Moulsham Times - April 2022

Welcome to the April edition of the Moulsham Times

We hope you are enjoying the lighter evenings and looking forward to the Easter long weekend.

Looking towards summer, festival fans should be sure to check out page 13 for a chance to win tickets to Creamfields South!

Please do not hesitate to contact me using the details below if you wish to advertise your business or event in the April issue.

Regards

Paul Advertising & Editorial Paul Mclean 01245 262082/07595 949701 paul@moulshamtimes.com

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 Warners (Midlands) PLC.

Chelmsford - By

Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine is hugely distressing and concerning for us all.

In the middle of March, the Government launched the Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine, which allows you to sponsor a Ukrainian who does not have family in the UK. The Government will match you or your charity, business or community group to a Ukrainian so they can come to the UK. Sponsors who provide homes or a spare room rent-free for six months or longer will receive £350 per month. There has been an incredible response from the British people.

Essex County Council have some helpful up-to-date information on their website (www.essex.gov.uk) about how residents and businesses can help Ukrainian people. There is also information on sources of advice and guidance.

As part of my work in the Foreign Office I have been spending a great deal of time travelling and working on reinforcing the overseas support for the condemnation of the Russian actions. I write a weekly summary of what I have been doing, so if you would like to know more about this work you can read the update on my website (www.vickyford.uk) or in the Essex Chronicle

The UK has led the world imposing sanctions against Russia, especially against fnancial institutions including banks. The country’s increasing fnancial and political isolation is already causing significant consequences for the Russian economy. The Government has also announces unprecedented levesl of humintarian assistance to support Ukraine and its refugees in neighbouring countries.

Locally, I would like to thank all those involved with the recent operation by Essex Police to tackle county lines gangs. As part of a national week of action aimed at disrupting county lines drug gangs in Essex, specialist officers made 49 arrests, seized almost £100,000 in cash, 300g of loose class A drugs and more than 1,100 prepared wraps of cocaine.

If you know of anyone in Chelmsford whose family requires my assistance, please do ask them to contact me directly.

In the meantime, please do follow my Facebook page (www. facebook.com/Vicky4Chelmsford) for timely updates.

Vicky

Ford MP

At Essex Youth Build

MT Health: The Perfect Day for the Perfect Night’s Sleep - By Chris at Forté Physical Health

If you struggle with your sleep, you are not alone. Many of us struggle to get the recommended 8 hours and research suggests that this is harming our health.

If a patient of mine struggles with their sleep, I teach them about all the little things that influence our sleep through the day, and then I challenge them to try and achieve one perfect day to get the perfect night’s sleep.

There is a problem with this of course. The first problem is that it’s really hard to achieve a perfect day, so it’s not sustainable. The second problem is that one perfect day probably won’t do much for a chronically poor sleeper anyway because being consistent has been shown to be highly correlated to good sleep. One good day probably won’t cut it.

Here’s where it gets interesting. Within the first ninety minutes of the sun being up, make sure you get at least thirty minutes of sunlight. Ideally, there should be no glass between you and the sun. Be outside so the unfiltered rays bathe your eyes and skin. This stimulates the hormone cortisol, which creates a cascade of events around your body.

Cortisol is in a dance with the hormone melatonin. In the morning cortisol is elevated by the sunlight. As the day goes on, it slowly drops until cortisol gets low enough, allowing melatonin to rise. Melatonin is responsible for the feeling of sleepiness later in the day, but for melatonin production to be maximised you need a big spike of cortisol at the beginning of the day. Get out in that sun for thirty minutes as early as possible.

I like to kill two birds with one stone here and exercise outside. Depending on where you are with your fitness, this could be a brisk walk, a run, yoga, or swinging a kettlebell in the garden. Exercise is an essential part of your day if you are aiming for a good night’s sleep. This can be counterintuitive if you are chronically sleepdeprived. You might feel too tired to exercise and your mind plays tricks with you. Remember, this day isn’t supposed to be easy and if this bout of exercise makes you more tired, it’s only one day. The goal here is that your habits lead to a great night’s sleep so that you feel amazing the next day!

Once you have been outside and done some exercise, you can go about your day as usual. We need to bring a few little things in though: stay hydrated, eat well (no sugary treats!) and move often.

Avoid caffeine after 11am. Yep, you heard me, 11am. The half-life of caffeine is about 6 hours, but there can be small amounts in the blood for up to ten hours. Even a small amount is too much for this perfect day, so no caffeine after 11am.

As the day progresses to late afternoon, avoid media that might upset you. Social media and the news have ways of getting under your skin, and you don’t want anything on your mind as you go to bed later.

With this exercise, though, that’s okay. I’m not expecting anyone to sustain perfect habits every day, nor am I expecting this one day to lead to perfect sleep - although it might! What I hope is that this one day teaches a person that it is possible to drip a few simple tactics into the day, and many of them are easy to do. Although they won’t all happen every day, you will see what’s needed and then you can think of it as a checklist and tick off as many as you can.

The day isn’t easy, and it may mean you are more tired initially, but it will teach you good lessons, and over time the more of these lessons you integrate, the better your sleep will be.

To have the perfect day, we need to start at the beginning; get up when you wake up. No hitting snooze and no laying in bed tossing and turning hoping for a little more shut-eye. For some of my patients who struggle with their sleep, this might mean getting up at 4.30am, which is the first time they stir. Although this isn’t optimal, on this day, it’s what has to happen.

When you are up, have a few moments where you gently move and connect with your body. This could be a basic yoga routine, some focused breathwork, or some simple bends and twists to wake up the spine. We’re not looking to exercise here (this will come later), but waking up the body is a nourishing way to start the day.

Have a glass of water and start replenishing those cells.

If you have tea or coffee in the morning, that’s okay. We need to be more mindful about caffeine later, but we’re not going to take all the fun out of the day! Having a mindful ritual of making the perfect cup of tea or coffee isn’t a bad thing.

Eat your dinner at least three hours before bed. Eating too late requires metabolic energy to digest and it keeps your heart rate elevated, which reduces sleep efficiency. I can’t always achieve this myself because of work, but when I do, my sleep-tracking Oura Ring says my sleep metrics are so much better than when I eat later.

And lastly, avoid blue light from phones and laptops in the last hour before bed. If you want extra brownie points, even avoid the telly. Reading a book in dim light is best. I use the brand Lumie for my bedside light, and they have special bulbs that have the correct frequencies of light for the beginning and end of the day - it’s a light alarm clock, which wakes you up with light. It’s wonderful!

While you are reading and winding down, make sure you don’t have any microsleeps! You might be tired after getting up when you wake up and doing some exercise in the day, so if you feel yourself drifting off, take yourself up for an early night.

There’s a lot to take on here. I certainly wouldn’t expect this to happen every day, but in trying to achieve it once a week, you will learn lessons from it. You may find that some of it is easier and more enjoyable to integrate than you think.

If pain and injury are holding you back, we can help in my clinic. We also like to discuss lifestyle factors, not just to get you out of pain but to live a healthy life with well-being as a priority.

If you want to learn more, go to fortephysicalhealth.co.uk, or you can say ‘hi’ at info@fortephysicalhealth.co.uk.

Regal Kitchens - Case Study

For a third time, Häfele has teamed up with Chelmsford-based kitchen studio Regal Kitchens to host a workshop for interior design students from South Essex College.

The event, hosted by Regal Kitchens - one of Häfele’s Studio Partners, educated the group on how lighting can change the look of textures and colours used in a kitchen, before the students were given a brief to design a fresh, bright kitchen in a space with limited daylight.

Led by Matthew Lissaman, Regional Sales Manager for Häfele, and Jamie Mclaren, National Accounts Service Manager, the workshop introduced the company’s Loox lighting range and considered how various shades and implementation of white light impact on different materials and finishes.

The students, who are all completing design degrees at South Essex College, explored the importance of lighting design as an integral part of kitchen planning and how plug-and-play LED systems like Loox by Häfele can be used to enhance textures. The group also learnt about maximising space using intelligent storage solutions from Vauth Sagel.

Armed with their new knowledge, the students were set a brief from Regal to design a full kitchen including cabinetry, lighting, worktops, tiles and splashbacks. The students then presented their concepts to a panel from Häfele and Regal before an overall winner was chosen.

Emma Mcloughlin, Business Development Manager for Regal Kitchens said: “We were extremely impressed with the students and their designs. Their presentations to the group and our Häfele representatives were amazing and it’s easy to see that they are all going to do brilliantly well in whatever career they choose after their course finishes.”

Concluding, Matthew Lissaman added: “The standard of work from the students was incredibly high and it made choosing a winning concept very difficult. However, the winning team managed to

follow the brief to the letter, showed a very good use of light and incorporated Häfele and Vauth Sagel’s innovative storage solutions into their design.

“Lighting can often be overlooked when designing a kitchen, but it was clear from the day’s presentations that the students really grasped the concept, and we hope they’ll take what they’ve learnt forward as they develop their careers.”

About Häfele

Häfele is a global manufacturer and distributor of furniture fittings, lighting, hardware, ironmongery and accessories. For nearly 100 years it has committed to improving the look and function of furniture and making the best use of space in people’s homes. A trusted name, Häfele offers a range of 25,000 high quality products and outstanding services to trade, providing accreditations, training, next day delivery, bespoke packaging and cutting, life-time guarantees, design services and more.

For more information visit www.hafele.co.uk

For further details on Vauth Sagel visit www.vauth-sagel.de/en For Regal Kitchens go to www.regalkitchens.co.uk

Regal Kitchens’ beautiful showroom in Chelmsford is situated at 2 Navigation Road, CM2 6HX and is open 7-days per week between 10am and 4pm.

Record Store Day Is Coming!

Saturday 23rd April will be like a treasure hunt for vinyl lovers as they celebrate Record Store Day hunting down exclusive vinyl at Chelmsford’s independent record shop, Intense Records, situated right near the bus and train station.

The event grows year on year with a queue of customers lining the viaduct under the train station, as the releases are only available in-store for the first week, then sold online thereafter.

There are hundreds of limited edition releases catering for every taste and genre, including artists like The Human League, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Blondie, Madonna, Madness, Taylor Swift, Prince, Blur, Fatboy Slim, Mariah Carey, U2, The Cure and plenty more. David Bowie is always the most popular and most sought after for RSD and he has 2 releases this year with the Toy EP and Brilliant Adventure - both available on vinyl or CD. Dance music fans are in for a treat with releases from Fatboy Slim, Future Sound Of London, The Prodigy, and High Contrast.

You can check out all these releases now at www.intenserecords.com and fill in your wishlist so that we can gauge demand.

Open from 8am-6pm, Intense Records will be holding an in-store event with live DJs, local bands, special guest appearances plus competitions, food stalls, licensed bar and more.

For those that can’t make it on the day, Intense will be opening specially on Sunday the 19th from 10am-4pm. Then the following Friday at 8pm any remaining stock will be sold online on our website.

For more information pop into Intense Records, 33/34 Viaduct Road, Chelmsford CM1 1TS (under the arches by the bus station). Alternatively, call 01245 347 372 or check out the website at www.intenserecords.com.

MT Gardening

Spring has definitely sprung! The last week has seen fab sunny and warm days…perfect for getting all those garden jobs done and dusted. I’ve just re-fenced the back garden after that dreadful day a while back when it blew like ballyhoo. Anyway, all done now and at least my border terrier Ruby is self-contained! Now on with the rest of the garden…

At this time of year it’s all about pruning, propagation and perseverance - especially where weeds are concerned.

Pruning

Wall shrubs such as the deciduous Jasminum, climbers such as group 3 clematis, and early flowering shrubs, do need some time to be maintenance pruned.

Jasminum officinale: As this flowers on new growth, prune hard to supports or trellis work and tie in any young stems where you have gaps

Clematis viticella: These are group 3 clematis and should be pruned hard back to 1-2 sets of buds. Again, just like the summer Jasmin, they flower on new growth. All your good garden centres will have several cultivars - try and plant within a mixed border and let them clamber over other plants to extend the season of interest. Flowers will appear from June.

Viburnum x bodnantense ‘Dawn’, Jasminum nudiflorum and Chimonanthus praecox: As these finish flowering just about now, try pruning in the following way:

1. Remove old flowering wood to the ground or to where there is a well-positioned non-flowering shoot.

2. Thin out stems where they are causing too much dense growth to the ground.

3. Stand back from the plant to check the shape, and then reduce the non-flowering shorts by about ¼ to ½.

Propagation

This is a great time of year to reproduce plants for free, with little fuss and minimal facilities.

Division: there’s just enough time to deal with those clump forming perennials such as phlox or asters. Dig up complete clumps and tease apart manageable sections for replanting - or really split down clumps into individual plants, pot up and grow on for planting later in the year.

Weeding

I must confess that I enjoy decapitating annuals and wrenching out perennial weeds… it’s soooooo rewarding!

• Watch out for tree seedlings and hoe out as soon as you see them. Remember to remove creeping root and shoot systems, plus any with tap roots in their entirety to avoid repeat growing. For all annuals remove before they flowerthey can get buried or added to the compost heap (only if not flowered to reduce seed spread).

• After weeding, apply a thick layer of organic matter such as well rotten horse manure or leaf mould to a depth of 10-15cm being careful not to cover young stems, as this could lead to ‘burning’.

• Remember, a weed is a plant growing in the wrong place. It can compete for water, nutrition, light and space. It can also host pests or diseases such as rust found on groundsel or whitefly on chickweed.

Lastly, check out this link for other jobs for the garden this month www.rhs.org.uk/advice/in-month/march.

Happy gardening

For any gardening tips please contact Tom Cole, Horticultural Lecturer, Capel Manor College, Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex, EN1 4RR, or by email at tom.cole@capel.ac.uk.

The Great Bird Migration - By Holly Lucking

You look up into the sky and see a shape swooping and swirling, sometimes too far away to see what it is apart from a darkened silhouette. One thing is for sure though and that is the shape is a bird, with each species unique and mesmerising in their own way.

As the temperature now grows warmer and the days become lighter for longer, the UK will soon welcome summer visitors arriving to breed. They will bask in the sun until late summer, and with their young, they will then return south in the autumn months. Some of these birds include swallows, cuckoos, swifts, martins and turtle doves, so be sure to keep an eye out for them. Many have made long journeys through varying climates, the swallow having travelled from South Africa covering approximately 200 miles each day.

The UK also welcomes passage migrants to their shores throughout the year, birds that will stop off in the UK during their migrations to rest and stock up on food. These include green sandpipers, dunlins and some tern species. Bird food with high energy (eg, peanuts) are a perfect source of energy for these birds who will take short rest breaks with us that can last anywhere from a handful of days to many weeks.

Most starlings spend the majority of their time in the UK, but their numbers nearly double in winter with many arriving from Eastern Europe as the weather there is a lot colder than in the UK. These visitors joined us in the mid-autumn months of October and November and as we are now approaching spring, many will return back east for the warmer weather so you may see a decrease in numbers in your garden. Do not be too disheartened though, as those starlings staying with us throughout the year will be constructing breeding territories to welcome new life in just a month’s time. They will lay between four to six eggs, a pale duck blue in colour, and the new chicks will likely hatch at the end of April.

I recently went on a trip to Hanningfield Reservoir, which is home to many bird species at the moment including mallard ducks, greylag geese and Canadian geese (pictured), thanks to the beautiful large body of water. Although no young can be seen just at the moment, many of these species will build nests close to the water and once hatched will spend much of their time at the place they were born. Although many ducks and geese live all year round in the UK, many will migrate here in the autumn and spend the winter on our less harsher shores before leaving again come springtime.

That is the wonderful circle of life, and knowing it will happen again next year fills us with a comforting certainty that we will see our flying friends once more.

Holly runs Holly’s Evergreen Dog Walks in the areas of Great Baddow and Moulsham Lodge, offering a friendly, professional and personal service for your dog. You can call or text on 07906 517 931, or email hollysevergreendogwalks@hotmail.com for enquiries and bookings.

Nick Garner’s Music & Ramblings

As I am writing this the weather is pretty great. Spring and Easter are here so the kids are off and much chocolate will be eaten. I love all the blossom, the emerging creatures, the nice weather and the lighter evenings... It all makes me feel happier as I hope it does you.

The other week was not a good one, as I lost two friends - Brian McGovern and Tish Morris. Both left us suddenly. Both were well known around the Old Moulsham area; Brian was well known for starting the Cool To Be Kind charity helping the homeless, and also for many years working for McCartney Estate Agents until he started his own company, McGovern and Co, only opening his shop in Moulsham Street fairly recently. Sadly he announced he had cancer and was taking a break from work and within 10 days we had lost him. He was far too young at just 52 years old.

The following day was the funeral of Bob Clarke, a real character who also suddenly left us due to a heart attack. Bob was much loved and often to be found in the local pubs. He was known for his reflective jacket to make sure we did not miss him, and for his singing, his allotments and love of bicycles. On Friday I then heard of the sudden death of Tish Morris who leaves behind Steve Morris - they had been together for almost 40 years. They were both well known in the area for their gardening, Irish music nights and of course the Thai Chi. A very sad loss. The week ended well though with a wedding of two friends which was wonderful. This is one week I don’t want to see a repeat of.

Now I feel more than ever we need to be looking forward to a brighter future. I know things don’t look that bright with the current war situation and all the price hiking going on and Covid cases on the up, but we must try to stay positive and look forward and not give up.

These times are also hard for me as so many gigs are getting cancelled and my own health issues etc. Although I am doing my best to stay positive and hope for better times coming sooner rather than later for us all.

I hear we have a new manager for the Chelmsford Museum who is Sarah Davies (Adkins) as she recently married. Sarah was the parks manager for many years where I first got to know her when I worked with the charities. I know she will be great for the museum and do a fabulous job for us all.

The Woolpack is also under new management with Dave and he is taking the pub back to the great pub it was before, with good beer and food and welcoming all the locals back. He has his first beer festival this Easter, so do go along and give him support as it is looking like a good pub to visit once again.

Bubble Tea: have you tried it? We had none and now in Moulsham Street we have three so far. I presume they have had enough of coffee and normal tea and think we should all drink this bubble tea... Is it just a fad, or is it here to stay I wonder?

Music

to rebook both acts as they are both eager to come and play here. I also had to cancel the One Tree Hillbillies at the Eagle and Hind who are playing at the Orange Tree in Lower Anchor Street on Monday 4th April. Black Frog Presents will be putting on regular acoustic events at the Orange Tree now, starting with Richard Townend on Saturday 2nd April then as above on 4th April. Then on Saturday 28th we have Robin Bibi performing. These events will be free to enter and start around 8.30pm.

We also have a few changes at the Chelmsford Social Club, having added Surfquake to the bill with Totally Blondie for Friday 29th April. Though we have sadly had to cancel for now our show on Friday 6th May for Boss Acoustic. We also have a change to Friday 20th May as Twister had double booked themselves (we will have them back in 2023). So we now have a double header of alt-folk/Americana with Roy Mette’s Dangerous Daydream, along with The Homing - two great acts that we hope you will love as much as we do.

Our special fundraising day for The British Heart Foundation on Sunday 22nd May is shaping up well. This is for our friend Mike Lightfoot who we lost in 2018 and two friends who we also lost recently, and for anyone else with a heart condition. This is a wonderful charity who we want to support.

In June we have a couple of festival days in collaboration with Chelmsford Arts and Cultural Festival. The first is a folk festival on Saturday 11th June and the next is East Anglia Festival Day on 18th June with acts coming from all over to play. More details of these will follow.

We have confirmed some acts for later in the year including The Jackson Line - we are currently finalising another act to join them. We also have Malcolm Bruce, son of the late Jack Bruce (Cream) who we feel is as talented as his father was. He will be playing everything from blues, rock, jazz to classical. He is also writing an opera at present! From Scotland we have Tom McGuire and the Brassholes, a great funk band that we are sure you will love and want to dance along to. They are certainly flying high at present. Again, more details of these acts will follow.

There is of course lots more going on in and around Chelmsford of course - and not just music. The Hot Box is a great little venue, and we must not forget our theatres. Hylands Park is also running events as is Hyde Hall. If you have access to the internet, search the what’s on guides for Essex and your local areas - and of course do not forget our City Times magazine which you will in most major supermarkets and other outlets, which includes our free What’s On guide.

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

You can get tickets for all our shows in Chelmsford from Intense Records, Hopsters and Chelmsford 4Good - please pay by cash in person. Tickets are also available online from www.wegottickets.com/ BlackFrogPresents or via our ticket hotline at no extra charge: call or text 07508 496 411 and you can then pay cash as the advance price on entry to the show.

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

This past month has been a bit of an odd one for us at Black Frog Presents, as we had to cancel two shows due to Covid - one being the Beatles with Wings and the other was Cregan and Co. We hope

It would be fantastic if you could also share our magazines The City and Moulsham Times for us. We continue to publish both magazines online as well at www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia.

International Womens Day

International Womens Day in March saw us mix things up a bit for our regular show schedule and we were delighted to have so many great guests join us. Michelle swapped with Paul Morrish to present Tuesday’s Good Morning Chelmsford; she was joined on the phone by Kayleigh Boyle from Snapping the Stiletto project, and local comedian Debbie Baisden. In the studio, Michelle welcomed Louise and Sam from the White Tent, and hypopressive trainer Emma Broome.

In the Motown and Soul Show, Mo was joined by local councillor Lee Ashley, both sharing a passion for some of the most iconic female artists of the era. Ollie’s lunchtime show was split between Charli Rose and Georgie Thorogood - Charli spoke to Lu Williams on the phone about the Trans History Zine.

Gareth Jones covered 80s female artists in his show, and Ben Kearns followed suit with a female dominated playlist plus an interview with singer Sonia Stein.

For Drive at 5, presenters Nita Jhummu and Iona Brunker spoke to some female councillors about women in politics. Colour and Style coach Sandra Jayne Sparrowhawk came in to discuss using colour to make the best of the way we dress. On the phone, the team were joined by Lora Aziz to talk about her Homeland is Presence exhibition and book, plus Rebekah Wallace talked about Walk With Purpose. Our very own Shakey made way for his wife Rachel, and our International Womens Day Shows were brought to a close with Mrs Shakey’s Sessions featuring some more inspiring female artists and guests.

It was a wonderful day and a big thank you goes out to everybody who helped support it or contribute to the shows.

We love having guests on CCR - if you are interested in joining in or have an idea for a feature, please drop us an email to admin@ chelmsfordcommunityradio.com.

If you are interested learning more about Chelmsford Community Radio and our team of presenters, or getting involved with our shows or supporting our Radio Café, then please visit our website at www. chelmsfordcommunityradio.com, or follow us on social media ‘@chelmsfordcr’ and ‘@radiocaféchelmsford’.

www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com www.facebook.com/ChelmsfordCR

Spring Budget Poem

We like to think of springtime as the season of new starts New beginnings and new ventures to energize our minds and hearts

Yet this April will awaken an arrival most unpleasant

Because the soaring cost of living is our new unwelcome present!

For cutting back on usage, there have indeed been some suggestions

But they sound so out-of-touch we don’t have answers, only questions!

For how long should we hug our pets, do star jumps or wear hats? (There now must be a market gap for thermal mitts for cats!)

With so many jumper layers on, we may look a tad eclectic But we’re only trying to save on heating costs from the electric!

And when using lentil substitutes, we’ll be brave and take the plunge,

Lentil hotpot, lentil burgers, lentil curry… lentil sponge! (No thank you!)

So we’ll try to pinch the pennies and to save, not spend, instead And if the sun could keep on shining, we’ll think of brighter days ahead.

By Rosie Waspe of www.personalpoems.co.uk

Volunteering, Army & Navy and Theatres Update -

By Cllr Marie Goldman

The Power of Volunteering

I’m typing this under blue skies and sunshine, and the daffodils are in full bloom and the trees are beginning to blossom. It feels like it’s time for optimism, and yet there are so many awful things going on in the world at the moment that it would be wrong not to acknowledge that so many people face almost unimaginable challenges. I am of course thinking about the atrocious war in Ukraine, but also about the cost of living crisis that is affecting people much closer to home, including right here in our own city.

With so much happening, sometimes it’s easy to feel powerless. So, if you’re not sure how you can help, I’d like to put in a quick word for the power of volunteering.

Getting involved in your local community as a volunteer can be a really uplifting way to make a positive contribution, as well as introducing you to new people and new experiences. It’s a way to give back, while also benefiting from it yourself. Of course, it can be easy to think that we don’t have time to volunteer, but there are so many volunteering opportunities available that there usually is something for everyone - from an hour or so every now and again (eg, tree planting or litter picking) to regular hours (eg, driving a community bus or delivering hot meals to the elderly and vulnerable). Chelmsford has some fantastic resources for volunteering, just a couple of which I’ve outlined below, together with a tiny sample of the type of opportunities recently available:

• Chelmsford CVS (chelmsfordcvs.org.uk/latest-volunteeringopportunities).

• Puppy and Dog Socialiser - Medical Detection Dogs (ongoing).

• Hyperbaric Chamber Assistant (ongoing).

• Packing School Resource Boxes (one-off).

• Love Your Chelmsford (loveyourchelmsford.co.uk/volunteer.)

• Tree planting (seasonal).

• Conservation volunteer scheme (ongoing).

• Garden volunteer scheme (seasonal).

Army and Navy Update

A few residents have asked me for an update on the Army and Navy project. The key developments are that the hamburger roundabout has been approved as the preferred layout option, and the proposed new Park and Ride site in Widford has been removed from the package. This is mainly due to the high construction costs and the financial risks involved in operating a new Park and Ride site, especially given the uncertainty brought about by the impact of the pandemic. The revised Army and Navy Sustainable Package now includes the following:

• A new Hamburger Roundabout junction layout.

• A 350-space expansion of Sandon Park and Ride.

• A 500-space expansion of Chelmer Valley Park and Ride.

• Wider connectivity improvements across the walking and cycling networks leading to and from the Army and Navy junction.

I’m pleased to say that Chelmsford City Council expects to be making a capital contribution to this scheme and is keen to work in partnership with the County Council to ensure that the Army and Navy truly delivers on its promise to improve sustainable travel.

You can follow developments on the Army and Navy Sustainable Transport package on the Essex Highways website here: www. essexhighways.org/highway-schemes-and-developments/highwayschemes/chelmsford-schemes/army-and-navy-taskforce.

Theatres Modernisation

Finally, something very exciting happened at a special meeting of the Full Council at Chelmsford City Council on 22nd March: the budget and proposals for the refurbishment of Chelmsford theatres were

finalised and agreed. This means that we can now move ahead at full steam, transforming our theatres into a ‘cultural living room’. As I wrote in this column at the beginning of the year, I am thrilled that this is happening. Our theatres are long overdue some love and attention and it’s such an important role of local government to encourage the development and growth of culture - something that as the Cabinet Member for Connected Chelmsford not only falls within my portfolio, but is also very close to my heart.

In addition to supporting the arts as they recover from the pandemic, the refurbishment plans also make far better use of the theatres as a council asset. Currently, for most of the day the theatres stand empty - I think that’s a waste. So our plans will transform the bars and foyer to create inviting and social spaces that can be used by the public throughout the day, where they can pop in for a drink, a snack, or even hire out space for an event.

The refurbishment works will inevitably require the theatres to ‘go dark’ and close over the summer, but they will reopen in the autumn. I’m proud that we are investing in the cultural future of our city and I can’t wait for everyone to see the transformation when it’s completed.

As always, if you need to get in touch with me about anything related to the City or County Councils, I can be emailed on: marie.goldman@ chelmsford.gov.uk, or cllr.marie.goldman@essex.gov.uk. Keep well and keep smiling.

Marie

Cllr Marie Goldman Deputy Leader, Chelmsford City Council City Councillor for Moulsham & Central County Councillor for Chelmsford Central

Hi everyone, I hope you are all well and enjoying the spring weather. As I write this, it is a lovely day with a bright blue sky. I do like this time of year with the lighter evenings and the promise of warmer days...

We paid a visit to Sutton Hoo near Woodbridge recently. For those of you who may not know, it is an Anglo Saxon burial site which, when being excavated, turned out to go back even further into history.

It’s a 255 acre estate, famous for the discovery of a royal burial ground and the ship with Anglo Saxon’s remains along with his treasured possessions.

The then owner, Edith Pretty, was fascinated with the many mounds on the estate. So much so that in 1938 she engaged a local amateur archaeologist called Basil Brown to investigate. In several of the mounds he found evidence of graves, but they had been robbed. There was one however, where he found the remains of a Viking ship with a mass of well-preserved treasures, and over the subsequent years they have continued to find exciting artefacts.

There are several free guided tours available, and the one we chose was very interesting, with the guide telling all about what it was like living in those days and about the points of interest around the site.

We rounded off the day with a visit to the lovely town of Woodbridge and its quaint shops. A lovely day out with some wonderful facts that should help me when watching the television quiz shows. If I can remember them of course!

Now, a statement of fact: I am not a gardener by any stretch of imagination, but I have spent some time in our garden over the last couple of weeks. Yes really. The reason is... ivy. Over recent years, ivy has gradually covered some fence panels in the back garden. When I say covered, I mean all up the panel and sprouting about two feet above. Not a pretty site. So, a project begins. I need to cut this down once and for all. That’s the plan, and that’s before I realise that ivy attaches itself to fence panels and posts using natures equivalent to superglue!

So here we go. Stage one, cut off all the leaves using shears, exposing the hidden tree-like bits that are attached to the fence. To my utter surprise, they are nearly five inches thick, see photos. Right, handsaw in hand - so to speak - just cut through the wood and away we go. No chance! A search of the internet results in me buying a mini (4cm blade) pruning chain saw. Magic, cuts through the wood like a knife though butter. Then disaster strikes, chain saw stops working. I return the item to the seller, a surprisingly simple task with a refund received in a matter of days.

Stage three. Buy another chain saw (6cm blade) from a different seller. On receipt, assembled the saw, and rushed enthusiastically into the garden, saw in hand. This saw is not of the same quality as the first, wouldn’t even cut though a dish of jelly. Another return to seller.

Now I have bought a 35cm chain saw. Look out in next month’s magazine whether I have beaten - or been beaten - by the poison ivy!

You might remember reports that a dog had been saved from getting stuck in mud, with the rescue team using a drone with a sausage dangling from it on a piece of string which was used to coax the stricken dog to follow the sausage out to safety.

There is now a report of a police dog that, as part of his obedience training, has a sausage balanced on his nose, and cannot eat it until

his handler tells him he can. Now I can see an opportunity here, linked to the aforementioned banger rescue mission. Instead of the bother of getting a drone in the air and tying the sausage on a string, they should use the sausage on the nose of the dog to be directed to the trapped one, with the sausage on his nose, to lead the other dog to safety. A good alternative strategy, don’t you think?

Can you bear another one? Apparently, a border collie named Pepper was out for a walk with his family - human family of course - when she ran away to herd a group of ducks walking nearby, as sheep dogs instinctively do. Unfortunately, in her excitement and dedication to the task, she lost site of the family...

It was then, allegedly, that he went to a bus stop and caught the bus home, even getting off at the right stop and waiting there for the owners. I wonder if dogs can only travel free from a certain time on buses, and that he may have been a ‘twirly’ and not allowed on. I’ve got to say, this sounds like a shaggy dog story to me, but it was reported in the press... I think it was in the Barking (mad) Recorder

I am struggling to know what to do about mask wearing and social distancing at the moment. Not too many people seem to be wearing masks in shops, and the social distancing seems to be a thing of the past. People still seem to give me a wide berth on pavements, but that may not be Covid related!

Bin End Chuckles

Once again provided by my one-liner consultant, John.

Someone ripped out the fifth month from my calendar. I’m completely dismayed...

Inflation is getting out of control. £9 for half a lettuce - and that’s just the tip of the iceberg...

Keep well and enjoy the early spring weather.

2nd Chelmsford Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade

The 2nd Chelmsford Girls’ and Boys’ Brigade groups meet in Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church on Tuesdays and Fridays during term time. Both organisations have been running for over 50 years and are staffed by adult volunteers, most of whom have been part of the company as children themselves. All staff have undertaken criminal record checks, receive regular training and are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment.

The last couple of years have been challenging, but we have adapted and held Zoom sessions online throughout lockdown. We were really

pleased to get back to face-to-face meetings in September 2020.

Like many organisations we have had some members drop away during lockdown, but we are proud to still be meeting and providing a fun, interesting and active environment for children aged 5-18 years.

At the beginning of March we joined the church members of Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church for the first church parade service since before lockdown. The church was also celebrating their 60th birthday - a fitting day to finally all join together again.

If you know of a youngster aged 5-11 years old who would be interested in joining us, please contact us via enquiries@2ndchelmsford.org.uk. Further information on our activities can be found on our Facebook page - search ‘@2ndchelmsfordgirlsandboysbrigades’.

The Little Edi Foundation

It has been a pleasure once again for Widford Lodge School to support The Little Edi Foundation.

This time, we have been collecting for The Bed Poverty Project. This incentive was set up to help ensure the children in the project have adequate warmth as utility bills soar.

We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our school community. We have collected bed linen, duvets, pillows and blankets. We feel privileged to be able to help and support this wonderful charity.

The Little Edi Foundation support vulnerable families both in the UK and overseas

Grove Road Evangelical Church

Easter: The Season of Hope

Coming up in April are two days that are very special to Christians all over the world.

First, there is Good Friday on April 15th. This is the day that Christians remember that the Lord Jesus Christ died on a cross, crucified by the Roman authorities on a hillside outside Jerusalem about 2,000 years ago. It is the day we remember that Jesus really died: his death was certified by a Roman centurion who was well versed in the art of knowing when people were really dead.

Second, there is Easter Sunday on April 17th. This is the day that Christians remember the resurrection of Jesus. That is, although Jesus died, he did not stay dead. He conquered death and was seen again by large numbers of family and friends who knew him well before he was crucified. The verdict of all these eyewitnesses was that Jesus was alive again.

Easter then, brings us a message of hope that comes through knowing Jesus - Jesus who died, but who defeated death and who promises life to all who commit themselves to him.

Over the Easter weekend we will be meeting on Good Friday (15th) at 10.30am and then again on Easter Sunday at 11am and 6pm. Our regular meeting times are: Friday lunchtime at 1.15pm, and Sundays at 11am and 6pm.

We are also putting on a series of meetings under the title Hope Explored, so that you can discover more of hope that the Easter message offers. See the advert for the course adjacent to this article for when it is taking place and how to find out more about the course.

Philip Loose, Pastor www.grecuk.co.uk pastor@grecuk.co.uk

Grove Road Evangelical Church (behind Tesco Express, Moulsham Street)

The Story of Leonora Carrington

The Story of Leonora Carrington is about Leonora, who went to school in Chelmsford preWorld War Two before escaping France to the US and Mexico.

The book also covers other women artists of the Surrealist movement.

Available from the Art Place in the Meadows Precinct, Chelmsford.

MT History: Braintree, Messing, Purleigh and POTUS - By Henri Lewi

When we consider the US presidency, we all recognise the strong Irish heritage that many of the US presidents often claim as their legacy. The most recent and most notable of these presidents being John F Kennedy, Richard M Nixon, Bill Clinton (though this still remains disputed) and Joe Biden. Overall, it is claimed that 23 of the 46 US presidents have a strong Irish lineage, but it should however be noted that Essex itself has made a significant contribution to the US presidency with 5 US presidents having strong Essex links. This Essex connection includes not only the first US President George Washington, but also the second (John Adams) and sixth US President (John Quincy Adams) as well as the more recent presidents, George HW Bush (41st president) and his son George W Bush (43rd president).

George Washington

George Washington, the first president of the United States, has a tenuous link with Essex that is commemorated by the Washington Window in All Saints Church in Maldon. The window is dedicated to both the memory of Lawrence Washington and the Washington Family and commemorates the relationship between Lawrence Washington, once rector of Purleigh Essex, and first US President George Washington.

During the English Civil War (1642-1651) Lawrence Washington was dismissed by the Puritan Parliament from his role as rector in Purleigh. Despite later taking up a position in Little Braxted, he had been left impoverished and abandoned by his wife (Amphilis) and their children which included his oldest son, John. Following his separation from his father, Lawrence Washington’s son John moved to London and became involved in the tobacco trade and subsequently emigrated to Virginia in 1656. John Washington, who had spent his childhood and early adult years in Essex, now became a Virginia gentleman, politician and tobacco planter, and would become

a lieutenant colonel in the local militia. It was John Washington’s son Lawrence (by his first wife, Anne Pope) born in 1659 who was grandfather to the 1st US president.

John Adams and John Quincy Adams

The Adams family (no, not the TV family with Gomez and Morticia Adams!) were an influential family that had settled in Braintree Massachusetts, (yes named after our very own Braintree in Essex!) sometime in the 1630s. The original founding father, one Henry Adams, has been claimed as being a son of Braintree Essex, but here it gets confusing. His father also called Henry Adams is likely to have been born in Somerset and moved to Essex to seek work. There are clear records of one Henry Adams (born 1555) settling in Braintree Essex and of a Henry Adams (born 1583) of Braintree emigrating to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1636. Both US presidents (John Adams) and his son (John Quincy Adams) are direct descendants of this Henry Adams of Braintree, Essex and would go on and serve as the second and sixth presidents of this new country, now renamed as the United States of America, between 1797-1801 and 1825-1829 respectively.

John Adams (president 1797-1801) himself was an important political player in the American Revolution, negotiating the peace between Britain and the new country of the United States before becoming the first US vice president serving under George Washington between 1789 and 1797 and before becoming president himself in 1797. This powerful politician and lawyer lost the succeeding election to Thomas Jefferson and finally retired from political life in 1801. The descendants of John Adams of Braintree Massachusetts and formerly Essex would include numerous influential US politicians and diplomats, including his son John Quincy Adams who would become the 6th US president.

George HW Bush and George W Bush

Their ancestral line has been traced back to one Reynold Bush who was born in Messing Essex. One version describes Reynold Bush being born in 1587 and emigrating to Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1632 - an alternative version has Reynold Bush being born in Messing in 1566 and his son John Bush being the ancestor emigrating to the United Colonies, though little confirmatory evidence for this version is available. It is here that the family prospered, acquired large tracts of land, and subsequently developed a number of highly successful business interests, with the family becoming wealthy and hugely influential in the process. Some generations later, the descendants of Reynold Bush of Messing would produce two US presidents. Firstly, George HW Bush who served two terms as vice president during Ronald Reagan’s 8-year presidency (1981- 1989) before being elected as the 41st US president in 1988. Following the Clinton administration, George HW Bush’s son George W Bush, latterly Governor of Texas, was voted in as the 43rd US president and would oversee a two term presidency between 2001 and 2009.

Love Your Stronger Core With Pilates @Hummingbird for Core

Strength - By Erica Foulds

Following on from our previous articles in 2022 so far (Pilates and Flexibility in February, Pilates for Better Posture in March), this month I visit the topic of core strength. The biggest and arguably most frequently asked questions in my pilates classes are around the topic of how to work your core. Lets start at the beginning.

Core: The muscles at the physiological centre of the body including the chest, waist and pelvis. Most importantly we need to realise that the spine with its vertebrae, the literal back bone of our body, needs something to, a) hold it up, and b) allow it to move safely.

Strength: In this context the muscles of the trunk being active and effectively holding your spine safely whilst you go about every day activities. From getting out of bed, walking down the stairs... Any time you move from sit to stand or vice versa our bodies need to coordinate so we don’t fall - balance is a huge aspect of core strength with brings in strength of hips, knees and ankles.

Some common issues which come from weak core include back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain. The onset of the pain can come on gradually from a niggle, to a specific event like bending down to get something off the floor.

Weak Core and Pilates

What is weak core? The muscles in the core need to function together day to day. Imagine a simple door in its frame with 3 hinges holding the door at various intervals, all 3 hinges share holding the door, it opens and closes smoothly. If one hinge is loose the other 2 hinges are under more strain and maybe the door tips and catches the frame. If 2 hinges fell off then the door may fall out of the frame. If one area of the core becomes weak, eg, our abdominals being a common weak part of the core, then strain is put on others - eg, our back muscles. If we are hunched forward over a device or laptop the chest becomes tight and the upper back or neck can experience pain. Imbalances in the muscles such as these mean we start to move less efficiently - but this can be undone. Sitting all day for a desk job is a common cause of weakness and back pain, though it may not be as simple as doing an abdominal crunch for stronger abs, it certainly doesn’t need to be difficult to work on and to improve.

In my pilates classes I target core strength, flexibility of tight areas, simple isolated moves to get weak parts moving, including bending forward and back or side to side, twisting and simple balancing whether standing or down on the floor to promote stabile strong backs and re-educating the muscles to work better.

These are 4 classic exercises you can try at home get your core active daily:

All Fours Hover: For all over switch on. On all fours with hands under shoulders, knees under hips, curl toes under and hover knees 2 inches from floor for 5 seconds (repeat x5). Increase this to 10 or 15 seconds over a few weeks.

Roll Backs: For switching on the abdominals. Sit on the floor with feet hip width, knees bent, hands holding back of thighs. Sit tall, begin to tuck the tailbone under, curve the rest of the back into a profile capital ‘C’, draw the naval to your back. Unravel back up seated again (repeat x10).

Table Top Toe Taps: For deeper abdominal strength. Lay on the floor hands down to sides, bring knees up to 90 degree above hips, draw naval to spine keeping waist feeling ‘heavy’, lower one foot and tap toes to floor, alternate legs for 10. Lower back should NOT be arching off floor every tap - if it does then keep 1 leg on the floor whilst other leg does 5 taps then change.

Prone Cactus to Swan: Lay on your front, face down to floor, arms either side of shoulders elbows 90 degree angle (imagine an actual cactus shape if you were standing!). Keeping chest down elevate arms from floor pinching shoulder blades together (repeat x5-10).

Then start in same position, hover face and chest from floor a few inches and add arms as above.

At Hummingbird Pilates and Yoga in Writtle, you can try as much core strength busting pilates or yoga as you’d like for an unlimited £45 first month. Any classes, any day or time, in studio or Zoom options for every class and no experience needed! For more details on our classes, visit our website where you can browse our schedule for both studio and Zoom sessions. Email us at info@ hummingbirdpilatesyoga.co.uk, or call 01245 422 556 to get started.

See you on the mat soon

Erica xx

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

What is complementary and alternative medicine? As the name suggests, they are practices that can either complement or be used as an alternative to conventional medicine. Among the best known of these are probably reflexology, reiki, acupuncture and aromatherapy massage - and these are used regularly by those of us who seek to maintain our own well-being, but what does that mean?

Most of you will have heard about the fight or flight response where the body reacts to a mentally or physically fearful situation. So let’s imagine a herd of elephants stampeding towards us. All the photography enthusiasts will probably stand their ground and take some amazing photographs, but for the rest of us, once we see the oncoming threat a message will travel from the eye to the brain which then triggers a release of hormones, primarily adrenaline, to help prepare us to deal with the situation. It does this by increasing our heart rate, our blood pressure and diverting huge amounts of our blood to the skeletal muscles so we can either run away or fight.

This is collectively known as the body’s sympathetic nervous system. For the purposes of survival, the body’s reaction is amazing, truly amazing, but to live with acute or prolonged stress is really very bad for us. There will be some people reading this who scoff and think they are stressed all of the time and they are fine but believe me, they are not! The added strain on our hearts and the impact on other body systems and organs can be profound.

Let’s look at the alternative to the sympathetic nervous system… enter the body’s parasympathetic nervous system. This allows the body to rest, relax, rebalance, reproduce and heal itself. Encouraging our body to function in this state is maintaining our own well-being! It allows all the body systems and organs to work as a team for our optimum health. Whilst each complementary and alternative therapy will work in different ways, they will all strive to relieve pain and relax the body.

During my training as a reflexologist, I became acutely aware of the benefits of complementary and alternative therapies, and having now qualified in both reflexology and Mian Dui, I have my own business working from home in my luxurious purpose-built therapy room. I welcome anyone and everyone who is feeling stressed, anxious, low in mood, lacking in sleep or who finds it difficult to relax. Please contact me for a chat about how I can help you.

Sending you all my best wishes.

Christine 07855 835 309

myhandsyourfeet123@gmail.com

Google and Facebook: search ‘My Hands…Your Feet Reflexology’

R & R - Rest and... - By Ola Adamolekun

So, there are a few variations of R & Rrest and relaxation, rest and rehab, rest and recuperation… Actually, I can’t think of anymore! But the common denomination is rest. It’s all about taking a bit of time out to rest - body and soul!

Today, I’m just going to talk about the body - my body to be specific. I find that I need to rest my body both on the inside and the outside. By the ‘inside’ I mean my digestive system (but maybe this is part 2). Resting the ‘outside’ for me, is about taking time out to rest from intense exercise.

So how do I know when to rest? The long of short of it is that my body tells me when it needs a rest. I wish I was more proactive about it and took a rest before my body tells me - it would save me a lot of heartache. If I’m honest, I’m a bit of a gym freak - I love exercise so it’s hard to take a break.

However, there is only a finite amount that my body can take before it starts to protest. I’ve learnt that I need to take a break every 6-8 weeks. However, I haven’t taken a break this year so far (and we’re in March 2022, so my body has let me know it isn’t happy - I start to feel tired and performance in the gym and life suffers. I also start to get niggles in my shoulders, back and knees even when I’m not exercising, and that is exactly what has started to happen. So it’s time for a break!

What does a break look like I hear you ask? Well, it’s not a totally break, it’s more like play time - woo-hoo! Here are three things I do when I’m on a break:

1. Work on my flexibility and mobility. Foam roll (I should do this anyway!), stretch and maybe have a sports massage.

2. Walk - now that the weather is getting better, I like to get out in the open and go for a long walk.

3. Focus on a fitness goal I may be working towards. This means practicing my technique but not going over the top.

So, what are the benefits of rest and why should we do it?

1. It gives your body time to heal. This is especially true if you are carrying any injuries. The body needs time to repair itself (this

applies to your gut as well - part 2 of R & R?).

2. It gives your body time to grow (especially if you are working out in the gym). Your muscles are broken down when you exercise, when you rest, your muscles get built up again but stronger. This is when you build muscle and get that ‘toned’ look you’re after or you get bigger and stronger.

3. Finally, giving your body a rest reduces the risk of you getting injured.

So, what do you like to do when you’re resting? Feel free to email, text or message me and let me know. Happy R & R!

Ola Adamolekun Health and Nutrition Coach

www.beencouragedwellness.co.uk

07859 583 242

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BeEncouragedBeStrong

to Inflation From Rising Commodity Prices?

Financial markets have been eyeing the risk of rising inflation and interest rates for some time, but Russia’s horrifying invasion of Ukraine has seen those concerns intensify. That’s because of the major role these countries play in the world’s natural resources.

Russia is the world’s second largest producer of natural gas behind the US. It supplies about 40% of Europe’s gas, which has resulted in major upheaval in continental energy markets. Russia is also a big player in oil, responsible for about 8% of the global export market and around 30% of EU supply. Sanctions and boycotts stand to remove much of this energy from markets and prices have risen as buyers scrambled to secure enough for their needs. This may ameliorate as supply is ramped up from elsewhere, and perhaps as demand slows down in response to higher prices.

It’s a similar picture in other commodities markets. Russia and Ukraine are responsible for about 30% of global wheat production and 19% of corn. With Black Sea ports closed while war wages, there are no exports. Russia is also the world’s largest exporter of fertiliser, the production of which from most other sources requires natural gas that is now much more expensive. Meanwhile, Russia’s significant deposits of industrial metals are unavailable to western industry. Key raw material inputs may be in short supply and cost more.

Squeezed supply and higher commodity prices could exacerbate an existing cost of living crisis. Recent data showed US consumer prices rose 7.9% year-on-year in February - a new 40-year high - and European and UK figures may come in higher still thanks to being more dependent on imported energy.

Higher prices at the pumps and on the shelves reduces propensity of consumers to spend on non-essentials and overall, we can expect lower economic growth if commodities continue to climb. Surging inflation numbers will also give more reason for central banks to put up interest rates, which acts as a further constraint on growth and makes servicing debt more difficult. As the world hopes for a rapid de-escalation of Russian hostilities for humanitarian reasons, an intensifying struggle to contain inflation would pose a further dilemma to central banks. They will need to manage the normalisation of interest rates without tipping economies into recession. It also presents a tricky picture for investors.

Investment implications

As well as putting a significant dent in the spending power of cash in the bank or building society, high inflation is bad for many assets. Investors require a higher return on their money in an inflationary environment. The higher the inflation the more return they will want, effectively forcing prices lower, with investors wanting a safety net. Conventional bonds paying a fixed level of income are vulnerable as inflation and interest rates rise their capital value must fall to provide the required level of return to investors. Although sometimes referred to as ‘safe’ investments, capital values can be significantly eroded and less inflation-sensitive areas such as shorter dated or index-linked bonds are likely to offer better sanctuary in an era of persistently rising prices.

Equities - A Balancing Act

For shares, it comes down to how individual companies adapt to the rising costs of raw materials and labour as well as the level of demand they experience. Purchases of big ticket items may be curtailed whereas lower value, repeated purchases, especially necessities, stand to hold up better. So too businesses that are ‘capital light’ or digital in nature as they don’t use raw materials or even much in the way of manufactured products.

The key problem for investors, though, is that companies overall are adversely impacted by higher input costs, and possibly higher wage demands too, and there are relatively few direct beneficiaries. The

most obvious are the energy and mining sectors and the service industry surrounding them, where higher raw materials prices translate to growing profits. These areas have already performed well so far this year, so they have become more expensive, but should higher prices persist then they could make further progress. They should at least offer a hedge for those worried about soaring commodities, but if prices do recede then other parts of a diversified portfolio should provide better returns.

Various structural trends offer investors notable opportunities, and in the long run these can help investors outrun inflation in the long term. The all-important US consumer remains in pretty good health and the impact of digital technology continues apace, with the potential for strong returns for innovating companies. Investing in efficiency is another way companies can fight against the negative impacts of inflation. Life sciences may also provide decent prospects, especially now valuations have fallen considerably over the past year. Finally, the commitment to both delay climate change and adapt to its impact, as well as build energy security, creates opportunities in energy transition.

Diversification Is More Important Than Ever

The refuge from equity market volatility and the diversification benefits of conventional bonds looks weaker in an inflationary climate. They are still an important component, guarding against recession and any future collapse in inflation amid economic stagnation, but integrating some areas of the bond market that are more resilient to inflation could be worthwhile. Unlike conventional bonds, index or inflation linked bonds provide an income that rises. They tend to offer some protection from an increase in inflation expectations, though they can become expensive when lots of investors are looking to protect themselves from this risk.

Meanwhile, some exposure to other areas such as commercial property, shopping centres, warehouses, offices and industrial units, can offer an attractive and ideally rising rental income and some capital growth over the long term - thereby outpacing inflation. Additionally, infrastructure assets often have a certain amount of contractual inflation protection built in. They can potentially provide investors with an attractive, income-orientated return and welcome diversification from equity markets. There are a number of options for investing in this specialist area, which looks relatively well placed to generate consistent returns.

Finally, gold is once again proving itself a valuable shelter during uncertain and higher inflation environments. In the short-term, price action can be fickle and it is vulnerable to decline on more positive news for other assets, but keeping a bit of exposure, for instance via an exchange traded fund (ETF), is worth considering. We tend to prefer ‘physically-backed’ funds which own gold kept securely in a vault, as opposed to derivatives-based funds where there can be added risk and complexity.

To learn more, or to arrange a free initial consultation with us to discuss how you can make the most of your investments, please do get in touch.

Graham Austin, Chartered FCSI, Investment Director Graham.Austin@charles-stanley.co.uk

0207 149 6696

The value of investments can fall as well as rise. Investors may get back less than invested. Past performance is not a reliable guide to future returns. The information in this article is for general information purposes and is not a trading recommendation. Charles Stanley is one of the UK’s leading wealth management firms. We provide a range of financial planning and investment management services to private clients, trusts and charities. Charles Stanley & Co Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 55 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 3AS.

The Singing Chef

McGovern Cake

This months recipie is in rememberance of my wonderful friend Brian McGovern; a super human with big ideas and an even bigger heart, taken from us far far to soon. I am going to miss him very, very much.

Bake for 20 minutes then take the top tray off for the last 5 minutes. Cut into 3 lengths with a sharp knife, being careful not to break the pastry. Top each layer with jam and cream and further top how you wish.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 pack of shop-bought puff pastry. Jam.

150ml whipped double cream.

Half a can of custard.

This is sooooo easy guys and not too sweet; it’s based on the French mille-feuille.

Method

Roll your pastry to fit your baking tray. Prick the pastry and place another bacing tray on top.

Sarah is a singer and vocal coach based in Chelmsford and offers singing lessons to people of all ages and abilities. You can email Sarah at sarahmtfood@gmail.com, or search for ‘Sarah Beth Vocal Coaching’ on Facebook.

Firstly a big thank you to all the volunteers who came and helped put up our new marquee following the storm damage we suffered recently.

Community Wildlife Day

Community Wildlife Day 2022 was another huge success. We welcomed back Sheila from Hedgehog Haven, Sue from RSPB, the fabulous MenShed team, Princes Road Allotment, TEG (The Environment Group), The Essex Badger Protection Group, Marconi Ponds, Moulsham Camera Club who displayed their amazing wildlife photos and organising the photo competition, and our very own awesome knitters Jenny and Stella who had been busy knitting many wildlife items for sale on the day.

We must give a huge shout out to the Moulsham Lodge Girl Guides

who helped at lead up meetings, providing resources, ran stalls and welcomed many visitors at the gate on the day!

Natalie, a member of the guides attended preparation meetings, said: “On Saturday 19th March 2022, MLCT held a Wildlife Day for the local community. People were able to plant seeds and find out how to create a pond even in a small garden. There was a tombola to raise funds and the 2nd Moulsham Guides helped to organise and run the stall.

“Before the event, the MLCT Wildlife Day Planning Team had held meetings to organise the day and I was part of this team. It was my role to design a treasure hunt about British wildlife. I really enjoyed being part of the team and can’t wait until the next wildlife day!” Natalie also took on the role of preparing the treasure hunt that took place on JSPF over the same weekend.

Thank you to everyone who made the day a success, from the marquee assembly team, to the MLCT volunteers, to the awesome Copper Pot Café who were super busy all day providing hundreds of cups of tea, coffee and slices of cake, and to all the volunteers who helped. Any profit made on the day is split between MLCT who hosted the event, and our lucky organisation winner - RSPB. See www.mlct. org.uk for pics.

Remember too our Computer Club on 2nd and 4th Friday of each month - 10am to 12 noon, and the Copper Pot Café which is open Tuesday to Saturday, and has daily specials and old favourites.

www.mlct.org.uk enquiries@mlct.org.uk

07434 678 999

An Update From Moulsham Lodge Ward -

By Councillor Rob Gisby

It’s very British to start an article with a comment on the weather, but it is so nice to see some more sunshine (or at least some more sunshine whilst I write this!). In our strange, changeable climate, where we can have anything from gales, to Saharan sand infused rain, to clear blue skies in the space of a couple of weeks, we have to make the most of the springtime, which definitely lifts the mood.

Even through the temperature is beginning to rise outside, it remains important to be environmentally aware, and with rising energy bills, Warm Homes Essex can help residents who want help with the cost of energy and to go green. A collaboration between Essex County Council and Citizens Advice, Warm Homes Essex offers energy saving tips, plus a directory of schemes. This includes the Essex Energy Switch, and Solar Together Essex which aims to enable Essex residents and businesses to install solar panels at an affordable price and save on future energy costs. Have a look at www. warmhomesessex.org.uk for more information.

On other environmental issues, as I have shared before, whenever I am out and about and see a litter problem, I look to see how I can help resolve this, whether it be reporting overflowing bins to the council or working with larger local businesses to improve the state of their surroundings. The officers within Chelmsford City Council work hard to address any issues. Across Chelmsford, we are lucky to have a diversity of shops and restaurants and with Covid restrictions having been lifted, the city is more vibrant and busy again. However, visible litter does seem to be on the rise in the city and it is important that both consumers and business owners are taking responsibility for the environment around them. If you are noticing that there is a particular business in the city who is generating excessive litter, or an area of public space that needs attention, please get in touch with

the City Council through www.chelmsford.gov.uk or let me know and I will gladly help deal with this or direct your concern as appropriate.

Like many across Moulsham, my family and I were really sad to learn of the death of Brian McGovern. Brian was a well known figure in our community and a great force for good: co-founding Cool to Be Kind, supporting the homeless community, establishing the Moulsham Community Bench during the pandemic to help those in need and of course, well known local estate agent. Whilst Brian and I had different political homes, he was always friendly and we exchanged a good bit of banter when I’d bump into him on Moulsham Street. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and my thoughts are with his family and friends.

On the 23rd March, the nation paused on the National Day of Reflection, marking two years since the announcement of the first Covid lockdown. In that time, many people will have lost family and friends, either due to Covid or other circumstances. Bereavement can be challenging to cope with, and feeling overwhelmed or like you can’t cope is completely normal. There is support available, including national resources and support from the Essex Mental Health and Wellbeing Team, who can be reached on 0333 032 2958 or mh.wellbeingteam@essex.gov.uk.

As always, you can get in touch with me via Chelmsford City Council, through my Facebook Page (Cllr Rob Gisby) or via Chelmsford Conservative Association. I’d be pleased to hear of local news or be able to support local events. Please do reach out - I look forward to hearing from you. I will make sure the links mentioned in this article are also available on my Facebook page.

Stay safe, keep well, be kind.

Cllr Rob Gisby

As I write this the daffodils are all blooming around Tile Kiln and adding a welcome splash of yellow signaling the start of spring - a sign of longer days, warmer weather and the holidays and events going ahead that have been cancelled or put on hold for the past 2 years.

Tile Kiln Church have started planning a street party to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the 50th anniversary of The Church in Tile Kiln on Sunday 5th June so save the date - more details to follow!

vehicles are parked on the zig-zag lines of the zebra crossing, or just generally blocking other vehicles. We are lucky to have a large car park outside the school, albeit with potholes - its privately owned so unfortunately the City Council aren’t responsible for its upkeep, so it’s disappointing that there are still issues with parking. I requested that Parking Enforcement Officers attended at these times to monitor the situation which they did on 10th and 16th March. The visits were very well received from residents and I will do my best to liaise with them if the situation becomes worse. For more details and to report a parking violation via the Chelmsford City Council website, search: ‘report a parking issue - Chelmsford City Council’.

I am also concerned about parking on the corners of service roads, particularly by large vehicles which make entry and exit hazardous due to poor visibility, although the Highway Code (Rule 243) states: ‘You must not park opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space’ - this is rarely adhered to and not within the remit of police officers. I am working with residents affected by this parking and considering restrictions to put forward to the South Essex Parking Partnership (SEPP). If you are affected by these issues, please contact me and I’ll be happy to discuss the options with you and support your application.

mascotlinda@gmail.com

Twitter: @lindamascot

Deadlines for the May edition:

The Clay Pigeon in Robin Way are now putting on a programme on of live acts - check their website for details or phone 01245 358 971.

As City Councillor for Goat Hall, I’ve recently been contacted by residents who live in and around Mildmay Schools concerning inconsiderate parking by parents at school drop off and pick up times. Many are frustrated that their drives are being blocked,

Articles - 13th April

Print-ready artwork - 21st April

Putin, Progress, and Breaking the Power of Evil

What can I comment this month on except Vladimir Putin’s evil aggression and war? And what is there to say that hasn’t already been said? The anger and dismay, the surprise and economic sanctions, the feelings of helplessness and outpouring of support for Ukrainian refugees.

In one way it makes no sense - surely there was never going to be another European war? That’s what out leaders thought, anyway... It’s easy to ignore some things for the sake of an easy life - and that seems to be what most western governments did with Putin for most of the past 20 years. Now we face challenges around oil and gas and, of all things, football clubs.

As in a time of pandemic, so in a time of war - what sense can we make of it all? Our culture is build on the idea of progress: that science and technology will progress and progress and progress in an unstoppable inevitability that will one day bring some form of utopia in which diseases can be cured and wars stopped. But that is simply not true to life.

Of course, there is another way to see this life - that humans fundamentally think of themselves above others. That’s one of the basic premises of Christianity. That I put myself top of the pile, and so do you. And that leads to conflict, because we can’t both be the centre of the world. Magnify this a thousand times with the kind of power people like Putin have, and we see war.

What’s the solution? In a word: Easter. At Easter Christians remember and celebrate a death; the death of Jesus Christ. He drew to himself the battering force of the Roman Empire (political power) and the shrewd manoeuvrings of the Sanhedrin (religious power) and they combined with satanic power to crush down upon his head in the vain hope that God might be murdered.

It didn’t work. God raised Jesus to life again (a fact, by the way, that is arguably the most uncontested in human history - look into it yourself if you don’t believe me). And in doing so dealt the death blow to all evil - yours, mine, Putin’s.

Evil may still thrash around, but it is dying and it cannot win. Not because the west espouses ‘freedom’, but because Jesus Christ is alive and is the true and only King of all that is.

Putin will be held to account by Jesus Christ and so, in fact, will you and I.

Tim Goodall, Pastor, Tile Kiln Church

tim.goodall@tilekilnchurch.org.uk

YouTube: tinyurl.com/y24qlkvx Facebook: www.facebook.com/tilekilnchurch www.tilekilnchurch.org.uk

Quiz Time - By John Theedom

The name of which country precedes the name if an artichoke?

Which TV advert uses a talking squirrel to sell its products?

In which German city was Beethoven born?

High Hopes is the biography of whom?

Talisker whisky is produced on which Scottish island?

Who uses a keepnet?

In WW2 who or what was an ATS?

How old is Bradley Walsh?

What were Sir Winston Churchill’s last words?

When did a Frenchman last win the Tour de France race?

What is the name of the heatproof sleeve on the outside of a disposable coffee cup?

King George V had a tattoo on his arm, of what?

How long was the world’s longest sausage, to the nearest mile?

Who decided to make tennis balls yellow?

What is the name for the area inside your elbow?

How many pubs in Britain are called The Red Lion?

At home, what have you done if you ‘poon’ something?

How many boomerangs does Britain export to Australia in a year?

Which pop star had the nickname Lady Leather?

What do the H & G stand for in HG Wells?

In Dad’s Army who used to say ‘we’re doomed’?

What was Ken Barlow’s main job in TV’s Coronation Street?

Which bridge on the River Thames is closest to The Tower of London?

What musical instrument did Sherlock Holmes play?

When was VAT introduced in Britain?

What was the frequency of Radio Luxembourg?

How many people are involved in a fencing match?

Marmite yeast extract is rich in which vitamin?

How many spaces are there in a noughts and crosses frame?

Where, on the River Stort was the birthplace of Cecil Rhodes?

‘Alfresco’, ‘Golden Boy’ and ‘Shirley’ are all types of what?

A natural sponge is what colour?

Ornithophobia is the fear of what?

A wishbone is the shape of which letter?

Who played the Bond girl in the film Goldfinger?

In medical terms, what is an ECG?

In scrabble how many points is the letter ‘J’ worth?

What is the name for the loose rocks on the side of a mountain?

Who wears a chasuble at work?

Which punctuation mark do the Americans call a period?

I’m Trying to Find a Large Car Downunder!

Well, finding a large car, an estate, SUV, or even a 4 by 4 isn’t an issue at all, rather it’s the price. Like Britain, the United States and many other countries, the chip supply shortage and Covid have caused a staggering hike in used vehicle prices. It’s not only the high-end or nearly new ones either, it’s even hit my bargain basement target in searching out a suitably nice dog and child carrier.

In January we managed a very short holiday in South Australia’s lovely coastal town of Millicent which is close to some beautiful beaches. This part of Australia is well worth a google - a little gem indeed. The tiny towns that dot this part of the country were mostly empty during this southern summer thanks to Covid and the fear of more lockdowns.

Yet we found a little motel and managed some nice beach walks before returning across the state border into Victoria. We’re a small family plus dog - a 35 kilogram bouncy young labrador retriever. Our ride was our low mileage and ‘ageless’ (read the author’s opinionit’s a classic!) 2008 facelift Mercedes E350. It’s a big car that you may well have travelled in if not at home in Blighty than in Berlin in taxi format. A big car with a big boot.

Yet we were stretched for space, just the four of us! That meant that over the past two months, and in thinking of a companion for our bored dog, we’ll need another car in the next 12 months.

I’m not into selling any of our existing cars and we do have some serious house maintenance expenses ahead. Add that usually and despite it’s reputation as an expensive haven for old cars, I’ve always thought Australia not so bad. Britain has bargains in normal times until you add fuel and insurance costs. Again, outside the time of writing in which Mister Putin is hiking fuel prices as well as his other more evil plans, I pay about 80 to 90p a litre. And I insure my cars at a fraction of my old UK costs.

I’ve never much been into SUVs as they all look the same to me, but as Aussies seldom buy estates (wagons as they’re called here, like in the US of A), a soft reader seems the way to go. Without any specific budget besides ‘cheap’, I’ve been witnessing some staggering prices. My shortlist as such is pretty open but I include the Mercedes ML, BMW X5, Volvo XC70 and 90, Subaru Forester as well as many estates. Yet as the latter of what I find even mildly interesting is extremely expensive. I’ve pretty much ruled out the BMW E61 or Merc S211/212 at say $10,000 to $15,000. For a 250,000 kilometre car that is!

Volvo XC90s sold well in Australia and there are plenty of those about too. As the shape changed little over ten years or so there are some more stomachable prices about. However the well regarded Volvo looks a bit too ‘mummsy/school run’ to me! I prefer the XC70. Subaru’s abound but the asking prices are steeper than steep. Given the great reputation they have, I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that the 15 year olds I’ve looked at are $7 or $8,000!

Saab 9-5 estates are rare, but we still run our old diesel TiD sedan and the ride height just isn’t quite right... or is it? Anyhow the ones I seem to be finding online are the Aero estates at $10,000. A lot of car but 10k for an old Saab? Amazing times indeed.

I’ve heard great things about early X5s, so those are what I’m presently looking at. City cars, ie those close by in Melbourne for instance seem to be set at silly asking prices. Try $5,000 for a 20 year old with 300,000 kilometres on the clock, in petrol. Diesel cars go for more here. The ones I’m liking are located a little off the beaten track it seems. Country cars in small regional locations which perhaps have a smaller market for their owners.

It may well be such a car that shall be my next motoring adventure. I kind of like the idea of trekking out to a small town I’d normally never ever imagine visiting - and country miles are of course easier miles as they say!

I suppose I’ll find something fit for purpose in time and I’m in no hurry. Yet like most people hunting for a used car who can measure the huge price rises over the last two years - I’m afraid of paying too much. A car with 200,000 plus kilometres may have plenty of life left, and the ones on my list certainly should, but they will be due possibly high maintenance costs. That means that I could easily buy a BMW X5 for $5,000 and spend another 5k on little jobs. $10,000 isn’t what I plan to spend on what will be our third or fourth car (at this time) and 10k should in fact pull me up to a far newer motor car. Maybe..?

However in these strange times maybe I’m not so sure. Old cars may be better. They aren’t ‘connected’ online, they need to be driven rather than doing much of the driving for you - and not being electric means several benefits downunder. Well the electric market has barely kicked off here, yet where it has we’re seeing high power prices, a user pays tax in Victoria as well as a very real range anxiety problem given the enormous distances.

$5,000 is barely a deposit on a used Tesla but an old X5 can be filled up and serviced anywhere out here. Based on the brilliant E39 I’m really leaning towards one at this time. So watch this space and I’ll certainly reveal what I do buy.

Meanwhile, I’m keeping the late model W211 with 120,000km on it (I’ve quickly added 20,000). The diesel Saab is almost unsellable such is its bullet-proof overly-engineered build quality - though it does feel and sound a bit truck-like... and our Merc CLK280 is such a joy even though to save its odometer it’s becoming our garage queen lately.

An overpriced car? It seems inevitable in these strange times - and that from somebody who certainly should be able to understand the marketplace... Strange times indeed!

Quiz and Wordsearch Answers