Including: Chelmsford, Hatfield Peverel, Danbury, Great Baddow, Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers, Stock, Ongar, The Walthams and Ingatestone
Welcome to The City Times May/June edition.
While there’s still another bank holiday to come in May, it does still feel like we should have more in the year! Did you watch the Corornation of King Charles, or did you maybe travel to London to experience the atmosphere?
There are many more local fesitvals this year, check out the centre pages for details of the Chelmsford Festival - there is lots going on!
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Our good friends at Hot Box in Chelmsford are struggling to keep going and they need all our help, they have launched a crowdfunding page as they need to raise £12,000 - and I for one do think that we cannot afford to lose this, a purpose-built venue in Chelmsford situated in the Viaducts.
Hot Box is a not-for-profit venue and besides all the live music, Hot Box does so much more and Dave and his team help lots of good causes. Go to the fundraising page to find out more and see if you can give a little - or maybe even a lot - every penny will help to keep them afloat. Simply go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/Hot-Box-RecoveryFund where you will find all the information you need - and please do share this for them.
Black Frog Presents has been busy booking acts for later in the year and we are preparing to be busy after a couple of weeks off. Just take a look at our advert to see some of the great acts we have coming up. Some of these include Who’s Next playing on Friday 19th May, and then for lovers of folk rock, the Julie July Band on Friday 26th May. We also have Sandy Denny playing a not to be missed show with Dandelion Charm opening with their spine-chilling harmonies. Next up we have Eric Bell and his band on Friday 2nd June - Eric is the man who founded Thin Lizzy and played on Whiskey in the Jar; he also discovered Gary Moore too, so you really need to hear and see him play!
We are then hosting a night at Hot Box on Thursday 8th June with Bob Colum and the Welfare Mothers - and then, we have Noasis on Friday 9th June at the Social Club! I need say no more you will know what to expect and they do deliver it so well. Back to Hot Box for Matt Woosey who returns to play on Monday 12th June - it’s only £10 entry for the Hot Box shows, which all start at 8pm.
We have the ultimate festival and party band Town of Cats on Friday 16th June. Then on Friday 23rd June we have Back Street Crawler, the band formed by the late Paul Kossoff (also known as Kossoff The Band Plays On) after he left Free. They still have original singer Terry Slesser with them, and with John Buckton on guitar, John ‘Rhino’ Edwards (Status Quo) on bass and his cousin Clive Edwards on drums, plus Mark Taylor of Simple Minds, Elton John and The Alarm on keys, this is a great band.
As if all this was not enough, on Friday 30th June we have Gerry McAvoy’s Band of Friends along with Brendan O’Neill on drums. They were Rory Gallagher’s rhythm section and also played with Nine Below Zero. They are now joined by Jim Kirkpatrick on vocals and guitar and Paul Rose on guitar, and together they celebrate the music of Rory Gallagher.
Our final show, before we take a break and return in September, is with Hamish Stuart of The Average White Band. Hamish has played with Paul McCartney and also Chaka Khan, and for the past 17 years he has been part of Ringo Starr’s All-Star Band. Hamish does not play many live shows here in the UK, so we are lucky that we have him and his excellent band on Friday 14th July. Opening that night will be a great local act, Katy For Kings.
A few of the names we have just secured for later in the year are The D’Ukes - if have not seen D’Ukes before I can highly recommend them to you. We also have The Kast Off Kinks with former members of The Kinks and the Rubettes, and a great sixties and seventies covers band, The Carnaby Army. We then welcome back The Korgis. We have some more great shows at Hot Box coming up, but more
about all of that in future editions.
We have had some of excellent shows of late, two being with Robbie McIntosh (Paul McCartney, John Mayer, The Pretenders and many more): The first McIntosh gig was on a Friday with his full band and with the awesome Mim Grey opening with her guitarist - Mim impressed us all so much we are hoping to have her back with her full band to headline later in the year. Mim also joined Robbie for a couple of songs as well and we all are looking forward to hearing much more of her - she is even said to be Sir Tom Jones favourite singer. Then on the Saturday we had Robbie and his best buddy Steve play an acoustic show at Hot Box, which the audience just loved, as did Robbie and Steve.
Just before Robbie’s gigs, we had another night at Hot Box with our three folk friends from Finland who took the room by surprise with some great playing and great songs - I will definitely look at booking them all again. We also had our American rock night with Take It Easy, who got many up and dancing and singing along - a good fun night was had by all.
There has been lots of other music going on besides al the great events at Hot Box. Recently, I have been going to The Queen’s Head in Burnham-on-Crouch on a Sunday afternoon to see some bands, so do keep an eye on our What’s On guide and across the internet and social media.
Ramblings
There is just enough space to mention that we have had two bank holiday weekends so far with the extra one being for the Coronation of King Charles III, which I personally quite enjoyed - I don’t think anyone else does it as well as us Brits! Did you get involved with a street party or with the Big Help Out on the Monday or anything else?
I did my bit on the Monday. We have also had the local elections going on as well, plus Easter last month. My granddaughter is doing her exams now which can be stressful, so please be mindful of this for all those in the middle of exams and good luck to you all.
We are nearing the beginning of the festival season now. Here in Chelmsford we once again have Concrete Canvas taking place and if last year is anything to go by, it is going to be great.
Who has taken part in No Mow May? I have, and not because of being lazy and not bothering to cut the lawn, but because I care about the little creatures and plants in my garden. Everything has been blooming, but sadly due to the harsh winter I have lost a few plants. I will move on though and get some new ones and take better care of them next winter if it is likely to be as severe again.
As I am writing this we have just had a deluge as the heavens opened with rain the likes of which I cannot remember seeing for a very long time, and some very loud thunder and lightning as well. I know some people suffered like my neighbour did with a leak, though I was lucky thankfully.
It would be fantastic if you could share our magazines The City Times and Moulsham Times with others for us. We continue to publish both magazines in print and online at www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia. If you are interested in advertising your business or event, then please contact us at ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk, or if you have an event or want to comment or maybe have an article that could be of interest, then please send to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we will reply to you as soon as we can.
For all Black Frog Presents updates and information for shows at the Chelmsford Social Club and other venues, go to www.linktr. ee/BlackFrogPresents, or scan the QR code in our advert in this magazine. You can also pre-book for the paid shows with a text or call to 07508 496 411 and then pay cash or card at the door at the advance price without commission.
A change this month, as there is something important that I need to mention and to see if you can help.
This time of year I start thinking about BBQs and the children can play outside as last - which for me means less mess in the house! I for one love summer food, by this I mean fresh easy salads and meat or fish grilled or cooked on the BBQ. And I love saving money and feeling that we have got good value; who doesn’t?
What I love to do is go to the supermarket in the evening and hit the meat and fish counter. At this time of day they are more often than not reducing the products as it will need to be thrown away otherwise. I then freeze the meat and fish and then just defrost when required. By doing this it can also make me try different types of meat and fish.
Last week I brought a whole black tilapia which I had never had before... I can safely say it is one of the tastiest, meatiest fish I’ve ever had! There are so many other types of fish available to us, sometimes it pays to be a bit adventurous and try something different.
A lot of people are put off by having to fillet a fish, but most supermarkets will do it if you ask them. For this particular recipe the fish doesn’t need to be filleted and because of this you get a lot more fish for your money as there’s less wasteage - it’s also quicker and easier. The fish we bought should have been £8 but we paid £3 and there was absolutely loads to eat as well!
I love having a stock of meat and fish in the freezer as it is so quick to throw together with potatoes, rice or even just salad. A lot of sauces and marinades can also be made well in advanced and frozen in batches.
This month, my recipe is spicy grilled black tilapia...
Ingredients
1 black tilapia.
3 whole chillis.
1 red onion.
1 courgette.
spring onions.
2cm grated ginger. Squeeze of lemon.
4 garlic cloves.
Fresh rosemary.
1tbsp curry powder.
1tbsp dried thyme.
Method
Wash and clean your fish then pat dry and season with salt and pepper (you can actually use any fish you want).
Slice the fish on each side with 3 incisions. In a blender, add your onions, courgette, spring onion, lemon, fresh ginger and garlic and blend - add a splash of water but maintain a reasonably thick consistency.
Heat some oil in a pan and cook the sauce for 10 minutes then add the spices.
Using a pastry brush, cover the fish in the sauce, making sure to get the sauce in to all the incisions to get maximum flavour, cover the fish on both sides.
Put on a baking sheet and cook in a oven for 180°C for approximately 15 minutes (adjust depending on the size of the fish).
This month I thought I’d tackle the tricky topic of food cravings, which can be a key contributor to unwanted weight gain. We all have cravings from time to time - they’re very common and difficult to ignore. The key is to recognise what is actually causing them.
Often it’s because we are on something called the blood sugar rollercoaster and I’ll just explain a little bit by what I mean by that. When we eat a meal containing refined carbohydrates - for example jam on white toast for breakfast - the digestive system breaks this down into simple sugars. These are very quickly absorbed into the bloodstream because the meal contains next to no fibre. The body can only have a little sugar in the bloodstream at any one time - no more than a teaspoon - so it triggers a chain of reactions that cause large fluctuations in blood sugar levels. These peaks and troughs lead to mood swings, cravings, feeling ‘hangry’ all the time and eventually to chronic conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. We can minimise cravings caused by fluctuating blood sugar levels by making sure we have well balanced meals that contain complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and vegetables, lean protein and healthy fat.
Apart from the blood sugar rollercoaster, cravings can also be triggered by stress, boredom, loneliness and hormone imbalances. The key is to recognise what’s triggering the cravings and then to take action. Often slowly sipping a glass of water and waiting 10 minutes can see the craving pass. If it doesn’t, then pop the snack in the fridge telling yourself you can eat it later. If you really can’t forgo that sugary snack, then eat it as dessert after a main meal, which won’t spike your blood sugar levels as much as eating it on its own. I’d also suggest setting yourself up for success by keeping some healthier snacks to hand for when cravings strike, particularly those
that are high in protein and fibre - these have a high satiety value so will keep you feeling full for longer. Good snack options include oatcakes with nut butter, a hard-boiled egg, hummus with carrot and cucumber sticks, cottage cheese with apple slices and cinnamon, or natural full fat yogurt with fresh berries and nuts. If you’re craving chocolate then opt for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids and eat a couple of squares of this alongside a tablespoon of seeds or mixed nuts.
I hope you have found all my advice helpful. If you’d like to discuss your eating habits in more detail, then please book one of my free 30-minute health and energy review sessions. You can secure your slot at www.linktr.ee/demelzaraynernutrition. Alternatively, sign up to receive my free monthly nutrition tips and recipes at www. demelzaraynernutrition.co.uk.
Chelmsford’s Street Art Festival, Concrete Canvas, will return this May after securing itself as a key event in the city’s cultural calendar.
Following the huge success of the projects’ inaugural year, Concrete Canvas will once again be transforming blank canvases and giving them a new lease of life with some incredible and inspiring murals.
The festival will run throughout the city centre from Saturday 20th - Saturday 27th May and is set to feature live artwork being carried out by a mix of international and local artists on a variety of building walls, bollards, OpenReach cabinets and CCTV bases. These murals will be in addition to the 2022 pieces and will build upon Chelmsford’s diverse and inspiring Street Art Trail to be enjoyed all year round.
Each artwork location will be allocated to an artist who will then create their mural based on a brief inspired around Chelmsford’s local culture, heritage, nature and various communities. So not only will the new murals brighten up areas of the city centre, but will also help communicate and strengthen Chelmsford’s identity.
Throughout the festival period the local community are encouraged to come along and experience the creation of the artwork in person. The full line-up of artists, locations and installation dates are coming very soon, so be sure to subscribe to the Chelmsford For You newsletter and keep checking the website and socials for updates - or visit the Concrete Canvas HQ inside the Meadows from early May.
The festival will conclude on Saturday 27th May with the Concrete Canvas Street Party, which marks the official launch of this year’s
updated Street Art Trail. This is free entry and takes place in the Bond Street Bowl between 10am - 5pm. Alongside live and interactive art, there’ll be a record stall, art stalls, crafts, music, food and more.
BID Manager Sara Tupper says:
“Last year’s Concrete Canvas event exceeded all expectations, bringing people to Chelmsford from far and wide, and creating a sense of civic pride within our community. I’m over the moon that we are able to bring it back again this year and build upon its success. We have a wealth of creativity within our city and it is a real privilege that the BID can provide space for that to be explored and nurtured.”
Project Manager Candy Joyce said: “I’m thrilled that we are bringing Concrete Canvas back for its second year. The new sites around the city will be a great addition to the trail of 27 permanent artworks that were created last year. We are once again able to showcase the talent of over 20 local artists who will be creating artworks alongside another stellar line-up of internationally renowned artists.”
Concrete Canvas is brought to you by the city’s Business Improvement District, Chelmsford For You, and supported by Chelmsford City Council.
www.chelmsfordforyou.co.uk Facebook & Instagram: @Chelmsfordforyou
It’s been a mixed bag when it comes to the weather situation recently. We’ve had some lovely sunny days, some initial peppering of rain, cold nights and more recently a deluge of rain including hail! Us and our plants have had to deal with a very changeable environment, making it at times challenging to prioritise gardening jobs.
After the heavy rains over the last few days, I’ve scouted around the garden to check my plants. In particular for me it was key to ensure that all that wind and wetness hadn’t dislodged any long pliable stems and forced them out of position.
When checking climbers it is worth re-tying in limbs that could snap or smother lower plants. It’s also worth dead-heading all those shattered flowers from the likes of the tulip or daffodil as they come to an end. Dead-heading is useful if you want to conserve the energy that would be wasted on seed production, to channel it into flower development for next year - it also potentially removes a site for disease to take hold. Simply remove flower heads (leave the flower stalk to die down naturally) with finger and thumb or a sharp pairs of scissors or secateurs. As the plant continues to die down, this is the perfect time to feed with a good general based fertiliser by broadcasting it at the base of the plant; I use fish, blood and bone at
a rate of 35g/m² - or the quickest way of getting any feed into a plant is by liquid feeding; I use seaweed based products.
With the dead-heading complete and the climbers all securely tied into their frames, it’s time to move onto other areas. As this is such a key time for pests and diseases to start emerging, watch out for the following two pests, as I have seen both in my garden recently:
Box tree caterpillar: Look out for newly hatched caterpillars which are greenish-yellow with black heads. As they mature, these caterpillars can get to 4cm. They will wrap leaves around themselves making it difficult to control them. I’ve found some good success by removing by hand and popping onto a bird table, using pheromone traps (these would need to be set up in early April) and more recently some greater success with a biological control that contains the micro-organism bacillus thuringiensis. This worked well for me last year repeat-spraying several times across the season when the temperature is at least 15°C. Spray thoroughly, coating both sides of the leaves so it penetrates deep into the plants. Check out this useful link on the pest: www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/ box-tree-caterpillar.
Lily beetle: Look out for adult beetles which are 8mm long and have bright red wing cases and thorax. The head and legs are black. As the names suggests, this beetle attacks lilies, but it also attacks fritillaries. Adult beetles make rounded holes in the leaves and can also feed on petals and seed pods, whilst the larval stage can strip entire leaves. Check out this link www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/lilybeetle.
I’ll also be undertaking the following jobs this month...
If you haven’t got round to it, this is a great time to start harvesting rhubarb stems. Only remove half at any one time by pulling stems carefully from the base of the plant (don’t cut). The pulling process invigorates the plant and it will respond by quickly producing more stems. As the temperature gets warmer, don’t forget to mulch around the plant with a weed mat or better still, a good shovel or two of well-rotted organic matter such as leaf mould to a depth of around 10-15cm. This will lock in soil moisture and keep weeds at bay. Over time this type of mulch will help to increase soil fertility.
Support tall plants such as peas and sweet peas with canes and ties where needed. Keep yourself and young gardeners safe by adding cane toppers to your supports.
Pot up your tomatoes and start removing side shoots that develop from the leaves of the main stem. This will help them direct growth to the fruit rather than extra green growth. You can also add basil plants to your tomato pots, as both love the same conditions, and the herb will help deter whitefly.
Here are a few other tasks for the month of May www.rhsplants. co.uk/rhs-monthly-jobs-may.
Happy gardening!
For any gardening tips please contact Tom Cole, Horticultural Lecturer, Capel Manor College, Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex, EN1 4RR or send an email to tomcole8@hotmail.com.
So confident they’ll never need their larger sizes again, Slimming World members across Chelmsford have raised over £8,000 by donating the clothes they’ve successfully slimmed out of to Cancer Research UK.
Last week, Cancer Research UK collected a phenomenal 322 bags of clothes, shoes and accessories donated by local Slimming World members as part of The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw and further bags were also taken directly to the local Chelmsford shop. Each of the filled bags is worth around £25 to the charity, and Slimming World has supported Cancer Research UK since 2013 raising more than £18 million to date.
Slimming World’s national fundraising campaign aims to raise awareness of how losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight could prevent around 22,800 cases of cancer every year in the UK, and reduce the risk of 13 types of cancer - such as breast, bowel, womb, ovarian and gall bladder cancer. The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw 2023 also gives members a chance to celebrate the difference that they’ve made to their health, whether they’ve dropped one dress or waist size, or six.
The local consultants are delighted to have raised so much money for charity. They said: “We are blown away at such an incredible level of support - Slimming World groups have a real sense of community and members love that they can celebrate their success by donating their slimmed-out-of clothes while helping others!
“For us consultants, seeing members donate their too big clothes is just the cherry on top. What we find so special is seeing members transform in so many ways before our eyes as they lose weight. In our groups, members learn to remove feelings of guilt around food, and instead feel empowered by all the free food they can enjoy on Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising. Through Food Optimising they learn to change the way they think about food by
making changes to the way they shop, cook and eat, and they lose weight without ever feeling hungry.
“Members also make friends in our groups, they celebrate success together and they are there for one another through the more challenging times too. As the weight drops off and the energy levels soar, many of them also become more active - walking, swimming, playing with the kids… there really is no stopping them! They shed the shackles of their former selves - including the clothes they’ll never fit in again too.
“So many people don’t know how much of a difference losing weight can make to health - hopefully this campaign and our efforts for charity will help inspire more people in Chelmsford to improve their health and change their lives by losing weight too.”
Mr and Mrs B had spent 10 years improving and extending their property, but after living in it for a while they realised that the kitchen was too small and poorly designed. They have 2 older daughters who are at university but visit regularly. They both love to cook and were hoping to reignite their passion for preparing meals from scratch. They lived within a 10 minute walk of the Regal showroom, and after reading some of their online reviews decided to pay them a visit.
Mr and Mrs B loved the modern handleless look but didn’t want the space to look too clinical. The existing layout wasn’t working for them, so they asked for some advice from Regal’s Senior Designer, John Martin, to achieve the best positioning possible.
They entertain a lot, so a seating area near their bifold doors which lead to the garden was to be incorporated into the design, possibly with a bar area. They had also requested an island, but wanted this to also double up as a sink and dishwashing area. As they sometimes work from home, they asked for a kettle tap to be included - not just for hot drinks but to speed up cookery times when preparing banquets for their friends.
They invited a designer around to look at the project and quickly concluded the best option would be to relocate the kitchen to the other side of the room and the inspired decision to block in the two windows really gave the kitchen the dimensions it needed.
They opted for Schuller cabinets in white gloss with contrasting concrete fascias. The peninsula serves as both the wet area, including essential Quooker tap, and with the raised coordinating concrete top as a breakfast bar.
The bespoke drinks area strategically positioned near the back door, ready for barbeque season, includes two NEFF wine chillers and an additional rinsing sink. Twin NEFF double ovens and a Flexinduction hob allow the customer to ‘cook up a storm’.
The finishing touch of 60 square metres of Pisa polished porcelain tiles completes the modern look. Mr and Mrs B explained that the brief to bring the kitchen forward to the next generation was surpassed.
Regal Kitchens Showroom is situated at 2 Navigation Road, CM2 6HX and open 7 days per week between 10am and 4pm.
2023 is the 80th anniversary of the celebrated RAF Dambusters raid in May 1943. Not that civil servants in the Home Office seem to know this (shame on them) or they would not be considering plans to turn the airfield at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire into a place for asylum seekers to stay. What an insult to the brave airmen and their families. 617 Squadron took off on one of the most daring missions of World War 2.
Their task was an attempt to cripple the Nazi war effort by destroying three dams in the Ruhr Valley. Unfortunately the leader of the mission, 24 year old Guy Gibson, suffered a personal loss the morning of the mission when his labrador dog was run over and killed by a car.
However, undeterred, 19 RAF Lancaster bombers equipped with the revolutionary ‘bouncing bomb’, that would be delivered through a hail of anti-aircraft fire while flying agonisingly close to the waves below. The bomb skipped across the water and exploded against the side of a dam.
However, for the men of the newly formed 617 Squadron, the raid
Chelmsford Library had a really busy Easter with lots of customers, students and other visitors - it was great to see the library so busy and lively! There are lots of regular activities and events for adults and children taking place every week. Don’t miss out, check out our website or follow us on social media to keep up to date. You can even enjoy some refreshments with us at our community tea times! Some events to look forward to:
Dementia Awareness Partner Event
Wednesday 17th May, 10.30am - 2.30pm.
Chelmsford library is hosting over 15 partners to spread the word
came at a terrible cost. Are you listening Home Office?
Out of the 19 Lancasters and 133 airmen who left RAF Scampton on that mission, 8 Lancasters were never to return and 53 airmen were killed. How dare the Home Office even think of turning such an historic airfield into a place for asylum seekers! It is also worth remembering that Guy Gibson was awarded the Victoria Cross for his leadership and courage on that mission but sadly died 16 months later when his plane crashed when returning from a mission.
Several years after World War 2 had ended, I was in conversation with a fellow RAF veteran who was a Lancaster bomb aimer on that raid. He found it hard to describe what happened: “As we commenced our bombing run, they threw everything at us. It was like flying through hell. Worse, I had to watch some of our boys going down and thought we would be next.”
I understand that between 1939 and 1945 some 42 Lincolnshire airfields existed. So Home Office, why Scampton when you are spoilt for choice with several other airfields more suited to this project? Think of our history and the human sacrifices made.
about everything that is available to support those with dementia, their carers and families. This is a free drop-in event for anyone who would like to find out more information about what is on offer in Chelmsford.
Essex Book Festival
The Essex Book Festival event runs from 1st June to 1st July. Keep an eye out for details of events at Chelmsford Library. Details are also on our website and can be booked now.
Don’t forget that we also have computers available for use which are free for all customers, along with printing and scanning facilities if required. We have study spaces, photocopying and free WI-FI. You can also recycle your used batteries, small electrical items and home printer ink cartridges here at the library.
More information and details of all our events and services, including dates and times and how to book your place, are on our websitethere are too many to list here - at libraries.essex.gov.uk. You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter or by subscribing to our newsletter; details on our website.
Friday 19th
Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Who’s Next + Age Of Discovery
Chelmsford Theatre - G4 Live
Hot Box - Safenath
Hylands - National Flower Show
Saturday 20th
Chelmsford City Racecoarse - Life Arts: Mind, Body, Spirit and Wellbeing Festival
Chelmsford Social Club - Live wrestling
Chelmsford Theatre - Ventriloquist: A Life in the Day of Arthur
Lager
Hot Box - Point Clear + Damn the Wolves
Hylands - National Flower Show
RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coronation Party from 1pm. Club members £5, Guests £6 (buffet included)
Wickham Bishops Village Hall (CM8 3JZ) - Wickham Bishops
Jazz Club: TJ Johnson’s Dixieland Five (6.30pm for 7.30pm email wickhambishopsjazzclub@gmail.com - Tel 07548 775
777)
Sunday 21st
Chelmsford City Racecoaurse - Life Arts: Mind, Body, Spirit and Wellbeing Festival
Hylands Estate - Open Day with Hot Box Live
Hylands - National Flower Show
Hyside Motorcycles - Bikers BBQ
Museum of Power - Fun-4-Kids
Star & Garter - Jam Session
Monday 22nd
Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club night
Star & Garter - One Tree Hillbillies
Tuesday 23rd
Central Baptist Church (Victoria Road South) - ECC Retirement
Fellowship monthly meeting (2-4pm, new members welcome)
Chelmsford Theatre Studio - Tokyo Stories
Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn dance - 7.50pm - £2 - 01245 475 660)
Woolpack - Quiz
Wednesday 24th
Central Baptist Church (Victoria Road South, Chelmsford)Exhibition of low vision equipment and services for people with sight ;oss - Essex Sight (tel 01206 548196, email services@ essexsight.org.uk)
Chelmsford Theatre - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chelmsford Theatre - The Sleeping Beauty
Great Baddow Parish Hall - Entertaining Mr Sloane
Hot Box - Control Voltage: Electronic Music open mic
Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music
Supper Club: Vimala Rowe Quintet sings Ella (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)
Thursday 25th
Chelmsford Theatre - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Great Baddow Parish Hall - Entertaining Mr Sloane
Friday 26th
The Black Bull - Shakster Records: Palps + Jellyfish & The
Milkmen + Admissions + Buddy Lee Dickens + Fraser Morgan
Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Julie July Band +
Dandelion Dream
Chelmsford Theatre - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Great Baddow Parish Hall - Entertaining Mr Sloane
Hot Box - Depeche Mode night
Hylands Park - Creamfields South
Friday 26th (continued)
RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga
Star & Garter - Two in Ten (UB40 tribute)
Saturday 27th
The Black Bull - Shakster Records: 5 ’n’ Drive + The Mike
Honcho Band + El Tel + Slammer Royale + George Death +
James Gold + Katie B + Age of Discovery + Robbie Bunsell
Burnham VIllage Hall - Tina Turner tribute
Chelmsford Social CLub - Nine Lives Rock ‘n’ Roll Club: The Memphis Cruisers
Chelmsford Theatre - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chelmsford Theatre Studio - Suitcase Shakespeare: MacBeth
Great Baddow Parish Hall - Entertaining Mr Sloane
Hot Box - Abba night
Hylands Park - Creamfields South
Star & Garter - The Statins
Sunday 28th
The Black Bull - Shakster Records: Decaydes + Katy for Kings +
Porcupine Kiss + Crowned Hyenas + Rebel Party + I Am Mercy + Barton Young + The Disney Guy + Luthera + Jamie Williams +
James Gold
Chelmsford Cathedral - Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & The Lark
Ascending
Combined Military Services Museum - Show and Tell
Hatfield Peverel Village Hall - The Pantaloons present: Emma
Hot Box - Uber Jam
Hylands Park - Creamfields South
Star & Garter - Premiership BBQ (weather permitting)
Stow Maries Aerodrome - Wings and Wheels 2023
Monday 29th
Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club night
Tuesday 30th
Hot Box - Country and Americana night: Joe Keeley Band + Three Rivers Band
Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660)
Woolpack - Quiz
Wednesday 31sth
Chelmsford Theatre Studio - 5 Years
Creeksea Place Manor House - Wizard School Class of 23
Hot Box - Independance
Old Court Theatre - Casa de las Flores
Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music
Supper Club: Derek Nash’s Picante Latin Band (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)
June
Thursday 1st
Hot Box - HotHaus Drag Hot Shots Newcomers Pageant
Old Court Theatre - Casa de las Flores
Friday 2nd
Acanteen - Adele tribute
Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Eric Bell Trio + The Long Run
Chelmsford Theatre Studio - Magical Mayhem
Old Court Theatre - Casa de las Flores
RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga
Trinity Methodist Church - The Daisy Bowlers Concert
Saturday 3rd
Blackwater Sailing Club - Fireball Open
Chelmsford Theatre Studio - Purple Zeppelin
Hot Box - Boogie in the Box
RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm)
Star & Garter - Ska/reggae night
What’s On All events are correct at time of going to press. Please check with the venue for updates
Sunday 4th
Chelmsford Theatre - Woman Like Me: The Little Mix Show
Hot Box - Myopia
Star & Garter - Jam Session
Monday 5th
Chelmsford Theatre - 13 The Musical
Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club night
Tuesday 6th
Chelmsford Theatre - Ballet Central 2023
Chelmsford Theatre - 13 The Musical
Hot Box - General knowledge quiz
Bardswell Social Club (Weald Road, Brentwood, Essex CM14
4TJ) - Spike’s Place Jazz Club: Matt Wates, Leon Greening, Julian Bury and Matt Skelton
Woolpack - Quiz
Wednesday 7th
Chelmsford Theatre - Coldplace: Tribute to Coldplay
Chelmsford Theatre - 13 The Musical
Friends Meeting House (Rainsford Road) - CRAG Retirement Group: monthly meeting (9.30am - first visit free)
Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music
Supper Club: Pianorama - 3 top pianists + rhythm section (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)
Thursday 8th
Chelmsford Theatre - 13 The Musical
Fete - Writing Buddy Meet Up
Hot Box - Bob Collum & The Welfare Mothers
Friday 9th
Bistro on the Quay - Psychic Tarot Night
Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Noasis + The Next Agenda
Chelmsford Theatre - Lost in Music: One Night at the Disco
Chelmsford Theatre - 13 The Musical
Maldon Promenade - Classic Ibiza
RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga
Saturday 10th
Chelmsford Cathedral - Annual concert of the Chelmsford and District Welsh Society (the award-winning Godre’r Aran
Male Voice Choir from Lake Bala in North Wales will be singing: 7.30pm - doors open at 6.45pm - details on www. chelmsfordwelsh.org.uk/home)
Chelmsford Theatre - 13 The Musical
Hot Box - The Finest London Poets of this Generation
Maldon Promenade - Soultasia 2023
RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm)
Star & Garter - Karaoke night
The William de Ferrers Centre - Concert featuring men2sing and the Swift Singers (7.30pm)
Sunday 11th
Ferry Boat Inn - The Ferry Boat Bowl
Hot Box - Jazz Sunday with Zak Barrett and friends
Monday 12th
Hot Box - Matt Woosey Trio
Tuesday 13th
Chelmsford Theatre - II Trovalore
Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660)
Woolpack - Quiz
Wednesday 14th
Chelmsford Theatre - Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Hot Box - Music quiz
Bardswell Social Club (Weald Road, Brentwood, Essex CM14
4TJ) - Spike’s Place Jazz Club: Young Lions and Old Tigers with Derek Nash, James Alsopp, Nick Weldon, Rob Rickenberg and Pete Cater
Thursday 15th
Chelmsford Theatre - Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Chelmsford Theatre Studio -NT Live: Fleabag
Hot Box - Ignition: Kodama + Maziac + Silen
Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music
Supper Club: The UK’s number 1 jive & swing band, The Jive Aces (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)
Friday 16th
Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Town of Cats
Chelmsford Theatre - Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Chelmsford Theatre - Avalon Edinburgh Previews 1
Star & Garter - Alibi
Saturday 17th
Chelmsford Theatre - Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Creeksea Place - Woof Fest 2023
Father’s Day MotorFest 2023 - Kings Farm, Writtle
RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm)
Star & Garter - Dub Club BBQ
Sunday 18th
Father’s Day MotorFest 2023 - Kings Farm, Writtle
Hylands House - Open Day
Star & Garter - Jam Session Send
Every now and again a television programme creeps up on the public and sears itself into the collective mind and becomes a cult show. Think of such ground-breaking shows of the calibre of Twin Peaks, the energy of Breaking Bad and the cinematic juggernaut that was Game of Thrones… But not all cult shows are big and brash; some are gentle - and Mackenzie Crook’s completely perfect BAFTA awardwinning Detectorists has managed to endear itself to an ever-growing army of fans.
While many fans hold out a continuous hope for more than the three series that have appeared so far, it does now look like the show’s finale might have been the recent 2022 Christmas special. The recent appearance of Lance’s now famous 1977 Triumph TR7 on Yorkshire-based Mathewsons auction website will prove a worry for most fans of the series, but maybe there would have also been a small jump of excitement at the chance of owning such an iconic piece of the series - especially as the inside of the boot has been signed by the cast of Detectorists themselves.
The popular rear-wheel-drive Triumph TR7 model began life in the autumn of 1974 and continued to be manufactured in Britain until the autumn of 1981 by British Leyland. The TR7 debuted in the UK in the long hot summer of 1976, following a successful launch the previous year in the USA. The discrepancy between the launch dates probably indicates just how popular the little British sports car was in America, as manufacturing struggled to keep up.
The sunflower yellow Triumph TR7 from Detectorists was registered on 1st July 1977 and includes various bits of historic paperwork, including Exhaust Emission Test Results and MoT certificates. Currently, the famous little car has clocked up 73,623 miles, but should certainly be in good enough shape for the lucky new owner to add quite a few more.
The typically angular 1970s looks came from the mind of British Leyland designer Harris Mann, while the period advertising promised that the TR7 was ‘the shape of things to come’. Under the bonnet, the UK version was powered by a 2-litre 4-cylinder engine offering up 105bhp with 119lb ft of torque. Everything was initially controlled via a 4-speed gearbox, with a later 5-speed option becoming available, as well as an auto. Inside, the car was pure 1970s style, with the original cord-style seats later succumbing to a more in-your-face (depending on your tastes of course) design of tartan seat inserts. To be fair, the plaid interior for the tan coloured seats was rather tasteful.
I remember in the dim and distant past a friend owning a TR7 convertible. It was a car that was driven as a luxury due to its owner being ‘between jobs’ (to put it mildly) and the mpg of the TR7 proving a bit of a strain on his wallet. It was great fun, but the ominous looming presence of the British weather was always a concern, as the removable hardtop roof was a full-on manual affair before embarking on a journey.
Mathewsons has a long history in the classic car action world, dating back to 1970 in the heart of Bedfordshire before relocating to Pickering in Yorkshire in 1988. The company remains a family business to this day. More recently, Mathewsons has featured in fly on the wall documentaries for Air TV / UKTV - search for Bangers & Cash (who I hear covered this sale for a future programme broadcast). The company currently hosts approximately 9 auctions and around 4,000 vehicles per year.
The bright yellow ragtop Detectorists’ Triumph TR7 went to auction on 28th April 2023 and was probably the highlight of the company’s April Classic Vehicles & Memorabilia Auction. The original estimated pre-auction price was set between 4 and £5,000. I expected the TR7 to fetch more and indeed, I was told by Mathewsons that the TR7 had generated rather a lot of interest building up to the auction... Those who were interested in owning this treasured piece of popular TV history were able to pre-register for live bidding at mathewsons.co.uk.
Well, instincts proved right and the level of interest in this car coupled with such a dedicated fanbase saw the Detectorists’ yellow Triumph TR7 sell on the day for in excess of a whopping £30,000!
Sean Neylon
Images: mathewsons.co.uk
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Foodies Festival, the UK’s biggest touring celebrity food and music festival series, has announced a return to Chelmsford with a starstudded line-up of celebrity chefs and chart-topping music stars, including Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Five.
Throughout the 3-day weekend, visitors will enjoy a jam-packed schedule of TV cooking show champions and award-winning chefs in the interactive live theatres. In the Chefs Theatre, celebrities will create their signature dishes and share new tips and tricks, whilst in the Cake & Bake Theatre, star bakers whip up showstoppers and offer tempting sweet treats.
In The Kids Cookery School, Foodies SuperChefs make cooking fun, helping younger guests to prepare delicious food which they can take away and enjoy. Masterclasses in the Drinks Theatre include tutored Champagne, beer, cider, cocktail and wine-tasting, including presentations from BBC expert Joe Wadsack, and award-winning local breweries.
Visitors can browse the latest food trends in the Shopping Village, meet local producers in the Artisan Market and taste exotic and unusual new dishes in the Feasting Tent - which features a mouthwatering range of street food and delicacies from all four corners of the globe. Other attractions include a fairground, children’s activities, and family-friendly areas.
New Features for 2023
Known as Gastro-Glastonbury, the festival will take place at Hylands Park from 23rd - 25th June. The 3-day event features live cooking demonstrations from top chefs drawn from the ranks of MasterChef, Great British Bake Off and Great British Menu, plus top-rated Michelin-starred and award-winning chefs. Early announcements of star names appearing in the live cooking theatres include: Great British Bake Off 2022 winner, Syabira Yusoff and MasterChef champions Tom Rhodes and Dhruv Baker.
Syabira Yusoff said: “I’m looking forward to sharing my passion and cooking in front of a live audience on the Foodies Festival tour. I’ll be baking some of my favourite cakes, sharing recipe ideas and talking about my amazing experience on the Great British Bake Off.”
The musical feast is just as sumptuous, with charttopping disco diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor and 90s Brit Award winning boyband Five. Sophie Ellis-Bextor said: “It’s wonderful to be joining the Foodies Festival tour again. Warm summer weekends full of lovely food and music and families having fun together - I can’t wait!”
Showcasing the best of Essex, many of the most highly acclaimed Michelin and multi-award-winning chefs will also appear, including, chef-patron Paul Croasdale, star of Great British Menu and head chef from 3 AA Rosette awarded Flitch of Bacon, Dunmow; Michelin starred chef-patron Jeff Galvin from Galvin Green Man in Chelmsford; chef-patron Paul Wendholt from Bib Gourmand-awarded Kintsu in Colchester; and head chef Jon Hardy from Michelin recommended Food By John Lawson, Leigh-on-Sea.
New for Fridays, the festival launches Cocktails, Cabaret and Cake, kicking off each weekend with a fun-fuelled schedule of events with a comprehensive selection of traditional and on-trend new cocktails to tempt the tastebuds, cocktail-making sessions with flamboyant mixologists and theatre shows. Including entertaining cabaret sessions, drag artists, competitions, comedy, top tribute acts and local performers, all headlined by a superb ABBA tribute band.
• Top TV Chef Challenge: This battle of the best will see winners and finalists of MasterChef competing with the winners of Bake Off and Great British Menu as they take to the live stage in a highly competitive cook-off to create the most impressive dish.
• Theatre Takeovers: Expect comedy, hit songs, audience participation, drag queens and a lot of fun!
• Green Fingers: meet the experts hosting sessions on grow your own fruit and veg, discover new varieties, recipe ideas and health benefits.
• Foodies Favourites: Meet the authors and discover new recipes in the Cookbook Shop with celebrity signings, photo opportunities and top chefs showcasing their latest cookbooks.
London-based world chilli eating champion Shahina Waseem will challenge those brave enough to compete. Competitions will be broadcast to League of Fire audiences around the world.
Kids Can Cook: Budding junior masterchefs get creative in the Kids Cookery School, hosted by Foodies superchefs.
The Musicians Against Homelessness main stage will feature over 25 superb artists, including top headliners, the best of local bands and an introduction to exciting new acts from across the UK.
Director Sue Hitchen said: “Foodies Festival events are a celebration of amazing food, drink and entertainment and we are proud to support local artisan producers and restaurants. We’ve all had a difficult few years, so to help keep things affordable, festival prices have been frozen for the third year running even though our stars and features get bigger and better every year. We offer a great value day out for families and friends.”
For the fifth year running, the festival is supporting Musicians Against Homelessness (MAH) with tickets raising money for UK-wide homelessness charity Crisis. MAH founder Emma Rule said: “We are thrilled to be back at Foodies with our music stage and fantastic lineup of artists, raising much needed funds during these challenging times.”
Dates and Tickets
23rd - 25th June 2023
Hylands Park, Chelmsford, CM2 8FS
Day tickets from £3 (child) and £18 (adult)
Weekend tickets from £38 (3-day)
On sale now at www.foodiesfestival.com
This articled deals with the history of cricket in Chelmsford since the Second World War.
Although Essex took over the New Writtle Street cricket ground in 1946, the state of the wicket was a cause for concern, as was the low crowds. In 1952 only a narrow vote reprieved matches at the county town after the festival week lost money. 3,000 people paid £377 over the 6 days compared with the 29,243 who had paid £3,005 in a record week that had just ended at Ilford. After a great effort to increase the crowds, 25,000 people attended the next cricket week, but attendances soon went back to being low and in 1957 there was no cricket week in the town. The Weekly News commented that this was ‘one more indication that the people of the town are not sports minded’. County cricket did not return to Chelmsford for ten years.
In 1964 the club moved its headquarters back to the town and the intention was to buy the ground from the Wenley Trust. This would enable the club to build a new pavilion and use the surrounding land to lay out a car park and eventually an indoor cricket hall. The actual buying of the ground only came about because another county, Warwickshire, lent the club £15,000 on an interest-free loan. A new pavilion was built in 1970 and the following year saw a record 7,500 crowd at the County Ground.
The team led by Brian ‘Tonka’ Taylor started doing well in One Day cricket, finishing 3rd in 1969, 4th in 1970 and 3rd in 1971 in the John Player League. Finances were however still tight and local prisoners painted the pavilion and tended the pitch. In 1975 almost 25,000 crammed into the ground to watch the Australians for three days, and Hampshire in the John Player League for one day.
After a number of near misses, including a second place in the County Championship and a narrow loss in the Gillette Cup semifinal, the county finally won the first trophy in its 103 year existence: the Benson and Hedges Cup in 1979. In August of the same year Essex went on to win the County Championship for the first time. And after 3 second places, Essex finally won the John Player League in 1981. Then in 1985 the county won the 60 over Nat West Trophy at Lords. The following year the county won the County Championship for the second time. When Essex won its fifth county title in 1991, victory was secured at Chelmsford as was its sixth title in 13 years the following year. In 1997 the club won the 60 Over trophy again at Lords and won the Benson and Hedges trophy the following year.
Despite this unprecedented run of success, Essex was relegated to the Second Division of the County Championship in 1999, when it was split into two, because of their low finish the previous season. The last match of the following season saw them promoted back to the top tier. Each of the following two seasons again saw relegation followed immediately by promotion. 2005 saw Essex win the One Day league with three matches to spare, and three years later the county won the Friends Provident final at Lords.
After relegation again, 2009 saw promotion for the county once more after a dramatic late run in. Once again this was followed by immediate relegation. The club stayed in Division Two of the Championship until 2016 and four unsuccessful visits to Twenty20 finals in 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2013 were the county’s only flirtation with success until the side coached by Chris Silverwood were promoted back to Division 1 of the County Championship.
Although the club always lacked the financial muscle of some other counties, assiduous development of local talent such as Jamie Porter and Sam Cook, and a keen eye for outside expertise (eg, the phenomenal Simon Harmer!) led the county to outstanding Division 1 titles in 2017 and 2019. The county completed an unlikely double by winning the Twenty20 title. Three wins in the final 4 group games had seen the county sneak into the quarter finals. In the final, Simon Harmer took the best ever bowling figures of 3 for 16 and then hit the winning run.
In 1996 the club took advantage of £100,000 grant to build an indoor cricket school for young cricketers. The land was bought from Chelmsford City Football Club.
In 1992 Graham Gooch, one of the cricketers most responsible for the county’s success, was honoured in the form of a sculpture placed the near the ground on New London Road. The £20,000 bronze figure by John Doubleday was commissioned by property developers. Gooch, of course, unveiled the work. Gooch was arguably the greatest of many outstanding Essex players during the club’s halcyon period. He captained both Essex and England in a playing career spanning from 1973 to 2000, during which he became the most prolific run scorer of all time with over 67,000 runs in all forms of the game. In 1980 he was named the Wisden Cricketer of the Year.
Gooch’s career underwent an unusual detour when he went on the 1982 rebel tour of South Africa. This resulted in him and others such as Geoffrey Boycott, Alan Knott and Bob Woolmer being banned from Test cricket for 3 years. In the film The Wilderness Years he said that ‘others’ had decided he had no place in English cricket so he decided to go on the tour. After returning to the Test team in 1985, a severe loss of form led him to being dropped. By 1990 however, he was successfully leading England as captain, his position strengthened by his habit of leading from the front, his batting average being twice that of his fellow teammates. In 2001, after his retirement as a player, he became head coach at Essex. During 2009 he became England’s batting coach, a position which he took full time in 2012. He was also one of the first sportsmen to promote hair transplants after his hair began receding in the mid 1990s!
Keith Fletcher played a vital role in the transformation of Essex into a major power in county cricket. He was nicknamed the ‘Gnome’ by teammate Ray East, because his winklepickers had begun to turn up at the toes because of wear. Fletcher, according to cricket writer Colin Bateman, was ‘a tough cookie, a shrewd man who could bluff opponents like the most disarming of poker players’. He was captain of the national team when the defection of several high profile players when the previously mentioned unofficial tour of South Africa occurred. In the mid 1990s, Fletcher was manager of England, a particularly unsuccessful period for the team. He returned to coach the Essex team until 2001.
Another famous recent Essex county cricketer was Nasser Hussain, who grew up in Ilford and went to Forest School, Walthamstow. He was selected for Essex’s Under 11 team as young as 8 years old. At 12 he was the youngest to play for Essex’s Under 15 team. His bowling suffered after he grew in height by around a foot over a winter. Nasser felt he had let his father down and for a while he slipped behind his playing contemporaries. His batting progressed however, although he never thought he was a natural.
Hussain made his Test debut in 1990 and was England’s captain from 1999 to 2003. His career was by no means a smooth one, often responding defiantly to criticism. After he retired from cricket he immediately became a commentator for Sky Sports. Hussain still lives locally with his family in Little Baddow and in 2010 was coaching at New Hall School.
Peter Edwards died in 2000. Behind the scenes, as Secretary and General Manager he contributed greatly to Essex’s period of success. In 2008, during redecoration at the County Ground, a large cache of cricketing memorabilia collected by Edwards was discovered, including a bat signed by Bradman on his last Ashes tour and a signed photo of WG Grace.
In 2011 Trevor Bailey died. Known as ‘Barnacle’ Bailey because of his defensive batting qualities, Bailey was reckoned to be the leading all rounder for most of his international career. Bailey played 61 Test matches for England and captained the county from 1961 to 1966. In his later playing days he was also the club’s secretary.
Bailey also played football to a high level, playing for Cambridge University, Clapton, Leytonstone and Walthamstow. He added to his income by advertising Brylcream, Shredded Wheat and Lucozade. He was a Test Match Special commentator for 25 years until 1999, during which time fellow commentator Brian Johnston nicknamed him the ‘Boil’. Jonathan Agnew, also of Test Match Special, wrote of him as a ‘dogged batsman. Aggressive bowler. Intelligent cricketer. Wonderfully concise pundit. Great sense of humour’.
Of course, the most illustrious current Essex cricketer is the former England Test and ODI captain Alastair Cook. Cook went to the independent St Paul’s Cathedral School and then boarded at the Bedford School. While still at school he played for Maldon Cricket Club in the summer holidays. He played for Essex’s Academy before making his debut for the first eleven in 2003. Cook marked his first Test match for England with a century and went on to become the youngest English batsman to score 5,000 runs. Cook was appointed captain of the Test team in August 2012 after the retirement of Andrew Strauss. In his spare time, he plays piano and saxophone, contributing the latter to Freefonix, a CBBC animated series.
2006 saw the first mention of the redevelopment of the County Ground. The first scheme proposed increasing seating by 2,000 and an improved cricket school. Initially 180 flats were to be built on the car park and existing cricket school to finance the rest of the scheme. The financial crisis has ensured that the development has failed to go ahead despite planning permission and environmental authorisation being obtained. Concern was expressed about the danger of flooding and the lack of suitability of the proposed tower blocks for the surroundings. The first tower block was completed, but since then the scheme has stalled. It remains very unlikely that a development on the rather grandiose lines of the original will come to fruition, but the current ground is beginning to look very ‘tired’, even to those who love it.
Chelmsford Cricket Club survived to reach its bicentenary in 2011. It moved to the council-owned Chelmer Park in 1972 and by 2012 the club had won 7 league titles over the previous 15 years.
A charity which maintains the legendary former Radio Caroline pirate radio ship Ross Revenge is launching an ambitious Crowdfunder campaign to raise funds to move the ship in dry dock for essential repairs to ensure its survival.
The work required will include the replacement of corroded sections of the hull, repainting the ship and work on the decks, as well as improvements to crew areas.
“Ross Revenge is a remarkable ship with a fascinating fishing and broadcasting history,” said Radio Caroline station manager Peter Moore. “It is one of only a couple of surviving British super trawlers, the pride of a fleet of distant-water vessels that once plied their trade in the cold and turbulent seas of the North Atlantic from ports such as Grimsby and Hull, but were wiped out when the fishing industry went into steep decline in the late 1970s. Ross Revenge still holds the record for the biggest catch. It is the only remaining pirate radio ship still afloat, having avoided the cutter’s torch when sent to the breaker’s yard to become the floating broadcast base for the Radio Caroline in 1983.”
The ship has endured many dramas during its time on the North Sea, including a brutal armed raid by Dutch authorities in 1989 and the 300ft radio mast falling overboard after the 1997 hurricane, nearly taking the ship down with it. Ross Revenge is also one of only a few ships to survive grounding on the notorious Goodwin Sands, when its anchor chain broke during a storm in 1991. Ross Revenge is now maintained by volunteers and is on the National Historic Ships Register.
Radio Caroline was the most famous of all the pirate radio stations in the 60s, 70s and 80s challenging the British establishment and the BBC broadcasting monopoly, and was at the forefront of a revolution in popular culture. Radio Caroline broadcasts mostly from land these days, but the station still uses Ross Revenge for regular monthly broadcasts from its mooring on the Blackwater Estuary in Essex, and visitors from all over the world go out to visit the ship on organised tours.
“Ross Revenge is an iconic ship that has played a significant role in the history of broadcasting in the UK,” said Peter Moore. “We are launching this Crowdfunder campaign to ensure that the ship can continue to operate and provide a platform for independent radio broadcasting for years to come.”
To support the Crowdfunder campaign and secure the future of MV Ross Revenge, please visit rossrevenge.com.
You can listen to Radio Caroline on 648 AM, online, on the app and on DAB in some areas.
Image: Ross Revenge still broadcasting today from the Blackwater Estuary (credit Colm O’Laoi).
Tadasana, or Mountain Pose, is for me the most important foundational yoga pose there is. Tadasana in Sanskrit translates as ‘tada’ to mountain and ‘asana’ is pose and is pronounced as (tah-DAHS-anna). Sometimes this pose is called Samasthiti, or Equal Standing Pose, which is the same pose but with the hands at prayer, thumbs at the sternum, wrist the same hight as the elbows, pressing the palms gently together to keep the shoulders active.
So what is the significant of Mountain Pose? For me, there are several reasons. The first is it’s often the pose I start my practice with, and the pose at the start and end, the fixed series of 12 poses in the Sun Salutation or (Surya Namaskar), where its used as a resting pose to re-establish the slow steady breath after the vinyasa. Tadasana is also the preparation for most standing balances, like Tree Pose. We also use parts of it - for instance, like the torso and shoulders - in Warrior Pose, where it focuses our mind, body and breath, helping to really connect too ourselves.
As the name suggests, the idea is to stand tall, strong and unmoveable, like a mountain. However homoeostasis tries to get the body to save energy, making us lazy or slump even while we are standing. This can make Mountain Pose feels a bit strange to start with. But practising this pose as often as possible, even as a standalone pose when you’re standing in a queue for instance, will help in building perfect body alignment, focus in the mind and breath and strengthening the arms and shoulders. Held for 2 minutes, it’s considered to be a power pose, which makes us feel stronger - not just physically but mentally, improving our overall well-being.
Start by standing with the feet
hip-width apart, (a clenched fist, between the ankle bones) I like my second toe - the one next to my big toe - to point straight forwards, so the outside’s of my feet are level with the sides of the mat. Lift up the toes to activate the arches of the feet - this will also help you find the four corners of the feet, the big toe joints, little toe joints and inside and outside
edges of the heels, keeping the soles of the feet active, making sure your weight is evenly distributed over your feet. Soften the knees, keeping them hip-width apart making sure not to lock the knees. Roll the pelvis slightly so the tail bone points downwards to the heels, helping to stack all the vertebrae one on top of the other. You should feel the fronts of the thighs tighten, along with your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles or Mula Bandha, this also helps you to stand a little taller.
On your next inhalation try to lift, not from the front or the back of your chest, but evenly from the sides. Lift your shoulders and roll them backwards and down your spine to create as much space between the top of the shoulders and the ears - this helps you to relax. Stretch your hands down towards the floor, allowing a little space between your arms and your body, rotating the palms to face forwards, this will help open the collarbones, relax your shoulders and help deepen your breath.
With each inhalation you should try to stand a little taller. Find your Dristi - unfocused gaze - on a point at eye height. Finally tuck you chin backwards slightly to stack the weight of your head over your shoulders, hips, knees and ankles.
I often practise this pose whenever I’m in a queue: I stand tall, relax my shoulders, tuck my tail bone and hold for a few slow steady breaths with a little pause at the top and the bottom of the breath.
I hope that you enjoy this pose as much as I do. For those of you who would benefit from seeing the pose taught in action, you can find a video on our Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga Facebook page pinned to the top and as one of our reels. Alternatively, book now and join me at the studio using this free pass code ‘HPYFREECLASS’. My gift to you.
Join us in Chelmsford High Street for this year’s VOLFEST! Be it a day, a month or a lifetime commitment, whatever time and energy you can freely give has the potential to change someone’s life. Chelmsford CVS are thrilled to announce that on Thursday 8th June we will again be celebrating #VolunteersWeek by taking over Chelmsford High Street for VOLFEST 2023.
Over 30 local charities will be coming together to showcase their efforts and promote their services in a festival of all the good that can come of our community working together. Come and join us for a day of feel good activities, live music, food and fun!
Community is a work of heart and you’ll be able to see first-hand some of the wonderful ways in which charities and volunteers support our city and find out how you and your loved ones can access that help.
The last VOLFEST in 2022 was an incredible success; Lorraine Jarvis from the CVS said: “There was the most amazing incredible atmosphere in the High Street, people chatting to the stalls, to each other, and finding out how all the local organisations that showcasing could benefit them. Volunteering really is life-enhancing, it was an amazing day!”
Do come down on the 8th to find out more and help us celebrate all things community.
More information the event can be found here: chelmsfordcvs.org. uk/volfest.
Follow the event on Twitter by searching ‘@ChelmsfordCVS’ and using the hashtag #VOLFEST and #VolunteersWeek.
We continue our series on introducing our presenters.
Hello good people of Chelmsford! I’m Doug Beasley and I host the Alternative Hour every Monday 7-8pm on Chelmsford Community Radio.
I live in Moulsham and can regularly be found frequenting Central Park, Oaklands Park, The Orange Tree and several of Moulsham Street’s delights with my partner Claire.
I have long been a fan of radio, particularly when it involves communicating all manner of exciting things in music, particularly indie and alternative music - a genre which has been close to my heart since my teenage years.
My desire to try radio presenting came about in my late teens, and with its history as the birthplace of radio, Chelmsford was always going to a great place to make that become a reality! However my first opportunity to try it out actually came during my time at Sheffield University, when me and two good friends, Will and Jamie, took to the
airwaves on the University’s student radio station Forge Radio. Such was our enthusiasm for getting on the airwaves that we requested as our first choice the Monday 9-10am slot. An hour when all students are very much fast asleep... The show was called Is Anyone Out There? and was a reflection of our true thoughts at the time! We did however manage around 50 shows and then as we started to clock up playbacks on Mixcloud (probably at a much more sociable hour) we felt like we’d made it!
So what is the Alternative Hour and why should you listen? Well, I’m now going it alone, but the concept is quite simple. I seek to share with you the very best in indie and alternative music each week. You can be sure of some classics (think Oasis, Stereophonics, Two Door Cinema Club, Bloc Party, Hot Chip, Arctic Monkeys and Foals to name but a few), generally all somewhere between 1995 and 2015, with a peak in the late naughties. There’s also plenty of recent hits (think Michael Kiwanuka, Sam Fender, Christine and the Queens and alt-j). Most importantly to me though, I use the show as a showcase of new and exciting indie and alternative music releases. Essentially I sniff out some great new music and share it across the city in exactly the way my teenage self wanted! If it sounds like your kind of thing, give me a listen every Monday from 7-8pm on Chelmsford Community Radio, or check out my past shows by searching ‘dougbeasley’ on the CCR mixcloud - www.mixcloud.com/chelmsfordcr.
www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com
How far away do you plan events in your diary? Are you spontaneaous or do you need advanced notice?
There is a lot of advanced planning involved when setting up craft events: you need to link up with village halls and/or hotels to make sure they can host your group at the date you would like. Other events such as craft shows dictate when they take place, so you have to make space in your diary for them.
In the last two years, Scrap-Circle has talen part in numerous craft shows, including Alexander Palace in London. I love exhibiting there because it is the ideal opportunity to meet crafters and chat with them over a free Make & Take. It is a fun day out with friends, being seduced by an array of crafts.
Other events recur on a regular basis, for instance, our monthly craft days at Highwood Village Hall near Chelmsford. As the name suggests, we meet once a month, usually the third or fourth Saturday and spend time together catching up with old friends and making new friends! The next ones are 20th May, 24th June, 19th August, 23rd September, 28th October, 25th November and 16th December. We are planning craft weekends at Highwood Village Hall (Saturday 9.30am to 11.30pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm) and dates are 10th - 11th February, 29th - 30th June, 28th - 29th Spetember and 14th - 15th December.
As far as our Craft Retreats are concerned, there are usually 3 or 4
every year (Friday 4pm to Sunday 4pm). The last two for this year are in October and December. The October retreat has always been very popular and it is now full. However there are a few spaces still available on the December retreat if you want to treat yourself to a pre-Christmas weekend away (8th - 10th December at Grafham Water Centre in Perry, Cambridgshire).
Our next big adventure is the Craft Cruises with Royal Caribbean. Have you ever thought of combining cruising with crafting? It is a wonderful idea; crafting all day long on sea days and in the afternoons on shore days. Crafting in the evening is available on request because there is so much entertainment to enjoy!
This year’s cruise is 4th - 13th August 2023 to Spain and Portugal from Southampton, and there are still a few places available. We hire the conference room to craft in, so we shall enjoy a lovely air-conditioned room overlooking the sea. You can still book in, but you need to hurry or else you will be missing out!
Next year’s is already planned out and we will be going to cruise to Alaska from Seattle, 22nd to 29th July 2024. Booking is already set up and you can spread the costs. Check all details on www.scrap-circle. co.uk.
We hope Earth 23 empowers you to create change in your own lives. We can create a healthier and sustainable future. We have the solutions to do so, and it has never been more important to act.
My name is Indigo Sapphire Moon and I’ve always had a strong connection to nature and the environment. I grew up in the Essex countryside and was surrounded by trees and an abundance of flowers in my grandmother’s garden. I loved, and continue to love, visiting the River Crouch as there is a huge variety of birdlife.
I developed a passion for environmental justice, wildlife conservation and climate activism while studying at Bath Spa University. The campus where I lived was in the countryside and the university itself is very environmentally focused. This stimulated my interest in environmental issues. As my spiritual connection to nature grew, and I learned more about how nature positively impacts our well-being, my interest turned into a passion.
The next step for me was when I became vegan in 2015. It was learning about how food production impacts the planet, animals and our health that drew me to become more involved in activism to raise awareness and influence policies in this area. I attended Extinction Rebellion protests, started a vegan society at university, became Bath Spa Students Union’s Environment and Ethics Officer and studied for a Master’s Degree in Environmental Humanities.
All these experiences have led me here, to The Art Place, and to the curation of the Earth 23 exhibition.
Earth 23 is a collaboration with The Art Place and Creative Being, the latter of which I founded back in 2020 to use creativity to amplify positive change and marginalised voices, Earth 23 explores how climate change affects the natural world and how creativity can empower us to create change.
The creative work featured in this exhibition was created by local
artists and each brings their own unique perspectives and voices to the climate crisis conversation. They hope to provide space for us to reflect on how we can help nurture and protect the natural world. We purposefully used eco-friendly labels and display boards to show our commitment to sustainable practice.
Earth 23 is running from June until the end of August so there’s plenty of time to check out the exhibition, feel empowered to create change, and grab yourself or a loved one a beautifully handmade piece of nature-based art that not only supports local artists, but also the Rainforest Trust UK which saves endangered wildlife and creates rainforest reserves through partnerships, community engagement and donor support.
Children (primary school age) are invited to enter one drawing about the environment by 27th July 2023. The drawings will be displayed throughout August alongside the main exhibition.
The winner will receive a £10 Art Place voucher on the last week of August as part of Chelmsford Green City Festival (21st - 27th August). Please contact the email below to receive the entry form.
The Art Place is keen to encourage local artists. If you’re interested in curating your own exhibition, please contact us at artplacegallery@ ideashubchelmsford.org.
Indigo Sapphire Moon - Curator of Earth 23 Exhibition and Art Place Duty
Manager & Retail Support
If you have recently bought a house or are planning to revamp it, you might have focused on furniture, but it’s essential not to forget the soft touches that make your house a home. Take the time to evaluate what you have in your room that you love and what you would like to change. Whether revamping or completely renewing, consider how you want the room to feel, the style you are drawn to and if you are going for a total change the colours you would like to incorporate. Soft furnishings play a role in defining the overall appeal of your home.
The right combination along with other accessories can turn a cold bland space in to a cosy warm room. Soft furnishings can come in a variety of materials such as cotton, silk, velvet, wool, suede and leather.
Cushions and Throws
Cushions and throws are great statement soft furnishings. The best cushions are those that bring comfort and style, they are also the easiest and cheapest way to give your home an instant refresh. Choosing the colour of the cushions can be tricky, if there is a piece of furniture in your room that adds a pop of colour you can highlight this by adding a tone of the colour that doesn’t outshine it.
Adding a throw can give a sense of warmth to cosy up your room,
they can be placed anywhere and everywhere, on sofas and chairs, benches, stools and baskets. Throws can also be placed diagonally over the corner of a sofa, or for a more streamlined look fold neatly over the arm. A patterned throw can also be used to break up a plain chair or sofa. Wool and sheepskins will add extra elements of texture and give a sense of sumptuousness.
Upholstery
This can include sofas and chairs of all descriptionseg, dining, occasional and armchairs. Not forgetting to mention footstools as they too play an important part of the overall room scheme, larger footstools can double up as storage areas too. You can also choose something with a bit more pattern or pizzazz to bring interest in to the design.
Selecting the right fabric is key for durability and purpose, especially if you have pets or small children. Leather is a good choice as it will withstand scratches and wear and tear. Otherwise, if leather is not for you make sure the fabric has a stain guard or protection for wiping clean any spills. Velvet will add a touch of luxury and opulence, again most companies will offer a stain protection even for velvet. Linen can be stylish and contemporary, just be wary of creasing as the cushions will need to be re-plumped on a regular basis.
Lark Interiors
01394 834481
Covering Essex and Suffolk
Visit us at Well Close Sq, Framlingham, IP13 9DS
Our collective coronation ‘afterglow’ is still here this week as members of Brentwood Writers’ Circle begin settling down to normal life. Our flags are still flying, but now we return to concentrating on current projects, recently put aside. What a shame that nature decided to rain on our once-in-a-lifetime parade, but happily, showers couldn’t dim that wonderful outpouring of affection for our king and royal family.
Although our circle began 82 years ago, primarily to encourage Brentwood writers, many members now travel from surrounding towns. Helen Finch lives in Romford and just over 20 years ago she became a member. A girl of many parts, Helen became our Chair, as well as working in the city, bringing up two boys and taking a major part in their sporting activities, and using her talents when invited to sign contracts with major publishing companies, eventually completing three non-fiction books.
Helen said: “With my love of nostalgia, genealogy and history, my first manuscript, Barkingside Memories, was published by History Press in 2005. My family had lived in that area for several generations. Then came Kiddiwalks in London (Countryside Books), followed in 2010 with Children’s Voices of the Second World War (Fonthill Publishing), which completed the trio in 2015. The latter was inspired by my mum’s experiences during that time, which she managed while working full-time and bringing up a family. I followed this with writing articles, blogs and short stories.
“I enjoy crafting, recycling, and ‘make do and mend’ is sure to find its way into my writing. Being a ‘fabraholic’ with numerous vintage
sewing machines also feeds my interest in how the planet can be saved by utilising old methods of production as well as researching long lost crafts and those on the Heritage Red List. I made bunting for the coronation as well as keeping the family tradition of potting up flowers in red, white and blue.
“I’m still keen on researching a book about my Italian ancestor who came to the UK in 1820 and helped the beggar children in Victorian London; also working on my first ‘time slip’ saga which I hope to get published. A recent article for an online website was about plants and their use in clothing and textiles, covering the history and sustainability of using natural products when producing clothing.”
Helen also reviews books for other authors (NetGalley) and will write about any topic, reckoning that her busy interests are keeping her fit and active, both on the page and practically. If she isn’t familiar with a subject - she’ll research it!
Brentwood Writers’ Circle meets monthly at Bardswell Social Club, Weald Road, Brentwood. 2.30pm - 4.30pm.
What is the origin of the name Argos?
A Brummie comes from which English city?
Who is the longest serving monarch in British history?
How much does Boris Johnson charge to give a talk in America - 100K, 250K or 500K?
Who is the male star of One Foot in the Grave?
How much is the singer Taylor Swift worth£108 million, £458 million or £628 million?
What does Mo Farah do for a living?
A local lady has won an award for Greatest Loser in her slimming group. How much did she lose - 8 stone, 11 stone or 15 stone?
A special 1979 Ford Escort is coming up for sale at auction. It is so unique that it is expected to fetch at least how much - 30K, 80K or 170K
What is Adamski’s real first name?
What sort of creature is a drongo?
What is the capital city of Switzerland?
What does the Latin term ‘sub judice’ mean?
Which British king was Farmer George?
Bactrian and dromedary are both types of what animal?
What is the only rock eaten by humans?
What is the text of an opera called?
Which group won the Eurovision Song Contest with Making Your Mind Up?
What colour is emerald?
Which of the Minogue sisters appeared in the Aussie soap Home and Away?
What word describes the killing of one’s brother?
What is eaten traditionally on Shrove Tuesday?
How many bones are there in the adult human body?
What did the Romans call the parts of Great Britain under their rule?
Where does a funambulist like to walk?
Complete the title of the play The Importance of Being *******?
Timpani, bass and side are examples of which instrument?
Denver is the capital city of which US state? According to the proverb, what is the mother of invention?
What is the currency of India?
What is Bruce Springsteen’s nickname?
What are the first names of the Chuckle Brothers?
What percent of gold is in 18 carat gold?
In 1968, which British politician made the Rivers of Blood speech?
Which river flows through New York city?
Who was Robinson Crusoe’s island companion?
Which football club’s name includes a day of the week?
Edson Arantes do Nascimento is the real name of which legendary footballer?
Who did Ed Milliband succeed as leader of the Labour Party?
The ‘prancing horse’ is the logo of which car manufacturer?
(Answers on page 31)
23rd May: The Moon will be close to Castor And Pollux, the main stars of the constellation of Gemini. Castor is one of the brightest stars in the sky, 50 light years distant and Pollux, 34 light years distant. Quite fun to imagine that aliens who have Castor as their sun, who also have equipment that can receive UK TV channels, would be seeing such programmes as Colditz, Pebble Mill At One, Are You Being Served, Emmerdale Farm and Rainbow... Aliens who have the star Pollux as their sun, would be seeing the final episodes of The Benny Hill Show, Doctor Who (the controversial cancellation) and the Real Ghostbusters cartoon series.
24th May: You will see the Moon close to the planet Mars. Mars is turning out to be, almost daily, a more fascinating planet. Valles Marineris is a system of canyons that runs along the Martian surface east of the Tharsis region. At more than 4,000km long, 200km wide and up to 7km deep. Our Grand Canyon is 446km long, 29km wide and 1.6km deep. Just like our own Grand Canyon, Mars’s Valles
Marineris was also formed by water, probably around 4 billion years ago. Back then, Mars was a warm, temperate planet with oceans, rivers and streams, very like Earth is today. Today, Mars is a cold and dry desert planet.
21st June - Summer Solstice: The longest day and the shortest night. Officially, summer begins today.
New Moon: On 19th May and 18th June there will be a new Moon. This means the skies will be extra dark which is a great opportunity to see planets, galaxies and deep space objects.
As usual, email me with any questions.
www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com mark.willis@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com
The BBC stated that March and April 2023 were the wettest for 90 years. There’s still also a severe drought in Spain and Portugal.
The rarest national migrant in April was undoubtedly the blackwinged kite (Elanus caeruleus) that graced Newtown, Powys in Wales for just 5 minutes on 18th April, a first for Britain and Ireland. This species has been long predicted with a population in Iberia expanding initially from Morocco into Spain in the 1860s, then into France in the 1970s. Populations in southern Europe have increased thanks to human activity, including agriculture and livestock rearing. Recent records have also have come from the Channel Isles, Germany, Denmark and Poland. The black-winged (or black-shouldered) kite is a superspecies with populations in Europe, America, South Africa, South Asia and Australia, The European population winters in southern Spain and North Africa
Identification
It’s size is about that of the kestrel and it similarly hovers and hunts over grasslands. it has grey plumage with black primaries and shoulders (greater wing coverts). The large eye is amber red. Food
it eats small mammals, with voles comprising 95% of its diet, as well as reptiles and insects.
Spring butterflies included: brimstone, orange-tip, comma, peacock, red admiral, small tortoiseshell. Spring bird migrants typically included: little ringed plover, sand martin, swallow, hobby, yellow & white wagtails, black redstart, nightingale, wheatear, ring ouzel, hobby, swift.
Selected April 2023 Highlights
Abberton Reservoir EWT: 2 Slavonian grebe, long-tailed duck, 10 scaup, 3 smew, night heron, 8 Caspian gulls, spotted redshank, 20+ ruff; Wallasea Island RSPB: 1-2 spoonbill, hen harrier, 2 short-eared owls.
After the Greek city of Argos
Birmingham
Queen Elizabeth II
£250K
Richard Wilson
£458 million
He is a running athlete
11 stone in 1 year
£170,000 (specially built at Boreham)
Bird Bern Under
George III Camel Rock salt
Fratricide
Pancakes 206 Latin Britannia On a tight rope Earnest Drum Colorado Necessity Rupee ‘The Boss’ Barry & Paul 75% hallmarked 750 Enoch Powell Hudson Man Friday Sheffield Wednesday Pele Gordon Brown Ferrari
