MoulshamTimes
MT Welcome
Hi readers,
Welcome to the January edition of Moulsham Times
We would like to wish you a happy New Year and we hope you had a good festive break!
The Moulsham Times has now been in existence for 11 years... How time flies when you are having fun!
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Regards
Paul
Advertising & Editorial
Paul Mclean 01245 262082/07595 949701 paul@moulshamtimes.com
At M. Lucking & Sons, we’re proud to have been serving communities of Chelmsford and the surrounding areas for over 360 years. As an independent, family-owned business we have all the regional knowledge and years of experience to make sure everything runs smoothly. We also work in partnership with Golden Charter so you have a simple way to plan ahead with a pre-paid funeral plan. Contact us today for more information and our friendly staff will be happy to help.
Chelmsford - By Vicky Ford MP
The New Year is a time for good news, so I thought I would put together an A to Z of some of the good news stories you may have missed throughout 2023.
A for Army and Navy: The green light has been given for a new junction at the Army and Navy backed by £68 million of government funding. Planning, procurement and land purchase work is moving ahead.
B for Bridge: The massive new bridge between Beaulieu and Chelmer has now opened. It is reducing congestion and has unlocked access for the new station and bypass.
C for Childcare: Free childcare is on its way for 2 year olds from April and for 9 month olds from September. Childcare is one of the biggest costs families face. Once fully rolled out, expanded free childcare will save families up to £6,500 each year.
D for Drug Dealers Taken Down: Thank you to our local police for excellent work to stop drug dealing, they have made nearly 30 arrests for illegal drugs in the city centre since September.
E for Earnings: Thanks to the National Living Wage and reductions in tax, working people on the lowest wages are taking home more than 25% after inflation than they did in 2010.
F for Father Christmas: Many thousands of people have flocked to Chelmsford to enjoy Christmas shopping. It is great to have new shops as well as old favourites in our High Street.
G for GPs: A new mega GP surgery is being built at Beaulieu, and Sutherland Lodge in Great Baddow is being expanded too. This will reduce pressure on GP practices across Chelmsford,
H for Holidays: Children across Chelmsford have been enjoying the free holidays activities and Food projects this Christmas. This new scheme is now in its third year.
I for Inflation: Inflation has more than halved from its peak, putting the economy on a more stable path and helping households. Thanks to a crackdown on breaching competition rules, prices at the petrol pumps have been dropping too.
J for Jobs: The employment rate is at a near record high with nearly 33 million people in work, four million more people since 2010. The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits in Chelmsford is well below the national average.
K for Keeping up: Universal Credit will increase by 6.7% next year and pensions by 8.5%, helping working people and pensioners to keep up with costs.
L for Litter: A huge thank you to all the volunteers who help to keep Chelmsford clean. I have enjoyed being out and about with
the Chelmsford Litter Wombles this year. Don’t forget to recycle this Christmas.
M for Moulsham Street: This is just one of the areas where our local police have been doing very regular patrols. Reports of anti-social behaviour have dropped by over a third in Chelmsford this year.
N for National Insurance: The NI rate will reduce by 2% in January, helping 27 million people across the county and tens of thousands in Chelmsford.
O for Online Safety: The new Online Safety Act contains world leading measures to keep children and young people safe online, including bans on sharing online pornography with young people.
P for Police: There are now record numbers of police in Essex, with of over 900 more police added to the force since 2017. They are tackling crime and keeping us safe.
Q for Queen and King: A special happy Christmas to King Charles and Queen Camilla! Thank you to everyone who helped organise parties for the coronation.
R for Railway Station: The new station at Beaulieu Park is making great progress. Works between Christmas and New Year will enable trains to start using the new tracks so that construction can commence on the south side of the site.
S for Schools: Children in England are now ranked the best readers in the western world and are now 11th in the world for maths - up from 27th in 2009. Well done to our children, and a huge thank you to all who work in our schools.
T for Trains: Brand new trains are now operating on all services from Chelmsford. Improved reliability means many fewer delays and cancellations.
U for University: HUGE congratulations to Anglia Ruskin University on being crowned UK University of the Year, beating entrants from all across the country.
V for Volunteers: There are so many Christmas elves around Chelmsford. Thank you to everyone who goes out of their way to help others especially at Christmas.
W for Wards: Government funding has been approved to expand ward capacity and A&E at Broomfield Hospital, helping patients across mid-Essex.
xYz for Young People: There are many more opportunities for young people in Chelmsford including many apprenticeships and skills training courses. Youth unemployment has almost halved since 2010.
I would like to wish all readers a very happy New Year.
Vicky Ford MP
Regal Kitchens: Where Client Is King
Food Fit for Royalty at Regal Kitchens’ Brand
New Showroom!
After 15 years trading in the heart of the Chelmsford community, we have recently opened our brand new showroom in Beehive Lane, Great Baddow.
On Saturday 25th November, we held a very special cookery demonstration open day and invited customers, both existing and new as well as local residents, to join us for culinary delights prepared by not one but two MasterChef UK contestants.
Anurag Aggarwal, who was a finalist in this year’s competition, wowed the MasterChef judges with his culinary creativity and authentic flavours, whilst still staying true to his Indian roots. He was joined by Yui Miles, who has worked with Regal on several events in the past. Yui was a quarter finalist on MasterChef in 2019 and her first cookbook Thai Made Easy was released in September this year. The chefs both prepared fusion dishes together during the event for all attendees to sample whilst they met the Regal staff and enjoyed complimentary drinks.
The event was officially opened by Chelmsford Mayor, Cllr Linda Mascot, who stayed to enjoy the food and drinks on offer with her Consort, happily meeting members of the public and hearing how Regal live up to their company motto: ‘Where Client Is King’.
Essex’s Leading Holiday Let Management, Raising Standards for Second
Homes and Airbnb Property Owners
In the dynamic landscape of holiday let properties, Houst has emerged as a leader, especially for those managing second homes and Airbnb properties. With its innovative approach, Houst has become the world’s largest Airbnb management company, overseeing more than 11,600 properties in 24 different markets across the globe.
The Houst unique business model has earned its property owners on average 30-50% more than if they were doing it themselves and also saves them on average the 48 hours a month managing everything. This impressive feat is largely due to their unique business model that combines local expertise with global standards.
Local Insight for Global Appeal
Houst’s success can be attributed to its emphasis on local teams and partners. This strategy is particularly beneficial for holiday let properties and second homes, where understanding local tourism dynamics and culture within the area is key. We aim to streamline property management for owners while ensuring guests have extraordinary stays.
Comprehensive Professional Services - Owners Are in Control Houst offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to the needs of holiday let and homeowners. Their 24/7/365 guest experience team is a prime example, ensuring guests have access to support at all times. This constant availability not only improves the guest experience, but also enhances the property’s reputation and ratings, leading to better occupancy rates.
Additionally, Houst’s maintenance services, including cleaning and linen, guarantee that properties are kept in pristine condition. This level of care is crucial in the holiday let market, where guest expectations are often higher, and first impressions are vital.
Houst provides each property owner with a Digital Dashboard which allows owners to have full transparency and control of their property. Such as viewing live photos after each stay, blocking off-key dates when they want to use the property and even clicking to see each guest’s profile.
What is included in the Houst professional service:
• Cleaning and linen.
• Insurance/property protection.
• 24/7/365 guest experience and communication.
• Digital Dashboard for property owners - block of dates when you want to use.
• Dynamic Pricing Algorithm.
• Dedicated account manager.
• Maintenance resolved.
• Listing optimisation across 13+ booking platforms.
• Interior design - additional request.
Maximising Returns With Dynamic Pricing Algorithm
Houst’s dynamic pricing algorithm is a game changer for holiday let and homeowners. This innovative tool considers various factors, including seasonal trends, local events and market demand, to optimise pricing. This means property owners can achieve the best possible returns without needing to constantly monitor and adjust their pricing strategies.
This approach is especially beneficial for properties in tourist-heavy areas or places with distinct high and low seasons. By intelligently adjusting prices, Houst ensures that properties remain both competitive and profitable year-round.
Shaping the Future of Holiday Let Management
The growth of platforms like Airbnb has underscored the importance of proficient property management services like Houst. Their expertise in managing the unique demands of holiday let properties and homes sets a new industry standard and makes it easier to make more whilst doing less as an owner.
Houst’s approach also aligns with the increasing focus on sustainable business practices. By utilising local resources and knowledge, their guest app also points guests to local independent restaurants and stores, helping reduce the environmental and social impact associated with managing holiday properties.
Conclusion
Houst is the world’s most renowned Airbnb and holiday let property management company. A testament to their market savvy, dedication to quality and innovative service delivery.
For owners of holiday let properties and second homes, collaborating with Houst offers a seamless, profitable management solution. For guests, properties under Houst’s care promise quality, comfort and an authentic local experience.
As the holiday let market continues to evolve, Houst is the best positioned to lead, transforming one property at a time into a profitable, guest-friendly haven.
www.houst.com
MT Gardening
Although many plants are dormant during winter, a select few will provide muchneeded colour, scent and structure. Here are four fragrant plants that can thrive in pots and containers during the winter, providing both colour and delightful scents:
1. Daphne odora: Known for its highly fragrant pink or white flowers, Daphne odora blooms in late winter or early spring. It’s a compact shrub that does well in containers, offering beautiful fragrance and glossy evergreen foliage.
2. Sarcococca (Sweet Box): Sarcococca produces small, white, highly fragrant flowers in late winter to early spring. This evergreen shrub is shade tolerant and works well in pots, providing a sweet scent even in cold weather. For me, this is my favourite: Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis, commonly known as the Dwarf Sweet Box. This particular variety is more compact and tends to stay smaller, making it suitable for container growth. The key features of Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis:
Size: It typically grows to a height of around 1 to 2 feet tall, making it an ideal choice for container gardening.
Fragrance: Like other Sarcococca species, it produces highly fragrant white flowers in late winter to early spring, filling the air with a sweet scent.
Growth Habit: This cultivar has a dense, spreading habit, which makes it an excellent choice for pots or containers where it can spill over the edges.
Evergreen Foliage: It maintains glossy, dark green leaves throughout the year, providing interest even when not in bloom.
When planting Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis in a container, make sure to use well-draining soil and a container large enough to accommodate its growth. Regular watering and partial shade to full
shade conditions are ideal for this plant.
3. Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum): This deciduous jasmine produces bright yellow flowers in late winter. While it’s not as fragrant as some other jasmines, it still emits a pleasant scent and offers vibrant colour during the colder months.
4. Chimonanthus praecox (Wintersweet): Wintersweet is a deciduous shrub that blooms in winter with unique, spidery, highly fragrant flowers that range in colour from pale yellow to dark red. It can thrive in a container with proper care.
Over the Winter Period Take Care of Any Exterior Planted Container Mulch and insulate: Mulch the surface of the soil in containers with a layer of bark, compost, or straw to insulate the roots and help retain moisture. You can also wrap the pots with bubble wrap or hessian to provide further insulation.
Reduce watering: During winter, plants typically need less water due to lower evaporation rates and reduced growth. Ensure the soil is not waterlogged but also avoid letting it dry out completely. Water only when the soil feels dry a couple of inches below the surface.
Elevate pots: Place pots on pot feet or bricks to prevent them from sitting directly on the cold ground. This helps with drainage and reduces the risk of freezing roots.
Protect from excessive rain: If the containers are exposed to heavy rain, consider moving them temporarily to sheltered areas or under eaves to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the plants’ roots.
These plants will not only bring colour and fragrance to your winter garden, but will also thrive well in containers if provided with the right growing conditions and care.
Continue to rake up any leaves from lawns and pathways. Fallen leaves can be incredibly beneficial in the garden and can be used in several ways:
1. Mulch: Shred or chop the leaves and use them as mulch around trees, shrubs, and garden beds. They help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and gradually break down, adding nutrients to the soil.
2. Composting: Add leaves to your compost pile. They’re a great source of carbon and will balance the nitrogen-rich materials like kitchen scraps or grass clippings. This helps create nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
3. Leaf Mould: Create leaf mould by collecting leaves in a separate pile or bin. Over time, they’ll decompose and turn into a nutrient-rich, crumbly material that’s excellent for improving soil structure and moisture retention.
4. Soil Amendment: Mix shredded leaves directly into the soil. As they break down, they improve soil structure, aeration, and drainage.
5. Insulation: Use leaves as a protective layer for sensitive plants during winter. Pile leaves around delicate plants to provide insulation against freezing temperatures.
6. Habitat Creation: Fallen leaves provide habitat for beneficial insects and microorganisms that contribute to a healthy garden ecosystem. Consider leaving some leaves undisturbed in certain areas to support biodiversity.
Remember to avoid using leaves from trees that might have been exposed to pesticides or chemicals. It’s also good to shred or chop the leaves to speed up decomposition and make them more manageable.
By using fallen leaves in these ways, you’ll not only reduce waste but also improve the health of your garden soil and plants naturally.
For other tasks to keep you active for December, check out this RHS link: www.rhs.org.uk/advice/in-month/december.
Regards
Tom Cole
Nick Garner’s Music & Ramblings
Did you have a good festive break? I do hope so and let’s hope that 2024 is a better year for us all in this world.
The weather, well it is has thrown it all at us recently I’m sure it has more to come as they need to be able to come up with more absurd names for these storms so we can come closer to becoming the next state for America. I am old enough to remember when we would just say the weather is going to be awful and not need to name it!
I have been to a couple of local non-music events recently. The first was Enlightened, which was in Hylands Park. I don’t know if you have been, but if not do put it on your list for next year, whether with little people or not! I thoroughly enjoyed it as I have for the past few years and it has just got better with each passing year. The next event I got invited to was the pantomime. I thought for this year why not? I am so glad I went as it was so entertaining and funny - something that we British do so well. The cast were all brilliant - no big names and none were needed in my mind. The audience was a total mix, and good to see the children enjoying it long with us oldens - we all had great fun! If you have not been to a pantomime, do go and seek one out as I am sure it will put a smile on your face, as it did mine.
The new bridge is now open in North Springfield and the Army and Navy renovations are now happening, as well as work on the new rail station beginning. Next we need to get the city centre into shape I think. I have noticed that The Range has opened where Debenhams used to be, and yet another coffee shop. I really want to see more independents open as they can offer more variety, I think. A new cooperative store has opened at the station where Marks and Spencer was and I must say it looks very good from what I have seen of it. That end of Chelmsford is known as the West End, and it really needs a lot of work and assistance - and no more takeaways please. I know Hot Box is there and the theatres, plus a couple of other interesting places, but there is nothing to really attract people there during the day. Come on, let’s get it going is what I say.
I know I go on about things and it is only because I like our city. To me, we still feel like a town though. I have put ideas forward to the councils over the years, but it seems to fall on deaf ears. It seems that unless they themselves think of it, then they are not interested. Remember, all politicians of all persuasions from all over the country: you are all only where you are because we put you there; so listen to us or you will be out - represent us your people as that is your job.
If you want to have your say on anything or about my articles, then please let the editor know and hopefully he will put you in touch.
Music
Now this I do know something about, having been involved in the music industry at many levels for over fifty years now. I have worked with and been friends with some of the biggest (and some of the smallest) acts - but ultimately, they are all musicians. It’s just that some have been luckier than others to get to the top. I continue, and have no plans on stopping, bringing live music to you of all genres - and along with Hot Box, I think we do a pretty fine job of it. The theatre does a bit too. Menwhile, Shakey continues to do live work and radio too. Then of course, there are the pubs who are doing a good job with live bands but open mics and jams. One I must go to is the Star and Garter - they have great variety.
Now onto me and Black Frog Presents. I kick off 2024 at Hot Box on Saturday 20th January with Malcolm Bruce, who is the son of the late Jack Bruce who was in Cream and who wrote the music sung the songs and played the bass. Well, I have to tell you that Malcolm has inherited some talent as well - you really do not want to miss this as he tells me his band is amazing - including people who play with the likes of Beyonce. Malcolm’s daughter, Maya, is going to open the night as his very special guest too.
I wait until Friday 9th February 2024 to start again at the Chelmsford Social Club. So far I have booked and confirmed over 20 acts and I am just waiting on a couple of confirmations to fill the calendar there for the year. The first show will be with Jim Cregan and Co on Friday 9th February. Jim played with Rod Stewart for over 20 years - he was musical director, guitarist and co-songwriter. He also played with Cockney Rebel among many others. His drummer is Harry James of Thunder and Magnum, and with Pat Davey on bass (Tom Robinson). He also has Ben Mills on guitar and vocals (from X-Factor 2006) who sounds more like Rod than Rod does! Also featured is Sam Tanner on keys and vocals. With Richard Townend opening this is a not-to-bemissed show. I am so lucky to know these people and that they agree to come and play for us. Of course, they also know that I have a great team working with me. Check out my advert to see who else I have coming to play at Hot Box and the Chelmsford Social Club.
For Friday 12th July I have now confirmed the one and only Hamish Stuart and his band. Hamish was the falsetto voice of the Average White Band and he also co-wrote Pick Up The Pieces as he also played and for Chaka Khan, and with Paul McCartney. For the last 20 years he has been playing with Ringo Starr too. This is a rare UK show for Hamish and we are thrilled he plays for us and you.
I am thrilled to announce that I have just confirmed Terry Chambers of the band XTC with his band eXTC. They have the blessing of Andy Partridge and we have them booked for Friday 28th June.
Keep your eyes and ears open as no doubt there will be lots going on all over Essex. Do check out the What’s On guide in the City Times for all sorts of different events for all ages, and do also go online to keep up-to-date. Hopefully, 2024 will be full of wonderful magical events for one and all.
If you have anything you think that could be of interest to our readers for either publication, 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. If you know of someone who may wish to advertise with us, then please ask them to contact ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we can send over full details.
You can get tickets for all our shows in Chelmsford at the Chelmsford Social Club from Intense Records, Hopsters and Chelmsford 4Good - please pay cash in person when you buy. 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 Black Frog Presents gig updates and information go to www. linktr.ee/BlackFrogPresents, or scan the QR code in the poster in this magazine.
It would also be fantastic if you could also share our magazines, The City Times and Moulsham Times, for us - just go to our websites for the online versions: www.thecitytimes.co.uk and www. moulshamtimes.com.
Happy New Year! Welcome to 2024! I hope you’re feeling refreshed after the festive break. Yes, it’s January (known by many as the most depressing month of the year). It’s dark and a bit chilly, but it’s also the start of a brand new year with the promise of changes that it brings - and 2024 could be a year of very big changes, especially with a General Election likely to take place at some point this year. So, lots on the horizon, but for now, I wanted to update you on a few things that are happening locally.
Southborough Road Pavements
Let’s start off with some good news for residents and users of Southborough Road: The pavements are finally going to be redone early this year. I’m not 100% sure whether this will be in March or April, but I’m pleased to say that I’ve seen them on a list so I’m fairly confident they will be done, at last! In the meantime, please be careful - they’re in a pretty shocking state.
Lighting in Tindal Square
If you’ve been out and about in the city centre over the festive period, you may have noticed that the new lights in Tindal Square at the top of the High Street haven’t been working. The City Council is still waiting for UK Power Networks (UKPN) to connect up the power to these and the rising bollards. The connection was due to be done in the first two weeks of December, but that has been delayed by UKPN to the end of January. I very much hope that it won’t be delayed again, but this is entirely in the hands of UKPN.
Lights in Bell Meadow and Central Park
There is a run of streetlights in Bell Meadow (the park at the back of M&S), running along the cycle path that is parallel to Bellmead (and the rear of Primark) that haven’t worked for about five years. I’ve mentioned these before, but I’m hoping that by the time you read this, they will finally have been fixed by Essex County Council (ECC), who mistakenly removed the power to them in the first place! Residents are still understandably frustrated by the lights that STILL aren’t working in Central Park by the pedestrian roundabout. I have chased Essex County Council several times about this. They tell me that UKPN removed the power to one of them and they are considering whether to install a new power supply of their own. I have to admit that I’m struggling to understand what there is to consider - it’s dark, it’s a busy route through from the station, residents don’t feel safe, there used to be power there - let’s have it again. I’ll keep on the case.
Litter
I’m still being contacted fairly regularly by residents about the persistent issue of litter. As I reported last month, my City Council colleagues and I have been trying to do what we can to alleviate this situation. We’ve been in contact with Chelmsford College about students dropping litter on their way to and from the campus on Princes Road. We’ve got a new bin installed by the pedestrian crossing through to Fortinbras Way (near Lady Lane) and we’ve spoken to the City Council about other measures such as relocating existing bins that have become a bit hidden by bushes. I’m afraid it’s a difficult issue to fix, but we are still working on it. In the meantime, if you have school or college-aged children, please remind them to put their litter in the bins provided. They aren’t the only culprits, but we know that they are responsible for at least some of it.
Also, if you’re able to spend some time joining the fabulous Litter Wombles on their regular litter picks or just want to pop out every now and again to help keep our neighbourhood looking spick and span, you can get litter-picking equipment from the City Council via the Love Your Chelmsford website here: loveyourchelmsford.co.uk/ volunteer/what-can-i-do/litter-picking.
I know that in an ideal world we wouldn’t have to rely on amazing volunteers to help keep our city clean, but these are challenging times and it’s nice to know there are people that are willing to help out for the benefit of everyone - thank you, if this is something that
you already do.
Potholes
And finally, potholes (such a popular topic that everyone loves to hate). Just a quick sentence or two to confirm that I reported my second batch of 18 ‘priority’ potholes to ECC in November. Again, I’m not holding my breath for these to be fixed - there are still several from the batch that I submitted in July that haven’t been done. My latest batch included potholes in Southborough Road, Moulsham Drive, Parkway, Redcliffe Road, Oaklands Crescent and others. As always, there wasn’t enough space to include all of the potholes that are out there in this scheme, so please do continue to report them on the Essex Highways website here: www. essexhighways.org/tell-us.
Thanks for reading.
Marie Cllr Marie Goldman
Deputy Leader, Chelmsford City Council Ward councillor for Moulsham & Central Essex County Councillor for Chelmsford Central Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Chelmsford
Non-Spoiler Film Reviews - By Henry Godfrey-Evans
Napoleon
Ridley Scott boasted that he didn’t give a sod about the history - and it was a terrible choice.
The character, the period and the tone was interesting - but I felt like I was watching as a detached observer, rather than feeling invested.
High expectations were not quite met, but when you take on such a gargantuan topic, then perhaps what do you expect?
66/100
Wish
It frustrates me immensely when I can’t quite pin down the things that aren’t quite right about a film.
It felt a little soulless… contrived. It felt like a great attempt at magic but kind of remained an imitation of some super Disney movies.
Some great voice acting and singing, but also oddly forgettable. 55/100
Next Goal Wins
I am slightly more cursed than I was a year ago, in that I have less patience for clichés. Therefore a cliché-filled pantomime like this just plays out like nails on a chalkboard.
There were hundreds of joke attempts, which got some inevitable laughs but also came across as a little desperate. Lots of low-hanging fruit.
The whole sports success part of the story was just disgustingly average. It was impossible to even muster up an emotion because it felt like a vague memory of every other sports film I’d ever seen.
I’ll be the first to admit this score is more emotional than logical… 24/100
Wonka
Filled with stars, backed by some of the most popular literature ever, and a surely huge budget.
Again, expectations do start to interfere with the blank slate I should have from minute 0:00.
Very funny in parts, and it felt original yet authentic to the Roald Dahl style.
I don’t think Timothee Chalamet made the most whacky Wonka, and it felt like a kid’s plot that wasn’t that interesting to follow - but a good time.
68/100
Anatomy of a Fall
I wish I could just say ‘amazing, go and watch’. However, I am all too aware that this may not be to everyone’s taste.
A complex and enthralling mystery that requires all of your attention, especially with the French/German subtitles. It’s not the sort of thing you watch if you’re exhausted, it’s a huge workout for the brain.
The scenes in court are fantastic and you really don’t know what to think which is a very unique way to frame crime films with a protagonist.
85/100
What Happens Later
A totally atypical rom-com. Ex-lovers have an awkward run in, leading to a solid mix of contempt and chemistry, that cascades into a rekindling/healing of wounds.
The entire thing is conversation, and it relies heavily on the actors and the script, and it was a great effort.
The transition between states (mentioned above) was very enjoyable and subtle. It was a rocky start though and it drooped towards the end as it headed towards to finish line.
I very much appreciate films like this that scratch a different part of my brain.
70/100
Ferrari
Not every famous historical figure needs a 140-minute film...
This reeked of Oscar-bait with the extreme close-ups on the actors’ faces, and imitations of Marriage Story
Some scenes were mildly interesting, and Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz were on good form. However almost everything fell short - pithy dialogue, ambitious visuals, emotion, etc.
It’s just a story about some guy, and I was annoyed about having to sit and endure it for so long.
18/100
Godzilla Minus One
A film about big scary monsters is usually about 30% monster. The other 70% has a big job being as interesting, and it did a fairly decent job.
Tying the world into post-WW2 ruin was effective and cohesive.
One thing about Japanese film is that it tends to be an acquired taste and can have utter lack of restraint. Lots of cheesy dialogue, maximum volume, and it tries to make you weep. Sometimes it was so exerting that it was funny, which took me out of it a bit.
The scenes with Godzilla were often absolutely masterful though; champagne cinema.
74/100
henrygodfreyevans@gmail.com
Say ‘Yes’ to New Adventures - By Ola Adamolekun
Happy New Year to everyone. At this time of the year, we look back and reflect on the old year. However, we must also look forward to the year ahead. 2023 was a whirlwind of a year for me. Since I like to write about my experiences in this column, I thought I’d do a quick summary of my 2023.
Prior to 2022, I’d been self-employed, so Christmas was almost a hinderance. When you are self-employed, if you’re not working, you’re not earning! So, Christmas was a revelation for me as a Health Coach working for the NHS. Someone was paying me to enjoy Christmas! Not so 2023 as I’m back working for myself - but we’ll come to that later.
By February 2023, I knew that I had to leave my job in the NHS - I didn’t have the time to build my private business. The money came in handy, but I wasn’t growing.
In February, I joined Reed Wellbeing as a self-employed health coach, coaching people on the National Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP). I think this was the catalyst for my year. As a health coach, you are always taught to find your ideal client and I’d never been able to find mine. However, when I started coaching people on NDPP, my ideal client found me. That prompted me to enrol on the Level 3 PT Supporting Patients with Long Term conditions course. As a coach, your basic qualification is the just the starting point. You soon realise that you need much more training.
I needed to learn much more about people with long term conditions and this qualification enables me to work with people with 27 different long-term conditions. This was to come in handy later in the year. February was a good month and really motivated me, and I started the long-term conditions course with a bang. However, after a few months, things started to grind me down. Work, NDPP coaching, fitness classes and one-to-one clients. On top of that I was commuting from Chelmsford to Saffron Waldon 3 times a week. There just weren’t enough hours in the day.
I knew something had to be done since I was running out of energy. In my day job, I worked in a team of 3 health coaches. In July 2023, one of my colleagues quit - this wasn’t unexpected, however it was the motivation I needed to spark me into action. I quit in mid-August and by September 11th 2023, I was a free agent again!
Exciting but scary with the cost-of-living crisis. How was I expected to pay the mortgage? The great thing about it was that by the end of September, I finished my long-term conditions course and doors started to open. I started attending well-being events and connecting with local organisations and people. My desire has always been to bring health and fitness to my local community and doors were finally starting to open. Seated exercises classes started to spring up, more NDPP courses and more mobile one-to-one clients. I ended 2023 on a high.
And here we are in 2024 - what’s on the cards? My first project is running a My Weight Matters programme at Moulsham Lodge Community Trust (on behalf of Essex Wellbeing Service) - that’s starting in January 2024. Another local chair-based project is also starting in January. It looks like 2024 is starting the way 2023 ended - I’m saying ‘Yes’ to new adventures. Watch this space!
www.beencouragedwellness.co.uk www.facebook.com/BeEncouragedBeStrong
CCR Latest News
Well, December has been a whirlwind for our team at Chelmsford Community Radio. Mostly we’ve been busy organising our Christmas programmes and there have been some real gems. The studios have never been busier! We recorded our 5th Radio Pantomime – and the bar had been set quite high seeing as we’d won Gold for the last one (Frankenstein) at the Community Radio Awards. Treasure Island proved to be just as funny and I don’t know about you but some of the scenes had us laughing so much it made our faces hurt!
Our presenters pulled out all the stops producing some brilliant shows and we hope that you managed to catch a few. Presenter Louise Erskine had a very special visitor for her Christmas Day show – in the form of Rob Jeffery – band member of 90s sensations Let Loose. Rob spent a number of hours with us and spoke of his early career, experiences of chart success and reforming a few months back to promote new material as well as a run of exciting gigs for 2024.
We also said goodbye to Dave Almond and Rob Peters, our lovely Rotary Roundup team who have dedicated 8 wonderful years to their monthly community show. As they now retire from the airwaves, we wish them the best for the future.
If you missed any of our shows over the Christmas Period then do take a look at our page at www.mixcloud/chelmsfordcr where you can catch up on it all. If you are part of a local community group who may be interested in
sharing your work with our Chelmsford audience then please do drop us an email – admin@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com
That’s it for this time, we hope to bring you more news on what we’ve been getting up to very soon. In the meantime, hope you’re having a good New Year so far.
www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com
Hello everyone, welcome to 2024! Wow, how can that be? I hope you all had a great Christmas and that you didn’t over do it... well, maybe just this once. I cannot believe how quickly time goes these days. Nearly a quarter of a century since the millennium and all the fears about problems with computer systems that, in the end, were unfounded.
I am a bit fed up with the constant doom and gloom forecasts by the ‘experts’. One lot predicts low financial growth and recession, while another predicts something different. I am sure these people are much more knowledgeable than me, but I might just join in with some forecasts of my own. Talking of forecasts, do you set any New Year’s resolutions? I am not a great fan, but I do just have one. I will not make any New Year’s resolutions! Good, that’s sorted and I think I may be able to keep that one.
The news story this month is in the ‘you couldn’t make it up’ category. Researchers at Northwestern University in Illinois have developed VR (virtual reality) googles for mice. Yes, I said mice - the little furry things that run around on the ground. Apparently they are doing this to achieve a better understanding of their behaviour. Eh? “It means that we can watch brain activity while the mouse is chasing a VR fly for example”, a spokesman said. How do these things happen? I would love to see the ‘expert’ pitching this idea to the university budget committee using an exotic slide presentation - probably involving a Tom and Jerry cartoon!
A bit of a moan now. Am I the only driver in Chelmsford who realises that the bus lane in New London Road is only active between 7am and 10am and 4pm to 7pm Monday to Saturday and not at all on Sunday? I try to drive in the left-hand lane, when there are no cars parked of course, but get dirty looks from other drivers who are all queueing down the middle of the road. Very annoying.
I have read in the newspaper today, that someone had got themselves in a sticky situation regarding postage stamps (see what I did there?). Earlier in the year when it was announced that the cost of stamps would increase, they started buying extra ones each time they went to the post office. After some time they discovered that they had spent over £1,000. Oops. After some digging they were told that they could get a refund for the ones they no longer wanted, but were having trouble. I hope they managed it,
On the subject of the cost of postage stamps, I have a suggestion. If we all stop buying first class stamps and just use second class, surely this would actually improve the chances of getting letters delivered in a shorter time. Good idea or what?
I know I’m getting on a bit, especially when I realise that I am watching less and less mainstream television. I find any cookery programmes frustrating. They seem to assume that we can all cook great meals already, and they seem to concentrate on being as ‘off the wall’ as possible and sometimes extremely odd. Some seem to think it is not necessary to actually measure ingredients but just throw in a couple of handfuls. Is this a bit of showing off, or is someone else producing the meal for them, at the same time, for the actual final tasting? Am I just being cynical? The other shows I dislike are the so called reality programmes. I don’t like to watch people who are said to be famous, arguing with each other or carrying out ridiculous tasks that seem to be getting more and more outrageous by the day. Not for me I’m afraid, but apparently a lot of people do like them. Perhaps I’m the odd one out! Then there is the programme that involves me watching people watching television. What?
While I’m on my high horse, if the soaps are supposed to be a reflection of real life, how come the residents in Emmerdale are never shown watching Coronation Street? Is it me? Never mind, there are still lots to enjoy and a massive choice of programmes, especially if you have satellite channels.
Talking of experts again, I am amazed at the amount of expert advice that is available on EVs - that’s electric vehicles for those who may not know. I don’t know what you think, but for me the jury is still out. Apart from the fact that most of these are more expensive than conventional cars to buy in the first place, there are issues about the availability of charging points and the range of the charge in the battery. It seems that the range quoted by manufactures is only achievable if you drive without any accessories on, I realise that this data is calculated using permitted methods, so I am not suggesting that they are wrong, but, like the old MPG figures they are only really useful for comparison between makes,
I don’t think that I will be getting one yet. We make several journeys over 100 miles each year and I’m not sure if the EV will be suitable, as it stands, However, I’m sure that as demand increases, manufacturers will develop longer range batteries, and a higher demand should bring car prices down, I am going to wait and see...
Bin End Chuckles
Do Transformers get car insurance, or life insurance..?
Ok people, a giant fly has attacked the station. I’ve called out the SWAT team...
Stay safe and well and look out for each other.
Smart-Motoring is a motoring news blog bringing you the latest features, stories and information from the motoring world.t
Could I Freeze in My Electric Car in Cold Weather Traffic Jams?
While there are still some concerns, electric vehicle technology is not particularly new, especially for those old enough to remember the familiar whir of the motor and clank of bottles as your friendly milkman delivered his rounds in the seventies in a classic-shaped electric Pony milk float. So, as winter bears down on us with the threat of ominously icy days, let’s look at one of the most popular bits of misinformation circulating on social media at present.
Many reports and images are being circulated indicating that an EV battery will die within 3 hours, potentially leaving you stuck in icy conditions in a non-moving traffic jam until you freeze. So how true is this? Put simply, it’s a scare story - a frightener that is possibly more aimed at getting shares and ‘likes’ on social media to bolster the user far more than anything else.
The big scare from such memes is that, should there be a severe cold weather event where traffic can be stuck for hours, will your battery succumb to the cold and die within an hour leaving you hopeless and cold? It is a fact that all batteries suffer from the cold - they simply don’t like it. If you try to charge your iPad below 8 degrees centigrade a warning will pop up telling you that it’s too cold to charge the battery, and we know that phones will lose power faster in cold weather, so how does this affect your EV?
Of course, automobile designers at some point in the evolution towards electric vehicles have considered such scenarios in great detail. Reuters recently ran a fact check to see whether an EV will run out of juice within 3 hours of being stuck in traffic leaving occupants bereft of heating. The Reuters conclusion is that the claim is false. An EV when not moving uses such a small amount of power that it might even effectively outlast a combustion engined vehicle in a similar situation. A recent US Department of Energy report revealed some surprising figures for the fuel consumption of cars when idle. Overall, the report found that on average, a 2-litre engine would consume 0.2 gallons per hour. If you take the power up to a V8, then you might double the consumption at idle. In contrast, the German company TLK Energy revealed that an electric vehicle would potentially use up 4kW per hour in a similar situation - not much of a strain on a 60kWh battery and certainly not a situation that should concern anyone stuck in traffic in the January sales, should the UK get an icy eastern blast as you head towards IKEA.
it was pointed out that the Norwegian Automobile Federation would be reducing subsidies for EV purchases amid concerns that batteries would lose too much power in their harsh winters. Yet, the facts are muddled here: Yes, subsidies were to be reduced, but this was a factor of Norway’s success in encouraging its already eco-friendly population towards electric vehicles, to the extent that Norway felt it could simply remove subsidies without affecting the country’s push to EV. Indeed, this very month two years ago, Norway revealed that a whopping 90 per cent of all new vehicles sold were either electric or hybrid vehicles.
Compounding such myths with the anecdote of a freezing Tesla family caught in non-moving traffic (you can google that one) who were helped out by a trucker doesn’t hold much weight either. The truth is that such a family did get stuck in a cold weather traffic jam, but the reality is they survived overnight with an 18 per cent battery charge left enabling them to safely drive to the local Supercharger to replenish.
To sum up, I think the future of electric cars is certainly looking a lot warmer than some of the posts on social media might imply...
Sean Neylon
smart-motoring.com
Grove Road Evangelical Church
Happy New Year! It’s time for New Year’s resolutions again! Have you drawn up a list for 2024? Here, are some of the most popular resolutions, apparently: Exercise more. Lose weight. Quit smoking. Enjoy life more. Spend more time with family and friends. The list is seemingly endless!
But what about a completely different set of resolutions for 2024? There was an American pastor in the eighteenth century named Jonathan Edwards. His list ended up long, consisting of about 70 resolutions. Here are just four - in revised English - for us to think about. I’ve added comments to some of them in brackets.
Maybe some of them will make sense for us. If they don’t, maybe our first resolution should be to ask ourselves why they don’t make sense!
• To live every moment for God’s glory.
(Not living for selfish aims and desires).
• To be always looking for ways to help others.
(To put others and their needs before myself and my wants).
• Never to waste a single moment of my life.
• Never to do anything which I would be afraid to do if I were about to die.
(When we die, the next big thing is facing God’s assessment of our lives, and his piercing question: Why did you do that when you knew it was wrong?).
Impossible? That’s what Edwards thought too. He knew he needed to pray for God’s help if he were to keep any of them. He said: ‘I am unable to do anything without God’s help, so I pray that, by his grace, he will help me to keep these resolutions.’
Let us this year ask for God’s help and the grace that comes through faith in the Lord Jesus so that we can live as God would have us live.
Philip Loose, Senior Pastor
www.grecuk.co.uk
pastor@grecuk.co.uk
Grove Road Evangelical Church (Behind Tesco Express, Moulsham Street)
MT History: A German Army in Essex - By Henri Lewi
Throughout the years, the British Army has relied on volunteers and and other military units from other countries to bolster its numbers, such as the Gurkhas and the King’s German Legion.
Given the close connection with various German states, especially those British monarchs from the House of Hanover, it is no surprise that in the 19th century the British army raised a number of military units composed of men (and their families) who had fled from Germany to the safety of Great Britain.
The most famous were the Kings German Legion (KGL) a division of approximately 14,000 men who had fled Hanover after its occupation by Napoleonic Forces in 1803. The subsequent treaty of Elbe dissolved what was then known as the Electorate of Hanover, effectively deposing the British Monarch George III from his position as Elector of Hanover.
Many of the men of the Hanoverian Army fled to the safety of Great Britain where they formed the Kings German Legion fighting alongside Wellington’s Peninsular Army in Spain and again at Waterloo in 1815 with great distinction. After it was disbanded in 1816, many of those men who had fought as part of the Kings German Legion returned home to form the nucleus of the new Hanoverian Army. Whilst not associated with Essex, the KGL were based mainly at Bexhill-on-Sea, It is the second German legion that was created in the middle of the 19th century that has close ties with Essex.
In 1855, because of the demand for more British troops to fight in the Crimean War the British Army, having a huge commitment to providing troops for the far-flung colonies of the British Empire, raised a British German Legion, using volunteers from Germany who were enlisted by bribery that involved a decent bounty and a fair bit of drink.
The recruitment, enlistment and command of the British German Legion was led by a certain Major General Richard von Stutterheim. He was a colourful character who had previously sold his services to the British in the Carlist Wars in Spain in the 1830s, and to the forces of Schleswig Holstein in their war against Denmark in the 1840s - and to the Mexicans under Santa Anna in the early 1850s.
He pops up again in the mid 1850s and sells his services to the British Army. It is reported that he amassed a small fortune by raising the British German Legion. Composed of 11 regiments, the legion of nearly 10,000 men was based at a Colchester garrison between 1855 and 1856, with many of its troops marrying local girls. Despite its readiness, the legion did not see active service and was effectively disbanded in late 1856. Some of the legion’s troops opted to remain
in Essex, while some attempted to return home to Germany, as reported by the Essex Standard in November 1856. A significant number, after being offered inducements of cash and land, decided to move to the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.
There the British German Legion was mustered into the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Cape Corps, again under the command of General Richard von Stutterheim, after whom the town of Stutterheim in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is named.
Happy, Healthy New Year
I hope that you all had a lovely Christmas, or at least can take a deep breath because you have survived another festive season. Now is the time of year that we are all bombarded with ‘new year new you’ offers from the January sales, to people telling you that it is time to make some headway on your health and fitness resolutions.
My business partner Steve has just written his article for The City Times about the Niyama’s in yoga which in essence are about being yourself, trusting your instincts, having faith, living in the present moment and working hard - which to me are things you need to succeed in anything in life. You also need to be ready to make a change and to truly want to - as if you don’t, however good your physio, teacher or trainer, it is not going to happen unless you truly want to be there.
I was recently chatting to a friend about health and fitness who said that now he wasn’t playing rugby anymore, he’d lost his motivation to exercise, as in the past he had exercised for two reasons: 1) to play well, and 2) to look good naked! Now, exercise felt like a chore and just wasn’t happening. Beyond help for the moment!
For me training used to be about how fast I could swim, but now it is about how much better I feel, with improved energy levels, clearer head, stronger body, and to get that feeling I want to make time. No mean feat with my lifestyle, as I’m sure many of you can relate to.
However, if you have the drive to exercise, whatever it is, you can
normally find some time to work out. Most of us waste some time somewhere in our day, usually staring at one screen or another, or are in the habit of chilling out on the sofa with a glass of wine when tired, rather than doing some exercise that might be a better coping strategy for daily life and boosting energy levels and relaxation.
Some people find that having a class or a one-to-one session booked helps them to keep exercise going, as it is a date in the diary that they can work around. At Hummingbird Pilates and Yoga we have a massive schedule of classes and don’t tie you into a specific class so you can choose any class or time that suits you in any given week.
We really are flexible, so you can come as much or as little as you like and manage your bookings online at www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk.
It is a really nice place to come to, which certainly helps, and regular attendees see results in terms of how they feel and how they look. It is certainly true that health is wealth and if you are looking for more quality time, then looking after yourself is important.
Hummingbird is a great place to come and get fitter and healthier, so if you are ready to boost your health and well-being, we’d love to see you at the studio. Here is a free class pass: ‘HPYFREECLASS’.
Best wishes,
Ellie
MT Finance - Fed Brings Santa to Equity Markets
Here we provide a round-up of recent market movements and the global investing outlook as we approach the end of 2023.
The traditional ‘Santa Claus’ rally has arrived, courtesy of the US Federal Reserve Chair, Jay Powell.
The FTSE World Index of developed world companies leapt 5% in sterling terms in November. This strength has persisted into December, and at the time of writing it is up almost 15% for the year so far. Almost two-thirds of those returns have come in the last six weeks or so.
Investors have been very data-dependent in 2023, focusing heavily on inflation and economic growth figures, both of which have been reassuring in recent months, with signs that inflation is coming down meaningfully as higher interest rates begin to take hold, as well as economic growth remaining surprisingly resilient particularly in the US as the global economic powerhouse.
Bond Market Gyrations
Within the bond market, the global benchmark 10-year US Treasury began the year yielding about 3.9% and is now trading around 4.3%. It got as low as 3.3% in May and as high as 5.0% in October, with many more ups and downs in between.
These gyrations directly affect global stock prices, because long-term government bond yields are used to value company profits that are forecast to come years into the future. When the interest rate falls, the value of these far-off profits increases; and conversely when the rate rises, the value falls. Much of the recent, rampant ‘Santa rally’ in stock markets can be ascribed to the dramatic tumble in the 10-year US government bond yield since late October.
The tone surrounding the recent Fed announcement had a more dovish tone - that is one that is less about hiking interest rates, and more about maintaining them at current levels, or indeed cutting them in the near future. The documentation released after the meeting indicated that members of the rate-setting Federal Open Markets Committee now predicted three quarter-point cuts next year. The Bank of England also held interest rates at its most recent meeting, but its tone was far from dovish. The announcement was accompanied by a warning on inflation, which the central bank noted remains higher and stickier than in other nations. We expect that UK interest rates will therefore have to stay elevated for a longer period than the US, despite languishing growth and slower consumer spending.
Energy a Precursor to Widening Demand Falls?
The International Energy Agency (IEA) said evidence of softening global oil demand is mounting - and this slowdown is expected to continue into 2024. The IEA said oil market sentiment had turned ‘decidedly bearish’ in recent weeks, even after some Opec+ members announced a new round of voluntary production cuts in the first quarter of next year. Oil prices are now at their lowest level since June 2023, and signs that the US is increasing its own shale production is likely to further dampen oil prices.
Growth Outlook and Our Economic Predictions
Global growth remains weak and will likely not rebound before the middle of next year at the earliest. The months ahead will give us greater clarity on whether economies can withstand higher interest rates, or whether central banks need to consider cutting them from current levels to stimulate economic activity.
Our base case is that growth continues to slow, and some countries enter shallow recessions, bringing forward the prospect of lower
interest rates in 2024 and beyond. Central banks are likely at peak interest rates in this cycle and have significant room to ease policy from current levels.
We believe that inflation will continue to be volatile, notably around food and energy prices, but that overall the trend should be towards lower inflation. Geopolitics and the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are likely to continue to be a negative factor next year and is sadly something we anticipate to continue for a protracted period of time.
We continue to favour very well diversified portfolios for our clients, with a range of holdings that provide good protection in the current market environment, particularly with the recent strong rises we have seen.
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: 55 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 3AS.
The Singing Chef
I think I’m going try to start my New Year’s resolution from 2016 this year starting with this healthy recipe. I really wanted to make a fish pie with buttery mash and creamy sauce. I still do. This was nice but nothing like my naughty fish pie. I’m still sad about it now and I’m writing this 2 days after I made it and took all the photos.
Healthy eating/drinking etc are just not for me. Peace and happy New Year.
Healthy Mediterranean Fish With Fennel Ingredients
500g fish of your choice deboned and skinned. Fennel bulb.
2 crushed garlic cloves.
1 sliced onion.
1 sliced pepper.
Handful of diced chorizo.
Light stock of your choice.
1 large potato.
Tin of plum tomatoes.
Half a teaspoon of each pepper, salt and paprika.
Method
First fry all your veggies for 10/15 minutes in a little oil. Add the potato, tomatoes and stock and simmer for 25 minutes. Add your fish for another 10 minutes and serve with bread, pasta or salad. You could even throw this into mini-tortillas and garnish.
Tip: Don’t be shy with the seasoning on this!
I host an open mic at O’Connors every Wednesday; feel free to join us!
Well didn’t that year go fast? By the time you read this, Christmas will be all over and we will be trying our hardest to keep to our New Year resolutions. Our communities face many challenges in the new year, and here at MLCT we are hoping we can increase the support we can offer. One new service being provided via the Essex Wellbeing Service is a new weight management programme. This 12 week programme is starting on Tue 16th January from 1pm to 2pm - more details at www. essexwellbeingservice.co.uk/myweightmatters.
Last month we received £450 from Chelmsford Star Co-op, this is all thanks to you for using your Community Cards in the Co-op when you make your purchases. If you haven’t got a card please pop into the Copper Pot Café and get one - you can make a difference just by
presenting the card when you make a purchase.
Breakfast With Santa was another success. Even the torrential rain couldn’t dampen our spirits! I just want to take the opportunity to thank everyone who helped with our Breakfast
With Santa event - I think we’re in year 7 now! I think it’s important to recognise we couldn’t do this without all the volunteers, including the current Mayor of Chelmsford Linda Mascot and two of our local City and County Councillors.
As you can see in the two photos above taken just before guests arrived, it really does take a few people to put on an event like this! There are a few more that helped prepare for the event before the weekend itself, especially the help from Men’s Shed and The Copper Potters. Next year will be 10 years, and we have already started to think about how we can improve and add a bit more fun. Also, With our 10th anniversary at The Community Station there is a big celebration event on Saturday June 8th next year - so watch this space for news. Thanks again and see you next year.
Copper Pot Café is open Monday - Friday 8am to 4pm, and Saturday 9am to 3pm.
www.mlct.org.uk enquiries@mlct.org.uk 07434 678 999
An Update From Moulsham Lodge Ward - By Ashley Thompson & Simon Goldman
Your two Moulsham Lodge Lib Dem City Councillors, Simon and Ashley, trust you’ve all had a wonderful Christmas and welcomed the New Year in with style. Ashley spent quite a bit of his time over the festive period wearing his ‘other hat’ as a community-based professional musician, and definitely now knows how Hark The Herald Angels goes... Simon has moved house but the work of the community and the Council has waited for no-one!
It was so good helping out with the breakfast with Santa at The Copper Pot Café and seeing the children enjoy the magic of Christmas. This is such a great event, put on by the volunteers in the community - and it’s extremely hard work for Hayley and the team in the kitchen. Over 200 breakfasts were produced over the weekend and all of the money raised goes back into the community.
Some of you may be wondering why the Junction Protection double yellow lines on roads off Gloucester Avenue haven't quite happened just yet. Well, it seems that the Council has received objections during the statutory consultation period against some of the roads contained in the advertised Order, so they now have to consider those objections and produce a report for the SEPP Joint Committee to consider the objections and make a final decision. SEPP are planning to have the Objections Committee Meeting early next year and all schemes advertised on that particular Order implemented by the end of March. So not much longer to wait now.
In news from the schools, if your child is preparing to move from infant school to juniors, the Statutory National Closing Date for applications is 15th January 2024. Apply online via, www.essex.gov. uk/admissions.
Or could you be the person Moulsham Juniors is looking for right now to be their new full-time Resilience Monitor? Have a look at essexschooljobs.co.uk for more information on this local job opportunity. Closing date is 15th January 2024.
If you want to come and have a chat with your councillors and the local police, then pop along to Coffee With Cops at The Copper Pot Café on Saturday 6th January from 1.30pm to share your ideas and concerns about our local community.
Finally, Edward Bear Baby and Toddler Group starts up again for the new year at St Luke’s Moulsham Lodge on Wednesday 10th January at 1.15pm each week.
Here’s to another vibrant year in the life of the Moulsham Lodge Community - and don’t forget to contact us with any local issues or follow us on social media.
ashley.thompson@chelmsfordlibdems.org.uk simon.goldman@chelmsfordlibdems.org.uk
Or follow us on the following platforms: Chelmsford Liberal Democrats
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChelmsLibDems
Facebook: Search for Simon Goldman - Moulsham Lodge Councillor
Twitter: twitter.com/ChelmsLibDems
Co-op store manager Malcolm Moyle presenting a cheque to MLCT at the Community Station.
Tile Kiln Corner - By Cllr Linda Mascot
It was a pleasure to visit Tile Kiln Church as Mayor during their Food on Friday Christmas lunch to thank Mary Wood and all the dedicated volunteers who look after some of our older residents, by providing hot meals, transport and companionship. Such a happy event with turkey and all the trimmings.
I have been to a few events at St Michael’s Church in Galleywood recently, including a lovely Christmas Tree Festival where many local groups competed for the best decorated tree. They raised £858 and had a live singer and craft stalls as well as delicious homemade cake.
Fundraiser Beryl Moss explained: “As a team we have been fundraising for St Michael’s Church in Galleywood for just over a year for our building fund. We have had events including choirs, quizzes, table sale, craft fayre and coffee mornings on first Saturdays in the month. We have managed to raise the amazing amount of nearly £10,000, so now we have a lovely new drive - and action will be happening soon for a new north roof.
“The fundraising evenings have brought a sense of a great community in the church, and we now have a programme and an aim to bring in families to some evenings in 2024 and to continue our popular
events.”
Information about St. Michael’s and events coming up is on the website at www.stmichaelsgalleywood.org.uk.
Wishing you all a very happy and peaceful New Year.
mascotlinda@gmail.com
In the Sand or in the Clouds
The darkness of January can be the deepest of all, can’t it? We don’t have Christmas to look forward to and we’re probably pretty exhausted from all the Christmas preparations, celebrations, and implications. The weather turns colder and to top it off, we’re on the diet/exercise regime/evening class/or whatever other resolution you’ve resolved to keep this time around. It can all make us feel like the bleak midwinter is still ahead, not behind, us!
But then, maybe you’re more optimistic? The new year can bring with it a sense of starting over - there’s a whole year ahead which doesn’t yet hold the sorrows and sadnesses of 2023. So much possibility! The shortest day of the year has passed, the resolutions have held for the first week, the holiday has been booked and the Boxing Day sales were good to you this year.
I think that actually, these attitudes betray the truth that we’re not living on planet earth - we’ve either got our head buried in the sand or in the clouds! This starts our year off on the wrong path, because life is full of joy and sorrow, which is rather more indiscriminate than we’d like. We don’t know what February will bring, let alone the rest of 2024. I wonder, how do you handle the not knowing? Perhaps not thinking about it is the best strategy, but I’m not convinced. Socrates famously said, ‘The unexamined life is not worth living’. In other words, don’t live with your head in the sand or in the clouds.
Christmas, if we pause for a moment, gives us the opportunity to examine life a little. And the good news that I want to share with you is that Jesus Christ is the light that cannot be overcome or extinguished. One of the biographies of Jesus’ life introduces Jesus as the Word, like this:
‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’
Whether you’re tempted toward sand or cloud, pause for a moment today, and examine your life in the illumination of Jesus Christ - the one who brings light that darkness cannot overcome.
If you want to know more, or have any questions, please get in touch!
Tim Goodall
Pastor, Tile Kiln Church
tim.goodall@tilekilnchurch.org.uk 07821 866 301
YouTube: tinyurl.com/y24qlkvx Facebook: www.facebook.com/tilekilnchurch www.tilekilnchurch.org.uk
Quiz Time - By John Theedom
In the motorcycle world, what do the initials ‘JAP’ stand for?
What is the full name of the composer M Tchaikovsky?
On your body, what is a krobylos?
Who is the man who invented Scrabble in the 1930s?
Which fashion designer, who died in 2019, bequeathed $1.5 million to his cat?
What is the name of the famous hotel in Singapore?
In which English county is the city of Leeds?
Where will you find a transept?
Which gas is unreactive?
Comedian Ronnie Corbett’s wife has just died aged 90. What was her name?
In 1990 who was elected the first female president of Ireland?
What is the meaning of the word sermocination?
Who is responsible for the quote, ‘I’m as pure as the driven slush’?
What is the latest word that GPs are told not to use on patients?
In TV’s Dad’s Army, what is the name of the actor who plays the role of Private Walker?
What was the van Del Boy owned in Only Fools and Horses?
The English are called ‘limeys’, but what are New Zealanders called?
What is another name for rollerskates?
On which TV show is there a character called Fuzz?
What word can be a container for milk and to turn withn effort?
What does Michel Roux do for a living?
What size of paper is 21cm x 29.7cm?
If your camera is SLR, what does it mean?
Sir Ken Dodd was a ventriloquist, what was the colour of his dummy’s hat?
To ‘fard yourself’ is to do what?
What was the former name of Thailand?
What is ‘goodbye’ in French?
What word can be a flying toy and a bird of prey?
Who is the Status Quo member, Rick ….. ?
Which is the insect-eating monkey?
Which is China’s longest river?
Who is the Labour leader Keir …… ?
What is the name of the New York gateway/ harbour island?
What is the Scottish term for a child?
What is the highest singing range?
An Aborigine is native to which country?
How many inches are there in 12ft 7in?
How many US states start with the letter M?
On which side of the road do they drive in New Zealand?
Where, in Essex is Mucking?
Chelmsford Museum Exhibition to Explore Legacy of
An exhibition on the life and works of celebrated local nature author and conservationist, JA Baker, will open at Chelmsford Museum in spring 2024.
Co-curated by Chelmsford Museum and the University of Essex, Restless Brilliance: The Story of JA Baker and The Peregrine, will be the first exhibition to explore the life and works of the influential yet relatively unknown nature writer. It will share his story through more than 60 objects, mostly loaned from the university’s extensive JA Baker archive. Held in the Special Collections section of the Albert Sloman Library, the archive includes Baker’s letters, early manuscripts, unpublished works, ornithological diaries, photographs and binoculars, among other items. Baker’s brother-in-law Bernard Coe and conservationist John Fanshawe donated the collection to the University of Essex in 2013.
The critically acclaimed author’s passion for Essex countryside, Restless Brilliance, will highlight Baker’s prominence in Chelmsford’s history. Born in Chelmsford in 1926, John Alec Baker lived in the district for most of his life. He was an enthusiastic bird watcher and environmental campaigner. The author is best known for his first and most successful work, The Peregrine, widely considered to be a literary masterpiece. Baker was passionate about the Essex countryside and over many years he recorded his observations of the landscape during frequent walks and cycles around the Blackwater Estuary, Danbury Hill and Chelmsford.
Published in 1967 The Peregrine summarises ten years of his obsessive observations of the bird, especially around Chelmer Valley and the Essex coast. The uniquely poetic book won the prestigious Duff Cooper Memorial Prize for the ‘evocative power and sheer beauty’ of Baker’s writing. The Peregrine quickly became a cult classic in British nature writing and over the years it has attracted a remarkable list of famous advocates and admirers. Nature writer Robert MacFarlane described it as, ‘a masterpiece of twentiethcentury non-fiction’, while filmmaker Werner Herzog includes it as one of three texts that his film students must read. Broadcaster and national treasure David Attenborough is also a fan, having narrated the audiobook in 2019.
Restless Brilliance aims to increase awareness and understanding of an extraordinary but relatively unknown figure in Chelmsford’s history. While Baker’s works have been highly influential for generations of nature writers and conservationists, he remains relatively unknown among the wider public. Until recently, very little was known about the reclusive author’s personal life, as he sought to maintain a mysterious air to his identity.
Restless Brilliance will chart Baker’s life from his childhood through to his later years. It will look at his lifelong interest in the Essex countryside and his passionate campaigns against the destruction of wildlife. It will also assess his legacy today in the context of the challenges we continue to face in protecting our natural environment. The reclusive man behind The Peregrine will also be explored, looking at Baker’s personal relationships, his behaviours and his battles with mental and physical illness. By exploring both Baker’s uniquely poetic writing and his personal life, curators at Chelmsford Museum and the University of Essex hope to provide a deeper insight into the life
and legacy of an important artist in Chelmsford’s history.
Sarah Demelo, Curator (ESCALA, Art & Special Collections), University of Essex says: “JA Baker is a critically important figure in twentieth-century nature writing and conservation, but for so long very little has been known about the man himself - and there’s so much more to the writer than just The Peregrine. He was indeed wholly consumed by his obsessions with the bird, but he was also deeply passionate about the Essex countryside in general and an angry advocate for the protection of all nature. At the same time, he was a reclusive and shy man who sought escape in the natural world from his debilitating physical and mental illness. Thanks to this collaboration with the University of Essex, we can finally share Baker’s story with the people of Chelmsford in a creative and meaningful way, in this first exhibition exploring his life. I hope it will give visitors a deeper understanding of this long mysterious figure, as well as a greater appreciation of Essex’s natural landscapes.”
Sarah Harvey, Curatorial and Learning Officer at Chelmsford Museum said: “JA Baker’s extensive archive reveals so much about the fascinating author and we’ve been honoured to provide a home for it at the University of Essex, where we preserve his legacy and invaluable contributions to nature writing.
“Our MA Wild Writing students already gain so much from being able to access the archive, so I’m absolutely delighted that this collaboration with Chelmsford Museum will see it displayed outside of the university for the first time next year. This will open Baker up to an even wider audience. Almost all of Baker’s birdwatching and peregrine observations are focused on an area within walking and cycling distance from his home in Chelmsford. I think it is therefore fitting that the collection will be returning to the district, where the author lived and devoted much of his life to protecting its biodiversity.”
The exhibition also aims to inspire a new generation of nature creatives and agents of change for Essex. Through highlighting Baker’s passion for nature and his poetic and impactful writing, Restless Brilliance hopes to inspire audiences to take a fresh look at Chelmsford’s unique wildlife, habitats and fragile ecosystems that, though immensely changed since Baker’s time, remain a key part of the district’s identity. It also hopes to spark a renewed interest in the connections between local nature and personal well-being, reflecting the escapism that Baker clearly found in Essex’s landscapes.
Chelmsford City Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Marie Goldman, said: “The exhibition aims to inspire a new generation to protect Chelmsford’s biodiversity as part of the city’s shared heritage. In 2019 we declared a climate and ecological emergency and pledged to make changes for the protection of Chelmsford’s biodiversity. It is crucial that we continue to talk about and explore the pressures facing the places, habitats and species we love, and Restless Brilliance at Chelmsford Museum aims to do exactly that.
“I want this exhibition to inspire our audiences to embrace the same love that Baker had for Chelmsford’s natural landscapes and wildlife. Ultimately, I hope that it will inspire a new generation of writers, poets and lyricists, who are committed to protecting our district’s wildlife and green spaces as part of our shared heritage.”
The exhibition, Restless Brilliance: The Story of JA Baker and The Peregrine, opens in March 2024.
Chelmsford Museum is open 10am - 4pm daily from November to March, and 10am - 5pm from April to October.
Overnight volunteer - Chess Homeless Night Shelter
The Sleepover Volunteer role is to interact with residents and be a listening ear for them. They also support the staff member in the operational running of the night shelter and in the event of any difficulties such as illness of a resident. The volunteer arrives at 8.45pm and leaves at 9am the following morning. Whilst covering a sleeping shift, overnight volunteers have the use of a designated, secure, room.
Hearing aid support service
We are looking for volunteers to join our small, very friendly team to help those with hearing loss.
NHS hearing aids need to be cleaned and re-tubed every 4 - 6 months; if this doesn’t happen or if the aid is not working then this leaves a person feeling very isolated, lonely and vulnerable.
Our brilliant volunteers are trained to do this, free of charge. Full training is given, and plenty of support and encouragement.
Trustee at Cool to Be Kind Ltd
As a Trustee, your role will involve overseeing Cool to Be Kind’s affairs to ensure its sustainability and alignment with its objectives.
You will help with our strategic directions, and the development of our aims, objectives, and goals in compliance with guidelines and regulations. This is a challenging role, but incredible rewarding and impactful.
Foster carer and trainer for veterans’ service dogs
We train up rescue dogs so that they can make a profound difference to veterans who are suffering from PTSD. We need safe, loving foster homes where our rescue dogs can settle into life and begin their training, before being matched to the right veterans.
Macmillan volunteer Buddy
Our Macmillan Buddy service provides a lifeline for people with cancer, offering them weekly support from someone who understands what they’re going through. We need Buddies to support people by phone and in person. Some experience of having lived with cancer would be beneficial.
Support young adults with disabilities
The Independence Project needs volunteers to help young adults with additional needs to enjoy gardening, dancing, and socialising!
Van driver - Chess Homeless Night Shelter
We are looking for a person with a suitable vehicle to collect items of furniture from/in/around the Chelmsford area. You will need to be physically capable and able to lift items (with assistance for larger/ heavier items). This would be on an ad hoc basis as the need arises.
01245 250 731
Deadlines for February Edition Articles 22nd January Artwork 26th January
Answers
John Alfred Prestwick
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
A tuft of hair on top of your head
Alfred Mosher Butts
Karl Lagerfeld
Raffles
West Yorkshire
Part of a church
Nitrogen
Anne Hart
Mary Robinson
A speaker answering his own questions
Tallulah Bankhead
Fat
James Beck
Reliant Regal
Kiwis
Quad or In-line
Shed & Buried
Churn
Chef A4
Single Lens Reflex
Red
Paint the face with cosmetics to hide blemishes
Siam
Au revoir
Kite
Parfitt
Tamarin
Yangtze
Starmer
Ellis Island
Bairn
Soprano
Australia
151 inches
Eight
Left
Near Stanford-le-Hope and Linford
