Moulsham Times - February 2025

MT Welcome

Hi readers,

Welcome to the February edition of Moulsham Times

There is a new charge for brown bin collections coming soon - see page 7 for details.

Bulbs are beginning to appear in gardens and will surely soon be flowering, meaning that spring is on its way. On the subject of gardens, we have a new garden maintenance advertiser on page 11. Julian will cut your grass, weed, prune and much more. For those bigger landscaping jobs remember to check the advert for ATS Landscaping on page 10.

Our next issue will be out from 28th February. If you would like to advertise in this edition, please contact us for prices and also for distribution details. We can then send over all the information you will need.

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.

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Latest

News

Our team have been busy as ever at CCR HQ. A big thank you to those who responded to our last article regarding guests on our station.

We have introduced a new feature to our daytime shows - the Shakey’s Sessions Track of the Week. Shakey’s long-running show on Chelmsford Community Radio has run Track of the Week on and off over the last decade and decided that it would make a return in January last year, and we are delighted to be now sharing his track of the week on our schedule.

Track of the Week showcases a new, unsigned or up-and-coming local band or performer that may be unfamiliar to our daytime audience. It has much benefit for the artist in helping them to be heard but also encourages support within our community of listeners.

Don’t forget that the Shakey’s Sessions show goes out every Tuesday from 7pm and Shakey is always looking for musicians and bands to get in touch, whether to share their latest work or maybe nab a place performing at one of Shakey’s many gigs around the city. You can get in touch with him by emailing shakey@ chelmsfordcommunityradio.com. You never know - next time it could be your track of the week that we showcase!

chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

Believe the Hype

And just like that January is done... The days are getting longer and we’re all getting back into the post-holiday rhythm.

Good news for Chelmsford’s creative scene - the first edition of Menticulture Magazine has been released, a new arts and culture ‘zine from Identity Bureau and Ignite Chelmsford. Huge thanks to Ben for featuring Parlour in this inaugural issue. There was a family-friendly launch party at Hotbox under the viaducts showcasing local talent - and if you missed it, rumour is that there’ll be another celebration for volume 2.

On Saturday, before heading off to a kid’s roller disco party, I popped into Chelmsford Market to try out Kampungku Malaysian Bites. A brand new spot, serving up traditional Malay dishes - formerly a popup at Biriyani Boy on Baddow Road, they now have their own unit in the market, complete with small seating area and takeaway options.

We couldn’t resist ordering lamb rendang, one of our favourite things to eat - a fragrant, spiced lamb dish with coconut, lemongrass, chilli and lime leaf, served alongside rice, peanuts and sambal. You can also opt for beef or chicken if preferred. We also tried the deepfried chicken samosas - golden, crisp pastry triangles stuffed with a soft, spiced mashed potato and chunks of chicken. Finally we had mee goreng, a noodle dish served either spicy or mild. We went for the spicy version, which had just the right amount of heat without overpowering the dish’s flavours. We chose chicken for the mee goreng, but it’s also available with seafood. If you have any allergies, Elina, the owner, is incredibly accommodating and friendly, ensuring your meal is tailored to your needs.

Every dish we tried was delicious, brimming with traditional flavours that made it clear this food is cooked from the heart. Highly recommend - do check it out.

What story do you aim to tell with your food?

“Malaysian food often tells a rich and flavorful story and it should continue to do so. Malaysia has a diverse culture, influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous traditions. Malaysian food not only satisfies the palate, but also keeps history alive and fosters pride in cultural heritage.”

Do you have a food memory from childhood?

“Nasi lemak tells the story of a traditional Malay breakfast, symbolising comfort and simplicity. I used to have them when I was a kid. It’s a daily breakfast for us every day when we grow up, and we love it so much.”

What’s your guilty food pleasure?

“My favourite food, which I used to enjoy in my childhood, is Hainanese chicken rice. My dad used to take us every morning before school or weekend, but nasilemak is also an on-going food which I love to eat.”

Any advice for aspiring food businesses?

“Start small and build up. Begin with a manageable menu to minimise costs and maintain quality. Success in the food industry requires passion, hard work and the ability to adapt. If you pour your heart into your food, customers will feel it.”

Kampungku are open Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 4pm and are nestled within the retail market in the city centre next to Gallagher’s Fruit & Veg.

If you’re a local food or drinks business and you’d like to shout about it, drop me an email at parlourcatering@gmail.com.

www.parlour-catering.co.uk @parlour.homecooking

No Idea performing their Track of the Week live on air

Where to Buy a Kitchen? -

A new kitchen: It’s one of the biggest purchases you can make for your home and it’s the most important room in the house in terms of function, so where do you go to buy one?

We all know the big sheds full of multiple displays, potential savings plastered across the copious signage and the swarms of smartly dressed sales-people there to help you make your purchase. There’s nothing wrong with them per se, so long as you know what you’re getting and getting what you want but, in my experience, what people really want is a room that is actually designed to suit them.

Your height, the sort of food you cook, how often you entertain, your family size and how frequently you entertain? These are just some of the really important questions a designer should be asking you before they ever start to create a room truly bespoke to your needs. A good designer listens to you, offers advice, and integrates your brilliant ideas with their hard-earned expertise to create a functional and beautiful space.

The products they supply should not only be stunning but be built to last and the furniture should have enough options, variations and flexibility to be adjusted to specifically suit your room and lifestyle. The company you buy from should also be able to advise you openly on your choices of furniture, appliances and accessories without bias and make sure you’re not paying for features you don’t need or overpaying for quality you are not getting.

Ultimately, you should be getting the best product, service and design for the budget you have.

There are great, independent kitchen and interiors companies near here (my own business, Three River Kitchens & Interiors Ltd on Victoria Road, but also Regal Kitchens in Chelmsford and Nicholas Anthony in Colchester have terrific reputations to name but three) and these are places where the customer, the design and the product quality are all as important as they should be.

Wherever you go to buy your kitchen, my big tips would be the following:

• Visit lots of retailers to really understand the market but try to go with a local independent if you can.

• Make sure they ask about you and your lifestyle. If they aren’t interested in you, they probably aren’t interested in your design…

• Make sure they understand your wants and needs and address them in the design.

• Make sure they work to your budget and don’t be fooled by sudden, temporary deals and offers.

• Check if they are members of a professional body like the KBSA. (www.kbsa.org.uk).

• Make sure you like them and feel like you can trust them.

And finally, be prepared for the hassle and stress of a big project, but remember that the end result will definitely be worth it.

Andy Poole

Creative Director

Three River Kitchens & Interiors Ltd

Chelmsford - By Marie Goldman MP

There’s lots going on in January in Parliament, including my very first PMQ! Yes, on Wednesday 8th January, I got to ask the Prime Minister a question about pharmacies. I asked him if he thought it was right that some local pharmacists, including one right here in Chelmsford, are having to dip into their own pockets just to keep their pharmacy afloat. I’d like to tell you what’s going on.

First of all, pharmacies are a vital part of our health service. The chances are that everyone reading this column will, at some point in their life, have gone into a pharmacy either to pick up a prescription or to ask advice about what to take for a minor ailment.

Pharmacists are a fountain of knowledge. They have to go through years of training to qualify to do the job and they hold a wealth of information about different medicines. Sometimes, pharmacists work for large companies such as Boots, with lots of different branches around the country. But often they operate independently, opening their own pharmacies in our community. One of these independent pharmacists is Dipak Pau, whom I met for the first time just before Christmas.

Dipak first opened the doors to The Pillbox Pharmacy in Meadgate in Great Baddow in 1991 and he’s been serving the local community ever since. When I visited him, it was clear how much his patients value him just from the huge pile of Christmas presents he and his staff had received, which were stacked up behind the counter.

I could also tell how much Dipak cares about his patients, as he greeted so many of them by name as they came through the door while I was there.

But Dipak is struggling. Not only does his NHS contract no longer cover the cost of the drugs it obliges him to buy and dispense, but in some notable cases, it is way off the mark. Take, for example, Aripiprazole. Aripiprazole (www.nhs.uk/medicines/aripiprazole) is a drug used to treat mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Dipak tells me that patients taking the drug as prescribed by their doctor can find their symptoms much more manageable, ultimately keeping them from having to be admitted for costly stays in hospital and special mental health facilities and thereby saving the NHS money.

Dipak used to be able to buy Aripiprazole for £1/unit. His NHS contract used to pay him £1.37/unit, leaving him with 37p/unit to cover his overheads and put towards his and his staff’s wages. Fair enough, I would say. I hope you agree.

But a short while ago, Aripiprazole became difficult to get hold of and, as the laws of supply and demand dictate, the cost went up. In fact, it skyrocketed. Instead of costing £1/unit, it started costing £138/unit - and no, I’m not missing a decimal point, it really was costing Dipak over a hundred times more per unit than he was being reimbursed. A pharmacist’s contract with the NHS doesn’t allow them much

flexibility. If a drug is available to buy from a wholesaler, pharmacists are contractually obliged to buy it, even if they know they will have to dispense it at a loss, and even if that loss per unit is eye-wateringly big.

The good news is that the cost of Aripiprazole has now calmed down and the NHS contract payment has been upped to be closer to what pharmacists are having to pay.

The bad news is that this is nowhere near the only drug that is making pharmacists lose money. Another example is Methylphenidate. Methylphenidate (www.nhs.uk/medicines/ methylphenidate-adults) is a drug used to treat ADHD. There is a worldwide supply problem. Dipak currently buys packs of 54mg tablets for £73.62. The NHS payment is just £36.80. Dipak dispensed 16 packs of this in one month - at a loss on this drug alone of £589.12.

In January, my Lib Dem colleague David Loxton and I also visited local pharmacist, Nik, at the day lewis Pharmacy in Moulsham Lodge and briefly talked through the issue with him - it’s an issue that Nik also knows all too well.

Pharmacists across the country are being affected by this horrible situation and clearly it can’t continue. Many pharmacies are in real danger of having to close if it isn’t fixed. So I’m pushing the government for action.

I’ve got the ball rolling by raising it directly with the Prime Minister, but I’ve also started a petition. I’d be really grateful if you’d sign it to help me raise the profile of this important issue that could, quite literally, be the difference between life and death for patients.

Please sign my petition here: www.cmld.org.uk/sop.

Thanks for reading.

Marie

Deadlines for the March edition:

Articles 18th February

Artwork 21st February

Asking the Prime Minister a question at PMQs.

David, Nik and I at the day lewis Pharmacy in Moulsham Lodge

Charity shop manager

We are seeking a dedicated, responsible volunteer who would like to play a leading role in managing a charity shop in central Chelmsford. This would mean helping out on the till and with donations, but also unlocking and locking up, cashing up, and helping us keep a rota of volunteers.

Please get in touch if you fancy a fun, varied role with a bit of a challenge.

Minibus and/or car drivers - Chelmsford Community Transport

Can you help isolated people to get out and about? Having access to affordable door-to-door transport helps with simple everyday tasks like shopping, visiting friends/social clubs and attending medical appointments (GP and hospital), tasks that most of us take for granted. Getting out of the house makes a huge difference to a person’s quality of life, increasing independence and giving someone a new lease of life. We are looking for volunteers to drive our fully

accessible minibuses, or their own cars.

Office helpline volunteer at Families Infocus Essex

We need friendly, patent and reliable volunteers to offer support on our helpline by taking calls and answering enquires that come through our helpline email address and website referral form. The role is based in our office in central Chelmsford, where you will volunteer with a friendly admin team.

Social media content writer for a creative charity

The Ideas Hub is a charity run by volunteers to help foster a stronger community in the city of Chelmsford; offering activities, classes and events for people of all ages and backgrounds.

An opportunity has arisen at the Ideas Hub for someone who loves writing social media content and social media posting.

Trustees needed

Trustees play a crucial role in guiding charities, helping make plans and decisions and making sure they stay on track. It is a fantastic opportunity to make real difference to the organisation you volunteer for. You don’t need prior experience, just enthusiasm and dedication. Trustee meetings are usually just 4 times a year, so this is a great role for people with busy lives who still want to help.

From Our School to the Whole Moulsham Community, We Hope This New Year Is a Good One for You All!

The spring term is now in full swing at Oaklands with lots to look forward to. We have a big drive for promoting and improving oracy across the curriculum. We are encouraging our children to ‘find their voice’ with a public speaking competition - we want to develop confidence in our children and help them understand that they can speak up and speak out, to know their voices will be heard.

We began with a week of literacy lessons, learning about posture, eye contact, gestures and projecting our voices. Each class experiences performing a small piece as a class, showcasing their new oracy skills. Throughout the rest of this term, the children will all pay a number of visits to Dovedale Sports Centre. Each class has the opportunity to participate in a variety of sporting activities led by the ‘coaches of the future’ students at the college. The favourite visit is usually the one with the huge trampolines! It is always great to see the children interacting with the college students, some of whom we recognise from their time with us at Oaklands.

Mental health is something we take seriously at Oaklands and we recognise the importance of a continual open discussion on this matter. With children’s mental health week coming up this term, our children will engage in various activities to support them and show them ways to help themselves. We use our PSHE curriculum, our Oaklands Code and the Zones of Regulation to give the children opportunities to understand their feelings - to recognise that all feelings have a reason but also, most importantly, to give them the tools to manage those ‘big, difficult’ feelings when they come without getting overwhelmed or feeling out of control.

We talk often about ways to get back to the ‘green zone’ where we are calm, content and ready to work. We encourage the children to recognise that sometimes things happen that may tip them out of the green zone, but to understand this is ok and that they can learn ways to help themselves or ask for help when these feelings come. Our hope is that by talking to and equipping our students with these skills from an early age, they will carry them through their lives and be able keep themselves mentally healthy.

Finally, we will have our E-safety day this term. Children have so much easy access to the internet through various means now, both at home and in school. We continually stress the importance of being safe online through our computing lessons, reminding the children of the need to tell a trusted adult if anything ever happens when they are online that worries or upsets them. We discuss how to keep personal

information safe and to know what is ok to share online and what is not.

Please look out for more updates throughout the year. If you have children who are approaching school age and would like to find out more information, please don’t hesitate to contact the school by emailing us at admin@oaklands-inf.essex.sch.uk.

MT Gardening

As we move away from January and into February, which might be the shortest month, it’s packed with opportunities to get your garden in great shape for the year ahead!

As winter begins to loosen its grip, signs of spring start to peek through, with snowdrops, crocuses and early daffodils bringing hints of colour and life. Whether you’re pruning, planting, or planning, February is the perfect time to embrace the longer days and kickstart your gardening season with energy and enthusiasm. Let’s dig into the top tasks to make your garden thrive!

Personally, I’m tackling a wisteria and rambler rose which grows over a wooden pergola today. Both the Wisteria floribunda and Rosa ‘Veilchenblau’ have got a way from me over the last couple of seasons, so its time for a radical prune!

With the wisteria, it is essential to encourage flowering, maintain its shape, and control its size. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• At this time of year, during the dormant season, prune the whippy thin growths back to 2-3 buds from the main stems. This encourages flowering spurs to develop and keeps the plant tidy. You will then prune again, but not until summer (after flowering), whereby you will prune the long, whippy growths that the plant produces. Cut these back to about 5-6 leaves from the main framework. This prevents the plant from becoming too vigorous and ensures more energy goes into flower production rather than excess foliage.

• Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make precise cuts and avoid damaging the plant. Wear gloves to protect your hands, as wisteria stems can be tough and woody.

There are a series of steps to complete the pruning task.

Follow these guidelines for not just the wisteria, but any plant:

1. Remove dead or damaged wood: Gut out any dead, diseased, or damaged stems to keep the plant healthy.

2. Tidy the framework: If your wisteria is trained against a wall or pergola, ensure the main framework is secure. Tie in any new growth that you want to keep for structure.

3. Prune vigorous shoots: Identify the long, thin shoots that have grown this year and prune them back as described above. This focuses the plant’s energy on producing flowers instead of excessive greenery.

4. Thin out congested areas: If parts of the plant are overcrowded, remove some of the older or crossing stems to improve airflow and sunlight penetration.

Tips for Success

• Wisteria grows vigorously, so consistent pruning is necessary to keep it under control.

• Avoid cutting into old, thick wood as wisteria flowers are produced on newer growth.

• Feed the plant in spring with a balanced fertilizer to encourage flowering - eg, fish, blood and bone at a rate of 50g/m².

• With Rosa ‘Veilchenblau’ (grown for its small, fragrant, purplemauve blooms), ideally prune after flowering in late summer early autumn, however, if you’ve missed that window of opportunity, then now is absolutely fine.

This is what I do and I never fail to get a fabulous show of scented flowers early summer:

• Cut out any stems that are dead, crossing, or diseased. This improves airflow and helps prevent fungal diseases.

• To maintain vigour, remove a portion of the oldest canes (usually the thickest, woody ones) down to the base. This encourages the production of fresh new canes.

• Remove stems that have finished flowering down to a strong lateral shoot or to the base. Rambler roses will bloom on last year’s growth, so cutting back these stems makes way for new growth.

• Trim back overly long canes to prevent the plant from becoming unmanageable. This also helps maintain the shape and size of the rose.

• Tie in new canes to a support structure, such as a trellis or pergola, in a fan shape or horizontally to encourage more flowering along the length of the stems.

Additional Tips

1. Avoid pruning too hard as ramblers respond better to light and targeted pruning. Although, if overgrown, you will have no choice but to renovate the plant and prune harder for this year to get the plant under control.

2. Apply a mulch and feed in early spring to support healthy growth and abundant blooms.

3. If your ‘Veilchenblau’ becomes too congested, remove more old wood over several years rather than all at once to avoid shocking the plant.

Other Gardening Tasks for the End of January - Start of February For more January gardening tips, visit the RHS guide, Gardening in February by visiting this link: www.rhs.org.uk/advice/in-month/february.

Happy gardening - and here’s to a year of thriving gardens!

For personalised gardening advice, feel free to contact Tom Cole, Freelance Horticulturist and online tutor, at tomcole8@hotmail.com or visit www.learningwithexperts.com/for online RHS courses.

Lasting Legacy: Interring Ashes at Old Park Meadow

Saying goodbye is never easy, but finding a way to honour a loved one’s memory can bring a sense of peace during a difficult time. When considering final arrangements for your loved one, an ash interment at a natural burial ground, a place for reflection and remembrance could be the perfect final resting place. Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground provides a beautiful and natural setting for this meaningful way of saying goodbye.

The Comfort of a Permanent Place

For some, the idea of a designated resting place offers comfort and closure. Interring ashes at Old Park Meadow allows families to visit and reflect on special memories. This serene setting is full of meadows, young woodland, flora and fauna that provides a place for quiet contemplation and remembrance.

A Celebration of Life

The interment of ashes can be a time for both mourning and celebration. Old Park Meadow’s peaceful setting allows families to gather for a ceremony that reflects their loved one’s life. Imagine sharing stories, laughter and tears amidst the beauty of the meadows, creating a meaningful farewell that honours their memory.

Open Communication Is Key

Discussing final wishes openly with your loved one beforehand can be an act of love and respect. By understanding their preferences, you can ensure their final arrangements truly reflect their wishes.

Finding Solace at Old Park Meadow

Choosing an interment at Old Park Meadow offers a beautiful and respectful environment to say goodbye. Walking the peaceful grounds can offer comfort during this difficult time.

Ultimately, the way you choose to honour a loved one is a deeply personal decision.

An ash interment at Old Park Meadow can provide a final resting place; a space for reflection for generations to come. Why not visit Old Park Meadow to experience the serenity of the space firsthand? It might help guide you towards the option that feels most comforting for you and your family.

If you would like to find out more about ash interments and the services Old Park Meadow has to offer, please visit oldparkmeadow. co.uk or call 01245 806 332.

Nick Garner’s Music & Ramblings

Month two of 2025 already, and half term is fast approaching. It has been busy for me so far and the year ahead does not look much like it’s going to slow down for me either.

What on earth is going on what with the awful fires in LA and all the other issues happening around the world? As I am writing this, l am hoping that the ceasefire in Gazza holds up. Let’s hope we can get more peace and less wars around the world.

I have been out and about a bit recently. It has been a little while since I wrote my last article and I have since been to see my daughter and her family, which I loved. I also put on my first gig of the year at Hot Box under the banner of Black Frog Presents Blues Box. It went really well with The Bag O’ Bones playing. I have two more gigs coming up at Hot Box just before this edition of The Moulsham Times is out.

I recently went to the launch of a new magazine called Menticulture, which is bi-monthly and hand-printed. It is A5 and costs £3, and l think it looks pretty good. It has no advertising and is a local cultural publication and I wish them good luck with it. That same day I went and bid farewell to a good friend Brenda Newman at The Orange Tree in the afternoon. I was blown away with just how many people were there, which was great. I had known Brenda for about 15 years along with her partner John Power. At the age of 89, Brenda still managed the Chelmsford 4 Good charity shop, where she also sold tickets for my gigs. I had seen her only a couple of weeks before she passed away from a heart issue, just a couple of days before the New Year. She will be remembered fondly and leaves four beautiful daughters.

Time is almost upon us to decide if we still want our brown bin and if so we have to pay £60 a year (see page 7 for more details). I do worry that it will lead to more fly tipping, but l do hope that l am wrong.

I went on a day course the other day to learn more about social media; although they are trying their best to sell to us but l did not buy in. l did learn some useful tips from them though.

Trump is now back in office and there’s lots more going on around the globe. I just hope that this will be a better year for us all, but we will just have to wait and see...

One more thing I have to mention. Once again last weekend there were fireworks - it seems to be for any date or event that there is an excuse to let fireworks off. I think we need to have stronger controls or to even just ban them.

Music

Ah back in my safe space thankfully. I have been out to a couple of shows, one at Barleylands to see Supernatural playing the music of Peter Green. They were joined by John Altman who was also a friend of Peter Green and who played with him too.

I also went to Hot Box to for the 25th anniversary show of the birth of the Fellowship band with Zak Barrett, Gutherie Govan, Seth Govan, Pete Riley and John Leo Dutton. What a band and a sell-out of course.

I was back at the same venue a week later for Levant & Taylor who call themselves a ‘World Band’ - and I would agree with that, as they mix latin, gypsy, jazz and so many more influences into their set.

I have just had The Paul Rose Trio play for Blues Box last Saturday afternoon to a packed house, with one lady coming all the way from Germany! Not one person left disappointed, and this is one act that will be back for sure - they loved playing for us all and we all loved having them play.

I have, as normal, been filling in some gaps. One event I have booked at the Social Club for the 2nd of May will be Atomic Rooster, who go back to the early seventies - and they still have Steve ‘Boltz’ Bolton on guitars from the 1970s too. For Blues Box at Hot Box on 6th July, I have also booked Nothing In Rambling with Sister Suzie and Andy Twyman. Then on 26th October we have the amazing Tim Edey back with us, this time on his own.

It is sad that Michael Messer and Chaz Jankel have had to cancel their show on 11th April with us, but we are all working to find another date for them later in the year. We have filled the newly vacant date though, as we now welcome back Who’s Next.

I have around 65 shows booked for the two venues so far this year and I still have a few more to book. A few of gigs now confirmed and on sale are Martin Turner (he of Wishbone Ash) on Friday 12th September - Martin first formed Wishbone Ash 55 years ago. This is the Blowin’ Free tour where they will be playing music from Martin’s career.

We have now confirmed Albert Lee will return for Friday 10th October, for which we are very excited. Next up, we have a band who last played for us in December 2018 - Limehouse Lizzy return to play for us on Friday 21st November.

We have now confirmed for Blues Box the Baker Moore Band on Sunday 4th April. This is Timmy Moore with Kristian Baker, who is about as close to Nicky Moore’s voice as you will get. We also have Will Wilde with his band on Thursday 10th July - Will is about as good as it gets on the harmonicas; even better that me! Well, much better than me to be truthful... Plus he has a great voice.

Geraint Watkins has played keys for some of the world’s biggest acts, and he is returning with his Mosquitoes on Thursday 24th July - and we can’t wait. We also have Chris Rands on Sunday 29th September, a great multi-instrumentalist who has played with many great actsincluding playing sax with Nine Below Zero.

If you have anything you think that could be of interest to our readers for either this publication or The City Times, then please let us know by emailing editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk - it may be an event or a topic of interest. Or have you done anything unusual or are you planning something? If so, we want to know about it. And if 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 Social Club shows in Chelmsford at the Chelmsford Social Club or from Intense Records, Hopsters and Chelmsford 4 Good - please pay with cash.

Tickets are also available online from www.wegottickets.com/ BlackFrogPresents, or via our ticket hotline for both the Chelmsford Social Club and Hot Box at no extra charge - call or text 07508 496 411 and you can then pay the advance price on entry to the show rather than the walk-up price.

For all our gigs and updates and information for Black Frog Presents and Blues Box, go to www.linktr.ee/BlackFrogPresents, or scan the QR code in the advert in this magazine.

It would be fantastic if you could also share our magazines The City Times and Moulsham Times for us - just go to our issuu.com/ itsyourmedia.

Welcome to Extra Help Chelmsford, where compassion for our community is at the heart of everything we do.

Extra Help Chelmsford is here to bring reliable home help services to our beloved Chelmsford community.

Led by Zainab Mohmand and her dedicated team of home helpers, Extra Help Chelmsford offers a wide range of services to help with everyday tasks, both in and outside the home.

With an extensive background in care, Zainab understands the unique needs of each client, ensuring a personalised and thoughtful approach to support. Whether you need assistance with housekeeping, meal preparation, or companionship, Zainab and her team are ready to lend a helping hand.

Here are some of the services we provide:

• Companionship.

• Domestic cleaning, tidying, laundry and ironing.

• Spring cleans and end of tenancy cleans.

• Shopping errands.

• Transport to supermarket, doctors, hospital appointments, and hairdressers.

• Meal preparation.

• Household jobs.

• Basic gardening and DIY.

• Assistance at social events.

• Dog walking and basic pet care.

• Household maintenance.

Extra Help Chelmsford goes beyond practical assistance by fostering genuine connections and ensuring the well-being of our clients. We provide not only the services you need, but also the care and respect

you deserve.

As part of a national, renowned network of 35 franchises, Extra Help Chelmsford is backed by a legacy of trust and excellence.

Founded in 2010, Extra Help is dedicated to offering topnotch home help services across the UK.

This network provides a wealth of resources and support, enabling each franchise to deliver the best possible service to its local community.

If you’re looking for reliable, compassionate home help, please contact Zainab at Extra Help Chelmsford to learn more about the services and how they can assist you.

01245 203 788 chelmsford@extra-help.co.uk www.extra-help.co.uk/local_offices/chelmsford

Servicing clients in: CM1, CM2, CM3, CM9, CM0

The Power of Green Hearts for the Environment in February

This February, join the Green Heart Climate Coalition and turn hearts green for Valentine’s Day.

Create a green heart and share it to show the love for nature and how much you care about the environment.

Whether you’re passionate about reducing your carbon footprints, protecting natural resources, or advocating for greener policies, show you care with a green heart.

Looking for a family adventure this February half term? Dive into a

Family Beach School Safari and enjoy exploring the coast - perfect for all ages!

Dates: Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd February 2025.

• What is a Beach Safari? Explore the Essex Coast, discover fascinating sea life, and learn about the local environment and how we can protect the ocean.

• Beachcombing & Scavenger Hunts. Search for shells, fossils, and marine treasures along the shoreline.

• Nature Walks. Take in the stunning coastal scenery with walks designed for all abilities.

• Family-Friendly Activities. From rock pooling to beach games, there’s something for everyone.

• Get Creative. We’ll be creating art with sustainable and natural resources.

This is perfect for families looking for quality time outdoors. Make memories with exciting, hands-on experiences that bring nature to life. Enjoy stunning coastline, safe for little ones to explore.

Don’t miss out on an unforgettable February Half Term experience. Book your Family Beach Safari today and let the adventure begin! Availability is limited, so book your spot now!

Lisa Brazier

www.bookwhen.com/beachschoolexplorers

Family Beach School Safari: February Half Term Fun!

Non-Spoiler Film Reviews - By Henry Godfrey-Evans

Anora

This movie is about a sex worker who’s swept off of her feet with money and mansions by a teenage Russian millionaire (or billionaire? I don’t know).

It has one of those chaotic stories that makes you suspect that the whole thing was made up on the spot, however, the genius comic moments and a surprising amount of depth would contradict that.

I spent many a moment wondering why they were elongating and indulging certain scenes, but sometimes the artist’s choice is part of the magic. For the right audience member, this is a 5-star experience, but for most, it’s a solid…

Mufasa: The Lion King

It is the new year, and my resolution is not to waste time talking about mediocre things - unless said things are uniquely mediocre.

So keeping to that pledge, I’ll briefly mention that far too much time and money is spent on creating photorealism in a world where people care less and less. The story rushes emotional punches in the pursuit of cramming more content, characters and songs. There were flashes of time where you’d feel swept along with it all, but they were fleeting.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

An improvement in visuals compared to Mufasa, based largely on the fact that they didn’t need to waste time looking real, and instead focused on design and cinematography.

However, some of those well put together action scenes were burned quite early and we were bereft of that quality after not too long. This is too common I’m afraid.

Jim Carrey never gives you under 90% effort and commitment so that was a plus.

Better Man

I wasn’t much of a Robbie Williams fan before the film, but I’ve spent the last two weeks watching his interviews and listening to his music. That could be the whole review.

I’m not going to stress about the fact that he is a CGI monkey in the film because it works, and that’s it.

His self-deprecating manner shines through and the songs are hugely altered to feel more synced with moments in the story. You understand the man better after this, and you really feel the emotion.

We Live In Time

It’s a tragic romance with comedy that alleviates and breaks up some of the pain. A very popular genre that’s a little too sad to be considered a romcom.

Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh make chemistry look a very simple feat to achieve, and therefore you will feel like you’re right there with them. In the end, it was just very easy to sit and listen to the tale.

The timeline is all jumbled which some might call a gimmick, but I think it made it easier to read the subtext and group certain moments together. Clever.

Nosferatu

Vampires are scary. Darkness is scary. Hiding vampires with darkness and slowly unveiling a gigantic monster throughout the course of a film is fun - and scary.

That could genuinely be the whole review because the utilisation

of shadows, silhouettes and blur to build that anticipation - before seeing Orlok, aka Nosferatu, was chilling and superb horror.

The erotic stuff was an allegory for something very clever, but I’m not sure if it blended in with the tone that well…

A Real Pain

This is about cousins with very quirky personalities reuniting for a poignant trip in remembrance of their grandmother.

The title has a double meaning and I think that’s the best place to leave it. It had the tone of quite a samey, comfortable holiday comedy, but with a growing sense of woe and it was quite cleverly interlaced.

Acting-wise, it was in the awards league and Kieran Culkin deserved his Golden Globe.

Babygirl

Read on if you’re bashful and dislike smut.

They gave me characters that felt a little clichéd for this kind of fantasy - a boss and an intern. I was ready to just judge the film on its intimacy factor but it definitely went a different route.

I felt uncomfortable but at first, I’d just assumed it was all the ***, but gradually I realised it was taking the warts and all approach to an affair, making a lot of erotic scenes quite gnarly to watch. Awkward.

It wasn’t the most gripping storyline, but the filmmakers definitely had something to say.

A Complete Unknown

I’ve been reliably informed that this biopic works if you know lots about Bob Dylan. However, as someone who jumped in eager to learn about the guy, I was bored silly.

I may think back to this review and think it was harsh, but at the time but I just remember feeling unstimulated throughout. In my opinion they neglecting any real storytelling, instead just building a slight narrative about his genre changes. I’ve also been told this fits with title, as he is an unknown individual. But that feels like a copout. It was also the sort of biopic that just plays song after song, while all the other characters gaze and gawp.

This falls all the more flat when it’s an actor doing a Bob Dylan singing voice. Grating.

Wolf Man

Stay tuned if you love classic horror, because I thought this film had a great deal of respect for its humble beginnings.

It retains an element of tragedy to the story, where the wolf man condition is more of an affliction than a ‘scary apex predator action film’. The characters were fairly charming and relatable too; a rare feat for a horror. It also opted for make up, prosthetics, contact lenses etc, which is instantly more aesthetic and ages far better.

The whole list of positives doesn’t necessarily take away from average horror tropes and slightly disappointing formula at times. Not to say that it didn’t have some nice ideas and interpretations in there.

Author’s note: I also film my reviews and upload them on my instagram. My username is Henrygodfreyevans.

henrygodfreyevans@gmail.com

Visiting Westminster - By Cllr Charlene Adutwim

As someone who has always believed in the power of community and the importance of being an active participant in shaping the place we call home, visiting Westminster was an opportunity I had to experience, and my son was able to join me on this journey. It wasn’t just any visit, though; we got to watch Prime Minister’s Question Time and see Marie Goldman, the recently elected MP for Chelmsford on the national stage.

Inspiring the Next Generation

A large part of the reason I stood for election was to inspire my son. As a parent, you always hope to leave the world a little better than you found it, and a key part of that is ensuring that the next generation feels empowered to have a voice. I wanted my son to see that his voice matters and that he can be part of making Chelmsford - and beyond - a better place to live.

Walking through the historic halls of Westminster with him, I couldn’t help but reflect on that decision. It’s one thing to tell your child that they can make a difference; it’s quite another to show them the mechanisms through which change happens. Seeing his eyes light up as we entered the iconic House of Commons chamber was a reminder of why I’ve always believed in the importance of engaging young people in politics.

A National Stage for Local Voices

In the often raucous atmosphere of the Commons, where voices rise and emotions run high, I was struck by the dual responsibilities our MPs carry: to represent their constituents effectively while also contributing to the broader national conversation. Having worked alongside Marie locally, I know how deeply she cares about Chelmsford and its residents. It was a pleasure to see a friend and colleague navigate this challenging environment with such enthusiasm.

During our visit, we had the chance to meet Marie briefly after the session. She took the time to talk to my son, answering his questions and encouraging him to stay curious and engaged. It was a small moment, but one that I know will stick with him. It’s not every day that a young boy from Chelmsford gets to shake hands with someone representing his home at Westminster.

Bridging the Divide

It’s no secret that politics in the UK has become increasingly polarised in recent years. The tone of political discourse often feels more adversarial than collaborative. Yet, at its heart, politics should be about finding common ground and working together to improve lives. One of the lessons I’ve tried to instil in my son is the importance of listening. In a world that often feels divided, listening - truly listening - is a powerful act.

Watching PMQs in person, I was struck by the energy in the room. Yes, there were moments of pointed exchanges and political theatre, but there were also glimpses of something deeper: a shared commitment to making this country a better place. It’s easy to become cynical about politics when viewed from afar, but up close you can see the humanity behind the headlines. These are individuals who, for all their differences, are grappling with the same fundamental question: how can we make things better?

Reflecting on the Day

As we left Westminster and made our way back to Chelmsford, my son couldn’t stop talking about the experience. He had a million questions: How do MPs prepare for PMQs? How can someone become an MP? Each question was a reminder that our experience had planted a seed of curiosity and engagement.

For me, the day was a powerful reminder of why I’ve always believed in the importance of being involved. Whether it’s through standing for election, volunteering in the community, or simply showing up to vote, every action contributes to the bigger picture. And seeing my son begin to understand that was the greatest takeaway of all.

Getting Involved

To anyone reading this who might feel disillusioned with politics, I urge you to look closer. Visit Westminster if you can. Watch a local council meeting. Talk to your MP. Engage with the process. It’s easy to feel disconnected, but the truth is, democracy is only as strong as the people who participate in it.

To parents, I encourage you to involve your children. Take them to events, talk to them about current affairs and help them see that their voice matters. As I’ve learned, these moments can be transformative, sparking a lifelong interest in making a difference.

Looking Forward

As we settle back into the rhythm of daily life, I’m more motivated than ever to continue working for our community. It’s been a reminder that change doesn’t happen in isolation - it’s the result of countless voices coming together, each contributing something unique.

Politics isn’t perfect and it never will be. But at its core, it’s about people: their hopes, their challenges and their dreams for the future. So, here’s to working together and making a difference, one step at a time. And here’s to the young voices who will shape the future. Let’s make sure they know they’re heard.

Charlene

Cllr Charlene Adutwim Liberal Democrat charlene.adutwim@chelmsfordlibdems.org.uk

City Councillor for Moulsham & Central Chair of Policy Board

Equality and Diversity Champion

Spicy Lamb Paratha Wraps: The Perfect Weekend Treat Without

Discover the Flavours of Home: A Family Recipe That Celebrates Sri Lankan Roots

Over the past couple of months, I’ve had the joy of sharing some of my favourite creations with you. But today, I’m excited to spotlight another culinary force in our family. For those of you who know us, it won’t come as a surprise that our house has always been filled with the aroma of cooking, thanks to my amazing parents. While my dad is certainly no stranger to the kitchen, it’s my mother, Thayalini Pirathapan, who has taken the lead in championing our signature spice blends on this occasion and crafting this Sri Lankan-inspired dish that truly warms the soul.

Today, I’m thrilled to share one of her favourites: Smoky Egg and Spinach Curry, a vegetarian(ish) dinner - in many Hindu households the egg is not classed as vegetarian - that’s flavour-packed, budgetfriendly and irresistibly delicious.

Smokey Egg and Spinach Curry: A Quick, Nutritious Dish with Sri Lankan Flair

Eggs, one of the most affordable proteins, are the star of this dish. Paired with iron-rich spinach and infused with smoky, spiced curry flavours, this recipe is perfect on its own with flatbreads or alongside rice. It’s a comforting meal that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy!

Why This Recipe Works

This curry brings together bold flavours with minimal effort. No long hours of cooking or worrying about tough cuts of meat here - the hardboiled eggs soak up the smoky curry sauce beautifully, while the wilted spinach adds a deep, earthy contrast.

What You’ll Need

For the Curry:

• 4 tomatoes, quartered.

• 1 large onion, finely chopped.

• 8 garlic cloves, peeled.

• Splash of coconut milk, fresh cream, or yogurt.

• 2–3 tbsp eastern roast curry powder (or standard curry powder with extra paprika).

• ½ tsp mustard seeds.

• ½ tsp cumin seeds.

• 5 hardboiled eggs, de-shelled and pierced with a fork.

• 1 bag fresh spinach.

Extras to Elevate the Flavour:

• Curry leaves.

• ½ tsp methi seeds.

• 2 dried red chillies.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Build the Base Flavour:

Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a pan on a medium heat. Add mustard seeds and dried red chillies, frying until the mustard seeds pop. Stir in the cumin seeds, chopped onion and a generous pinch of

salt. Sauté until the onion softens, then add garlic and curry leaves. Toss in methi seeds and fry briefly - be careful not to let them burn!

2. Create the Curry:

Add the curry powder and mix well. Let the aroma fill your kitchen before stirring in the tomatoes and another pinch of salt. Cover and let it cook for 2 minutes.

3. Perfect the Sauce:

If you have tamarind paste, add a teaspoon and stir it in. Add a small splash of water to loosen the sauce slightly. Let this simmer for a few minutes before adding coconut milk or cream. Finally, stir in the hardboiled eggs and spinach, then turn off the heat. Cover the pan to let the spinach wilt and the eggs absorb the flavours.

4. Finish Like a Pro:

For an authentic touch, dry roast 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, a small stick of cinnamon, 2 cardamom pods, and ¼ teaspoon peppercorns. Grind to a fine powder and stir it into the curry off the heat.

The Experience: Flavours That Dance

This curry will take you to the heart of Sri Lanka, with flavours of earthy turmeric and spinach, rich eggs and hints of chilli heat. This is definitely a budget friendly dish, but as we know from food all around the world, it is those homely, family dishes that often bring the most joy. This dish will get all the senses going, from the obvious tastes dancing around your pallet, to the aromas tickling your nose. Enjoy this with bread or rice and eat it with your hand to feel the textures in the food and you’ll definitely be hearing the satisfying ‘yums’ of those that you share this dish with.

Chef’s Tips

Bread options: While paratha is the our personal preference here for its buttery layers, don’t shy away from using chapati, naan or roti if paratha isn’t available. Most large supermarkets carry these in the freezer aisle or bakery section.

Bulk It Out

Why stop at spinach?

This dish can take more vegetables in it; we love to include peas and even leftovers from a Sunday roast. Often our curries will have beautifully roasted carrots, parsnips and even sprouts added at this time of year!

Heat level: If you want more spice, add fresh chopped chilies to finish. This dish is definitely milder than most Sri Lankan cooking so personally, I like to add a spicy chilli and onion salad on the side.

From the 17th to 19th March, you will be able to find us at the ExCel London at this year’s IFE Event! It is an amazing event of all parts of the industry showing off what they can do. If you happen to be there, pop by and say hi and maybe even grab a few samples...

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. For more flavourpacked inspiration, follow us on Instagram at @roselilyclub, where we’re constantly cooking up new delights. Let’s keep celebrating the flavours of home, together...

The Quietest Sin - By Holly Lucking

It was mid-June in the quaint little village of Farlington, Gloucestershire; a beautifully still day where not a single car passed through. Everyone had opened their windows and decided that on such a day as this, there was nothing to do but walk and that was the exact thought on Mr Ripon’s mind. At 81 years old, his legs were not what they used to be and he became quite out of breath walking up the road and past the church of St Augustus to the tiny village shop. They only stocked a handful of newspapers, and Mr Ripon was always there at 7 o’clock on the dot when they opened - a man who loved his routine more than anything.

He was seated in his worn old armchair by the window with a beautiful view of the church opposite, the window box brimming with fragrant marigolds, the colour of sunbasked corn and pretty pink petunias when his wife hobbled into the living room. She was less steady on her feet than Mr Ripon so walked with a stick, sighing with relief when she saw the freshly brewed pot of Yorkshire tea waiting.

“Thank you, my love” she called with a soft smile. Mr Ripon didn’t look up from his newspaper but gave a huff of acknowledgment that brushed the overgrown strands of his thick grey moustache.

Mrs Ripon rolled her eyes kindly at her husband’s funny little ways, things she had become accustomed to after sixty long years of marriage. Arthur had never been one to show his emotions or undying feelings for her, but it was the little things he did that shone through and warmed her ever-loving heart.

Picking up the floral teacup with vividly bright wildflowers, she took a dainty sip and found the temperature pleasant.

“It is such a lovely day today. Dorothy was saying yesterday that she might do for a walk with Bramble over the fields, and I said I would join her if my knees are not playing up.”

It seemed to be holding together at that moment, but a pull in the wrong direction could rile up the long dormant injury of school lacrosse.

Mr Ripon took a moment to gaze out of the window at a person passing, and it turned out to be the priest, Father Dominic.

Feeling a set of eyes on him, he glanced at the window set back a short distance with a white picket fence for privacy, and seeing Mr Ripon staring blankly out at him, he put on his best smile and jaunty wave before crossing the road to his humble place of work. With bright green eyes of the best kept meadow and combed over locks of faint auburn, he was unlike any priest that the idealistic village of Farlington had ever seen before, most before him on the wrong side of 50 with one foot in the graveyard they kept watch over.

“He is a find young man, that Father Dominic” Mrs Ripon commented as the priest went by. “Far too kind and handsome to spend the rest of his life alone. I suppose he is doing god’s work, though.”

She received no reply from her husband, his eyes glued to the church opposite as the figure of Father Dominic disappeared into the sanctuary. Even when there was not a soul in sight, he did not free his eyes from their intense stare.

“Do you believe in signs?” He said suddenly, closing the newspaper before folding it onto his lap.

“Do I believe in what? Signs? What sort of signs?” Mrs Ripon asked after taking a long swig of tea. The bitterness of the long-stewed brew caught her off guard, coughing deeply for a moment.

“Every day I sit in this exact chair and read my newspaper, and every day I see Father Dominic enter that church at 8 o’clock, but never has he looked over into our window before. Could it be he was just admiring the flowers you planted last week and happened to see me?”

Mr Ripon was genuinely puzzled, pulling at the only thread of an explanation he could think of. He had never been much of a religious man but every week he had gone to church with his wife, praying and listening like every other member of the congregation. Never before had he felt a feeling of being watched

by a being much greater than himself or any other human, but it weighed heavily on his shoulders at that moment, and he was unable to finish his paper. With an irritated grunt, he threw it onto the coffee table before him, not wanting to even touch the printed pages.

Pushing a piece of white silky hair from her face, Mrs Ripon’s mouth - surrounded by smile lines - hung open dumbfounded. If her husband was asking her to debate philosophy, it really was an odd day.

“I think it is only a sign if you notice it and understand it. I only saw Father Dominic sharing a pleasant greeting with his neighbours, but if you saw something different, something more, then it is relevant to you, my love. Are you sure I can’t get you anything? A cup of tea?”

Arthur, bless him, had not done the best job of brewing it that morning, leaving the bag in far too long and skimping on the milk, but she did not want to offend him so continued to sip and sip until a faint dribble of liquid remained at the bottom with some sediment.

“No, I’m fine.” He sounded less than fine, his voice airy and distant as if he were no longer in the room. His eyes were still besotted by the church draped in sunlight, the same church they had sat opposite for most of their lives. This was the house he had been brought up in, the house they had moved into straight after they married and the house they had brought each of their three children into after they were born. Every room had memories, every wall decorated with care and reflecting the love of nature and animals they both had, fitting perfectly with the rural setting they were so suited to. A place where you could stand still and hear yourself think.

“Oh, not again!” Mrs Ripon cried suddenly as she opened a low drawer in the kitchen. “The little mites have been at it again.”

The exasperated tone of her usually tranquil voice made Mr Ripon turn his head for the first time, as if someone had slapped him out of a deep sleep. “What?”

From the cupboard she produced a bag of porridge oats that were used each morning for a berry medley porridge mix that

was not only healthy but tasted delicious. The bottom corner had been chewed away and half the content fell through a hole as she thoughtlessly lifted the bag high.

“Oh heaven!” She cried at her own foolishness, the perfect situation for swearing, but she had never used a bad word in her life and would not start that day to offend an oblivious rat. “We have that rat poison you picked up a few years ago somewhere. I thought they had moved out, but clearly, they are hiding in the walls or getting into the house somehow.” Her deep blue eyes gazed around the floor as if expecting to see one scuttling brazenly over the beige tiles.

“You know what they are like. You can’t keep them out, no matter how hard you try.” Mr Ripon sounded less than interested in the whole rat debacle, seeing them as a nuisance but not a reason to give much thought to. They lived close to people, and unfortunately nothing would change that.

Sighing, Mrs Ripon reached for the dustpan and brush and went after the fallen oats covering the floor. “You’re right my love, they are just one of the things in life sent to try us. I might put some of the poison down though just to try and keep them at bay. I think it was in this cupboard.”

With a groan, struggling to her feet from her knees, she opened the highest cupboard that was barely used with old nicknacks long forgotten. To her surprise, it wasn’t there.

“I could have sworn I put it in this cupboard,” Mrs Ripon mused, her heavily lined face curling up further in confusion. “Have you seen it, Arthur?”

“Yes, I’ve seen it.” His mind heavy with the thought of signs sent from above, he could take no more and decided to finish his paper as he originally intended. “Well, where is it then?” Gentle plying with a hundred questions was the only way Mrs Ripon ever got to the bottom of things.

Exhaling slowly as he settled into a comfortable position, Mr Ripon flicked to the next page and started reading from the top lefthand corner. “I dropped the rest of it into your tea this morning, my love.”

The Washclub: Empowering Young Adults with Autism & Learning Disabilities

Chelmsford-based social enterprise The Washclub is making a tangible difference in the lives of young adults with learning disabilities and autism by offering them meaningful employment opportunities. In a society where only 5.1% of adults with learning disabilities in England are in paid work, The Washclub aims to challenge that trend by providing a supportive and empowering environment for these individuals to thrive.

The Washclub’s mission is simple but powerful: to help young adults with learning disabilities build confidence, independence and pride by working in a real business environment.

Through the creation of handmade soaps, wax melts and candles, these members are involved in every aspect of the business, from designing and producing the products to handling, packaging and delivery. The hands-on experience gives them the chance to develop essential skills, while fostering a sense of accomplishment as they see their products shipped nationwide.

Founding Director of The Washclub, Andrew Denny, explains the motivation behind the initiative: “We saw a real need in the community for employment opportunities for young adults with learning disabilities. These individuals often struggle to find paid work, not because of a lack of ability, but because they are not given the chance. We wanted to create a space where they could learn valuable skills and gain confidence and independence through meaningful work.”

The Washclub prides itself on producing a beautiful range of high quality, handmade soaps, wax melts and candles. Each one is designed with care and creativity and they all smell amazing! This year, the team has launched a brand new gorgeous collection for spring featuring rose, peony and strawberry fragrances with various designs including 3D hearts, delicate flowers and tiny detailed strawberries. All of these products are not only beautifully crafted but they come with the added benefit of knowing each purchase supports a meaningful cause.

When you become a Washclub customer, you are not only buying a lovely product, but it’s an opportunity to really make a difference, by

empowering another young adult with employment. Every purchase directly supports the personal development of a young adult with a learning disability or autism.

“We want our customers to know that when they buy from us, they’re not just getting a great product - they’re helping to change lives,” says Andrew Denny. “It’s about creating opportunities for people who are often overlooked, and showing that they have so much to offer. Embracing differences, creating opportunities, one soap at a time.”

As Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day both approach and the gifting calendar continues, The Washclub encourages everyone to consider giving gifts that give back. By choosing one of their gorgeous, handcrafted products, you can send a unique and beautiful gift while supporting an important initiative that is empowering young adults through meaningful work. To browse their collection and find the perfect gift, visit their website today at thewashclub.co.uk.

Life at Moulsham St Luke’s...

February, the month of my birth, and yet a month that is often cold and dark. Many a birthday I walked home from school under hailstones! But hey, February is also the shortest month and it will soon be March, with signs of spring and hope all around.

The local churches (St Luke’s, Moulsham Lodge Methodists, and Holy Name) got together just before Christmas to enjoy carol singing with People of the Green singers. We recorded some carols for Chelmsford Hospital Radio and then sang outside the Gloucester Avenue shops and received many compliments, so thank you for listening and singing along.

We are holding a great fun event on February 7th at 7pm. This will be a Pudding Evening - come and see how many delicious puddings you can eat! For more information and to book tickets (£5 per person), email events@stlukemoulsham.co.uk or send us a message on Facebook. Then on 1st March we have another Table Top Sale from 11am - 2pm. There is time to book a table by emailing us on moulshamchurches@gmail.com - and/or to come on the day and enjoy.

There is a Bible story coming up which you may know already. Jesus and the disciples went out in a boat. Jesus was very tired, he was in the hands of skilled sailors/fishermen and so he went fast asleep.

However, the weather on the lake was unpredictable and very quickly a storm blew up and these experienced sailors were terrified. For a few minutes they felt lost and powerless, but then they woke Jesus who reminded them that that he is always with them, whatever chaos is happening in their lives. Then he calmed the sea and an amazing peace returned to the lake and the lives of his friends. What an amazing friend to have - remember to call on him - he never minds and the result might astound you.

I hope we have a mild February. God bless.

Reverend Canon Stephanie Gillingham St Luke’s Church, Gloucester Avenue, Moulsham Lodge, CM2 9DT www.stlukemoulshamlodge.co.uk Facebook: @stlukesmoulshamlodge

Have you ever noticed the spire of St Michael’s Church through the trees on Galleywood common and wondered what it’s like inside?

Unique, in standing in the middle of a former racecourse, this building recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. But it is so much more than a building. Open every day to visitors and anyone enjoying a walk on the common, the church has also recently been running a series of fundraising events to make some essentials upgrades, put in more ecologically sustainable lighting and repair the north roof.

As you would expect from a church in such a beautiful setting, there is always an ongoing need for maintenance so that the church remains open for the many groups who meet there, for those who marry and of course for those who come and say goodbye to loved ones - and we have good news!

Thanks to a small but dedicated fundraising team, we’re half way there already, to having the funds to repair our north roof.

The latest event is an evening of country music with local singer Alice Loates, with a sausage supper on 22nd March. It promises to be a great event.

To get tickets, please see the, our Facebook page by searching for ‘St Michael’s Church Galleywood’, or call in at the church coffee morning held on the first Saturday morning each month and grab a slice of homemade cake while you’re there. You can always walk it off on the common afterwards!

Hello everyone. As I write this, it’s cold outside. Believe me, I know as we are currently delivering the Moulsham Times. Brrrr.

The cold temperatures are big news. They are predicting that tomorrow night will be the coldest for four years. It’s good that they let us know, so that we can get out the thermals in readiness.

Minus 20 degrees centigrade is being forecast. However, when I look a bit closer, although it will be very cold everywhere, these very low temperatures are likely to be in areas of high ground. Now, you would not get me up in the mountains in the middle of summer, let alone mid-winter. I would suggest that there will be very few people who would be. So why do they get a very personalised forecast, and why should the Met Office think the vast majority of people would be interested? Living in Essex, I think it’s highly unlikely that temperatures will be this low (at least, I hope not).

Just another quick point. If I look out of the window and there’s three inches of snow and it’s very cold, I don’t really need a weather presenter to tell me to stay indoors unless ‘my journey is essential’!

By the way, I haven’t seen too much reference to global warming in the press of late!

Browsing through the newspaper this morning, I came across a full page advert. It was another of those for a product in the category ‘I didn’t know I needed it’, except, in this case, I don’t think I do...

It is - wait for it... a two foot high ‘John Wayne Cuckoo Clock’ and it’s illuminated! Yes, John Wayne, the famous actor in cowboy films. It boasts a hidden light illuminating Big John at the swing doors of a saloon. You are urged to acquire now as strong demand is expected. Galloping hooves signal the hour. Not sure where the cuckoo features. All this for £199.95. Hmm...

Looking at last year’s entertainment programmes, I was not surprised to see that Mr Bates Versus the Post Office was one of the most watched UK TV shows. I don’t know if you were one of the 14 million who did, but it has been reported that the programme actually made a loss of £1,000,000.

I found this difficult to believe, until I read the article which explained that a lot of earnings are from overseas viewers and this one was of little interest to those people who were not aware of the facts, so it was not shown around the world. Shame that, but I can understand it.

On the other hand, there is Top Gear, which started as a serious vehicle review programme, and in my view ended up as a group of men trying to do silly things to shock the audience.

At one time, they seemed to be at war with caravanners. A lot of people are, but as someone who owned one, I found it a bit wasteful and annoying. Anyway, where was I? Oh yes. All that said, it is reported that the show brought in revenues in excess of £50 million from countries outside the UK. Perhaps I am in the minority then!

I was thinking the other day (yes it does happen occasionally). I heard someone say that someone they knew was as ‘thick as two short planks’. I thought, are all short planks thick? What would you say about long planks? Anyway, it got me thinking about the origins of some of our sayings.

‘Turn a blind eye’ is a reference to Lord Nelson. As you probably know, he only had one good eye. At the 1801 Battle of Copenhagen, when his superior officer sent a flag message ordering him to withdraw, he put his telescope up to his sightless eye and claimed that he could not see any signal. He went on to score a decisive victory.

‘Resting on laurels’ dates back to the leaders and athletics stars

in Ancient Greece. In Hellenic times, laurel leaves were closely tied to Apollo, the god of music, prophecy and poetry, who was usually depicted with a crown of laurel leaves. The plant eventually became a symbol of status and achievement. However, since the early 1800s it has been used for those who are overly satisfied with past achievements.

‘The third degree’ commonly refers to long or arduous interrogations, though some say it refers to various degrees of murder in the criminal code. Others claim it is a reference to a 19th century New York policeman, Thomas F Barnes, who had a reputation for his hardnosed questioning style.

By the way, the idiom ‘thick as two short planks’ is believed to have originated in British English and gained popularity in the 20th century. The phrase suggests that the person’s cognitive abilities are so limited or dense that they can be compared to two short planks, which are inherently thick and inflexible, not a compliment then!

Bin End Chuckles

I saw this bloke trying to pull a cheetah. I thought; he’s trying to pull a fast one...

I have kleptomania. When it gets bad, I take something for it...

Stay well and look after each other.

Grove Road Evangelical Church

When I was at university, I was a member of the Cambridge University Astronomical Society. I had the opportunity to use the telescope that was known as the one which failed to discover the planet Neptune.

This strange story begins with James Challis. Born in Braintree, he lived 1803-1882. He studied maths at Cambridge, then became Professor of Astronomy there. Around 1846, astronomers and mathematicians began to suspect there was another planet to be discovered in the solar system. In the UK, Challis was given the job of trying to find Neptune, given mathematical coordinates by a top UK mathematician. Our rivals were the French. The French astronomer tasked with locating Neptune was Le Verrier - and he won the race. Well, actually, he didn’t win the race. Challis had probably won the race but failed to notice it.

There were two stories told at Cambridge. One was that Challis went away on holiday at the critical time. The second, that his wife called him in one night for a cup of tea, and by the time he’d drunk it and returned to the observatory, the sky had turned cloudy. Whatever the truth, he missed a big opportunity to be famous for something other than failing!

How easy it is to miss out on an opportunity... The Bible has a lot to say about how foolish we would be to miss out on some opportunities. Here’s one, the most important opportunity to miss out on: ‘Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near’. When God speaks to you, make sure you respond - before you go on holiday, or have a cup of tea and miss out on the discovery of your life.

We meet at our church on a Sunday morning at 11am and would love to be able to welcome you and help you take advantage of an opportunity to find the one, true God, who meets with us through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philip Loose, Senior Pastor

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

www.grecuk.co.uk pastor@grecuk.co.uk

MT History: Smith - An Essex Writer

The County of Essex has throughout history produced many great writers. Some were Essex born and bred, some chose Essex as their home, and many have based their writing on areas of the county.

Some writers were more prolific than others, such as Charles Dickens who was associated with Chigwell; Daniel Defoe, with his home in Tilbury, set his writing around Colchester and Arthur Ransome author of Swallows and Amazons based one of his novels around Walton-onthe-Naze.

However, this doesn’t take anything away from the Essex writers still producing fantastic books, stories, plays and articles today. As we know, many of these historical writers have had their written work transferred to the television whether in an adaptation, series or film.

For Dodie Smith, I wonder whether she would have believed that her novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians, written in 1956, would have continued to take the Disney world by storm and that the films would still be drawing in crowds today along with all the paraphernalia that is sold alongside the movies.

Dodie bought a property in Essex in 1934 and apart from living in America for a time, spent the rest of her life, until her death in 1990 aged 94, at The Barretts in Finchingfield. In 2009 a blue plaque was placed on her property, which was still owned at that time by a relative. It goes some way to recognise her as a prolific writer at a time when women were still forging their way in many careers.

Early Life

Dorothy Gladys ‘Dodie’ Smith was born in 1896 in Lancashire and went on to be known as one of the most successful female dramatists of that generation. She was a playwright and later a novelist writing for adults and especially children, with her amazing book featuring dogs. Dodie had her own dalmatians, so it is no wonder that one of her most famous stories would include them. As writers, we are encouraged to write about what we know and it appears that Dodie used this advice penning the story for children that has lasted the test of time and continues to this day.

Dodie was an only child, so one can assume she would have had a great imagination to keep her occupied. Her father Ernest died when she was two years old, so her mother Ella moved them both to live with her parents, aunts and uncles in Manchester.

Her grandfather appreciated the theatre and it is said that he was pivotal in encouraging her to write plays. Her uncle was an amateur actor and her mother and grandmother musical, so being in that environment obviously encouraged Dodie in this area of creativity.

As time went on, Dodie’s mother remarried and the family moved to London. Having entered the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 1914, Dodie’s acting career started to take off; she even toured France during World War 1 entertaining the troops. Her writing was being noticed and despite selling a movie script using the pseudonym Charles Henry Percy, so as not to disclose a female had written it, she was still having a hard time finding work.

However, due the success of one of her play, Call It a Day, she was able to buy her home in Finchingfield, Essex. Dodie had married Alec Macbeth Beesley with whom she had worked with previously in London store, Heals, in 1939. Beesley was a conscientious objector, so it was decided they relocate to America during the war as life would have become increasingly difficult for them.

It was whilst she was pining for England and feeling homesick that she wrote her novel, I Capture the Castle, which was also made into a film.

Inspiration for The Hundred and One Dalmatians

Dodie and her husband were dog lovers and at one time they had nine pet dalmatians. Their first dog was named Pongo, which was then used by Dodie as a main character in her book. It is said that the idea was sparked when a friend of hers had observed the dogs, and suggested that they would make a great fur coat.

Later Years

It has been said that Walt Disney was entertained at Dodie’s house in Essex when negotiating the rights for the film animation. I wonder what he thought of the small Essex village...

In 1987, Dodie’s husband unfortunately died and eventually she had to move into a care home and passed away 3 years later in 1990. Her last dalmatian died a short time afterwards.

One of Dodie’s quotes from her book I Capture the Castle is, ‘I only want to write. And there’s no college for that except life’. So if you feel you would like to put pen to paper, then you perhaps need to heed this quote. Write about what you know, how you feel and use what your senses tell you.

So whilst Essex now has an image many of us would like to shake off, it is also important to remember we have had and still have some very talented people connected with the county. You never know when something you have written could be snapped up and made into a Disney movie.

Helen Finch

Freelance Writer, Author of Kiddiwalks in London, Barkingside; Memories and Children’s Voices of the Second World War; Chair of Brentwood Writers’ Circle.

Striking Back: Parkinson’s Disease Meets Its Match in Boxercise - Part 2

In my last article, I talked about some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. In this article, I’m going to talk about how certain types of exercise can address these symptoms.

According to recent research, doing 30 minutes of high intensity exercise 3x a week has shown to slow the progression of Parkinson’s, and new neural pathways have been seen on MRI scans. Patients have decreased their medication dosages, reversed symptoms and lived a better quality of life just through HIIT exercise.

With Parkinson’s disease sufferers, there is a gradual decline in dopamine. Research has indicated that high intensity exercise can simulate dopamine release in the brain and this can help address some of the symptoms of PD. Not to get too bogged down with science, it improves the brain’s ability to use the available dopamine more effectively.

Some of the positive benefits are as follows:

• Reducing rigidity and bradykinesia: That is, stiffness and slow movements.

• Managing depression and anxiety: When we work up a sweat, we release feel good endorphins that lift our mood and reduce stress.

• Enhance motor skills and coordination: Gait and balance are positively impacted and apparently, high intensity exercise can improve fine motor skills.

However, not all high intensity exercises are created equal. Since I’m a Boxercise instructor, I’m biased in favour of boxing. But I’m not alone. Rocky Steady Boxing in Miami, Parkinson’s Boxing in America, Boks Academie Amersfoort in The Nederlands and even U-Turn Parkinson’s in the UK all have non-contact boxing programmes.

What’s so special about boxing and why does it help people with PD?

• Stretching and warm up prepare the body for the workout to avoid injury. They also have an impact on joint mobility and flexibility.

• Punching and pad holding helps to improve posture and coordination.

Winter Blues Busted!

• Pad holding not only helps with coordination but also helps improve brain function, so boxing not only works the body, but it also works the brain.

• Footwork helps improve agility and balance.

• Vocal exercises can help with any voice disorder symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

• Improved hand eye coordination.

• Improved strength.

The Parkinson’s Foundation, in collaboration with the American College of Sports Medicine, recommend that people with PD should perform exercises across the following domains aerobic activity, strength training, balance, agility. Boxing ticks all four boxes. It also promotes discipline, community and friendship - what more can you want? One of the things I’ve learnt since I started teaching Boxercise is that it is so adaptable and that helps when coaching people with Parkinson’s disease. You can do it seated or standing depending on what stage the participant is - this makes it accessible to a wide variety of people.

Now as I said before, I’m biased in favour of Boxercise, however, there are other types of exercise that are just beneficial. In future articles, I’ll be talking about High Intensity Interval Training and Big Movements. In the meantime, why don’t you give boxing or Boxercise a try? You’ve got nothing to lose.

www.beencouragedwellness.co.uk www.facebook.com/BeEncouragedBeStrong

- By Eleanor Searle

After the excitement of the Christmas holidays, feasting and celebrating, it is easy to feel a bit low and sluggish on returning to work. Our bodies, now accustomed to the richer food, additional chocolates, biscuits and puddings, often crave carbs more than ever. It is easy to become at one with the sofa and continue to work through whatever Christmas chocolates or alcohol are left. The resulting lethargy and unhealthy routine can be hard to shake off. However, at the time of writing this article we had some torrential rain and I marvelled, from my sofa, at some people who had gone out running in the driving rain, clearly desperate to stick to their New Year exercise plan. For most though, this remains on the horizon barely visible from comfort of the sofa! The desire to act present but the winter blues thoroughly encouraging continued loafing.

The thing is that being a sofa bear just amplifies sluggishness, so it is wise to try and get up and outside, albeit perhaps not when the rain appears like a tap left on.

Exercise is amazing at boosting your endorphins and helping to combat those carb and sofa cravings, and the more you do the better

you’ll feel. It is fair to say that the first few times can feel like a drag, as your body is shocked by the change in your activity but as your muscles, tendons, joints, and other tissues start to adapt so will you and you’ll start to feel good, not just in a smug way - you’ll feel truly lifted and stronger.

We all know that exercise boosts our mood via endorphin release making us happier, as well as physically fitter and healthier, but perhaps need reminding that we need to make a concerted effort to do more this winter.

Pilates and yoga at Hummingbird are a great introduction to exercise; the results can be transformative with regular practice and will help your body and mind through the winter. If you’d like to try for yourself, use code ‘HPYFREECLASS’ at www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk to book in. Our studio is run me as a physiotherapist and a team of highly qualified, experienced teachers, who look forward to welcoming you.

MT Finance - What Do Rising Gilt Yields Mean for Your Money?

A slow but steady rise in the UK government’s cost of borrowing has wider implications for investors and for household finances.

UK government borrowing costs have ratcheted up to a 25-year high in recent weeks as gilt yields continued to rise. The yield on 30-year gilts for instance rose above 5.4%, having been as low as 1.5% only three years ago. What’s causing the market turmoil and what does it mean for you?

What Are Gilts?

Gilts are UK government bonds issued by HM Treasury to finance public spending and are listed on the stock market. Generally, gilts are used to borrow to improve infrastructure and fund other longerterm projects that aim to benefit the economy through higher growth and productivity.

In return for lending the government money buyers of gilts receive regular interest payments - known as the ‘coupon’ - and the return of the capital on the maturity date. This date varies according to the length of the gilt, which can be as little as one year or as much as 30 years - or more.

Gilts have a very high ‘credit rating’, reflecting the fact that interest and capital repayment is guaranteed by the UK government, which has never failed to make these payments.

They can either be bought at issue or in the secondary market. Buying at issue means that you get the same ‘yield’ on the bond as the coupon. For instance, if a bond is issued with a 4% coupon you’ll receive £4 of interest for each £100 invested every year until maturity. However, if you buy in the secondary market, the gilt may be trading either above or below its ‘par’ value and the return generated could be higher or lower.

The price of a gilt tends to change over time, mostly in reaction to interest rate and inflation expectations. Investors don’t wish to see a below-inflation return on their money, so they want some compensation for the risk of inflation being higher than expectedand this ‘term premium’ particularly affects longer term gilt prices. So, if inflation expectations go up, a gilt’s price usually falls, which means the available yield - the annual return an investor can expect for holding a gilt - rises. This also means you can make a capital loss on a gilt if you buy and then sell before maturity.

Why Are Gilt Yields Rising?

It’s down to a combination of factors, both domestic and overseas. The Autumn Budget increased expectations around the extent of UK government borrowing and at the same time weak economic growth implies a greater need to borrow in the future.

There are also nagging concerns that inflation is back on the rise and that interest rates will need to stay relatively high to help rein it in. Fiscal policies unveiled in the budget, notably the increase to employer National Insurance, stands to add to upward pressure on prices and mean services inflation may be hard to flush out of the system owing to its typically higher labour intensity.

It’s not just a domestic issue though. The UK is being buffeted by overseas inflationary forces. There are concerns that should US President-elect Trump look to implement his tariff-led trade approach, there could be a significant impact on the costs of business globally. At the same time, the US economy is running hotter than many predicted with possible tax cuts still to come. Consequently, expectations of interest rate reductions from the Federal Reserve (Fed) have fallen back, with the current consensus being only one 0.25% cut this year owing to the perceived likelihood of inflation remaining higher than the Fed’s target.

This more inflationary picture globally has a significant impact on the UK as it is a relatively vulnerable position. Current and fiscal deficits are the second highest among major developed markets, only behind the US. While the dollar benefits from reserve currency status, this is not the case for the UK, making it more sensitive to foreign investor flows. Some have also pointed to more technical factors in the gilt market where there is less regular buying from pension funds and other institutions.

What Do Rising Gilt Yields Mean for Your Investments?

Gilt funds, especially those concentrating on longer dated maturities, have experienced steep losses since the start of December. Other bond funds will also have been caught up in the wider trend of higher interest rate and inflation expectations, although those dominated by either higher yield or short dated bonds will have been relatively resilient because they are less impacted by shifting inflation and interest rate expectations.

Going forward, there are some reasons to be positive on UK gilts. While the growth outlook doesn’t look great, with inflation now nearer to target and financial conditions posing downside risks, the Bank of England may now be able to deliver greater interest rate cuts than anticipated. This stands to ease the pressure on consumers and businesses later this year, potentially improving the growth picture a little, and it may help take the heat out of rising gilt yields.

However, it is also possible that interest rates will have to remain higher than expected. Major retailers have already warned that food prices may resume an upward trajectory, and a recent upward blip in the previously subdued oil price could herald a further inflationary pulse on top of the expected impact of Donald Trump’s reprise as US president.

While the increase in gilt yields is not as extreme as what we saw in 2022 amid concerns over unfunded tax cuts under the Liz Truss administration, we should expect volatility, especially in the short term.

What Do Rising Gilt Yields Mean for Your Wider Finances?

Gilt yields can have an impact on other areas of personal finances, for instance by impacting borrowing costs.

Some mortgage lenders have been hiking their rates in recent weeks, although it is generally shorter-term inflation and interest rates rate expectations that impact the ‘swap rates’ that dictate mortgage pricing, and these have been more anchored than medium and longer-term expectations. This contrasts with the mini-budget episode in 2022 where mortgage costs did escalate more significantly. Meanwhile, one positive aspect is that annuity rates have moved higher as they are largely based on longer term gilt yields. The higher the gilt yield the bigger the potential regular retirement income. If you have been contemplating buying an annuity with your personal pension pot, it might be an opportune time to take a fresh look at available rates.

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 not a tax adviser.

Nothing in this article should be construed as personal advice based on your circumstances. No news or research item is a personal recommendation to deal.

Charles Stanley & Co. Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: Ropemaker Place, 25 Ropemaker Street, London EC2Y 9LY.

The Copper Pot Café is open Mon - Fri 8am till 4pm, Sat 9am - 3pm

Contact: www.mlct.org.uk enquiries@mlct.org.uk 07434 678 999

An Update From Moulsham Lodge Ward - By

As many of you will know, your two Lib Dem City Councillors for Moulsham Lodge, Simon Goldman and Ashley Thompson, have fought long and hard to save John Shennan Field from development - and not just to save it temporarily either, but to preserve it on a permanent basis by having it designated a Local Nature Reserve.

This work comes to a successful conclusion on Thursday 30th January when the official ceremony takes place in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress at 10.15am.

Moving away from green space to the roads and pavements around Moulsham Lodge, we’re both dissatisfied at the number of faults in the area. But we really need YOUR help, so we can hold our lacklustre counterparts at Essex County Council to account. So, if you see broken streetlights, potholes, damaged footways etc, please do report them to Essex County Council via the following link: www. essexhighways.org/tell-us.

That’s it for now. For any local issues, please do get in touch any time. Take care.

simon.goldman@chelmsfordlibdems.org.uk ashley.thompson@chelmsfordlibdems.org.uk

Ashley Thompson & Simon Goldman

Follow us on the following platforms - search for ‘Chelmsford Liberal Democrats’ Facebook - www.facebook.com/ChelmsLibDems Facebook - search: ‘Simon Goldman - Moulsham Lodge Councillor’ Twitter - twitter.com/ChelmsLibDems

Tile Kiln Corner - By Cllr Linda Mascot

Galleywood Ground Management Committee (GMC), a charitable trust, consists of three sports clubs: Galleywood Youth Football Club, Galleywood Cricket Club, and Galleywood Football Club - all clubs play at their home ground Clark’s Field in Slade’s Lane, Galleywood which is off Galleywood Road and can be accessed on foot from Chelmer Park. More than 1,000 people of all ages are signed on at the clubs with 46 youth football teams who run weekly foundation training sessions as well as games at Chelmer Park, Slades Lane and the astroturf at Moulsham High School. As well as the players, more than 150 volunteers help to run the clubs with development opportunities for young referees.

All three clubs share the same vision of ‘sport for all’ and need to update their facilities to reflect the growth and breadth of the clubs’ far-reaching support and service to the local community, and further afield in Essex by increasing well-being, giving a sense of belonging and providing a safe environment that encourages diversity. They strive to enable all young people to achieve their full potential and be the best they can be, with equal opportunities for all.

The improvements to the clubhouse would also provide a welcoming social hub for the local community to use all year round - with hot drinks and bacon rolls at weekends which will be very popular amongst dog walkers in the park, including myself!

The GMC are ready to submit a planning application, having secured grants from the FA, and are looking to raise further funds to achieve their proposed outcomes.

On Monday 10th February at 7pm, the GMC are

holding an open-house event to give more information about the exciting redevelopment and improvements planned for this shared site and you are encouraged to see plans and designs for the site, ask questions and have your say in person.

This is an invitation for you to comment on the GMC redevelopment at Slade’s Lane, whether it’s the design, the project, or any related club matters, it’s your opportunity to express your opinion - the committee want to hear your views. Come along, share your ideas, ask questions and help shape the future of Galleywood football, youth football and cricket clubs.

mascotlinda@gmail.com

Being Human in an AI World

A few weeks ago, the Prime Minister set out plans to make the UK a global superpower in artificial intelligence (AI). His terminology sounded ominous: he plans to ‘unleash’ AI across the nation. I don’t know about you, but that makes it sound like some kind of menace that would be better kept very tightly on the leash!

I don’t know anyone who thinks that the kind of AI we have at the moment is making our lives better. Does anyone fancy talking to more automated voices when trying to get through to the insurance company? Is it really helpful for customers to talk to a chatbot, or just cheaper for companies?

These things lead to frustration, and actually make us feel less human, as if we’re not really worth talking to.

Of course, AI is more than this. But the unspoken problem of AI has to do with what it means to be human. Are we just a kind of robots, at the whim of some kind of ‘fate’ or the impersonal forces of the natural world? Or is there something inherently unique about being human?

What do you think? How would you answer those questions?

Christians believe that humans are created by a loving God. More, that this whole world is created by a loving God; that God is a personal being, who is in a creator-creature relationship with all that He has created - including humans.

The Bible says that every human is ‘fearfully and wonderfully

made’ (you can look that up in the Bible, in Psalm 139 verse 14)deliberately created by the Creative God. Now, that throws up all kinds of questions and not a few mysteries! But I wonder whether anyone has ever told you that you are fearfully and wonderfully made? That you are not a product of chance, but of thoughtful, creative design?

The chatbots and automated voices leave us being treated as somehow subhuman, and we know this instinctively. More AI is highly unlikely to solve this problem.

But, where chatbots might close down the chat, and automated voices at the other end of the line might just put the phone down, there’s someone who has created you, loves you and wants you to know Him. God your Creator.

He’s made sure you can know him, through his Son, Jesus the Christ. And Jesus promised that anyone who seeks for God will find him. Why not try an experiment? Talk to Jesus. Just talk, like you would to anyone else. It might just change your life.

And if you’re interested, here’s a little more help: www.trypraying.org (or you can always get in touch with me on the details below).

Tim Goodall, Pastor, Tile Kiln Church.

tim.goodall@tilekilnchurch.org.uk

Phone: 07821 866 301

YouTube: tinyurl.com/y24qlkvx

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tilekilnchurch www.tilekilnchurch.org.uk

Quiz Time - By John Theedom

What is the Roman number for 65?

Which boxer was known as The Brown Bomber?

Who traditionally lives at 11 Downing Street?

Which is the world’s second smallest state?

Which country has a toe and a heel?

On what does a gnomon cast a shadow?

What does Interpol stand for?

How many tusks does an adult warthog have?

A ‘phon’ is a unit of what?

How many goals did Bobby Charlton score for England?

What statue stands in London’s Piccadilly Circus?

Which wild flower is also known as ‘heartease’?

In medicine, what is ENT?

What is a scallion?

What colour were British postboxes originally?

What bird lays the largest eggs?

Which two colours feature on the Spanish flag?

What animal lives in a lodge?

Which famous painting is also known as La Giaconda?

How many points is the green ball in snooker worth?

In football, who in 1997 became Arsenal’s alltime leading goal scorer?

Which sign of the zodiac is represented by an archer?

Careless and Invictor are types of which fruit?

What name are the ‘Funchal Islands’ usually called?

Which animal is feared by a hippophobe?

In finance what is an ISA?

What type of plant is fescue?

Who succeeded Callaghan as Labour leader?

Which members of the big cat family collect in a leap?

What connects boots, island and rat?

What is another name for wall plaster?

During which years was the ‘king’s shilling’ produced?

What is the collective name of a group of gorillas?

In the northern hemisphere, which way does the water turn when you pull the plug?

Helen Worth has left Coronation Street after how many years?

Which zodiac sign has 2 females on it?

What is Blue Vinney?

Whose second wife was Poppaea?

What colour are Rupert Bear’s trousers?

What colour face does a Suffolk sheep have?

Take a Look Through the Moulsham Lodge Camera Club Lens

February - the Dark Month February is short, but my golly does it feel long. This is the month to hunker down and wait for those spring flowers to pop their heads up. What can we do with our cameras? The light is bad, the days are dark, the atmosphere is murky. No need to fret - time to forget the weather as this is the month to get busy indoors.

Find a spare table. Perhaps a table cloth or piece of material, even use your jumper when you get too hot during this practical experiment. Now go and get a glass - one with a pattern, maybe and put some marbles, or coloured tissue, basically anything else you have in the house. Point your camera from the top of the glass or the side and see the distortion of whatever is in the glass. If you need some light then just move your glass to a nearby lamp. See what happens to the colours and shapes.

At Moulsham Lodge Camera Club, we had a practical tabletop night. Our members bought in all sorts of items such as marbles, paperweights, paperclips, glasses etc. We all had such fun photographing the various items and bounced ideas off each other. In this way we share our creativity as well as producing some stunning images to enter into club competitions and we would be most happy to welcome you and your ideas to our club too.

We have an amazing array of events throughout the year. Why not give it a go and come for a free trial on Monday nights? We are at Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church, 110 Lime Walk, CM2 9NJ, starting at 8pm, with tea and biscuits at 9pm, finishing at 10pm.

Liz Croxson

moulshamlodgecameraclub@gmail.com www.moulshamlodgecamerclub.co.uk