The City Times - Oct/Nov 2024 by Itsyourmedia

Chelmsford, Hatfield Peverel, Danbury, Great Baddow, Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers, Stock, Ongar, The Walthams, Ingatestone & Dengie area

City Times Intro

Hello readers,

Welcome to The City Times October/November edition.

If you have anything to add to our What’s On listings for any dates between November 15th and December 15th then please email any details to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we will do our best to list them all.

Please also remember to tell our advertisers that you saw their advert in The City Times, as it really helps both them and us to know that their adverts are working.

Paul & Nick

www.thecitytimes.co.uk

Advertising

Nick Garner 07970 206682

ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk

Editorial

Paul Mclean 07595 949701

editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

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.

Nick’s Music and Ramblings

Not long now till the end of yet another year. I am currently busy planning for 2025 already, mainly booking for music events. I also want to get away a bit more next year as well if I can, as I do get a bit tired doing the same old things day in and day out.

Recently, I went to my friend Zoot Money’s funeral over by Kew Gardens. It went really well and was a great farewell to him, and it was good to see so many people there and some old friends that I have not seen for some time. On a brighter note, I have also been to Colchester to a trade fair. I do think I need to get out more for some pleasure trips rather than just my normal music related things.

There has been quite a lot going on around me recently, but sadly I always seem to be busy, so am often unable to attend. We do like to hear from you if you have been to anything and that you think is of interest to our readers. Also, please remember to let us know of any future events as well, so that we can list them in our Whats On guide in here - send your events to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk.

Writing for this and the Moulsham Times each month is not easy - I did make a rod for my own back by saying from the beginning that writers needed to submit different articles if anyone writes for both magazines (as I do)!

I have been communicating with some friends in Florida just before Hurricane Milton was due to hit. They had already been hit very badly by Hurricane Helene, which so far has taken 200 lives. One of my friends has already suffered damage from that one and is very worried that they could even lose their home with Hurricane Milton. My other friend seems to be right on the edge, so hopefully they will be safe. There also looks to be another hurricane on its way towards them called Leslie - lets hope that one dies down before it hits. I expect we will get a little weather overflow from these, but nothing compared to how Florida will likely suffer of course.

We now have half-term nearing - and of course, both Halloween and Guy Fawkes night. I just hope that any fireworks are kept to a minimum and that they are quieter, as they do upset so many humans and animals - both wild animals and pets - which we can do very little about. So please, if you are planning to see fireworks do go to an organised event and let’s keep it to the one day.

Music

I have been busy - booking and putting on gigs, and I have been to a few gigs as well, and I’ve had my flu and covid jabs.

We have sadly lost Matt Long of Catfish to cancer. Matt was a brilliant young talent of just 29, and first played in Chelmsford at my Blues in the City Festival in 2016 at the Black Horse in Moulsham Street. Since then, Matt and the band went on to win many awards and to tour the UK and all over Europe. Our thoughts go out to his wife and all Matt’s family and his many friends. We are losing far too many people, both young and older. I know we have also lost Nick Moore Junior too - another great talent who took after his late father Nicky Moore who both played for me more than once. Again, my thoughts are with all the family and his friends.

I went to see Tim Aves with Joel Fisk, which I loved. This was a rare show with them playing together. I have also been to Barleylands Blues Club a couple of times on a Saturday afternoon.

I think I have put on some great shows - some well-attended, others sadly not. Deborah Bonham and Roy Mette were both exceptional as

was Nick Capaldi who also had BJ Cole and Robbie McIntosh with him; this gig should have been rammed but sadly was not. For my birthday I had both Slim Chance and Craig Joiner playing, who were both incredible and are two of my faves. We then had Martin Turner with his band playing Wishbone Ash, and they blew us all away - this has to have been one of our top live shows ever!

I have also been busy at Hot Box starting with the excellent Mim Grey and her band. We cannot wait to have her back - and we also want Bex Marshall and her band back too. Then to top the lot was Stray who rammed Hox Box on a Sunday afternoon and were great. Now, I am getting ready for Clive Carroll and Tim Edey to play as I am writing this, and I have Albert Lee for the coming Friday celebrating on his eightieth birthday tour.

I have been booking and confirming some acts for 2025 and I am also waiting to hear back from a few as well. So far confirmed for the Social Club (starting at the end of January) is Hamish Stuart and his band - they will of course play quite a lot of Average White Band material. Greene, who are amazing, will open for them - Greene is Joe Anderton’s latest venture. Then we have ReFloyd playing most of the Wish You Were Here album, which will be 50 next year! We have Rostock opening for them as well.

We then move to March with John Hackett’s band. John is the brother of Steve, and he plays flute and has also played with his brother and on some early Genesis stuff too. They will be followed by the return of The Small Fakers and originals act The Veras.

We then move into April with Danny and the Champions of the World. Then into May and we have Supernatural playing Oasis with The Next Agenda opening the night. Next, we are looking at summer 2025 and June when we can welcome back Voodoo Room.

Now a year on into September and we welcome back Led Into Zeppelin, then a band I saw a couple of years ago called Franck Carducci from Belgium. They are a must-see - if you like The Slambovians you will love this band. So that’s that for now, except to say that we have quite a lot booked in for Hot Box too, but more about that another time.

There is of course lots of live stuff happening all over Essex and beyond, so please do go and support it - because if we don’t, we will lose more venues as that is what happens, and then we will start to lose the acts as well because they won’t be able to earn a living - this is not just about music, it affects all types of live shows of all genres, from the theatres to village halls and all of us in between. If it is possible, please do book in advance - and remember, we are a lot cheaper than those arena and stadium shows!

If you have anything you think that could be of interest to our readers for either publication, then please let us know by emailing editorial@ itsyourmedia.co.uk - it may be an event or a topic of interest. Or have you done anything unusual or are you planning something? If so, we want to know about it! And if you know of someone who may wish to advertise with us, then please ask them to contact ads@ itsyourmedia.co.uk and we can send over full details.

You can get tickets for all our shows at The Social Club in Chelmsford from Intense Records, Hopsters and Chelmsford 4Good - please pay cash in person when you buy. Tickets for all shows including Hot Box are available online from www.wegottickets.com/BlackFrogPresents, or via our ticket hotline at no extra charge - call or text 07508 496 411 and you can then pay the advance price on entry to the show rather than the walk-up price.

For all Black Frog Presents gig updates and information go to www. linktr.ee/BlackFrogPresents, or scan the QR code in my advert in this magazine.

City Times Food!

Pumpkin Season Is Here!

October is most definitely my favourite time of the year. It’s time for stews, soups and all things pumpkin! As I shared a soup recipe last month, my recipe this month isn’t going to be pumpkin soupso it’s a sweet dish this month.

I want to talk a little about pumpkin: On its own, pumpkin is quite a plain squash and needs a lot of flavours added to it to make it taste nice. When I make pumpkin soup I always add butternut squash to add sweetness to the pumpkin.

American-Style Pumpkin Pie

I’m not a baker by any means, and my skills are definitely in the kitchen and not the patisserie department, but this is certainly a favourite in my household - the flavours I add to the pumpkin are nutmeg and cinnamon which gives a lovely autumnal taste.

So here is my take on an American-style classic pumpkin pie...

Ingredients

750g pumpkin peeled and chopped.

350g sweet crust pastry.

Flour to dust.

140g caster sugar.

½ teaspoon of nutmeg.

1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

2 eggs.

25g butter.

175g milk.

1 tablespoon of icing sugar.

Method

Place the pumpkin in a large saucepan and cover with water and

Essex Food - By Krista

There’s nothing like good food in a cosy atmosphere to make us almost glad that the nights are getting darker. As the leaves start to change colour and autumn approaches, I have a new pub for you to try, where you can enjoy a delicious meal with family, or share tapas style dishes with friends.

The Kings Arms in Broomfield has recently opened its doors to the public after being empty for three years. It has undergone a huge makeover with a gorgeous restaurant and bar area featuring an open fireplace, original wooden ceiling beams throughout and a lovely garden area to enjoy a drink in the sunshine during the warmer months.

bring to the boil. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain the pumpkin and let it cool down.

Heat the oven to 180oC. Then roll out the pastry on a floured surface and use it to line a loose bottomed tart tin, then chill it in the fridge for as long as you can.

Line the pastry with baking parchment and baking beans or anything that will hold the pastry down. If you don’t have baking beans, then bake for 15 minutes. Remove the beans and paper, and cook for a further 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Push the cooled pumpkin through a sieve or blend to a purée in a food processor. In a separate bowl, add the sugar, salt, nutmeg and half the cinnamon. Mix in the beaten eggs, melted butter and milk, then add to the pumpkin and stir to combine. Pour into the tart shell and cook for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180oC. Then bake for 35-40 minutes until the filling has just set.

Leave to cool, then mix the remaining cinnamon with the icing sugar and dust over the pie. This is by far my family’s favourite autumn dessert, I hope you enjoy it much as us!

blankets, an enormous Yorkshire pudding and generous amounts of gravy. An additional side of cauliflower cheese is a must! Trust me.

Keep an eye on The Kings Arms’ social media account or website for updates on live music evenings and pub quiz nights. If you are a Blue Light Card holder, you can receive a discount from your bill by showing it to a member of staff.

295 Main Road, Broomfield CM1 7AU www.thekingsarmsbroomfield.co.uk 01245 939 295

Local business shout out

I have visited twice since they opened in August and have enjoyed both of my visits. If you are going with a group, I recommend ordering a few dishes from the small plate menu to share between you. One of my favourite dishes is the pork belly with chimichurri and crispy crackling, and the BBQ chicken wings are also very tasty. If you have a bigger appetite and fancy something

more substantial, I recommend visiting on a Sunday for one of their delicious roast dinners with all the trimmings, including pigs in

I recently had a beautiful afternoon tea box by Blossom Bakery. Based in Chelmsford, they bake a variety of goods such as wedding cakes, birthday treats, and of course their incredible afternoon tea boxes. I had the traditional afternoon tea which included sandwiches with a variety of fillings, freshly made scones with Roddas clotted cream and Tiptree jam, gooey chocolate brownies, Victoria sponge cake, cookies and more. Prices start from £22.50 and there are many varieties available, including vegan and glutenfree options. I highly recommend Blossom Bakery if you need a cake for a special occasion or want to treat someone (or yourself) to a delicious box of goodies! Check out their website for more information. www.myblossombakery.com

Follow me on Instagram, @thehungrykp, for more local foodie finds!

City Times Gardening

As autumn settles in, it’s the perfect time to embrace the natural beauty of a garden in transition. Drawing inspiration from the renowned Dutch plantsman Piet Oudolf, this season’s maintenance focuses on celebrating structure, texture and subtle colour shifts.

Herbaceous perennials play a key role; their fading stems and seedheads adding sculptural interest well into winter. By carefully cutting back, dividing and repositioning these resilient plants, you can enhance your garden’s year-round appeal while fostering its ecological health. This approach encourages a harmonious blend of nature’s rhythms with thoughtful design through a more naturalistic planting scheme. Something I have seen used extensively at the renowned RHS garden Hyde Hall.

Naturalistic Planting

• The most recent approach to the use of herbaceous plants has been that based on ecological planting that is ‘right plant, right place’. This has resulted in planting compositions that are imaginative and relaxed in style, whilst at the same time based on sound ecological principles.

• They can best be described as an ‘exotic meadow’ - exotic meaning non-native, rather than its more usual meaning of dramatic, colourful planting. In Holland, this style of planting has been explored and developed by Piet Oudolf.

• Oudolf uses exuberant drifts of perennials and grasses and encloses them with a structural framework of sculpted or clipped yew, hornbeam or box hedges. At Hyde Hall, they are used as sweeping organic-shaped beds following the natural contours of the land between the Dry Garden and Main Garden entrance.

• Herbaceous plants that are used must be well suited to the growing conditions and have strong flower forms and interesting seed heads that survive well into winter.

• All naturalistic plantings do best on light soil. On heavy clay, the plants could grow too tall and lax.

Maintenance Tasks During the Dormant Season

In the past, herbaceous plants were cut down in the autumn as soon as they had finished flowering but now, they tend to be left until late winter so that birds and insects can enjoy the seedheads.

In a naturalistic planting scheme, plants are often selected for their ornamental seedheads.

During late autumn and winter carry out the flowing tasks:

• Weed the beds and borders.

• Cut back the old stems in late winter if looking unattractive, or around the middle of February.

• Remove the stakes, wash them and store them in the shed

• Clear up dead leaves in late winter.

• Remove any dead plants and replace them.

• Mulch in spring just as the new growth appears.

• Make good any lawn edges along the front of the border.

Lifting and dividing

Most perennials benefit from division every three to five years to maintain health and vigour. Fast growing vigorous plants such as Ajuga reptans may need to be divided more often. Plants can be divided successfully at almost any time if they are kept well-watered afterwards. However, division is most successful when the plants are not in active growth.

Most summer-flowering plants can be divided in autumn (SeptemberNovember) or spring (Mar-May) when the soil is dry enough to work. In wet autumns, delay until spring. Spring is also better suited to

plants that are a touch tender.

• Early flowering herbaceous plants such as poppies, lupins and delphiniums can be lifted and divided in autumn.

• Late flowering ones such as Aster x frikartii and Rudbeckia fulgida var. deamii should be divided in spring.

• Some spring-flowering plants, such as Iris germanica are best divided in summer (June-August) after flowering, when they produce new roots most readily.

The Process…

• Lift plants gently with a garden fork, working outwards from the crown’s centre to limit root damage. Shake off excess soil so that roots are clearly visible.

• Some plants, such as Ajuga (bugle), produce individual plantlets which can simply be teased out and replanted.

• Small, fibrous-rooted plants such as Heuchera and Epimedium can be lifted and pulled apart gently. This should produce small clumps for replanting.

• Large, fibrous-rooted perennials, such as Hemerocallis (daylily), require two garden forks inserted into the crown back-to-back. Use these as levers to loosen and break the root mass into two sections. Further division can then take place.

• Plants with woody crowns - eg, Helleborus or fleshy roots of delphinium - require cutting with a spade or knife. Aim to produce clumps containing three to five healthy shoots.

• Lift and divide congested clumps of hostas in spring or late

autumn. Hostas with tough, fibrous roots can be divided with a sharp spade, slicing the clump in two. Large clumps can be split further to leave sections containing five or six shoots.

Check out this RHS website for other garden jobs to do this month www.rhs.org.uk/advice/in-month/october/jobs.

Happy gardening

For any gardening tips please contact Tom Cole, Freelance Horticulturist and online tutor (www.learningwithexperts.com) by email at tomcole8@hotmail.com.

Mr and Mrs C are professional caterers, and were keen to replace their existing kitchen with a new one that was robust and could accommodate their cookery needs. They consulted the high street chains but felt they couldn’t offer them the bespoke level of design they were looking for.

Living nearby and watching Regal’s new showroom being built during 2023, they thought it would be worth visiting to gather ideas and see what potentially could be possible in their space. After being impressed with the depth of knowledge and enthusiasm shown by the showroom staff, they asked to see a designer to start the transformation process.

They found the design meeting easier than they envisaged; the designer listened carefully to their ideas, as well as making his own suggestions which were gratefully received.

In keeping with their background, storage, appliances and the work surface were important decisions to be made. They opted for a chef’s pantry with internal electrics to house their smaller baking appliances and air fryer as well as some clever corner storage solutions and larder pull-outs to help give every item its own dedicated area in this busy family kitchen.

Careful positioning of the range cooker allowed for a 2-metre run of work surface, meaning catering for their large family is easily achieved. The large range cooker in conjunction with the NEFF Slide&Hide oven and combi makes cooking multiple meals simultaneously convenient and super fast - and as their kitchen leads onto an open plan space of living and dining room, they asked if we could include a glass shelved unit to keep memorable keepsakes

visible for their family and guests.

Mr and Mrs C love vibrant colours but were unsure if using a dark Laurel Green for the entire kitchen would feel too imposing, so they opted for a bleached stone solid wood shaker door on the majority of the kitchen units, reserving the richer colour for the tall furniture along one wall.

The white quartz worktops, herringbone wood-effect flooring and exquisite tiling really gives this kitchen the wow factor.

Mrs C said, “From the moment we stepped in to the Regal Kitchens’ showroom we were amazed by the design display and felt that it perfectly aligned with our aesthetic. Moreover, we were welcomed by diligent and polite staff who not only answered all of queries but also gave helpful suggestions to our kitchen’s layout and design. Thanks to the Regal Team, I have a kitchen that I can be proud of. Many thanks and keep up the good work!”

#whereclientisking

Youngest Grumpy Old Man

It was mum who asks this question a lot: What is the meaning of life? It can hurt you head to think about it too much...

The meaning of life is a philosophical question that has been debated and pondered upon by humans for centuries. Different cultures, religions and individuals may have varying perspectives on the question. My mum is always asking this question lately. And as I’m about to hit 50 I do wonder how I got this far.

Here are a few common viewpoints:

1. Purpose and fulfilment: Some people believe that the meaning of life is to find purpose and fulfilment through personal achievements, relationships, or contributions to society. This perspective emphasises individual growth, happiness and making a positive impact on others.

It’s not always easy doing purposeful and fulfilment in this life. Just surviving is a tall task for some. It has to be little wins instead of big wins.

2. Religious and spiritual beliefs: Many religious and spiritual traditions offer their own interpretations of the meaning of life. They often involve concepts such as following divine principles seeking enlightenment, or fulfilling a higher purpose according to a higher power guidance.

3. Existentialism: According to existentialist philosophy, the meaning of life is not inherent but is created by individuals through their actions and choices. It suggest that humans must take responsibility for defending their own purpose and finding meaning in their own existence.

4. Purpose of knowledge and understanding: Some people find meaning in the pursuit of knowledge, understanding the world and uncovering the mysteries of the universe. This perspective often involves intellectual exploration, scientific inquire, or philosophical contemplation.

Ultimately, the meaning of life can be subjective and may vary from person to person. It is a deeply personal question, and individuals may find their own unique answers based on their beliefs, values and experiences.

We get contradictory information; one telling us we should do it this way, another saying no, do it this way!

We all evolve at a different pace. Some like to rush, others rely on fate.

I mean, what I think is the meaning of life is different to anyone else’s. There is no definitive answer each to their own.

Regards

Thomas Indergard

Chelmsford Cathedral Invites Young Voices to Join Prestigious Choir

Do you know a child who loves to sing? Chelmsford Cathedral is excited to offer a unique opportunity for children in years 3-6 to be involved with the Cathedral Choir.

Dubbed ‘the single greatest leg-up a child can be given in life’ by comedian and actor Alexander Armstrong, who was himself a chorister at St Mary’s Cathedral Choir in Edinburgh, Chelmsford Cathedral aims to provide the same transformative experience to young voices in the local community.

To help families learn more about the opportunities available in the Cathedral Choir, Chelmsford Cathedral is hosting a series of taster sessions for children.

These sessions will be held after school at the cathedral, starting on 21st October for girls and 23rd October for boys, and are open to all. No prior musical experience is necessary - just enthusiasm and a love for singing!

Being a chorister not only provides free, high-quality musical training, buy choristers also develop confidence, teamwork and leadership skills in a supportive environment. The opportunity to perform at a professional standard alongside experienced musicians can also lead to enhanced academic performance through increased discipline and dedication. Children also build lifelong friendships and enjoy travel opportunities with the choir, all while earning choir pay.

“We believe that the love of music fostered at Chelmsford Cathedral will stay with our choristers for the rest of their lives,” says Emma Gibbins, Director of Music at Chelmsford Cathedral. “Our choir offers not just musical training but a nurturing community that supports personal growth and lifelong friendships.”

For more information or to reserve a place at a taster session, please visit chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk or contact Emma Gibbins, Director of Music, on 01245 294 484 or email emma.gibbins@chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk.

Family Ties -

Sabrina Moser

On a recent sparkling September morning, a group of association members of the Partnerschaftsverein Backnang-Chelmsford gathered high atop a mountain ridge overlooking the scenic Jagst river valley to take a tour of Langenburg castle, one of many castles dotting the Baden-Wuertemberg countryside. Here we learned that pork pies and sausage rolls are not the only connections between the British Isles and the undulating hills of Hohenlohe.

Latest News!

Hello again. We’re back with another presenter profilethis time introducing Deborah Aloba...

Hi I’m Deborah Aloba and I present Smooth Classics on Sundays at 8pm.

I love most music; jazz, folk, blues, pop, some rock, especially Queen, Pink Floyd and Bowie - but my absolute passion is opera and classical music. Why? Because most of this music is dramatic, beautiful, intense, passionate and insightful.

As an opera singer I’ve had the joy of being able to sing some amazing opera roles/classical songs. I even set up a community opera company called Vision Opera which I ran for 12 years in East London and took opera workshops into schools and prisons.

I’ve a Masters in Vocal Pedagogy and teach all styles of singing to students of all ages and specialise in teaching neurodiverse children, especially those who are dyslexic.

The castle has been the home of the Hohenlohe-Langenburg dynasty since the 13th century with ties to the British royal family extending back to the 1828 marriage of Queen Victoria’s beloved half-sister, Feodora, to Ernst I, Prince of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, first cousin of Queen Adelaide, herself a Hohenlohe on her mother’s side. Further still, the current inhabitant Prince Philipp, is nephew to King Charles III via the Duke of Edinburgh’s sister, Princess Margarita. He is also godson to the Princess Royal.

Consequently, visitors will not only learn about the castle’s rich architectural history but will also discover an array of British touches, including the English landscape garden complete with tea tower, Queen Victoria’s coronation glove and photos of the then Prince Charles who visited in 2013 as part of an international forum on sustainability. The many windmills spinning atop the surrounding mountain ridges testify to a shared avuncular interest in green energy.

Tourists looking for energy of another sort will do well to peak into the vintage car museum housed in the former stables before moseying down the cobblestoned streets to Café Bauer. Here await iconic, cone-shaped bags of Wibele, tiny vanilla-scented biscuits which royal confectioners have been patiently piping out onto baking sheets since 1763. As Queen Elizabeth II discovered during a state visit in 1965, no trip to the Hohenlohe relations at Langenburg would be complete without a crispy bite of sweet nostalgia.

I have been part of the team at CCR for just under a year and I love it. It is a privilege to share some of the pop music of earlier centuries, which is today’s classical music, and such fun when I listen to a piece of contemporary pop music and realise it is based on a music by someone like Bach - like the hip hop song Everything’s Gonna Be Alright which samples the ‘Air on the G string’ from Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3

It would be great if you could join me at 8pm on Sundays to share the delicacy, excitement, drama and passion of opera and classical music, and even listen to the odd interview by some of the talented classical artists in Chelmsford. I’ll even let you know what classical concerts are happening in the city.

If you would like me to play your favourite piece of classical music or give you a mention, then please message me by emailing studio@ chelmsfordcommunityradio.com, or call us on 01245 806 807.

www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

Photo: Marc Moser

The Shire Hall By Malcolm Noble

‘Shire Hall is Chelmsford’s best building, thoroughly civilised.’ (Pevsner guide to Essex).

John Johnson was an architect employed as county surveyor of Essex. He was asked to design a building suitable ‘to answer every public purpose’. His plan envisaged a building in the classical style, with a Portland stone façade with three ionic columns. A distinctive feature was the addition of three Coade stone carvings representing justice, wisdom and mercy. The building has three court rooms and there are cells in the basement. Shire Hall was opened in 1791 and has dominated the top end of the High Street ever since.

Elected county councils were formed in 1888. In 1889, the first meeting of the newly constituted Essex County Council took place in the County Room, where all manner of civic events and private functions have taken place over the years. However, the departure of the Crown Court in 1982 and the Magistrates Courts in 2012 have led to Shire Hall standing empty and little used from April 2012 until now.

As owner of the building, Essex County Council considered possible ways forward. They appointed the developer Aquila to bring forward plans for the future of the building. However, Aquila did not obtain planning consent and subsequently withdrew from the project.

Chelmsford Civic Society had long argued for a community-led proposal that would ensure the preservation and restoration of Shire Hall. Last year, the City and County Councils worked together on a project that would bring momentum to aspirations for Shire Hall. This was the pedestrianisation of Tindal Square.

In August 2023, a charitable trust was formed with the aim of taking

over Shire Hall. Accordingly, an application for charitable status was submitted to the Charity Commission. This was successful. Thus, the newly formed Essex Shire Hall Trust became a Charitable Organisation (ESHT).

The ESHT’s objectives are:

• The preservation and restoration for the public benefit of the historic Grade 11 listed building known the Shire Hall Chelmsford and the education of the public in its heritage and the heritage of Chelmsford and the county of Essex.

• The advancement of the arts for the public benefit through the public display and exhibition of painting and artwork of artistic merit at the Shire Hall, Chelmsford.

• To provide or assist in the provision of facilities in Chelmsford and the surrounding area in the welfare recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their age, infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances with the object of improving their condition of life.

In October 2023, Essex County Council granted ESHT exclusive rights to prepare a business plan and terms of a lease. This had to be completed by the end of July 2024. In the event, the plan was submitted one week before the deadline.

At the same time, Architectural plans were prepared and presented to the City Council. ESHT had to secure planning consent. A preapplication review led to a positive response.

In my next article I will provide an update on progress and give details of public consultation.

October

Friday 18th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: The Wonder of Stevie

Chelmsford Theatre - The Ultimate Boyband Party Show

Chelmsford Theatre - Harriet Hot Box - Dark Wave Rising

Saturday 19th

Chelmsford Cathedral - Cups on a String

Chelmsford Social Club - Arizona Electric (55 Springfield Rd, Chelmsford, CM2 6JG)

Chelmsford Theatre - Mr Sleepybum

Chelmsford Theatre - Gareth Malone: Sing-Along-A-Gareth

The Compasses - Karaoke

Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)

Hot Box - The Hanging Stars

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

Station Arms (Southminster) - Darren Jones

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Wickham Bishops Village Hall (CM8 3JZ) - Wickham Bishops Jazz Club: Tad Newton’s Jazz Friends (wickhambishopsjazzclub@gmail. com - 07548 775 777)

Sunday 20th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - Jimeoin: Who’s Your Man?

Hot Box - Guitar Club

Monday 21st

The Bootmaker - Swing Dance Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Tuesday 22nd

The Bootmaker - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford Science Festival: Toddler & Early Years STEM Workshop

Hot Box - Hot Box Waxes Lyrical

Wednesday 23rd

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

The Bootmaker - Salsa night

Chelmsford Theatre - Just My Imagination

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - Black Frog Presents: James Oliver Band

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666)

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

Thursday 24th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz Night

Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening

Chelmsford Theatre - Paint and Sip: St Oswalds Fire Chelmsford Theatre - The Sensational 60s Experience 2024 Courtyard - Karaoke

Hot Box - Tommy’s All American Nightmare

The Oddfellows Arms - Quiz

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 26th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Robert Vincent Band + Rich Young

Chelmsford Theatre - Beyond the Barricade

Chelmsford Theatre - Michael Akadiri: Trust Me, I’m a Daddy Tour

Hot Box - James Gold + The Trusted

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga

Saturday 26th

Chelmsford Theatre - Princess Breakfast

Chelmsford Theatre - Science Museum Live

Chelmsford Theatre - Catch Your Breath

Chelmsford Theatre - Aurie Styla: The Aurator Tour

The Compasses - Karaoke

Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)

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

Village Hall (South Hanningfield, CM3 8HL) - Magic Evening (£8 adult/£3 children over 10 years - vallisc@aol.com - 07891 653 238)

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 27th

Chelmsford Theatre - Ode to Joyce

Chelmsford Theatre - Laura Smyth: Living My Best Life

The Gardeners - Open Mic

Hot Box - Uber Jam

Monday 28th

The Ale House - Beery Bingo

The Bootmaker - Swing Dance

Chelmer Village - Pilates classes (carolinesdanceandpilates.co.uk)

Chelmsford Theatre - Film Making Workshop

Chelmsford Theatre - Joe Pasquale: The New Normal Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Tuesday 29th

The Bootmaker - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - Improvisation Workshop

Chelmsford Theatre - Verbatim Theatre Workshop

Chelmsford Theatre - Stewart Copeland: Have I Said Too Much?

Hot Box - Chelmsford Science Festival - Science Show Off

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

Wednesday 30th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

The Bootmaker - Salsa night

Chelmsford Theatre - Huey Morgan

Chelmsford Theatre - Frankenstein (On a Budget)

Friends Meeting House (Rainsford Road) - CRAG Retirement Group monthly meeting (9.30am for 10am. First visit free)

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - Indepenance

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music Supper

Club: T J Johnson Quintet (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850

607 075)

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

Thursday 31st

Chelmsford Theatre - Stage Makeup Masterclass

Chelmsford Theatre - Musicals Sing-Along

Chelmsford Theatre - In Pour Taste

Courtyard - Karaoke

The Oddfellows Arms - Quiz

November

Friday 1st

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: ZZ TOPPD

Chelmsford Theatre - Shaparak Khorsandi: Scatterbrain

Hot Box - HotHaus Drag A Rock/Emo Halloween

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga

Saturday 2nd

Chelmsford Theatre - Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri

Chelmsford Theatre - Urzila Carlson: Just Jokes

The Compasses - Karaoke

Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)

Hot Box - Nuevo Records

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

Station Arms (Southminster) - Joe Anderton (Greene)

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 3rd

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - Hancock’s Half Hour

The Gardeners - Open Mic

Hot Box - Ranagri

Monday 4th

The Bootmaker - Swing Dance

Chelmer Village - Pilates classes (carolinesdanceandpilates.co.uk)

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.309.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk)

Tuesday 5th

The Bootmaker - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - Creative Education: Musical Theatre

Chelmsford Theatre - Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry (15)

Hot Box - Open Mic Night

Tuesday 5th (continued...)

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

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

Wednesday 6th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

The Bootmaker - Salsa night

Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford Young Gen: CATS

Chelmsford Theatre - Tom Ward: Choose Your Delusion Friends Meeting House (Rainsford Road) - CRAG Retirement Group (monthly meeting 9.30 for 10am. First visit free)

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - Radio City Sessions

Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666)

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

Thursday 7th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening

Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford Young Gen: CATS

Chelmsford Theatre - Fanny Galore’s Big Bingo Party Courtyard - Karaoke

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

Hot Box - Hibushbire

The Oddfellows Arms - Qui

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 8th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Robbie McIntosh Band + Andy Grant

Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford Young Gen: CATS

Chelmsford Theatre - Solve-A-Longa-Murder-She-Wrote Hot Box - Bad Machine ft. Bash

Saturday 9th

Chelmsford Social Club - Record Fair

Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford Young Gen: CATS

Chelmsford Theatre - Solve-A-Longa-Murder-She-Wrote The Compasses - Karaoke

Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)

Hot Box - Black Frog Presents: Robbie McIntosh & Hamish Stuart RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm)

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 10th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - Michael Staring Ben Hot Box - Jazz Sunday’s with Zak Barrett and Friends

Monday 11th

The Bootmaker - Swing Dance

Central Baptist Church (Victoria Road South) - ECC Retirement

Fellowship (monthly meeting, 2-4pm - new members welcome) Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.309.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk)

Tuesday 12th

The Bootmaker - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - Sh!t-faced Shakespeare

Chelmsford Theatre - Seussical

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

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

Trinity Methodist Church (CM1 2XB) - Chelmsford National Trust Group meeting (starting at 7.45pm - Stained Glass Windows in Broomfield Parish Church. Talk by Catherine Pearson)

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

Wednesday 13th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

The Bootmaker - Salsa night

Chelmsford Theatre - Will Young: Light it up Live

Chelmsford Theatre - Seussical

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - Hawklords Relativity Tour 2024

Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666)

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

Thursday 14th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening

Chelmsford Theatre - Seussical

Chelmsford Theatre - The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Courtyard - Karaoke

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

Hot Box - Arizona Acoustic

The Oddfellows Arms - Quiz

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 15th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Connor Selby Band

Chelmsford Theatre - Seussical

Chelmsford Theatre - The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Chelmsford Theatre - Larry Dean: Dodger

Hot Box - An Evening with Elodie and Friends

Saturday 16th

Budworth Hall (Ongar) - Ongar Art Society Winter Art Sale (9.30am4pm)

Chelmsford Social Club - Arizona Electric (55 Springfield Rd, Chelmsford, CM2 6JG)

Chelmsford Theatre - Seussical

Chelmsford Theatre - The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Chelmsford Theatre - Shaun Ryder: Happy Mondays

The Compasses - Karaoke

Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)

Hot Box - Mayflower Madame + Butterfly Handshake

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

Station Arms (Southminster) - Darren Jones

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 17th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Cathedral - Chelmsford Singers’ Autumn Concert (chelmsfordsingers.co.uk)

Hot Box - Black Frog Presents: Martin Harley

Venues are in Chelmsford, unless mentioned in the listings as being elsewhere.

Chelmsford Singers Autumn Concert: A Celebration of Charles Villiers Stanford

Chelmsford Singers’ Autumn Concert will be on Sunday, November 17th 2024 at Chelmsford Cathedral starting at 7pm. Tickets are £20, with under 16s free. Tickets are available from chelmsfordsingers. co.uk, or on the door.

Conducted by James Davy, the Singers will continue from their July concert in focusing on the work of 20th century choral composer Charles Villiers Stanford, including a trio of motets, the dramatic For Lo, I Raise Up, and his well-known Elegiac Ode

Soloists will be Jessica Edom-Carey, and Theo Perry, accompanied by Tim Carey and William Saunders on the piano and organ.

If you have a event between 14th November and 15th December for the next issue, then please email it to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

A Sweepstake to Win a One-off Ford Bronco Sasquatch Searcher SUV!

Ford has created a unique and rather niche bit of marketing for the rather fine looking Ford Bronco Sasquatch Searcher SUV, a one-off model to enable you to hunt for Bigfoot yourself - and all you have to do is have an inclination to enter a Ford sweepstakes to win the Sasquatch Searcher - and go hunting…

I must admit, this idea has put a smile on my face - shame I’m in the UK and not the Pacific Northwest where the Sasquatch Searcher will be most likely utilised, if the owner takes the idea behind the sweepstake seriously of course.

The sweepstake is already underway, and you can find out a little more via a Ford Instagram account by heading to @fordbronco. The idea is that you will need to solve clues across social media platforms, plus Reddit (of course) and ‘out in the wild’ whatever that might entail. While there might be only one winner, you can add a Sasquatch package to your existing Bronco Badlands, and indeed to all Ford vehicles with Bronco trims.

Bronco Sasquatch Searcher vs Badlands

The Bronco Sasquatch Searcher is based on the Bronco Badlands, which has the option of being either a 2-door or 4-door 4x4. The Badlands is geared up for tough off-road terrain including a front stabiliser bar disconnect for increased articulation for gauging with large obstacles. It also offers electric rear locking front and rear axles, with locking for each wheel giving better traction. Along with these extreme terrain options, the Badlands comes with a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine with the option of a V6 2.7-litre EcoBoost. Options include forward and rear parking sensors and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The tough Badlands also features advanced 4x4 with Automatic On-Demand Engagement - perfect for speeding rapidly away across challenging terrain when you finally do discover Bigfoot…

The Ford Sasquatch Searcher will get a few additional items to differentiate it from the Badlands, most striking being a camouflage exterior wrap. Along with this, a roof-mounted lightbar with hoodmounted light pods to see where you are in the forests of North America.

In case you miss something, there are also front and rear-facing cameras connected to interior screens for a full 360 degree view around your Sasquatch Searcher. The interior is custom made and intended for comfort on long journeys and there is also an awning and custom camping chairs for those moments you feel safe to risk relaxing outside the vehicle (and perhaps listening for a Bigfoot shout echoing across the terrain). There is also Sasquatch badging to show people what you are up to if you find any local diners and curious locals.

Small Town Monsters

As an aside, for anyone mocking the idea of such legendary folklore,

there is a fine media company in the USA called Small Town Monsters, who take on investigations into odd sightings and rumours within the USA. Fronted by filmmaker Seth Breedlove, the team take a calm and rational approach to such quirky things and explore with intelligence, great cinematography, curiosity and a very atmospheric feel - perfect viewing for Halloween. You can often find some of their work on Amazon Prime, and the team’s drone footage certainly gives an idea of the huge wide open, mostly uninhabited, atmospheric spaces across the USA that certainly tugs at the notion of what we think we know is out there... I bet they would love to get hold of a Ford Bronco Sasquatch Searcher SUV, but then, wouldn’t we all?

Sean

Neylon

Courtesy of Smart Motoring magazine smart-motoring.com

Images: media.ford.com

Crafts - By Magali Ellis and Scrap-Circle

Give

It a Go!

Have you ever wanted to go somewhere, do something or attend an event but hesitated because you were on your own? A friend of mine will cancel anything if she realises she is going on her own. She would love to go to watch the latest movie at the cinema or try out a new restaurant, but she does not have the confidence to go alone.

It is not easy to do and it is a big step to take, especially the first time. Being recently separated, I have had to accept that situation and go along with it if I wanted to do anything. You simply cannot rely on your friends all the time.

As a consequence, I went to a concert and a ballet last Christmas and I travelled to Paris for an event on my own. Eating out on your own can be a bit tricky, but you know what? Every restaurant I went to accepted my order and served me food!

Last weekend was one such occasion. We had a craft weekend retreat and one of the attendees came on her own. She was a bit overwhelmed and it all felt very daunting to her. I could see she was flustered and she began to panic when she noticed that everyone else had brought so much and she came with only a small bag.

However she did not need to be concerned, as everyone gathered

together to lend her something she might want to use. She could not believe how generous everyone was and she felt so welcome into the group. The lady she was sat next to happened to be in almost the same situation last year when she booked her place at one of my weekend retreats and walked in on her own.

That is the beauty of the retreats: you walk in on your own but go back home having made lots of friends! That is the power of the crafting community!

Another lady, who has been attending my weekend retreats decided to take the plunge and booked her place onto the craft cruise to Alaska in July this year. She was on her own and whilst we were there too, and she was very unsure to be cruising on her own.

But she wanted to see Alaska - she had planned to do it when covid happened and she struggled to muster the courage to book another one. She did not regret it one bit! She loved everything about the cruise, the excursions, Alaska itself and it did not bother her to fly on her own.

The reason I am telling you those stories is because I would like to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, whatever it might be. Do something for you! You deserve it!

If you would like to try one of our craft events, log on to www.scrapcircle.co.uk.

We distribute 10,000 copies around Chelmsford, Writtle, Broomfield, Danbury, Boreham, South Woodham Ferrers, Maldon, Burnham-on-Crouch, Great Baddow, Southminster, Bicknacre, Stock, Ingatestone, Great Waltham and Little Waltham and more...

A History Education Part 4 -

This article deals with the history of the local boys’ grammar school (KEGS) in the years before the First World War.

By the 1880s, the Chelmsford grammar school (King Edward VIth Grammar School) had existed for well over 300 years and was based in Duke Street. At this time the school was not particularly distinguished. Unlike other such schools, which had broadened their curriculum after the report of the Taunton Commission in the 1860s and the Endowed Schools Act of 1869, KEGS remained unreformed with a narrow classical curriculum.

In 1884, the decision was made to make the school a centre for the Cambridge examinations, but this didn’t occur immediately; the editor of the Essex Chronicle thought that this should have happened before to improve standards. This was the last major act of the Reverend JA Kershaw, the headmaster who resigned later that year, moving to a school and parish at Kelvedon. The new head Frank Rogers, who was appointed the following year, left an indelible mark on the school.

An early decision was taken to apply to the Government Science and Art Department to take classes in Higher Maths, Photography, Magnetism and Electricity, and Agricultural Science. Rogers increased the fees from £6 to £8 per year. He also told the governors, just before Chelmsford became a borough, that the school couldn’t be properly remodelled for modern needs without having new buildings.

After the inauguration of the town as a borough, the pressing need of its grammar school was for new premises. The existing buildings in Duke Street were cramped and insanitary, as outbreaks of diphtheria resulting in several deaths testified.

A site was identified in Moulsham, but Sir Henry Mildmay declined to sell. Then a four acre site in Broomfield Road belonging to Ernest Ridley, the brewer, was acquired. The only doubt was whether it was large enough to include a full-sized cricket field. There was the possibility of obtaining extra land next to the site, and Rogers and his staff were in favour.

Delays followed due the governors initially choosing a site on Market Road. Lack of parental support for this decision led to the foundation stone being laid at the Broomfield Road site. This was only after the Charity School Commissioners removed their objections to the school using its endowed funds for the new buildings. Its new buildings were formally opened in 1892 by Lord Rayleigh, the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, with a number of Essex MPs and the Mayor and other councillors present. ‘The structure stands on the high ground of one of the pleasantest and healthiest parts of the borough’ the Weekly News commented.

Its architecture was a mix of Gothic and Elizabethan and the paper also mentioned, importantly given the difficulties in the previous buildings, ‘the sanitary arrangements and drainage comprising all the latest improvements’.

The new buildings could take a roll of 160 including 20 boarders, and Rogers had already almost doubled the roll to 120. In 1893 the school asked the charity commissioners for permission to raise the maximum age of students from 17 to 19 to enable some of them to go on to university. The endowed fund stood at only £700, when £2,000 was needed for scholarships, both for new entrants and prospective university entrants, and an effort was made to increase the size of the fund.

In 1894 a new gymnasium was opened after a gift from Gray, the brewer. Another significant event of the Rogers headmastership was the founding of the Chelmsfordian magazine in 1895, which was praised by both the Daily Mail and the Spectator

The 1890s saw the foundation of the old boys’ association and the football, hockey and cycling clubs. A debating society was also formed

before the turn of the century, in time to debate the start of the Boer War. 1896 saw the first female teacher, Elsie Slader, who taught the younger boys of the Preparatory School. After leaving in 1898 she came back in 1910 teaching there until 1918. After 1918 she was secretary to the later Headmaster Thomas Hay.

The grammar school had received several very positive inspection reports in the 1890s as the changes instituted by Rogers took root, and by 1905 it was full with 105 pupils. In 1907 however, the first time it had been inspected by independent state inspectors, it had a critical report; ironically the only well-taught subject was science.

KEGS had acquired a significant debt in the move to Broomfield Road and this had meant Rogers hadn’t been able to afford quality staff. The governors took immediate action with PE being made compulsory and Rogers had to resume teaching. KEGS was on course to lose £250 a year and the council, now responsible for a quarter of the school’s intake, had to pay more for their scholarships.

Rogers reacted angrily to his pay being cut by 27%, maintaining that he had given £2,000 over the course of 16 years towards the cost of new buildings and another £1,400 towards the pay of assistant teachers. He didn’t accept the findings of the HMI report and resigned to live in Bournemouth. Two years later, he was involved in a scandal when a wealthy woman poisoned herself after ‘loaning’ Rogers £3,000. The jury at her inquest wanted him censured for his attitude.

KEGS new head, Thomas Hay, had been senior science master at the school and now had to manage the school under stringent financial conditions. The number of free places was cut back from 25% to 12.5%. Tuition fees were between £6 and £12 for fee paying day boys.

The County Council paid for £1,400 of the £2,000 cost of essential new buildings and a new inspection report gave the school a qualified bill of health, but the first war drastically reduced the staff, with qualified teachers hard to find. During the war, 376 old boys and masters fought for their country during which they won 21 medals, 17 of them military crosses, but 60 of them died.

Baby Wild Thing Pose -

By Steve Johansen, Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga

Wild Thing Pose, is one of the more modern yoga poses, is often practiced within vinyasa classes. Despite it being relatively new, it has become a firm favourite of teachers and students alike. I incorporate Wild Thing Pose as a counter pose during a sequence of forward bends, because its a gentle backbend yoga pose that opens up the shoulders, chest and the hips flexors and quadriceps, while building strength in the shoulder and upper back. The pose is suitable for most yogis, but should be avoided by those with rotator cuff injuries or carpal tunnel syndrome.

In Sanskrit it’s called Camatkarasana, pronounced (KUH-mutt-lugRUSS-uh-nuh). In English, it has quite a few names, Wild Thing Pose, being the most popular. It is also called Flipped Dog Pose, Dancing Dog Pose and Rockstar. In the gentler or beginner’s version, its sometimes referred as Little Rockstar or Modified or Baby Wild Thing Pose.

I, however, call this pose Pans-People. Not because I think it’s a better name, but the name just sort of stuck after I did this pose in the very first class that I ever taught. I was very nervous, having never done anything quite like this before, finding and renting a yoga studio for an hour, and then persuading a few people to come and be my guinea pigs on a 6-week beginners yoga course. Only to find on the day that the owner of the yoga studio had decided to attend my class. That’s when I stopped being nervous - and became terrified...

However, during the warmup, the studio owner helped me relax, while doing Wild Thing when she said, ‘This reminds me of Top of the Pops dance group Pans People!’ Not only did I relax, but I adopted the name Pans People for this pose. Luckily, I got offered a teaching job and a later a position managing the studio that I now own! You could say it is a lucky pose...

Where to Start

Start in Head Beyond Knee Pose or Janu Sirsasana (JAH-new shearSHAHS-anna). Sitting up tall on the sit bones and extending the legs straight out in front. Draw your right knee in, placing the sole of your right foot on the inside of your left knee. Your torso will be angled directly between your knees.

Relax your shoulders downward as you lift the crown of the head to the ceiling. Find your Dristi, an unfocused gaze, at eye hight in front of you, to maintain your mental and physical focus. Establish a long slow, steady breath. Ideally with each inhalation you should find strength, lifting through your sternum to sit a little taller.

To Get into Pans-People Pose

Keep sitting tall on both sit bones, in Head Beyond Knee Pose. Turn to the right, stretching arms out at shoulder height, left hand above your left foot, reaching your right hand backwards, then on the mat, fingers facing backwards.

On your next inhalation lift though the sternum to sit a little taller, rolling the shoulder blades backwards, to engage and protect the rotate cuff muscles in the shoulders.

Transferring your weight onto your right hand and knee. Lifting the hips off the floor, upwards and toward the right. Sweeping the left arm in an arc overhead and to the left of the room, lengthening the front of the body from your toes to the neck and across your shoulders. Allow your head to relax downwards as you look up and back slightly.

On your exhalation, lengthening upwards and forwards. Relax a little deeper into to the stretch.

On your next inhalation, use your core to find strength to create length through the front of your body. To protect your lower back, draw your sternum forwards rather than downwards. You should feel a stretch in the back of your left thigh, calf muscle and even the sole of your foot. Hold the pose for 3 to 5 long slow breaths. Using your inhalation to find strength as you lift the hips and sternum, and relaxing into the stretch on your exhalation. Lower yourself back down, the way you got into the pose. Repeating on the opposite side.

Teacher Tip

Resist the temptation to force yourself - relax and enjoy the openness this pose gives you.

For those of you who feel like you would like to know more of the benefits of the Pans-People Pose, or how to incorporate this pose within your practice, join me at my studio and see where it all began. Use this free pass code HPYFREECLASS. My gift to you.

Witches and Wizards Halloween Event with Special Guest Magic Dave!

Join us for a Halloweenthemed story time as well as spook-tacular craft making, colouring and decorating your very own trick-or-treat bag. Boo-tiful dressing up very welcome! This event will also include a live children’s magic show with professional family entertainer and magician Magic Dave! Events will take place on Thursday 31st October at Chelmsford, Galleywood and Writtle Libraries. Book your tickets on our website, libraries.essex.gov.uk/ events.

Local Writers Showcase

Join us on Saturday 16th November for an exciting day at Chelmsford Library, and a chance to meet talented local authors from Chelmsford and the wider area! Featuring a mix of self-published and traditionally published writers,

Children’s play area volunteer

Are you friendly, patient, fun and enjoy spending time with pre-school children in a play-led environment? English for Women is growing and we need more amazing volunteers to join our teams and help in our supported play-area. Could that be you?

We run free groups on Wednesday and Thursdays during term time from 10am - 12 noon.

Charity market stall volunteer

Like a charity shop, but on a market stall! We are looking for dedicated volunteers to help run our indoor stall at Chelmsford Market which raises fund that go to Kids Inspire, a children’s mental health charity who provide specialist trauma support for children and families. Opening 9am - 3pm. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturdays.

Minibus and/or car drivers - Chelmsford Community Transport

Can you help isolated people to get out and about? Having access to affordable door-to-door transport helps with simple everyday tasks like shopping, visiting friends/social clubs and attending medical appointments (GP and hospital), tasks that most of us take for granted. Getting out of the house makes a huge difference to a person’s quality of life, increasing independence and giving someone

the event includes Vicky Ball, Sarah Banham, Becky Davies, Joshua Ferdinand, Leonora A Headley, Justin Johnson, Sheetha KhanBoonserm, Owen W Knight, Sherelle Parke, Laurine Traquair, and Jaqueline Wright.

Each author will have a stall where you can chat with them about their books, writing process, and inspirations. Discover new reads, support local talent, and even find the perfect early Christmas gift with books available for purchase. Don’t miss the Writer’s Slam at 1pm for an extra burst of creativity. This a free all-day event, open to everyone.

Starting Your Family Tree Sessions

Interested in finding out about your family history? Then why not come to one of our Starting Your Family Tree sessions? These sessions are small, friendly groups of people where you can start your own family tree with free access to online resources like Ancestry, Find My Past and The British Newspaper Archive. This group meets every second Saturday of the month from 10am to 12 noon and it’s free but booking is required either by email at chelmsford.library@essex.gov. uk or in person at the library.

a new lease of life. We are looking for volunteers to drive our fully accessible minibuses, or their own cars.

Charity shop on Market Road

Can you spare 3 hours a week to help at our friendly little Chelmsford 4 Good shop? We’re situated right next to the main library and contain a good mix of clothes, books and bric-a-brac. Open Tuesday to Friday.

Recovery space volunteer at Essex Recovery Foundation

The Recovery Community is a combination of people with lived experience of addiction, and people affected by someone else addiction. We want to create spaces across Essex for the recovery community to come together and this role will help with that.

This volunteer role will support the delivery of the Recovery Spaces in venues across Essex. Supervised by the community engagement worker, volunteers will help with the smooth running of each session and will be part of team that creates a space in which people want to come together each week.

Volunteer Telephone Befriender

Can you chat to a lonely person on the phone once a week? Essex Home Help Service are looking for volunteers to support with our Telephone Befriending Service, which is designed to be supportive, reliable and enable friendships to be built through volunteer befrienders for people who may otherwise be socially isolated.

You will come into our friendly offices in Ford End, Chelmsford for 2 hours per week to make telephone befriending calls. Travel expenses reimbursed.

The Art Place @Meadows Shopping Centre: More than a shop - community, caring, learning, hope and love:)

This month’s article is in recognition of World Mental Health - Art and Mental Health: Great Contemporary Artists and their Struggles with Inner Struggles, written by artist Elena from EKM Gallery.

Mental health issues have played a paradoxical yet powerful role in the human creative process throughout art history. In the modern world, many artists have faced mental health challenges and their art has become a way to express themselves and a tool to cope with their internal struggles.

In this article, we will look at some renowned contemporary artists dealing with mental conditions and how their creativity has become a powerful means of overcoming these issues.

Jean-Michel Basquiat, an artist from New York, is a prominent figure whose art is deeply connected to his internal experiences. Basquiat, who began his career as a street artist, struggled with depression and substance abuse. His works, filled with bright colours and social commentary, addressed themes of racial discrimination, social inequality and the individual’s struggle with oneself.

For Basquiat, art became a way to express his pain and dissatisfaction with the world. His expressive lines and symbols depict both chaos and the attempt to bring order to it - a reflection of his inner state. Despite his tragic death at the age of 27, Basquiat left a lasting impact on the art world and demonstrated how creativity could be both therapy and a cry for help.

Artists like Louise Bourgeois embraced the idea of using art as a tool to explore anxieties and fears. Bourgeois created her sculptures to express the pain associated with childhood traumas and anxieties. Her work Maman, a massive spider-like sculpture, symbolises motherhood, protection and vulnerability, reflecting her complex relationship with her mother.

David Choe is a modern graffiti artist known for their complex and sometimes dark works. From a young age, Choe struggled with depression, using art to express their feelings and cope with isolation. Their pieces depict contradictions - a mix of bright colours with images full of aggression and inner conflict.

Choe said that painting helps them release inner tension and transform dark thoughts into something beautiful. Despite their mental health struggles, David Choe has achieved success and recognition, showing that art can be a powerful tool in battling mental health challenges.

The stories of great contemporary artists show that mental health and creativity often go hand-in-hand. For many of these artists, creativity became not just a profession but a necessity - a means to express, process and endure deep emotional traumas and conditions.

Art, whether in the form of painting, sculpture, or installation, allows artists to externalise their internal conflicts, providing them with the opportunity not only to share their feelings with the world but also to find harmony within themselves. The works of artists like JeanMichel Basquiat, Louise Bourgeois and David Choe demonstrate that, despite the burdens of mental illness, creativity can be a light in a dark tunnel, bringing relief and hope.

Venues such as the Art Place, which offer a platform for local artists to showcase their work, play a crucial role in promoting community well-being.

For more information about our work, projects, workshops and support offered, please visit: www.ideashubchelmsford.org and follow us on Facebook by searching ‘The Art Place Chelmsford’ (for The Art Place) and ‘Ideas Hub Chelmsford’ for the charity in general, and on Instagram by searching, ‘Art Place Chelmsford’.

Interior Design Tips for your Home - By Tania Dadd

Exciting New Season!

Autumn is a really exciting time for making your home a cosy haven and an escape from the cold and drizzle outside. As the new season gets underway, the warm autumn colours step in alongside, lighting, snuggly soft furnishings and rugs.

In the world of interior design, recent trends are bringing a hint of the outside into our homes for this time of year.

Where to Begin…

Think about updating the two main spaces in your home: your living room and bedroom. If you are on a budget, a few simple changes can be made without costing a fortune. Even just replacing a few key items can give your room a whole new warming. cosy vibe.

Autumn Ideas…

• Replace cushions and throws, combine different textures and materials.

• Accessories in burnt orange will add a sense of boldness.

• Soothing greens and earthy tones will bring nature into your room.

• Natural elements such as a wood bedside table or a coffee table can create warmth.

• Soft lighting in a warm colour can create a homely feeling (avoid

the bright whites).

• Add a small stack of books to a coffee or side table that you have been meaning to read.

• Keep it simple; don’t over clutter.

I have recently moved my office and home from the Maldon area, and I know how expensive it can be to buy new items. Some of the best pieces I have found are from secondhand marketplaces and shops.

Being thrifty has been essential, but it also has really given me satisfaction being able to reuse pieces of furniture that still have a lot of life left in them. A combination of old and new can work well.

If you need some advice on how to elevate your home, please get in touch. Our services include interior design. colour consultation, decluttering and styling.

Give me a call for a free chat regarding anything interiors/design. I am no longer in Maldon, and am now based close to the A12 for easier access to the whole of the Essex area.

Our services include interior design, colour consultation and styling.

Book your free consultation by calling 07979 66 33 39. info@saltmarshinteriors.co.uk www.saltmarshinteriors.co.uk

Tales from the Circle - By Sylvia Kent

Now and again, I receive a call from someone who knows nothing about the craft of writing, but who has come across our regular monthly articles in The City Times. Obviously, I invite folk to read about us on our website at www.brentwoodwriterscircle.com and then pay a visit to one of our monthly Saturday afternoon sessions in Weald Road, Brentwood, Essex (2.30pm-4.30pm). We always offer a warm welcome and enjoy meeting new people who have perhaps always wanted to see their work on the page or even start working on their first book, article. essay or collection of poems.

Encouragement is always at the ready and if a new writer wants to read their work to others, this is possible when they sign up to become a member. As always mentioned, their first visit is free of charge and should they have the time and are able to come along they can join us or pay a £5 visitor’s fee thereafter. We welcome each new visitor to our circle (which has been going for more than 83 years). We

try to include many aspects of writing and offer advice if needed.

One tradition that was started many years ago, was our Annual Members’ Writers’ Day with talks from professional writers, publishers or indeed any speaker who has the ability to enhance the knowledge of what I think of as one of the most exciting pastimes (or professions) available to everyone.

Saturday’s Writers’ All- Day event was well attended starting earlyish with the well known romantic novelist Olivia Hayfield, whose 30 years in the business covered so many aspects of our favourite trade. Her latest books include Notorious, Sister to Sister, Praise for Queen, King, ACE - and you will see so many fascinating aspects of her successful life both in the UK and New Zealand, where she lives for part of the year. Read about her at www.oliviahayfield.com.

A lovely lunch awaited and was enjoyed by all, followed by the introduction of another excellent author, publisher and historian Andrew Summers CEO of the Essex Hundred Publications in Southend.

Andrew’s latest book was introduced and our audience thoroughly enjoyed his talk and video outlining his book The Riddle of Boudica, which is now available to everyone interested in this amazing historical character. Andrew also has a line-up list of some interesting titles on his website at www.essex100.com. He is regarded as a walking encyclopaedia of historical people and places linked to Essex, and his new book is certainly on my own reading list this week.

www.brentwoodwriterscircle.com www.sylviakent.blogspot.com

Quiz Time by John Theedom

Who sang I Love Rock and Roll?

Who plays the lead male character in BBC1’s Ludwig?

In cookery, what is passata made from?

What type of creature is a honeyguide?

What is a rhizome?

How many are there in a sextet?

What are male sheep called?

Which plant’s leaf juice relieves burns?

In music, what is con brio?

One musician is a maestro, but what are three called?

Albatross and rough are terms in which sport?

The rottweiler dog is named after a town in which country?

What connects TVs, ostriches and guns?

What is a native of Manchester called?

In which year did ITV start?

Which picture is also known as La Giaconda?

How many points is the green ball in snooker worth?

What do the initials ONO mean after a selling price?

What do you play baccarat with?

Careless and Invictor are types of which fruit?

Which 1960s number 1 started with ‘The taxman’s taken all my dough’?

Who has won the most Academy Awards? Carillon is a popular branch of what?

What is a hawser?

What type of vessel was the Torrey Canyon?

What type of sugar is found in milk?

What is examined using an otoscope?

What do the initials CND stand for?

What fruit is also called the Chinese gooseberry?

Which country do Hyundai cars come from?

What word can go after ‘race’ and before ‘fly’?

What is a baluga?

Who was the first royal after Henry VIII to marry after a divorce?

What line on a map connects points of the same height?

‘Hermit’ and ‘spider’ are types of what?

Who laid the foundation stone at Coventry Cathedral?

Which Egyptian President was assassinated in 1981?

Which shaggy horned wild cattle live in the Tibetan mountains?

In which year was Lord Mountbatten murdered?

Bet a vulgaris is the Latin name for which crop?

(Answers on pages 31)

Local People Raise over £3,000 for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity

Thanks to the generosity of a few local people, over £3,000 has been raised for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. Firstly, Silver End Bowls Club held a fun day attended by members, family, friends and neighbours, and the proceeds from the day were donated to the charity.

Jenny McDonald of the Bowls Club said, “Members of the Bowls Club held a fun day to raise money for the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. The event resulted in £1,041 being raised, which is totally amazing. Thanks to all who supported the event and well done to the team.”

Secondly, father and son, Andrew and Sam Barker have just completed the London to Amsterdam cycle challenge. The 335 miles ride took 4 days to complete, and the pair raised £2,000 for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

Starting in Croydon, the first day’s ride through the Kent countryside provided the most challenging hills of the whole trip before a little respite heading down to Dover. The coastal route to Bruges was tough due to the 30mph head wind. The 3 miles promenade ride at Dunkirk delivered a full sand storm and nearly halted them in their tracks.

On the third day, the

ride to the Dutch city of Breda provided a scenic trip along the cycle paths next to the canals. On the final day the sun came out and a ride through Rotterdam, followed by even more beautiful canal paths, saw the challenge finish at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

Andrew Barker said, “Sadly last year our sister and aunt, Diane, passed away after a battle with breast cancer. A charity that she was very fond of and that gave her great support was the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity and we hope that we can still raise a little bit more for this great cause.”

Zoe Jay, head of the charity’s fundraising team said, “These are fantastic amounts, and every penny will go towards supporting local people living with cancer. We could not offer the support that we do without the support of clubs like the Bowls Club and people like Andrew and Sam. We are so grateful to all of them.”

www.helenrollason.org.uk

Stargazing With Mark Willis

20th - 21st October -

Orionid Meteor Shower: The Orionids usually remain active between 2nd October and 7th November with 20 meteors per hour. The Orionids are dust grains left behind by Comet Halley.

15th November - Full Moon/Beaver Moon: November’s Full Moon is traditionally called a Beaver Moon, after beavers that build their dams during this time of the year.

16th November: Mercury at Greatest Elongation East. This might be a good time to try and spot Mercury - the planet appears at its farthest distance from the Sun in the evening sky.

17th/18th NovemberLeonid Meteor Shower: The Leonids shooting stars are visible between November 6th and 30th and peak on the night of 17th November and early morning of 18th November, with up to 15 meteors per hour. The meteor shower is formed from dust debris from Comet TempelTuttle (1866 1).

New Moon: On 1st November, 1st December and 30th December - the last being called Black New Moon. This means the skies will be extra dark which is a great opportunity to see planets, galaxies and deep space objects.

Don’t forget! The clocks go back one hour on 27th October.