The City Times - November/December 2021

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The City Times

Including: Boreham, Broomfield, Danbury, Great Baddow, Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers, The Walthams and Writtle 10,000 copies per month Issue Number 96 - November 18th - December 15th 2021

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City Times Intro Hello readers, Welcome to The City Times November/December edition.

FARM SH IXES OP BL

This is our last full edition before Christmas - the next issue will be out on December 16th.

Est: 1920

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it’s your media Ltd Disclaimer: It’s Your Media Ltd publish The City Times. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of It’s Your Media Ltd. No part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of It’s Your Media Ltd. Registered offices: 15 Hayes Close, Chelmsford. Reg No 9154871. Printed by Warners (Midlands) PLC.

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Canon Tom’s E-Pistle towards others.

Hello friends, I wonder where it comes from? The idea that it’s perfectly alright to be rude, abusive or even physically violent

The recent murder of Southend MP David Amess was almost certainly motivated by extremism of some kind, but it’s a symptom of a worrying trend in society it seems to me. The thinking seems to be that if someone disagrees with me they become fair game for abuse and bad treatment. I’m perfectly prepared to be labelled a grumpy old vicar, but in my opinion what lies behind this sense that we can mistreat people in this way, is partly to do with the anonymity of various social media platforms - and we’ve had plenty of debate about that lately. However, I also believe that it can be seen all too readily on television.

There are a number of reality shows or competitions where behaving badly or outright cheating seems to be acceptable and even commendable. Whilst this may make for more fun on TV, it can have an unwanted consequence beyond the bounds of the show. If young or impressionable minds are exposed too much to this kind of example, we should not be surprised when we begin to see this leaking into real life. If we see too much of things that say certain groups of people or anyone different from us may become a legitimate target for abuse or bad behaviour, then it begins to happen on our streets or on our phones, isn’t it legitimate to conclude there may be a link?

Something that circulated on the internet a while ago was the

saying ‘If you can be anything, be kind’. It’s my hope that more of us remember to act on that rather than just ‘like’ it when it pops up on our screens. Good behaviour can be just as enjoyable as bad, even more so in my opinion.

Be good!

Tom

More Ramblings From Britain’s Oldest Angry Young Man

Why do we, as a nation, insist on celebrating failure?

money (presumably to buy fireworks, or food).

It’s 5th November time again, when Mister Guy Fawkes - also known as Mr Guido Fawkes - in 1605 failed to blow up the House of Lords together with its occupants including King James 1st. Born in York in 1570, Guy Fawkes wanted to kill the King because he thought that Catholics might have better lives. He was a member of a group of provincial English Catholics and took part in the 1605 Gunpowder Plot, but didn’t actually lead it. There were 13 individuals involved but he was arrested while guarding the explosives ready to do the deed. When caught he was imprisoned in the Tower of London; the authorities were acting on information contained in an anonymous letter.

‘A penny for the Guy’ (a homemade effigy of Guy Fawkes sitting in a box or on the pavement clothed in a myriad of different old clothes could be heard on street corners and elsewhere.

On 5th November 1605, Londoners were encouraged to celebrate the King’s escape from assassination by lighting bonfires (outdoor fires).

An Act of Parliament designated each 5th of November as a day of thanksgiving for ‘the joyful day of deliverance’ and remained in force until 1859.

In Britain, 5th of November has variously been called Guy Fawkes Night, Guy Fawkes Day, Plot Night and Bonfire Night (which can be traced directly back to the original celebration from 1605. Bonfires were accompanied by fireworks from the 1650s onwards and it became the custom after 1673 to burn an effigy (usually the pope).

Although it was rumoured that an effigy of Margaret Thatcher made an appearance on a few bonfires.

It wasn’t long before children cottoned on to a method of raising

Guy Fawkes and his co-conspiritors were duly executed by the method of the day, hanged, drawn and quartered (don’t ask - far too gruesome).

Let’s move into more recent times. After returning from World War 2, my father opened a cycle repair shop. He acquired many fireworks to sell to the public and my brother and myself were persuaded to help him package the fireworks to be sold. Each package contained the same number and type of firework. For example, one rocket, three bangers, two Catherine wheels, six sparklers and four ‘pretty’ ones.

Those packages were for the general public. Larger packages were for use by richer members of the public.

Certain unwritten safety rules regarding the handling of fireworks were respected by family members, in particular by the male head of the household. Only he could stick the stem of a rocket in a milk bottle before launching it into the sky, only he could attach a Catherine wheel to a wooden post before ushering everyone out of range and only he could let off the bangers.

Sadly there was always one sad juvenile misfit in society who just had to make his mark alongside Guy Fawkes by letting off a banger in a cinema toilet.

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Nick’s Music and Ramblings Not long to go before the C-word day now, and then we will be into 2022. Is it just me who feels the year has flown by (I know this tends to happen at my ancient age)? I suspect this is another year we will want to forget - just as 2020, though we never will be able to.

I must mention the weather; one minute it is hot, then we have gales and rain and even hail, along with the cold arriving with a couple of frosts so far. if this does not point to climate change, I’m not sure what does.

Still, I will not bang my drum, except to say we must take action now for a future where humans can have a world to live in and enjoy.

As in other cities and towns, our high street in Chelmsford is falling apart. I think there needs to be assistance to persuade the property owners to encourage the independents in, to make use of the free space - and maybe rather than being empty they could donate some space, as two of Chelmsford’s shopping centres have worthy causes that benefit the masses.

With the nights drawing in as the clocks have gone back, I have noticed that there is quite a lot of LED lighting now which does light the streets up better, let’s hope we can get back to having them left on as it will surely improve safety for those out late and leaving early in the morning.

If you have something to say then please let us know and we will try to include it either the City Times or Moulsham Times. Please send an email to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk.

Music For me, this has been a pretty busy month. I have been booking acts to play at the social club for Black Frog Presents for next year, though we do still have some great shows left for this year.

The Trembling Wilburys We had The Trembling Wilburys and Dangerous Daydream play recently, both were superb. Then on the Saturday I saw the Hardy Perennials, who I really like, play in Writtle. The following week I put on Fire & Rain who wowed the audience with a wonderful selection of covers. I then went to Woolwich to the Pelton Arms Jam which is always fun. We were then back to the social club with Jack Hutchinson and his band and The Mojo Preachers - another great night. It was then to Suffolk to see Hayseed Dixie and photograph them - they never disappoint.

bringing Beatles With Wings, a 12-piece band playing... well, its all in the name!

On 12th March we have Kokomo (who were postponed from December), then we have Cregan & Co - Jim Cregan played with Cockney Rebel, Rod Stewart and Family, and Rod once said: “If you can’t afford to go see me, go and see them”. Many might say they are better! That will be on 18th March.

Now in brief: 29th April - Totally Blondie, 3rd June - The Strawbs (the full electric line-up); 18th June - a Cambridge festival day including Kimberley Rew and Lee Cave-Berry (Kim of The Soft Boys and Katrina & the Waves) and others; 2nd September - Chesney Hawkes; 23rd September - Lindisfarne; 14th October - Albert Lee; 21st October Police Dog Hogan; 9th December - Connor Selby. We are waiting on others to confirm, but we hope you agree that this is looking great so far for 2022 here in Chelmsford.

There is lots more happening in and around in Chelmsford of course.

There are venues like Hot Box, the Eagle & Hind, The Bay Horse, The UB, The Fleece and The Black Horse to look out for. In Maldon there is The White Horse and there are plenty more doing quiz nights, music and comedy etc.

It would be fantastic if you could share our magazines the City Times and Moulsham Times as well please. We continue to publish both magazines in print and online at www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia. If you are interested in advertising with us please contact us at ads@ itsyourmedia.co.uk. If you have a comment or an article, or an event to publicise, or just anything to say, please send to editorial@ itsyourmedia.co.uk and we will reply to you as soon as we can.

For all my updates for Black Frog Presents and information on shows and more, just go to www.linktr.ee/BlackFrogPresents or scan the QR code in my poster in this magazine.

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I have also been to see Isabel Isabel in Southend and Robin Bibi with his band in Barleylands (I was invited up to play with them also). Both shows were outstanding.

Well, I have more to see this week including my old flatmate Arthur Brown and Malcolm Bruce with Pete Brown. We still have plenty coming up for this year at the social club as well - please see the poster in this issue.

We also have a few of next year’s acts on there too. Starting on 5th March, we have confirmed Howie Casey - he is the man who played the saxophone with Wings and T. Rex and countless others. He is Page 6

Enquiries 07948 404077 withamcarpentry@gmail.com

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City Times Gardening It’s been a busy week, what with clearing leaves off beds and mulching… but so satisfying. Mulching is using a material, organic or inorganic, that will smother the ground and block out light to germinating weed seeds and trap moisture (great for the summer season). Ideally, the thickness of cover should be somewhere between 10-15cm. The added bonus of using organic matter over inorganics, such as landscape membrane, is that fertility and structure of the soil will improve over time.

Here are a few types of bulky organic matter used in horticulture.

handle.

Spent mushroom compost is a by-product of mushroom growing.

It consists of rotted farm yard manure, peat and lime and is clean, cheap and pleasant to handle and ecomposes quickly.

Spent mushroom compost has a high pH of 7+ and isn’t widely available. it’s suitable for soil structure, nutrient improvement and mulching.

Garden Compost Garden compost consists of composted domestic and garden waste. Compost is variable as it is only as good as the materials composted. It’s only usually available in small quantities.

Garden compost is suitable for soil structure and nutrient improvement and not usually used as a mulch.

Farm Yard Manure (Consists of Straw and Animal Waste) It should be well rotted before using. It has a wide range of nutrients, but content is variable. Availability may depend on location. It is suitable for soil structure, nutrient improvement and mulching, though some people might find it unpleasant to

Composted green waste is a by-product of civic recycling. It’s of variable quality and may contain contaminants and inorganic materials. It has a high pH 7+ and is only suitable for mulching.

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Chipped Bark Chipped bark is a by-product of UK softwood timber production and is clean, easy to handle and aesthetically pleasing with an open resilient structure.

It has a low water holding capacity and a very high carbon to nitrogen ratio and can rob nitrogen from the soil during decomposition.

Chipped bark is only suitable for use as a mulch.

Leaf Mould Leaf mould is composed of leaves from deciduous tree and shrub species.

It has an open fibrous structure and is aesthetically pleasing. It has a variable pH and is usually acidic, but may be alkaline in some cases.

It’s pleasant to handle and has low nutrient levels. Leaf mould is suitable for improving soil structure and mulching.

Composted Straw Large quantities are produced from wheat and barley crops. It is readily available and cheap and breaks down quickly, though it may be contaminated by pesticides. Composted straw is suitable for mulching.

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City Times Finance

Investing for Beginners - Key Points

Investing is for everyone - there I said it!

Misconceptions abound; investing is not just for the wealthy, the adventurous or the ones in the know - the markets are open to anyone wanting, willing, and able to invest and hopefully to start growing their money pot. Ideally, you should discuss all your options with your independent financial adviser, this way they will ensure that you’re on the right path.

1. Clear Your Debt: There is no point investing if you owe money.

Investing and debt make for a sorry duo!

2. Beware of Savings Accounts: With inflation currently at 3.1% (and may go higher), you will not find saving accounts offering anything above this, thus leading to the erosion of your cash reserves.

3. Make It a Habit: However much or little you want to invest or are able to afford, the key is to do so regularly, such as monthly contributions.

go up and down and you may not get back your initial capital. Always seek independent financial advise to understand your options - we are here to help you!

Silvia Johnson BSc(Hons) DipPFS EFA CertCII (MP) is a Director & Independent Financial Adviser at Royale Thames Wealth Ltd. https://www.royalthameswealth.co.uk silvia@royalthameswealth.co.uk 020 8720 7249 / 07908 109 741 Royale Thames Wealth Ltd is an Appointed Representative of New Leaf Distribution Ltd which is authorised and regulated by Financial Conduct Authority number 460421. The value of your investment may go up as well as down and the value is not guaranteed. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. Wills and Estate Planning are not regulated by the FCA.

4. Lump Sum: Alternatively, a lump sum may be the right option for you that bonus or inheritance may get you started on an investment journey. Or it may top up your existing holdings.

5. Get a Professional Risk Profile: Don’t rely on any online tests and quizzes, only your adviser will be able to closely match the right investment to your risk profile, assessing your attitude to risk, capacity for loss and investing experience.

6. Don’t Go It Alone: Take professional advice. This applies irrespective of your investment experience. Advisers are equipped with the right knowledge and tools to help you in your investment journey.

7. Decide on Your Objectives: What is it that you are trying to achieve by investing? Is it a single goal, maybe saving for a deposit on a house or maybe several smaller ones? This will determine your investment strategy.

8. Track Your Time Line: Track your time line and how long you want to stay in the market. Are you prepared to ride out the underlying volatility? Do you have an end-point in mind?

9. Active or Passive: What do you want to invest in and in what fashion - active or passive? Are issues of sustainability important to you? Do you prefer to avoid large corporations? Are you comfortable investing in emerging markets?

10. Patience: Be patient - most investments are designed for at least a medium term, ideally long term to very long term. Ask yourself, how important is it to you that you are able to access your investments at a short notice?

11. Remember that investments can www.thecitytimes.co.uk

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Regal Kitchens - Case Study

After exploring the housing market for some time, Mr and Mrs J from Rayleigh decided that they would prefer to improve rather than move from their property. Although their house was a generous size they felt that the kitchen let it down both in terms of size, style and function.

It was then that they considered removing an internal supporting wall, blocking up the back door, removing the window and replacing with bi-fold doors and moving the utility room wall.

Between Regal Kitchens and its partner company Regal Developments ably managed by Phil Edgell, they took a dated, modest sized room and turned it into a practical yet beautiful family kitchen.

If ever a company lived up to it’s tagline it’s clearly Regal Kitchens: Where Client Is King... www.regalkitchens.net

The first port of call was some local building companies. Mr and Mrs J soon realized that whilst builders were happy to take on the work, they all wanted to put an off-the-shelf, rather bland, kitchen in. From there, they contacted some more reputable kitchen companies, but it seemed the problems were reversed as although they had better designs and more quality products to offer, they seemed unable to manage the build.

It was then that they stumbled upon Regal Kitchens in Chelmsford.

After visiting the showroom, they invited designer John Martin over one weekday evening, and within an hour they had been given a brief inspired by the ideas - and even had a guide price. Less than a week later they were back in the showroom perfecting the plan and working through the vast product choice.

They opted for a Schuller kitchen in handleless concrete grey and white gloss - Corian worktops and a set of Neff appliances, including the brilliant venting hob dismissing the need for an unsightly extractor. The hidden extras, such as internal larder drawers and recycling system, help make the kitchen accessible and the water softener and kettle tap ensure it will be limescale and clutter-free for years to come. The finishing touch is the Amtico Rustic Barn Wood flooring which added a warm and homely feel to the modern kitchen.

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250 Heart Attacks and 375 Strokes Prevented Across Essex* Locals are residents first in line to benefit from blood pressure monitoring kits.

It is estimated* that approximately 250 heart attacks and 375 strokes will be prevented over a course of five years as nearly 20,000 residents in Essex are now benefitting from free blood pressure monitoring kits to help support self-care and prevent the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and stroke.

Essex residents were first in line thanks to a successful bid from Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership who were selected to be a trailblazer as part of a national pilot to test out how residents can improve their health outcomes through self-monitoring their blood pressure.

At the end of March 2020, nationally, there were over 2 million people below the age of 80 with uncontrolled hypertension and more than 325,000 people aged 80 years-plus. Ensuring patients at high risk are being monitored regularly prevents further complications and hence poorer outcomes.

Patients wrap the small machine around their upper arm to measure their blood pressure reading and send the reading to their GP to review by telephone, email or through a digital remote monitoring platform. The rollout supports the NHS Long Term Plan ambitions to prevent up to 150,000 heart attacks, strokes, and dementia cases over the next 10 years.

Dr Taz Syed, local GP and digital clinical lead said: “Thanks to the hard work of staff behind the scenes, our health and care system has had a head start in trialling this technology, saving lives, making it easier to prevent crisis and keep people healthy and independent for as long as possible. It’s vital that people with high blood pressure keep track of their levels, so they can report any significant changes that could indicate a potentially deadly stroke or heart attack, and this simple but lifesaving innovation offers people efficient and convenient care.

“By using these monitors, and reporting the readings to local teams, patients are able to quickly and easily update GP teams with a regular snapshot of their blood pressure health. These simple checks will help us to save lives.”

The initial pilot saw 1,265 blood pressure kits rolled out to GP surgeries across mid and south Essex to three target population groups: • •

•

Group 1: Patients who are clinically extremely vulnerable and had been shielding, with a last recorded blood pressure 150mmHg/90mmHg were provided with a basic BP monitor.

Group 2: Patients who are clinically extremely vulnerable and who have had a prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and last recorded blood pressure of systolic BP > 150mmHg and/or diastolic BP > 90mmHg and do not already have a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF), to be provided with a BP monitor that can detect AF. Group 3: Patients whose last recorded blood pressure of systolic BP > 150mmHg and/or diastolic BP > 90mmHg and are not in groups 1 and 2, encouraged to buy a validated BP monitor.

Residents from these groups received the free kits also and information about how they could make healthy lifestyle changes to lower their chances of getting high blood pressure. They then take readings once or twice a day over the period of a week and someone from their local practice then then goes through the results and discuss the appropriate action which might

be lifestyle advice or, if necessary, make adjustments to the medication as necessary.

The pilot has now been extended in terms of the number of devices and encouragement of patients to purchase their own devices, resulting in 19,535 patients in mid and south Essex now participating in the scheme and providing results to over 80% of our practices.

In addition to the BP@Home programme, six lead ECG devices have been provided to primary care and community teams, and feedback from our community nurses in mid and south Essex is that we are avoiding admissions for our residents.

This impressive achievement came about through hard work, determination and the commitment of the team to deliver the best care for their patients, despite the pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s not always clear what causes high blood pressure, but there are things that can increase your risk. You might be more at risk if you: • • • • • • • • • •

Are overweight.

Eat too much salt and do not eat enough fruit and vegetables.

Do not do enough exercise.

Drink too much alcohol or coffee or other caffeine-based drinks.

Smoke.

Do not get much sleep or have disturbed sleep.

Are over 65.

Have a relative with high blood pressure.

Are of black African or black Caribbean descent.

Live in a deprived area.

Making healthy lifestyle changes can sometimes help reduce your chances of getting high blood pressure and help lower your blood pressure if it’s already high.

National Research: Prevents up to 500 heart attacks and almost 750 strokes over five years across a population of 50,000 patients. *

Check Your Blood Pressure All adults over 40 are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every 5 years.

Getting this done is easy and could save your life. You can get your blood pressure tested at a number of places, including: • • •

At your GP surgery.

At some pharmacies.

As part of your NHS health check.

For more information email msepartnership.comms@nhs.net.

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Next City Times Issue Deadlines: Articles - 6th December Artwork - 10th December Issue Date - 16th December

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Black Friday Record Store Day

If you love vinyl then you will be well aware of Record Store Day, where artists and bands release special limited edition records, with vinyl junkies queuing round the block outside their local record shop. Record Store Day’s Black Friday event falls on Friday 26th November 2021 and Intense Records in Chelmsford will be taking part once again.

This year, Intense will be stocking a whole host of exclusive releases from iconic artists including, U2, Lana Del Rey, Ozzy Osbourne, Evanescence, Aerosmith, Dire Straits, Jimi Hendrix, Mobb Deep, Dusty Springfield, Miles Davis, Motörhead, Sons of Kemet and so much more.

These rare and in-demand titles will be available on the day in store, so make sure you get down to Intense early before they sell out! If you can’t make it on the day, remaining items will be listed on the Intense website the following morning, so be sure to check out www.intenserecords.com.

Intense Records are under the arches, just round the corner from Chelmsford train and bus stations. For more info call 01245 347 372 or visit at 33/34 Viaduct Road, Chelmsford CM1 1TS. Follow them on Facebook for updates - search ‘Intense Records’.

Chelmsford Record Fair Is Back!

We are super excited to let you know that we have found a new home for the record fair. It will now be at the Chelmsford Social Club located at the back of the Springfield Road Tesco store. It’s a great venue with much more space, meaning more sellers and more records. It has a fully functioning bar for teas, coffees and of course beers, plus a massive stage for our DJs and bands to perform.

The first fair at the new venue will be held on Saturday 4th December from 10am - 4pm and entry is free to all.

If you are walking, there is access via Tesco car park, or if you are driving use the entrance opposite the Two Brewers pub along Springfield Road - there is a small car park behind the venue.

With a larger venue we also have room for new sellers, so if you would like your own stall or have a record collection to sell, please contact Jon at Intense Records on 01245 347 372.

Chelmsford Social Club is at 55 Springfield Roadd, Chelmsford CM2 6JG 01245 261 379.

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Children just love the characters from Frozen and they can also have their photos taken with them.

Christmas Is Coming - And So Is Rotary

Polio Update World Polio Day was 24th October and as I have written before, Rotary has been at the forefront with its End Polio Campaign since 1985.

The initial target was $120 million, 36 years later money raised has been averaged at $120 million per year with the UK contribution totalling £1.7 billion. The Bill and Melinda Gates foundation gives $2 for every $1 dollar collected, essentially tripling donations. Wild polio cases are now only found in Pakistan and Afghanistan and the Taliban regime has pledged to support Rotary volunteers who continue to work on the ground vaccinating children. The end game is in sight.

It’s an odd fact, but one thing the general public seems most aware of when it comes to Rotary is its Christmas sleigh collections. Up and down the country clubs tour the streets of local communities bringing good cheer to children and adults alike and the money raised is used for good causes within the neighbourhood.

There is exciting news for Chelmsford.

At the start of November the construction of a new Santa sleigh, run by the Rotary Club of Chelmsford Mildmay, nears completion.

The structure is now finished and the painting is also complete. Work has now begun on electrical work to light up the sleigh and to provide music as Rotarians tour the streets of North Springfield, Beaulieu and Channels, Little Waltham and Great Waltham.

All club members have thrown themselves into this project by providing costumes, getting essential collection mediums such as card readers, QR codes and simple buckets for old fashioned cash, preparing promotional material, getting our own Santa Tracker app for residents to follow its progress, and Chelmsford Mildmay now has its own Just Giving page for donations. The club acknowledges the assistance of its work by NFU Insurance and many others and offer sincere thanks to them. The intention is to tour the streets on a number of occasions throughout December, usually from 5pm until 8pm and the club is still looking for ‘helper elves’ to assist them. If you are interested, please contact our Secretary John Tilsley through our website and help us deliver the spirit of Christmas. Thanks go to all members of Chelmsford Mildmay Rotary Club and beyond, to bring this large project to fruition.

The Rotary Club of Chelmsford (there are five clubs in Chelmsford plus several others nearby) has plans for a Christmas Grotto this year.

This will be on Saturday 4th December from 9.30am till 4.30pm in Chelmsford Cathedral. Pre-COVID-19, the club held very successful grottos at Hylands House which stretched over a few days. This year will at least give an opportunity for children to meet Santa again - the real one!

Chelmsford Phoenix Rotary Club will be performing Christmas carols in High Chelmer. This has also been a most popular addition to the festive activities in the past and it is wonderful that it is to be allowed again this year. They will be singing their hearts out on Saturday 18th December from 10am until 1pm, and you are welcome to join in.

It is remarkable that whilst Afghanistan has been in turmoil the Taliban reached agreement to allow immunisation days to go ahead.

Following withdrawal of western military forces, the WHO struck an agreement with the Taliban to conduct mask-to-mask polio campaigns in previously inaccessible regions where there has been no contact for almost two years. Despite the difficulties, there has only been one reported case of polio in 2021 in Afghanistan and one in Pakistan - the only two countries where polio is still endemic. The end seems to be in sight!

Two vastly different aspects of Rotary - a project providing cheer for local children and at the other end of the spectrum a global initiative saving the lives of millions of children who would have succumbed to polio. If you think you would like to help with the work of Rotary, please visit www.rotary1240.org or give me a call on 01245 260 349.

Stan Keller

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

November

Friday 19th Bay Horse - Halo Eagle and Hind - Medicine Hot Box - Three Lucifer Sams + Pete Bassman RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair Yoga (10.45am - £6 per session - to book phone Sue Eddie: 07794 543 147) Saturday 20th Bay Horse - City Sounds Hot Box - After London + Pave the Jungle RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee mornings (10am to 1pm) Sunday 21st Chelmsford High Street - Christmas light switch on Hylands Estate - Open Day and Farmer’s and Craft Market and State of Art Tehnology Exhibition Monday 22nd Eagle and Hind - One Tree Hillbillies Wednesday 24th Hot Box - Tennessee Fileds Presents: Jade Helliwell + Kezia Gill Thursday 25th Eagle and Hind - Quiz Night Hot Box - The Unmistakable Scent of Leopard Comedy Evening Maldon High Street - Maldon Christmas Festival Friday 26th Bay Horse - The Jam Project Chelmsford Social Club - WHO’s Next (Char Tinsley memorial show) + The Jives Civic - Beauty and the Beast Hot Box - Jar Records Presents: The Archaris + Surfing Pointers Hylands Estate - Enlightened Intense Records - Black Friday event RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair Yoga (10.45am - £6 per session - to book phone Sue Eddie: 07794 543 147) The UB - The Jackson Line Saturday 27th Bay Horse - All Out Emo Christ Church - Essex Symphony Orchestra Concert Civic - Beauty and the Beast Cramphorn - Blue Hollywood and Tiger Lady Eagle and Hind - Karaoke Hot Box - Chelmsford Fringe Festival Hylands Estate - Enlightened RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee mornings (10am to 1pm) Sunday 28th Civic - Beauty and the Beast Hylands Estate - Enlightened Monday 29th Civic - Beauty and the Beast Hylands Estate - Enlightened Tuesday 30th Civic - Beauty and the Beast Cramphorn - The Father (12a) Hylands Estate - Enlightened

December

Wednesday 1st Civic - Beauty and the Beast Cramphorn - The War Below (12) Hylands Estate - Christmas at the Stables Hylands Estate - Enlightened

Thursday 2nd Civic - Beauty and the Beast Cramphorn - In the Heights (PG) Eagle and Hind - Quiz Night Hylands Estate - Enlightened Old Court Theatre - It’s a Wonderful Life Friday 3rd Bay Horse - Kill Bosco + Sheers Chelmsford Social Club - Tony O’Malley (Kokomo) + 5.com Civic - Beauty and the Beast Hot Box - Live Transmission Hylands Estate - Enlightened Old Court Theatre - It’s a Wonderful Life RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair Yoga (10.45am - £6 per session - to book phone Sue Eddie: 07794 543 147) Saturday 4th Chelmsford Social Club - Record Fair Civic - Beauty and the Beast Eagle and Hind - Steve Hooker Hot Box - Ye No Se Hylands Estate - Enlightened Old Court Theatre - It’s a Wonderful Life RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee mornings (10am to 1pm) Sunday 5th Civic - Beauty and the Beast Hylands Estate - Enlightened Monday 6th Civic - Beauty and the Beast Cramphorn - Dream Horse (PG) Hylands Estate - Christmas Soirée: An Elementary Christmas Hylands Estate - Enlightened Tuesday 7th Civic - Beauty and the Beast Cramphorn - The Last Letter From Your Lover (12a) Hylands Estate - Christmas Soirée: An Elementary Christmas Hylands Estate - Enlightened Radio Café (Moulsham Mill) - Counter Culture Games Night Wednesday 8th Civic - Beauty and the Beast Hot Box - Tennessee Fields: The Jackson Line + Harleymoon Kemp + Essex County Hylands Estate - Christmas Soirée: An Elementary Christmas Hylands Estate - Enlightened Old Court Theatre - It’s a Wonderful Life Old Park Meadow - Name a Star Memorial Evening Thursday 9th Civic - Beauty and the Beast Cramphorn - Fake news Eagle and Hind - Quiz Night Hylands Estate - Enlightened Old Court Theatre - It’s a Wonderful Life Friday 10th Chelmsford Social Club - Denny Newman & Friends + Happnin’ Boy Civic - Beauty and the Beast Cramphorn - Fake News Hylands Estate - Enlightened Madison Heights - Jingle Bell Bowl (to book call 01621 850 222) Madison Heights - Jingle Bell Skate (roller skate to disco lights & Christmas tunes) Old Court Theatre - It’s a Wonderful Life

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Friday 10th (continued...)

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair Yoga (10.45am - £6 per session - to book phone Sue Eddie: 07794 543 147) Saturday 11th Civic - Beauty and the Beast Cramphorn - Fake news Eagle and Hind - Vince & Aubs Soul (ska and reggae night) Hylands Estate - Enlightened Madison Heights - Tea with the Elves and play session at Monkey Puzzle (to book call 01621 850 222) Old Court Theatre - It’s a Wonderful Life RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee mornings (10am to 1pm) Sunday 12th Civic - Beauty and the Beast Hot Box - Jazz Sunday’s with Zak Barrett & Friends Hylands Estate - Enlightened Monday 13th Civic - Beauty and the Beast Hylands Estate - Enlightened Tuesday 14th Civic - Beauty and the Beast Hot Box - The Hot Box Big Music Quiz Hylands Estate - Enlightened Wednesday 15th Broomfield Village Hall - Knit and Natter and Craft (afternoon - 2.30pm) Civic - Beauty and the Beast Hot Box - 7th Tier Presents: An Alternate Christmas Hylands Estate - Enlightened Thursday 16th Civic - Beauty and the Beast Cramphorn - Xmas Jazz 2021 Eagle and Hind - Quiz Night Hot Box - Hothaus Drag Presents: Xmas Xtravaganza Hylands Estate - Enlightened Friday 17th Civic - Beauty and the Beast Hot Box - Baxtr + Katy For Kings Hylands Estate - Enlightened Hylands Estate - Pink Vanilla Events Christmas Madison Heights - Jingle Bell Bowl (to book call 01621 850 222) Madison Heights - Jingle Bell Skate (roller skate to disco lights & Christmas tunes) RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair Yoga (10.45am - £6 per session - to book phone Sue Eddie: 07794 543 147) Saturday 18th Civic - Beauty and the Beast Cramphorn - Pip’s Post Room Hot Box - Millie Manders & the Shutup + Jora the Fortune Teller Hylands Estate - Enlightened Madison Heights - Tea With the Elves and play session at Monkey Puzzle (to book call 01621 850 222) RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee mornings (10am to 1pm) Sunday 19th Civic - Beauty and the Beast Hot Box - Jar Records Presents: Lyena Hylands Estate - Christmas Farmer’s and Craft Market Hylands Estate - Enlightened RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Christmas Party (2pm - £5 members/£6 Non-members - to book email sue.eddie@ writtle.ac.uk) www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

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The Winter Solstice, A Meditation - Mandy Haynes The winter solstice is a turning point as the sun reaches an all-time low. This is the longest night and shortest day of the year. While nature is at its darkest and most introverted, we often find ourselves at our busiest - and particularly after last year, many of us will feel like we have a lot of making up to do! But despite the merrymaking and socialising of the holiday season, this is a soulful time to go within so we can be present for the return of the light. Within the darkness, nature moves quietly towards spring. The time before the winter solstice is a time for grieving, acknowledging what’s been lost and letting go - I feel this is especially poignant the last two years.

The time after the winter solstice is about hope and new beginnings, the rebirth that inevitably comes after death.

My Christmas gift to you, readers, is a mediation that has been written (not by me) with the solstice in mind. You could ask someone to read it to you once you are settled, or record yourself reading it so that you can play it whenever you need to.

If you feel like you have some tension or niggles in your body that need easing out you could practice some gentle movement in preparation to allow your body to relax more easily, and then when you are ready light some festive scented candles or switch on your fairy lights and make yourself warm and comfortable, either lying on your bed or yoga mat.

Winter Solstice Meditation Begin by taking a deep breath in and then exhaling slowly. Relax as you release the breath. With each breath you take, you move deeper into the silent space within, into your inner world.

Imagine yourself now walking through a desert landscape at night.

The moon is not visible to light your path, and at first your steps are unsure and tentative. The more you attune yourself to the silent world around you, the more your senses begin to perceive details along your path. The desert air is clear and cold, fragrant with the aroma of sage. Now you move with confidence, you can ‘see’ with your inner eyes. You are comfortable with the darkness that reveals its gifts: you can hear sounds of life around you - what do you hear?

You see things you have not seen before, what do you see? You trust your inner senses, your intuition guides you on your path. Answers

reveal themselves as you surrender to the power of the unseen. You feel safe and protected.

A warm feeling starts to bubble up in your solar plexus. The warmth spreads to your arms and legs, to your whole body. A pleasant tingling sensation accompanies the warm glow that now seems to emanate from your body, creating a field of pleasant vibrating energy throughout and around you. The source of light and warmth is within, always accessible, your internal sun. You are equally comfortable with the dark as with the light. You are balanced, in harmony with Mother Earth and Father Sky. As you turn your eyes toward the night sky above you, a blanket of brilliant stars illuminate the sky. Gratitude washes over you as you open your heart to the beauty of this sacred time and space.

A granite boulder offers a place to rest and relax. Hours seem like minutes, a sense of timelessness prevails.

You begin to notice a change on the horizon. The light of the stars begins to fade, and toward the east, the first light of dawn colors the sky with shades of purple, pink and orange. Slowly the landscape around you reveals a new face of beauty and harmony. Soon the radiant disk of the Sun appears and bathes the desert in its warm glow. You are reborn to this new day, and you greet it with joy and gratitude. You can trust the sacred circles of nature that always offer new beginnings. Bless the return of the light as you have blessed the womb of darkness that preceded it.

Allow yourself to rest in this space, to draw on whatever you are experiencing. When you are ready to return to the here and now, be sure to take some slow, deep breaths and feel yourself grounded, balanced in harmony.

If you would like to join me for a practice that includes this meditation, book in to join me on 22nd December (my last class before Christmas). You can see the full teaching schedule here - www. hummingbirdpilates.co.uk.

Chelmsford Library As we head towards Christmas, the Cards for Good Causes pop-up shop is open in the library, selling cards, gift wrap and other seasonal items to raise funds for various charities - they are open from 10am 3.30pm, so do come to Chelmsford Library to make your selection for such a good cause.

On Saturday 4th December at 11am, come and meet local Chelmsford author George Stobbs and listen to him read from his book Short Bedtime Stories. Meet a magical goat, a beautiful unicorn and a vegetarian troll! No booking required; the event is suitable for children aged 4-8 years.

We will also be supporting the Chelmsford Fringe Festival on 27th November with a taster event - do keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for Christmas activities. Our regular Baby and Toddler Rhymetime sessions are continuing - don’t forget to book a place (email chelmsford.library@essex.gov.uk) as they are very popular!

Will you have some spare time in the new year and be considering volunteering? Chelmsford Library would like to reopen its Work Club which supports people looking for work, offering help with CV writing, job applications, online job searches, etc, and is looking to recruit some enthusiastic volunteers to help with this. See our website for Page 18

more information: www.volunteeressex.org/opportunities/librarywork-clubs-computer-support-volunteer-12681; we’d love to hear from you.

Did you know you can recycle small unwanted/unused/broken electrical items at Chelmsford Library? We can also recycle your household batteries and crisp packets. Don’t forget you can also pick up lateral flow Covid home tests from us and also hearing aid batteries.

To keep up-to-date, follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or by subscribing to our newsletter - details on our website at libraries.essex.gov.uk.

Please send any local events for inclusion in our What’s On guide from 16/12/21 23/1/22 to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

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Page 19

City Times History

Transport in Chelmsford (Part Five) - By Stephen Norris While the interminable bypass saga lumbered on another contentious issue, the inner ring road also caused sporadic disagreements in the 1970s. The second stage from the London Road to the Army and Navy was opened in October 1971, seven months ahead of schedule.

Once opened however, it attracted a good deal of criticism for separating Moulsham from the town.

Stage 3 Parkway also caused much debate. Public pressure led to some properties being saved, but the scheme would have still resulted in 45 properties being demolished. In 1975 the £3 million scheme from Coval Lane to Rectory Lane was called off because of lack of money. A revived scheme in 1970 involved bulldozing 70 homes and was designed to link the new Parkway with the Chelmer Valley route - this involved a big roundabout at the junction of Rainsford Road and Rainsford Lane. A further scheme two years later would have involved the partial demolition of the County Hotel.

In 1981 construction was again put back to 1985 or 1986. Three years later however, the green light was finally given for the 70 shops and houses to come down and building to start the following year.

Parkway stage 3 finally opened in September 1987. Traffic travelling to and from the north and west of Chelmsford was now able to avoid the town centre completely. Critics pointed out however that the new dual carriageway had turned Chelmsford’s West End into a dead zone. The two hundred yards of Broomfield Road between its junction with Duke Street and Parkway became a dead end as soon as the new circulatory system opened.

In 1988 a new scheme was announced which would link Springfield Road with the ring road. The scheme was designed to keep traffic out of the lower end of the High Street and enable the long awaited shopping development to go ahead on Kings Head Meadow and at the rear of Debenhams. It would have to include a viaduct over both the Can and the Chelmer.

bypasses for villages around Chelmsford, including the Boreham bypass which opened in 1971. The new Chelmer Valley route was proposed in 1972 to link Chelmsford and Little Waltham, but opposition and delays meant that Government approval was not given until 1982. Yet another public inquiry was held before the Chelmer Valley Road was finally opened in October 1989. A new bypass around Writtle, between Little Oxney Green and the A12 at Widford, was opened in August 1987 after another public inquiry.

‘In addition to relieving the traffic through the village, the new road will enable traffic from the south and east of Chelmsford to avoid the town centre. It helps make the link between the A12 and the M11.’ Proposals for a bypass around Danbury were abandoned, but one was built around Great Leighs in the early years of the new millennium. It was to link Chelmsford with Braintree and ‘return the village to its rural idyll’.

In 1989 an M12 link to join the M25 with Chelmsford was announced to run north of the existing A12. Part of the £13 million pound package included widening the existing A12 bypass to three lanes.

The plans were initially welcomed by the Council and Simon Burns, the local MP. It was projected as a toll road. Opinion moved against the road with concerns about the environmental effect on Highwood.

The plan was eventually abandoned by the Government in 1994.

To view both the City Times and the Moulsham Times magazines online, visit www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

A third drawn-out transport saga involving the town was the projected flyover at the Army and Navy roundabout. As early as 1972 Stevas had a meeting with the Transport Minister to try to get one built. He was of the opinion that if one was built it might make the building of a bypass unnecessary, though there was strong opposition to the flyover from local residents. The plans were heavily criticised for allowing only for inexpensive foundations, which would only be strong enough for cars - this was a purely financial decision. A public inquiry delayed the decision further.

When the contract was finally awarded in 1978, costs had soared to well over half a million pounds, half the finance came from the county council and half from the Government. It was designed to be open only during peak hours; in the morning cars were to use it heading from Southend to Parkway and in the reverse direction in the evening.

The flyover opened in December 1978 and the council were delighted with the results. On average, 950 vehicles used it in the morning and 1,150 in the evening. 2 years later however, it was already carrying far more traffic than it was designed to take - this was because people who had been avoiding the Army and Navy had now gone back to using it. In 1990 an ECC survey said that the flyover could go, but nothing happened despite regular accidents which have carried on to the present. A 2013 scheme to create a third lane on a short stretch of Parkway westwards from the Army and Navy roundabout was criticised for being far too little. Critics argued a new two-way flyover was needed to replace the temporary one built 35 years ago, but it is highly unlikely the finance will be forthcoming from the Government in the foreseeable future.

The closing decades of the 20th century saw a number of further Page 20

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Page 21

A Year in the Life of the Mayor

Spot the Difference - 10 to find (answers on page 23) The Deputy Mayor and I attended the online Chelmsford Town Twinning Association AGM. Like so many other organisations, the pandemic did rather reduce the activities of the group. A visit to Backnang was discussed as well as encouraging more interaction between schools on both sides of the Channel.

I dropped in to Sanctus to chat about the impact of them moving into bigger premises and the additional work involved. We also spoke about the expected increase in service users due to changing benefits and the approach of winter.

Sanctus are offering their service users Covid jabs and boosters as well as the flu jab, alongside counselling, and a place to eat and chat with others.

I visited Roxwell Primary School as the whole school was running its own marathon around the playing field raising money for the school.

Participants were aiming for 10 laps around the field which most achieved and many did more.

I attended a graduation ceremony for ARU students at Chelmsford Cathedral, where the ceremony also included an Honorary Doctor of Laws being presented to Nick Alston. Congratulation to all who have received their degrees and doctorates.

Sharon from Bluebird Care came to the Mayor’s Parlour to interview me. She was writing an article for their newsletter and asked if she could include a piece on being Mayor. I was very happy to record a short message thanking all carers for the excellent work they do. Often much of their work goes unsung, but where would we be without good carers?

The Deputy Mayor and her Consort visited the Can Create exhibition at The Art Place. They enjoyed meeting organisers and artists working with Macmillan Cancer Charity to showcase poignant and inspiring artwork, poetry and crafts during lockdown.

Congratulations to CHESS for receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of the fantastic work they do to support rough sleepers in Chelmsford. The Deputy Mayor found it very moving to hear real-life stories and inspiring to see how far they have moved forward with the right support from CHESS.

Thank you to Chelmsford Lions for their generous donation to my charities Sanctus, Helping Hands Essex and Mid & North Essex Mind.

This was raised during their Christmas Tree Recycling Project in collaboration with Farleigh Hospice. The Deputy Mayor was delighted to receive a cheque for £1,380 from Martin Wood.

The Deputy Mayor and her Consort attended the AGM of the Rural Community Council of Essex at Layer Marney Tower to hear about the challenges rural communities have faced during the past year and how RCCE have supported residents and continue to do so with new and exciting plans.

In October, the Deputy Mayor visited Little Havens Children’s Hospice.

She was impressed with the services on offer to children and families and appreciated how vital they were. There was a discussion about

the difficulties of fundraising during the pandemic and still trying to provide a good service.

The Deputy Mayor and her Consort were delighted to participate in the colourful Festival of Durga Puja with the Chelmsford Hindu Society. Essex Indians invited the Deputy Mayor and her Consort to their Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations in Basildon. A very enjoyable festival full of warmth, colour and delicious food.

The Justice Service for the County of Essex was held on Sunday 17th October at Chelmsford Cathedral hosted by The High Sheriff of Essex, Mr Simon Brice. The Deputy Mayor and her Consort joined the respected guests in the procession into the cathedral.

The Deputy Mayor attended an Army Engagement presentation at the Civic Centre and was interested to hear about the opportunities for recruits, particularly the ongoing career training. The British Army are also working hard to improve their green credentials.

The third biennial Open Art Exhibition in the Chelmsford Museum in Oaklands Park was attended by the Deputy Mayor and international painter and sculptor John Doubleday (his National Police Dog Memorial is in the museum grounds) opened the event. Thanks to the Friends of the Museum for their support.

It was a busy return to engagements for the me after a short break, which began with the planting of 5,000 purple crocus bulbs in Central Park to mark World Polio Day with members of Rivermead Rotary Club.

I was delighted to be invited to visit Compass Gardens in South Woodham Ferrers with Cllr Rose Moore and the Mayor of South Woodham Ferrers to officially open the new Inclusive play area. As it was half term, the play area was very busy! A little girl called Ella saw me and gave me a collection of leaves, I was pleased to present Ella with a bow from the opening ribbon.

The Mayoral party were at Hylands House for a tour of the house followed by a civic lunch. This gave the us the opportunity to show dignitaries from across Essex the beautiful facilities which are available to hire for functions.

Guests were entertained before lunch by a talented young harpist Mwaka who played some beautiful music. Thanks to his Honour Judge Gratwicke, who was the guest speaker after lunch.

Representatives from the Mayor’s charities all spoke about their work and a raffle raised more than £300 for them.

I had the pleasure of visiting Chelmer Lodge towards the end of October to talk to residents in their lounge over a cup of tea. Many topics were covered from the work of the Mayor to the recent visit of the Knife Angel.

I was at the opening of Patch, a new workspace and cultural venue in Grays Yard in the centre of Chelmsford. It was a pleasure to talk to so many people enthusiastic about this project, led by Freddie Fforde.

There were two graduation day ceremonies for Writtle University College students for the class of 2020 and 2021. I was delighted to attend both, which were held at Chelmsford Cathedral. It was a joy to celebrate the successes of the students.

The last Saturday in October found me in the Copper Pot in Moulsham Lodge for the launch of the café in the Moulsham Lodge community centre (MLCT), where I spoke to Hayley who is running the business with her team. I met the young man who designed the café logo, enjoyed a cappuccino, and chatted to many happy customers.

What a lovely evening the Mayoress and I spent in East Hanningfield at their Halloween and Fireworks event. There were so many youngsters (and quite a few adults) dressed in Halloween costumes.

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It was very difficult to pick a winner from all the children who entered the competition.

The eventual winner was Amelia from South Woodham Ferrers who had the honour of pressing the button to start the main fireworks display. She was one very excited young lady!

Thanks must go to all the sponsors and the team of volunteers who made the evening happen. It was a great success.

I hope you are all keeping well and staying safe.

Please email mayors.office@chelmsford.gov.uk if you’d like a mayoral visit.

Facebook: Mayor of Chelmsford Twitter: @chelmsmayor Instagram: Chelmsford_mayor

Chelmsford Community Radio Drive Time Show - Lauren We are very proud of our volunteer presenters and this month, continue the introductions with Lauren Hello, I’m Lauren the Drive at Five presenter on Tuesday’s and Friday’s on CCR.

come and join me for a chat, a laugh and a dance! www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

How did I get into presenting? I’ve always been a performer (as evidence by my extremely embarrassing baby videos) but it wasn’t until sixth form that I became aware of my one, true vocation in life… talking. So, when it came to deciding my next steps, it was obvious to me that becoming a presenter was the only way to go.

Unlike most teenagers, I loved listening to the radio! I was obsessed with the way it had the ability to make you feel like you always had a friend around even if you were alone. Radio was my escape from the stresses of teenage life. I realise now how much I want to be that escape for other people like me. That was it.

Decision made, I was going to be a radio presenter. But where to start?

My first thought was the BBC, but believe it or not, it turned out to be rather a long shot for an 18 year old with absolutely no experience. That’s when I found CCR. I started on The Breakfast Show with Michelle and couldn’t believe my luck that I was finally sitting in a radio studio. I quickly moved to presenting my own Drive Time shows on Tuesday and Fridays.

My show is all about having fun! Let’s face it, life can be scary and the constant news and media really doesn’t help. So www.thecitytimes.co.uk

Page 23

Chelmsford Window Gallery Presents...

The Window Gallery Chelmsford was set up in June 2018 to give local artists a space to display their work. We host a new exhibition every month and you can see all of our previous exhibitions online at www. windowgallery.org or search for us on YouTube.

Featured artist for November 2021 is Getyourportraits and will be available to view in the gallery from 16th October to 26th November. A video exhibition is available on YouTube with music by Break Fate.

When did you start making art?

“As soon as I was able to hold of a mark making implement! I remember as far back as being five years old and making art all day long on the evenings and weekends. My nan helped me a lot at that age too.”

What sort of art do you create? Has this changed over time?

“I like to use mixed media - over the years I have used many mediums. When I studied art and design at college and fine art at university, I explored painting, drawing, photography, video art, sculpture, installation and performance art. I like to explore a bit of everything.

“My art is about perspective, because I am fascinated by others and how we perceive each other and ourselves in a space. I am interested in how spaces manipulate how we feel, or how we feel we can manipulate how a space feels. Overall I think most artists have an element of psychology in their work. My job as a SENco also allows me to learn more and more about others and how they experience the world. Another reason I make art is because of how it makes me feel. I find it a very therapeutic process that makes the world around me dissolve for a little while; I need to make art.”

comes from not forcing anything.”

Where do you practice art?

“I have a desk in my house that is full of art materials, it is near a large window and the wall behind is plain, I play loud music and go from there. When I’m using spray paint however I work in the garden.”

Do you have any connections with the art community in Chelmsford?

“I have only lived in Chelmsford for one year, unfortunately due to Covid I have not met many people yet. I have made use of the opportunities provided by The Art Place in Chelmsford which has enabled me to show some of my recent work.”

How often do you create?

“I have been creating work on a weekly basis in the last year, however I am about to study at UCL therefore will not have as much time on my hands for the next year.”

What’s the best thing about being an artist?

“There are no rules and you can be who you want to be. When I was at university studying fine art entering the studio was like walking into madness everyday and you don’t have to answer to anyone.”

Where have you exhibited before?

“I exhibited as part of my degree in Hertfordshire and at the Truman Brewery in London.

I have also exhibited a few times since living in Chelmsford.

“I have also created artwork for a band called Break Fate, I drew them and printed it onto tote bags to sell

at their gigs. This was a lot of fun.”

What inspires you?

“I am inspired by pop art, street and graffiti art and tattoo art.

However I am enjoy experiencing all kinds of art including modern and classic art. On my instagram (#getyourportraits) I follow so many amazing artists who also inspire me everyday. Some of my favorite artists are Yayoi Kusama, Levi Van Velu, James Rosenquist, Charlotte Timmons, Charles Uzzell Edwards, Boo Ritson, Van Gogh, Tim Fowler and many, many more.”

What do you do if you’re not inspired?

“I do not push myself to make art if I do not feel it, however sometimes I practice drawing what I see and then sometimes inspiration finds me from there. Going for a walk with a camera or going to a gallery can also generate inspiration. I think the best art Page 24

Do you sell your work? If so, is it difficult to part with it?

“I do sometimes sell work, I have sold a piece to an artist as I drew a portrait of him and he took a liking to it. I have also had the odd commission through my Instagram page. I sometimes have people asking me to draw something in a style they have seen me use. I also have an Etsy page which I use to then sell the work. It is more cost-effective to put the work on Etsy for a customer once I know they want the piece.”

What superpower would you have and why?

“If I could have a super power I always thought it would be to fly, but actually I think it would be just to be superhuman. I have so many ideas and things I want to do but not always the energy to do it all! So I’d like that power to not need to stop and rest and not to get ill, so that I could achieve even more.”

Instagram: getyourportraits www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Getyourportraits linktr.ee/breakfateband Window Gallery, Broomfield Road, Chelmsford

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A Wintery Treat from Local Author Sheila Norton As a local (Galleywood) author, I’ve always been grateful for the support I’ve had from people and businesses around Chelmsford. People have bought my books from local bookshops and supermarkets, papers and magazines such as the Chelmsford’s The City Times has kindly given me the occasional mention, and I’ve been interviewed on BBC Radio Essex and Chelmsford Community Radio.

Reading, and creative writing were of course popular activities during the lockdowns. It’s nice that there’s plenty of information available these days for new writers, and also writing groups offering support - unlike when I started!

I always wanted to be an author, but it was an unusual ambition when I was growing up in the 1950s and ‘60s, and I had no idea how to go about it. I had a very long apprenticeship of writing short stories, mostly for women’s magazines, before my first novel was finally

published in 2003.

Over the intervening years, I’ve written novels in several different genres, but my recent books have mostly been feel-good fiction - the type of stories that help us escape during depressing times.

My twenty-third novel, Winter at Cliff’s End Cottage, is I hope, one to warm everyone’s hearts. It’ll be published on 9th December and is about an elderly woman living on the edge of a Devon cliff and a young journalist who wants to write her story, but ends up becoming her friend. I’m particularly excited about the publication of this book, which I think is my personal favourite.

My publisher has given Winter at Cliff’s End Cottage a lovely wintery cover design and I think the book would make a great Christmas present. It’ll be available in paperback, eBook and audiobook. Find it in local shops, libraries or on Amazon, and to keep updated please visit my website, www.sheilanorton.com, where you can ask to be added to my mailing list for a quarterly email newsletter.

Thank you, everyone in Chelmsford, for your continuing interest and support.

‘In With the New’ - Chelmsford Camera Club For some considerable time Chelmsford Camera Club (CCC) has held its meetings at Moulsham Mill in Chelmsford. It is an interesting venue, full of character and it has served the club well over many years. Its central location with space for parking made Broomfield FC (image courtesy of Mike it attractive, and the staff there have always been very Crack/Broomfield FC) helpful.

However, all good things must come to and end as they say, and CCC has decided that a change of venue is needed. We have been meeting online over the last 18 months, taking advantage of the benefits of Zoom, such as attracting guest speakers from far-flung places, but now that we are returning to physical meetings, we have moved to a new venue, Broomfield Football Club (BFC).

In view of growing membership we had been looking for alternative premises for a while and to coincide with the transition back to

meeting in person, we have found the ideal location at BFC. This modern facility provides ample parking, disabled access and a large open hall allowing images and speakers alike plenty of space and an unrestricted viewpoint for members to enjoy the evening’s fare.

The staff at BFC have given us a warm welcome so we are more than happy with the move. We are still using Zoom for those members who are as yet unsure about groups of people, but based on the first couple of meetings, getting together is clearly very important and that has proved to be the most popular choice.

CCC is a friendly club, appealing to all standards of photographer, from beginner, intermediary or those of a more expert nature and holds regular competitions internally for members and against other clubs, in addition to inviting a host of speakers from across the wide array of photographic genres. If you have an interest in photography, or maybe studying for photography, or your existing club hasn’t quite made it through the pandemic and you are looking for somewhere to channel your interest, please get in touch with us and come along on a club evening to get a friendly welcome and taster of what is on offer. www.chelmsfordcameraclub.info

Volunteers Needed!!!

Volunteer Befrienders Volunteer Befrienders offer cheerful companionship and conversation and help people feel less lonely. Support can be provided by telephone or face-to-face, and is flexible depending on your time and schedule. Help is especially needed for South Woodham Ferrers.

Treasurer to Chelmsford District Scouts Chelmsford District Scouts need a reliable volunteer with previous experience of to support them as Treasurer. This is fantastic opportunity to support an organisation which makes a real difference to young people’s lives.

Volunteers for Chelmsford’s first Fringe Festival - 27th November Next year, Chelmsford will be launching its inaugural Fringe Festival; a celebration and showcase of talent in performing arts in all its forms.

On the 27th November this year, there will be a day of performances and workshops for the public to enjoy and to learn about the festival and its goals.

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Volunteers are needed to make this a success!

Drivers needed for SOS Bus - Open Road - Urgent Need We are urgently seeking a reliable volunteer holding a C1 driving licence to drive the SOS bus into position in Chelmsford town centre.

The SOS bus provides vital care and attention to people of all ages who are out in the evenings.

Reception & Shopmobility Assistants - Chelmsford Meadows - Urgent Need We are in urgent need of reliable, responsible volunteers who would like to help in the Shopmobility office by booking members in and out, handling payments, and showing people how to use the scooters.

To enquire after the roles here, or for more information about volunteering in general, please contact volunteer@chelmsfordcvs.org. uk or call 01245 250 731.

Thank you very much!

www.thecitytimes.co.uk

Advertise your event or business with us!

We have space for advertisers who are builders, cafés and sandwich shops decorators, dentists, drainage companies, estate agents, hotels, retailers, recruitment companies, restaurants, roofers and many more!

• 10,000 copies of the City Times • 9000 copies of the Moulsham Times • Discounts available for longer runs or when advertising in both our magazines • Editorial/business interview for regular advertisers Email ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk for more information or call us on 07970 206682 www.thecitytimes.co.uk

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Quiz Time - By John Theedom

What is a baby kangaroo called?

What do cobblers repair for a living?

Who, famously said, ‘the lady’s not for turning’?

In TV sitcom The Good Life, who were the Good’s neighbours?

5. For what do the initials NATO stand?

6. If you are tatting, what are you making?

7. What is the common surname of the group Bee Gees?

8. What is the name of the dog in The Simpsons?

9. In which Italian city is the Bridge of Sighs found?

10. What sort of creature is a boxer?

11. In which German city is the Brandenburg Gate?

12. In which year was TV programme Eastenders launched?

13. Which plant is the emblem of Scotland?

14. What does paediatric medicine deal with?

15. In which country are Skoda cars manufactured?

16. Why did the footballer Gordon Banks stop playing football in 1972?

17. What kind of tool is a dibble?

18. While driving around some modern cities, you may see a sign with ULEZ on it, what do the initials stand for?

19. Which creature appears on the Barclays Bank logo?

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20. On which island is the volcano, Etna?

21. What word is given to the fear of bees?

22. Where is the tomb of King Henry VIII? 23. In London, what is the DLR? 24. What is the present name of Cape Kennedy?

25. Sutton Coldfield is a suburb of which English city?

26. From which language does the word algebra originate?

27. What is a male fox called?

28. What is Ameleon?

29. Where, in London is the Lutine Bell?

30. If a dish is a la Florentine, which ingredient does it have?

31. What is the name of the cat in The Smurfs?

32. Which birds have been trained to tend sheep?

33. What is the last word of Rule Britannia?

34. What is the collective name for a litter of piglets?

35. How old in 2021 is Angela Lansbury?

36. In the song, what happened when he/she ‘fought the law’?

37. What is the native country of the Gurkhas?

38. How many seconds are there in 3 hours?

39. Where does Desperate Dan live?

40. How long is an Olympic swimming pool?

(Answers on page 31)

November 2021 Concert Essex Symphony Orchestra Eso Is Back With a Bang!

A warm welcome back! We are pleased to announce the first of our classical concerts since spring 2020!

We have a very exciting programme for you, unleashing the full power of a symphony orchestra to perform some incredible works.

We’re thrilled to bring you live music again in what promises to be a celebratory event!

Concert Details Saturday 27th November 2021 at 7.30pm.

Christ Church, 164 New London Road, Chelmsford, CM2 0AW. Liadov - Baba Yaga Overture, Elgar - Cello Concerto with soloist Dan Brandon.

Rachmaninov - Symphony No. 2.

Tickets £15.00 (under 18s free).

Available from: Pam Gladwell - Tel: 01245 601 418 (eso.pam.eso@ gmail.com), or our website: www.essexsymphony.org.uk, or www.ticketsource.co.uk (search ‘Essex Symphony Orchestra’), or you can purchase on the night at the door.

We look forward to seeing you!

Please note: All concert goers (unless exempt) are required to wear masks when attending this concert and that refreshments will not be available on this occasion in order to maintain social distancing.

Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.

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Do you need a new website?

Below are a few of the websites we have designed and built!

We also design and supply: business cards flyers roller banners brochures In fact, almost anything that is printed!!

£325 www.thecitytimes.co.uk

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Stargazing With Mark Willis - November/December The Christmas Star: Many people expect a definitive answer relating to this. After all, we know when Jesus was born, right? Unfortunately, we don’t quite know when he was born - he was not born on 25th December...

Explanation 1: The Christmas star was a nova or supernova explosion.

Explanation 2: The Christmas star was a comet.

Explanation 3: The Christmas star was a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn.

Explanation 4: The Christmas star was a stationary point of Jupiter.

Explanation 5: The Christmas star was a conjunction of Jupiter, Regulus and Venus.

4th January 2022: Earth, perihelion. It always seems strange, as you defrost your car scraping ice from your windscreen, knowing that the Earth has reached its nearest point to the Sun. The tilt of the Earth’s axis is inclined away from the Sun. Therefore, there’s much more atmosphere for the energy of the Sun to pass through to reach us.

New Moon: - 2nd January and 1st February. 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.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a space telescope being jointly developed by NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Around the time you’re reading this, it will have been launched (18th December 2021). This video tells you more: youtu.be/R1BbwUFj5eU.

I normally present on Chelmsford Community Radio. Once I have had both vaccinations plus my booster I will be soon returning to Lite Bites at 12pm on Tuesdays.

3rd/4th January 2022: Quadrantids meteor shower. Watch the video here: youtu.be/kX_A2NbYTC0.

www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com mark.willis@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com Twitter: @WillisWireless

Merry Christmas!

Wildlife Corner by Nick Green On North America’s west coast, the varied thrush Zoothera naevia breeds in Alaska in dense moist woodlands and winters in Mexico. It is common, or locally common. There are just two British records with one in November 1982 (rare grey morph) at Nanquidno, Cornwall.

As I write in early November, there is still one on Papa Westray in the Orkney Isles present since 27th October - a magnificent specimen!

lapwing still at Blacktoft Sands RSPB in East Yorkshire. Also American waders were represented with an upland sandpiper in Hartlepool and a greater yellowlegs at the Loch of Strathbeg RSPB, Aberdeenshire.

Other great rarities include two-barred greenish warbler at Spurn and taiga flycatcher at Flamborough Head, both in East Yorkshire.

I’d hate to do a detailed description of this very attractive thrush, but thankfully our Rarities Committees (BOURC and BBRC) now accept photographs/images!

Varied thrush - Papa Westray, Orkney Selected October Highlights In Essex, at The Naze: Pallas’s warbler and yellow-broweds, a fly-over Penduline tit and red-breasted flycatcher; Bowers Gifford RSPB: a red-necked phalarope; Dartford: warbler records came from Rainham Marshes RSPB and Colne Point. Cattle egret records are now reported from all over the county including Wallasea Island RSPB with the cattle(!) and there have been up to 28 great white egrets at Abberton Reservoir.

Nationally, the other biggest rarity was the long-staying white-tailed Page 30

www.thecitytimes.co.uk

Quiz Answers 1.

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Joey Footwear Margaret Thatcher The Leadbetters North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Lace Gibb Santa’s Little Helper Venice Dog Berlin 1985 Thistle Children Czech Republic He lost the sight of his right eye in a car accident Pointed tool for making holes in ground for seeds Ultra Low Emission Zone Eagle Sicily Apiphobia St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle Docklands Light Railway Cape Canaveral Birmingham Arabic Dog Type of cider Lloyds of London Spinach Azrael Geese Slaves Farrow 96 ‘The law won’ Nepal 10,800 Cactusville 50 metres

KidsOut Charity - The Giving Tree Project Madison Heights Family Entertainment Centre based in Maldon, has again for Christmas teamed up with the charity KidsOut to help give Children whose parents have had to flee their home due to domestic violence. KidsOut are trying to give these children a much-deserved Christmas via The Giving Tree Project.

All you need to do is pop into Madison Heights, Park Drive, Maldon CM9 5JQ from Wednesday 1st December - 12th December and select a Gift Tag from our Giving Tree (situated by Henri’s Restaurant within Madison Heights). Each tag has the child’s name, age and the gift they wish to receive for Christmas.

These brave mums have fled domestic abuse to seek sanctuary in refuge. Often leaving with only the clothes on their backs, no money, toiletries or even basic items for their children.

Each year this affects approximately more than 20,000 children. There has also been an increase in domestic violence as mentioned in the press during the Covid restrictions, and many of these children suffer horrific abuse both mentally and physically - they have not had the innocent childhood that we wish for our own children. Often these children are deprived of food, clothes and toys. The simple things that we take for granted.

Please return your unwrapped present (this is so the charity can check the gift and wrap themselves) with the original KidsOut Gift Tag that you select from the Giving Tree attached to the gift, via the post to Madison Heights (Main Bar) Park Drive, Maldon, Essex CM9 5JQ, or in person during opening hours.

KidsOut works to remind these children and thousands of others living with disadvantages what it is like to be children and that its ok to just have fun. Just imagine that you are a child that has never received a gift or ever had a brand-new toy... We all enjoy seeing our children’s faces light up on Christmas morning when they receive their gifts, these poor mums don’t get this privilege, it must be heart-breaking not to be able to do this for their children and see their faces in delight on what should be a magical and fun day.

We would also be more than happy to collect donations from any businesses that wish us to purchase presents on their behalf. Please call 01621 850 222 and ask for either Sarah or Lisa who will be only too pleased to help.

On behalf of the team at Madison Heights and KidsOut, we thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and to all of those who choose to donate to such a worthy cause. www.madisonheights.co.uk

Madison Heights, Maldon are asking you to open your hearts as a community and help us to help these families to have a much deserved magical Christmas.

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