Moulsham Times - April 2020

Web sites from £325

MoulshamTimes Covering: Old Moulsham, Moulsham Lodge, Tile Kiln and surrounding area

Delivered to over 9000 homes and businesses monthly

YOUR POLICE FORCE IS HERE FOR YOU!

Issue Number 86 - April 2020

Essex Police We remain out and about around the county protecting and serving Essex.

Our priorities haven’t changed: We’re here to keep people safe and to catch criminals.

We remain committed to protecting the vulnerable, supporting victims, being visible in your communities, and tackling those intent on causing harm.

Thank you for helping us to help keep you safe in these challenging times.

We will continue to be visible in our local communities, maintaining safe distances when we engage, in line with the Government advice on social distancing. However, please ensure that you are only making essential journeys.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Prophet said: “The core function of what policing’s about: helping people, keeping people safe, dealing with criminals - that hasn’t changed, and that will continue.

“I’ve been out and about with the Community Policing Team, talking to residents, talking to local businesses, talking to the public, just reassuring them that Essex Police core functions of our services are continuing.”

Please read the clear guidance available on how you can keep yourselves and others safe by visiting: gov.uk/coronavirus. #ProtectingandServingEssex

Please share the link for this online issue enabling as many of our regular readers to be able to view the magazine as possible: www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

MT Welcome Hi readers, Welcome to the April edition of Moulsham Times.

Due to the current situation I am afraid that this edition is available online only. While we could have the magazine printed, we would not be able to deliver to the 9,000 homes and businesses it is normally delivered to.

This is the first time in over 7 years that the Moulsham Times has not been printed! We will take a view on how to approach the next issue of the City Times in the next few weeks.

If you are a new reader due to viewing this online and you would like to view future editions please visit www. moulshamtimes.com and complete the mailchimp sign up form.

I would be incredibly grateful if you could share this link, www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia, to any friends and Advertising & Editorial Paul Mclean 01245 262082 07595 949701 paul@moulshamtimes.com

neighbours in the Old Moulsham, Moulsham Lodge and Tile Kiln areas so that as many of our regular readers can still read the magazine and stay in touch with what’s happening in the local community.

All of our adverts in this issue have been charged a minimal amount to cover the cost of proofreading. Our largest costs (printing and delivery) are obviously not relevant this month. We have also enlarged the font slightly so it is easier to read on screen.

The May issue will be available from 30th April.

Please all stay safe during this time!

Again, the link to share is: www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia.

Regards Paul

It’s Your Magazines Ltd

Disclaimer: It’s Your Magazines Ltd 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 Magazines Ltd. No part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of It’s Your Magazines Ltd. Reg Co No. 12080535. Printed by Printwize.

Please call Michael on:

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

Electrical Installation & Maintenance M-Spec Services based in Chelmsford cater for all your electrical requirements.

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 NIC EIC PArt P Domestiv Installer 28 Widford Grove, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9AT

www.moulshamtimes.com

3

Chelmsford - by Vicky Ford MP Dear People of Chelmsford. I know you are all worried about the impact of coronavirus. We all are. We have never seen a threat like this before and it is extremely serious.

I would like to start by thanking all those on the front line, especially our doctors, nurses, cleaners and all the other staff in our hospitals. They know they are being exposed to the virus, but they are the bravest of us all. We will always be in their debt. My thoughts are also with their families; as a doctor’s wife I know how concerned we all are for our loved ones working in our hospitals.

It is absolutely vital that we try to slow the spread of the disease, as this is crucial to preventing even more pressure on our hospitals and making sure that our NHS staff can do their very best to care for those who are ill.

The Government is following the medical advice of the Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, and I have attended briefings and conference calls with Dr Whitty since the virus first was discovered in China. He and his team at Public Health England are world leading experts, so please do follow the Government advice which he is setting. The latest advice and help is available at: gov.uk/coronavirus.

As Minister for Children and Families, I have been involved in many very challenging decisions over recent days and weeks, including the decision to close schools. These are not the decisions one wants to have to take, but we know they are the right decisions to make as they will save lives.

My specific ministerial role involves oversight for vulnerable children; this includes all children and young people in care. I am also responsible for decisions regarding children with special educational needs and disabilities, early years provision and school meals. At this critical time, I am deeply impressed by the way that people across the country are stepping up to the mark to help the most vulnerable and by the immense knowledge and professionalism of the civil service, teachers and social workers.

Over the next few weeks and months I will be focusing on my job to support our most vulnerable children across the country as well as supporting the people of Chelmsford. I am doing most of this by online or other digital means as I need to reduce social contact myself in order to reduce the risk of my passing the virus onto my doctor husband.

My small team of assistants in Chelmsford are also helping to answer emails. Please do contact us if you have urgent issues that you need us to help with.

I would also like to thank all those working in other vital areas: The staff in our supermarkets, those working in food production, our police, transport workers, delivery drivers and the many others who are keeping the country going.

The Government is working flat out with food suppliers to ensure that our stores are well stocked. I am assured that there is sufficient food and other supplies for all, but people do need to shop responsibly and stop stockpiling.

This period is going to be especially challenging for those with health conditions and older people who are vulnerable and need to stay as far away from other people as much as possible. There is also a group of around 1.5 million people who are at most severe risk due to their health conditions, and these people are being asked to completely shield themselves from others. A support network is being established locally and nationally to give extra support to those who are advised to shield. Thank you to everyone who has offered to volunteer to support others. You can sign up via the Facebook page ‘Essex Coronavirus Action’ group at www.facebook.com/groups/ essexcoronavirusactionsupport.

I know that many people are also concerned about the financial impact that this will have on their lives. The Government has already announced a huge package of support for workers and businesses, more funding for the NHS and more for social care and local councils. I know that ministers are constantly looking at areas where more support may be needed.

4 www.moulshamtimes.com

MT Therapy - by Chelmsford Therapy Rooms Hi everyone, Jenny here. We’re all currently being affected by COVID-19. Whether you’ve had the infection or are suffering from the fallout of having to self-isolate or work from home, all of us will have our lives completely changed for a few months to come. Looking after your mental health is incredibly important. Many of you will be suffering from anxiety or feeling the effects of being isolated from friends and family, and I want all of you to know that the therapists at Chelmsford Therapy Rooms are here for you at this difficult time.

The vast majority of us therapists offer online therapy, so we can see clients via online platforms such as Zoom or Skype, or we can FaceTime with you or speak over the phone. Most of us offer discounted rates for these forms of therapy. I know that many therapists are offering discounted rates for NHS workers too as we strive to support you through this difficult time. I have clients that work for the NHS and not only am I offering discounted rates, I’m also opening my availability to six days per week because I am aware that shifts might change constantly as we battle this terrible disease. The therapists at Chelmsford Therapy Rooms are self-employed, so luckily we are able to offer this kind of flexibility to our clients.

If you’re suffering with stress and anxiety at the moment, my heart really goes out to you. Please remember to practise self care, here are a few tips: 1. If you can, make sure you get out at least once per day - practising social distancing of course! When you’re walking around try to go somewhere among nature, like a park, somewhere with open spaces. Take note of the nature around you, really focus on the fact that you’re out of the house, appreciate the beautiful trees and flowers around you. Focussing on nature is a coping technique I use with lots of clients, it helps to calm you down, and focussing on lots of different things around you whilst being outside will help to reinforce the fact that you have been out and reduce the feeling of cabin fever.

2. We all need to go out and get supplies, but adding to my comments about focussing on nature, you can also bring this into your home. I know that Tesco are selling bunches of young flowers for £1 each; you can buy one of these and then watch them flower in your home. It gives you something positive to focus on as you see the flowers bloom, see nature literally taking place, which can be very comforting for some people and offers a healthy distraction. It’s also a positive and healthy way to treat yourself!

3. Make sure you keep in touch with friends and family.

I’m very lucky to have a wide circle of friends and we already have a huge WhatsApp group. Other than FaceTiming your friends, there’s also an app

called HouseParty. You download the app and then it accesses your Facebook page so you can invite your friends to download too. Then when you go into the app, it will tell you ‘who is in the house’ - so who’s online, and then you can wave at them to see if they’re available to chat. This means that you always have access to contact your friends and family, it’s a brilliant app and you can message on there and send photos too!

4. Remember to relax. This situation isn’t going to last forever. It will end. We’ve only got another couple of weeks or so before the Government looks at the lockdown situation again and they are giving updates daily. If you’re feeling stressed and anxious about the situation try downloading a meditation app and practise everyday. This will allow you the headspace to relax and reload.

5. Try not to submerge yourself in coronavirus information.

This will just overload you and add to your stress. Try to take time out and distract yourself with other things like your favourite TV show, magazine, book etc.

6. If you feel you need to talk to a professional, please do.

Lots of therapists offer online therapy these days so you could always look at the counselling directory, or contact one of us at Chelmsford Therapy Rooms, and we’d be happy to talk to you. Although COVID-19 is on everyone’s minds, to be honest many clients are talking about the issues that were present before coronavirus kicked off. The reason for this is that our issues haven’t resolved or gone away since COVID-19 or the lockdown.

For some people it might even add to current issues!

So we’re here to talk, and we’re here to help you. We don’t want you to suffer, we want to help and will do so in any way that we can.

Lastly, I’d just like to say a huge THANK YOU to the NHS and the wonderful staff that are working flat out. You always work hard anyway and I can’t imagine the fear and stress you must be feeling right now. Please know how grateful the entire country is for all of your hard work, your compassion, your determination, and your caring. The entire country appreciates everything you do and we will do everything we can to support you. Hence the HUGE response to the volunteer request to help the NHS. Us therapists at Chelmsford Therapy Rooms will do everything we can to help and support you. We all think you are truly wonderful and amazing human beings.

Jenny Hartill is a therapist and the owner of Cloud9 Therapy, and Chelmsford Therapy Rooms. She is a counsellor and hypnotherapist and can help with a multitude of issues. Please see the therapist list on the website at www.chelmsfordtherapyrooms.co.uk, or you can email info@chelmsfordtherapyrooms.co.uk, or call 0330 100 5162 to enquire about an initial consultation.

Alternatively, Jenny’s own company website is www.cloud9therapy.co.uk, her email is info@cloud9-therapy.co.uk and her telephone number is 07507 307 170.

www.moulshamtimes.com

5

6 www.moulshamtimes.com

Moulsham Support Service 26th March 2020

Moulsham Support Service is aimed at helping people who are vulnerable at this time of national crisis and who have nobody else to turn to. Things are moving very quickly, but here is what we know at the moment.

• 1.5 million people have received a letter telling them to stay at home for 12 weeks. These people will be supported by the NHS and contact details for support are on their letters.

• There is a second category of people who are not classified as the highest risk but are still vulnerable. These are the over 70s and people with health conditions known to social care. There should be support in place for these people, the plan is that they will be contacted and monitored and referred to Essex Welfare Services.

• Then there is everyone else! In theory - fit, well and able to cope, but potentially still in need of support. Particularly if self-isolating, living alone or maybe with mental or physical health issues. In the first instance we are encouraging people to look after each other, calling on friends, family and neighbours. It is really important we empower our community to care for each other rather than immediately jumping in to rescue. However, there will be people in this group that do not have that support. This is the group that we are working with, providing low-level support and reducing demand on statutory services so that they are able to respond to the more vulnerable.

• All of our volunteers are Enhanced DBS checked and recruited according to Safer Recruitment Guidelines, and are abiding by Safeguarding Principles.

We are offering a support service that may include the following: • Collection/purchase of essential items.

• Signposting to local organisations including the Foodbank/CAB/befriending services etc.

• Spiritual/emotional support (through church ministry/pastoral care team).

Please call 07517 715 393 or email: moulshamchurches@gmail.com

www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

7

COVID-19: What’s Happening and What Can You Do? - by Your Local Councillors

I don’t think it’s possible to overstate how much the world has changed since the last edition of Moulsham Times came out. Last month I was writing to you about the future of Chelmsford’s bus network, looking forward to the possibility of securing funding to make our public transport better. This month, the vast majority of us have been told to stay at home to protect the NHS and to save lives - quite a stark contrast.

In the space of just a few days, life has changed completely for all of us; not just in Chelmsford, but all across the world. This is a truly global crisis - one that hopefully unites us in one single objective: beating the virus and saving lives.

Here in Chelmsford and throughout Essex, people are doing an amazing job at coming together and supporting their family, friends and neighbours who are at the most risk from coronavirus because they are possibly older, vulnerable or have underlying health conditions. But for those who do not have such help or support, the council is putting a number of initiatives in place to make sure everyone is adequately fed.

In times of crisis, it’s more important than ever that councils work together and coordinate their efforts. Essex County Council has been designated as the lead authority in Essex, while district councils like Chelmsford City Council are supporting them.

So What’s Happening?

From today (30th March), public services across Essex are stepping up support for people who may not have their own help. Vulnerable residents in Essex will be contacted from today by the NHS and GP surgeries to check if they need food to be delivered. This group of people are over the age of 70, are pregnant, or have underlying health conditions.

Essential food packages will start to be delivered to them shortly after. A distribution hub has been set up in Witham, along with two other hubs set up by Southend and Thurrock Councils. In addition, Chelmsford City Council are also setting up a support hub should this be needed to help in our city.

If you have NOT been contacted by your GP surgery and you need food supplies, you can contact the Essex Welfare Service by visiting www.essexwelfareservice.org, or by telephoning 0300 303 9988 (Monday to Friday, 8am-7pm or Saturday and Sunday 10am-2pm).

Councils simply don’t have the resources to do everything themselves - they need all of our help. Volunteers are urgently needed to help with tasks like collecting and delivering food, prescriptions or even befriending people over the phone. If you can spare some time to help, please download and fill in this form at www.chelmsford. gov.uk/_resources/assets/inline/full/0/4256121.doc and return it to the Chelmsford Centre Supporting Voluntary Action (CVS/CSVA) by emailing it to sally@chelmsfordcvs. org.uk.

We hope you are managing to adapt during this very difficult time - and whatever happens, please let me say on behalf of everyone at the City Council that we will do our very best to bring you all your key services.

Our vital services like bin collections and street care are all running as normal and our teams are working around the clock to keep things going. Sign up to receive the City Council’s newsletter to stay in touch over the coming weeks www. chelmsford.gov.uk/mailinglist and we’ll be constantly updating the local coronavirus web page at www. chelmsford.gov.uk/coronavirus. There will also be regular updates on www.facebook.com/chelmscouncil and also Twitter - @ChelmsCouncil.

Stay safe and well and Chelmsford City Council will be doing all we can to be there for you in the weeks ahead.

And remember: stay home, protect the NHS, save lives.

Your local Chelmsford city councillors, working together for you, are: Marie Goldman: Deputy Leader, Chelmsford City Council, and Ward Councillor for Moulsham & Central (marie.goldman@chelmsford.gov.uk).

Jeremy Lager: Ward Councillor for Moulsham & Central (jeremy.lager@chelmsford.gov.uk).

Graham Pooley: Ward Councillor for Moulsham & Central (graham.pooley@chelmsford.gov.uk) .

Linda Mascot: Ward Councillor for Goat Hall (linda.mascot@chelmsford.gov.uk) Tom Willis: Ward Councillor for Goat Hall (tom.willis@chelmsford.gov.uk) .

David Jones: Ward Councillor for Moulsham Lodge (david.jones@chelmsford.gov.uk).

8

www.moulshamtimes.com

MT Health

Do Your Habits of Health Seem a Little Trivial?

- by Chris at Forté Physical Health

I have written three different versions of this article already. Each time I write it, the rules change! So here we are, on deadline day, with ‘v4.0’. Let’s find some optimism to inspire you to stay healthy during these unprecedented times…

As the news has been coming out about the virus and our behaviours have been changing, my mind has been in overdrive. More anxiety, less energy. Numb.

The events surrounding COVID-19 have blindsided us all and shown us how fragile our seemingly stable lives are. It is affecting us all in some way, putting logistical pressure on our routines, adding stress to our day.

Worries of health and the economy are at the forefront of people’s minds. It’s easy to feel that one’s normal habits of healthy eating, exercise and body care are a little redundant - we have more important things to think about!

In times like these, our usual health practices seem a little... trivial.

But Are They?

I felt this quite acutely myself at the beginning of all this.

I felt frozen, my mind buzzing about all the worst-case scenarios. I stopped exercising, my diet waned. My one saving grace is that I set myself the challenge of having no chocolate and no beer for Lent. Once I set myself a challenge, I make sure I stick to it, but if it wasn’t for that I would have eaten my bodyweight in Cadburys and tested every variety of BrewDog beers by now!

But after a few days of feeling sorry for myself, I had a bit of an epiphany. One palpable positive that has come out of this crisis is a sense of ‘we’re in it together’. I feel that there is a comradery gluing us together. We are realising that we all have a job to do to help the collective. We all have a goal of staying healthy so we can ‘flatten the curve’.

With this in mind, I shifted my mindset from ‘victim’ mode to ‘I’ve got a job to do’ mode. In order to stay healthy, both for myself and for those around me, I need to be sticking to my habits of health.

Of course, the way we have to go about things has changed. When it comes to exercise, your body is an

excellent tool. Now that gyms are out the question, you could look up a workout online just using bodyweight exercises. I’m sure your favourite fitness celeb has created some home workouts online, so do a bit of hunting to find something that works for you.

The most important thing will be to motivate yourself to start. Now that many of us are not at work, it’s easy to adopt the ‘I’ll do it later’ mindset, but we all know how that plays out! I find that if there is some exercise I want to get done, I do it first thing in the day before breakfast. Then no matter what else happens in the day, I’ve succeeded.

During the day it’s important to stay mobile. As an osteopath, I see many injuries caused when people become more sedentary (Christmas is a great example of this). When people sit more - especially on soft chairs like the sofa - it tightens the system. This leaves the body more prone to injury when you do your normal tasks. While our routines have been disturbed and we’re more housebound, make sure you stay on your feet often and walk as much as you can.

What do I always say? Movement is medicine and motion is the lotion!

Another point to focus on is your diet. Anxiety and boredom are the biggest causes of overeating, and they also lead us towards vices like alcohol. I speak personally here where I say I’ve been drinking more than usual recently! Drinking alcohol helps to lighten the mood and soften the stress of the current climate. But the next day? My stress has increased again. This leads me to be a bit snappier with my wife and kids - and that is not how I ever want to be.

I mentioned earlier that we all have a job to do to help the collective. One of our most important roles we have is to stay calm. In times like these, having pockets of calm dotted through society helps to lower the general levels of stress that can be felt. With this in mind, our exercise and diets not only help us feel better as an individual, but they have a positive ripple effect through society.

Our habits of health keep us grounded. They keep our joints moving, they help our immune system and they balance our mind. And in times like these, staying healthy and calm is our new ‘job’.

Please share the link for this online issue to enable as many regular readers as possible to read this publication: www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia Remember to tell our advertisers you saw their advert in the MT

www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

9

MT Gardening The weather’s been great recently - even though night time temperatures are going to possibly be on the frosty side. With this in mind, take care with those plants not fully hardened off. If putting hardy plants out from a warm to a suddenly cooler temperature, there could be the chance of bolting. This is especially true for lettuces, rocket and other veg... take care!

Flowers • Seed sowing is at its height now as most of the summer bedding plants can be sown.

• Half-hardy annuals such as Lobelia, African/French marigolds and petunias can be sown in the heated greenhouse or indoors on a well lit windowsill.

• Provided soil conditions are not too cold and wet, early sowings of hardy annuals can be made outdoors, such a pot marigold, clarkia, poached egg plant, nasturtiums and love-in-the-mist.

• Fuchsias and pot geraniums, whether bush or trailing, need potting up and cutting hard to generate lots of lush sappy growth - ideal for taking softwood cuttings in about 2-3 weeks.

Take a look at these jobs for the next few week: Lawns • Towards the end of the month, provided the ground is not too wet, it’s an ideal time to start preparing areas for sowing in April.

• Perennial weeds should be controlled by digging out the roots or using a weedkiller containing glyphosate.

The spray will take around 2 weeks to fully kill off any perennial weeds or old lawn.

• The site should be dug to a depth of 23cm (9″) which should be followed by raking to obtain a level surface.

Use wide landscape rakes as the smaller metal headed types won’t be able to give a level site. Follow this by consolidating the ground to assist upward flow of water to the seed and also takes out excess oxygen.

• On established lawns the first cut of the season can be made, not too short, just removing the leaf tips. Never remove more than half at any one time and remove clippings.

• Where moss is a problem on the lawn, moss killers can be applied at this time - wait for the moss to blacken before raking off.

• Replace lawn edges that may have worn away or crumbled by using a sharp half-moon edging iron.

Vegetables • Seed potatoes should be set out in trays which are placed in a bright but cool frost-free situation so that the shoots will form ‘chatting’. I tend to use old egg cartons and pop them on the windowsill. Plantings of early varieties (Red Duke of York and Orla) can be made during March, however, main crop varieties (Pink Fir Apple and Cara) are best planted in April.

Fruit • It’s still ok to plant out soft fruit such as gooseberry, raspberry and strawberry. Try some new varieties this year. Check out the following suppliers: www.kenmuir. co.uk and www.pomonafruits.co.uk.

• To encourage long, tender stalks of rhubarb, it is ideal to cover the crowns with old buckets which will exclude any light.

Happy gardening, and keep safe!

For any gardening tips please contact Tom Cole, Horticultural Lecturer, Capel Manor College, Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex, EN1 4RQ by post (including a SAE) or by email at Tom.Cole@capel.ac.uk.

10

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

www.moulshamtimes.com

Community Helpline Launched in Chelmsford These unprecedented times have left many people across Chelmsford, its villages, and South Woodham Ferrers feeling isolated and in need of additional support. Whether this is food shopping, help with pet essentials or a simple phone call to chat.

This is a completely voluntary service, so it is always advisable to reach out to friends and family first, if you can.

Chelmsford Centre Supporting Voluntary Action is working in partnership with Chelmsford City Council to identify and deliver local support to assist those in need in the district of Chelmsford.

If you need support outside of the above hours then the Essex Welfare Service is also there to help you find support during the COVID-19 restrictions. If you need support with advice, daily living tasks and wellbeing, please contact them on 0300 303 9988. You can also give them a call to report anyone you are concerned about.

A dedicated local helpline has been set up so that those most in need get the help that they need.

You can call the helpline directly on 01245 280 731 from 10am to 12noon and between 2pm to 4pm Monday to Friday.

This service is able to help residents of Chelmsford with the following - but not limited to - issues: • • • • •

Collection and delivery of food and essential supplies.

Collection and delivery of prescriptions.

Pet essentials.

Basic welfare calls.

Telephone befriending.

Please remember these voluntary services are for people with emergency needs.

More information about the service can be found here: chelmsfordcvs.org.uk/covid-19-community-offer.

The Centre Supporting Voluntary Action is an independent support and development organisation (sometimes called CVS) set up to champion, support and strengthen local charities, voluntary and community groups: chelmsfordcvs.org.uk.

The Essex Welfare Service is supported by Essex County Council and delivered by Provide a Community Interest Company delivering a broad range of health and social care services in the community: www.provide.org.uk

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

www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

11

Nick Garner’s Music & Ramblings Ramblings Hello all. The first thing to say is that I hope you are all safe and fit and well. Please do try to keep in touch with your family your neighbours and friends and those who are more vulnerable than you. Skype and WhatsApp for video calls are good, as those on their own can see someone while talking. On Wi-Fi in your home, remember these calls are likely to be free, so can last as long as you want as most plans these days have no restrictions on Internet usage.

No matter who we are, we are all in this together. My hope is that when we come out the other side of this awful pandemic - which we will - we come out as better humans with less political, ethnic and religious biases. I hope that we take time to stand back and look at our planet and help to make it a better place to live, as we the human race are the biggest destroyers of this earth.

We must look at how we live our lives: use less fuels, recycle more and find alternatives to things like plastic and fossil fuels. I am not so sure about electric transport, as we have to create electricity and batteries - why not hydrogen?

We have an abundance of water on this planet.

It is strange out there right now; the roads are so quiet and all the shops and businesses are closed. Maybe after all this is over, how some of us live and work might change, as many businesses may find that having employees working from home really works better, which would certainly cut down on travel and congestion out there.

I am an old hippy and have never lost the ideology of peace and love. Moulsham Times and City Times will still be available online during this current time period through our page at www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia. We hope you can spread the word to keep people entertained and informed about the current situation - and also give people something to read while we are all stuck at home. We also hope that you continue to follow and support us after this is over.

Music This will be my last reporting of actual attended live gigs for a while, as we are now in lockdown and will be going live online only.

All shows at Chelmsford City Football Club are now off until at least July. Albert Lee will now be on Wednesday 24th September and all purchased tickets will be valid for that date too, or you can get a refund from your point of purchase. I will of course be trying my best to reschedule as many shows as possible.

We (Jamie Williams & the Roots Collective) were lucky really in that we got to play the Broadstairs Blues Bash in Kent on Saturday 24th February and I also got to guest with my harmonicas for a few friends during the weekend. We played a great show and gained a lot of new fans which was fantastic. My thanks to all the team, especially Nigel Fiest who organises it. The following Friday we were in Kent again at the Priory Hotel in Dover - always a lot of fun to play and 12

great hospitality. We really hope to be back there in July.

Then on the Saturday night we played at the Windmill Inn in Ashford, and hope to be back there in July too. We had fun touring around the south of Kent, and we were able to find time to explore too.

Jan and I recently went to see John Illsley of Dire Straits with our friends Robbie McIntosh and Steve Smith playing with him, as well as Hannah Robinson. The venue was the Witham Public Hall which I had been to previously some years before, but had forgotten what a great venue it is. It has a proper stage and is a good room with good acoustics - one I will return to.

John Illsley’s show was a great mix of interview and playing live. John was interviewed by former Dire Straits manager Paul Cummings, which was very informative and a lot of fun as well. The night was in two halves - both halves started with the interview followed with live music, minus drums.

Hannah provided some super rhythm acoustic playing and a beautiful voice, while John played bass and six string acoustic as well as singing lead. Robbie McIntosh was on lead electric guitar along with Steve Smith on keyboards, who was interspersing with Robbie for some of the leads.

They played all the Dire Straits hits, as well as some not so well known songs. John told the stories behind the songs and also told how Bob Dylan became a friend and joined them on stage as well as others like Sting. It was a great night. When they hopefully do it again, I highly recommend you go along.

Presently, I am busy with Facebook Live - please visit www. facebook.com/isolationmusicfestival. As this issue comes out, I will have just put on my first virtual ‘festival’ with an amazing line-up consisting of the likes of Hazel O’Connor (who I used to work with back in the day), Louise Goffin (daughter of Carole King), Izzy Kershaw (daughter of Nick Kershaw), John Bentley (Squeeze), Jamie Williams and many more.

I plan to do this each Sunday while we are kept inside, and each event will be from 1pm to 6pm, though this will be subject to change of course. I do have a donation link on the page for the National Emergencies Trust who distribute monies raised to the neediest charities, so please give what you can.

Please don’t forget to let us know what you are up to. Send emails to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we will do our best to publish them for you all to read.

Stay safe, stay in and stay fit and well and we will see you on the other side - with all of us hopefully being better, kinder people.

If you go to our Facebook pages look at the ‘Events’ tabs where you can see who is playing and preview the up-andcoming acts. www.itsyourmusic.co.uk www.facebook.com/itsyourmusic/events www.facebook.com/essexgig www.visitessex.com/events

www.moulshamtimes.com

Pancakes Galore!

day to use up leftover eggs, milk and sugar before Lent hence the tradition of those yummy pancakes.

Tuesday 25th February 2020 was Shrove Tuesday otherwise known as Pancake Day - and we had pancakes galore at our Pancake Party at St Luke’s!

We hosted the Pancake Party for all children, young and old. We lost count of the number of children and families that came along, but we know it was more than 100, which was fantastic. As well as eating pancakes (many with some amazingly creative toppings or fillings), children were able to play pancake related games (toss the pancake, races, board games) and to create their pancake face.

Shrove Tuesday precedes Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the 40 days of Lent; a time of reflection and preparation for the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. Lent has Time to create your pancake face... traditionally been a time for fasting or giving something up. So why do we have pancakes on Shrove Tuesday? In days gone by, Shrove Tuesday was a

Quiz Time - by John Theedom 1.

2 3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22..

23.

24.

What is the capital of Australia?

Kale is a variety of which vegetable?

Which darts player was known as The Crafty Cockney?

Which actress played the role of Betty Spencer in the 1970’s sitcom Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em? Who was the male star in the film Arthur?

Which is the odd one out in humming, worker, drone, queen, king?

What were Zedebee’s final 3 words at the end of the TV programme The Magic Roundabout?

What is ‘syrup’ in cockney rhyming slang?

What was Fanny Craddock most famous for on TV? Former Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, recently died - how old was he?

What was the nickname of DJ David Hamilton?

How is Walden Robert Cassotto more commonly known?

Which late British comedian appeared with a dog called Schnorbitz?

A turophile is a person who likes which type of food?

What sort of creature is a red admiral?

What does the ‘R’ stand for in MRI scan?

What do the initials GDPR stand for?

What exactly is ‘marl’?

What is boxer Barry McGuigan’s nickname?

When did medicine dosage go metric?

Who is the lady from Witham who is currently Home Secretary?

Who was the male actor who starred in the film The Shining?

What was the name of the Eastenders character played by June Brown?

To garrote someone, is to do what to them?

Thank you to everyone that came and everyone that helped to make the party a success!

For more information about what’s happening at St Luke’s on Gloucester Avenue, Moulsham Lodge, please keep an eye on our Facebook page and our website. www.facebook.com/Stlukesmoulshamlodge, www. stlukemoulsham.co.uk.

Lucy Bubb Churchwarden St Luke’s Church, Moulsham Lodge 25. What was the middle name of Liberal MP William Gladstone?

26. Who played the lead role in the movie Scarface in 1983?

27. What was Engelbert Humperdinck’s first number 1 hit in 1967?

28. How old before this year’s birthday is Catherine ZetaJones?

29. In which sport did Maria Sharapova do well?

30. Which year was the aircraft Concorde first flown?

31. How many stripes are there on the American flag?

32. In which country did the Tiananmen Square protest occur?

33. On the London Underground map, which line is green?

34. Which part of your body could be affected by podagra?

35. What is the nickname of Arsenal Football Club?

36. What was the first name of Cuban leader Mr Castro?

37. In which school subject would you study sines and cosines?

38. Which type of meat is used in the making of Bovril?

39. Who or what are redcaps?

40. What nationality is the female singer Enya?

Answers on page 31

www.moulshamtimes.com

13

Moulsham Junior School Moulsham’s Past and Present Dynamic Deputies Recognised for Their Marvellous Impact Each year the Essex Teaching Awards celebrate and recognise the inspirational work that takes place in schools throughout Essex. Nominations for the various categories are invited from anyone working or volunteering in educational establishments in the Essex Local Authority area.

Moulsham Junior School has had considerable success in the past with these awards and this year was no exception.

Our Deputy Headteacher, Gemma Moores, was highly commended in the Primary School Teacher of the Year category. Gemma is a data-lover with a huge heart who leads with passion, confidence and a level head. She will go above and beyond for any member of our school community. When it comes to teaching, she is a master of mathematics and ensures that the most complex of concepts are clearly understood. Gemma works with children who find maths a real challenge, but after lessons with her they bloom with a new found love of the subject.

Another of Gemma’s strengths is her emotional intelligence, and our most vulnerable children know (and love) her best. Her way to their trust is via football, sprint races or a quiet game of squares in her office. She is always firm yet fair, which enables many children to move on from challenging situations or develop better empathy.

This compassion is shared when working with parents Gemma works really hard to find solutions, support families and get the best outcomes for all. Gemma is our coach: if a teacher needs support then she is your woman! Tailoring packages to meet individual needs from the person who needs organising, to support with planning, behaviour management or a wider range of pedagogical approaches.

This lady really can bring about a positive change!

Gemma works closely with me - she is my right hand woman, and we work in a busy, demanding environment where our resilience is often put to the test. It’s a true partnership built on mutual respect, a shared set of values - and coffee!

We were also delighted that one of our former Deputy Headteachers, Jenny McCutcheon, won the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jenny was the Deputy Headteacher under Les Kemp between January 2001 and December 2002 when she left Moulsham Juniors to take up a headship at Fairhouse Junior School in Basildon.

Jenny took Fairhouse Junior School from a disheartened and disjointed mess, to a shining example of what primary school is all about. During her 15 years there, she united a community, brought the best teaching and learning to the forefront of the school and enabled the most challenging of children to succeed. In the early days she could be seen in the strangest of places supporting children to be in school.

She was never afraid to challenge inappropriate behaviour from children or adults but was always fair. She built a team of enthusiastic and capable people for the community of Fairhouse to give children the very finest.

Jenny imparts her expert knowledge and deep understanding of special needs to all staff, enabling them to become very nearly as passionate as her! She has a strong moral purpose: no child has ever been disadvantaged and many, many children have been supported through extremely challenging situations due to Jenny’s dedication to giving all children the best. She has an amazing ability to tap into people’s strengths and find the perfect role, always ensuring that they are given quality training and her time.

Jenny focuses on staff well-being, ensuring that people know they are valued and trusted to do the very best job.

She has great faith in her team and always sees who needs a lift. Fairhouse Primary is Jenny’s legacy with the school motto deeply embedded - Respect and Success for All. We are so proud of them, and it was great to have their achievements recognised in this way. Unquestionably, Moulsham Junior School grows great leaders!

Marie Staley Headteacher

14 www.moulshamtimes.com

Any Good Anniversaries Recently?

Everyone has at least one anniversary that they celebrate (or not!) once a year - their birthday. Anniversaries signify a human need to acknowledge, on a regular if not too frequent basis, important events in our lives. Aside from birthdays, we often mark other significant occasions, such as weddings, the death of a loved one, coming of age and other rites of passage, with anniversary celebrations.

An especially significant anniversary is often called a jubilee. For example, the 50th anniversary of our Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne was celebrated as her Golden Jubilee. The word ‘jubilee’ is biblical in origin, ultimately deriving from the Hebrew word ‘yobhel’. It was originally applied to the ‘Year of Liberty’, the ‘year of the Lord’s favour’ after seven sets of seven years had passed - that is, the 50th year in the Hebrew calendar that begins on the Day of Atonement, itself a special occasion to those of the Jewish faith. In that 50th year, special dispensations and celebrations were enacted, such as the cancellation of debts and the declaration of a national holiday enabling those who worked the land to be free to enjoy the fruits of their labours (See Leviticus 25:8-12).

This year, Christ Church URC is celebrating its own Golden Jubilee! Sunday 3rd May 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of its founding on the present site.

Deadlines for the May edition

Our celebrations began in March with the Salvation Army Band & Songsters leading an hour of worship and celebration - and a very joyous occasion it was too. There was even a choreographed sequence involving the band timbales!

Sadly, as with all events across the rest of the country, we have had to cancel our forthcoming anniversary events, but we hope to be able to provide some fun later in the year.

During these uncertain times, if you wish to send us a prayer request, or join our mailing list, please contact Jean at cchubdesk@gmail.com.

To conclude, we would share this prayer from the Church of England with you: God of compassion, be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation.

In their loneliness, be their consolation; in their anxiety, be their hope; in their darkness, be their light; through him who suffered alone on the cross, but reigns with you in glory, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

View both our magazines online at

www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

Articles - 15th April Print ready art work 23rd April Remember to tell our advertisers you saw their advert in the MT

Along with magazines from many previous months www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

15

The Singing Chef

OMG, I so badly want to swear and cry, yet be optimistic and look forward to the other side whilst also trying to block out, for now, the horrifying destruction COVID-19 is causing around the globe.

I want to obviously thank everyone on the front line and all the ones trying to follow the rules set out by the Government. It’s hard for a lot of people, especially our teens. I could not imagine being a high school leaver, however I am very close to one. My beautiful eldest son, James is/was at Baddow and was so ready to sit his GCSEs as were many all over our country. I’m looking forward to Baddow’s plans for the class of 2020 in summer.

My middle son has just started at Moulsham High and I feel the need to congratulate them on their outstanding Ofsted report; what a tight ship that school is! Well done to you all.

Isabelle is at Moulsham Juniors, and all 3 of my cherubs (joke) have passed through this beautiful, large school.

Their information and offers of counselling for parents and children came long before anyone else. Mrs Orchard please adopt me...

Forget about the dreaded Keto diet, during these times of illness and financial difficulty I need to see fruit, veg, potatoes, rice and pasta in the cupboards. (I’m selfemployed and this is not going to be easy).

1tsp biocarb or baking powder Handful or two of whatever you like - let’s get creative!

Method 1. Whisk all the wet ingredients together (with an electric mixer if you have one, or by hand - and add your work out to your Fitbit manually!).

2. Add in dry ingredients.

3. Roll between baking paper or cling film into a sausage and pop into the fridge for half an hour.

4. Cut off only what you need - or you will eat them all at once!

5. Freeze the rest in portions, so next time the kids need warm cookies you can take from the freezer and defrost at room temp for an hour and cook as usual.

6. Put in oven at 180o for 12 minutes.

We like our cookies soft in the middle, so we left them at about 1cm thick, flatten them a little more if you like a firmer bake.

Stay safe guys.

Next month’s recipe is going to be from Hawaii. Isabelle has chosen that state in the US (I know, I thought it was a country as well...) to study whilst at home.

Did somebody say pork belly!?!

One Word: COOKIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Add handfuls of whatever you want. We added white chocolate and hazelnut (have them ‘naked’ if there’s nothing to hand).

Ingredients 250g butter 100g white sugar (any) 100g brown sugar (any) 2 eggs (free-range) 1tsp vanilla 250g flour (any) 4tbsp cocoa powder 16 www.moulshamtimes.com

Museum-Inspired Learning at Home With museums and schools closed, your children may be missing out on a planned school trip to a museum or historic venue that they were looking forward to. You may also have been planning to visit over the Easter holidays, or maybe you have never been to a museum before and are not sure what to expect.

Either way, this is an opportunity to get inspired by museum-style learning at home. Kids do love visiting museums and learning outside the classroom. Activities can be adapted to fit in with what your kids are studying at school, and there are literally hundreds of online resources to help with these ideas.

1. Dressing up The excitement of many museum visits starts before your kids arrive, because they get to dress up in historical costume. It’s fun and a great way to learn about social norms in different periods. It can be cheap and easy to do at home as a craft activity. Easiest of all is the classic Roman toga - take a bedsheet and get wrapping! With current toilet roll shortages, the Egyptian mummy challenge may be off-limits!

2. Collecting Objects Kids love to pretend to be doing a real job, and to feel that their treasured possessions are important. Museum curators look after and share information about a collection of museum objects. So encourage kids to ‘curate’ a collection of their favourite items and write about them or do a talk to family members. In the garden or out on a walk, set them the challenge of collecting their favourite stones - or shells at the beach if you live near one. It doesn’t just have to be the kids; maybe you have special ornaments or memory boxes of your own - now is the perfect time to get them out and share your stories with the kids.

3. Grandparents’ Memories Museums provide important social functions. Older people are a core museum audience and a group currently struggling with social isolation. A regular area of museum work is reminiscence - using museum objects as a memory prompt to get people talking about their life experiences. If you have older family members or members of society that you are keeping in touch with, maybe via video messaging, get them to tell the children some of their memories, showing the kids special objects from their past. This is a win-win - the older generation will love sharing and you get some free time to get on with work while they remotely baby-sit.

4. Historical Crafts Throughout history humans have made things for both practical reasons and fun, with a wide range of skills employed in doing so. Schools and museums both use crafts to help children engage with history. Don’t feel that by doing fun crafts the kids aren’t learning. Prehistory: make some cave paintings. The Romans: have a look at some mosaics online, then cut coloured paper into tiles

to make your own. The Victorians: there are templates available online to make Victorian toys from card, such as paper dolls or jack-in-the-box.

5. History Is All Around At the time of writing, outdoor exercise is still possible as long as we keep 2 meters away from others and do not visit busy areas. With local history on the national curriculum, and properly connecting to our surroundings being good for our mental health, this could be an opportunity to really study your local area. Is there a signboard in your local park explaining the history of how and why it was set up, or a local statue with information? Can you spot any old buildings or factories in your neighbourhood? Some might even have a blue plaque with information. If you cannot find information, the kids will love making up stories about their past, and your local museum may well have the answers.

Local museums are increasing their social media and online output while they are closed, so make sure you follow them for resources. Then, when the museums reopen, you can get out there and visit, visit, visit!

Jennifer Rowland Museum Professional

Based in Moulsham Lodge Slating and Tiling GRP Fibreglass Lead Work Fascia, soffits and Cladding All Roof Repairs Roof Windows Fitted Guttering

We can now offer a 10 – 20 year insurance backed guarantee on all new roofs!

Call Us 07903 411 899 www.preciseleadwork.co.uk

Please note we are currently only able to attend for emergency repairs

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

www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

17

various partners over the years. With Graham Furnival, he has formed a regular pairing in recent years, and they defeated Rochford in the final.

Coronavirus Curtailing Rotary’s Activities

Coronavirus may be impacting on current Rotary projects, but there are still plenty of recent events in the Chelmsford area to report on. Here I focus on activities by two of the five Rotary clubs in Chelmsford.

In January, Chelmsford Rotary Club was very proud to charter a new Rotakids Club at Chelmsford Cathedral C of E Primary School. This is for children 7-11 years old who follow the same community ideals as adult members. This is an exciting way for the children to lead and engage in lively activities that make a positive difference in society and help them take up their place as responsible citizens, now and in the future.

Deputy Headteacher Helen Russell has been really enthusiastic and has supported the project throughout, and Rotarians Keith Otter and Janice Goodman were present as District Governor Pauline Dean congratulated the children and presented them with their Rotakids badges.

Chelmsford Rotary Club also hosted the Rotary Youth Speak; a debate heat at Hylands School. It was unfortunate that illness and a bereavement meant that the number of contesting teams were reduced, as well as one of the adjudicators falling prey to the lurgy the morning of the competition. However, a hurried and worthy replacement was found in District Youth Chairman Peter Dowse.

The adjudicators decided that Beaulieu Park School A Team were the winners of the Intermediate Section with their subject: Do Filters Affect the Self Esteem of Young People?

Hylands School won the Seniors with: Is Higher Education Essential? The evening was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Chelmsford, who enjoyed the evening and were most impressed by the teams competing, and kindly presented certificates to all that took part as well as the winners. The Mayor’s remarks were very encouraging and positive for those young people.

Double Success There was plenty to keep the members occupied including several quizzes arranged by neighbouring clubs and charities.

Chelmsford’s A Team won yet another quiz when they came out on top at Maldon, Colchester and Manningtree.

Unfortunately, because of the current isolation rules they will not be able to defend their district title scheduled for 4th April. Good news though is that they will retain the trophy for another year in any case.

Chelmsford also makes a habit of winning the District Badminton trophy. The evergreen Mo Sadiq, a sprightly Rotarian in his 80th year, has won it many times with

Chelmer Bridge Rotary club has also been busy. They donated £100 to Essex Wildlife Trust who in turn gave the club five copies of a lovely book on wildlife that they publish for children. Chelmer Bridge presented the books to Baddow Hall Primary School - the home of their Rotakids club for use by the pupils.

The club welcomed wives, partners and guests to Channels for a special speaker evening. After dinner, first up was Dudley Naslund, Essex County Vice Chairman/Treasurer of the Royal British Legion, who brought us up-to-date with welfare initiatives of the RBL before receiving a cheque from President David Brunning for £14,600. This magnificent donation resulted from the sales of their 2019 RBL/Rotary poppy pin.

At the dinner, the club then heard from Tenice and Wendy who were quite a stunning double act from the Chelmsford Seventh Day Adventist Church in Chelmsford. They weren’t there to talk about religion, but the magnificent work that their church does in Chelmsford providing support to rough sleepers, the homeless and disadvantaged individuals.

Every Sunday a soup kitchen and shower is offered at their church in Roman Road and a food and toiletries outreach service is offered every Thursday from 7.30pm to 9pm in Chelmsford city centre and the train station. Lunch is offered on Saturdays when the showers are available and clothes can be washed and dried. The ladies were excellent speakers and provided a raft of information about the causes of homelessness, statistics and profiles of some of their service users. Chelmer Bridge became involved with them when they donated most of the coats that were collected during the Wrap-Up campaign prior to Christmas.

It had been past District Governor Bob Barclay’s suggestion for Chelmer Bridge to organise a Wrap-Up campaign, and it was a huge success with many coats and warm clothing being donated.

Obviously, the latest Government advice about coronavirus and the new restrictions have made it more difficult for Rotarians to carry out the usual enormous range of activities. Major events have had to be cancelled including the regional finals of the Young Chef, Young Musician and Youth Speak competitions. Volunteer Expo at the NEC in May has already now been postponed for a year, as has been the biggest event of the Rotary year, June’s International Convention in Hawaii where around 25,000 people were expected to attend.

However, Rotary is continuing to get together using modern technology such as Zoom, WhatsApp and Skype. Even the telephone is back in vogue so that Rotarians can keep in touch with the elderly, lonely and vulnerable as best as possible. Rotary is still looking for new members, so please call me on 01245 2603 49 for more information or visit www.rotary1240.org. There is still a lot to do and Rotary will be needed more than ever once this virus is behind us.

Stan Keller

18 www.moulshamtimes.com

Personal Finance Clinic: What We Can Learn from the Coronavirus Crisis As we all adapt to life under lockdown, we are now living and working in a very different way. This has changed the way we shop, socialise and communicate, but it doesn’t change the fundamentals of financial planning.

Whilst we can never be sure of when the next crisis will hit, we can take steps with our personal finances to better prepare for it…

It would be easy for us to become miserable and mourn the loss of our freedoms, but we are made of stronger stuff than that. We will adapt to our new way of life, change the way we communicate and acquire new home-based hobbies.

MPs report that we are in unprecedented times - and what about Brexit? What about the financial crash?

We can never be sure of when the next crisis will hit, but we can get our personal finances into better shape to prepare for it…

Why an Emergency Fund Is Vital Times like this highlight the importance of having an emergency fund in place. An emergency fund is an accessible cash account holding enough to cover at least three months’ worth of expenditure and, ideally, six months. So, if it generally costs £2,500 a month to cover all your bills and outgoings, you should aim to have a minimum of £7,500 in your emergency fund. Ideally, it will be £15,000. This fund provides a financial cushion in case income dries up, and this could happen for a number of reasons, including redundancy, illness or - in the case of some workers during the coronavirus pandemic - being forced to take reduced hours or accept a pay cut due to loss of business.

Understanding Your Attitude to Risk There’s nothing quite like a financial crisis for getting to grips with your attitude to risk. Are you catastrophising, expecting money to become obsolete in a matter of weeks?

Are you starting to invest more money, seeing the reactive fall in value as an opportunity? Or are you somewhere in between?

Before people invest, a financial adviser will ask them to consider their attitude to risk, but there is no substitute for real life experience in properly exploring how you feel about investment gains and losses.

The more awareness you have about your own attitude to risk, the easier it will be to determine a risk level that best suits you.

Not Forgetting Capacity for Risk Attitude to risk isn’t enough on its own, however, it must be considered in conjunction with your capacity for risk.

For example, just because you can emotionally and psychologically tolerate a fall of 20% or 30% in the value of your investments, can you physically tolerate it? How will this impact your life? When do you need to start drawing on your investments and for how long?

If you suffer a 20% fall in your investment portfolio, you will need to see the value subsequently increase by a whopping 25% just to get back to the same point you were at before.

If this happens when you are drawing down from your portfolio, will the money run out faster than expected? Will you need to reduce how much you draw and, if so, can you still afford to pay the bills?

Diversification Is Key Not all industries are negatively affected by COVID-19.

Some businesses will profit from increased consumer demand as people work from home and self-isolate. Food delivery companies, for example, streaming services and even supermarkets, as people panic buy everything on the shelves, are likely to do well.

Having exposure to uncorrelated industries and sectors - those that will be able to thrive in opposing political, economic and public health conditions - will help protect your investment portfolio.

Opportunities to Invest When markets fall and there is no systemic reason behind the fall, the reasonable expectation is that prices will recover quickly in the future. For some people who have the spare cash and a long time before they need the money back, now is a good time to invest, whilst prices are low.

If you are considering it, do be careful however. Some individual companies and/or sectors may yet go into liquidation or change beyond all recognition. You could lose some - or all - of your money.

Stay Safe Most importantly right now, remember to stay safe. Heed the government guidelines on hygiene and social distancing to give yourself and your family the best chance of staying healthy and avoiding COVID-19.

2020 will go down in the history books as a mad, sad year for the loss of life and liberty. However, it could also be remembered as the year of compassion and community, where we put the health and welfare of our most vulnerable above our personal freedoms.

Lauren Peters is a Senior Consultant at Brooks Macdonald, 21 Lombard Street, London EC3V 9AH. She is a Chartered Financial Planner and provides independent financial advice. You can contact Lauren via lauren.peters@ brooksmacdonald.com.

www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia 19

Do you need a new website?

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

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

ÂŁ325

20

www.moulshamtimes.com

Hi all, hope you are all staying well and looking forward to the spring weather. The newspapers have been telling us this week that we have just had the wettest February ever.

Well, I didn’t need them to tell me that, although I must say we were a bit lucky here. Some of those reports of the terrible conditions in other parts of the country were horrific. It must be absolutely dreadful. Hopefully, they will all be back in their homes quickly. Anyway, the days are getting longer, which is always nice.

Do you watch the adverts on television? I do try not to, watching mostly on catch-up or recorded programmes, but sometimes I do end up watching some. I must admit, I like to play a little game and try to guess what product or service is being promoted before it becomes obvious, but often this seems impossible. It makes me wonder how a group of ‘professionals’ can come up with ads that are not at all clear. One which is on at the moment shows a man and a young girl walking on the beach. The girl is carrying an open umbrella. All of a sudden, the girl flies up in the air like Mary Poppins in that well known film. The man just watches on, smiling. Surely he should show a little concern... Now for the interesting bit, it is an advert for a utility company. Well, I would never have guessed that in my little game! Another is where Philip Schofield is on screen, demonstrating a yoga position. This particular one means that he is supporting his weight with one arm and his body is horizontal. I certainly could not do it, but why has he got a goat on his back? Search me. The product he is advertising? A secondhand car buying company! I will be seeing if I can pick up a cheap sheep for part exchange for my next car.

I see that Harry and Meghan are back in the news again.

The newspaper headline ‘news’ was that Archie is nearly walking. Well, I was so pleased to hear that. In amongst all the reports of coronavirus, it really made me feel better! I am reading that they are about to attend their final Royal duty soon. How will we survive if we don’t get regular news from Canada? I was looking forward to reading that Archie is actually walking and to him speaking his first words when he starts talking. Perhaps they might be: ‘why are we so far from home, mummy?’

On the subject of the Royals, apparently the Prince was duped by some Russians into an interview with the environment crusader Greta Thunberg. He was encouraged to talk about climate change, Donald Trump and the election, amongst other things. I know I would probably have been taken in under similar circumstances, but surely he should had noticed the Russian accent...

I know that these are very desperate times at present, lots of stuff to worry about. The thing is, the Government is advising frequent handwashing and, as a guide to how long this should take, we should sing Happy Birthday - twice.

Sound advise for sure. My problem is that I have a dreadful singing voice, so I have to get my wife to sing it every time I wash my hands!

The other thing that I have noticed is that very few people are adhering to the Government advice about keeping 2 www.moulshamtimes.com

metres from the person next to you. I don’t know if they don’t know what 2 metres is or if they missed the advice, which I find very difficult to believe. I was in a queue the other day and as I moved to distance myself from the person behind, they moved towards me. Ridiculous. I have a solution though - I am going to buy some of that spray stuff the referees use at free kicks and the like. I’ll stand in the queue and spray a 2 metre circle around me and hope they notice.

I read recently that just after a puppy was born, one of his ears moved to the top of his head. Poor little thing, This reminded me of a Tommy Cooper routine in which he was wearing a Davy Crockett hat (the fur one with a racoon tail at the back). On each side of his head, there were ears sewn on, and there was a third one on the front of his head.

This is the left ear, he explains, this is the right ear, and, pointing to the one on his head, he explains that this is the front ear. Well, it was funny when I watched it! By the way, the dog was sorted out by a vet.

Going back to the virus, I’ve decided that, in the absence of hand sanitiser in the shops, I will use some very poor wine I have in the cellar - sorry, garage - to use when handwashing. I’ll have to use quite a bit, as the alcohol in the wine is only 13%, whilst it’s around 80% in hand sanitiser. It’s nice to put it to good use though... Last word on this subject: My wife bought some minced beef for a chilli con carne the other day, and I went out on three days following to get some kidney beans. Walking down the aisle I spot one can on the shelf, so I sneak up to the shelf, look round to see that I didn’t have any competition and calmly put it in the basket. The problem was that I had to really restrain myself from running round the shop with my arms over my head, as if I’d scored the winning goal in the cup final!

I am not a big fan of social media, though I do use Facebook, but don’t have many friends (story of my life).

What I am amazed about is how many really funny posts appear, Very witty, very clever with little cartoons and photos that simply cannot be real. Some are leaning towards black humour, but most are just poking fun at what people may say. Also, in these worrying times, I was disappointed to realise that I am officially classed as elderly! Well, that was a bit of a surprise I must say. Saying I’m old is bad enough.

Bin End Chuckles If an escalator stops working, does it become stairs?

Once upon a time there were just 3 gnus in the world. First daddy gnu died, then mummy gnu died and sadly baby gnu died. Well, that’s the end of the gnus, now for the weather forecast.

21

Spot 10 Differences (Answers on Page 31)

22 www.moulshamtimes.com

Moulsham High School and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Moulsham High School’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat received an extra special addition to its costume department.

The school was been gifted the use of the custom-made dreamcoat originally created to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the popular Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.

The coat was originally worn way way back in 1998 by Aled Jones in a performance at the Methodist Central Hall in London. It was worn again in 2018, this time by pop star Chesney Hawkes, in a 50th anniversary concert at the Brentwood Centre. Both of these performances were produced by Mark Reed who delivered the coat to the school for the performance.

show alongside colleague Miss Crisp, student Amy C and former student Sophie P who returned for the production, said: “Having an original technicolor dreamcoat for our production was absolutely fantastic. The students worked so hard rehearsing for the show and couldn’t wait to perform for their friends and family. Having this coat to use was the icing on the cake. Never mind any dream will do, any dream can come true!”

Moulsham High School’s connection to the coat comes from former pupil Steven Roberts from 1159 Productions.

Steven’s interest in theatre began at Moulsham High and he went on to design the light and sound for the thirtieth anniversary performance of Joseph. Steven voluntarily runs the school’s Technical Club where students learn vital skills that enable their success as technical practitioners such as lighting, sound, special FX, and set building.

He said: “We were delighted to be able to support the school by facilitating the sharing of costumes and props from different people and organisations. It was great seeing the pleasure and joy that the cast got back in 1998, for the thirtieth anniversary, when they first saw the coat. This was seen again over 20 years later with Katherine’s reaction and indeed the wider cast when they saw it the next day.

We hope this continues with the audience as they get to enjoy Moulsham’s interpretation of a well known musical.”

The school production began on Wednesday, 11th March and ran for three nights.

Moulsham Infant School This very special dreamcoat was donned by Moulsham High School’s very own Joseph, Year 10 student, Katherine A.

On wearing the famous coat, Katherine said: “It was such an honour and privilege to wear this iconic coat. I’d like to thank Mrs Rhodes, Miss Crisp and Steve for enabling me to have this amazing opportunity, I could not be more grateful and hope I did you all proud.”

At Moulsham Infants School both children and staff enjoyed dressing up as a story book character. From Peter Rabbit to Harry Potter, there were many favourite book characters roaming the school, everyone looked fantastic. We obviously have a lot of creative grown-ups who are talented at making some really amazing costumes. The children enjoyed a visit from the wonderful author Hollie Hughes and had the opportunity to become authors of their own exciting stories. Thanks to all who took part in making this a fun and memorable day.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has become one of the world’s most iconic musicals. Told entirely through song, with the help of the Narrator, the show follows the story of Jacob’s favourite son Joseph and his 11 brothers. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled showman, the Pharaoh.

As Joseph strives to resolve Egypt’s famine, he becomes Pharaoh’s right-hand man and eventually reunites with his family.

Mrs Rhodes, Head of Performing Arts, who directed the www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

23

Neighbourhood Watch - April Update Hi All, your friendly neighbourhood Ayman here. Wow, what can I say and where do I start? I was so naive looking at the coronavirus outbreak in China and thinking this was so far away, with the distance and borders keeping this invisible virus away.

Now I find myself going through mixed emotions of preparing myself physically and mentally on how this will impact my friends and family. There is no doubt that we find ourselves at war with the virus and must do everything we can to keep ourselves safe and our friends and families safe.

The message of how to do this is simple: stay at home.

We don’t have to fight any individual, we just have to stay put and avoid contact with other people and wash our hands. I expect as time goes on in isolation and lockdown this will become harder, but that’s when we have to be stronger. This is going to go on for a while, so pace yourself.

The impact an invisible illness has had on all of our lives is humbling. No matter who we are as a country or nation, no matter what race, religion and social status you may have, it is likely to impact you. It knows no discrimination and for that reason alone it has also brought us all together as one.

The virus has closed all our religious, social, fitness and entertainment venues leaving us with just the basics of what we need and food - and food IS plentiful, so we need to please stop bulk buying! I hate to think about the wastage that’s going on while the needy are scrambling around or going without.

The virus has freed some of our time to think and reflect about life. I’m not sure we will ever experience this time again, so I hope we can all use it wisely. I myself am a religious person and my mosque is closed for the first time ever, but that hasn’t stopped me being able to connect, pray or reflect about God.

found that I couldn’t find an inhaler for my son and through this, a pharmacist then contacted me to help out. Another family searching for Calpol messaged in their road and found the medicine within 10 minutes.

There are of course some people who don’t have Facebook or WhatsApp, and these people need to be reached out to as well. How? It’s very simple: knock on your neighbour’s door apply social distancing and ask if they are ok. You don’t have to go far; it’s literally the neighbour next door to you. If everyone did this we would all be in a more connected neighbourhood and would realise humanity is just next door.

Some people will have more time on their hands at the moment and there are many volunteer opportunities to help: www.england.nhs.uk/2020/03/your-nhs-needs-younhs-call-for-volunteer-army.

As well as this, Moulsham Support Service have DBS volunteers helping people, with numerous services on offer.

Please call 07517 715 393 or email moulshamchurches@ gmail.com.

I’m seeing so many heroes at the moment. Some of these have cars and are taking goods or people from A to B on vital journeys. Others are our shopkeepers and the staff in supermarkets working to ensure we still have supplies.

There are so many people who are still out there working with people and taking risks to ensure we are all ok. Thank you!

Please also be careful. While we have heroes out there we also have those trying to take advantage with new scams.

Learn how to stay safe by checking out the information on this website: www.getsafeonline.org/coronavirus.

Useful Links www.chelmsfordneighbourhoodwatch.org.uk/ Search ‘Old Moulsham Neighbourhood Watch’ on Facebook Search ‘Chelmsford Community Kindness’ on Facebook

Anyway let’s get down to the practical...

Stay safe and healthy everyone.

NhW isn’t just about tackling crime and creating awareness, but during this particular time of need the prior work of creating a network has helped a lot. Neighbours are connecting and using the infrastructure to get things done and spread useful info.

Ayman Syed Moulsham and Central Neighbourhood Watch aymansyed@gmail.com

The Facebook page of 1.4k neighbours in our area has been pooling together in providing useful information about shops, hygiene, workouts, school work and providing transport among other things.

We also have a strong network of WhatsApp groups across 28 roads currently, and via the coordinators (thank you!) we are connected to more than 600 people. This is helping people when they are stuck either not being able to find medicine or any other needs they may have. Personally, I

Like Us on Facebook

facebook.com/moulshamtimes

Follow Us on Twitter twitter.com/moulshamtimes

24 www.moulshamtimes.com

E for Easter, for Having More Energy, for Enjoying Feeling Great, (Not Guilty for the Chocolate)! - by Erica Foulds After looking at how to find ‘the one’ in February’s article (finding exercise that works for you, a routine that manages to fit exercise in, giving your body and your mind what it needs - some love) I hope in the last 6 weeks you’ve managed to find a way of carving out a few minutes a day or every other, tried my suggested exercises, or even better - found a class!

My exercises are usually simple, non-equipment based, and so far this year have been influenced by the pilates method in targeting the centre of the body core, but also incorporating plenty of movement to help you feel stronger, more mobile in tight spots and maybe energised! Last year in my articles for the City Times magazine I broke down the body into 10 small focuses, by joints and muscles, for working a focus a month at a time.

So far this year I have gone in a more general direction.

So, to make discovering a feel good exercise routine more specific, for the next few articles I will be working with planes - or types - of movement. There are some simple and fantastic reasons why this is a great way to plan your body movements in exercise. Firstly, our bodies, spines and joints are designed to be able to move freely in lots of directions, the physiology of a ball and socket joint, for example hips and shoulders. Yet rarely do we use all that potential, that potential is in there waiting to be used! A huge chunk of the work I do daily for approximately 3 out of every 5 clients is educating on what the body should be able to do freely and without pain. I often find myself explaining that a niggle, an injury an old dull pain in the back, could be managed by just adding an extra bit of missing movement daily!

The two most common complaints I hear are of back pain, including both upper back into shoulder, and even more commonly the lower back into hips. The spine is made of lots of segments. The vertebrae - all 33 of them - allow for forward to backward bending (to flex and extend), sideways bending left to right (lateral flexion) and a spiralling, twisting or rotational movement.

Being deskbound for hours every day, being generally sedentary, having gone through pregnancy, or having a weak core (muscles that support the spine) can all reduce the chance of us using our backs to the full potential and therefore putting strain on its structure. The simplest movement our spines do is flexion-extension and two of the muscles that allow safe flexion include our abdominals (commonly known as the 6-pack) and for extension, the erector spinae (muscles that run the length of the back immediately next to the vertebrae). If these two muscles don’t learn how to flex and extend on demand and work as a team for us, we end up with pulled and strained back muscles. Think of reaching down to pick up a pen from the floor and then not being able to get up again - and worse still, lower back disc injuries.

These are my favourite exercises to make sure our body can flex-extend: • Standing Roll Down: Stand tall, arms hanging to sides, being against a wall can help, nod head chin to chest, round shoulders forward, create a big ‘C’ shape in the body from neck to lower back, bend knees and continue to round all way down until hands are level with ankles. Reverse up imagining stacking the back up like putting building blocks one on top of the other until head is fully upright.

• Curl Ups: Lay on back, knees bent hip width apart, hands gently cradle the head elbows wide, lift head, then neck then back of shoulders from floor until you have created that same ‘C’ shape in the body, then lay back slowly onto floor from shoulders, to neck to head.

• Prone Back Extensions: Laying face down as though looking in a mirror, legs together and straight behind you, arms next to your sides, lift your chest from floor (head naturally follows so don’t try lifting head specifically), imagining your upper body was an aeroplane taking off - stop if your lower back tightens uncomfortably or feels pain, then lower down in reverse. Your hands are reaching back past your hips at all times.

For details on how to book a pilates 121 with me to help basic back pain, and for our classes and retreats at Hummingbird Yoga and Pilates in Writtle, visit our website and book and pay online with our online booking system!

Email us at info@hummingbirdpilates.co.uk, or call 01245 422 556. Search for us on Facebook and Instagram and all our posts intended to give you some daily positivity and encouragement. We have frequent fun giveaways/ competitions to win classes, retreat places and other goodies from the studio too! www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk

If you are enjoying this magazine for the first time as you are not in the usual delivery area please sign up to recieve and online copy each month by visiting www.moulshamtimes.com

www.moulshamtimes.com 25

The British Blues Boom of the 1960s - by John Power Beginnings When tracing the evolution of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll in the UK, it can be seen how Chris Barber had invited over from the US black R&B and blues artists and supported them on tours, while Alexis Korner and Cyril Davies at the Blues and Barrelhouse sessions at Wardour Street’s Roundhouse pub had been pivotal for the emerging blues fanbase to see performances of the music from their American cousins.

Both The Chris Barber Jazz Band and Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated, formed in 1961, were at the forefront of the 1960s boom, and Alexis’ band in particular became the first breeding ground for musicians that emerged to lead the way. Their first gig was in Ealing, then the National Jazz Foundation offered them a regular slot at the Marquee Club, then still in Oxford Street. R&B from the Marquee was their first groundbreaking album and featured Cyril Davies on vocals and harmonica, Korner on vocals and guitar, with Dick Heckstall-Smith on sax. These three regulars were joined on that occasion by Chris Burbage, from the Chris Barber Band, on drums (who had earned his stripes playing with Muddy Waters in the States), Spike Heatley on bass, from Johnny Dankworth’s Big Band, and Keith Scott on piano. Long John Baldry also sang vocals on three tracks.

It can be seen how old jazzers were looking for alternative fields of work as big bands were being overshadowed by rock groups and also proved more expensive to run. This led to a two-pronged style of blues and R&B. Although guitar groups eventually came to dominate, equally there were R&B groups with brass sections that also took inspiration from American soul and Tamla Motown artists too. Dick Heckstall-Smith moved to join another Alexis Korner protege, Graham Bond, in The Graham Bond Organisation, then later Colosseum, and soon in Wardour Street’s Flamingo Club, groups like Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames, Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band, Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band, Chris Farlowe and the Thunderbirds, and Herbie Goins and the Night-Timers: all had brass sections, as they formed the first wave of mod music.

It was certainly The Rolling Stones who brought blues music to the public’s attention, but Jagger, Brian Jones and other would-be Stones had all sat in with Alexis, and Jagger even learned harmonica from Cyril Davies. Soon other groups grew up in the wake of the Stones. The Pretty Things shared an art school education with Keith Richards, and their guitarist Dick Taylor had been in an early line-up of the Stones. The Yardbirds, playing the same kind of Eel Pie Island circuit, soon spawned Eric Clapton and then Jeff Beck before session musician Jimmy Page joined and changed the New Yardbirds into Led Zeppelin. Chicken Shack gave us guitarist Stan Webb and pianist Christine McVie (Christine Perfect) who later joined Fleetwood Mac. Peter Green, who founded the group had learned his licks in The Cheynes, then Shotgun Express, with Liverpudlian 26

veteran Beryl Marsden and Rod Stewart, after Rod had left Long John Baldrey’s Steampacket that had replaced The Hoochie Coochie Men and by replacing Eric Clapton in John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers.

Northerners like John Mayall and his Bluesbreakers and The Spencer Davis Group with child prodigy Steve Winwood soon joined the fray. The Bluesbreakers proved good training grounds for Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Rolling Stone Mick Taylor. The Animals, from Newcastle, brought along a heavier Ray Charles inspired R&B, and many like them on the fringe of pop success drew inspiration from those already mentioned: groups like The Kinks, Small Faces and in their own power chord manner, the full-on Who trading on the mod fashion of the era.

Many bands were to evolve from due to the example set by these innovators, like the Savoy Brown Blues Band, The Bo Street Runners, Free, The Artwoods, both The Birds and The Creation that spawned Ronnie Wood, in a way that fills many pages of rock family trees, inspired not only by each other but by the American black artists whose music they admired.

Howlin’ Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, John Lee Hooker, Bo Diddley and many more were soon touring the UK, often supported by their admirers. In the States too white blues musicians began to appear. First and foremost of these being the The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, who legendarily teamed up with Bob Dylan when he went electric at Newport Folk Festival and managed to draw the enmity of white folkies who had only been dipping into delta blues, not the electric Chicago big city blues. Mike Bloomfield, the Butterfield guitarist’s spin-off band and Canned Heat were

The album cover (1961) shows Alexis Korner on guitar, Cyril Davies holding his harmonica and Dick HeckstallSmith on saxophone.

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

www.moulshamtimes.com

other early examples to appear as musical category boundaries began to soften.

We can now begin to look closer at these key groups and some of the others that evolved out of or alongside them.

The pivotal position of Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated will naturally take us through the jazz-fringed R&B that brought soul and Tamla Motown into the scene as well.

Alexis Korner and Blues Incorporated (1961-1966) A list of who played with Blues Incorporated in the five years that it lasted includes most of the notable characters that created the blues boom of the 1960s: Alexis, Cyril Davies, Long John Baldry, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Jack Bruce, Charlie Watts (followed by Ginger Baker on drums when Charlie became a Rolling Stone), Graham Bond, Art Wood (Ronnie’s brother), Herbie Goins (black US serviceman), Danny Thompson (double bass player, later for Donovan and Pentangle and Master of Ceremonies for Fairport Convention reunions, amongst other jobs), Duffy Power (1950s rocker), Johnny Parker and Malcolm Cecil.

Those also known to have played with them for ad-hoc sessions at Ealing Jazz Club were Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Paul Jones (from Manfred Mann), John Mayall, Zoot Money and Jimmy Page. Their residency at Ealing got them a second regular slot at the Marquee Club where rock genius producer Jack Good organised the recording of their first groundbreaking amplified blues album for Decca Records in 1961.

Alexis and Cyril’s Blues and Barrelhouse Club had

previously featured Charlie Watts, Jack Bruce and John Baldrey as regulars. After the Live from the Marquee album the founding trio of Blues Inc (Alex on guitar, Cyril on harmonica and Dick Heckstall-Smith on sax) was more permanently augmented by John Baldrey, followed Art Woods, Ronnie’s brother, as vocalist, Charlie Watts on drums and Jack Bruce on bass in initial line-ups.

In 1962 Cyril Davies decided he didn’t like the brass section sound and formed the Cyril Davies All-Stars to return to more rootsy blues. Unfortunately he died in a car crash in 1964 aged just 32, but songs by Muddy Waters, like Got My Mojo Working and Hoochie Coochie Man and songs from other heroes, like Leadbelly’s Sweet Mary Blues became standards in the repertoire of most other emerging groups.

Korner, Davies and Baldry also penned their own songs in a blues style too. Graham Bond took Davies’ place in Blues Inc before forming The Graham Bond Organisation with Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker and then Dick Heckstall-Smith when Blues Inc disbanded in 1966. Blues Inc also played Wardour Street’s Flamingo Club, which had been a jazz club, so opening the way for the R&B of Georgie Fame, Zoot Money and Geno Washington as the original mod music.

Blues Inc did a couple of singles for Parlophone: I Need Your Lovin’, Please, Please, Please, Please (1964) and Little Baby/Roberta (1965). There were a couple of other albums too in 1964: At the Cavern and Red Hot from Alex.

At that time the group featured Herbie Goins on vocals and Danny Thompson on bass. In 1965 the album Sky High had 1950s rocker Duffy Power on vocals.

Project 2020: St Luke’s Church, Gloucester Avenue In the next six months or so and depending on the situation regarding coronavirus, the exterior of St Luke’s Church will change. We have submitted plans to Church authorities for permission to:

Alternatively, please visit our website where you can find a copy of the application available for download and photos of the plans at www.stlukemoulsham.co.uk/project-2020.

• Install new entrance landing and moving steps forward (in effect, creating a ramp to the main church doors).

• Repair the car park retaining wall.

• Replacement of external lobby doors.

• New logo writing on the church front wall.

• New notice board (replacing two existing boards).

If you are out taking exercise and want to see what we plan to do, copies of the plans are on display in the windows of the large hall by our car park. Should you wish to object to these plans, your objection needs to be lodged by 18th April 2020. Details of the process is available on one of our existing notice boards. Please ensure you comply with the current guidance regarding social distancing and selfisolation.

Please share the link for this online issue to allow as many regular readers as possible to view it & stay up to date www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

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

27

Moulsham Lodge Community Trust The visit earlier this month from the Chick family was a great success and everyone that came to the station to meet them were impressed with what an amazing family they are.

The children are a real credit to their mum and dad, and they have all been on an amazing journey together in more ways than one. We spent the day talking about ways the community station volunteers can learn from them about how we can try to get the people around us more involved.

We enjoyed food that the family cooked for us, each of them having their own roles in the preparation of the food.

Evan is an amazing cook for someone so young and made the most amazing chicken curry for those who stayed to enjoy lunch at the Copper Pot - Ben and Sonia from BBC Essex popped in as well. You can see some photos from the day on this page.

At the time of writing this, cases of the coronavirus are

slowly increasing and the official information we are being provided with is changing by the day. Those of us at the Community Station will try and do whatever we can to help the most vulnerable in our community in whatever way we can. www.mlct.org.uk enquiries@mlct.org.uk 07411 808 731 Also search for us on Facebook and Twitter

Peace and Hope Amidst Coronavirus In the Bible, Jesus tells his closest friends: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.

I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’

Jesus says this on the night that he was betrayed, tortured, given the death sentence, then nailed to a cross of wood and left to die. In the context of incredible suffering, Jesus spoke peace to his closest friends.

We are living through a very difficult time that has led to the suffering of many, and will inevitably lead to the suffering of many more - not just in our country, but across the world. I wonder where you are turning for hope and peace?

Jesus’ offer of peace to his closest friends is Jesus’ offer to you, too. Easter is only days away, a time when Christians celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

Not resuscitation, but resurrection to a new life, in a new physical body, that will never die. Jesus is alive now, today!

Today you can ask him for peace. It is a kind of peace that has no likeness in our world - it goes beyond just a cessation of war and a reconciliation of relationships. It is the promise of the real presence of God in situations that we can barely bring ourselves to utter - situations like the coronavirus pandemic, and situations that are far, far worse.

I don’t know how you are coping, but I know that the offer of Jesus Christ, of peace and hope, is an offer for you - ask him today. At Tile Kiln Church, we would love to help - whether that’s with shopping, prescriptions, post, or whether that’s help with asking Jesus for peace. Please get in touch using my email below.

Tim Goodall tim.goodall@tilekilnchurch.org.uk

Please share the link for this online issue to allow as many of our regular readers to view this edition as possible www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia 28

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

www.moulshamtimes.com

Cllr Mark Springett - Moulsham Lodge Ward Dear Friends. On the 3rd of March I resigned from my councillor position and therefore as a member of Chelmsford City Council.

It has been my great pleasure to serve the residents of Moulsham Lodge as a member of Chelmsford City Council over the last 9 years.

Finally, I would like to thank the residents of Moulsham Lodge for your support and electing me over three elections, it is a true honour to have served you and I hope to see you out and about, especially at the Community Station, so please pop in from time to time.

I will hopefully now pass on this column to my colleague Cllr David Jones who also represents you on Moulsham Lodge.

My principal reason for resigning is so that I can now spend more time with my family, as it has become clear that my multiple responsibilities and having a full time job mean I am often not around for family commitments. I now need to concentrate on our family needs by spending less time in the political arena.

PS: I’ll hope you’ll forgive me for my part in the demolition of the Army & Navy, it was our (Lib Dem & GBENA) video which highlighted the ‘concrete cancer’ (which they tried to deny) and the movement on the pillars due to corroded bolts (not excessive hot weather). I just hope we get something suitable as a replacement.

I have enjoyed my time as a councillor and I am extremely proud of what the Liberal Democrats have achieved as a political group, especial last May in taking control of the City Council, and I’m proud of what we are planning to achieve with ‘Our Plan’.

If anyone would like to get in touch, my email is markspringett@blueyonder,co.uk, or you can contact me through MLCT.

Our Plan is the Chelmsford Liberal Democrats vision of the future, It is the Lib Dem ambition to be a sustainable, creative community at the heart of Essex, recognised as a leading regional centre and destination in the East of England. A safer, greener, fairer, better connected place, where people want to live, work, study and visit. The budget the Liberal Democrats presented last week was a budget for Chelmsford and a budget for Our Plan, one where they can promote sustainable and environmentally responsible growth to stimulate a vibrant, balanced economy, a fairer society, and provide more housing of all types.

Best regards, Mark Mark Springett

Sign up to our mailing list to receive the magazine via email at www.moulshamtimes.com

The one thing I am most proud of achieving is removing John Shennan Playing Field from the Local Plan and stopping the building of 200 houses in an area that already lacked green space. The planning inspector has now approved the plan and will be formally accepted by a special meeting of the council, which I shall now not be part of. When the previous Conservative administration admitted that they needed to sell John Shennan to pay for the overspend of Riverside Leisure Centre and build two hundred houses I was horrified. Now however, our community - my community - will be able to enjoy many hundreds of trees that will be planted there in the near future. They will go some way to the Lib Dem promise of planting a tree for every resident over the next 10 years.

I will be stepping completely away from the political arena, although may pop up from time to time as I still plan to be involved and supporting Moulsham Lodge Community Trust in their plans going forward.

I would like to thank my ward colleague Councillor David Jones for being part of my political journey and I’m sad that it has now come to an end. I hope you will support David, and what will be a new Lib Dem Councillor in Moulsham Lodge. www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

29

Trees Can Kill Too! - by Simon Inglis Set speed limits are dangerous and a definite killer in Australia. As a daily driver on urban and rural roads in a part of Victoria in which a friend of mine lives an Australianleisurely 55 kilometres away, or the nearest city is a 220 kilometre return trip. I am experienced I think… So are the people I have spoken to, including various police officers of a 3 decade age gap and experience.

Some of our back roads are marked at 100kph. People whizz past gum trees with frighteningly arching limbs over the road ahead. Recently, a father and his young son were killed on a Sunday morning drive when one of these protected species of tree fell on their car. A Sunday morning joy ride gone truly, horribly wrong. Was there a huge rush to change the speed limit, or God-forbid, cut the trees back from the roadway? Of course not! Some species of eucalypt are protected under a conservation order. These often maddening conservation orders are almost always under the jurisdiction of the various State and Territory governments. Each of which currently wishes to be seen as more ‘green’ than the other. More on that shortly…

On the western fringe of Ballarat lies the Avenue of Honour. This is a very old and lovely tradition of planting a tree for each soldier lost in the various wars Australia has fought in since nationhood. If a farmer in western France accidentally digs up human remains and its DNA can be traced, then a tree with a plaque is planted. I don’t think anybody can reject this lovely idea. In addition, it

absurdly set mandatory fine.

I have never seen a single person lay flowers, or ponder a deceased relative along this beautiful stretch of road.

I honestly do not think anybody could do so, as one risks one’s own life standing so very close to a busy road and its inappropriate limits. For over ten years the local community,

council, and police, have campaigned the Victorian State government to reduce the speed limits. There are other exits from the motorway for people in a rush, additionally more than one person is killed along this stretch or its side roads every year. A flick of the wrist or a moment’s lapse in concentration is enough to cause a tragedy. I doubt that any soldier ever wished for that.

Not to mention the blatant madness of banning the cutting of trees, and that Australian State governments are on a busy pilgrimage to the far, far left in naming almost any piece of Crown land a ‘national park’ - yes, that is in the name of Her Majesty! Once land falls under the title of a national park or a conservation area, the trees fall under the various state statutes prohibiting their felling except via a long and drawn out process of expensive and bureaucratic application. Often, it is just too hard.

To offer some perspective besides just sarcasm, state motorways fall under a 100 or 110kph speed limit. I understand (with good evidence that I shan’t add here for UK readers) that there is just a 2kph allowance for exceeding this limit on smooth, well lit and well drained wide roads. I have often written that driving long distances is mind numbingly boring with cruise selected and no touching of the pedals, with only the occasional town.

Many of Australia’s freeways are in much better shape than those of Britain. For a start, there is mostly far less traffic, maintenance has been better in a country devoid of austerity - and there certainly seems to be an abundance of cat’s eyes missing in many of the home counties for a start!

indeed creates an avenue of potential homage as such something that should be a slow drive to contemplate the massive contribution this young country has given towards world peace. Yet the speed limits vary from 100, 80 and 70 before slowing to an appropriate 60kph as one approaches the new housing developments spreading even deeper into existing farmland. The great old trees and the soldiers in whose memory they are planted, are sped past by motorists with only one intent of course - to obediently and blindly obey whatever limit is signed or else possibly pay an

As with the build ups of winter ‘fuel’ for bushfires, the protected trees and their fallen bark or sticks (which we are forbidden to collect for firewood so as to protect the creatures that live in them - yes, really!) just lay where they do. The December bushfires may have kickstarted some common sense into the federal and some state politicians though, as some areas are now at last being cleared (but not where I live) and our local farmers are still needing permits to clear trees on their own land.

30 www.moulshamtimes.com

I do think that something shall be done on the fringes of Ballarat. It is a small city of over 100,000 people on Melbourne’s western fringe, and it’s growing fast. And now the voices calling for change are prominent as well as featuring the great avenue. Oh, and the government loves to lower speed limits - but never to raise them!

As for the stretch of road outside of Melbourne on which a dad and his son lost their lives there is no change. Nor is there any change along the often lonely, but vital local roads near me. Recently I encountered a fallen tree blocking my way so I

dialled the emergency number and they sent a truck to pull it off the road. The cars behind me and I were able to continue on our way. I suppose it wasn’t my turn to die that night.

It seems that not cutting any native Australian trees was yet another ill-thought out policy that only a few of us have challenged, until it took a tragic series of bushfires to be properly reviewed – for a differing, but similarly critical matter.

As important and nice as they are to have, trees can still kill.

Sue Campbell

Great Baddow Barber Shop

Traditional & Modern English Barber Established over 6 years ago in Great Baddow, we have a reputation for a quality haircut by professional barbers at a reasonable price.

• Free Parking • Children welcome • No appointment • Credit cards taken

01245476975 www.greatbaddowbarbershop.co.uk 11 Maldon Rd, Gt Baddow, CM2 7DW (next to House of Flowers)

Quiz Answers 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

Canberra Cabbage Eric Bristow Michelle Doltrice Dudley Moore King, the others are bees “Time for Bed” Wigs, (syrup of figs) Cooking, with husband Johnnie 91 ‘Diddy’ Bobby Darin Bernie Winters Cheese Butterfly Resonance General Data Protection Regulations Soil of clay and lime ‘The Clones Cyclone’ February 1969 Priti Patel Jack Nicholson Dot Cotton Strangle, using rope or cable Ewart Al Pacino Release Me 50 Tennis 1969

www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

MCFHP MAFHP

Home Visiting Foot Health Practitioner

Treatment of common foot problems • Routine nail care • Corn & callus • Ingrowing toenails • Hard skin

01245 917744 or 07583 477846

Advertise on our classified page for just £25 + VAT per issue.

31. 13 (number of original states) 32. China 33. District 34. Big toe 35. The Gunners 36. Fidel 37. Mathematics 38. Beef 39. Military Policemen 40. Irish Spot the Difference Answers

31

Advertise your event or business with us!

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

• 10,000 copies of the City Times • 9000 copies of the Moulsham Times • Discounts available for longer runs or when advertising in both our magazines • Editorial/business interview for regular advertisers

Email ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk for more information or call us on 07970 206682