Moulsham Times July 2015

01245 491745 | www.curtaintalk.co.uk Unit 2 28-31 Moulsham Street

20% off when you bring this advert. Excluding any items already discounted in store

20% off Net curtains (made to size free) Ready made curtains Issue Number 31 - July 2015 from ÂŁ8 a pair Blinds 35% off list price See pag (made to size e 15 For free)

MoulshamTimes Delivered to 6750 homes and businesses monthly

See Page 11 For A Chance To Win Tickets To The National Flower Show At Hylands!

FRE E deta BBQ ils!

Twitter @maisonsbar Instagram @maisonsbar_essex

Tuesday - Thursday 12pm - 1am Friday - Saturday 12pm - 3am Sunday 12pm - 2.30am

MT Welcome Dear readers,

Another TWO competitions this month! The first one is a chance to win tickets to Aztec’s National Flower Show at Hylands Park on page 11. The second is a chance to win a new book by a local author on page 13.

Also this month we welcome more new advertisers; remember to let them know where you saw them!

Please take a moment to look at the image on the right to raise money for Help for Heros in memory of Nipper. For more infomation please pop in to The Anchor in Moulsham Street.

Regards Nick & Paul

it’s your media Ltd Advertising Nick Garner 07970 206682 ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk

Editorial Paul Mclean 07595 949701 editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

Disclaimer: It’s Your Media publish the Moulsham 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. Reg Co No. 09154871. Printed by Imagery UK.

Moulsham

Plumbing & Heating We undertake all aspects of Plumbing & Heating large and small jobs.

• Bathrooms • Boilers • Landlord Certificates

01245 290206 07891 600008

Free quotations www.moulshamtimes.com

35 years experience

As it is coming up to Nipper’s first anniversary, Charlie (manager of The Anchor) and H (Nipper’s close friend for many years) came up with the idea of doing a charity walk for Help for Heros. The walk has just got bigger and bigger as time has gone by.

The walk is starting at Heybridge Basin along the canal and ending at Springfield.

For those that can’t do the whole 13.5 mile walk, we will be stopping at Papermill Lock to take a break and meeting up with the rest of the walkers.

Barker Willis Interiors

presents a beautiful alternative to conservatory blinds A cho i of 9 ce colo 0 urs

t D u s e nt t s resi-static i a nt b r i c fa Creating a sun filled room during the day, and an elegant room by night.

Call us now for a free survey/quote!

01245 408213 / 07766 695520 clive@barkerwillis.co.uk www.barkerwillis.co.uk 3

I Love Travel in Indonesia - Dan’s Update - You Can Follow Me at: www.danskeates.com Indonesia is so diverse, last month I described travelling through the largest island, Sumatra, the most densely populated island in the world, Java - and Bali, one of the most popular islands for tourists in the world. This last month I went in search of some of the remotest islands accessible with a motorbike.

some tribes still live today with their ancient cultures and traditions.

More mountains, lakes of differing colours and jungle resulted in Flores being my favourite Indonesian island. The fact I had problems with my motorbike and I was in such a remote place made it all the more adventurous and exciting, but frustrating and challenging too.

I took the ferry from Bali to Lombok and instantly felt like I was back in rural Indonesia, most people worked the fertile land and taxis were replaced by horse and cart, I stayed in a coastal village that’s starting to embrace tourism. I then travelled east getting ferries from island to island with my motorbike. The next - Sumbawa - I saw no tourists, so for the next few days I was riding through jungle, along beautiful coastline on deserted roads. Finding hotels wasn’t easy and experiencing the people and culture without tourism may be hard work, but it’s so satisfying. Whenever I stop and engage with the people I am made to feel so very welcome; everyone smiles and wants to communicate whether they speak English or not. It is wonderful how without language, the eyes, the smile and other expressions say so much.

I needed to get a few more ferries before I left Indonesia and as I pushed east, the ferries seemed to only go weekly and establishing which day they went was near impossible. In the end I got some local men to load my motorbike onto a small boat to take me to Lembata, one of the more remote islands, so I could visit ‘The Whale Hunters of Lamalera’. I had been told about this village where ancient tribes hunt whale, dolphin, shark and manta ray, so I had to go and see for myself.

Another ferry and I was on the island of Flores where I booked myself onto a dive boat to explore the sea and Komodo National Park. I was told the diving is amongst the best in the world. I did two dives and swam with the massive and majestic manta ray, they must have been 3 - 4 metres across and swam around and above me for 45 minutes, an experience I’ll never forget. I also swam with a turtle and saw dolphins and also the Komodo dragons on the island of Komodo.

Getting to the village is hard work, not only do you have to get onto the island but once there find a way over a jungle clad mountain.

I arrived in the afternoon when the hunters were returning in their small traditional boats. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about seeing the hunt and slaughter and as I walked down the small beach and saw the sea red with blood and beautiful manta ray that only one week before I had swam with being cut up, my emotions were all over the place, should I be angry? Over the course of the next 24 hours having stayed with a family of hunters I realised that the villagers are killing in a sustainable way and I was comfortable with that. They don’t catch many whales, in fact they hadn’t caught one for over a month.

I love travel in Indonesia, it has challenged me in so many ways on both a practice and emotional level. This is why I travel.

To write us a letter or a quiz please email us at: editorial@ itsyourmedia.co.uk After a few days relaxing with nature, I was ready to hit the road again - and what a road it was; perfect tarmac, hardly any other vehicles, mountains, jungle and a picture-postcard coastline. Whilst crossing from west to east I visited Bena village which gives a glimpse into how

The Farm Shop Moulsham Street

We opened The Farm Shop in Moulsham Street to bring a country store to the old part of Chelmsford, hoping to find some local producers and suppliers to help us to create something a little different and individual, where you could buy as little as you needed, one chicken breast or one egg.

Now, 4 years on we are happy to say that we are working with a fine selection of local talent, including Carl Shepherd, a third generation baker who uses only Marriages of Chelmsford flour to produce the finest bread anywhere. Knight Meats of Widford who provide us with only the best hand-made sausages, hand-made Aberdeen Angus burgers, prime mince and rib-eye steaks. Priors Hall Farm of Great Dunmow supply our premium bacon and hams, East End Farm Roydon for our delicious free range eggs, Diaper Poultry finest Suffolk chickens, Essex Honey from Writtle, Crouch Vale Brewery South Woodham, and many more including Michael Scrace from Theydon Bois, the winner of 28 national pie awards, including the best steak and ale pie in England award for 2015, It is fair to say that customers old and new who are looking for small amounts of fresh food are amazed at the quality and value that we offer. We now cook fresh individual home-made meals such as lasagne, cottage pies, fisher-mans pies and hotpots, our chicken fillets especially are becoming legendary.

Come and visit us on Moulsham Street, you may find what you’ve been looking for. - See more at: www.thefarmshopchelmsford.co.uk/

Fish Now In Stock

Lemon Sole Smoked Salmon (Sliced) Smoked Haddock Fillets Salmon Fillets Plaice Fillets Cockles Peeled Prawns Smoked Mackerel Fillets Cod Fillets Baked Smoked Salmon

Three Elms Chignal St. James The Three Elms is a traditional family friendly pub in an idyllic location just three miles from the centre of Chelmsford. We guarantee a warm welcome and cosy atmosphere enhanced by a log burner. As an independant company, Pete and I are proud to be in our 5th year at The Three Elms and have exciting plans for 2015.

We are free of tie and continue to stock local ever-changing real ales, real ciders and serve very good food. Our special offer steak and tapas evenings have proved to be very popular... Along with our Saturday breakfast club with choices including Elms Fry Up, Eggs Benedict, Smoked Haddock and Eggs Asparagas. Look out for Pete’s homemade bar snacks as they are becoming legendry!

The Three Elms Real Ale & Real Cider Festival 14th-16th August

20+ real ales 20+ real ciders + live bands Supporting Guide Dogs for the Blind

Live Mus ic

The pub also has a piano and an original bar billiards table, both of which are free to play for customers!

We have live music regularly, including local bands. Folk singers visit us on the first Friday of every month. We also aim to have four real ale and cider festivals this year.

We have many loyal regular customers who have contributed to turning The Three Elms back into a thriving real pub.

July Events July 15th - Jazz with Dave Warren’s Quartet 18th July - Steak Night with music from Equal Opportunities Band 22nd July - Blackmore Morris Men Gill & Pete - www.the-three-elms.com

Fresh locally sourced food served.

Kitchen Closed Tuesdays

Chignal St. James Chelmsford Essex CM1 4TZ Tel: 01245 443151 www.the-three-elms.com

Quiz Time - a Mixed Bag!

14. How many hours are there in a non-leap year?

1. What is the most northerly point on the British mainland?

15. Who is known as the Groover from Vancouver?

2. What is the most southerly point on the British mainland?

16. Who are the next door neighbours of Tom and Barbara in The Good Life?

3. Which recently promoted football team play at the Goldsands Stadium?

17. Which county cricket team plays at the Rosebowl?

4. In which European capital city would you find the Charles Bridge, with its many statues?

18. According to the Abba song, who is ‘Young and sweet, only seventeen’?

5. What is the current cost of a first class stamp?

6. What is the county town of Cornwall?

19. There are four remaining copies of the Magna Carta. Two are in the British Library. In which English cathedrals would you find the other two?

7. How many seats did the Scottish National Party win in the 2015 General Election?

20. There are hundreds of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the World. What does the acronym UNESCO stand for?

8. Where did Stacey, from the sitcom Gavin and Stacey, come from?

Thank you to Patricia from Great Baddow for this month’s quiz.

9. Where would you find the Old Man of Hoy?

Answers on page 31.

10. Where, in Greece, would you find The Oracle?

Like Us On Facebook

11. Who is the ex-Lib Dem leader who lost his seat in the 2015 General Election?

facebook.com/moulshamtimes

12. Who was the lead singer of the Welsh 1960s band, Amen Corner?

Follow Us On Twitter

13. What is the official title of the new royal baby? www.moulshamtimes.com

twitter.com/moulshamtimes 7

From The House by Sir Simon Burns MP Marconi Science Worx Visitors arriving in Chelmsford are reminded by the road signs as they approach the city that they are entering the birthplace of radio. Marconi has left a lasting legacy in Chelmsford and I was, therefore, delighted to learn that the Marconi Heritage Group is negotiating with developers to purchase part of the world’s first wireless factory at Hall Street in Old Moulsham with a view to setting up a Marconi Science Hub. The Hall Street Works closed in 1912 after playing a vital part in sea rescue, with the morse code equipment made in the factory helping over 700 people to survive on both the Titanic and Lusitania and also helped to capture the infamous murderer, Dr Crippen, en-route to America. More recently, the site has been the headquarters for Essex Water.

The project, if successful, would not only enable Chelmsford to give its past a future, but would also provide the local community with space and facilities to use for meetings and events. Furthermore, it will enable us to continue celebrating the legacy of Marconi in Chelmsford through heritage exhibitions and would also act as a key location to nurture the next generation of scientists through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities.

I have been pleased to offer my support to this crowdfunding campaign and hope local residents and local businesses may feel willing to pledge to such a worthy cause.

• Roof Tilling new and old • Cladding metal weathering • Dry and wet ridge • Lead work • Epdm rubber cover roofing (20 year warranty) • Liquid rubber roofing (20year warranty) • loft conversion • Home Extensions • Bespoke conservatorys • Out buildings • Home and office electrics www.roofingdivision1.co.uk 01245 206669 | 07590 274785

You can donate to the campaign by visiting: www.spacehive.com/marconiscienceworx and follow on Twitter: @BackTheBid2MT

From County Hall by Cllr Dick Madden It is with pleasure I offer my congratulations to Simon Burns MP, having had bestowed upon him a knighthood. Well done Sir Simon, you have and continue to be an outstanding MP for the people of Chelmsford. I have known Simon for many years, not only in my role’s as a resident, but as a former police officer and in latter years as a political colleague. I have seen how hard he works and how he represents us, irrespective of whatever our political belief’s. Sir Simon Burns, well done and thank you.

Talking of thanks, I recently attended the annual St Luke’s church community day at Moulsham lodge, which this year featured the event being facilitated by the Moulsham Lodge Community Group using the old police station, now the www.moulshamtimes.com

Community Hub, which was officially opened by the mayor. It was a great day, though I should have worn a hat as the sun burnt the top of my head. It was great to see the church, local scout hut, local pub and community centre all joined up to provide all manner of stalls, fun events and grub - and not to forget the Community Group Choir, who had the audience in tears with some sensitive and emotional singing. Well done to you all. I particularly want to mention two people who developed the day and spent a considerable amount of time preparing the event, ensuring it ran well on the day - yes there were others, including myself, who played a part, but these two people I have to state, were outstanding and must be publically thanked. So to you Mark and Sue Springett on behalf of the local community, a big THANK YOU. Whilst the fun day was progressing, I could argue that the fleet of ECC Highways lorries and equipment on display, whilst the remainder of Gloucester Avenue footpaths were being replaced, was arranged by me to enhance the day and support the community - I would fail in this claim, however the ongoing work is being well received.

I would also like to thank all those residents who have contacted me since last month’s article regarding the state of footpaths in our areas of Old Moulsham, Moulsham Lodge and the city centre. All the areas identified to me have been sent to ECC Highways for their attention and action.

I am now off on my holidays with Mrs Madden. Kathryn and I are off to sunny Spain to chill. So what has happened in Chelmsford? The sun has come out and warm weather is now predicted, just our luck.

BE SAFE - Dick 8

this Show n you whe advert et FREE g buy & ING!* FITT

hen w t er adv get s i h & G!* wt uy Sho you b ITTIN F EE R F

MT Gardening

I just love herbs and they have such a varied use; culinary, cosmetic or for curative uses. The grouping ‘herbs’, therefore, includes trees, shrubs, bulbs and some annuals - not just herbaceous perennials.

Culinary herbs are used in the kitchen to flavour and enhance food and drink. The great thing is that the majority of culinary herbs require similar conditions: • A sunny situation • Free draining soil Culinary herbs should be sited well away from any source of contamination, such as crops, that are routinely sprayed and pets. It is best to grow them separately from other ornamentals as they may be indiscriminately harvested with the herbs (ornamentals may be poisonous). Though if space is limited, like I my garden, I do grow in the border and think they do compliment the ornamentals!

If grown in containers, use John Innes No. 3 compost and crocks to promote free drainage. Terracotta pots are the most suitable choice for the cultivation of herbs.

The soil must be free of weeds and other debris prior to cultivation.

The soil should be single dug and small amounts of organic matter, such as leaf mould and grit, added.

Some of my favourites: Perennials:

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) • Mint (Mentha spicata) - keep contained!

• Sage (Salvia officinalis) • Bay (Laurus nobilis) • Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) • Basil (Ocimum bascilium) • Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) • Dill (Anethum graveolens) • Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) Propagation Annual herbs are generally grown from seed and perennial herbs are propagated by cuttings, division and layering.

Try taking semi-ripe heel cuttings of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) NOW! Prepare a clean modular tray prior to collecting the cutting material.

Fill the tray with cuttings compost (50:50 peat or peat substitute and sand), settle the compost in the module to ensure there are no air pockets, water and stand to one side.

Early in the day collect healthy, named, true to type cutting material.

To make heel cuttings select mature wood with short (4-5cm) lateral shoots that have grown that season.

Grasp the shoot near the base and gently tear it away from the main stem. The cutting should have a small ‘heel’ of older wood. This aids rooting by increasing the area of cambium that is exposed. Trim the heel to a few millimetres in length. Dip the cut end into a hormone rooting powder and tap off excess.

Further watering is unnecessary if the tray is watered at the preparation stage - this also prevents the rooting hormone being washed off.

Herbs are particularly suited to growing in raised beds as this aids drainage and harvesting. Raised beds may be of a formal geometric design. An added advantage of raised beds is that you can keep the herbs separate and contained - some herbs, such as mint (Mentha spp.) can be invasive.

The herb garden may also be at ground level, using a formal or informal design. An informal approach might grow herbs amongst paving or in a cottage garden style border.

Routine Care Herbs require little attention compared with many garden plants, but they do benefit from regular cutting back - if not harvested. Invasive herbs may need to be controlled this invasive tendency can be curtailed by planting in a large bottomless container sunk into the ground.

Irrigation may be necessary in very dry periods, but a soil that tends towards dry is said to improve the flavour of culinary herbs.

Herbs may require an annual top dressing of a balanced fertiliser in the spring such as Growmore 50 g/m2 (a low rate) to promote healthy growth.

10

Place the tray into a cool glasshouse at 15°C or place in a shaded cold frame. Rooting should take place in about 3-4 weeks.

Grow on until roots are established.

Pot up into John Innes No. 2 and grow on outside until planting the following autumn.

Later in the year or early spring, the following can be propagated by division: • • • •

Mint Thyme Marjoram Lemon balm

Notes for diaries: Information event 15th July, between 6:00 and 7:30pm, at Writtle College for all your advice and guidance on courses for this coming September. Check out our website (www.writtle.ac.uk) for further information.

Good luck and happy gardening!

For any gardening tips contact Tom Cole, Head of Faculty for Land & Environment, Writtle College, Chelmsford, CM1 3RR by post (including a SAE) or by email at: tom.cole@writtle.ac.uk.

Remember to tell our advertisers you saw their advert in the MT

www.moulshamtimes.com

Hylands House to Bloom with New Floral Show Hylands House will be awash with vibrant colours next month when it is filled with inspirational floral displays for the first National Flower Show.

Between 17-19 July, the stunning grade II listed property in Chelmsford, Essex, will feature sensational arrangements in its Grand Pavilion, Banqueting, Drawing and Terrace rooms, as 20 of the UK’s finest nurseries compete head-to-head to secure a coveted Gold award.

Outside, Hylands’ beautifully manicured lawns will feature over 150 exhibitors offering a treasure trove of quality plants and shrubs as well as the latest gardening products and gadgets at special event prices.

Matt Upson, Director of Aztec Events who also organise the Blenheim Palace Flower Show, said: “We’re delighted to be launching and adding this new show to our event calendar. Hylands House is spectacular and we thought it’s stunning rooms offer a unique opportunity to showcase and celebrate the talent of the UK’s gardening industry.”

If you’re planning a garden makeover, the National Flower Show will be brimming with local garden designers, paving and tree specialists, to help create your own personal haven.

Experts, including the much-loved garden designer, journalist and television personality Joe Swift, will be on hand sharing their knowledge and top tips in the dedicated Gardening Theatre.

If you can’t get your oleanders or bottlebrush to flower, or don’t know how or when to prune them, don’t miss the chance to meet the show’s flowering shrub expert Paul Johnson. With more than 40 years experience and a wealth of knowledge on any shrub - especially the rare and unusual - Paul will answer any questions you may have. www.moulshamtimes.com

A ch anc to w e tick in ets to the show

Elsewhere the Craft and Gift Pavilion will be packed with hand-made jewellery, hand-made cards, shabby chic furniture, ladies’ fashion, botanical products and candles. It’s the perfect place to peruse the stands and pick up unique gifts for yourself or your loved ones.

There will also be a local craft market dedicated to local budding artists, craftsmen and designers. You will see beautiful handcrafted jewellery, metalwork and artwork all from the Chelmsford region.

For more information or to book tickets to the show, visit: www.aztecevents.co.uk.

Competition - 5 Pairs of Tickets to Be Won! To win a pair of tickets for this event please answer the following question: Which tv personality will be appearing at the show?

A: Joe Swift B: Joe Mangel C: Cotton Eye Joe Please email your answer along with a contact number to: competition@itsyourmedia.co.uk.

Closing date is 10th July 2015. Winners will have 3 days to contact us, otherwise the draw will be retaken. Entrants will be added to our mailing list for the online magazine unless ‘opt out’ is stated in the email.

11

The We tell you how it is Partnership.

Why use The Home Partnership?

No gimmicks or hard sales pitch - just simple honest advice.

St. Thomas Road BRENTWOOD Essex CM14 4DB Tel: 01277 218821 brentwood@thehomepartnership.co.uk

12

11 Duke Street CHELMSFORD Essex CM1 1HL Tel: 01245 250222 chelmsford@thehomepartnership.co.uk

Residential Sales, Lettings & Property Management

www.moulshamtimes.com

Nursing Through Shot & Shell Editied by Vivien Newman

This recently discovered memoir gives an intimate glimpse into the Great War service of Beatrice Hopkinson, a Territorial Forces Nursing Service sister, who remained constantly true to her profession as she nursed through shot and shell.

Alongside a foreword from Beatrice’s descendant, Christine Smyth, Dr Vivien Newman’s meticulously researched introduction brings Beatrice’s world out of the shadows, placing her war service against the background of the Army Nursing Service, where dedicated, professional nurses worked closer to the front line than women could ever have previously imagined doing.

Beatrice was selected for the most onerous type of duty in the bitterest phase of the war. She had arrived in St Omer in the summer of 1917 when the town was being continuously bombed.

With her hospital under nightly attack, Beatrice simply got on with the job she had arrived in France to do: saving the lives and easing the dying of soldiers on the Western Front.

For Beatrice, spring 1918 was marked by a ‘sea of blood’. Caught up in the British Army’s headlong retreat when hospitals and patients risked being captured by the enemy, she and her rapid response team were rushed between several casualty clearing stations in France and Belgium. They operated on thousands of soldiers wounded in Germany’s final attempt to win the war.

As the fortunes of war finally turned in the allies’ favour, Beatrice advanced through Belgium, a land destroyed by war and enemy occupation. This diary gives a rare insight into the realities of front line nursing through the eyes of someone who had never anticipated working for the army but who, when her country called, willingly and steadfastly answered the call.

RRP: £19.99 ISBN: 9781473827592 152 PAGES • HARDBACK 8 PAGE PLATE SECTION PUBLISHED: JUNE 2015 PEN & SWORD MILITARY

We h 5 co ave pies of Nurs ing Thro ugh Shot & Sh e give ll to awa y!

To enter the competition to win a copy of Nursing Through Shot & Shell please answer the following question: What is Beatrice’s surname?

A: Potter B: Stevens C: Hopkinson Please email your answer to competition@ itsyourmedia.co.uk with your full name and address. You will be added to our mailing list for the electronic version fo the magazine unless you state ‘opt out’ in your email.

Marconi Hall Street - We Still Need Your Help

Chantal Constable being filmed for Anglia News Did you see us on Anglia TV on Thursday night? Promoting the campaign to save part of the original factory.

The clock is ticking at our crowdfunding site to save part of the original Marconi wireless factory in Hall Street.

Interestingly, we now have links with the Marconi Museum at Villa Griffone in Bologna where Marconi was born. The first thing that you see on entry is a picture of Hall Street, Chelmsford. Marconi himself applied to the Ministry of Post and Telegraph, under the direction of Pietra Lacava, for funding at the end of the 19th century for researching radio waves and was rejected.

We need your support now and hope that you will pledge at spacehive.com/marconiscienceworx to help us reach our target figure - if we dont, then no pledges will be activated. We propose creating a Science and Heritage Hub for the benefit of future generations. Pledges are now coming in steadily, if everyone in Chelmsford pledged £2 at spacehive.com/marconiscienceworx we would reach our target figure. If you are without access to a computer please phone 07764897725 and pledge. No pledges are activated unless we reach the target figure. www.moulshamtimes.com

The Sea Cadets recently outside Marconi Hall Street.

What we’ll do: Create a photo montage to illustrate Marconi’s pioneering achievements Display working models, hands on exhibits and artefacts.

Hold regular seminars on the history of Marconi and his companies Provide multifuncional facilities for regular STEM Clubs Make space available for local groups to hire in which to hold a range of community activities.

Install public toilet facilities and a modern kitchen for a community cafe.

Refurbish this Grade 2 listed building to modern standard.

Do you as a business want to donate?

Are you a charity which assists local projects and would like to help?

Do you know anyone famous from Chelmsford who may like to help or spread the message?

To become a corporate supporter - you will be named on the wall of honour if you pledge.

spacehive.com/marconiscienceworx

Remember to tell our advertisers you saw their advert in the MT

13

MT Baking by Alison Motley

Now that summer is finally here, we can (hopefully!) enjoy some long sunny days and get to eat out in the open air more often with picnics and barbecues. This is when my baking thoughts often turn to quiche.

Herein lies the problem; my other half will happily scoff any number of pies, these being his all time favourite savoury bake. Even as a dedicated meat eater, he will willingly devour pies with more ‘delicate’ fillings such as blue cheese and butternut squash or curried vegetables. Offer him a quiche, however and he looks a little nervous, turns pale and pulls his ‘little boy’s face’, as if I have asked him to suck on a lemon.

To me a quiche is really just a pie without a lid, so worst case scenario is you get a little less pastry to eat! However, it does seem to be seen as the pie’s poor relation and often suffers from a bit of a PR problem, reminding many of a 1970s buffet party.

This recipe solves that problem, as it’s a full English breakfast in a quiche or a ‘Man Quiche’ as it has become affectionately known in our household.

It’s great hot, and even better cold for a picnic or alfresco lunch, served either with salad or a big dollop of brown sauce, ketchup or mustard. I have used crème fraiche as I like the slightly sharp flavour it brings, but feel free to use double cream instead. You can also easily vary the breakfast ingredients if there is something you don’t like. The only thing I haven’t been able to incorporate is baked beans.

Despite rigorous recipe testing these made the pastry soggy but by all means serve them on the side!

I made four small quiches for a picnic but it’s easier to make a single large one. You could even make individual ones using a bun tin, just remember to reduce the baking time.

If you don’t want to make the pastry yourself, use ready-made shortcrust. You will need approx 250-300g. However, don’t be frightened by making the pastry - just remember to keep everything cool and lightly floured, handle the pastry as little as possible and chill it before baking.

Full English Breakfast Quiche: Serves 6-8 in a 20cm flan tin 175g plain flour 85g cold unsalted butter, cubed Approx’ 3 tablespoons cold water 1 tablespoon olive oil

4 rashers streaky bacon, chopped 2 large sausages, skin removed, broken into chunks 1 handful mushrooms, sliced 4-6 cherry tomatoes, halved 2 large eggs 300ml crème fraiche 2-3 tablespoons tomato ketchup or brown sauce Salt and pepper 1. To make the pastry, put the flour in a large bowl, add a pinch of salt and the cubed butter. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.

2. Sprinkle over approx’ 3 tablespoons of cold water and mix with a round ended knife until the dough starts to come together, then with one hand gently bring the dough together to form a ball.

3. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill for at least 30 minutes.

This will prevent the pastry from shrinking when baking.

4. Roll out pastry on a lightly floured surface to the thickness of a £1 coin ensuring it is slightly larger than a 20cm flan tin.

5. Line the flan tin, leaving a slight overhang. Prick the pastry case and chill again for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 200C/180C fan or gas 6.

6. Line the chilled pastry case with greaseproof paper or foil leaving an overhang. Spread baking beans, rice or dried beans over the paper or foil, and bake for 15 minutes. Carefully remove beans and paper or foil and bake for a further 5-10 minutes until golden.

7. When the pastry is cool to the touch trim the overhang with a knife.

8. Meanwhile, to make the filling, heat the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the bacon and sausage meat for 2-3 minutes each side until golden brown. Remove and set to one side.

9. In the same pan fry the sliced mushrooms for 2 minutes until just soft.

10. In a large bowl beat together the eggs and crème fraiche.

Season with pepper. If the crème fraiche is particularly thick, you may need to add a little milk to the egg mix.

11. Spread the tomato ketchup or brown sauce over the cooled pastry case. Add the tomatoes, cut side up, the mushrooms, bacon and sausage chunks.

12. Gently pour over the egg mixture and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and just set.

I would love to hear from readers with any suggestions and ideas for recipes they would like to see here, or any hints and tips I can help with. Drop me an email at: motleybakes@aol.com.

Summer is here don’t delay call today

07936 198651

MAISONS BARSunday 12th July Free BBQ We would like to invite the residents of the Moulsham Street area to our free Meet the Neighbours BBQ on Sunday 12th July to celebrate the opening of Maisons Bar in Moulsham Street. As you may of been aware the bar was previously occupied by Smiths Bar, we have now carried out a huge three month refurbishment to transform the bar into a great drinking and socialising place for all. Our refurbishment includes a fantastic outside terrace to be enjoyed during summer months. Please join us from 3pm till late on the 12th!

Our normal opening hours: Tuesday 12pm till 1am Wednesday 12pm till 1am Thursday 12pm till 1am Friday 12pm till 3am Saturday 12pm till 3am Sunday 12pm till 2am

Under New Management

Sunday - Thursday Buffet Only £11.95 Seafood £2.50 extra Chef’s and house specials extra

----------------------------------------------

£5 off when you spend £30 or more on takeaway

----------------------------------------------

If you wish to advertise in this magazine or Chelmsford the City Times please email ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk

30% off main menu eat in Sunday - Thursday

voucher must be presented when ordering Expires 30th September ----------------------------------------------

www.moulshamtimes.com

15

Pleased call Michael on:

07976 693457 or email Info@m-specservices.co.uk

£799

Electrical Installation & Maintenance M-Spec Services based in Chelmsford cater for all your electrical requirements, no job is too big or too small. You are always guaranteed a professional service at competitive rates.

• Smoke Alarm Installation • Fault Finding • CCTV & Fire Alarms • Fuseboard Upgrades • Access Control & Intercom Systems • Rewires • Test & Inspect Certification

Call Michael on

01245 830811 / 07976 693457

The national music competition, Open Mic UK, have announced their singing auditions for Open Mic UK 2015! The singing auditions will be hosted at 15 regions across the UK and the competition will be aiming to find the UK’s best singers, singer songwriters, rappers and vocal groups!

Open Mic UK is brought to you by Future Music, the company behind the discovery of artists such as Luke Friend and Karen Hardy (both of whom have had chart success this year), Jacob Banks, Warner Music’s Birdy, Columbia Record’s Lucy Spraggan and Union J’s Jaymi Hensley and Jahmene Douglas - both of whom are now signed to Sony Music. Open Mic UK is an exciting competition to get involved in!

There will be thousands of pounds-worth of competition prizes up for grabs along the way, including recording studio time and music development classes. The overall winner will receive a comprehensive winners package as well as a main prize of £5,000 in cash to spend as they wish on the development of their act!

Open Mic UK will be holding their singing competition auditions up and down the country for 2015! Book your audition now to secure your place!

If you wish to find out more about Open Mic UK please visit: www.openmicuk. co.uk.

Audition Date: Sunday 23rd August 2015 Marconi Social Club, Tydemans (off Beehive Lane), Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9FH.

Win a slot at V Festival This Summer!

Do you want to perform at V Festival this summer? The lineup for V Festival this year includes; Kasabian, Calvin Harris, Stereophonics, Sam Smith, Annie Mac, Clean Bandit, Tom Jones and Paloma Faith to name just a few!

Would you like the chance to join them and perform at V Festival?

Walkabout have teamed up with V Festival, Jack Daniels, and Future Music to run Highway to V Festival; a national battle of the bands competition. Bands and acts from all over the country will battle it out to win a set opening up V Festival on Friday 21st of August to a crowd of around 15,000 people! The winner will also get expenses paid, festival tickets and spending money to boot!

Want To Play At V Festival?

The Highway to V Festival competition will take place from 15th July at selected Walkabout venues across the UK, with the Grand Final taking place in London on Sunday 2nd August to decide the winning act.

Think your band or act has what it takes? To enter, please email your name, number and closest Walkabout venue to: office@futuremusicmanagement.com ASAP! For more information go to: www.openmicuk.co.uk/news/ highway-to-v-festival.

V Festival takes place in Staffordshire and Chelmsford on 22nd and 23rd August.

Music News by Nick Garner

It’s July already and the festivals are well and truly underway with the biggest - Glastonbury - having just finished, as have the Leigh Folk Fest and Walthamstock.

Paul and I are running two stages this month, one at The Fling Festival and the other in conjunction with Blues in the City at the Saloon Bar Stage at Brownstock, where we have seventeen acts over the three days. Then on Wednesday 15th July, I have the wonderful Robin Bibi and Tony Marten with Noel Gander of Clod Norton and NavaCross supporting for our regular monthly Blues in the City night at the Bassment. Some of you may remember Robin from last year’s festival playing at The Orange Tree and the year before at The Ale House, so you know this is an act not to be missed.

After that we (Jamie Williams and the Roots Collective) set off to Upton on Severn in Worcestershire to play their massive blues festival where we are on the main stage. Then we return to play our local favourite, The Ale House, on Sat 25th July before we set off all over the country again.

Now to give you advance warning of a very special night on Tuesday 11th August, when we have one of the world’s top guitarists playing for us just before he plays V Festival with Tom Jones; he is Robbie McIntosh who has played with Paul McCartney, The Pretenders, Talk Talk, John Mayer, Norah Jones, Mark Knopfler, Roger Daltrey etc etc.

The support act for that night are two Essex greats, Joel Fisk and Geoff Johnson. This is the only month we are on a Tuesday as it was the only day we could get Robbie to play for us - he is also headlining this year’s Blues in the City Festival with his own band.

The Fleece is hosting its regular Saturday afternoon acoustic shows throughout the summer, which are well worth going along to. Asylum also has lots of great live music going on as does The Ale House, The Bassment and Med Fusion, so pick up a copy of our City Times which has listings of what is on and where.

As well as the Robbie McIntosh night, we have Jon Amor and Joel Fisk in September. Then we have the festival from 2nd to 4th October all over Chelmsford.

October also sees a really special night with the return of Wille & the Bandits as part of their Under the Grove tour.

The band were last year listed by Radio 1 as one of the top ten ‘must see’ bands playing Glastonbury. This is their only show in Essex.

On November 25th we have Guy Tortora and Ben Tyzack.

A few days later we have another one-day marathon on Saturday 28th November with The Bassment Blues Day (another fantastic lineup) from 2pm til late.

Free ring back service Free text back service 4 - 8 seater vehicles

For information on all these events, go to: www. bluesinthecity.co.uk, or visit our Facebook page (where we also have videos of many of the acts) at: www.facebook. com/bluesinthecitychelmsford or follow us on Twitter @bluesinthecity1.

Keep it live and keep supporting and watching live music.

Enjoy it and tell your friends to come along and have a great time too, as it will always put a smile on all your faces. We hope to make your day a better day.

See Chelmsford The City Times for events around the city www.moulshamtimes.com

Discount applies to metered fairs only.

The voucher must be given to the driver to receive the discount. Expiry 31/7/15 Moulsham Times

17

Essex Rock Histories The Small Faces 1965-69, the Faces 1969-1975 and a couple of reunion versions.

The border between London’s East End and Essex is a conurbation in which only local government officials would find any boundary noteworthy. It all changed in 1965 with the creation of the Greater London Council. Before that Ilford was part of a municipal borough which originally had been an Essex village on the road to Colchester.

It was in this urban limbo that one of the best selling groups, the Small Faces, came together. Itchycoo Park is in Ilford, although that’s not its real name. The effects of its stinging nettles on mod lovemakers in hidden corners, gave it the title. Lead singers of the two main versions of the band, Steve Marriott and Rod Stewart, chose to retreat to Essex to live when in this country - Steve to Arkesdon, near Saffron Walden, and Rod to Epping.

Steve Marriott had shown early musical talent and become a child star when he performed in Oliver, the West-End musical. He met fellow founder member of the Small Faces, Ronnie ‘Plonk’ Lane, when he was working in a music shop in Manor Park. The original lineup that they gathered around themselves consisted of Marriott (guitar and vocals), Lane (bass and vocals), Kenney Jones (drums) and Jimmy Winston (organ).

After their debut single Winston was replaced by the more experienced Ian McLagan on Hammond organ. Ian had played with the Muleskinners and Boz People previously. In mod parlance a ‘face’ was a prominent figure in the mod youth movement and as the band members were all of smallish stature, a girl fan soon supplied the suggestion for the name. Infamous entrepreneur, Don Arden, was soon attracted to Marriott’s belting, soulful voice and had the band signed to a contract within four weeks of their formation and within four months the first single Watcha Gonna Do About It? was released and became an instant hit.

Arden was after quirky singles and he started the group on a trail of 10 top ten hits out of 14 releases, as well as three albums while the band were under his management and after. Where Arden’s knowledge of the music business benefited the group, his control of finances didn’t and lengthy legal wrangles over dues owed carried on for decades after the band had broken up. Only in 1996 was reparation for lost income achieved by band members. At the time, he put them on a low weekly wage, but opened accounts in Carnaby Street boutiques for them to insure that their trendy image was met for the fans. So to bump up their wages they ran up the accounts to the full and sold on clothes to fans and friends. I Got Mine, a Marriott/Lane follow up to Watcha Gonna Do About It? was far less successful in the music charts, so Arden got two professional writers to come up with their next single. That was Sha La La La La La Lee and it reached number 3 in the charts. The band’s first album, Small Faces, was a mixture of commissioned and self-penned songs, but managed to capture the bands vital live stage act sound. Hey Girl, the next single, reached number 10 in the charts. Then came All or Nothing which reached number 1 and knocked The Beatles from the top spot. At that stage the group managed to wriggle out of the Arden and Decca Records contracts thanks to Rolling Stones’ manager, Andrew Loog Oldham,

who promised them more studio time and creative freedom on his Immediate label without a punishing gig schedule. Arden released My Mind’s Eye and I Can’t Make It on Decca to fulfil contractual obligations, but the band did not promote I Can’t Make It. Here Comes the Nice (about an amphetamine dealer) was the first single on Immediate in June 1967. It reached number 12. Itchycoo Park reached number 3 in August of that year. Tin Soldier got to number 9 in January ‘68 and Lazy Sunday reached number 2 in May’68. Lazy Sunday was taken from the album Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake, which had a round sleeve displaying graphics in the style of an Art Nouveau-style tobacco tin. One side of the album was a single piece of music, Song of a Baker, with a narration performed by Stanley Unwin in his characteristic gobbledygook invented language.

Within three years of the band forming the album reached number 1 in the charts.

Marriott’s virtually solo rendition, The Universal, failed to chart and on New Year’s Eve 1968, he left the band in order to form Humble Pie, a band with ex-Herd frontman Peter Frampton, Greg Ridley from Spooky Tooth on bass and Jerry Shirley on drums. This outfit lasted until 1975 and did best in the US. There was a short Small Faces reunion from’76 and ‘78 where Marriott, McLagan and Jones were joined by Rick Wills and Jimmy McCullough instead of Ronnie Lane who had reformed Slim Chance - the name the Small Faces had used after Marriott left. When the reunion broke up, Marriott went back to the US with a different lineup of Humble Pie and when that didn’t work out, he returned to England doing pub rock gigs with A Packet of Three and similar pickup bands until his tragic early death in a house fire in Arkeston in April 1991.

Meanwhile, after Marriott’s departure from the Small Faces, the first Slim Chance approached Ronnie Wood, who had recently left Jeff Beck’s band, after a career in his brother’s Artwoods, Creation and The Birds (not to be confused with the American Byrds). Another of Ron’s mates who had been the singer for Beck and who had left at the same time, was Rod Stewart. Rod started to hang out with the band and the group became a five piece, which revived the ‘Faces’ name but dropped the ‘Small’ as Ron and Rod were not of that physical stature. Rod had a long pedigree of being in well thought of nightclub bands: Jimmy Powell and the Five Dimensions (1963), Long John Baldry’s Hoochie Coochie Men (‘64-’65), Steampacket (a Tamla Motown review-style outfit with Julie Driscoll and The Brian Auger Trinity -’65-’66), Soul Agents (‘65-’66), and Shotgun Express (with Liverpool’s Cavern Club survivor, Beryl Marsden, and Peter Bardens’ band The Peter Bs in ‘66, making a similar lineup to Steampacket), before joining Beck from ‘66 to ‘69. In all these bands he had demonstrated a deep soulful voice that had the best chance for anyone to take Marriott’s place. The reformed outfit were slow to take off with the public, but soon took on its own character, especially on stage where shows turned into drunken parties often involving the fans. The first Faces lineup from ‘69 to ‘73 was McLagan, Lane, Jones, Wood and Stewart, who recorded the albums First Step (‘70), Long Player (‘71), A Nod’s as Good as a Wink to a Blind Horse (‘71), and Ooh La La. Ronnie Lane left the Faces for a new lineup of Slim Chance and a fantasy gypsy lifestyle touring with a Passing Show marquee leading to financial disaster. The gradual decline in his health due to multiple sclerosis caused him to move to Texas in pursuit of treatment and a better climate. He died in Colorado in 1997.

The second Faces lineup from’73 to ‘74 saw Ronnie replaced by Tetsu Yamauchi on bass. But Rod Stewart had started a solo career

Sponsor MT History

with an album called An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down, followed by Gasoline Alley and when he followed this with Every Picture Tells a Story, the single from it, Maggie May, was a big chart success and even though the band that recorded it was mainly the Faces, the writing was on the wall for the group. One more solo album appeared while the band was still together, Never a Dull Moment, but the final straw came when Mick Taylor left The Rolling Stones and Mick Jagger asked Ronnie Wood to play with them. At first he said he would play in both bands, but this soon proved to be logistically impossible, which with Rod’s solo success meant that the band inevitably ground to a halt in 1975.

Ian McLagan became a Los Angeles session musician and recorded and toured with the Stones, Bob Dylan and Bonnie Rait. Back in England he did the same with Neal Sedaka and Billie Bragg. Sadly, he died in December 2014 leaving only Kenney Jones alive from the 1965 lineup. Kenney Jones took over Keith Moon’s drum stool in The Who for a while after the Faces split (enviable job!) but didn’t replace Moon in Roger Daltrey’s eyes. So he joined Paul Rodgers, previously of Free and Bad Company in a group called The Law and later drew members from there and other groups he’d played in to form The Jones Gang, who were very successful in the US. Wood remains a Rolling Stone and although the glam rock era caused Rod Stewart to lose a lot of creditability with his old fans, record sales show that there is still a big fan base out there, who even put up with his crooning The Great American Song Book of yesteryear classics while his throat recovered from a cancer operation. In 2014 he returned to displaying his own songwriting talents.

The much loved group was treated to a celebrity revival lineup in 2009 with Kenney Jones and Ronnie Wood being joined by Glen Matlock from The Sex Pistols and Mick Hucknall from Simply Red to reprise some Faces classics for a short tour. I never heard them, but wonder how well Hucknell managed in replacing Rod Stewart’s vocal parts!

'Chelmsford Valuations Office' Open for free valuations on Antiques and Fine Art Monday - Friday 9am - 5.30pm Every Thursday - Jewellery and Watches ‘A 19th century Diamond and Peridot necklace, £3000 £5000 to be entered into The Country House Sal Sale, Wednesday July 15th’ For more information or to arrange a home visit contact Brett...

Brett Tryner: brett@boningtons.com 101 Lower Anchor Street, Chelmsford, CM2 OAU Chelmsfo

01245 352213

www.boningtons.com

NEW WRITTLE STREET CHELMSFORD CM2 0RZ 01245 901637

NOW SELLING REAL ALE FROM £2.50 pint

Monday Club

(12pm-7pm)

Wine Down Wednesday Thursday 241

(4pm-7pm)

- Selected drinks £2 (4pm-7pm)

- £8 any bottle

- 175ml wine/cocktails/blue WKD

Satiurday Night Live - Music from 8pm

HD PROJECTOR

newbirdinhand

MULTI-SCREEN

jamjarpubs

--------------------------------50p off a pint of Ale with this voucher.

Valid until 01/09/2015. One voucher per customer

www.moulshamtimes.com

19

MT Therapy by Jenny Hartill

ANNOUNCEMENT: Before I begin this month’s article, I have a very exciting announcement to make! In addition to my own therapy practice in Chelmsford, I am now also working with Essex Mediation as their in-house counsellor. Essex Mediation are a charity and an excellent organisation dedicated to helping clients to communicate effectively, discuss practical matters calmly and reach a fair agreement. As a registered charity, which holds a legal aid contract, they are specialists in mediation and conflict resolution who have no financially motivated vested interests, meaning their only loyalty is to their clients - I am very much looking forward to working with them! They are located just off Moulsham Street on Hall Street. For more information please visit: www.essexmediation.co.uk.

• •

Now, onwards to this month’s article! Today I will continue to discuss psychological abuse, looking at how this can manifest itself.

•

I believe psychological and emotional abuse occurs in many different ways. Some people may even not realise at the time that they are being abused. I remember reading a book called Toxic Parents where a child was abused from the age of 11 by her father, who didn’t like the fact she was growing up and developing into a woman, so he would make sexual connotations about her and negative remarks, telling her she smells all the time and her chest looks horrible and she is ugly etc. Ironically, she became a model!

But she could never have a stable relationship with a man because she had many beliefs about herself that had begun with her father.

She had no idea he was emotionally and psychologically abusing her because she believed what he was saying about her. This could happen in any situation - even if someone is being bullied in the workplace and their boss is constantly telling the person they are useless at their job, they may well believe them because the person is their boss and in a position of power so surely they must be right!

As a therapist I would bear in mind the many factors present in emotional abuse that could be affecting the client, these include: • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • •

20

Intimidation Humiliation Shouting, swearing and other types of verbal abuse sometimes aimed at being loud enough to scare the person as well as insults Isolation Prevention of the enjoyment of wanted activities (control) Threats Coercion Withholding appropriate affection in a relationship Excessive or inappropriate demands that are not conducive to the relationship, ability or age of the abused person Not being interested, not listening to or being aware of the opinions of the other person in an intimate or close relationship Persistently ignoring or refusing to hear the needs of others Not taking part in the responsibility for a relationship breakdown and using covert ways of ending the relationship without having to take any blame, or ending the relationship to scare the abused person into giving in to their demands Deliberately enabling a breakdown in communication where communication is necessary between two people Loving one child and excluding the other Smothering the child and denying it the opportunity to develop and grow emotionally and psychologically as a human being (in Transactional Analysis this can be referred to using the ego state; Negative Nurturing Parent)

•

• • • • • •

Forcing a child or adult into a conflict between two parties Parents using a child as a pawn in their own dysfunctional relationship (I’ve seen people do this with pets as well to try and regain control of the other person - ie: I’ll dump your cat and you’ll never see it again if you don”t…(insert demand)…)

Being forced into a caring role at an inappropriate age or being forced to do tasks that are inappropriate at that age (for example, a child caring for an alcoholic parent who has to do everything including housework, shopping, looking after their drunken incapacitated parent etc) Making a child witness alcohol or substance abuse on a regular basis Witnessing violence between parents or care givers or others there is an emotional connection with Constant and persistent trivial and unjustified criticism Being made a scapegoat Inconsistency in behaviour, attitudes and judgement towards the abused person Inconsistent and shifting boundaries (most prevalent in child/ parent or carer relationships) Differing boundaries from caregivers. This happens to children whose parents consistently disagree with boundaries inflicted on a child, leaving the child not knowing what is expected of them and what the correct behaviour is in a given situation

One thing I have noticed about abusers from experience is that the abuser can often be completely in denial. Also, they may have a ‘sidekick’ in the form of another parent or sibling for example.

The reason for this is that there is a relationship dynamic in abuse situations and when the abused person threatens that dynamic, all hell can break loose. The abuser may totally deny what they have done in the past, or in a domestic abuse situation for example the abuser may claim they are not to blame: It was the alcohol/drugs/ they don’t remember doing it/they don’t mean it etc etc.

Unfortunately the abused person may believe this story over and over again and this is definitely something to bear in mind when counselling a psychologically abused client. They may still believe the abuser, on an ethical level they may want to stay in an abusive relationship that could be putting their life in danger. If the client is in immediate danger, it is important to also consider if they have children that are in immediate danger as well. In which case the relevant authorities must be notified, but it is important to look at each case in an individual level and assess it that way.

Next time, I will look at social implications and possible causes of abuse.

If I can be of any help or if anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me via my website: www.counsellinginchelmsford. co.uk.

Are you a local charity?

If you would like to be the featured charity of the month - please email editorial@itsyourmedia. co.uk

www.moulshamtimes.com

Event Raises £2,108 for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity

A Deep Conversation

by Mark Roberts

Were you one of the 1,305 visitors who enjoyed the 2nd Chelmsford Mind Body Spirit Festival in aid of Helen Rollason Cancer Charity?

Held over the weekend of 13th and 14th June at Marconi Social Club, Tydemans Lane, Chelmsford.

Visitors were a whopping 30% up on last year attracted by the extraordinary diversity of 70 stands, 24 wide ranging workshops and many stage performances.

In my last article I identified a common theme that applies to the majority of clients who come to coaching: they do not always know what they want, or they present with an issue that I sense is potentially a distraction from the real deal. From my own experience, it is reasonably normal to experience some dissatisfaction with personal circumstances and it is equally common to focus on some other ‘thing’ that we believe will make things right. My job is to carry out some deep coaching with the client and help them to uncover what makes them tick and how they can best serve their own needs.

Throughout the weekend fundraising workshops took place. Ranging from learning about natural herbal remedies, to discovering an easy and effective way to meditate run by the European Buddhist Hanmi Association (EBHA) who are based within the venue. Raffle prizes were donated by exhibitors and the organiser, Chris Cozens of ‘Life Arts’ holistic events and courses, was able to give a substantial sum from the entrance fee after costs. Entrance fees were kept low as low as possible to enable all to benefit from this weekend at only £3.50 an adult, £2.50 for concessions with under 17 free entrance.

For deep coaching to take place, there are a couple of essential elements that need to be in place. First, there must be a good rapport between coach and client. As a coach, my ability to build a rapport quickly is essential to put the client at ease. I want the client to feel free to be able - where appropriate - to disclose their innermost thoughts and feelings. This leads to the 2nd and most important element - trust. Coaching is about transformation in the life of the client and such massive change can only take place in a deep conversation. A deep conversation can only take place when trust exists in the coach/client relationship.

In my own coaching relationships, I encourage trust by placing the coaching session into a context. I have different methods of achieving this and much will depend on the client in front of me. In this sense, the process is organic. I may seek the client’s knowledge about coaching and where necessary fill in the gaps. I always explain how the coaching session will proceed and will let the client know that I will be asking some deep questions; the type of questions that the client may usually like to avoid.

We had a high number of amazing appraisals from the public, such as: “Something for everyone” C.F. - Chelmsford “Everyone so friendly and helpful, not pushy” S.F. - Chelmsford “Very professional event” J.B. - Chelmsford “Amazing atmosphere!” K.E. - Chelmsford “Best event ever!” T. L-W. - Southminster Kate Alden, Head of Fundraising at Helen Rollason Cancer Charity was delighted to accept the cheque on behalf of the charity: “A huge thank you to Chris, and all the Mind, Body and Spirit Festival community for supporting our charity for a second year running and for raising such a fantastic amount of money that will help us to continue to support people living with cancer.”

The organiser would like to give special thanks to the manager of Marconi Social Club, Veronica Reed, for allowing us to use her fantastic conference and event hall facilities. Also, Abbot Paul King and the kind and helpful students of EBHA for running the free meditation room and Buddhist Healing space in their temple, throughout the show which over 300 visitors benefited from. And finally to Tony Fisher presenter at BBC Radio Essex for his support. We will be back next year at Marconi Social Club on 11-12th June 2016 and you can follow its development by liking our Facebook page at ‘LifeArtsMBSFestivals’, where we promise to put on a brand new workshop programme, exhibitor line-up and stage performances for another informative and exciting weekend. Hope to see you there! www.moulshamtimes.com

For trust to endure it is important that the client understands the nature of the coaching relationship: I am not there to be their friend - I am there to challenge them and their view of the world. I am there to uncover and help them to dissolve any limiting beliefs they may hold. I am there to help them open their eyes and become self-aware. I am there to help them understand that change is possible for them. I am there to help them find the path to their desired success.

I would normally run a first coaching session over about two hours and it is quite normal for deep transformational change to take place during that first session. In many cases, no more coaching may be required, or it may be the start of an ongoing coaching relationship.

For more about Mark Roberts, visit his Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/intelligentlifestrategies.

Remember to tell our advertisers you saw their advert in the MT

21

Wine Corner

Hi everyone, I write this month in fairly warm sunshine, so perhaps the weather is improving. I am preparing for my caravanning holiday in France, so I’m a bit busy at the moment. As you read this, I will be just returning, but because I am writing this before I go, I will be back before I have told you I have been... Oh, you know what I mean.

The route is planned, Dover to Calais on the ferry, a few nights in Normandy - which is a cider area, not wine - then down to southern Brittany. Again not known for its wines, but it’s a very nice part of the country and I guess I will be able to find shops that sell wine just in case I need a couple of glasses. We then go across to the Loire Valley. As you know, this is a famous wine growing region, and we are staying right in the middle of it near Saumur, right on the river.

We end up back in Normandy before returning home. I will let you know how we get on and if I can report any interesting or amusing occurrences.

Are you superstitious? I didn’t think I was particularly until the other day. I saw a magpie and found myself saying good morning Mr Magpie before I could stop myself. I think it’s something like that you say if you want to avoid any bad luck, if I remember correctly. As soon as I said the phrase, I saw another bird. Now, do I say good morning again or can I treat this as a pair, which means good luck. Not sure if I am lucky or not so far. Then later I was driving in the countryside and again saw a lone magpie. Went through the procedure and felt pleased with myself. On the way back I saw what was almost certainly the same bird. What now?

time to the red grape skins.

White port is produced, surprise, surprise, from white grapes, with a range of styles from dry to sweet. These are used mainly for cocktails or, using those of greater age, can be served on its own, chilled.

Late bottled vintage (LBV) is typically bottled between four and six years after the vintage.

Vintage means the year of production for wine but with port, the producer will only declare on the label the vintage in the best years. Most vintages these days are declared as the production processes improve. These have to be tested by a central body to ensure the quality and they are generally ready to drink when they are released to the market.

Crusted port is a blend of several vintages and is bottled unfiltered, so it should be decanted. It is a good, and often cheaper, alternative to vintage port.

Another thing. Apparently if you spill salt, you should pick it up and throw it over your shoulder. That happened to me in a restaurant last week and I completely spoilt the black forest gateau on the table behind me and the other guests thought I had terrible dandruff.

Vintage port is made from grapes from a declared vintage year, as opposed to a blend of several. They are aged in barrels for a maximum of two and a half years, but then in the bottle for between ten to forty years. This style of port can be consumed many years after bottling and I think it’s the one that is generally portrayed, covered in dust, in films.

It is all too complicated, so I’ve decided that I will not be at all superstitious in future. Then I won’t get good or bad luck - touch wood!

Finally, single quinta vintage port, originating from one estate, is often cheaper than vintage port and is sometimes bottled in years when the regular vintage port is not declared.

Wines that are over 17% ABV are called fortified wines. The most common of these are port, sherry, marsala and madeira. This month I will cover port.

So, next time I buy a bottle of port, I will understand a bit more about what I can expect, probably not expensive vintage, but good LBV will be the choice, although I do quite fancy the chilled white port. Yes, on reflection, that’s the one I’ll go for, as a refreshing drink that I can also use for cocktails.

Port wine, also known as Vinho do Porto, is produced from grapes from the Douro Valley in northern Portugal, but fortified wines in the style of port, are produced all over the world. With EU protection, like with champagne, only wines from this area can be called port or porto.

I was surprised to find that there are eleven styles of port, the first being tawny. This is made from red wine, and it is a blend of several vintages and normally consumed as a dessert wine. The label describes the number of years that the port has matured in the barrel, within the categories 10, 20, 30 and over 40 years.

If the port is made from one vintage, it is called Coleita and instead of the categories shown above, the label will state the actual vintage.

Garrafeira is less common and is made from grapes from a single harvest and matured in wood (usually for three to six years) and then a further minimum of eight years in glass demijohns.

Ruby port is the cheapest and produced in the largest volumes, matured in concrete or stainless steel, to preserve its red colour (hence the name). This wine is often blended to suit the requirements of the brand, so I guess they will not always have the same taste. It might pay to try a few to see what you like best.

Reserve (or vintage character) is a premium tawny port.

Rosé port is a fairly new wine, first seen on the market in 2008. As you might expect, it’s similar to rosé wine that is exposed for a short 22

Bin end chuckles...

If, as Shakespeare wrote, all the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players, why aren’t we all members of the actors union, Equity?

I walked into a pub the other day and noticed that the counter was placed on several layers of bricks. I asked the person behind the bar why, and he explained that the boss said that his performance was not good enough and that he would have to raise the bar.

Keep calm and carry on drinking, in moderation.

Deadlines for August Edition Articles 17th July Print ready Art Work 22nd July

www.moulshamtimes.com

Rotary Ride for Prostate Cancer All over the Rotary district and far beyond, cyclists donned their lycra for the Rotary bike ride in aid of prostate cancer.

It has long been felt that not enough is being done to highlight this most damaging cancer to men and something should be done akin to what goes on for breast cancer. An idea for a national bike ride was raised in our national council and after two years in the planning it came to fruition on the 21st June, appropriately Father’s Day. Prostate cancer claims the lives of up to 30 men each day in the UK. It’s one of the most common male-specific illnesses in the country and the second biggest killer after lung cancer. It affects one in eight men during their lifetime, with over 300,000 men in the UK currently living with the disease, so it is easy to see that there is a real need to raise awareness - and also money for research. Alan Clark, who was our local co-ordinator, explains: “Of course it’s not just fathers who are affected by this deadly disease, it’s friends, brothers, sons or even your neighbour.”

Members of the public were invited to take part and there was a range of rides to choose from, including family fun rides, enthusiast coastal routes and even static rides at local gyms and sport centres.

Essex is blessed with a long coastline and our idea was to cover it all with relay links before making our way inland to the east borders of the county, so everyone had the opportunity to join in.

Mark Bishop, Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, commented: “It’s fantastic to see Rotarians helping Prostate Cancer UK raise funds and awareness of a disease which kills one man every hour in the UK. We thank those who took part and trust that it was a great day out.”

We do not yet have the final figures for the number of participants or the money pledged, but it is expected to run into many thousands of pounds. It shows once again that when Rotary gets behind a cause or a project there is every chance it will make a big difference. Just look at polio - this year there have only been 26 new cases in the world, whilst there were 1,000 cases every single day before Rotary’s involvement.

There are so many ways that you can help by becoming a Rotarian and having an active social at the same time. So please visit www. chelmsfordrotary1240.org for details of clubs in the Chelmsford area, or phone me for further information. You will certainly be assured of a warm welcome at any Rotary club.

Stan Keller District Governor 2014/15 01245 260349 (office)

We were lucky with the weather and at the time of writing we don’t

www.moulshamtimes.com

23

MT Charity

Essex Dementia Care Gets Chairman of Braintree Council’s support Essex Dementia Care of Lynderswood Business Park are delighted to report that the chairman of Braintree Council, Cllr Lynn Walters, has chosen them to be one of her supported charities.

The charity, which began back in 2006, provides an invaluable range of services designed to enable people with dementia to maintain the active lifestyle of their choice and to provide respite and emotional support to the main care-givers. The charity offers one-to-one support and has Oasis activity centres in Braintree, Chelmsford and Southend-on-Sea, which provide a stimulating environment where dementia sufferers and carers can meet on a regular basis.

Debbie Davis, chief executive officer of Essex Dementia Care, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Councillor Walters has decided to support our charity. It will make such a big difference to our cause to have this sort of backing. Councillor

Walters is passionate about the charity and I am sure her presence will help make people much more aware of our service and activities.”

Essex Dementia Care has a team of substantially experienced, wellqualified individuals who care passionately about the needs of people who have dementia.

All their practitioners have many years experience of dementia care, are fully qualified and many have complementary qualifications as well as a deep understanding of the needs of family care-givers.

Essex Dementia Care have been on Lynderswood Business Park for five years. Park director Fiona Waugh said: “Essex Dementia Care are a wonderful group of very caring people carrying out a vital service that helps improve many peoples’ lives. We are delighted for them and very pleased to hear their news.” www.essexdementiacare.org.uk

Moulsham Lodge Community Trust - Community Fun Day All the hard work since the closing of the original community centre in 2006 culminated in the official opening of the Community Station on Saturday 30th May 2015 and a celebration of community fun.

This major event marks a significant milestone in our journey and one which allows us to continue with some security from the £1,600 that was raised on the day.

The day before, we received the great news that we had been granted charity status. This was also a significant factor in our continued survival, as charity status amongst other benefits allows you to obtain business rate relief at 80%. Charity status will also allow us to apply for more grants and receive more support from commercial organisations.

over the whole weekend and by the end of Sunday had raised over £350 by selling a guest beer, karaoke, bingo, BBQ and a bouncy castle. MLCT would like to thank Kate and her team at The Eagle & Hind for all their hard work on the day.

Finally we showed the mayor our photo exhibition Through the Ages; a collection of photos over the last 50 years of Moulsham Lodge from the very first bricks being laid, to the carnival and street parties, to the floods and expanding development that Moulsham Lodge has become today. Many people found photos of themselves as children taking part in the carnival, it caused much discussion and something we will do again in the not too distant future.

We now have ten trustees who cover a range of responsibilities, these are: Community Environment, Early Years Foundation, Community Sports Development, Governance, Community Action for Children & Adults, Community Safety, Golden Years and over the next few months we will be developing a range of activities that will allow people to take part in and experience a broad range of interests.

The day was a massive success and we are already thinking of next year and the possibility of a Christmas craft market and Santa’s grotto this year.

Please see our website (www.mlct.org.uk) and Facebook page (search Moulsham Lodge Community Trust) for more photos of the Community Fun Day. Back to the fun day. The new mayor of Chelmsford city, Cllr Paul Hutchinson, officially opened the Community Station by cutting the ribbon. After being greeting by Minnie and Mickey Mouse, the mayor was given a two hour guide around the fun day which started with the history of MLCT followed by watching a performance of New City Voices at St Luke’s Church and we would like to thank all at St Luke’s for letting us run what is normally their fun day and letting us use the church and hall free of charge.

The mayor then enjoyed a cup of tea and cake at our pop up café which when permanent, will be called the Copper Pot - which is the name young Max Sharp came up with as a name for the old police station, but we decided it would be a great name for our future café.

The mayor was then presented with a novel from local Moulsham Lodge author, Philip Hoyle. Philip’s post apocalypse story, Human Rights, is the first in a planned trilogy based in the fictional coastal town of Chelmsford.

Contact details: Mark Springett 01245 351040 or 07411 808731.

Email: mark.springett@mlct.org.uk.

We then took the mayor over to our local pub, The Eagle & Hind, which is run by Kate Martin. Kate offered to raise money for MLCT www.moulshamtimes.com

25

Kid’s Page by Alexander Aged 6.

SNOW LEOPARD TIMMY the

INVESTIGATING PEOPLE AND PLACES ACROSS ESSEX

ESSEX’S STANSTED AIRPORT

Welcome to Timmy the Snow Leopard’s page.

!

!

This time Timmy has visited Stansted Airport in Essex.

!

Last week, Timmy ?lew to his favourite city from Stansted (Rome in Italy).

!

If you are going to Spain on holiday you might be ?lying from Stansted Airport too. Look out for the rabbits by the runway.

! !

nnn

Here are some facts about Stansted Airport:

! !

1. Stansted Airport operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

2. 12 resident airlines ?ly to over 150 destinations at 30 countries.

!

3. Stansted has one runway which is 3048m long by 46m wide.

Stansted Airport is an international airport located at Stansted Mount?itchet in Essex.

!

In 2014 it was the fourth busiest airport in the UK (after Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester).

If you are lucky enough to be going on holiday this year, you might be ?lying out of Stansted Airport.

!

This week Timmy discovered that in 2014 almost 20 million passengers ?lew through Stansted Airport. The busiest route is to Dublin in Ireland, where over 800,000 passengers ?ly each year*. There is also a train station at Stansted Airport and you can travel into London or up to Birmingham.

!

*Source -­‐ Wikipedia

y gm

in ead

r for s k n Tha e pag

er d n a x Ale tor Edi 6 Age

Ami’s Diary

I’ve had the best month ever (except for when I filmed the Muppets Most Wanted with Kermit).

My agency is being filmed for a 4-part documentary about the ups and down of being a child performer, which is going to be shown on Channel 4. I was contacted by the TV company and asked to be involved, so when I had my portfolio photos updated to the Elite section of the agency, the film crew interviewed and filmed me while I was having my hair done and telling the photographer all about writing this monthly column for the Moulsham Times. They then filmed me while I was having my photoshoot.

I had a casting for a zombie film and the TV crew filmed the casting. There were 40 kids at the casting and we had to act out the sounds and movements of a zombie.

There were 3 people from the casting team and then the Channel 4 film crew too, so we had cameras and boom mics everywhere. They then chose me to do a GoPro bit - which is when they strap a small camera to the photographer to film a real close up action shot.

They then filmed the casting team calling the names of the 12 kids that had been cast for the film to capture their emotion. They filmed me when my name was called and interviewed me to ask how I felt. I was really excited!!! Then they asked my mum how she felt about me getting a part and she cried and they got it all on camera which I thought was funny.

I have also had to learn a script and send a self-tape audition for a role in a feature film called Case Files, which is being released next year and I had a casting in London for a TV commercial.

I’ve also been rehearsing for my Theatretrain show in which I am playing Fagin and singing You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two at the Kenneth Moore Theatre.

Funnies A prince came to a small pool where the most beautiful girl in the world was bathing. On her head was a large green frog. What was her name?

Lily!

What is the first thing a king or queen does when they come to the throne?

They sit down!

When is a piece of wood like a king or queen?

When it’s a ruler!

Why was Cinderella no good at playing hockey?

Because she was always running away from the ball!

How did Jack (from Jack and the Beanstalk) know how many beans his cow was worth?

He used a cowculator!

Who designed Noah’s ark?

An ark-itect You’ve failed history again..!

Well you always told me to let bygones be bygones!

Why were the early days of history called the dark ages?

Because there were so many knights!

Who invented King Arthur’s round table?

Sir Cumference!

Facts You May or May Not Know (All Sourced from the Web) This month, Victorian facts: Queen Victoria was on the throne for 64 years.

She was queen from June 1837 until her death in January 1901.

Seaside holidays became popular in Victorian times.

In the first half of the 1800s, classes were massive; sometimes there were more than 100 pupils in every class.

Victoria and Albert had 9 children, 42 grandchildren and more than 80 greatgrandchildren.

www.moulshamtimes.com

Remember to tell our advertisers you saw their advert in the MT

27

A Secret Location by Bridget Metcalfe

A badger watch.

Since my birthday, I had been content just with a letter confirming that 26th September would be an evening worth waiting for.

My friend Mike had booked for us to attend

The letter from a wildlife organisation simply confirmed that 2 places had been reserved for us to attend the watch at a secret location and that joining instructions would follow a few days before the event. So, when the 2nd letter arrived containing the joining instructions we scrutinised it (almost daily) for every word, every nuance to glean as much information as possible about what we might expect.

The 2nd letter explained that a gentleman called Tom would welcome us at his home at 6.30pm. His house is just a few hundred yards off a main road, along a road that had never seen any tarmac in its life! As we drew up in the car, Tom was standing near his front door waiting for the badger watchers to arrive.

He was probably about 70 years of age I’d say (he did say he is retired these days) and was dressed in dark green country clothes.

Another couple had already arrived, Beattie and Claude. It turned out that this was Beattie’s birthday present too and she had been waiting longer than me - since March for her badger watch!

Tom talked to us all about what to expect.

He said he’d been studying badgers for over 50 years and had bought this house in 1962 when he found that it had a badger sett nearby. Since then he has become a badger expert, recognised as such by other wildlife experts as well as TV and media people, vets and badger support groups around the world. The BBC has filmed Tom’s badgers on more than one occasion. Tom obviously felt it important to touch on his view of the ongoing debate of badgers infecting cattle with TB and their increasing numbers prompting the need for continuing the cruelty of a cull.

He simply said that whenever he recovers a badger road accident casualty he is always amazed by their prime state of health, fine coats and a good body weight in all cases, and no evidence of TB in any badger he has ever come in to contact with.

of other mixed nuts I had had in the kitchen cupboard - do badgers like/know almonds?) and Tom accepted them cracking the outer shells of a few peanuts and adding them to a large, old tupperware container containing slices of bread, other peanuts, cubes of cheese, pieces of apple and maybe one or two other items.

Then we set off through the trees and found ourselves on a fairly steep climb. It wasn’t yet quite dark, still just dusk enough to see the way through the trees and bushes. We came to the hide, which was a wooden shed with a trap door window raised so that we could all stand with our elbows on the shelf and see out. Even before we had entered the hide I saw 2 badgers approx 10 or 12 metres from us standing further along the path. We got in to the hide and looked out of the large raised trap door window - and there immediately outside the hide, only about a yard from where we were standing was... the entrance to the badger sett! I could not believe we were so close! The large dug out area of earth was obviously the main entrance with several other holes just visible both ways along the woodland path.

Within seconds badgers were arriving to greet Tom. First of all we saw their stripey faces in the diminishing light. Then the waddle of their chunky, solid bodies trundling along the path towards the hide. Tom immediately used his soft and low ‘badger voice’ (he’d obviously been using this tone of voice for years and I’d already noticed that it had now seemed to have become his only voice) to beckon the brocks, and he scattered a handful of peanuts and bits of cheese just outside the entrance to the sett. There was no grass, moss or any other vegetation growing at all around the sett entrance, just bare hard earth. The badgers had obviously worn away all traces of vegetation during their years (perhaps centuries) of ancestral inhabitancy. So, you could hear the peanuts land and roll like fat droplets of rain on a roof. The badgers heard this too and were soon within inches of us snuffling around with their long snouts and happily crunching peanuts as soon as one was discovered.

The pieces of cheese were devoured with great gusto as if the cheese were the finest delicacy, and you could hear them all savouring the flavour with the loudest salivary chomping sound because they obviously really like cheese! And the sniffing!

Sniff, sniff, sniff, sniff constantly, never ending sniffing and snuffling. The sweet musty smell of badgers filled the air, not unpleasant, just a natural badger smell.

known for at least a couple of years had all acquired names - Blossom, Fi (short for Fiona? I didn’t like to ask), Clover, Tipper, Ollie, Daisy - they all came out to greet Tom who pointed them all out to us. Apparently, this year there were some 10 new cubs born and these smaller and younger brocks, although more timid of Tom than their elders, would obviously grow to know the Tom way of doing things in the years to come.

Every so often, another stripey snout would emerge from the entrance to the sett. I don’t think even Tom can be sure exactly how many badgers live in this sett, but what a lovely surprise every time I saw a new face emerge! Actually, I’m not sure, but I reckon some badgers were emerging, scrubbling around for peanuts then retiring back in to the sett via another entrance further along the path, then coming out again of the main entrance. A kind of constant circular route of badgers!

The badgers had also started to dig further entrances to their sett and one such halfcompleted hole was immediately below where I was standing, about a foot from the front of the hide. Several badgers during the evening would dip in to this hole, discover it was still a dead end and then have to reverse out again. Someone should finish digging that hole!

Some of the adult badgers liked the offerings of cheese, bread and peanuts so much that they would come right up to the hide, stand on their hind legs, steadying themselves with their front paws on the front of the hide, their long badger claws scratching the wood as they accepted bits of bread and cheese from Tom’s fingers.

Tom had now turned on a large light which he had installed high up in a distant tree, and which lit the whole area beautifully. I counted eight badgers in very close proximity. I could also hear others rustling around just over the brow of the sett and in the trees just beyond.

Quite big animals, very stocky, short compact legs, inquisitive noses, and a stubby tail at the rear end and little fluffy white tips to their ears.

Blossom was rolling around in some fallen leaves and dry grass and other vegetation.

She was rolling it in to a ball beneath her belly and spent some considerable time moving this growing ball of dry but fresh bedding along the path and into another sett entrance further along the path. She was very determined with her housekeeping and even when she was out of sight for a minute or two, you could still hear her moving this ball of bedding (a bit like a badger sleeping bag) to where she wanted it to be. An incredible operation to observe!

As the light further diminished, Tom used a torch to act as a spotlight on individuals.

They all seemed to rise to the occasion, like Then he said he would go and fetch their prima donnas with their snouts raised to It started to rain. Heavy drops of rain through food. I offered a bag of nuts (both shelled enhance profiles. Tom could identify all his the trees. The mood changed. The badgers and unshelled peanuts plus a handful or so adult and young adult badgers and those were animated. Rain means that worms and 28

Remember to tell our advertisers you saw their advert in the MT www.moulshamtimes.com

other grubs (the main diet for badgers) will come to the surface and are therefore easier to dig up and enjoy. Their excitement was only tempered by the thought that there were not that many worms anywhere near the surface after the long summer dry spell.

A lot of rain would be needed to loosen the earth and attract worms to the surface for digging up. So, in the meantime, the cheese, peanuts and Hovis would do as a kind of take-away menu.

In the distance, a large badger appeared.

Tom now became as animated as Tom would become. “Rolo” he simply said.

Rolo and Tom have been friends for some seven or eight years and she is one of the elder adult badgers who are extremely confident with Tom. Tom whispered to us: “You can call a dog and it will run straight to its owner, but badgers just seem to log your call in their mind and turn up a few minutes later”. Tom continued with his call “Rolo” who paid little/no attention; eventually Tom quietly stepped forward: “Rolo” - he scatters a few nuts - “Rolo”.

Rolo decided it was time to oblige and walked up to Tom, stood on her hind legs, steadying herself with her front paws on Tom’s old green trousers and then he fed her from his fingers. Every time she accepted the tit-bits he would repeat “Rolo” - so I’m not sure if Rolo knows that that is her name or whether she thinks Rolo means “peanuts/Hovis/ cheese”.

people will never see a badger in their whole lives. Yes, a true privilege indeed.

badgers and a wonderful evening spent at a secret location.

We left after signing the visitors book. All the usual adjectives you’d expect in the comments column: “Wonderful!” “Amazing!”

“Incredible!” and every variation on that theme was listed, each entry searching for another positive word to add. I couldn’t think of one so I just wrote “Thankyou. Better than I could have expected!” - but that still doesn’t seem nearly sufficient a comment to truly capture the whole experience.

The End.

We drove off back down the unmettled road and arrived at the main road. A pub on the right hand side beckoned for me to use the ladies. We went inside. Friday Night and Looking For A Fight were all in there. The music boom-boomed. We left without staying for a drink. Instead, we stopped at a chip shop, drove to a lay-by and ate the chips in the car, mulling over the life of Tom and his

Please note: All names in this account have been changed (including those of the badgers!) to protect the identity of the badger expert and the location of the badger sett. www.bridgetmetcalfe.com And finally a few ODD SAYINGS – things I’ve noticed: If you whisper something, everyone believes you!

It’s OK to do whatever your Rice Crispies say.

Time stops everything from happening all at once.

We watched from the hide, the scene is a bit like a woodland badger cocktail party with everyone enjoying little snacks and being terribly pleasant to each other and engaging in polite badger conversation. Wonderful. The interaction was very touching.

Tom returned to the hide. “What time is it?” he asked. We’re all surprised that it’s now well after 9 o’clock. Two and a half hours since our arrival and a better evening could not have been spent. Completely enthralling and a true privilege to see such rarely seen and secretive animals. They are indigenous to the British countryside, but most

View all of our magazines online at issuu.com/ itsyourmedia www.moulshamtimes.com

29

Volatile Descent: A Detective Carter Mystery by JR Blake - Part 7 Last time we saw how DS Carter’s boss, DCI Maslow, had further connections to their 30 year old murder and that it might even be linked to their current investigation. Now DS Carter and her exhusband, DI Eric Carter, must uncover the truth behind a 30 year old case and of course, get through dinner…..

DS Carter entered the hotel restaurant. It was easier to book here and she wanted to keep an eye on the staff, just in case anyone was acting suspiciously. Eric was already at the table, bottle of wine opened and glasses poured. Dammit, her knew her too well…

“Did you get the files?” Erin asked, determined to keep this purely business. Eric tapped the file on the table: “I gave the coroner’s report to Diane. She’s looking over everything now.”

“Good, let’s have a look then” Erin grabbed the file. As she was skimming through, she noticed that some of the interviews with various witnesses could certainly have been more thorough. She also noticed a photograph of her boss when he was a teenager: “Maslow had... um... interesting taste in clothes back then!”

Grinning, she showed the photograph to Eric. He laughed.

“I never thought I’d see DCI Maslow in a Hawaiian shirt. Clearly he was inspired by Magnum PI.” “Looking through these interviews I’d say we need to speak to the owners of the B & B as a matter of urgency. They may know what connected Stephen and Benjamin. Perhaps they overheard something, or saw something, anything that might shed some light on what Stephen knew that got him killed” DS Carter suggested.

“Did your colleague Reid find anything?” DI Carter asked.

“Haven’t heard back from him. I’ll give him a call later, hopefully he hasn’t been kidnapped.”

“Kidnapped?” DI Carter asked, intrigued.

“Let’s just say Dr Looker has eyes for our Reid. Bless him, I think she scares the pants off him.”

“Good tactic.” DI Carter replied, winking at his ex-wife. She rolled her eyes. DI Carter continued: “I remember the first time I saw you in the station, in uniform. I’ve never met a blonde that suited a PC’s uniform quite so much as you did...”

“And now I’ve been promoted I just stick to my crappy trench coat.”

“Your crappy Columbo trench coat. At least you remind most of us coppers of a famous fictional detective. It means we let you off a bit.” He winked at her again. “Top up?”

“Yep.” DS Carter had a feeling she was going to need it.

Upstairs in her room, Dr Diane Looker sat on her bed in her fluffy white dressing gown. Finally, after a full body massage, full body ‘Salt Glow’ exfoliation, facial, sauna, a manicure, a pedicure and a large glass of Cabernet Sauvignon she was ready to tackle this 30 odd year old coroner’s report. She opened the file.

Oh God, this guy wrote like a five year old, she said to herself.

She would need another half glass of wine before she attempted to decipher what this coroner had reported, so she looked to the photographs. Beginning with the scene where the body was discovered, she noted the varying rock formations that could cause differing injuries to the body, position of the body, state of the clothes, all the usual bits and bobs that would tell her, in normal circumstances, that this was a teenage man that had tumbled off the cliffs.

Then she moved to the photographs taken as part of the coroner’s report. Sipping her wine, she scanned the photographs individually.

And then she stopped. Something was wrong. Something was very, very wrong. She put her glass of wine down and reached for another set of photos, comparing them. She then reached for the notes. Turning over the photographs individually she compared the dates and then read the coroner’s report again fully, six or seven times. Realising what she had found, she jumped off the bed, grabbed the files together, gulped down the rest of her glass of wine and raced out of the room.

In the corridor, she ran into DC Reid, literally, almost knocking him over. “Careful there doc!” Reid looked at Diane, something was wrong “What’s up?”

“We have to get to Erin - NOW!” “She’s in the restaurant with thingy-what’s-his-face, the ex. I’m just on my way there now with new evidence. What you found?”

“Come on!” Dr Looker shouted and she grabbed DC Reid, bypassed the lifts and went straight down the stairs towards the restaurant.

Dr Looker and DC Reid burst into the restaurant. DS Carter and DI Carter looked up as Diane ran over to the table: “Erin, DI Carter….you have to see this!” She placed the photographs on the table along with the coroner’s report. “These photographs, on the left, were taken the day the victim’s body was found. This Coroner’s report, in the middle, was written on the day the body was found. These photographs, on the right, were taken the day after the body was found. Notice anything different?” Dr Looker asked, hoping Erin’s keen eye would spot what she did.

“These photographs are of the same parts of the body, the arms and shoulders. Why did they take more a day later?” DS Carter asked, intrigued by this new development.

“Because the originals, on the left, were misplaced. The report had already been written so they just took some more and shoved it in the file. Later, the originals were found and shoved in the file too - but what do you see?” Dr Looker asked, exasperated. DS Carter looked but before she had chance to answer Dr Looker jumped in: “The photographs that were taken a day later show clear bruising.

Sometimes bruising can take a while to show on a body, the bruising is in a pattern. A finger pattern - see?” She pointed out the pattern to the detectives: “These are finger marks! Either the victim was shoved off that cliff, or at the very least, had one hell of an argument with someone just before death. That’s why we couldn’t see them on the first photograph, the body hadn’t had time to react and to bruise. When kept in certain conditions, bruising can show on a deceased body later, when the conditions have changed enough for it to do so.”

“Dr Looker, are you telling me that we have evidence of a possible homicide and all we have to do to find the prime suspect is to match these finger marks to their owner?” DS Carter asked her friend.

“YES!!! That is exactly what I’m telling you!!” Diane replied. DC Reid saw his opportunity to jump in: “Anyone wanna know what I found?” He asked. It was DI Carter that replied...

“Well, this is all quite exciting! Yes DC Reid, I am practically on the edge of my seat…”

“This napkin…” DC Reid held it up “….is not currently in use at this hotel. I checked everywhere, and then it occurred to me they’ve probably re-branded at some point. So I went to the marketing team, who eventually managed to find exactly where this baby came from. It’s over 30 years old….this napkin was in use when Benjamin Closer died. This, I believe, is further evidence that these investigations are connected.”

Tune in next time to see how the team use this new evidence to further their investigation, which as DCI Maslow arrives, is about to take a very dramatic and explosive turn…..

If you would you like to write for any of our magazines, or have a one-off article to send us, please email: editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

Highwood Tree Care

Mckillop Plastering

01245 422712/07711 606561

All types of plastering undertaken Based in Old Moulsham • Outside rendering • Re-skimming walls & ceilings • Tacking • Floor screeds • No job to small or big • 25 years experience

www.highwoodlandscapes.co.uk

01245 630425 / 07989 549244

Advertise in this section for just £20 + VAT per issue

Looking to Earn Extra Cash?

All types of trees lopped, topped, shaped and crown reduction.

All sized trees dismantled and taken away.

Also Hedge trimming etc..

Auto Services

A well established local garage based in the heart of Chelmsford for all your motoring needs.

42 Milmay Rd, Chelmsford CM2 0DZ Tel: 01245 262869

ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk

Full time/Part Time/ £ Times to suit

£

£ Call NOW £ 07539 276351 Kitchen & Bar Staff Required

SCRUFTS K9 DOG GROOMING & ALL THINGS CANINE UNIT 7 BEEHIVE BUSINESS CENTRE BEEHIVE LANE CHELMSFORD CM2 9TE 0333 121 2559 INFO@SCRUFTSK9.CO.UK www.scruftsk9.co.uk

In friendly traditional pub, own transport needed.

Will include weekend hours.

Three Elms, Chignal St James

Call us now! n

FREE FOOD DELIVERY TO YOUR DOOR LARGE RANGE OF HANDMADE HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS AND SHAMPOOS

01245 443151

Advertise in this section for just £20 + VAT per issue ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk

Quiz Answers 1. Dunnet Head in Scotland 2. Lizard Point in Cornwall 3. AFC Bournemouth 4. Prague 5. 62 pence www.moulshamtimes.com

6. Truro

18. Dancing Queen

7. Fifty six

13. Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge

8. Barry Island

14. 8,760

9. The Orkney Islands

15. Bryan Adams

20. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

10. Delphi

16. Margo and Jerry Leadbetter

11. Charles Kennedy 12. Andy Fairweather-Low

17. Hampshire

19. Lincoln and Salisbury

Remember, if you would like to submit a quiz to us, please email: editorial@itsyourmedia. co.uk.

31

Thinking of Selling or Letting?

Mc Cartney

Contact Chelmsford’s leading independent agent for your free, no-obligation quote Decades of experience and expert local knowledge 01245 266980

www.mccartneyestateagents.co.uk