The Singing Chef

A food review this month guys, and let me tell you how lucky we are to have such a wonderful local, delicious and inclusive business in our own fabulous Moulsham Street!

We are spoilt for choice for food in Chelmsford and let me tell you this place did not disappoint. My beautiful son James (or Jesus as he was known at school due to his long hair) has been working in catering since he left school. The boy is obsessed, just like mummy. I’m so proud of his work ethic and his passion for whatever kitchen he happens to find himself in.

Sarah is a singing and vocal coach based in Chelmsford and offers singing lessons to people of all ages and abilities. She has a brand new website at www.chelmsfordvocalcoach.co.uk, or you can contact her at sarahmtfood@gmail.com.

Now, on the day of this review, James was the main chef cooking the recipes that the owners Kelly and Steve collected on their extensive trips to Asia and Korea.

We had the most crispy chicken wings you could ever imaginechoose to go ‘angry’ or ‘plain’. The ribs were super sticky and sweet and they just fell off the bone. My friend Kelly (my date for this review) went for the short rib rice bowl, and I had the same but with angry Korean crispy fried chicken. Both bowls were filled with different salads to enhance the dish and make every bite different from the one before. It was absolutely delicious. I wish I could quote some of the dialect from that meal at Rok Kitchen but it was basically just lots of silence and yummy food noises... Just go there now and eat! Vegan options also available.

Rok Kitchen, 181 Moulsham Street, CM2 0LG

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Articles - 17th February

Print-ready artwork - 27th February

At 9.30am each Tuesday morning, weather permitting, a small group of us meet outside the Community Station and set off for an hours circular walk in whatever direction we fancy! We’ve been loving our weekly walks since May last year and have discovered some unknown parts of Moulsham Lodge and close surrounding areas. We always end up back at the Copper Pot with other friends for a well deserved coffee and delicious cake. If the mood takes you one Tuesday morning you’re welcome to join us - just turn up! The Copper Potter Trotters.

Regular activities are The Copper Potters friendship group as mentioned above on a Tuesday 10am till noon. The IT man comes on the second and fourth Friday of every month, so if you need help with your phone, tablet or laptop, come along. Knitting group is growing and is held on the second and last Sunday of each month. The local WI meet there twice a month on first and third Fridays if you are interested in joining.

Some future events we are planning are: www.mlct.org.uk enquiries@mlct.org.uk

16th March 2023 - Talk fromt Guide Dogs. All welcome.

6th May 2023 - Viewing of the King’s Coronation (further info TBA).

24th June 2023 - Well-Being Day for Everyone.

Coming within the next few months, we will also be launching our very own Men’s Shed.

07434 678 999

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An Update from Moulsham Lodge Ward - By Councillor Rob Gisby

January always feels like a long month; and this January has been both long and at times cold! However, with the evenings starting to draw out again and the bulbs starting to shoot in the garden, there is a definite glimmer of spring in the air.

Coinciding with the cold weather, I’ve had reports of mess caused by foxes raiding public bins for food - my assumption is that this may be because there is more pressure on natural food sources when there is very cold weather and snow and indeed the foxes no doubt need more energy to stay warm (although foxes will also cache food) - that said, if you’re seeing this regularly or it is becoming a problem, please do get in touch.

commission have announced that for the first time photo ID will need to be produced when you attend a polling station to vote. The acceptable forms of ID are too many to list here but full details can be found on electoralcommission.org.uk. Importantly, if you do not have photo ID, you will need to apply for a free voter authority certificate or alternatively, register for a postal vote - all the details are available on the Chelmsford City Council website www.chelmsford.gov.uk/votingand-elections.

For those interested in what happens to our recycling collected by the City Council, the Recycling Centre at Freighter House (CM2 5PH near ‘the tip’) has a family open day on the 18th February, from 10am - 2pm. This is an opportunity to see how the recycling process works, learn about your waste collection services and take a tour of the depot - I will put details up on my Facebook Page.

Continuing with family days, it’s also nice to see the return of a renewed 3foot People Festival this summer with a mini warm-up party this spring: ‘The party will all take place in a big top in Central Park, and feature activities, interactive play, live performances and shows.’ (Chelmsford Theatre). If you’d like more information, go to the Chelmsford Theatre website at, www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk, ‘Events’ and filter to ‘Outdoor’.

Regarding the Post Office, I am glad to say that I understand conversations are ongoing and Vicky Ford and I continue to speak to involved parties for updates. At time of writing there is no specific update that we can share as ultimately it’s sensitive to those involved but we and the many residents of Moulsham Lodge continue to be hopeful for a positive outcome.

Whilst I won’t talk elections per se, it may be helpful to know that from May this year (ahead of the local elections), the electoral

You can get in touch with me via Chelmsford City Council, through my Facebook Page (Cllr Rob Gisby), or via Chelmsford Conservative Association. Please do reach out - I look forward to hearing from you.

Stay safe, keep well, be kind.

Cllr Rob Gisby Conservative Ward Councillor for Moulsham Lodge

Congratulations to Beehive Florist at Hylands Parade in Wood Street for reaching the finals of the British Florist Association Awards in the category of Retail Florist of the Year for the second year running. Beehive have already received accreditation from the Good Florist Guide and were delighted to be shortlisted again.

Beehive Florist was founded by Val Booth in 1994, the shop was originally in Beehive Lane, and she was joined by Jayne Grantham as a trainee shortly afterwards. Their belief in the simple and unique use of flowers and latest skills have helped them achieve their success and make them a popular choice for the local community and beyond. Their distinctive branded delivery van is frequently spotted in the local area, particularly around Valentine’s and Mothers’ Day.

Well done on such a massive achievement, particularly as it was their customers who nominated and voted for them.

Sue Sharp had another successful Christmas light display in December on the corner of Dove Lane, raising money for Essex Air Ambulance. The exact amount isn’t known yet as some donations

What is Truth?

It’s been quite a fraught start to the year, hasn’t it?

Strikes, waiting times for GPs, A&E, prices continue to rise (as I write, milk and cheese are the latest to see fast-paced price rises). In the midst of this, we get the now-normal spin - government blaming this body or union or person; unions blaming government; everyone blaming someone else. We like to blame... the media, the government, the economy... At the moment, we can take our pick!

It can feel at times, as if truth is the last thing on anyone’s mind - as if the truth is impossible to arrive at. But on a personal level we know when we’re being honest, telling the truth, and when we’re blaming others for what’s really our responsibility.

When Jesus was arrested and taken to Pontius Pilate (the Roman governor of Judea at the time, and the only person who could dish out the death sentence), he had a conversation about truth with Pilate. Jesus told Pilate the truth - Jesus’ kingdom is not like kingdoms (or nations, or countries) in this world. If it was, Jesus told him, Jesus’ disciples would have been fighting to release Jesus with this world’s methods: violence.

Pilate thinks he’s found Jesus out - ‘you are a king, then!’ Setting yourself up as a rival to Caesar was punishable by death, there can be no other king to threaten Caesar. But Jesus simply says that his very purpose is to testify to the truth.

were made direct by QR code this year, but my grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed the magical lights.

mascotlinda@gmail.com

Pilate is confused, and in despair throws up his hands: ‘What is truth?’ he declares. But this is an excuse - Pilate knows the truth: there’s nothing Jesus has done to deserve the death penalty. But still Pilate gives Jesus over to death. Why? To uphold the lie that somehow Caesar and Pilate are in control of events. But that’s not true. Only one person is in control - Jesus himself. You can read this for yourself in the Bible - the Gospel of John, chapters 18, 19 and 20.

A lot of the posturing at the moment around cost of living, strikes, pay etc, is about control. Who is really in control? In the end, it isn’t unions or government, or indeed Putin. It isn’t you or me. Instinctively, we know this, and it can frighten us. But here’s the truth: Jesus Christ is Lord. If anxiety or worry are crippling you, call out to him. He’ll answer.

At Tile Kiln Church, we’d love to help you. Discover more about Jesus, ease the burden of the cost of living (we can help with foodbank vouchers, a warm space, Monday morning toddler group, Wednesday morning café, and more besides). Get in touch with me using any of the details below.

Tim Goodall, Pastor, Tile Kiln Church. tim.goodall@tilekilnchurch.org.uk

07821 866 301

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