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CT Welcome Hello readers,
Welcome to the September/October edition. We hope you have had a good summer, but let’s hope for a few more warm days before autumn set in. This is our 60th edition, which means we have been publishing the City Times for 5 years now. A big thank you to all our advertisers, readers and our writers! Enjoy your month! Regards Nick & Paul www.thecitytimes.co.uk | www.moulshamtimes.com
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CT Fashion - Fall Favourites It’s that time of year again: the nights are drawing in, GBBO is in full swing, Saturday nights in on the sofa become even more attractive and the leaves have started to quiver and fall… It’s when the cardigans come out and boots are dug out from hibernation... Here she is: autumn. So what better than an autumn/winter style update to keep you warm through the cooler months... Here’s a rundown of this year’s Fall favourites. Puuuurfect Prints: Expect lots of animal print this autumn/winter - more specifically, leopard and snake print. But not any old leopard/snake print; tonal colours of deep reds and purples deck most high street stores updating an old classic with a more 2018 vibe. Think high necked leopard print tops teamed with leather mini skirts and boots (two other must haves for this season - see below). Or maybe wrap dresses that can be dressed up with heels or coupled with boots for crisp autumn days. Oasis has some fantastic offerings ranging from tops to dresses to shoes. If you walk past New Look, you’ll practically be able to hear the purrs of tops, dresses and even a particularly chic leopard print jumpsuit for £27.99. Supersize Sweaters: Think knits that your granny would be proud of. Chunky oversized jumpers and cardigans - the fluffier the better. Pastel colours outlive the test of time and can be worn simply with jeans and a pair of trainers or boots. Having said this, if you wanted to choose a colour for this season it would be pastel blue (H&M has an amazing one for just £17.99). My top tip? It will always be: if you’re wearing a chunky sweater, stick to an unpadded bra underneath if you’re feeling brave. It keeps the jumper looking oversized but not too oversized, if you know what I mean (I often go for my lightweight sports bra - there are mountains of these in Primark). If you’re feeling that a jumper is too heavy for this seemingly Indian Summer that we are having, you might try a cute transitional number like a Bardot oversized knit. These are perfect for those bright, chilly days. I’ve been swooning over the blue knit Bardot jumper at £36 in River Island for longer than I’d care to admit… The Slogan T-Shirt: I am so thankful that the fashion gods have allowed slogan T-shirts another season. Cheap, cute and seemingly effortless, they can be worn under your supersize sweater, tucked into your high rise skirt, or underneath a comfy blazer and jeans without much thought and still leave you looking chic and on trend. New Look and River Island have some great offerings at some fantastic prices which also follow the animal print trend. Try the ‘Heart Breaker’ T from New Look at just £10 or River Island’s ‘Luxe’ print at £18 with a similar vibe. Tie-Front: Another casual switching season top to invest in would be the tie-front T-shirt or shirt. Coupled with mid-rise jeans or skirts and boots, they can be really flattering and chic for the cooler months. The beauty of these is also that you can be as daring as you like. If you’re lucky enough to have a washboard stomach you might consider baring all, or you might like to try a more conservative tie up shirt
that does not show any inch of flesh. I’ve seen some cute tie front shirts in Miss Selfridge from £10! Leather: One final must have for this autumn season would be the faux leather skirt. They can be worn with all of the above pieces too! Think high-rise and mini, or if you’re not fancying that, pencil skirt and midi. Thick waist bands can hide a multitude of summery sins (I can’t be the only one who spent too much time drinking cider in beer gardens this year!) and the option to take these from day to night - wearing with either a strappy heel or boot means they really are a versatile piece for your autumn wardrobe. Autumn/Winter Accessories The Chunky Trainer: Now bear with me here, because this is something I had to see a few times before I got on board. The chunky trainer is basically your standard trainer with a particularly thick sole. They’ve been stomping around catwalks for some time and have inevitably found their way onto the high street. If you fancied really splashing the cash, you could get some originals - the ‘Triple S’ at £615 from Balenciaga. If (like me) you’d like to continue being able to eat or look your partner in the eye until Christmas time, I would suggest you try a more conservatively priced pair from a high street store like Schuh, ASOS, Prettylittlething or New Look to name a few. These have some great options without the hefty price tag. Team with skinny jeans and an oversized jumper or slogan T to be bang on trend. The Slouchy Boot: If boots are more your thing for autumn, you might try this season’s boot. Slouchy boots are a girl’s best friend. Why? Ridiculously flattering on calves, they are made to hang loose and elongate your pins. No inane attempts to shove your jeans into your boots like a crazed loon either, as the slouch means your jeans or trousers slide perfectly in. Block heels mean they are also comfortable and the perfect accompaniment to both jeans and dresses. You can find yours in Oasis, John Lewis, Dune or Office. Rebecca Forde is a writer with a penchant for fashion, great literature and drinking a lot of coffee. You can contact her by emailing rebeccaforde@hotmail.co.uk. © All Images: Dorothy Perkins
Save This Date!
On Saturday 13th October 2018 at the Keene Hall Galleywood, the Inner Wheel Club of Chelmsford Mildmay will be holding their Autumn Shoe Sale. In association with Hotfooted Shoes, there will be an opportunity to purchase superb new winter shoes, boots and lovely handbags. Also on sale will be a selection of ladies clothing, greetings cards and crafted jewellery. We shall as usual be offering a selection of homemade cakes together with fresh tea and coffee. Do come along and help us raise funds for a local charity, CHESS.
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All Things Music - by Nick Garner
Chelmsford Arts and Cultural Festival 2019 The dates for 2019 are 21 - 30th June, so put them in your diary now! The first of our public meetings will be on Tuesday 30th October at the Transition (behind the Ale House) in Chelmsford. The first meeting is in the morning from 10am, then a second in the evening from 9pm. Here you will be able to share your ideas and let us know if you can help and/or volunteer, as we need help in a lot of different areas to help make it a bigger and even better festival than we had this year. We are also looking for sponsors for the 2019 festival. We also need more volunteers, ideas for fringe events and much more. We can also let you know what we have in mind for 2019.
We are currently in the early days of planning for 2019 and we want the real wow factor to be there again. We believe we got off to a great start with this year’s festival, where we learned such a lot - we now need to grow on this. We will be looking for sponsorships - in money and kind - and will launch a crowdfunding page at some point, so please keep your eyes and ears open for news about that. Next year we will be looking to make the parade much bigger; more of a carnival parade with floats - non-motorised though, so pull or push or pedal powered will do! We also want more fringe events, so if you have an idea please share it and let’s see what we can do to hopefully include it in next year’s festival.
her autumn tour. If you have seen her before then you will know that you just have to be there. Special guest on the night will be Tamara Stewart from Australia. We have just had the UB Fest 2, which was a great success from beginning to end - and this year it was a four-day event. It started on the Friday with Dave Ferra’s All Star band who were as amazing as ever with great playing and singing and lots of fun as well. Saturday was the big live music day which kicked off with Spencer M Taylor playing an acoustic set in the garden, followed by the mad and wonderful Andy Twyman, who was as ever, brilliant. Next, Spencer returned to play us songs from his forthcoming new album which I loved. Up next was Chelmsford’s king of looping, Paolo Morena; he is always so good, a great singer and player and is so manic with so much going on. It was our turn next, Jamie Williams & the Roots Collective - the full electric band. We had a hoot and it looked like the audience did as well. Next up was Ash Mandrake. If you have not seen Ash Mandrake before, you should! I don’t think you will have seen anything quite as mad and brilliant at the same time - and you certainly will never have seen as many hats in one show! To round off outside, we had the beautiful voice that belongs to Jolene Missing along with her beautiful guitar playing. She was accompanied on fiddle by Alex Mihailovic - all I can say is stunning.
We are not just about the annual festival, we are about making Chelmsford and the areas around us great - all year round. So if you want to host an event earlier or later in the year, you can still associate it with us and maybe have a smaller representation during the festival, which would also help to promote you and your event. The whole idea is to make Chelmsford and Essex the place that everyone is talking about and that everyone wants to visit, because Chelmsford and Essex is a great place with lots going on and lots of heritage. Not just a great place to visit, but somewhere that we can be proud to live in. Music and Ramblings Summer is past (boo hoo!) but what a time we have had. I have been to and played at lots of great festivals with our band, and we are now looking forward to lots more shows - so time to get booking! Coming up on Friday 14th September at Chelmsford City FC are Cregan & Co. Jim Cregan has also played with (and co-written with and been a musical director with) Rod Stewart from as far back as 1976. Then on Thursday 20th September Connor Selby plays his official album launch show at the Bassment - doors open at 8pm. He will be playing for the whole night (with full band) split into two sets. On Saturday 22nd we welcome Laura Doyle & the Soul Train to the Bassment - they are a great band.
Coming up in October we have the amazing Fleetwood Bac at Chelmsford City FC on the 12th. They are the world’s number one tribute act to Fleetwood Mac and are endorsed by both Mick Fleetwood and Peter Green. Opening the night, all the way from the USA, is Melanie Denard with Muddy Mann of Wishbone Ash. October 18th sees Elles Bailey returning to the Bassment as part of
Inside now for the last two acts and we start with Big Joe Bone with his stomp boot, guitars, banjo and harmonicas. This is great old style blues. We then finished the night with Playlister, a great covers band who do it so well that they had everyone dancing and singing till the end. Sunday was the Lowdown Cool DJ day. Sadly the weather was not so good, but they still packed the pub inside with banging sounds and a great variation of DJs playing a great mix of music. Monday was the final day, and we were treated to Denny Newman who came over from Germany to play. Denny used to be part of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band and also Mick Taylor’s (Rolling Stones) band. Denny played an acoustic set with his rich, warm voice - not dissimilar to Eric Clapton’s - along with his great guitar playing. He wowed the audience and when he played songs like Pretty Flamingo well, the whole pub sung along with him. We are hoping he will return in November to play again. www.bluesinthecity.co.uk www.facebook.com/bluesinthecitychelmsford Twitter: @BluesintheCity1 www.itsyourmusic.co.uk www.facebook.com/itsyourmusic Twitter: @itsyourmusic The Arts and Cultural email: hello@chelmsfordfestival.org www.chelmsfordfestival.org www.facebook.com/chelmsfordfestival Twitter: @chelmsfordaacf
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CT Gardening - by Tom Cole I can’t believe it, but we’re just about to welcome another batch of new students to Writtle University College. The last time I looked we’d only just completed our current part-time and full timers!
leaving for ten - they’ll be smaller, but will still pack a punch when it comes to flavour. For those with soft fruits, once harvested, plants can be pruned now or later in the dormant season; I’ll come back to this later in the year.
On another note, it looks like colleagues will be out and about at a number of events across the county, including careers fairs, information events and local shows. A few of us will be offering taster sessions for surrounding schools. So if you’re interested in visiting Writtle University College or offering us an invite to visit your school, then get in touch with our marketing team. We’re also happy to come to any of your school garden clubs.
On the edible theme, if you have a spare bare area of ground that you’re not going to use, maybe use a green manure to reduce soil erosion and weed invasion, plus potentially add nutrition when using the likes of clover or field beans. Alternatively, mustard makes for a great green manure. Simply turn plants into the ground before flowering. Contact me if you wish to receive a Green Manure Fact Sheet.
In the meantime, there’s plenty to do in the garden... For those with fruit and vegetable areas you’ll be harvesting like crazy, however it’s also time to think ahead and sow and plant to extend the season and realise your true garden potential thereby maximising yields. Sow radish, lettuce and spring onions as quick return plants; the spring onions will probably need harvesting in about eight weeks rather than
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In the shrub borders, continue to dead head butterfly bushes and take plants back a little to keep the size manageable. Do your annual routine pruning on this type of plant around February/ March. On the same theme, continue to cut hedges, especially evergreens like box. With box, avoid cutting in moist conditions to avoid the spread of blight. I’ve also just cut back lavenders where the flowers have now faded; cut just into living wood rather than old to ensure good healthy growth for next year. Lastly, if you want to further your knowledge and understanding of these or other gardening jobs, do please consider one of the following courses at Writtle University College: For RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture (1 year, day release on Thursdays), RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation & Development (September - February on Thursdays), RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance and for RHS Level 2 and 3 Certificates in Practical Horticulture, email tom.cole@writtle.ac.uk for information on availability of days and times. If you’ve got more time, we also offer full time Level 2 & 3 programmes. If you’d like a shorter programme for say 1 or 2 days, then give our Short Courses a call. We’ve got courses on construction (erecting fences, paving and brickwork), general garden tasks such as pruning, propagation (and new for this year we’re running grafting courses) pruning, container gardening, successful care of lawns and growing fruit and veg. For the professional a whole load of competence certificates covering arboriculture, pesticide application and use of various machinery and equipment. Happy gardening and take care in the heat of the sun. For any gardening tips contact Tom Cole, Horticultural Lecturer, Writtle College, Chelmsford, CM1 3RR by post (including a SAE) or by email at tom.cole@writtle.ac.uk.
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New Independent Restaurant Coming to Chelmsford Among a sea of chains in Chelmsford, a new independent restaurant is opening to offer diners a different experience. Ross Saunders and May Davies, owners of The Two Brewers pub on Springfield Road, are bringing their successful Cumbria-founded restaurant, Rossini’s, to Chelmsford. Offering tried and tested Italian pasta and pizza favourites and Mediterranean inspired specials at affordable prices, the couple hope to bring a something new to Chelmsford’s dining scene. Rossini’s, which the couple previously ran for over 10 years, will be situated inside the Two Brewers in a section of the pub creating a new experience for pub customers.
for The Malt Room in December this year in collaboration with Mad Apple Collective.
Ross and May reopened the doors of The Two Brewers in December 2017 having overseen the refurbishment by Star Pubs for the 10 weeks prior.
Rossini’s is going to be opening inside The Two Brewers in October 2018 specialising in pizza, pasta and Mediterranean inspired specials with a £7 lunch and early evening happy hour and a kids eat free offer during October and November. Customers will also continue to be able to enjoy the live music and other entertainment on offer. Non restaurant customers will be able to enjoy a bar food menu including bar bite, pizzas, a classic burger and the popular Sunday roast. Seating in the restaurant area will be available to drinkers after dinner service ends.
May said: “We had been looking for a pub to take over and relocate south since 2016 and when we found The Two Brewers, over a year before opening the doors, we knew it was somewhere we could develop into something special and that Chelmsford offered everything we wanted as a place to live and work.” As well as co-running The Two Brewers, May’s background is in community arts and works as a freelance set designer for film and theatre and in the art department for film and TV, which is something that has influenced the direction of the pub. Since opening its doors The Two Brewers has hosted film screenings, live cooking events, live music events, rehearsals, readings and meetings for a variety of local community groups. There is also some children’s theatre planned
Ross was the assistant catering manager of The Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal for many years, a multi bar and restaurant operation, before founding Rossini’s in Ulverston in 2006 and opening Caffe Rossini in a neighbouring town in 2014. Ross said: “We’ve always intended to relocate Rossini’s and as part of the strategy when moving into the pub, we decided to wait until we had bedded in and got to know the local area before making sure our offer was right. Having lived here for 9 months now we feel that we are in a unique position to be able to bring an affordable, independent dining offer that shares resources with our pub by being situated in the same building and offer our customers a new way to enjoy our venue.”
Ross said: “We can’t wait to re-open our restaurant in The Two Brewers. Rossini’s was always a great, family friendly place with a party atmosphere that you could enjoy a quick bite before having a drink with friends or enjoy a more relaxed three-course meal. With affordable prices and a relaxed atmosphere it will make the perfect place for families, couples and groups to dine.”
CT Food: Apple & Date Loaf - by John Jacobs Nostalgia ahoy. I see it cresting the horizon. It’s on its way... Right you lot, heads down and plough on through the last third of 2018. Halloween adornments are in the shops and it’s only a matter of weeks before the odd snow face appears amid biscuit selection boxes. Autumn cometh and the russet leaves are waiting to emerge from their reverse hibernation. It’s my favorite time in the seasonal calendar. Nights are drawing an early shawl over our working days and soon I’ll find myself waking in darkness and driving home through settling mists and the smell of wood burners. By the time you read this, all the kids will be back at school, much to the relief of many an exhausted parent, and everyone else reroutes their journeys to avoid the school-runners. The thing I look forward to at this precise moment, Bake Off, is back on telly for another year. Hopefuls with spoonfuls and the promise of a handshake is all it takes to raise the spirits in my household. We’ve already decided who’s going to prove a front runner, only to stumble at the last minute whereupon the underdog snatches victory with their expertly made tower of profiteroles sculpted into the Boy David. I spent a whole year as a pastry chef in an award winning restaurant and I couldn’t dream of creating such amazing food under so much pressure. Kudos. It’s different in the professional world on a number of levels. Firstly, your creations are those of a head chef and rarely one’s own. Also, whatever you do create has to be replicated a hundred times every day for several weeks. It’s the passionate experimenters at home who can really shine by taking the time to hone their craft from a deep rooted love. My wife is one such. I have largely stopped cooking these days, preferring to write about food. The plus side is I stay out of the kitchen whilst Mrs J reminds me who the real expert is and I’m happy to go with it, as is this article.
This summer meant a real surplus of apples in the garden, so as autumn finds its feet we kick off with a heartwarming favourite, perfect with a cup of tea just before the start of The Great British Bake Off and courtesy of Mrs J. For the Cake 2 green apples peeled, cored and cut into chunks 10 dates chopped and pitted 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 250 ml water boiling 125 grams butter 250 ml caster sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract 375 ml sifted plain flour Place apples, dates and soda in a bowl. Pour over boiling water. Allow to stand until cool. Beat butter and sugar together in another bowl until thick and creamy. Blend in egg and vanilla. Fold flour and apple mixture (including all the juice) alternately into a creamed mixture. Spread into a greased and lined 23cm tin. Bake (180ºC) for 45 minutes. Allow to cool completely in the tin. Carefully remove sides of the tin. Transfer cake to a serving plate.
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What’s on in the Area
September Friday 14th Bassment - Glue Men + Rubber Jaw + Scott Lavene + The Witch Kids CCFC - Jim Cregan Civic - Lucy Worsley - Queen Victoria: Daughter, Wife, Mother and Widow The Golden Fleece - The Earshaws Heritage Open Days (visit www.chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk) United Brethren - Paolo Morena Saturday 15th Bassment - JAR: Jump Stone + The Lightscopes + Raz + Ewan Whosarmy CCFC (away) - Wealdstone v Chelmsford City FC Civic - Johnny Cash Roadshow Essex County Cricket Club - Rat Pack Tribute Night The Golden Fleece - 6 String Makeover Heritage Open Days (visit www.chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk) Transition - Laughter yoga United Brethren - Medicine Sunday 16th Cramphorn - The DaSilva Marionette Circus Troupe Greenwoods, Billericay - Health & Wellbeing Festival Heritage Open Days (visit www.chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk) Star & Garter - Open mic/jam United Brethren - Sunday Sessions: JB & Brown (4.30pm) Tuesday 18th Boreham Village Hall - Ballroom and Latin American Dance (classes for beginners & improvers - www.danceasy.co.uk) Cramphorn - Mamie and Me Wednesday 19th The Chichester Hotel, Rawreth - Belvedere Jazz & Music Club: Jonathan Vinten All Stars Civic - King for a Day: The Nat King Cole Story Transition - The Jackson Line EP Launch + Two Ways Home Thursday 20th Bassment - Connor Selby Band (UK album launch) Cramphorn - All Roads Lead to Rome The Golden Fleece - Quiz night Friday 21st Bassment - Ghostwood Shanks (EP launch party) + Carver + Beanstalk Cathedral - Lunchtime Concert Civic - An Evening of Eric & Ern Cramphorn - Danger Man & The Prisoner (U) The Golden Fleece - Grounds for Divorce Two Brewers - Beer & Music Festival United Brethren - Jamie Williams & the Roots Collective Saturday 22nd Bassment - Soul Train + The White Gospel Civic - Fastlove: A Tribute to George Michael The Golden Fleece - The Locals Two Brewers - Beer & Music Festival United Brethren - Lady J & the Troublemakers/Justine de Mierre Page 12
Sunday 23rd Star & Garter - Open mic/jam Two Brewers - Beer & Music Festival United Brethren - Martin McNeill Wednesday 26th Bassment - AudioGiggle (a night of comedy & live music) Civic - Top Hat The Chichester Hotel, Rawreth - Belvedere Jazz & Music Club: ‘Embraceable Ella’ Joanna Eden & Chris Ingham Qrt Thursday 27th Bassment - Asylum Mag Night: Osmium Guillotine + Cretura + Kill The Freak Civic - Top Hat Cramphorn - Someone Loves You Drive with Care The Golden Fleece - Quiz Friday 28th Bassment - All night indie disco! Cathedral - Lunchtime concert Civic - Top Hat The Golden Fleece - Mushroom Clown Saturday 29th Bassment - WDR: Table Scraps + TALL + Loose Change CCFC (home) - Chelmsford City FC v St Albans Civic - Top Hat The Golden Fleece - Frog on a Rocket Intense Records - Discount Records Day United Brethren - Stony Road Sunday 30th CCFC - One Cool Day (see opposite page for details) The Golden Fleece - Exposed Acoustic Sessions United Brethren - Sunday Sessions: Clare Free (4.30pm-7pm)
October
Tuesday 2nd Boreham Village Hall - Ballroom and Latin American Dance (classes for beginners & improvers - www.danceasy.co.uk) Old Court Theatre - A Bunch of Amateurs Wednesday 3rd The Chichester Hotel, Rawreth - Belvedere Jazz & Music Club: Len Phillips Big Band with Gary Wood (£20 admission) Civic - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat Cramphorn - Bismillah! Old Court Theatre - A Bunch of Amateurs Thursday 4th Bassment - Bassment Blues Jam Civic - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat The Golden Fleece - Quiz Old Court Theatre - A Bunch of Amateurs Friday 5th Bassment - Shakey’s Sessions: The Kubricks Cathedral - Lunchtime concert Civic - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat Cramphorn - Flo and Joan: Alive on Stage (14+) The Golden Fleece - The Rising Old Court Theatre - A Bunch of Amateurs United Brethren - Keeping it Soulful (DJ set)
Please note, all events are subject to change. Please visit the relevant websites or Facebook pages for more details
Saturday 6th Ale House - Chelmsford Record Fair Bassment - Oh Maddie (vinyl EP launch) The Golden Fleece - The Company Civic - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat Cramphorn - Purple Zeppelin Old Court Theatre - A Bunch of Amateurs United Brethren - The Velvet Tree Sunday 7th Civic - Steeleye Span Cramphorn - Chelmsford Jazz Club: Nigel Price and Vasilis Xenopolous with Ross Stanley and Steve Brown The Golden Fleece - Asylum Sunday Service: Sabatta + Counties + Stuart Phillips Star & Garter - Open mic/jam United Brethren - Sunday Sessions: Robbie & Julie Gladwell (4.30pm) Woolpack - GC’s Jazz Club: Richard Exall (sax/clarinet) & Graeme Culham Trio (8pm - free admission) Tuesday 9th Boreham Village Hall - Ballroom and Latin American Dance (classes for beginners & improvers - www.danceasy.co.uk) Cramphorn - The Importance of Being Earnest Wednesday 10th The Chichester Hotel, Rawreth - Belvedere Jazz & Music Club: TJ Johnson Quintet Civic - Frank Bruno: Let Me Be Frank Cramphorn - DollyWould Thursday 11th Bassment - Jazz funk with Lily Dior Civic - Someone Like You - The Adele Songbook Cramphorn - Serpico (18) The Golden Fleece - Quiz night Friday 12th Bassment - Hannah Williams & The Affirmations Cramphorn - Frank Sanazi and the Iraq Pack - Live from Das Vegas (16+) The Golden Fleece - The Nook Saturday 13th Bassment - JAR Records Presents: CCFC (away) - Woking v Chelmsford City FC Cramphron - Essex Poetry Festival The Golden Fleece - Sidekick United Brethren - Delta Ladies William De Ferrers Centre Men2Sing concert Sunday 14th Cramphorn - Peter Pan (a Dreams Theatre School production) Star & Garter - Open mic/jam United Brethren - Sunday Sessions: Dave Ferra Porch Swing Blues (4.30pm) Tuesday 16th Cramphorn - Mayerling Civic - Dreamboys (18+)
Wednesday 17th The Chichester Hotel, Rawreth - Belvedere Jazz & Music Club: Julian Stringle/Dominic Ashworth Qnt Thursday 18th Bassment - BRITC with Elles Bailey + Tamara Stewart Cramphorn - The Redux Project Friday 19th Bassment - Backwater Channels Presents: Civic - One Man Stranger Things: A Parody The Golden Fleece - The Repetoire Dogs Saturday 20th Bassment - All night indie disco! CCFC (home) - Chelmsford City FC v Chippenham Town The Golden Fleece - Red Leaf Untied Brethren - Warehouse Blues Band Sunday 21st Civic - Little Baby Bum Live Cramphorn - One Man Shoe United Brethren - Christian Smith
CT Fact (sourced from the web)
A ‘jiffy’ is the scientific name for 1/100th of a second.
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CT Business: Vive La Difference - by Lindsay Whitehouse So hands up all those people who can remember so many wonderful times, usually at Christmas, when the whole family was absorbed with a board game? Perhaps a role playing game was more to your taste. Maybe your family were deep thinkers and you all preferred a game based on strategy.
Somehow it all seems so different now. Parents, grandparents, unts and uncles are always complaining that their young person is constantly twiddling their two thumbs with their face in a screen. It need not be like that. A fairly new business, Counter Culture Games in Baddow Road opposite the Odeon car park, delivers a whole new games experience. It is run by Jim and Beth Crozier who specialise in a vast array of games. There seems to be a game to suit every age, taste, interest and desire. I visited at the tail end of the school summer holidays. I found a young lady and six children, ages from about 9 to 11 - all were deeply engrossed in their game of Chameleon. This is a game that develops an understanding of words and encourages logical thought and deduction. It is also a lot of fun. I am not sure who will like this the most; teachers or parents on behalf of their kids, or the kids themselves! Counter Culture offers the opportunity to buy or play the games in store. You can buy a ticket to stay for a specified period of time which gives you access to all the games, and you will get a tutorial to learn any new games. From there, it will not be long until you are part of a group of people who are having great fun at low cost. At the next table were two men in their 20s engaged in a board game. The concentration levels they were exhibiting were immense. If they show that level of focus in their working life I am sure their bosses will love them forever. Another young man in his early 20s wandered in on his own to look at the games available. Within a few minutes another potential games player walked in from the street and the two of them sorted out games to play. Some of the games can develop into intellectually challenging and absorbing pastimes. Jim and Beth organise tournaments for all comers to test themselves. They also have set nights for specific games with Dungeons and Dragons being a particular customer favourite. Another huge favourite is Magic the Gathering. Every Friday is Magic day, which is quite a draw for aficionados. However, beginners are really welcome as this is a game that exists for many different levels of knowledge and expertise. It also lends itself to collectors of bespoke character cards. Jim got the idea for his business when he visited Cardiff and saw an adult board games shop. He has varied that theme a little, and he aims to attract people of all ages. He recognises that the business will appeal more to younger people. I think he also has a strong offer to attract families who want a day out together. Jim feels that youngsters who are a little shy and reserved can prosper in his environment. Playing games will help develop thinking and strategic skills, improve and refine communication and descriptive skills, lead to new friendship groups being formed, and help develop social and inter-personal skills. I saw that in action. Barry, Jim’s colleague, was helpfully explaining the concept of different games to a newcomer. Within a couple of
minutes they were playing the game. Any reservations the newcomer may have had about stepping into the shop soon disappeared. I think that Jim and Beth have a great business idea. There is no other business like theirs in the city and I can see potential expansion in a whole host of ways. They want to develop more games night opportunities for colleagues in the workplace, such a night could form part of a whole entertainment package for a great night out. During the day they can attract organisations that cater for people with some vulnerabilities. Their premises have the potential to become a modern day substitute for the old village pub or corner shop where people regularly congregated together to meet.
They are in partnership with Polignano, an Italian deli and coffee shop who are literally just across the road. Games players can order and consume their refreshments from their games table. In this way Jim and Beth keep their stock and operating costs down to almost nothing, but they are still able to offer their customers some top quality refreshments. They have just extended their short term lease to take them past the vital Christmas period and into the new year and they will then reassess their options. Mantle Property Developers (who were featured in here two months ago) from Elizabeth House, helped Jim and Beth obtain the lease for their premises and fill, quite magnificently, what would otherwise have been an empty space. I very much hope that they can find permanent premises to allow their business to go from strength to strength. To any landlords or businesses with some space to rent, look very closely at Counter Culture. Jim and Beth are modest about their business achievements to date, but they should not be underestimated. They have identified a core business opportunity with very little competition and potential for significant growth. Additionally, they will build up huge brand loyalty. They can look to expand by building on their existing framework to include catering, corporate events, social support groups as well as being a safe but fun haven for young people and families. For those of you of a certain era like me, your mindset around board games will include Monopoly, Cluedo, Poker, Chess and Snap. Don’t be intimidated if you go in to Counter Culture. Jim and Beth have an old fashioned chalkboard linking those traditional games with their modern counterparts. So if you find yourself in a game of Dobble, where you are surrounded by lots of Star Wars characters and equipment, don’t despair - you are just playing a modern version of Snap! Counter Culture deserve to succeed; they are a local business, who are different, and they enhance what our city centre can offer. See their advert on the opposite page.
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Hairy Monster - Random Thoughts When the National Lottery started in November 1994, millions of us were convinced it would be us... next week! I dread to think how much I’ve ‘invested’ over the years, yet the average financial return, according to Camelot, is 47% so I was thinking I was well overdue a win. Then it happened! After almost 24 years I received an email to tell me there was ‘News about your Lottery ticket’. And sure enough, the following day the winnings appeared on my bank statement. Like most other investors/gamblers/mugs, I’d often dreamt of what I would spend my fortune on, who I would share it with and where I would travel to. Now, suddenly, I could realise my dreams. However, having read about previous winners squandering their fortune by rushing out to spend it on extravagant cars, homes abroad and family members they didn’t really like but wanted to impress, I decided to be prudent. A Bugatti Chiron would be practical and apparently has plenty of space under the bonnet for a set of golf clubs (I don’t play because I’m not sad enough) but at £2.5 million it might seem a tad pretentious, even for Beaulieu Park, and with an oil change costing £20,000 I put that idea on the back burner. I suppose I could splash out on an exotic home in the sun but to be honest I’m very happy where I live in Boreham. Half my friends live here - his name is John. And, if it’s sunny and hot all year round, I’d have nothing to moan about and the last thing I want to do is lose my British identity. Eventually, after hours of soul searching, I decided to share the winnings 50/50 with my son and his family. I can’t remember the last time I wrote a cheque but my hand was shaking as I signed it. Was I doing the right thing? Will Rob resent me making his future too easy? Will he spend it wisely? My fears were unfounded - he bought a lottery ticket and spent the other £10.50 on a bottle of Smirnoff. Royal Wedding It appears we are soon about to suffer yet another royal wedding. Joy of joys! Anyone know who Princess Eugenie is, or what she does or her contribution to society? Me neither. But I’m sure she must be worth the £2 million we are about lay out for the security around the nuptials. No doubt the media will whip up a frenzy of hysteria as we approach the happy day. Time to dig out those St George flags you removed from your car window when England - inevitably dropped out of the World Cup. Time to get a case of Stella, charcoal briquettes for the barbie and several packs of paracetamol for the day after. Time to rejoice in the knowledge that her father won’t have to contribute to the cost by dipping into his estimated £300 million nest egg. Maybe Prince Andrew could try crowdfunding - I’m sure his mum would be the first to contribute. At a time we peasants are being told that Brexit could come at a severe financial cost, it’s good to know we have royals who can identify with this country’s uncertain future. Which reminds me; 5 year old Prince George was taken on his first grouse shoot a couple of weeks ago. Nice to know the blood lust continues unabated. Gawd bless our Royal Family, one and all. Lest We Forget ‘Don’t mention the war’ Basil Fawlty famously said way back in the 1970s and yet there are still people of a certain age who will constantly relate the events of almost 80 years ago. Others, for whom the Second World War is just another film genre, shrug off this sentiment and believe we should forget about it and move on. Sorry, the war that took over 50 million lives should never be forgotten. As with the First World War (ironically called the Great War until 1939) a generation before it, which claimed over 10 million lives, we should educate every child about the horrors of war but, more importantly, about its causes. Politics, religion and hate cause wars and we seem to be entering a new era where these elements are showing ugly signs of emerging again. War is not a glorious event. War is a tragedy of death, suffering, deprivation and fear. Most casualties are innocent civilians, but rarely are they the people who advocate, start and continue the hostilities. On November 11th this year, it will be 100 years since the end of World War One. Time for us all to consider how far civilisation has come in that time and for the politicians, bigots and agitators who preach hatred and division to be told we don’t want to
participate in their mad antics. If there is a World War III, I’m sure it will be short-lived and apocalyptic. I’m a confirmed pessimist and I hope I’m wrong, but the flammable toxins that were there a hundred years ago and again in the 1930s are rippling just below the surface once more and waiting for that catastrophic spark to ignite them. I pray to the god I don’t believe in to send us a messiah to spread the words of peace and harmony. Foot-Fall There is a lot of speculation and tribulation about why town centres are losing footfall to out-of-town shopping centres. For a quick answer - check out the cost of parking in Chelmsford.
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Do You Ever Feel like You Need to Slow Down?
Our lives are busier than ever and most of us have little time to slow down and relax. When we do, it’s all too easy to make us time a date with a glass of wine on the sofa. Being constantly on the go means running on adrenaline, in fight or flight mode, which is an exhausting way to live! At Hummingbird, we recognise the need to chill out in terms of living a happier and healthier life. That’s why we’re excited to announce that we’re adding a second restorative yoga class to our schedule on Thursday at 10am until 11.15am. Restorative yoga requires no effort and is perfect for your inner sloth. It is pretty much suitable for everyone from those with health problems to those who just need some time out. During restorative yoga you’ll enjoy being guided through some gentle movements and be encouraged to take long supported holds in each posture so that your body is given the chance to totally relax. We use lots of props to support restorative practices to promote a deeper sense of relaxation, reducing the effort required on the body. Whilst in these gentle postures, we encourage you to focus on your breathing and use mindfulness practices to sooth and calm you, helping to bring you back to the present moment and turn down the hyperdrive that your nervous system has been running on. Classes include yoga nidra, a guided deep relaxation. Our all new Thursday class is led by Vikki Stevenson who has been teaching yoga for 10 years. Vikki is an amazing teacher and lovely person. She has trained with leading restorative teacher Judith Hanson Lasater, as well as assisting with Simon Low’s restorative yoga teacher training. We look forward to seeing you in her class. Book now online at www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk
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Wildlife Corner - by Nick Green August started with the hot theme but rain started mid month greatly welcomed by the gardeners after 9 weeks of drought - and there was increased cloud cover and cooler temperatures as prevailing south-westerly Atlantic weather dominated proceedings.
Bird migration is now well underway at the end of August. Swifts departed as usual in July and British warblers and chats started to slowly drift southwards towards Africa. Waders from Scandinavia and the Arctic are also making their way south including whimbrels, knots, redshanks, greenshanks, godwits, stints and phalaropes amongst others. Other families include skuas, gulls, terns and summer visitor raptors including hobby,
summer visitor and passage migrant to Essex and usually arrive in April. Our swallows actually winter in South Africa and Namibia and have a long migration, taking about six weeks over the Congo rainforest, the Sahara Desert, Morocco, eastern Spain and western France. Depending on the UK weather, they can raise 2-3 broods. Most leave during September including the early broods of youngsters and roosts of 1,000-2,000 in reed beds are not uncommon. Large movements are occasionally noted and 17,000 passed south-west over The Naze on 26th September 1999. Essex Selected Wildlife Highlights Abberton Reservoir: 2 great white egrets, ferruginous duck, glossy ibis. Bowers Gifford RSPB: stone curlew, black-necked grebe, great white egret. National Selected Highlights Shetland Isles: American hooded merganser. St Kilda: snowy owl. Aberdeenshire: the sooty tern remained until 6th. Moray: pacific golden plover. Isles of Scilly: American solitary and spotted sandpipers. Minsmere RSPB: American semi-palmated sandpiper.
Chelmsford Library News With a new season approaching, take a look at what is happening in Chelmsford Library. Juvenile swallow (copyright: Glyn Evans) Swallows and house martins and sand martins are now starting to gather before their migration south to Africa. Swallows are a common
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Our New Baby Rhyme is now being held between 3-3.30pm every Wednesday. This has proven to be a popular event for new parents and grandparents - a great way to meet new mums and dads and to make new friends. Have you wondered where the Ideas Hub has gone? Well the good news is that it has relocated to Chelmsford Central Library from the 3rd September. It is open between 10am -3pm Monday to Friday. A pop-up coffee shop will be situated in the gallery area along with any activities taking place. Why not take a look and see what art and culture events are on offer? This is a new and exciting adventure for all the community to get involved with. On Saturday 29th September between 10-10.30am why not join us for a Bump Booster event? This is a great opportunity for mums-to-be to meet up. You can discover some great stories that you can read to your bump and learn new rhymes and songs that will be music to your babies’ ears. A health professional will also be on hand to talk about any concerns that you may have about your new arrival. On Thursday 4th October we are holding an event as part of the Essex Poetry Festival. Published authors Derek Adams and Alex Toms will be talking about their interest in poetry (tickets available online). One for all the family to enjoy is our Fun Palace event, held on Saturday 6th October between 9am-2pm. This is a fun day with craft activities, a puppet show, vintage bike display, music and refreshments. For more information on all our events and services, visit libraries.essex.gov.uk or call 03456 037 628. Please also ‘Follow’ and/or ‘Like’ us on our Chelmsford Library Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ChelmsfordCentralLibrary.
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Chelmsford Workers Educational Association
Earlier this year Chelmsford WEA celebrated its centenary. Started in 1918 to provide education to the workers, they met at the Chelmsford Institute, providing evening lectures on a variety of subjects. Many well known speakers came to speak and the Bishop of Chelmsford was the Honorary President. Today, the Chelmsford Branch is part of a national organisation (there are currently over 30 branches in Essex) that offers both a general programme and a community programme offering subjects such as Literacy, Numeracy, English as a second language and a whole host of activities that help people back into work. Chelmsford starts back at the end of September, offering three 10-week courses on Islam and Muslims in the UK and the Modern World, Trafalgar - End of an Era and Berlioz and the Grand Design. No work is involved. For more information or to book, go online at wea.org.uk, or phone 0300 303 3464, or call the branch direct at 01245 353 913. Anyone who receives an income-based benefit or job seeker’s allowance are entitled to free places.
Essex Runners Urged to Get Tough on Cancer ESSEX runners seeking a new challenge are being urged to sign up now for Cancer Research UK’s Tough 10.
The charity is daring people to brave the elements and sign up now for its 10k trail run, which takes place in Hadleigh Park on October 27th. The Essex Tough 10 gives participants the chance to pitch themselves against the elements, while taking on the challenge of muddy trails, steep hills and uneven terrain, to raise money for Cancer Research UK’s life saving research.
in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before. Cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.
Organisers hope that around 700 people will enter Tough 10 in Essex and raise around £30,000 to help Cancer Research UK continue their investment in research to help find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat over 200 types of cancer. To enter Tough 10, visit cruk.org/tough10.
The charity’s Tough 10 series offers runners the opportunity to set a new kind of personal best, with a choice of three different levels of difficulty to choose from at events across the UK. Megan Bailey, Cancer Research UK Event Manager, said: “We know Essex has got what it takes to tackle Tough 10 and we’re delighted to be hosting the event again in the county. “Every day, around 90 people are diagnosed with cancer in the east of England. That’s why we need as many people as possible to double-knot their trainers and take on our stamina testing course.
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“If the steep inclines don’t take participants’ breath away, the stunning views and scenery will, along with the knowledge that every stride they take will help bring us closer to beating cancer sooner.” One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage
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Therapy - by Chelmsford Therapy Rooms Hi folks, Jenny here! It’s September and the kids are back at school - are you breathing a sigh of relief or feeling some empty nest syndrome? During the holiday season (end of July through August) we naturally see a decline in clients. In fact some therapists take August off altogether! Not at Chelmsford Therapy Rooms though, we’re always available to help in any way we can. Thinking about holiday season, what is it about the summer holidays that leads to a decline in people seeking help for their issues? I have a few theories. Firstly, we’ve had the most amazing weather this year! Many of my clients have reported that they feel better when it’s lovely and warm and sunny - and who can blame them? Rather than being stuck indoors trying to entertain the kids, we can go outside and let them run around and blow off some steam! Secondly, it’s holiday season. Many people, including therapists, go away, and for some the school holidays are the only time they have the opportunity to go on holiday as a family. Thirdly, Bank Holidays. A Bank Holiday, no matter what time of the year, usually means cancellations and rearranging of appointments as people have other family commitments to take advantage of that extra day off. Summing up all of the above, my fourth point is distraction. During the holiday season, summer and Christmas, people are distracted. Funnily enough I have various coping techniques to help clients that involves distraction, but my point is that people are not necessarily focussing on their mental health or on what’s been upsetting them, their conscious mind is elsewhere. When we focus on something it gets bigger, for example when I was suffering with an anxiety disorder all I could think about was my anxiety - which naturally made it worse! So when we’re not distracted this means our mental health issues can come back, Freud said that we can’t fully repress something, because he discovered that there are no accidents and no coincidences. Even ‘random-seeming’ feelings, ideas, impulses, wishes, events and actions carry important, often unconscious, meanings. This brings me on to my next point. As I’m writing this article I’m simultaneously (multitasking - go me!) watching a TV programme with a phone-in about mental health issues and whether you can recover. I immediately feel the hairs on my neck stand up because I know exactly what is going to happen. I’ve seen talk shows like this before and the same type of caller will ring in every time. I’m not disappointed - the first caller says no, you cannot recover from mental health issues, he’s suffered with depression for years, cannot work, it keeps coming back, things get so bad he can’t get out of bed, everyday is a struggle and he’ll always struggle with his mental health etc. These phone-in shows break my heart when I hear this because it’s clear that the caller doesn’t have much hope for the future, and perhaps even doesn’t know how or where to get help. I often wonder whether callers like this are subconsciously reinforcing their negative beliefs by announcing their thoughts in such a public arena, or perhaps they subconsciously want someone to challenge their negative beliefs, to give them hope again? I just hope the first caller was listening to the second caller, who brings a ray of light to the conversation. Caller number two says he’s suffered with anxiety and depression for years, but believes you can recover and the reason why is just brilliant.
work through it, and he’s nowhere near as anxious or depressed as he was a few months ago. Meditation and mindfulness have taught him that he can take control and cope in situations where he didn’t think he could cope previously. Then the presenter does what every presenter does on these talk shows when they discuss mental health: Presenter: “So did you take drugs to feel better? Do you think you had a chemical imbalance, do you think chemicals like drugs are the answer or did you just talk to someone?” Caller 2: “No, I didn’t take drugs. I don’t know if I had a chemical imbalance and maybe drugs do help some people, but for me talking therapy and meditation has worked. I didn’t need to put chemicals into my body, I needed to change my mindset and not be a victim to my illness. Now I’m getting better and I don’t believe I’ll go back to feeling that bad again because I don’t want to, and even if I did start to feel bad again I know there’s a reason, and how to address it.” At this point I literally want to reach into the TV and give caller two the biggest hug ever and say “Thank You!!!” As I said earlier, nothing happens out of the blue. There is a reason for everything and whether that’s a chemical imbalance or something emotional going on, you can do something about it. In my experience mental health issues don’t just go away because of the time of year. Also in my experience mental health issues have an emotional and mental cause, and even if there was a chemical imbalance the experience of this in itself could cause emotional issues. If you feel you need help, please don’t lose hope. There are people out there that can - and want to - help you. If anyone is interested in seeing a therapist, Chelmsford Therapy Rooms has a range of therapists that can help with a multitude of issues. We offer many therapies from hypnotherapy to counselling to nutrition. Please see the website, www.chelmsfordtherapyrooms. co.uk, or you can email info@chelmsfordtherapyrooms.co.uk, or call 0330 100 5162. Chelmsford Therapy Rooms is owned and run by Jenny Hartill, an Integrative Counsellor and Hypnotherapist, who is happy to answer any questions!
October/November Issue Deadlines: Artwork - October Articles - 3rd October
Caller number two says that the important thing is to not be a victim to your illness. He says that whilst you’re living with your mental health, things such as talking therapy and meditation are very important. He says that talking therapy helps you to understand what caused these mental health issues in the first place so you can work through and heal. Meditation, mindfulness etc helps you to cope so that you can become more resilient and encourage a more positive mindset. He says he understands now, through having talking therapy, that he suffers with mental health because of emotional abuse he experienced when he was a child and now that he understands this was the cause he knows it’s not his fault - he can Page 20
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Quiz Time - by John Theedom 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 15. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34.
What does the word bowderise mean? Where is no man’s land? What is Dame Helen Mirren’s original name? Who was the last WW1 soldier who died recently aged 111? What was ENSA during WW2? In the gambling world, what is the ‘O’ in FOBT? What is an anchorite? Who is the host in the new Blind Date TV programme? Pam Ferris is the presenter of The Highland *******? In which English city is The Crucible? In the theatre world, what is a super trouper? From which country does the dish goulash originate? What type of musical instrument is a lambeg? In 2018, how old is Kirk Douglas? What is an otter’s home called? Black Maria is the term for what vehicle? Which American state was purchased from Russia in 1867? Manchego is a cheese from which country? AONBs are what? Eton is in which UK county? An ostler does what for a living? Apart from a carpentry joint, what is a mitre? What word connects a road and a sailor? What was the name of Frank Spencer’s wife in Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em? In which town is the British Lawn Mower Museum? Who flew too close to the moon? What is Rowland Hill most famous for? Ravel was the composer of Bolero, but what was his first name? Which French scientist developed the rabies vaccine? Which oil is used on cricket bats? Where is your uvula located? Martha Reeve and The *********? What is a cuba libre? What is a signet?
NAAFI stands for what? What is or was a groat? Which part of our bodies cannot heal itself? Which is the only fruit with It’s seeds on the outside? 39. Why do the Royal Navy use peanut oil for cooking on a submarine? 40. Where will see a keystone? 35. 36. 37. 38.
(Answers on page 31)
What Life Throws at Us - by Michael Taylor The specialist said you have Parkinson’s disease, Like Michael J Fox or Muhammad Ali, I must have looked a little displeased, As he added don’t be too peeved. Don’t worry medication can control it for years, And he was right for me, but not all agree, As Parkinson’s effects people to different degrees, With confidence blighted by this horrible disease. Balance, pain amongst other terrible things, For we all fight against what life brings, Not only Parkinson’s but all sorts things That make people pull faces and cringe. So as we only have one life on this world, Make the most of your life and be bold, Just go forth and seek and not be told By your inner self to cry and to fold. But it’s not always easy to fight our battles alone, So don’t be afraid to ask for others to help even if it is by telephone, Be it from good friends and family who are in your zone, Because they will help whenever you are prone.
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Back to School Vibes: A Time for Renewal - by Allyson Smith
September - a month many associate with the ‘new term’ vibe. That might be because you are a parent and preparing children to get ready to start, or head back to, school. For some it spells the transition from summer to autumn, or that the daily commute seems popular again or even that the office or work environment is seemingly busy after a drought through August! Depending upon which of these might resonate with you, the month of September can also be a time to choose again, a period of renewal. As the seasons begin to shift from balmy evenings to chilly mornings, it can also present an opportunity to kick start something new. What does this mean to you? Trying something new however large or small can have a wonderful sense of raising morale at soul level and expanding creativity from the day-to-day routine. That something new may be as simple as changing that morning coffee for a slice of lemon in hot water which will give those cells within your body a recharge. It could be five minutes of meditation before you leave the house - sitting in silence can be a wonderfully powerful way to connect with your inner being and create a sense of peace and calm before the day ahead. There may even be an opportunity to start a hobby, one you have always wished to have a go at. All these points are connected to thinking about you, thinking what
makes you feel good or what ignites that spark within you. Because lets face it, when we are experiencing joy, we light up - we have fun and life is meant to be fun not an endurance test. So as we transition into a new season and that new term vibe that the month of September can bring, why not take some time for yourself? Think about what you want to renew or that hobby you wish you should have started; create space; develop you creativity; glow and the world around you will glow with you too. If that something new for you is yoga, pilates or even a gong bath (which is a wonderful sound healing session) here at the hummingbird Pilates & Yoga studio there are some amazing classes and workshops on offer this autumn. If you would like to find out more or just want that hour for yourself, be sure to download the Hummingbird app or contact a member of the team through Facebook @hummingbirdpilatesyoga. We look forward to meeting many of the City Times readers sometime soon!
CT Fact (sourced from the web)
There’s only one letter that doesn’t appear in any US state name - Q.
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Pilates, Yoga, Meditation Book your space online or call: Small Classes & 1-2-1’s www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk Inspirational Teachers 01245 422556 Friendly, Community Vibe Reeds Farm Estate, Writtle, CM1 2ST www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk Page 23
The History of e2v in Chelmsford - by Stephen Norris The 1980s saw strong progress in the company. There was a sense of community that perhaps hadn’t been there in the 1970s. On one occasion there was a terrible August thunderstorm at the weekend and the company put out a message on the local radio asking for the employees to go in to work. Lydia Bridges recalled ‘going in just as we were - in shorts, with our wellies on’. Everybody helped including management. ‘We worked non-stop to save all the electronic equipment.’ ‘We all felt that we were part of the EEV family.’ The company won a £40 million order for its third generation intensifiers in 1986, securing work for 130 people. Four hundred new jobs were created during the following year, 375 of them at Chelmsford. In 1990 however, a recession resulted in 250 job losses overall. The company’s policy of long-term development of new products did see returns in the long run, but the end of the Cold War caused problems because 70% of its business was still defence related. This was something that Jim Young had worked hard to avoid. New products allowed a slimmed down EEV to gradually get back to acceptable levels of profitability. In 1990 it launched Nite-Watch, a pocket sized night vision viewer which was immediately popular with police forces in the UK and abroad. They also produced the first dental CCDs, which produced instant X-rays of dental work. This removed the need to develop film and reduced X-ray doses by 80%. The company also supplied image sensors for several space missions and in 1984 it launched the light compact Stellar satellite communication amplifier, used to send live news across the globe. It was soon popular for use at outside events, such as the Tour De France, and was used for the BBC live broadcast of an ascent of Everest. This was followed by the next generation of the fire and rescue camera. The company’s revival was helped by increasing demand for established products such as magnetrons and klystrons. This growth resulted in another expansion at the Waterhouse Lane complex. The company invested £1.2 million to double the floor space in 1993. Further investment was also put into a new training centre. EEV briefly became Marconi Applied Technologies (MAT) in 1999 when GEC sold off its defence interests to BAE to focus on telecommunications. The collapse of the dot-com boom had a dramatic effect on Marconi shares and an initially equally severe effect on the renamed company. MAT did not really fit in to the new Marconi telecom group because of its defence and fire fighting interests, and an attempt at selling the company came to nothing and attention turned to a possible management buyout, which started in 2001 and was completed by 2002. The buyout was backed by the venture company 3i and was made easier by the fact that the business was profitable and had a high level of orders. The new company was immediately named e2v Technologies - the deal was worth £42 million. ‘The company is a worldwide leader in thermal imaging and components for space cameras,’ the Essex Chronicle commented. Only two years afterwards, e2v was floated on the Stock Exchange and became a public limited company. It was felt that the company needed to expand quickly and in 2005 the £5 million pound Gresham Scientific Instruments was taken over and was renamed as e2v Scientific Instruments. The following year, e2v bought Atmel Corporations facility in Grenoble for £76 million. Atmel’s semiconductor activities meshed well with e2v’s and reflected the fact the company had a large market in France. e2v garnered prestige in 2001 by supplying CCDs for the Hubble space telescope upgrade. In 2005 the company opened the e2v centre for electronic imaging at Brunel University. By 2006 the company had doubled its sales figures in three years, with orders from Germany now outstripping those from France. In 2007, e2v was helping to improve cancer treatment with its compact solid state modulator for radiotherapy equipment. ‘About 90% of the
world’s radiotherapy machines are reliant on components coming out of Chelmsford.’ e2v CCD sensors were used on the Gaia satellite sent in 2011 to provide a 3D map of the galaxy. Defence technology represented a smaller percentage of total production by the new millennium, but both the Chelmsford and Grenoble factories were involved in the Eurofighter programme. The company received yet another Queen’s Award for Industry in 2007 for its L3 Vision, low level imaging technology, the Argus 4 a thermal imaging camera for fire fighters and for its involvement in the Gaia project. By 2011, e2v had contributed 106 CCDs for the enterprise which was involved in making a 3D map of the Milky Way galaxy. In 2013 the firm made four image sensors costing one million pounds each for NASA’s IRIS project. They were built to withstand extreme conditions and used to take pictures of the sun. In May 2012, Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg visited e2v after its ProWave project was given a £6 million grant from the Regional Growth Fund. Despite this progress, the firm was not unaffected by the economic downturn following the banking crisis. In 2009 employees agreed to work three days a week ‘in a drastic attempt to save jobs’ following losses of £28 million. Workers blamed the company’s poor position on the over expensive purchase of the French company Atmel in 2001 which had cost £70 million. The weakness of the pound had also contributed to the company’s previous profits of £13 million being wiped out. 2010 saw a revival in its order books however. In 2013 the company supplied the imaging array for the European Space Agency Gaia project to map the Milky Way. At one million pixels, this was the largest focal plane flown into space. In 2018 e2v is one of the suppliers of imaging CCDs to the large Synoptic Survey Telescope. This will photograph the entire available sky every few nights. The company’s current clients include Boeing, Airbus, Siemens, Nottingham University and NASA. Its annual sales are approximately £250 million. Besides its design, development and manufacturing facilities in Chelmsford and Liincoln and the one in Grenoble, France, it has one in Seville, Spain, and one in Milpitas, US. It also has an operational base in Beijing, China. Chelmsford remains however the HQ for e2v. The company is now known as Teledyne e2v after it was acquired by Teledyne Technologies in March 2017.
And the Winners Are? McCartney Sales & Lettings
After just celebrating 25 years of service in 2017, Shaun Candler from McCartney Sales & Lettings was overwhelmed to hear the news that his company had now won a Gold Award in The British Property Awards for 2018. Shaun said: “I don’t know where the years have gone, it only seems like yesterday that we opened the doors for business in 1992. Over the past 25 years we have been through all the different market conditions and have survived through the recessions and enjoyed the good times. I have a great team in both offices and was over the moon to hear that we had won such a prestigious award.”
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Men2sing Concert 13th October 2018 Men2sing is a vibrant group, singing songs that cross many different styles of music. Do not miss this foot tapping concert filled with songs that you will recognise, some you may have sung yourself, and some that you could have even danced to. Don’t miss out - come and join the fun. We are a group of men, from all walks of life with a mutual love of music and a desire to perform songs to the best of our ability. We perform regularly through the year on behalf of charities, for community groups and also at private functions. New and creative arrangements of both pop and classical music, sometimes augmented with the use of orchestral backing tracks, have given a depth breadth and vibrancy to our music not normally associated with male choirs. We have joining us on this wonderful evening Churchdown Male Voice Choir all the way from Gloucestershire, who bring a fantastic repertoire of songs. I know you are going to enjoy their music. www.men2sing.org.uk
CT Fact (sourced from the web)
There really was a Captain Morgan. He was a Welsh pirate who later became the lieutenant governor of Jamaica.
Discount Record Day @ Intense Records - September 29th 2018 This is a new date in the calender for record collectors, set up by a collective of independent record shops wanting to give something back to their loyal customers who have supported them all year round and want a day for them to spend little, but get big! Intense Records, Chelmsford will be taking part. The first ever national Record Discount Day will be held on Saturday the 29th September 10am-6pm. The first 20 customers will receive a very cool Crate Diggers Unite tote bag full of goodies, all for free. Two weeks before the day, a list of heavily discounted stock exclusive to Intense Records and special deals for the day will be revealed. These will involve very attractive pricing not seen year round and only available on the day. There is also a second list full of brand new vinyl pre-orders all priced under £9.99 from a range of artists including Orbital, Elvis Presley, Jonny Cash, Adam and The Ants, John Coltrane, Pink Fairies, UB40 and more. Come into the shop, email enquiries@intenserecords. com or call 01245 347 372 to get the list and place your orders. To make things interesting, Intense will be holding an instore party with live music, DJs, refreshments, a BBQ and much more. Performing on the day will be Ewan Whosarmy, Local Life Discoteque, Sergio Vilas, plus more tbc. Find Intense Records under the arches by Chelmsford bus/train station: 33/34 Viaduct Road, Chelmsford CM1 1TS. For more info follow ‘Discount Record Day’ on Facebook & Twitter. www.intenserecords.com www.chelmsfordthecitytimes.co.uk
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Sometimes It Is Just About Enjoying an Interesting Evening I usually write about Rotary events where the intention is to raise money for good causes, perform a service for the local community or inform you about the wonderful achievements of the young people in the area at our youth competitions. This time I thought I would tell you about a talk and dinner the Chelmsford Rotary Club held recently that was all about enjoying each other’s company whilst listening to a first class speaker. The social side is a very important part of being a Rotarian, because why would you want to belong to an organisation if you didn’t like the people?
has now retired from exhibiting at Chelsea and her work has been taken over by Kathy, a member of the team, who has gone on to win a further 4 Golds, so obviously very well taught.
Fifty or so people gathered at Little Channels to hear from Suzanne Gaywood MBE who has won great acclaim over the years for her exhibits at the Chelsea Flower Show. Suzanne comes from the Caribbean island of Grenada, and her exhibits promote the culture of her place of birth and has led to a rise in garden tours to the island. Her MBE was awarded for Services to Grenada for Horticulture and Tourism.
Apart from Chelsea, Suzanne also had stands at Singapore. The two were vastly different. At Chelsea it all had to be fitted into a 6x6 metre space, whilst at Singapore there were 100 square metres to fill - so a completely different challenge.
She has won no less than 12 Gold and 5 Silver Gilt medals at Chelsea and has met the Queen and other members of the Royal Family plus numerous celebrities. Suzanne now lives in Woodham Walter, and the stands which she takes to Chelsea are first of all constructed in her garden by her husband Peter and a couple of friends. They are then dismantled and flat-packed to be rebuilt at Chelsea. Many of these are very sophisticated, so it comes as no surprise that they are at the forefront of the judges’ attention once the colourful plants are added. Some examples she gave included reconstructing a rum distillery, a working water wheel, a smoke house, a thatched bamboo hut and a rainforest! Each of these masterpieces is lavishly decorated with tropical plants, flowers and spices from Grenada. Her team has to work to a very tight time frame as the flowers obviously will wilt, so this is a real challenge to air-transport 80-90 boxes of flowers, cut them and lay them out. A particular favourite celebrity of hers is Johnson Beharry VC who comes from Grenada - a variety of Heliconia was named after him. A very modest and brave man, he lends his support to Suzanne and her team. One or two of the other famous people Suzanne has met at Chelsea she hinted were not quite as popular. We had an insight as to what the judges look for and why on a couple of occasions she has had to settle for Silver Gilt - a sort of A minus grade. One judge felt that the rocks on her rainforest didn’t look real and it only takes one of the judges to express a reservation for the showpiece to be downgraded. It also illustrates how amazing her exhibits were over the years to gain so many top awards. She
In many respects I can see similarities between what Suzanne does and Rotary. She has pride in her country and does all she can to promote it and as soon as one show ends she begins work on the next one. So it is with Rotary; the work in the community never stops but at least we step back occasionally and just enjoy a relaxing and interesting evening. If you would like to find out more, please visit www.rotary1240.org or give me a call on 01245 260 349. Starting as a social Rotarian you would soon want to get more involved. Stan Keller
The Mid Essex Osteoporosis Support Group The Mid Essex Osteoporosis Support Group invites you to a Medical Update by Dr Srinavasan, Consultant Rheumatologist at Broomfield Hospital. This event will take place on Wednesday 26th September 2018 at 7.30pm. Dr Srinavasan is particularly interested in Osteoporosis and each year she kindly gives a talk regarding the latest medical updates concerning treatments. She is an excellent speaker and very informative, especially regarding any new treatments for the condition plus general management. If you are newly diagnosed or have had the condition for a period of time it is always good to be aware of any new treatments becoming available. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the talk. The venue for the talk is Springfield Hospital, Lawn Lane, Chelmsford CM1 7GU. The doors open at 7.15pm and a committee member will guide you to the right room. Admission is £2 which includes tea or coffee and a biscuit. We also hold a raffle to help raise funds for the support group. For further information, please contact Pat on 01245 251 780. We look forward to seeing you there.
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Stargazing with Mark Willis - September/October 19th September: Mars is close to the Moon, making it easier to spot. Mars was recently at opposition, its closest to Earth since 2003. It’s not too late to take advantage of Mars’ proximity as it’s still comparatively close to Earth. About now the Moon is in gibbous phase which means that is a very favourable time to study the Moon through a telescope. ‘Gibbous phase’ means that the Sun is not striking the Moon’s surface head on. The advantage is that you can see the relief features on the Moon’s surface much better - for example, the western lunar seas are visible. The Sea of Tranquillity (Mare Tranquillitas) where Apollo 11 touched down is also very easy to locate. The ancients called these ‘seas’ (maria) because they believed these features to be seas. Far from actually being seas, the dark material filling the maria is dark, solidified lava from earlier periods of lunar volcanism. Probably as opposite to a sea as you could get! 23rd September - Equinox: As well as being the first day of autumn, Equinox means equal day and night. 8th October: Draconids meteor shower peaks tonight. Excellent to view as this year there’s very little moonlight to spoil the show. Draconids showers at a rate of 10 meteors per hour.
20th October: Orionids meteor shower peaks at 25 meteors per hour. Best time to view is after midnight. As with all meteor showers, the best equipment is simply a deck chair and some nice hot coffee - no optical aids are needed whatsoever. 24th October - Uranus Is at Opposition: This is the best time to observe the planet. However, as Uranus is 2.6 billion kilometres (1.6 billion miles) away, it is going to be very small. It will appear as a tiny blue/green dot in all but the most powerful telescopes. New Moon: On 9th October, 7th November and 7th December there will be a New Moon. This means the skies will be extra dark which is a great opportunity to see planets, galaxies and deep space objects. As usual, email me with any questions. Mark Willis presents Willis Wireless every Monday at 7pm on Chelmsford Community Radio on 104.4 FM and online at chelmsfordcommunityradio.com. Twitter: @WillisWireless Email: mark.willis@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com
Introducing Chelmsford Creative Collective Chelmsford Creative Collective (CCC) is a growing group of friendly, local creatives. We have an active Facebook group where we share events, discuss collaborations and support each other’s creative endeavours. We also meet in person on the last Tuesday of the month from 7:30pm at the United Brethren pub on New Writtle Street - everybody is welcome for a drink and a chat.
Street, Chelmsford.
We would like to use this space to introduce you to some of our members and their work. Who are you and what do you create? Establishment showcases the work of Lo-fi Guy & Bill Purnell. How would you describe your working process? Canvas based oil and acrylic machinations. Who or what inspires you to be creative? Themes of technology, pop culture and modern existence. Tell us about your most recent project. We currently have work on display at the Moulsham Tap, Moulsham
What does Chelmsford Creative Collective mean to you? It’s a great idea to have a creative, social collective and is something we have only recently discovered. It’s highly encouraging to know that there are people locally who have similar interests and a community in which one can relate. You’re stranded on a desert island with three items of your choice what would they be and why? A machete. (Ray Mears uses one). Some fishing tackle (for obvious reasons). An Atari 2600 Games console (because it’s the best thing ever). The next meeting is at United Brethren on Tuesday 25th September, 7:30pm. Contact: chelmsfordcreativecollective@gmail.com.
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