities around the globe began hosting the special nights - and on the 31st May 2018, Chelmsford makes its debut. Lauren Plummer of Chelmsford is credited with bringing the idea to the city after establishing a handshake agreement with the parent organisation in Japan and agreeing to host a number of PK Nights each year. PechaKucha Chelmsford Vol. 1 promises short, dynamic and powerful presentations on topics ranging from design, to 10 things you didn’t know about the female orgasm and everything in between! Seven or so speakers on a variety of topics will entertain and educate the audience. Each presenter will use a ‘20x20’ format in which 20 images are projected for 20 seconds each, keeping talks short and meaningful. It has the feel of an open mic night and it’s informal and a lot of fun! Our first PechaKucha Night will be hosted at Transition, opposite Chelmsford Train Station at 7.30pm on Thursday, 31st May. Details of our fab presenters will be announced in the run up to the event.
A PechaKucha Night is like a box of chocolates - you don’t know what you’re going to get. You can hear someone talk about raising pigmy goats and the next person might talk about architectural design. We hope these nights will attract people who want to find things out! It’s about making connections and having a sense of community and it’s about hearing stories that you wouldn’t hear otherwise. Although some have compared PechaKucha to the popular TED talks, I’d say there are some important differences. We prefer the realness of PechaKucha presentations. They aren’t as polished and they don’t require so much time and effort. PK Nights are open to anyone - no auditions required. Those who’d like to take part need only come up with a creative topic and write a script with 20 images to match - though it’s probably best to watch a few presentations online beforehand at www.pechakucha.org/watch. Want to Go? PechaKucha Chelmsford, Vol. 1 7.30pm-10.30pm on Thursday 31st May Transition, Fenton Court, Chelmsford, CM1 1LW £5 entrance (advance tickets are available via the links below) More information: www.pechakucha.org/cities/chelmsford www.facebook.com/PKNChelmsford twitter.com/PKNChelmsford Anyone interested in presenting can contact organisers at pechakuchachelmsford@gmail.com.
Speak up About Crime in the Essex Countryside Independent charity Crimestoppers is asking people in the region to speak up about crime in the countryside, including the Chelmsford area and surrounding villages
Waltham near Chelmsford, know only too well the impact of rural crime. In 2017 there were three break ins or attempted break ins at their store and post office.
A new campaign against rural crime has been launched across Essex, where nearly one third of all reported crime is classed as rural - with violence the most common category. Crimestoppers believes everyone has the right to feel safe from crime, wherever they live. The charity gives people the power to speak up, stay safe and stop crime 100% anonymously, either by calling the professionally staffed 24-hour UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 or by using the non-traceable anonymous online form. There’s no ID, no police contact, no witness statements, no courts. In the county, information given to Crimestoppers led to more than 300 people arrested and charged between April and September last year (2017) and the numbers continue to increase. With a focus on raising awareness of crime in the countryside, Chair of Crimestoppers in Essex, Stuart Rawlins, said: “Rural crime not only has a significant effect on the farming community and those who live and work in the countryside, it also impacts on those in towns and cities. Our aim is to keep the countryside safer for all of us by getting that message across using social media, leaflets and other tools. “In countryside communities, people tend to know who’s who and they may have information about crime which could be important. It could also mean they won’t want to tell police because they fear reprisals. Crimestoppers charity can give them reassure thanks to our guarantee of anonymity.” The rural crime campaign will be in three stages. Social media has already been used to target hotspot areas and more will be rolled out during the next few months. Leaflets and posters will also be distributed to a number of partner organisations, many in smaller communities in the countryside, and village magazines will be asked to help promote the campaign. Pauline and Keith Newton, who own Walthambury Stores in Great
“We were devastated each time,” said Pauline. “We work incredibly hard to serve our local community and to have our livelihood threatened by criminals was incredibly upsetting. “As well as the emotional toll, there’s the cost of the repairs, the effect on our customers and the fact we’ve continued to invest in new security measures. If this campaign encourages more people to speak up when they hear or see something to do with a potential crime, then we would certainly welcome it.” Crimes against property, crimes of violence, domestic violence, child abuse, trafficking and hate crimes all take place in rural communities, while rural crime itself includes theft of high value agricultural equipment, vehicles, heating oil, metal, diesel and pesticides. Serious and organised crime groups are often linked to rural, heritage and wildlife crime, such as hare coursing and cannabis cultivation. More than 1,000 people contact the Crimestoppers charity every day which leads to around 14 people being arrested and charged each day. Calls and information passed to Crimestoppers are not recorded and cannot be traced. You will be 100% anonymous. Always. Crimestoppers is not an emergency service and in the event of an emergency you should always ring 999. For more information on Crimestoppers in Essex, visit www. crimestoppers-uk.org/in-your-area-eastern/essex.
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113 Years Old - a Time for Reflection 23rd February 1905, the date when Rotary began in Chicago. From modest beginnings with five businessmen meeting together, Rotary now has 1.25 million members in nearly 200 countries, so is a major player in the world of voluntary service and has been judged by Charity Navigator to be in the top 1% of all charities throughout the world, with a perfect 100% score when judged on financial health, accountability and transparency. There aren’t many organisations that can look back over a history of 113 years. With so many milestones it is difficult to pick out just a few. However, at the top of any list must be the work Rotary has done to eradicate polio. From 350,000 new cases every year at the beginning of the campaign to just 22 cases in 2017, Rotary has been relentless in its efforts to end polio once and for all, not just by raising millions of pounds but also through lobbying governments and hands-on immunisation days. Locally, 30,000 crocus corms were planted last year at Hyde Hall and clubs will be revisiting the site to witness a flood of purple blooms signifying the purple dye administered to children’s little fingers to show they have had the immunisation drops. At Admiral’s Park Chelmsford, clubs planted purple crocuses a few years ago and people in Chelmsford can still enjoy the burst of colour each year. Another part of the Rotary family also celebrating a big birthday is Rotaract which is 50 years old this month. Rotaract is the original 18-30 club with a great social aspect but also providing important, life-changing services in the community. Although anyone over 18 can be a Rotarian, many of the younger generation choose to remain Rotaractors whilst some have a dual membership. It is understood that different generations have their own ideas on how to do things, so whilst it is wonderful to work together on some projects, it is also beneficial for the younger group to make their own decisions and not be inhibited at all by old traditions. In fact, the world has changed dramatically in the last half century and it is not uncommon these days to find successful entrepreneurs or CEOs in their twenties, so they form part of the movers and shakers of modern society with the energy to make positive change. Communityminded people, whatever their age or background, bring their own skills and it is one of Rotary’s strengths to see people from all walks of life, race, religion, colour, gender and age pulling in the same direction. From my point of view, I welcome all Rotaractors and young Rotarians alike as they are the ones to ensure Rotary’s good work is to continue for another 113 years at least. So polio at the top and setting up Rotaract on the list too, but the list of achievements is as long as your arm. If I had to choose just one more broad section it would be the Rotary Youth Competitions featuring Youth Speaks, Young Chef, Young Writer, Young Musician, Young Photographer, Young Technician and the RYLA - the Rotary Young Leaders Award. These events give so much scope for our
children to showcase their talents, improve their skills and have lots of enjoyment. The standard is amazing and over the next few weeks we will see the culmination of some of these competitions and we hope Chelmsford pupils will be successful at regional and national levels. I am not sure how you are supposed to celebrate a 113th birthday. There haven’t been that many precedents, but if you are fit enough then probably the best way is to carry on doing the things you most enjoy and making a difference to the lives of so many others. As in other areas of life, it doesn’t matter if you are 18 or 80 provided you have your health so you can be a Rotarian at any age. Despite the official age of retirement going up, as we live longer many people take early retirement and look for something worthwhile to do. To those I suggest you look at a Rotary club near you where your wealth of experience would be invaluable. Visit www.rotary1240.org or give me a call on 01245 260 349 for details. Stan Keller
Quiz Time - by John Theedom 1. What is a siskin? 2. What is the surname of the singer Adele? 3. What are you doing when you eschew? 4. In which country is the Limpopo River? 5. What is the real name of the actress who plays the wife of Doc Martin? 6. Who was the first person to host the TV show Sunday Night at The London Palladium? 7. What was John Lennon’s middle name before he changed it to Oko? 8. Who was the female star with Trevor Howard in Brief Encounter? 9. From what does the Sargasso Sea get it’s name? 10. What is a chaplet? 11. What is scrimshaw? 12. Who was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017? 13. What is an Obi? 14. What is mulligatawny a type of? 15. What is hydrophobia? 16. Who uses a paten? 17. What is a hogget? 18. Ikebana is what? 19. In the film The Maltese Falcon, which part did Humphrey Bogart play? 20. Which poison is found in apple pips?
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21. Mace is a spice made from the red case of the seed of which tree? 22. Which instrument did the American Gene Krupa play? 23. What is chignon? 24. What is tisane? 25. What is a fipple? 26. In which English city is The National Railway Museum? 27. In cockney slang how much is a monkey? 28. Which chess piece is shaped like a horse’s head? 29. What is the name of the Dulux dog? 30. What is the meaning of contrapuntal? 31. What are mongongo and kurrajoug? 32. Where is Ffos Las Racecourse? 33. Who was the author of Watership Down? 34. Which is the oldest university in the English speaking world? 35. Which nationality was the WW1 spy Mata Hari? 36. Which sign of the zodiac is also known as The Twins? 37. On a camera, what does SLR stand for? 38. If a cow is bovine, which animal is caprine? 39. In Australia, what is a Matilda? 40. What is a lustram?
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Baby-Led Weaning, Part Two: The Practical Bit - by Eleanor Searle
I’m not a nutritionist or baby weaning expert but I am a mum, physiotherapist and someone who loves feeding people. I’ve really enjoyed weaning my baby; our mealtimes have become an adventure as he explores the exciting new world of food. Each meal is mind blowing, as everything about the experience is new for both of us. When to Start Weaning 6 months is now the standard recommendation but go with your instincts. It is advised not to start weaning before your baby is 4 months old as their immune system is not ready and there is the potential of increasing the risks of choking and allergies. By 6 months a baby’s digestive system and kidneys are mature enough to cope with food. It’s also about the time that they are able to sit with support and hold their head up, which is vital to successful eating. Your baby also needs to be able to pick up food and put it in their mouth when they’re ready for food, they literally become transfixed with what you’re eating and will try to grab it out of your hand. Also, they won’t automatically push food out of their mouth, as they lose their tongue trust reflex and will be able to swallow food, if they want to! Despite the Old Wives Tales… Babies who have increased appetites before 6 months may not be ready to wean, they might just be having a growth spurt. Chewing fists and fingers also aren’t a clue that they’re so hungry that they’ll literally eat their own arm, but are simply a signs of teething. Likewise, waking in the night, despite what lots of people will tell you, will not be helped by weaning. In fact if you do try giving them food too early out of desperation for more sleep, they’re likely to get tummy ache and wake you up even more often. Relax…. And Now You’re Ready! Find a time when your baby isn’t over-tired or hungry so that you both have a fighting chance of success. Breakfast or lunch are good places to start and mean that you’re able to monitor your baby for any adverse reactions. Start with veg so that your baby gets used to savory flavours. Make sure that you stay with your baby while they’re eating, teaching them that eating is a social experience but also to ensure that you’re there if they have any problems/choke. Cool down hot food and don’t feel the need to warm everything up. Give some finger foods, as these are fab for developing hand to mouth coordination - tender stem broccoli and asparagus are favorites in our house. Provide a baby cup with water with meals, fruit juice and squashes are not recommended. Don’t worry about missing meals initially as they’re getting what they need from their milk, the early stages of weaning are about getting used to the idea of eating.
Remember to trust their instincts, after all they are hard wired to know what to do and don’t worry if they don’t each much at first. Start slowly, gradually introducing new foods in small quantities one at a time so that you can monitor them for any adverse reactions. Go with what works for you and your baby, considering their capabilities. Offer a wide variety of healthy foods; keep the skin on one side of things like avocado as it’ll give them something to grip onto. Be mindful of common allergenic foods such as fish, shellfish, nuts, seeds, cow’s milk, wheat and other gluten containing cereals such as oats, and consider giving them individually initially to monitor their effect. Minimize choking risks by never forcing food into their mouths, squashing foods like chick peas, and cutting up things such as grapes length ways, at least once so that they can’t get stuck. I am not a worrier, so we just tried things and I let him eat under his
own steam, starting with things that were easy to hold and softer in texture. We started with avocado and he probably just had an ice cube’s-worth - despite the nice slices that I’d cut up. Up until a year, solids should complement but not replace their milk feeds. However, if like me you’re feeding on demand, the demand will drop off. He’s now 8½ months and eating all the same healthy things as us. Today’s breakfast was one Weetabix soaked in milk with squashed blueberries (to prevent choking) and two orange slices, lunch was a strip of sea bass (cut off mine), sweet potatoes mash, broccoli and peas. Dinner was brown fusilli pasta, with finely chopped mushrooms and cream cheese. Importantly, enjoy the experience but be ready for the fact it’ll resemble messy play! Finally, never bend down to pick something up off the floor until they’ve finished eating and you’ve taken the bowl/ rest of their food away, or it will end up on your head! Check out more of our blogs at www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk.
CT Thoughts If nobody buys a ticket to a film at the cinema do they still show it?
We can build web sites We can design/print flyers We can design/print business cards
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Stargazing with Mark Willis - March/April The Virginids happen between January and May each year. They appear to radiate from Leo in January and February. However, the radiant gradually moves each night toward Virgo, which it reaches in May. The March Virginids are a minor meteor shower stream; the source of the Northern March Virginids is thought to be 1998 SJ70. The Beta Leonids, lasting from February 14th to April 25th peaking around March 20th with three to four meteors per hour, were also referred to as the March Virginids. Lyrids Meteor Shower: The radiant point of the Lyrids lies in the constellation Lyra. This meteor shower occurs between April 16th to April 26th every year. This year is very favourable as the Moon is out of the way! The constellation of Leo has a little triangle and then a straight line takes us to the star Regulus. The rotation of Regulus is 1.1 millionkph (700,000mph) compared to our Sun’s rotation of 7,242kph (4500 mph) Regulus is much hotter at its poles (15,100C) than its equator
(10,000C). This strange phenomenon is due to the star being so distorted that it lessens the gravity’s strength, which then turns down the temperature at the equator. Regulus is 79 light years distant from our Sun. If someone near Regulus is able to tune into the BBC World Service on shortwave the latest news there is that Britain had just declared war on Nazi Germany in 1939. New Moon: On March 17th and 16th 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 your questions…. Mark Willis presents Willis Wireless every Monday at 7pm on Chelmsford Community Radio on 104.4 FM and online at chelmsfordcommunityradio.com. Twitter: @WillisWireless Email: mark.willis@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com
A Once in a Lifetime Celebration! Stow Maries Commemorates 100 Years of RAF
Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome in Maldon, Essex is offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate the centenary of the Royal Air Force on Sunday 1st April 2018.
The aerodrome was originally opened in 1916 and was home to B Flight of No 37(HD) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. The site saw the birth of the Air Defence of Great Britain in response to the first raids by Zeppelins and Gotha bombers on London and the South East. On 1st April 1918 following the amalgamation of squadrons, personnel of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service, the Royal Air Force became the world’s very first independent air arm. The RAF continued in its dedicated role at Stow Maries until spring 1919, when it closed its doors forever. The site then reverted to Flambirds Farm and its age old farming role. Now 100 years on and with the aerodrome boasting Europe’s largest known surviving group of Royal Flying Corps buildings on a WW1 site, plus its growing collection of objects directly related to the aerodrome
and its activities, this amazing attraction will honour this momentous occasion with an exclusive event supported by the RAF. The site will open at 10am on 1st April, with model flying displays in the morning and afternoon by the nationally renowned Dawn Patrol team. A parade will take place at 2pm featuring over 100 Air Training Corps and a symbolic ‘handing-over’ ceremony - including the lowering the RFC flag and the raising of the RAF ensign by two high ranking serving officers of the relevant arms. Living History groups, The Great War Society and 10th Essex and Army Service Corps will also be on site. There will be an opportunity to attend a talk by Brad King, ex-Branch Director of the Imperial War Museum, about The Experience of an RFC/RAF Pilot in the Great War. These tickets will be limited and charged at a discounted £5 on the day on a first come, first served basis. The aerodrome’s two interactive permanent exhibitions, BBQ, bar, the Airmen’s Mess Café and a range of exhibitors will all be accessible during the day plus a chance to enjoy the rare experience of getting up close to Stow Maries’ resident WW1 aircraft on a flight line walk for just £5. Tickets for the event are £13 per adult, children under 16 are free. For more information on tickets visit www.stowmaries.org.uk. Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is open to the public every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 29th March when it opens its doors every day except Tuesdays and Wednesday from 10am to 5pm. Prearranged group visits, including coach trips, are welcome by prior arrangement.
Landowner Conference Takes Place at Chelmsford City Racecourse Rural landowners met with housing professionals at a conference at Chelmsford City Racecourse on 21st February in a bid to increase the number of affordable homes in rural areas. The conference, organised by rural housing specialists, Hastoe Housing Association, invited landowners from across the east of England to consider releasing land for new rural homes. Over 50 attendees listened to expert speakers on issues including planning, tax, legal structures and tenure options. The conference aimed to address the crisis of affordability in rural areas, where prices are 20% higher than urban areas, but local wages are lower than the national average. Sue Chalkley, Hastoe’s CEO and speaker at the event, said:
“It was encouraging that so many landowners attended the conference and said they were interested in releasing land for new homes. “Our experience is that many rural landowners want to build quality homes that will keep rural communities in Essex and East Anglia viable. They really care about quality and leaving a lasting legacy for their community, but need help in working their way through complex issues like planning and tax. “I hope the conference helped do just that and is the first step to building more affordable homes in our rural communities.”
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