MoulshamTimes
MT Welcome
Hi readers,
Welcome to the July edition.
We hope you are enjoying the warm weather!
We have the Chelmsford Carnival coming the weekend we get distributed, 2nd July; check out www.chelmsfordfestival. co.uk for more details - and fingers crossed for dry weather for all of the participants! Also the Chelmsford Beer & Cider festival is back in Admirals Park this year, see page 15 for more details!
The next edition will be out from July 27th. Do please contact us for pricing on advertising and distribution and we can send you a detailed price list.
Regards
Paul
Advertising & Editorial
Paul Mclean
01245 262082/07595 949701
paul@moulshamtimes.com
Disclaimer: It’s Your Magazines Ltd publish the Moulsham Times. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of It’s Your Magazines Ltd. No part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of It’s Your Magazines Ltd. Reg Co No. 12080535. Printed by Warners (Midlands) PLC.
Chelmsford - By Vicky Ford MP
I want to make sure that my Chelmsford constituents can access first class NHS medical care. I regularly meet with doctors, nurses and medical staff around Chelmsford and I know they care deeply about their patients.
It is very concerning that Broomfield Hospital has been rated ‘inadequate’ following an inspection in January of the medical wards. Last winter - and especially the very cold snap in January - were very difficult for our NHS.
I have visited Broomfield where I spoke with staff at all levels and they all told me how keen they are to ensure that the struggles they faced last winter are not repeated. They showed me many improvements that have already been put in place to address the issues raised in the inspection. I will continue to support Broomfield Hospital as they work to improve further.
I am also campaigning for increased GP surgery capacity in Chelmsford - this is often raised by local residents. There are more GPs working in Chelmsford than pre-pandemic, but I believe more can be done to support our GP surgeries. Please do sign up to support my campaign as this will help me make the case to NHS leaders. In particular, if you have recent experiences of accessing a GP since the closure of Wood Street surgery, please do write to me as I would like to hear your first-hand experiences.
I was pleased to learn that crime rates for many of the most serious crimes have dropped. There are now record police officers in Essex and this is clearly making a difference. Domestic abuse rates have also started to come down locally. I recently met the team at Essex Police who specialise in tackling this awful crime - if you do witness any crime or antisocial behaviour, please report this to the police. This helps the police to build a mosaic of activity, target resources and make arrests.
Chelmsford’s city centre pubs, bars and clubs have a Purple Flag for safety, but occasionally there are distressing stories about people experiencing spiking. It is a crime, but the law in this area hasn’t been looked at for over a century, and I have been supporting work to tighten up the law against spiking.
In Westminster, I have been working with other former Children’s Ministers on tackling the impact of online pornography for young people. I have also been working with the All Party Groups for Ukraine and Sudan where wars continue to cause devastation.
Many Chelmsford residents also care deeply about the environment and energy issues. I have been honoured to have been selected by colleagues to serve on the Select Committee for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Chelmsford recently held a VolFest, bringing together over thirty different voluntary organisations that make a difference to our community. If you are interested in volunteering then do please contact Chelmsford Voluntary Services, or write to me.
As ever, if you require assistance with a problem or an issue, please do get in touch with me by email on vicky.ford.mp@parliament.uk.
Regal Kitchens - Worktops
Buying the best worktop for your new kitchen can seem like a daunting task. With so many to choose from, how do you know what the ideal kitchen worktop is for you? Well, first of all you need to ask yourself some questions.
What colour and texture do I want? There are almost unlimited choices when it comes to colour and texture, so finding the right one can be a little overwhelming. Find your style and find something that matches perfectly.
What Is Your Budget?
Kitchen worktops can fit most budgets, but you don’t really want to be scrimping on such a focal point, so make sure you can afford exactly what you want.
Is There a Need for a Heat Resistant Worktop in My Kitchen?
Sure, we’ve all put a hot pan down only to find out that it’s left a mark on our work surface. If you want something that is resistant to heat, make sure you choose the right worktop.
Am I Good With Cleaning and Wiping up Any Spills Immediately?
Some worktops can be easily damaged through spills, whereas others take a spill in their stride. Choose wisely or it could end up costing you later!
How Much Area Have I Dedicated for the Worktop?
Most worktops have a maximum length. If you want your worktop to be in one piece without any visible joins, the choice you make will be important. Once you have answers to these questions, you’ll be able to understand the different worktop materials and make the right decision. Let’s have a look at the different types of worktops that you can choose from.
Granite
Granite is a stone that is incredibly durable and resistant to scratches and heat. Since granite is a natural product, you can choose from many shades and patterns to match your kitchen’s colour scheme. Whether your kitchen is modern or traditional, you will be able to find something in granite that looks both unique and appealing.
Quartz
Quartz is another popular choice for kitchen worktops. It’s a manmade material from crushed stone and resin. It’s very durable and easy to maintain and has a consistent stone quality, which gives your worktop a more finished look and feel. Buying a quartz worktop helps in contributing to the green revolution, since it contains waste materials.
Laminate
Laminate worktops are an affordable surface that comes in an array of options available to choose from, such as matt, high gloss,
riven, honed and riverwash. There are also laminate worktops that mimic other effects such as granite and wood. They’re easy to clean and maintain, but they’re not as hard wearing as some of the other options out there.
Wood
Wood worktops are a popular choice for those who want a warm and natural look in their kitchen. They’re not as robust as some of the other options, but they can be sanded and refinished to remove scratches and stains. For achieving a traditional look, maple, oak and beech work well. For a slightly more exotic feel, wenge, bamboo and iroko are excellent choices. What makes wooden worktops unique is they develop a character and an even greater aesthetic appeal over time.
Ceramic
People love ceramic worktops because they’re versatile and hygienic. They’re also easy to match to a particular kitchen theme due to the variety of colours and textures available. What makes ceramic different from quartz and granite is that even though it’s harder than both, it can create a work surface with thickness at less as 10mm. This helps you get that clean, modern and refined look for your worktop and kitchen.
Corian
Corian is a popular brand in the solid surface worktop market. Solid surface material is produced by mixing plastic resin and bauxite pigments. Once created, it is bonded to a timber substrate to create a solid surface worktop. When it comes to matching the worktop to the kitchen’s theme or design, Corian does a great job. Since it’s not a natural material, it can be used to create a one-piece worktop that has zero visible joins or seams.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel worktops are a common choice for commercial kitchens, but they’re also becoming more popular in residential kitchens. Stainless steel worktops are used by many restaurants for a reason - they’re highly heat resistant and resilient, making them the ideal choice for kitchens with heavy cooking. Stainless steel worktops contain high level of nickel and chromium, which gives them the heat and stain resistant quality. They’re also easy to clean and maintain.
Glass
Glass worktops are a modern and sleek option that comes in a variety of colours and patterns. They’re easy to clean and maintain, but they’re not as durable as some of the other options. What’s more, glass worktops come in lots of different colours and unique designs. For example, cracked glass worktops are a popular choice with homeowners. Glass worktops can also be heavily customised according to your preferences.
Take your time when choosing the best kitchen worktop for your home, as it can be an investment that not only reinvigorates a kitchen, but it can increase the value of your home as well. As you can see, each type of worktop has its pros and cons, so make sure you know exactly what worktop fits your requirements and lifestyle before you make a purchase.
The friendly and knowledgeable designers at Regal Kitchens can help you choose the perfect worktop for your new perfect kitchen.
Green City Returns to Chelmsford High Street this Summer
After the success of last year’s launch, Green City returns to Chelmsford High Street this summer.
Curated by Chelmsford for You, the city’s Business Improvement District, Green City is a fun and inspiring event set to bring the city centre to life with a range of free family entertainment, whilst raising awareness of environmental issues and educating the public in ways they can be more green.
Green City will run in multiple locations across the city centre from Monday 21st - Saturday 26th August 2023. The programme of activities features a family friendly mix of unique street entertainment, music, poetry, creative installations, fun shows, exciting story sessions, engaging workshops, a local green market and more. We also welcome the return of our beautiful 50 foot sperm whale where people are invited to venture inside and be entertained by a fabulous environmentally themed show.
An exciting addition this year is the live music stage, which will be located in the brand new Tindal Square development outside Shire Hall. We’ve teamed up with local promoter’s Steve Mortimer and Martin Jeffries (Emjay Media) who will be kindly programming the stage entertainment with a mix of eco-inspired music, poetry and more.
Each element of the event will touch on key environmental topics in
a light-hearted and enjoyable way, whilst highlighting how small changes in daily routines can help preserve the planet and ecosystem. Topics include sustainability, plastic waste, waterways, and nature/green spaces.
The full programme and schedule will be available to download in early August for families to start planning their visit - www.chelmsfordforyou. co.uk/green-city.
BID Manager, Sara Tupper said:
“We can’t wait to bring back Green City this year. We have an incredible packed programme of free family entertainment; from captivating shows to inspiring workshops, and exciting walkabout acts to green market, plus much more!
“The programme of entertainment has been carefully created to be fun and captivating, whilst also raising awareness of environmental issues and educating our community on how to be greener. Many of the businesses in Chelmsford already play their part in looking after the environment through green schemes, eco ranges and more - and we’ll be using Green City as the opportunity to highlight these through our social channels, so make sure you give us a follow, on social media at @chelmsfordforyou.”
If you would like to be involved, please contact the Chelmsford for You team by emailing info@chelmsfordforyou.co.uk or call 01245 260 009.
A Simple Guide to Understanding and Managing Plantar Fascitis - By Chris at Forté Physical Health
The most common foot condition I treat in the clinic is plantar fasciitis. You may know it as the villain behind the pesky heel pain that can hamper your morning walk or interrupt a joyful dance. Let’s learn more about what it is, what causes it - and some exercises that can help soothe its effects.
First off, let’s decipher the term, ‘plantar fasciitis’: It may sound like a complicated scientific term, but it’s quite straightforward when you break it down. ‘Plantar fascia’ is a band of tissue (fascia) that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. ‘Itis’ means inflammation in medical terms. Put them together, and you’ve got ‘plantar fasciitis’, which is essentially inflammation of the plantar fascia.
This inflammation can cause that throbbing pain in your heel or at the bottom of your foot, especially when you take your first steps after waking up or sitting for a long time. The pain might decrease as you move around but can return after long periods of standing or when you get up after sitting.
But why does this happen? Well, it can be a result of a few different factors. If you’re someone who’s on their feet a lot - for example, if you have a job that involves standing for long hours, or if you’re an enthusiastic runner, you might be more prone to it. This is because continuous strain on your feet can damage or tear the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and pain.
Another factor is weight. Carrying extra weight can put more pressure on the plantar fascia, which can lead to plantar fasciitis. Age also plays a role, with the condition more common in people between the ages of 40 and 60.
Okay, so we’ve talked about what plantar fasciitis is and what might cause it. Now, let’s get to the hopeful part - how can we help to alleviate the pain? Thankfully, there are some gentle exercises you can incorporate into your daily routine. Remember, it’s important to consult a health professional before you start any new exercise programme - especially if you’re in pain.
Toe Curls: This exercise helps to strengthen the muscles in your feet. Lay a towel on the floor, sit on a chair, and try to use your toes to scrunch the towel towards you. Repeat this action for 15-20 times,
rest, and then do another two sets.
Calf Stretches: Stand at arm’s length from a wall, place your right foot behind your left. Slowly bend your left knee forward, keeping your right knee straight and your right heel on the ground. Hold this stretch for 15-30 seconds, then switch to the other side. Repeat 3-4 times on each side.
Plantar Fascia Stretches: While sitting, roll a small ball or a frozen water bottle under your foot for a couple of minutes. This helps to stretch and massage your plantar fascia, and in case of the frozen bottle, it can also help to reduce inflammation.
Towel Stretch: While seated, extend your affected leg in front of you. Place a towel around the ball of your foot and gently pull the towel towards you while keeping your knee straight. Hold this position for 15-30 seconds, then repeat 3-4 times.
Remember, these exercises are not a one-time solution and should ideally be incorporated into your daily routine. Plantar fasciitis is an annoying condition, but with a little bit of patience, care and regular exercise, you can help manage your symptoms.
Plantar fasciitis is treatable. If you find that your symptoms aren’t improving after a few weeks of home treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Your feet are fundamental to your mobility, so make sure you give them the care they deserve! This is something we treat in my clinic and you can find out more on our website at fortephysicalhealth.co.uk.
Until next time, have a healthy and happy month!
MT Gardening
At this time of the year a number of climbers have really excelled themselves with a surge in growth - and if lucky, another flush of flowers. However, if you haven’t the space for a climber, why not consider wall shrubs for a similar impact?
They tend to fall into three categories:
1. Shrubs that are self-supporting and can grow successfully as free-standing shrubs, but because they originate from warmer climates, they require the warmth and shelter of a south or west facing wall when grown in colder areas. Examples of these shrubs are Carpenteria californica, Argyrocytisus battandieri (pineapple broom) and Itea ilicifolia.
2. Shrubs that are rather lax in growth and tend to be floppy and untidy when not grown against a wall. Examples are Jasminum nudiflorum (winter jasmine), and x Fatshedera lizei (tree ivy).
3. Shrubs that provide interest through their flowers or fruit and have a specific method of training. These need to be grown against a wall or other well maintained structure so that both the arrangement of the branches and the flowers or fruit can be fully appreciated. Pyracantha ‘Golden Charmer’ and Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Moerloosei’ for example can be trained onto a wall and be specially pruned so that the flowers and fruit are displayed to their best effect. And for those that like fruit trees, these can often look very decorative in a garden when they are trained as a fan, cordon or espalier.
Plant Selection
When selecting a wall shrub or climbing plant, do think carefully about the space available and ensure that the height, width and strength of the wall or other structure will be suitable for the chosen plant. Many of these plants are extremely vigorous and will quickly outgrow their allotted space. Frequent pruning often means that the
natural form of the plant is lost and it is not able to flower or fruit as it should. Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Boston ivy) is a prime example of a climber that is sometimes planted against a house wall, yet it can quickly reach 12m (40ft) or more and so may cause problems.
Also consider the aspect of the structure. When selecting plants it is simplest to think of those plants that need the warmth and shelter of a south or west facing wall in one category, and those that will tolerate a north or east facing aspect in another.
Plants for different situations:
Wall shrubs for shade (north or east):
• Garrya elliptica ‘James Roof’.
• Pyracantha ‘Orange Glow’.
Wall shrubs for sun (south or west-facing):
• Argyrocytisus battandieri
• Ceanothus ‘Concha’.
• Ribes speciosum.
And for those that want both… check out some of these useful climbing plants:
• Hedera helix ‘Oro di Bogliasco’ - suitable for a wall.
• Hydrangea anomala, subsp. petiolaris - suitable for a large wall.
• Lonicera brownii ‘Dropmore Scarlet’ - wall, trellis or pergola.
Climbing plants for sun:
• Campsis radicans - wall.
• Clematis armandii - wall.
• Clematis ‘Polish Spirit’ (viticella group) - wall, trellis or pergola.
• Rosa ‘American Pillar’ - pergola.
• Rosa ‘The Generous Gardener’ - wall, trellis or pergola.
• Trachelospermum jasminoides - wall, trellis or pergola.
• Wisteria sinensis - wall or pergola.
Aside from the use of wall shrubs, here are a few jobs to consider this month:
• Collect flower seeds and heads from your lavender plants. You can use them to make calming lavender bags - add them to food and cakes, or create a floral art display. In addition, the dark flat seeds of honesty can be collected. Both of these plants can be stored in a cool, dry place such as the fridge in labelled paper bags within a plastic sealed container and sown when you have time.
• Mow your lawns regularly, except during periods of drought. Set your mower at a slightly higher level during summer to prevent the lawn drying out in hot weather.
• For courgettes, the trick to success it regular watering and feeding. I tend to feed with a good tomato feed (rich in potassium) once a week. To avoid powdery mildew when it gets hotter and drier, I tend to water almost daily: www.rhs.org.uk/ vegetables/courgettes/grow-your-own.
• Watch out for potato and tomato blight. Check the forecast in your area using ‘Blightspy’ - it offers an eight-day blight forecast and more detail than its predecessor ‘Blightwatch’: archive.ahdb.org.uk/blightspy.
• Continue to remove side shoots from cordon tomatoes to ensure energy goes into flower and fruit production. Once the plants reach the height of the greenhouse and support structure outside, remove the top. This is a useful RHS link for growing tomatoes: www.rhs.org.uk/vegetables/tomatoes/grow-your-own.
Here’s a look at other jobs for the rest of the month of June by visiting, www.rhs.org.uk/advice/in-month/june and a peak at July jobs: www.rhs.org.uk/advice/in-month/july.
Happy gardening
For any gardening tips please contact Tom Cole, Horticultural Lecturer, Capel Manor College, Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, Middlesex, EN1 4RR or by email tomcole8@hotmail.com.
Nick Garner’s Music & Ramblings
Summer is here already - and boy we have had some hot weather, but thankfully a little rain as well. I think we need to careful of our water use as I have passed the reservoir and the water level is not at the top, so let’s not be wasteful if possible. I just hope it is not as hot as last summer and yes, I do think it is down to global warming, I am doing my bit as much as I can, are you?
It is great to see Hot Box has reached it’s target and so will be able to keep going for the next year, but they still have a mountain to climb. Thankfully artists are helping by playing for free with their ticket sales going to the cause. I will tell you a little more in my music section later...
The Chelmsford Festival will shortly be nearing its end. From big lunches in Central Park to art trails across the city, this year’s Chelmsford Festival has been tantalising and intriguing all. With a few more days to go, the Chelmsford Festival has still so much more to offer, including street theatre to carnival!
Topping the bill is Chelmsford’s eco-carnival, a focal point to this year’s festival, which will take place on Sunday 2nd July. Join in the sights and sounds of carnival from Shire Hall (at 1pm), where the party vibe will flow through the city’s streets before arriving at Oaklands Park (at 2pm) for a party fiesta (until 5pm).
The carnival is one of the first eco-friendly carnival parades and includes no motorised vehicles; however, disability adaption charity REMAP will be creating a wheelchair friendly float that will provide access to all.
Hot on the heels of the carnival will be the launch of Storyfest, a storytelling extravaganza, which will run 7-8th July at various venues in the city including the library and the Riverside Centre. Storytellers will be bringing alive tales for children up to the age of 10 across the city, whilst sessions in the library on the first day are aimed at preschoolers. The Essex Book Festival is coming to an end, which I have heard is one of the best in the world.
The young people have finished their exams (at least my granddaughter has) and its time for the school prom - a time for them to relax and enjoy after all the hard work they put in. Back in my day I just wanted out as soon as possible; how times have changed!
Coming up, we have Fake Fest and Clockstock, Maravilosa Festival. The Chelmsford Summer Beer Festival also returns to Admirals Park from 11th July. There will be lots more going on in and around Chelmsford, so plenty to keep us all entertained for the summer, including an art exhibition in the Spread Gallery on the town-side of New London Road.
I think that those who put on events, along with our City and County Councils, should all meet and get behind each other to work out how to promote our whole area. Chelmsford is worth visiting and spending time in as we have lots to see and do - not just for all the music either. Maybe both councils could include more in their literature showing reasons to visit? I know as I have people who come to my shows and say they are staying the night then going home as there is nothing to do. I say ‘yes there is’ and then tell them just some of things around. I think part of the problem is we do not even have a map in Chelmsford to point out what is around us and worth seeing.
What have you got planned this summer? Holidays abroad, days out, or maybe relaxing at home? I have a couple of festivals then hopefully some more time away in my caravan before the music starts again in September. Then it is all go until the end of the year for me.
Have you seen the wonderful street art that has been created? I think it really helps to brighten up our city and I think we need more things like this rather than all these things for the outsiders - don’t get me wrong, it’s good as it brings people and their money to the city and shows them we are worth visiting.
I heard recently of a new theft to me: headlights. Yes someone I was talking to said that his lights were stolen form his Transit. He said he found out why as they cost £1,000 to replace, so do stay awaretheives will nick anything if its not nailed down these days.
Music
I have booked even more live music - I just can’t stop it! We have The One Tree Hillbillies (who I also join in with) playing at The Star and Garter in Moulsham Street on Monday 10th July from 8.30pm - and its free.
We also have Imagine The Beatles on Friday 3rd November for The Social Club - opening for them will be Mim Grey and her band.
On Friday 6th October Robbie McIntosh with Steve Wilson are going to play a short acoustic set for Mim - then the next day on Saturday 7th October Robbie and Steve along with Mim are returning to Hot Box for another afternoon show there. On Tuesday 5th September at Hot Box, The Ugly Guys are launching their new album and all the door money is going to the Hot Box Fund.
I have also secured quite possibly two of the greatest acoustic guitarists in the world. First is the double BBC award wining Tim Edey who also played with The Chieftains for many years. Tim is doing his Celtic Christmas Tour and he will be joined by Chelmsford’s own Clive Carroll who has not played here for years - Total Guitar magazine puts him in their top 10 best acoustic guitarists of all time.
Having these guys come together is a very special treat and one that is not to be missed - the event will be on Thursday 7th December. Tickets for both shows can be obtained via the link below or see the advert in this magazine. I just love bringing you live music to enjoy - it is my drug!
It is good to see more and more local pubs and other venues putting on live music, jams and open mics, as well as karaoke and DJs - it is all good entertainment and all we all need is for you to come and support it all so that we can keep on doing it for you.
Take a look at our Black Frog Presents adverts in here to see more of the amazing acts that are coming to play at the Chelmsford Social Club and at Hot Box.
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. 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 shows in Chelmsford 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 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 www. linktr.ee/BlackFrogPresents, or scan the QR code in the poster in this magazine. It would be fantastic if you could share our magazines The City Times and Moulsham Times for us. We continue to publish both magazines online as well at www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia.
It’s Summer! - By Cllr Marie Goldman
It’s the final month of the school year. For all of you who have been doing GCSEs, A-Levels or other exams, or if you have friends or relatives going through this over the past few weeks and months - it’s over! You’re on the other side. As I type this in the middle of June, thousands of children and young adults are sitting their final school-based exams, the sun is shining and the summer is stretching out in front of us. Well done for making it through!
To all the pupils and students out there; I hope you will be able to take a break over the next few weeks, and that your hard work has paid off and will help you move on to the next step in your ambitions. Good luck for your results!
Summer Changes on Princes Road
While we’re on the subject of schools, there are quite a few changes planned for Princes Road (the main road going past the entrance to the Moulsham schools) over the summer.
No Parking on Verges
On 3rd July, a new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) comes into effect prohibiting parking on the grass verges between Lidl and the Miami roundabout. You may have seen the signs that have gone up recently warning of this.
For many years, vehicles have been parking on the verges along Princes Road, often as drivers pick up or drop off children at the local schools. This is a dangerous practice that greatly increases the number of vehicles pulling in and out on Princes Road, and in wet weather this has the additional hazard of dragging slippery mud onto the carriageway. It also brings cars very close to pedestrians using the footways with the potential for a serious accident. The regulations that were in place until now only prevented parking on the road, not the verges, and this new TRO corrects this. With the new TRO in place, Parking Enforcement Officers will be able to enforce the regulations and issue fines.
If you find that you need to drop your child off at school by car, please note that Tesco on Miami roundabout have very kindly agreed that their car park can be used as a Park & Stride location, meaning parents can park there to walk the final short stretch to school.
New Cycleway and Footway
Starting on 24th July, Essex Highways will be installing a new cycleway and footway between Lidl and the Moulsham schools. This should make it a much better experience for those wishing to cycle to school, as well as for pedestrians, as it will create a separate space for both to use, making it safer to choose an active travel method to get to and from school. These works should take about six weeks to complete and are being carried out over the summer holidays as extensive works are required, especially outside the entrance to the schools.
Additional School Road Safety Measures
Finally, I am extremely pleased to report that the scheme that I submitted to the Local Highways Panel (LHP) in 2021 to improve road safety outside the schools on Princes Road was agreed to be funded at the last quarterly LHP meeting in June. As part of this scheme, there will be wig-wags (flashing lights) installed and additional signage alerting drivers that there is a school nearby. The timings of the pedestrian crossing will also be assessed to look at whether the amount of time given to pedestrians to cross can be lengthened, hopefully making it easier to get across the road at busy times.
At the LHP meeting, I suggested that it would make sense to carry out these works at the same time as the installation of the new cycleway and footway so that the area doesn’t need to be dug out twice. I am therefore expecting that these works will also be carried out over the summer - although at time of writing this had not been
confirmed.
I’m hoping that these new improvements to Princes Road will make a tangible difference to this road. There is, of course, more that could be done, but I am pleased to have been able to get these schemes through, especially given current budget constraints.
As usual, if you have any questions or would like help or advice, please contact me by emailing, marie.goldman@chelmsfordlibdems. org.uk.
Keep well and don’t forget the sun cream.
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
Deadlines
for the August edition:
Articles - 17th July Print-ready artwork - 21st July
Non-Spoiler Film Reviews -
The Little Mermaid
Don’t let me spoil this for you if you’re just oh so desperate to see a live-action remake of your favourite childhood film. For those who do trust me to give a good insight… stay seated.
Over two hours of any Disney script just has to deliver in alternative ways. Perhaps some dazzling visuals or some savvy adjustments from the original to ease the transition? Nah.
The visuals felt quite soulless, and I was actually struggling to figure out why until I saw some behind-the-scenes of Halle Bailey surrounded by green and with a shower cap on. That’s right, even the hair was entirely digital! Doesn’t quite work without the exuberant over-acting and cartoonish expressions, the attempt at realism just drained charisma instead.
22/100
Sisu
Apparently, the above Finnish word has no accurate English translation, but is best summarised as meaning ‘strength, perseverance in a task that for some may seem crazy to undertake, almost hopeless’. The opening half an hour attempted to give you a glimpse of what that meant in Nazi-occupied lands.
My enthusiasm may have come across here because I was a big fan of the tone, the shots, the throat singing music, the choice to have a ‘John Wick’ in a historical setting. Obviously in order to take on an entire Nazi convoy belief must be suspended, and for the most part I was hovering around this line. However it did lose its grasp I feel.
I would recommend it because it is short, and it’s effective for at least 70% of the runtime.
72/100
The Boogeyman
It hurts me, the rising tide of horrors that are more mind-boggling (using PG language) by design than actually scary. So horrors that are genuinely tense and creepy and that have nice long scenes in dark hallways should have been like coming up for air.
Unfortunately, the film was a drag to get through. The plot was basic and the pacing was so generic that you could probably guess exactly how close to the end you were at all times. I knew who was going to survive and when things would happen.
Such a shame.
35/100
Across The Spider-Verse
I’m going to try to convince a generation that has perhaps never once considered watching animation as a grown adult.
Everything you loved about the freeze frames of action in your old comics is captured in these films. All the onomatopoeia - the CRASH, BANGS, and WALLOPS that flit across your page/screen. Imagine a flickbook of your favourite comic story ever. You feel exhausted by the end because of how engrossed you are.
To add to that, they’ve actually improved the storytelling since the last one 5 years ago. Suddenly it grapples with the task of making sense of all the different versions of Spiderman, and it nails it!
The best thing is it basically requires no patience. If you aren’t sold by the titles (with the 100 different fonts glitching) or Gwen’s first action sequence then I’ve already lost.
91/100
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
Not a lot to say about this really. I watched it in 3D, a decent portion of the film was eye-catching, and I haven’t really thought about the
characters or the plot since.
I distinctly remember the first act being quite entertaining though… 40/100
The Flash
So what you may have heard is that the CGI is hilariously bad - I’m not fully in that camp. It looked strange but I just processed it as cartoonish, not a massive issue.
The reason I’m sticking up for it is because the plot and the emotional beats were actually good. Superhero movies have flunked on this for years and people are giving The Flash more stick than Marvel? Sigh.
Really enjoyable, felt like the first wave of superhero films.
79/100
Elemental
They built a world with a civilisation divided by their elements; fire, water, air etc, and to be honest I was very cynical. It felt like a film for infants that I was being made to watch.
But...
It got a lot better. They sourced jokes and plot movements almost solely from the Elemental world physics at their disposal ie, not many jokes you’ll see before or after this film. It had some narrative morals that were applicable to the real world and they weren’t too on the nose (a very common trap).
The romance was actually quite well done too, but the party pooper was that the enjoyment was sandwiched (beginning and end) by some more boring runtime.
73/100
No Hard Feelings
Honestly, I could just type J-Law and shut my laptop, but I owe an explanation.
My favourite rom-com is probably Richard Curtis’s About Time, but that was a more consistent balance of serious and subtly funny. This film was the more common style of ‘very slapstick and fast-paced for the first half and way more serious in the second half’.
Usually, the latter style is a sign of poorer quality, but this was better mostly because of the comic acting. Jennifer Lawrence was fantastic and naturally funny, but Andrew Barth Feldman also turned in an effective performance. That and a smattering of side actors who boosted certain scenes.
It did struggle to transition to a serious tone, which is usually the killer of these films, but again this did it better than most.
74/100
henrygodfreyevans@gmail.com
City
Bond Street’s City Garden is Chelmsford’s new number one outdoor summer spot, bringing a unique laidback festival experience to the heart of the city centre. Open 7 days a week from 11am throughout July and August, City Garden is the perfect daytime and evening destination to relax, enjoy and spend time with friends, family or on your own.
Private hire available for small or large groups and walk-ins welcome.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to chill out at lunchtime, take a break from shopping, or just grab some much needed sunshine, then head to our outdoor seating area or kick back under our shaded stretch tent. Kids are welcome during the day and feel free to bring a picnic.
To help you recharge, we’re delighted to announce our fabulous Wellbeing Bar. Sit back and indulge in delicious smoothies, juices, herbal teas and mushroom coffees, all designed to boost your mind and health. These are made from fresh ingredients and lovingly created by our qualified nutritionist, A Taste Of Goodness.
If you’re looking for the best weekend and post-work entertainment, we’ve got it sorted! Join us for a mix of the finest local DJs spinning a soulful selection of funk, disco, house, reggae, 80s, 90s, RnB and good times summer vibes. Alongside this, you can expect acoustic acts, live comedy, a quiz night, Wimbledon screenings, record fairs, pop up market and more.
To help you get in the groove, we have our beautiful container bar, fully equipped for all your alcohol needs. From rum punches to Prosecco, and craft beers to Pimms, we’re ready to satisfy your every taste and need.
July 1st - September 3rd 2023
Monday - Wednesdays: 11am - 7pm
Thursday - Sundays: 11am - 10pm
Bond Street, Chelmsford - free entry
Enquiries: citygarden@emucreative.com
Facebook & Instagram/citygardenchelmsford
Chelmsford Summer Beer & Cider Festival - We Are Back!
Plans are well advanced for the return of this very popular Chelmsford city event in Admirals Park this summer. A team of dedicated volunteers from Chelmsford CAMRA have been working very hard in the background to make sure that the good people of Chelmsford and surrounding areas can once again enjoy a great selection of real ales and ciders from around the UK.
With the current economic pressures and with less people able to help, we will be considerably smaller than our last festival in 2019 (about half the size), so we have introduced a ticket system so people can guarantee the chance to take part.
We will be having a lot of the regular features, including some very tasty food outlets, live music every evening, a wine and gin bar and a family afternoon on the Saturday (no funfair this year, sorry!). Book your tickets and come along and make sure the event is a sell-out.
Full details and a link to the ticket site can be found on our festival website at www.cbcf.camra.org.uk.
MT Letters
Dear Moulsham Times
Bikes and e-scooters/town centre hazard.
I am finding it increasingly alarming trying to walk through the town centre shopping areas due to riders of bikes and e-scooters assuming I know they are coming behind me.
When the council encouraged their use, they clearly did not consider the risks to pedestrians.
I now find that if I am walking along, even a slight turn to left or right without looking behind me can lead to near misses. This happens ALL the time now and is very alarming and dangerous.
Who is overseeing the safety of the town centre for pedestrians?
Repeated attempts to find a responsible person or department in the local authority have failed.
Who will be accountable when there is a serious accident?
Ms P Finch, town centre resident
Dear Ms Finch
Thank you for raising this issue. It’s something that residents often get in touch with me about.
The e-scooter trial in Chelmsford is being run by TIER who provide the green-coloured e-scooters that are often seen whizzing around our city. They replaced the orange e-scooters that were previously run by SPIN. The trial is being overseen by Essex County Council as the local highways and transport authority. The green TIER e-scooters are the only ones that it is legal to ride - all of the other ones that are often seen are not currently legal to ride on a public highway.
The police are the only body with the power to enforce against the riding of illegal e-scooters and do sometimes confiscate e-scooters when they catch people riding them. But of course, they can’t be everywhere and the privately owned e-scooters often travel very fast, which makes catching e-scooter riders more difficult.
The TIER e-scooters should only be ridden by riders over the age of 18 with a valid full or provisional driving licence. Their speed is automatically limited to 12.5mph, and 10mph in certain ‘slow-ride’ zones, such as parts of Chelmsford city centre. The e-scooters are tracked by GPS and there are some areas where they are not allowed to be ridden at all. In these locations, the e-scooters will be automatically slowed down and then brought to a stop. This includes Chelmsford High Street.
It’s important to note that this is a trial and that the outcome of the trial and other ones taking place not just across Essex, but across the country, should be used to inform decisions about potential wider roll-outs and legislation that may need to be changed to ensure they are properly and safely ridden.
I have to say that I agree with the principle of providing alternative modes of transport, especially if they reduce car journeys, thereby tackling pollution and congestion. However, I think we are a long way from having found a system that is safe and not open to abuse. As you and other residents rightly point out - and as I have witnessed myself on many occasions - the rules currently in place for the safety of everyone are not being followed. We frequently see e-scooters, including those owned and managed by TIER, being ridden by people who are clearly under the age of 18. Some of them are even in school uniform and I recently wrote to the Headteacher of Moulsham High School about this as pupils wearing Moulsham High School uniform have frequently been spotted riding e-scooters in the local area. Just as worryingly, they are often being ridden on the pavement presenting an obvious danger of colliding with pedestrians, and on numerous occasions they have been spotted being ridden by two people at the same time - a clearly dangerous practice.
So, there’s a lot more work to do before they will get my full support, or I suspect, the full support of the general public. I have been urging Essex County Council to do more to hold TIER to account for the inappropriate way their scooters are being ridden and the lack of enforcement that seems to happen for those not abiding by the rules.
You can find more information about the e-scooter trial on Essex County Council’s website here: www.essexhighways.org/safer-greenerhealthier/e-scooters, and on TIER’s website here: www.tier.app/en.
If you see an e-scooter that isn’t being ridden properly, please help by reporting it directly to TIER using this email address: support@tier.app, or by calling them on 0808 164 9486.
You can also contact Essex County Council directly about the e-scooter trial on: escootertrials@essex.gov.uk.
Yours sincerely
Cllr Marie Goldman
Flexibility, Mobility, Stability and Core Strength - Spotlight on Flexibility and
I hope you enjoyed the article expanding the term body stability, being one of our key focuses in pilates and how it is so important for us in everyday life, not just in a class!
This episode in my mini series (stability, mobility, flexibility) brings us to flexibility - what, why and benefits, including reducing pain and improving daily movement.
What is flexibility? If you can touch your toes - or not - is related, but unlike the previous articles this topic is very specific to individual muscles. What length and potential does an individual muscle have, can it move the way it should, the way we need for efficiency, does it work with its neighbouring muscles?
Like big elastic bands around the body, movement of skeletal muscle (not heart or internal organ muscles) contact and relax, lengthenstretch and shorten-contract and work. They’re the only way our limbs can physically move. Arm muscles let us lift our cup of tea and leg muscles let us walk us around.
Flexibility is the range, how much length each muscle is capale of. This is key because muscles work in pairs around the body, when one is stretched its opposer can shorten. Very simplified when one works its opposer can sort of rest. But if one muscle is tight or dominant it restricts its pair and doesn’t let the other work properly. Chest and front shoulder muscles are commonly tight - eg, working at a desk and generally stooping in posture means the opposite muscles - our upper spine/back muscles - cant contract and work properly to hold our spine upright. If those spine muscles don’t work for prolonged time we are liable to get pain around the neck and mid back/spine. Pilates is highly recommended for back pain and addresses typically tight muscles and gives your body a chance to move muscle pairs effectively. Over time, big imbalances between pairs of muscles may even need physiotherapy and this can be a lengthy process.
Pilates works on flexibility, targeting what we know as professionals are some of the typical tight muscles, giving each muscle time in a class, warming them up, focusing on them for enough time for it be effective. But it works in such a clever way that you may not know you have worked on flexibility. If you are someone who finds the idea of sitting on the floor straight legged, near on impossible - don’t worry, join the other 80% of the population who find it hard too. This is why we use small equipment, extra brilliant bits of kit to help your body get in to those harder positions.
Here are some ways you can work on flexibility: Standing roll downs: Great for back muscle flexibility. Stand feet hip width, place hands on front of thigh, nod chin to chest, round shoulders forward, bend knees as much as feels comfortable to run your hands towards your shins or ankles. Return slowly, straighten legs at the end. Repeat x5.
Mermaid: Sides of the back and waist muscle flexibility. Sit on a chair with wide open knees if you can’t sit on the floor. Sit on floor/towel or mat, take right leg in front, bend knee and allow knee to drop outwards to right, take left leg to your side, bend knee, drop the knee inwards. Place right hand on floor to your side, lift left hand to ceiling and side bend over to your right as far as comfortable for knees, hips or waist. Return and repeat x5. Switch legs to left in front, right to side.
Seated forward fold: For rear thigh muscle hamstring flexibility. Sit on
floor/on cushion, legs comfortably wide, one bent one straight, slowly walk hands down right leg as far as possibly, take 20 seconds to walk down and 20 seconds to walk back - repeat x5 on each leg.
Dumb waiter: Shoulder flexibility. Sit on edge of a chair, fold both arms to 90 degrees at elbows, imagine holding a cup on your palms and newspaper between the elbow and side of your waist, open the hands slowly outwards keeping elbow pinned to your sides. Repeat x10.
To chat to us at Hummingbird Pilates and Yoga about helping your flexibility through pilates, call 01245 422 556 or email info@ hummingbirdpilatesyoga.co.uk.
At Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga’ in Writtle, our £45 unlimited month trial is our most popular way to start (excluding ante and post natal). With our specialist group classes (8 max) you don’t need any experience, just a willingness to try - for all levels and ages*, either in studio or opt to join in on Zoom from wherever you are.
*Don’t try anything if you have a back injury or are on medication. See you on the mat soon!
Erica xx
www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk
Hello all, I hope you are well. We are away in our motorhome at the moment, starting off in Harrogate. The weather is great, but only two days in so far, so I won’t speak too soon.
Yesterday we went to the RHS Gardens just outside the town centre, taking the bus for the two mile trip. The gardens are lovely and they have an Aunt Bessie’s tea shop in the grounds, but this is a small building and nowhere near as posh as the famous one in the centre. Lot cheaper, though!
We were waiting for the very infrequent buses back when a car drew up and the driver called us over. We thought they were going to ask directions and, unless they were actually going to Essex, we thought we would be of little use. She didn’t need directions but explained that the bus service had stopped and then offered to drive us back into the centre. She explained that she was visiting her husband in hospital and would drop us off near the bus station, even though it was out of her way. What a lovely thing for her to do. She mentioned that her husband is very ill and is not expected to come back home - how very sad. I am a great believer in karma and I hope that her kindness will be rewarded with something nice.
days. Every time I would have to look behind me, I would end up in the middle of the road or in the bushes. So, public transport it is. Now, with buses in a strange area, a bit of research is required. What bus do we need, where do we get it, what are the times etc? To add to all the excitement you never know if it will be on time. Just like being at home then.
My animal related story this month is not from the internet, but something a very good friend of mine experienced. He is sadly no longer with us and I relate this to you as a tribute to our friendship.
As a keen golfer, he was a member of a golf club in the New Forest in Hampshire. As you would expect, he often encountered wildlife on the course. On one occasion, he teed off and, as he often did, sliced his drive to the right out of sight. He went off down the fairway and eventually saw his ball in a fenced field. He decided to go for it. He struggled over the wire fence and started toward his ball. Glancing to his right, he saw a donkey minding its own own business across the field. My friend waltzed up to his ball, and being keen to keep to the rules, he bent down to study the ball make sure it was his.
We have moved on to the lakes near Keswick, a lovely site recently refurbished. For those of you who think caravanning is a down-market holiday, have a look at the toilet facilities in the photo. As good as any 4-Star hotel, don’t you think?
There are benefits and drawbacks for both caravans and motorhomes. With the caravan you have your transport on-site, but it is a bit more difficult to drive and get on the pitch. The motorhome is easier to drive and pitch, but unless you tow a car or can ride bikes, you are limited with local travel...
We do not have bikes. I would be positively dangerous on one these
He then heard, in his own words, something resembling thunder and suddenly a pair of hooves flopped over his shoulders. He did not elucidate further but did manage to up pick up his ball and sprint toward the fence, this time taking it in one stride like an Olympic hurdler. Only then, did he realise that the paddock was out of bounds and he would lose a shot anyway! He always enjoyed relating this story. He was a lovely man and a true friend, and I know he won’t mind me sharing it with you.
Last stop, Moreton-in-Marsh. Lovely place, great site. We are really enjoying it.
Hope you like the photos.
Bin End Chuckles:
What is the best thing about Switzerland? I don’t know but the flag is a big plus…
I told my girlfriend that she drew her eyebrows too high. She looked surprised…
Stay well and enjoy your summer.
Grove Road Evangelical Church
One of my grandmothers was born in Lincoln in 1877 and lived to be 104. When she was born, Queen Victoria had been on the throne for about 40 years. How different her world was from that of today. There were none of these things: telephones, mobile phones, computers, internet, television, radio, motor cars, aeroplanes, electricity, antibiotics, etc.
On the other hand, there were families. She got married and had children. There were friends. All the things in the first list are part of our world today. Many of them we could survive without if we really had to! But could we survive without families and friends?
Yes, a lot of things have changed since 1877. But other things have remained the same, the foundation of human civilisation throughout the whole world.
Many of these foundations are being threatened today. We are being forced to think about this question: what is of vital importance in my life, and what, though very useful, at the end of the day is not so vital?
My grandmother was a member of the Methodist Church for her whole life. She would have said that Church was one of those vitally important foundations in her life. If you had pressed her, she would have said that it wasn’t Church that was the real foundation, but her relationship with God through faith in Jesus. That relationship - not that religion - sustained her through her very long life, a foundation through many trials and in many blessings.
Are you looking for a foundation while the world seems to be falling apart around you? Come and join us on a Sunday morning at 11 o’clock and meet with those who have found Jesus to be the only unshakeable foundation in a shaking world.
Philip Loose, Senior Pastor
Grove Road Evangelical Church (Behind Tesco Express, Moulsham Street)
www.grecuk.co.uk
pastor@grecuk.co.uk
MT History: June 1944 - By Henri Lewi
This month, 79 years ago on 6th of June 1944, the allies carried out one of the largest and most successful seaborne invasions in the history of warfare. The aim of the invasion known as Operation Overlord was to liberate France, the Low Countries (Belgium and Holland), and eventually Germany as part of a two front attack on Nazi occupied Europe. Operation Overlord was launched in France and less than three weeks later the Soviets launched Operation Bagration with the aim of liberating Ukraine, Belarus and eastern Poland. Both military operations were launched under a cloak of secrecy and disinformation, but in the full knowledge that opposition would be extensive.
Operation Overlord originally planned for the 5th June was delayed by 24 hours because of bad weather. Nevertheless, on the night of 5-6th of June the allies commenced the operation by dropping paratroop and glider-borne units to seize essential crossroads and bridges. The main part of the invasion force was, however, seaborne with the allies using nearly 7,000 ships and landing craft to deliver over 156,000 US, British and Canadian troops onto five selected beaches in Normandy - now famously known as Gold, Juno, Swordfish, Utah and Omaha - spread along a 50 mile length of Normandy coastline. The first three were beaches on which men of the British Commonwealth and Canadian armies landed. The latter two, Omaha, and Utah, were the beaches upon which US troops were landed.
In the years between 1940 and 1943 the occupying German forces had strongly fortified the French coast building what was known as the Atlantic Wall, which was a 2,400-mile line of bunkers, landmines and beach and water obstacles. It is said that they had planted over 4 million landmines along the beaches of Western France.
False radio messages, disinformation and the use of double agents ensured that the occupying Nazi forces and high command were convinced that the main thrust of the expected invasion would be at Calais and the landings in Normandy were merely a diversion. However despite the security surrounding the operation the allies were still facing over 50,000 Nazi soldiers, but by the end of the first day the allies had successfully taken all 5 beaches and had managed to push inland to a depth of 6-10 miles. Sadly on D-Day the allies suffered 10,000 casualties of whom 4,400 were fatalities. It would be a further 6 days until all 5 of the allied bridgeheads could fully link up with each other to form one continuous front line some 25 miles inland.
Shortly after the beaches were taken on the first day, the allies began the building of two temporary harbours, one based at Omaha
Beach and the other at Gold Beach to allow for the rapid resupply of men, ammunition and other necessary requirements. By the end of June the allies had been able to land nearly a million troops on the beaches of Normandy as the allied forces pushed inland. These temporary harbours were built from prefabricated cement blocks towed across the channel to provide the basis for what would become known as Mulberry harbours.
The 2nd Battalion of the Essex Regiment landed on D-Day the 6th of June in the second wave of troops landing on Gold Beach. Part of the 56th Independent Brigade attached to the 50th Infantry division. The battalion landed and moved inland where it played an important role in firstly taking the town of Bayeaux the following day on the 7th June and subsequently in the Battle for Caen between June and August 1944.
The breakout from the beaches would continue for a further two months until the allied forces had fully linked up with American forces driving from the South of France, subsequently liberating Paris and crossing the Seine, in the process capturing nearly a quarter of a million enemy troops.
Operation Overlord (the D-Day landings) remains one of the largest and most successful military seaborne operations ever staged and played a significant part in bringing the 1939-1945 conflict to a successful resolution.
Why is it called D-Day? The shorthand was merely used to indicate that the invasion would take place on a specified date, without designating a particular day as a security device.
Firstly, we are delighted to share that our Friday Drivetime host Daisy Barker has been shortlisted for the second year running in the Young Audio Awards. Big congratulations to her and fingers crossed for the ceremony which will happen in July.
Thank you to everyone who got involved with our radio drama festival. It was good to work with so many different groups. We look forward to broadcasting all the plays made during our sessions in due course.
A big thank you to the ECC Arts and Cultural fund for supporting our idea and helping us see our vision through. Thanks go to the Chelmsford City Council Local Cultural Education Partnership for helping to set up the sessions.
Thank you to our community for making these wonderful radio dramas and helping to showcase share and celebrate the legacy of broadcasting in our city.
We hope more people will feel encouraged to try making their own radio or audio srama, potentially growing the event for years to come - remember there are no limitations. To make one you just need your voice and an imagination. If you are interested in getting involved for the future, please send an email to admin@ chelmsfordcommunityradio.com.
www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com
CCR Latest News
To advertise or speak about charity editorial please email paul@moulshamtimes.com
Here Comes the Sun - By Ola
It’s that time of the year again - the sun has finally arrived! It’s been a long time coming but it’s finally here. Now, by the time you read this article, summer in the UK may already be over - we never know how long it’s going to last.
However, if it does last for a prolonged period, then it’s a great way to top up your vitamin D levels. Unfortunately for residents of the UK, we are vitamin D depleted - that became blatantly obvious during the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Why is vitamin D so important?’ I hear you say. I’ll give you a few reasons later in the article. For now, let’s talk about where it comes from. Most people assume that Vitamin D comes from absorbing sunlight via our skin. That’s only partially true. Vitamin D is made in our bodies. We can also get a small amount from certain foods like mushrooms, milk, and fish liver oils.
The sun’s energy turns a chemical in your skin into vitamin D3, which is carried to your liver and then your kidneys to transform it to active vitamin D that we all know and love.
Here are a few reasons why it’s so important:
1. It is essential for the gut to absorb calcium, thus giving us healthy bones and teeth. If we don’t get enough, we absorb less of the calcium that we eat, and our body leaches calcium from bones and directs it to the heart and nerves, where it is vitalbecause when it comes to survival, a functioning heart is more important than healthy bones.
2. It maintains the nervous system.
3. Most studies show that a lack of vitamin D increases the risk
of osteoporosis and the likelihood of hip and other non-spinal fractures.
So why aren’t we getting enough? A few factors contribute to the lack of Vitamin D among the UK population:
1. The most obvious one being the short days and lack of sunlight during the winter months. We can take supplements to boost our levels.
2. Even when we are exposed to sunlight, because we wear sunscreen not enough UV rays can get through into skin.
3. As we age, our skin is far less efficient at producing it.
4. We spend far too much time indoors during the daytime.
Here are 3 tips for getting more Vitamin D:
1. Make sure you get out in the sun as much as possible during the summer months.
2. Try and expose your arms and legs if you can.
3. Take a supplement during the winter months.
It’s safe for adults to supplement at 4000 IU (100mcg) daily during winter months, then stop during summer. It’s one of those vitamins that’s really hard to overdose on so don’t worry that you are taking too much.
I’d say, if the warm weather lasts, get out there and soak up some rays. You’ll be killing 2 birds with one stone - topping up your vitamin D levels and getting out in nature. Finally, just a word of cautionplease practise ‘safe sun’.
www.beencouragedwellness.co.uk www.facebook.com/BeEncouragedBeStrong
MT Finance - What Next for Central Banks?
The US’s aggressive action has had some success in defeating inflation, but central banks around the world must do more.
The US is, at last, getting some reprieve for the faster, tougher approach of the Federal Reserve (Fed) to rising inflation compared to the European response. The US central bank was recently able to pause its rate rises, safe in the knowledge that the CPI rate of inflation is now back to 4%, with the likelihood of further falls ahead.
The energy effect has been big, with the pass-through of cheaper vehicle fuels and domestic heating helping a lot. President Joe Biden no longer needs to worry about the price of gasoline, which has fallen by more than a quarter to around $3.60 a gallon. There are signs that high inflation in housing is about to reduce and food prices are not rising as giddily as before. Core inflation is still stickier than headline inflation, with US hourly earnings rising at 4.3% a year, which should result in a bit more service sector inflation. However, the Fed can now worry about growth as well as price rises - and is cognisant of the collapse of some regional banks.
In Europe, there is still a wide dispersion of inflation performances. Several countries went well above the worrying 10% level at the peak. In recent months, Spanish inflation has subsided, falling to 3.2%. Recession-ridden Germany still has inflation at 6.1% and the European Union (EU) as a whole is at 8.1%. A range of countries including Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary have inflation well over 10%, with Hungary at 22%.
Outside the EU, Switzerland and Russia are the outliers, with inflation close to 2% - and Turkey is the worst performer with inflation at 40%. Turkey followed a deliberately expansionary policy ahead of the recent election, with the central bank forced to keep rates lower than it wished. Switzerland followed a tighter money and credit policy than the European Central Bank (ECB) and produced a much better inflation outcome across the pandemic and war period. The ECB needed to do a bit more at its recent meeting.
The Challenges Ahead
The main central banks now have difficult decisions to make. Have they done enough to quell troublesome inflation? There are long lags between loosening and tightening money policy and the impact on price rises and activity levels. The Western central banks have got their inflation forecasts badly wrong over this period of turbulence. In 2021, they were still expanding money with ultra-low rates, telling us inflation would stay around 2%. As it rose, they told us that would be transitory. As it persisted, they told us it was the result of the shock of the Ukraine war driving energy and food prices higher - and it would correct. They then also started to hike rates and make it more difficult to borrow, implying they thought it was also excess demand which they needed to dampen. The fact that places such as Japan, Switzerland and China did not share the inflation led to some doubts about the war explanation, as they too faced the same extreme price rises in energy and food commodities.
The issues that still bedevil the central banks as they reappraise the course of inflation are the strength of the labour markets and the danger that higher prices will be followed by higher wages, embedding inflation. We have taken the view that the main central banks will avoid a wage/price spiral, now they have moved rates up so much. In most places, wage rises are falling behind price rises, hitting real incomes and therefore reducing spending power with further deflation of demand. High food prices are leading to more discount stores and own-brand buying. High domestic fuel prices has led to less usage as people have reviewed their thermostat and timer settings for their systems. In Europe, winter demand was well down thanks to changes of conduct as well as to a generally mild weather.
Tight Employment Market
Nevertheless, there is evidence of labour shortages on both sides of the Atlantic, with difficulties in recruiting, training and boosting
productivity in the way many companies would like. The lockdown meant early retirement for some, and altered the approach of others to the desirability of a full-time job where you need to turn up at a place of work outside the home. Employers in many occupations are having to offer more flexible working hours and packages, and to accept home working some of the time is now a well-established practice.
There will be some continuing upward pressure on pay for jobs such as logistics and hospitality, where staff members need to be away from home whenever they are working, as people will expect more compensation for the lack of home working flexibility on offer. Migration will provide some of the workforces that companies are needing.
The impact of higher rates will be felt in less demand for new construction for housing and investment projects, reducing demand for building employees. Car volumes are down on pre-covid levels, although they have been rising this year despite more expensive finance. The unresolved issue is; will some of those who are not seeking work decide they do need to return to the labour market as their savings run down or as they come to miss the social contact and challenge employment brings?
The US Is Likely to Be Close to Peak Interest Rates
Whilst it is premature to declare victory against inflation - most notably in the UK with yet more evidence our inflation levels will be stickier than other nations - the indications remain that we will avoid a wage/price spiral and will see enough downward movement in inflation to reassure central banks. The US is likely to be close to peak interest rates. The inflation problems of Turkey and Hungary are homegrown. Inflation in Germany and much of the rest of the Eurozone is still too high but as policy tightens further so it will come down more.
Better performance will come from those countries that do most to increase the supply of labour by making it more worthwhile to work, and those that are the most successful at attracting and retaining the talent needed to drive forward the digital revolution as it moves into its artificial intelligence phase. The US looks better placed on both scores.
Central banks have also seen that, if they tighten too much too quickly, they can create worrying instabilities in regional banks or other markets linked to bond prices. This will moderate their impulses to do too much more tightening.
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
Here’s a piece about the food I’m doing at Nanny Wilson’s Kitchen based in O’Connors. It’s been so lovely feeding those of you who have popped in to try.
Keeping to my name The Singing Chef, I will be performing here at O’Connors on Friday the 7th of July - it would be lovely to see you all!
I created this recipe in a Ready, Steady, Cook sort of moment and it was one of the nicest breakfasts I’ve ever had and I will definitely be making it again.
You could make this recipe with any leftover vegetables, or add meat or fish if you like. It is truly delicious and was ready in under 10 minutes!
This is so versatile and would make a wonderful sharing breakfast. You could even keep all the elements separate and serve at the table so the fussy ones can create there own.
Breakfast Tacos
Fry your veg in a little oil and salt - I used asparagus, tomatoes and sweetcorn.
Scramble in a pan with 2 eggs per person. Add some cheese.
Serve on top of down mini soft tacos. Simply top with a protein of your choice - I used smoked salmon (because I’m posh - not!).
Sarah is a singing and vocal coach based in Chelmsford and offers singing lessons to people of all ages and abilities. She has a brand new website at www.chelmsfordvocalcoach.co.uk, or you can email her at sarahmtfood@gmail.com. Sarah is also the chef at Nanny Wilson’s Kitchen in O’Connors in Hall Street.
Last month we said a new Men’s Shed group was having its first meeting at our Community Station, and this month we’re able to say that the first and second meetings have now happened!
10 men came along to both - they shared their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm (and drank tea) and have come up with a couple of ideas of projects small and large to work on together each Friday afternoon between 1-3pm! This week they could be seen pulling pallets apart, sharpening shears, secateurs and scissors, taking a garden planter apart to rebuild itand drinking tea...
By the time you read this they’ll have started putting up a new shed to help move things along at MLCT. There’s room for more (projects
and men!) so do come along if you want to join in, or even if you just want to see what it’s all about.
The Shed movement began in Australia where a few men realised they could meet up on a regular basis around practical tasks and offer much needed conversation and support over a cup of tea to each other. Here’s the website about the movement menssheds.org. uk about if you want to know more. Sheds can be opened by anyone (not just men) but it has been identified that male support is a need in our community. There are already a number of supportive groups set up for women around here, for example Women’s Institute, National Women’s Register and Girlguiding are examples.
www.mlct.org.uk enquiries@mlct.org.uk 07434 678 999
An Update from Moulsham Lodge Ward - By
Well, there has certainly been no rest for the wicked for your two new Moulsham Lodge Ward Lib Dem Councillors, Simon Goldman and Ashley Thompson - and the heat hasn’t helped (although we aren’t complaining about it).
Whilst we have all been waiting a long time for the warmer weather and the sun on our face, it has got incredibly hot recently and we need to be mindful of our older and vulnerable neighbours. Please do check in on them. More information can be found here: www.ageuk.org.uk/informationadvice/health-wellbeing/mind-body/staying-cool-in-a-heatwave.
Traditionally, councillors tended to sit in a public space (library, church hall, community centre or cafe), typically on a Saturday morning, for what gets known as a Residents’ Surgery. Whilst we are keeping this up once a month - first Saturday of the month at the Copper Pot Café with the local police - we’ve decided to help community politics come to you as well rather than it always being you having to search us out when there are issues. To this effect we have started weekly informal ‘street surgeries.’ Put simply, this is the two of us picking a road in the ward each week, knocking on the doors and asking what you think of local services and issues. So watch out for us over the next weeks and months as we head for a doorstep near you! Do drop us a line if you would like us to visit your street.
We had noticed some bollards on Gloucester Avenue which had been damaged by cars and we have been chasing Essex County Council to fix them. Well, good news, they sent Highways along to fix them last
Ashley Thompson & Simon Goldman
month, although we are already chasing ECC again for only fixing two of the three!
Ashley has been making contact with various local faith groups. St Luke’s Church of England is a relatively small but incredibly vibrant parish, whose outreach goes well beyond services and faith-based activities. He has been heading down to one of their fundraising coffee mornings on Saturdays from 11am till 12 noon: why not pop in for a cuppa sometime? Separately if you’re a parent with a baby or toddler you may wish to bring your child to their Edward Bear Group, which runs on Wednesdays, 2.15pm-3.45pm. Activities include craft, dress up role play, building blocks, and singing, led by the Revd Suzanne McAllister.
Following on from the huge success of the recent Concrete Canvas street art project in the city centre which saw local and international artists transform bollards, building walls and CCTV cameras into vibrant new public works of art, Simon and Ashley are very proud to be associated with such a community-focused and vibrant Chelmsford. We hope that you are too.
For any local issues, please do get in touch any time: ashley.thompson@chelmsfordlibdems.org.uk and simon.goldman@ chelmsfordlibdems.org.uk. You can also follow us on the following platforms:
Chelmsford Liberal Democrats
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChelmsLibDems
Facebook: Simon Goldman - Moulsham Lodge Councillor
Twitter: twitter.com/ChelmsLibDems
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChelmsfordLibDems
Instagram: chelmslibdems
Tile Kiln Corner - By Cllr Linda Mascot
It was with sadness that I found out that my good friend, Youth & Community Pastor at Tile Kiln Church, James Bell and his wife Rachel will be leaving at the end of July to take up a new post as Chaplain at Edge Faith Ministries in Chesterfield. James will continue as my Mayor’s Chaplain for the remainder of the annual term until May.
I first met James when he moved to Chelmsford in 2001 and he has done outstanding work, particularly with local young people, and is well known to all in our community. Liz Parker from Tile Kiln Church told me: “James and his wife Rachel have been at TKC for 22 years, James began as part-time Youth Worker in 2003 and moved to full-time Youth Pastor in January 2006. His role title changed to Youth & Community Pastor in 2015 as an acknowledgment of the way his role had evolved over time.
“As youth pastor he oversaw the ministries involving children and teenagers, including COSMIC and FUEL (TKC’s Sunday School), Pic’n’Mix, Allsorts and The Link (formerly F@St Club). James also did schools work, being welcomed into Mildmay and Moulsham High. Being a gregarious, outgoing guy he also became well known in the community for supporting individuals and families, and recognition of his wider role led to his new designation as Youth and Community Pastor. When the church took on the shop at 155 Robin Way, he and Rachel pioneered community work from this base. The weekly coffee drop in continues now in the main church building. Other activities that he has been involved in include holiday clubs for primary school children, community fun days, Christian Motorcyclists Association, Essex Christian Camp and Neighbourhood Chaplains.
“James has always been supported by his wife Rachel in all his work. He is quick to give her credit, not just for organising him, but for being an indispensable part of his ministry. In her own right Rachel has
contributed greatly to community life, both through her home-based hospitality and the activities she has led: TK Toddlers, U:nite women’s group, private counselling, leading worship at church. They will not just be missed by their friends at church, but by everyone whose lives they have touched in the last 22 years.”
There will be a special Community Fun Day at Tile Kiln Church on Saturday 9th July from 11am to 2pm celebrating the great work that James and Rachel have done. There is a Bake a Bell-Themed Cake competition as well as music, a hogroast, games and refreshments as we all say goodbye and send our best wishes to them. All are very welcome.
I would like to send a heartfelt thank you to both James and Rachel for supporting our community in such a positive way and wish them well in their new roles.
Linda Mascot mascotlinda@gmail.com
Goodbye and Thank You!
As with all good things, my time writing for the Moulsham Times has come to an end as Pastor Tim Goodall returns to work after his time on sabbatical. This ending also coincides with a more permanent and personal ending to my role as Youth and Community Pastor for Tile Kiln Church (TKC) as Rachel, my wife, and I prepare for new adventures.
Just over a year ago we announced to the church that we would be leaving as God had called us to something new, even though at that time we didn’t know where or what exactly. Since then, we have both signed contracts to work for Edge Ministries, a Christian charity working with the marginalised and forgotten around Chesterfield in Derbyshire. Rachel will be working as an Edge Centre Manager, and I will be their Community Chaplain.
Over the past 22 years we have undertaken various voluntary and paid roles. Primarily over the past 18 years I have been employed in the role of Youth Pastor, and more recently Youth and Community Pastor. We have loved living in and serving the Tile Kiln community in various ways, getting to know and supporting many local families and older people. I have a special fondness for the years spent being involved in the local schools, as well as running various children’s and youth clubs.
One high point for us has been when on the many occasions when we have joined with others on the Tile Kiln estate to host community street party events and fun days, often closing the road and organising various activities in conjunction with others, such as Mildmay School and The Clay Pigeon.
This year, Tile Kin Church is holding such a community day at the church, on our own after the unfortunate closing of The Clay Pigeon. This event will be our last opportunity to say thank you and goodbye to all those we have known and supported over the years, along with welcoming any new faces that wish to join in the fun! From 11am till 2pm on Sunday 9th July there will be free activities, games and refreshments and a hog roast and ice creams (at a small charge). There will also be a cake competition which is free to enter and prizes will be won.
We would love for everyone who would like to join us to come along and say ‘hi’ and ‘bye’ as we prepare for the next chapter of our adventure of both knowing and following Jesus in our lives. Please feel free to come and ask about what we are doing and why as we’d love to share our excitement with you.
Every blessing.
Pastor James Bell
Youth & Community Pastor @ Tile Kiln Church www. tilekilnchurch.org.uk
Quiz Time - By John Theedom
According to RoSPA, how many Britons were admitted to hospital with a lawnmower related injury in 2022 - 2500, 4500 or 6500?
What is the name of the female on the Jeremy Vine show?
Who is the South African golfer Ernie ……? What is an ackee?
Of which famous pop group was Brian Jones a member?
You’ve seen them on strike, but who are the RMT?
What do the internal angles of a square add up to?
In which kind of leisure activity do they use these terms, ‘The Shuffle Ball Change’, ‘Maxi Ford’ and ‘Paradiddle’?
What was the name of Captain Nemo’s submarine?
Who designed the VW Beetle at Hitler’s command?
How many countries were there in the original EEC?
In which decade was the NHS formed? What does a seismograph measure?
The detective drama Wallander is set in which country?
What is the name of the US presidential car? Web addresses ending in .se are from which country?
What was Queen Elizabeth II’s middle name?
On what day of the week does PMQs take place? Tony Blair was born in which country?
Ascorbic acid is another name for which vitamin?
Who was the youngest member of The Beatles?
In the nursery rhyme, who killed Cock Robin?
What word represents ‘Y’ in the International Radio Alphabet?
What was singer Barry White’s only UK number 1 hit?
What day is St Andrew’s Day?
Where in the world is Margaret Thatcher Day celebrated?
In Devon, a grockle is another name for what?
What is the official emblem of The Irish Republic?
What is St Stephen’s Day more commonly known as?
What is the biggest-selling single in the UK?
Before becoming a president of the USA, Ronald Reagan was governor of which state?
How old is a quadragenarian?
What are the 4 main blood groups?
What do the initials PVC stand for?
In the Bible, who was the second son of Adam and Eve?
Stilton cheese can only be made in which 3 English counties?
How many gallons are there in a firkin of beer?
After how many years would a couple celebrate a Crystal Anniversary?
Which London Underground line has the most stations?
What castle is known as ‘The Lock and Key Of England’?
Search Technician - Essex Search & Rescue
We need volunteers to join our team! You will be fully trained in search techniques, emergency procedures, first aid and other matters, in order for us to assist the police and other agencies with searches for vulnerable missing persons such as children and the elderly.
Volunteer Minibus Driver - Chelmsford Community Transport
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You don’t need prior experience, just enthusiasm and dedication. We are currently recruiting for: Age Concern, Farleigh Hospice, Millrace Furniture, Essex Youth Build, Interact, Essex Community First Aid, Support 4 Sight, RAF Association, Chelmsford Education Foundation.
Community First Responders
Our community first responders are volunteers who are trained by us to attend certain types of emergency calls in the area where they live or work. Their aim is to reach a potential life threatening emergency
in the first vital minutes before the ambulance crew arrives. We give full training and constant support.
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!
6,500 Storm Huntley Els
Fruit of a West African tree, eaten as a vegetable
The Rolling Stones
National Union of the Rail Maritime and Transport Workers
360 degrees
Tap dancing
Nautilus
Ferdinand Porsche Six 1940s Earthquakes
Sweden Cadillac One or the Beast
Sweden Alexandra Mary Wednesday
Scotland Vitamin C
George Harrison
The Sparrow
Yankee
You’re The First, The Last, My Everything November 30th
Harp
District Line (60) Dover Castle 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27.
The Falkland Islands Tourist
Boxing Day Candle In The Wind by Sir Elton John (in 1997)
California In his 40s O, A, B, AB Polyvinyl Chloride
Abel Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Nine 15
