Moulsham Times - October 2019

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MT Welcome

Hi readers,

Welcome to the October edition of Moulsham Times.

This month we have the Ideas Hub Festival from 14th October to 27th October (see page 14 for more information).

We are also pleased to welcome a new regular writer, Rev Gemma Fraser from St Johns and St Lukes churches - you can find her on page 6!

If you wish to advertise in this magazine and reach 9,000 local readers, please telephone or email - details below.

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Enjoy your month!

Regards Paul

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MT Therapy - by Chelmsford Therapy Rooms First of all, I have a very exciting announcement to make!

Since 2015 Chelmsford Therapy Rooms has strived to provide the best service and care to clients and therapists alike. In under four short years we have achieved so much and on the 18th June 2019 we received some truly fantastic news. Chelmsford Therapy Rooms was nominated for an award at the GHP healthcare and pharmaceutical awards 2019. Just to be nominated was a fantastic recognition of all we have achieved, and will continue to achieve, as a local mental health services business. Evidence was collected and sent to the expert judging panel and we awaited the results of their extensive research and judging process. We have now received the outcome of the nomination...

It is with delight to confirm that Chelmsford Therapy Rooms has been awarded: Best Private Hypnotherapy Clinic 2019 - Essex GHP Excellence Award in Outstanding Mental Health Services 2019 - Essex We are over the moon at winning these awards from such a prestigious global healthcare platform. GHP is a global information sharing platform and a multi-disciplinary members community.

Established to enhance communication networks and collaboration across all themes and disciplines within 3 main categories; Human, Animal and Environmental Health. Whilst the membership is organically grown and closely audited, members have tended to fall into a number of general categories; Academia, Industry, Public Bodies and Health Systems, Governments and Policy Makers, Funding Agencies and Groups, Investors, Regulatory and Professional Bodies.

The Global Health and Pharma Awards were established to uncover and recognise those individuals and businesses making a real difference in their communities through being innovative, pushing boundaries and showing unrivalled dedication to their chosen field. At GHP, their extensive research and judging process is driven by merit, meaning that awardees must demonstrate expertise within a given field, dedication to customer service, and commitment to excellence and innovation. Research was centred around an in-depth evaluation of skills and services on offer. The wider market reputation of each nominee was also taken into consideration.

As the founder and owner of Chelmsford Therapy Rooms I am truly grateful for all of the support and belief from friends, family, colleagues and clients. I couldn’t have built the business without you!

I feel a huge amount of gratitude from everyone that has helped me along this Chelmsford Therapy Rooms Journey, and will continue to show this gratitude as we grow as a business and help many clients and therapists going into the future.

Our nomination remains confidential, but to qualify for a nomination only clients or colleagues can put a name forward. Therefore, whoever you are, I am honoured to know you felt Chelmsford Therapy Rooms deserved to be nominated for an award. I am truly grateful that we had the opportunity to help you and I hope you know how much I appreciate this accolade.

Further information about the award and other winners will be available in the GHP press release that has just been published.

Once again thank you everyone for your support and belief. I really couldn’t have done it without you!

Now, to continue my series on coping techniques. Lots of people that come to my practice report that they need help in regulating their

emotions and reactions to negative situations. Lot’s of people feel guilty or even embarrassed at the way they feel. Please note that it’s ok to talk about how you’re feeling, if not to a friend or family member then to a professional like a therapist or a doctor.

There has been lots of media around encouraging people to talk, to open up, but many people find this very difficult. It’s not uncommon for me to meet clients that say they simply don’t know how to open up! Traditionally the British have a reputation of having a ‘stiff upper lip’, to ‘just get on with it’, or the classic phrase all of you will likely recognise ‘keep calm and carry on’. The latter phrase is often taken out of context - sometimes we can’t keep calm! It depends on the situation and the individual involved. Of course, certain reactions in certain situations are completely normal, for example crying and shaking with shock after a car accident. But when our emotions seem out of control or out of context on a regular basis, it can help to pay more attention to how we’re feeling and what we can potentially do about that. For this reason I wanted to give you an example of an emotional regulation technique which can help you deal with your emotions and resulting behaviour. Remember, all techniques take time to learn and get into the habit of using, but once you do it’s incredibly helpful and will make you feel much more in control!

1. Acknowledge how you feel. Name the emotion: ‘I feel…’. Naming the emotion can help you to track patterns in your emotions, so you can assess how often, when and where you feel the emotion that’s bothering you.

2. Ask yourself ‘why do I feel like this?’ - if there is a person, an event, a comment etc that has triggered this emotion try to look at why you have reacted like this. Is there any sub-text you are reading into? It might even help to keep a journal so that you can see if there are any commonalities in situations causing you to feel a certain way. If you feel you can, it may even help to ask a close friend, relative or a professional to help you look for common trends. For example, if every time your boss calls you into a meeting you feel defensive, angry, or fearful you could then start thinking about why you react this way. Are you expecting the worst? Catastrophising? Scenario building? Is there a background thought or memory that’s contributing to your emotional state? This helps you to put your reaction into context.

3. Do I need to react the way that I have? Question your immediate reaction, you could even write down pros and cons of your reaction. If your reaction is to overthink the situation and dwell on it, question that too. What will overthinking achieve? This is aimed at helping you become more self aware.

4. Is there anything (positive) you can do to resolve, or change, the situation that’s causing you to feel like this? Or do you necessarily need to do anything about it? Sometimes there isn’t a solution, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We can all learn to accept our emotions. Try giving yourself permission to move on.

Sometimes ‘moving on’ can simply mean choosing to say, do or find something else more positive to focus on. This can also give you chance to process whatever is happening. If there is a way to resolve the issue, write down the options. This will make you feel more in control and empowered to reach a resolution.

I hope you’ve found this coping technique useful! I’m hoping to have some more exciting news for you in the next issue so stay tuned Chelmsford Therapy Rooms and our therapists have much more to offer and I can’t wait to share it!

Jenny Hartill is a therapist and owner of Cloud9 Therapy and Chelmsford Therapy Rooms. She is a counsellor and hypnotherapist and can help with a multitude of issues. Please see the therapist list on the website at www.chelmsfordtherapyrooms.co.uk, or you can email info@chelmsfordtherapyrooms.co.uk, or call 0330 100 5162 to enquire about an initial consultation. Alternatively, Jenny’s own company website is www.cloud9-therapy.co.uk, her email is info@ cloud9-therapy.co.uk and her telephone number is 07507 307 170.

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Chelmsford - by Vicky Ford MP The recess gives time to consider what has been accomplished in Chelmsford, set priorities for the time ahead and meet many local organisations. Thank you to everyone who filled out my summer survey; your feedback is really appreciated.

Earlier this year I led a campaign with Essex MPs for fairer funding for schools. An additional £14 billion will now be invested over the next three years. In Chelmsford, 16 primary and 6 secondary schools will benefit directly - the additional funding for special needs and further education is especially welcome. Many congratulations to all Year 7 pupils starting their term at new schools and especially the trail blazers at the new Beaulieu School.

On infrastructure, the £218 million we have secured for our second railway station and bypass is the largest housing related infrastructure grant in the country. People in Chelmsford have waited long enough for this station, so I would like to see it built as quickly as possible.

I have worked with MP colleagues to draw up a manifesto for the environment and a very detailed Select Committee report on reducing emissions. It has been good to see some of our recommendations being implemented already with new protections for oceans and biodiversity as well as greater investment in electric car charging networks. I hope we may see more of these in Chelmsford.

I was with Essex County Council at the front of the queue to meet the Transport Secretary regarding the Army and Navy. The closure of the flyover is making travel around the city extremely challenging and I know many people are facing very frustrating delays. However, work to develop a long-term replacement is being accelerated and the County Council is activating a raft of measures to reduce congestion in the interim.

It has been reassuring to see many more police out and about in Chelmsford. Over 360 additional officers have now been added to Essex Police. I met experts from Safer Places who told me about their work helping victims of domestic violence. The new Domestic Abuse Bill will provide much greater protections to victims. I also caught up with the excellent Open Road team who are experts in helping families and communities in their journey of recovery from the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol and other addictions.

Regarding our local NHS, the medical school at Anglia Ruskin University has been a huge success, and this month we welcome to Chelmsford another 100 students training to become doctors.

300 new nurses are also arriving at our hospitals which will be a significant help.

Thank you to everyone who sponsored my Give up Plastic for Lent to establish waste recycling in some of the world’s poorest countries.

A whopping £8.8 million has now been raised and the project is expanding to two further countries.

Brexit remains the top item in Westminster with a very divided parliament. The Prime Minister has made it very clear that he wishes to agree a deal with the EU by the end of October. I have been doing all I can to help assist, including attending lengthy meetings with British and Irish politicians and stakeholders. I have not supported the bill to extend the timetable for Brexit as I believe that removing the deadline could make agreeing a deal even more difficult.

It was great to spend more time in Chelmsford over the summer break, including meeting many local charities and organisations, my first canoe trip on the river, and holding supermarket surgeries at both Morrisons and Sainsbury’s.

As ever, please do stay in touch at vicky.ford.mp@parliament.uk.

St Johns and St Lukes by Rev Gemma Fraser Hi everyone! I’m Gemma and I’m the Vicar at St John’s Church in Moulsham Street, and St Luke’s Church opposite the shops in Moulsham Lodge. It’s a privilege to have been invited to be a part of the Moulsham Times!

to their neighbours and people giving without an expectation of getting anything in return. We live in a world where many are lonely and isolated, with divisions running deep but on this one evening community and togetherness wins out.

I thought I’d talk about Halloween. Love it or loathe it, it’s become a massive part of our culture in recent years, with traditions like trick or treating, dressing up, and parties and games. Christians have an uneasy relationship with Halloween. It’s a festival we do celebrate, as Halloween comes from All Hallows’ Eve, the evening before All Hallows’ - or All Saints - Day. All Saints is a day where we remember the famous saints and the example they set us but also the saints in our own lives, people who have made a big difference to us that have died.

The costumes and storytelling at Halloween matter too, we poke fun at things that scare us and we tell tales of battles between Heaven and Hell, good and evil, apocalyptic doom and heroic saviours. It all sounds a little bit like the Bible! We have the opportunity to talk about how, no matter how dark and scary things seem, human beings have an innate belief in goodness, that evil never gets the last word and light will always triumph over darkness.

All of that said, we know that Halloween traditions as we know them, probably originate from a pagan festival, Samhain, with spirits coming to earth, sacrifices and a later connection to witchcraft. Christians struggle with this, as well as the trouble that sometimes comes when Halloween gets out of hand; gory costumes, eggs and flour flying and vulnerable people worried for their safety. Because of this tension many Christians will, understandably, withdraw from Halloween celebrations completely.

At St Luke’s and St John’s we choose to take part in Halloween, because although there are elements we struggle with, it is practices of people during this celebration that convince us of its importance.

The evening of Halloween is a sight to behold on the streets of our community. Hundreds of people are out, connecting with people and celebrating together - something you don’t see any other night of the year! You will see people becoming more generous, more open

So if you’re out and about on the 31st in Moulsham Lodge or Tile Kiln, pop down and see us at St Luke’s for hot chocolate and treat bags. If you’re in Old Moulsham then why not come and join us for our Light Party at the Church Hall on Vicarage Road on Saturday 26th October from 5pm till 7.30pm? Come dressed as saints, angels, superheroes or any other ‘goodies’ - and come ready for games, dancing and treats. We’re looking forward to celebrating with you!

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Moulsham and Central Ward Army & Navy Misery, Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Consultation

As I write this, in the middle of September (publishing deadlines!), I’m very aware that by the time you read this, the national political landscape may be very different.

The prorogation of Parliament may/ may not have been ruled unlawful (again) by the Supreme Court; Parliament may/may not have been recalled; the Prime Minister may/ may not have been found in contempt of Parliament; there may/may not have been a Vote of No Confidence in our government.

In these turbulent times, political predictions are a mug’s game; it feels like anything could happen - including things that none of us have ever seen before.

One thing I am sure of though, is that by the time you read this there will not be a long-term (or short-term, for that matter) fix for the Army & Navy junction. The saga drags on and on and on.

I was thinking back the other day to about a year and a half ago, when I first got involved with the campaign to highlight concerns about the flyover. Back then, a local residents’ group was struggling to get Conservative-run Essex County Council to take their worries seriously. It was only when I and other Lib Dems got involved and started giving it more publicity that anything was really done.

In October 2018, a report on the flyover was published by the contractor who had been brought in to look at the flyover after its second closure. It was damning. It summed up by saying: ‘In conclusion, the bridge is in a poor condition’ - a nd that was in www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

2018!

As much as I hate the chaos and misery that the flyover closure is causing right across Chelmsford, the fact that the flyover’s future is now looking uncertain is due to great cooperation between local residents and political campaigners to keep our city safe.

Connecting and engaging with different parts of the community is a key part of our vision for Chelmsford. This includes consulting with the public and other organisations on various important policies.

One of these is Chelmsford City Council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy, which is out for consultation for the next few weeks.

You can find it on the Council’s website - www.chelmsford.gov.uk.

This is very much a work in progress, but we had a statutory duty to publish and have in place an updated strategy before the end of the year, and are therefore publishing this draft as a starting point from which to develop a more comprehensive and ambitious strategy. Our goal is to deliver a step change in the way we deal with homelessness and rough sleeping. We are working with lots of local organisations and strategic partners to produce the best possible strategy to achieve this.

I’m very grateful to the residents of Moulsham & Central for voting for me in May’s elections and giving me the opportunity to help shape Chelmsford’s future alongside my other Lib Dem colleagues, and of course, colleagues from other parties. Lots more to do - watch this space!

Marie Goldman Deputy Leader, Chelmsford City Council, Moulsham & Central Ward Councillor 7

MT Health

Joint Food - How to Nourish Your Joints for Long-Term Health - by Chris at Forté Physical Health I had a bit of a penny-drop moment a few weeks ago. I was chatting to a colleague and I said something very simple, but as soon as I said it, I knew I had said something quite profound.

What was the simple sentence I uttered?

“Everything I care about involves using my body.”

Simple, huh? It’s the sort of sentence that could quite easily have been lost in the ether and never thought about ever again, but as I was saying it, a deep part of my brain woke up and took note.

Everything I care about involves using my body.

Wow. So obvious, but so important. All the things I care about - my job, my kids, my health, my hobbies - involve me being able to move my body effectively. Even my social life involves using my body to get from A to B and meet my friends (and those pints don’t lift themselves, you know).

All of the things I enjoy hinge on me being mobile, so my conclusion from this little thought bomb was that if all the things I care about require me to be mobile, I had better be looking after myself!

Thankfully, my job helps me to know the right things to do and I have always practised what I preach, but I thought I’d use this month’s editorial to share all the things I do to keep my joints nourished to help increase my chances of staying healthy long into the future.

Here’s my list of joint food :) 1. Movement!

Long-time readers of mine will know that I’m a bit of a broken record.

Movement is medicine, motion is the lotion. I say it all the time.

Movement pumps fluid in and out of joints. It encourages the natural plumbing mechanism in our body where load and tension push waste away and draw nourishing tissue fluid in. Movement is our body’s way of flushing out the system and replenishing cells in our deep ligaments, connective tissues and cartilage. Build a weekly habit of exercise and stretching and have a primary focus of being consistent and you will help your joints for the future.

2. Walking I specifically mention walking as a form of movement because it is so underrated. In this modern age, walking is the least sexy, the least Instagramable form of exercise. People online much prefer to share the complex and intense forms of movement - they make for much better photos, after all - so the benefits of walking are often forgotten about.

Walking puts a gentle and rhythmic twist through the body which helps lubricate our joints as well as massage our gut and feed our brain. There have even been studies which show that walking makes us better problem solvers.

Our cars have brought convenience to the modern world, but they certainly don’t help our health. When thinking of ways to look after yourself and improve your health, regular walking should be high up your list.

accelerate the benefit our food gives us by taking supplements.

My patients seem to get benefit from taking things like collagen, glucosamine, osteocondroitin and omega oils.

With joints, the change will be slow, so people tend to notice the benefits after taking them for a few months. They should be safe for most people, but as with all these things, if you are unsure if they are right for you, check with a nutritionist or doctor. We have a nutritionist in our clinic if you are looking for one.

4. Avoid Certain Foods So often, health is as much about what we don’t do as what we do do. To help your joints, avoid eating lots of sugar, lots of gluten (wheat-based foods like cereals, bread, biscuits, cake and pasta) and - for some people - dairy.

People are often surprised to learn how significant our diet is for joint health, they can’t imagine how it could be linked. It’s hard to see because the damage builds so slowly. It’s not like twisting your ankle which you feel immediately. The effects of eating too much of the wrong foods can take decades to accumulate.

The good news though is that, like all things health-related, if we change our habits in a positive direction, our body will change too.

Pay attention to your diet, particularly to the processed carbs and sugar, and your joints will thank you.

5. Bodywork As with anything in life, there are professionals out there to help you with this stuff. Seeing an osteopath or sports massage therapist can help you identify problems in your joint mechanics, and hands-on work accelerates positive change. Having a personalised stretching and exercise plan will mean that you are doing the best exercises for your body. And if you want to take this further, getting some guidance with a personal trainer or yoga or pilates instructor will mean that you are optimising your movement for long-term health.

We often believe that aches and pains are a natural part of ageing, and whilst it is normal to have some degeneration, it is still important to know that we have some control of the speed at which we degenerate. Sure, there are some uncontrollables in the mix too, like genetics and traumatic injury, but following these five points will give you the best shot at keeping your joints happy.

Until next time, have a healthy month!

Chris Branch is the principal osteopath at Forté Physical Health. The therapists at Forté are specialists in the treatment of back pain, joint pain and sports injuries. The treatment often includes discussion of lifestyle factors to help accelerate healing and well-being.

If you have any questions, you can find details to get in touch at fortephysicalhealth.co.uk.

Deadlines for the November edition: Articles - 16th October Print ready art work - 24th October

3. Supplements The food we eat impacts our joints too, and sometimes we can 8

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MT Gardening It’s looking like we’re going to have a fabulous autumn this year. Already at Writtle University College I’ve noticed a large number of trees just starting to show their next bounty of colour. On the front lawn we’ve got scarlet and red oaks just hinting at what’s to come with the odd leaf turning vivid shades. Aside from woodies, we are blessed with the colour change with grasses and the late blooming of rudbeckias, heleniums and by no means least, dahlias.

So, it’s turning into what could be the best year yet!

If you want to prolong flowers at this time of year, it’s absolutely essential to dead head.

This will slow down the plants need to set seed and you’ll have an extended season of interest. Where you do want the seed, let plants fully mature, and then start to collect them for sowing at a later date. Follow these simple steps to success: •

Always collect on a dry day as soon as seed heads ripen. In most cases this is when they turn to a darker colour, but before contents are exposed or shed.

•

• • •

At Writtle University College we lay our pods, capsules etc on paper sheets. At home you could use a windowsill, or even a warm airing cupboard. The latter is great for helping conifer cones shed their contents.

If you’re collecting fleshy fruits such as cotoneaster and pyracantha you will need to push fruit through sieves, wash off fleshy pulp in cold water and let them dry out on paper towels.

Nuts can be collected as they fall. Simply shaking the tree often helps dislodge them.

Once the seed has been extracted, they’ll need to be stored.

But before this can occur, clean off the chaff to avoid any rots or damping off problems.

At Writtle, Delphiniums and hellebores seed are sown straight away, however, for most its best to store and then sow when conditions are more suitable. We also do this if we’ve harvested a mass of seed. For the best results try the following: •

•

Pop dry seed into non-plastic envelopes, carefully labelled. Last year we experimented with airtight containers with a teaspoon of silica gel, which removes excess moisture. In both cases all were put into a refrigerator at 5°C (41°F) until required later in the year.

If you’ve harvested larger seed from oak or horse chestnut, these will need to be popped into a plastic bag with vermiculite to keep them moist; do not let dry out as water will not be able to be taken up to kick start the germination process once sown.

Collecting seeds in this way is a great way of producing plants for free!

Lastly, if you want to further your knowledge and understanding of these or other gardening jobs, please do consider one of the following courses at Writtle University College:

01245 422804/07711 606561

For RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture (1 year, day release on Thursdays), RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation & Development (September - February on Thursdays), RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance and for RHS Level 2 and 3 Certificates in Practical Horticulture, email tom.cole@writtle.ac.uk for information on availability of days and times.

If you’ve got more time we also offer full time Level 2 & 3 programmes and apprenticeship schemes. New for this September we’ll also be offering part time garden design programmes. Contact ben.wincott@writtle.ac.uk for more information.

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If you’d like a shorter programme for say 1 or 2 days, then give our Short Courses team a call. We’ve got courses on construction (erecting fences, paving and brickwork), general garden tasks such as pruning, propagation, container gardening, successful care of lawns and growing fruit and veg. And for the professional, a whole load of competence based certificates covering arboriculture, pesticide application and use of various machinery and equipment.

Happy gardening For any gardening tips please contact Tom Cole, Horticultural Lecturer, Writtle College, Chelmsford, CM1 3RR by post (including a SAE) or by email at tom.cole@writtle.ac.uk.

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Moulsham Infant School A special Moulsham Infant School welcome is extended to all of our new children, parents and staff. Our mission statement is Where Learning Is Fun and we are looking forward to an exciting first term.

Growth Mindset What is mindset and why is it important?

Mindset is a simple idea discovered by world renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck from decades of research on achievement and success - a simple idea that makes all the difference. Dr Dweck realised that there are two mindsets: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset.

In a fixed mindset, children believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent are simply fixed traits.

In a growth mindset, children believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Teaching a growth mindset creates motivation and productivity and increases achievement.

Growth mindset is embedded at Moulsham Infants with these five statements: • • • • •

We haven’t learned it... yet.

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11

Nick Garner’s Music & Ramblings Arts and Cultural Festival 2020 We are looking for some new trustees, so if you are interested, then please email us at hello@chelmsfordfestival.org or call me on 07970 206 682.

We are continuing to work hard on next year’s programme for the festival, so that we end up with a spectacular festival that everyone will remember.

Please remember too that we are also looking for volunteers to help and take part in the festival as well as groups of people who may want to get involved with the parade, as well as many other aspects of the festival. Contact details are below.

Music and Ramblings I have just been away on a little holiday with Jan which was fantastic.

We went to Sussex and we went to Petworth and we also went to Chichester and Arundel. Absolutely fantastic weather and a fantastic time was had by us both - it was a much needed break!

The news has been full of Brexit of course - which I, like many others, am getting fed up with. We need to remember and take note of Greta Thunberg and her speech to the United Nations as well as the climate protests that happened on a recent Friday all over the world. This is surely more important than anything else. This is probably not going to affect my life, but it is my grandchildren and their children’s lives that will be affected. The world needs to wake up!

It has been a busy month for local music. Let’s start with what is coming up with the football club, where on the 18th October we have seventies soul pioneers KOKOMO performing. Still with seven original members, If you like soul and funk music and to dance, then this is the band for you. We also have a great soul/funk covers act called 5.com opening, and there are still a few tickets available (please see the advert in this magazine for details).

Coming up on Thursday 7th November we have Fullhouse, the band that backed the legendary Frankie Millier. This is a rare show featuring Ray, Tex and Ed, who all played with Frankie. The band also features Gregor McGregor on vocals, and he is the closest you will hear to Frankie himself. The line-up is completed by Andy Golden on drums. The SharpeeZ will be opening, and all for just £15 in advance.

Great value for money! The show will start at 8pm, with doors open from 7.30pm.

We also have a special festival day coming up on Sunday 17th November with Jamie Williams & The Roots Collective, Robbie McIntosh and his band, John Bentley (of Squeeze) with his band the Buzniks, Greg Sutton (Bob Dylan’s bass player in the 80s) a top hit songwriter over from LA, Dangerous Daydream (Roy Mette & Mandie Graham) and The Delta Ladies. This mini fest is just £20 in advance and will run from 1pm to 10pm. All details can be found on www.

Wegottickets.co.uk/event/467608 or on Facebook search ‘It’s Your Music at Chelmsford City Football Club’ where you will also find all the up-and-coming shows we have at the venue.

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Remember too that we also have the Bassment Blues Jam on the first Thursday of each month.

Two open mics to mention are on the last Sunday of every month at the Woolpack from 8pm hosted by Trevor Gentry, and on the second Wednesday of every month at the UB hosted by Joe Anderton.

On 11th October at the UB, Dave Sharp will be returning to play. Dave was the guitarist with eighties band The Alarm. Then on Saturday 12th Denny Newman is over from Germany to play a rare show. Denny was in Manfred Mann’s Earth Band and also part of the Mick Taylor Band (ex Rolling Stones). With Ugly Guys returning on the 18th October to the UB and Trevor Gentry’s Stony Road playing on the 19th October, as well as the Thursday night Blues and Roots in the City returning on 24th October with Clean Sneak (plus many more special acts) this is going to be a great month at the UB. The UB has also had some great gigs recently, like the Half Way to St Paddy’s Day, which was a massive success. Also performing were a new act, Strangers Know More, and 70s legends SNAFU. You can see this is a venue worth visiting. It also has great fresh food cooked by Mark - a perfect pub that welcomes children and pets as well.

There are of course many other great places in our city to visit too.

The Orange Tree has a beer festival on around the same time as this publication comes out. Please do support all the other great pubs who serve good food and put on live music as well. A mention too for the relatively new up-and-coming HotBox in the viaducts.

On Sunday 27th October we have the Chelmsford Light Parade from 6pm to 8pm starting in Meteor Way near the Fire Station off Waterhouse Lane, where individuals and groups will come together with lanterns and floats to light up our city.

If you are putting on, or know of, any events that should be publicised in the Moulsham or City Times then please email editorial@ itsyourmedia.co.uk.

For more information on all of the above, see the links below and pick up a copy of the City Times and go to the What’s On pages to see what else in happening in your area. If you visit the Facebook pages look at the ‘Events’ tabs where you can see who is playing and preview the up-and-coming acts. www.bluesinthecity.co.uk www.facebook.com/bluesinthecitychelmsford Twitter: @BluesintheCity1 www.itsyourmusic.co.uk www.facebook.com/itsyourmusic Twitter: @itsyourmusic The Arts and Cultural email: hello@chelmsfordfestival.org www.chelmsfordfestival.org facebook.com/chelmsfordfestival Twitter: @chelmsfordaacf

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Chelmsford Charity Needs a Helping Hand Local transport charity, Chelmsford Community Transport, needs your help to give vulnerable people in the area an exciting day out.

Due to a lack of volunteer minibus drivers, the last two weekend excursions organised by the charity have had to be cancelled, letting down 47 disappointed passengers.

The vital charity organises a day trip every Saturday throughout the year for registered users who are either elderly or disabled; a wonderful team of volunteers help to drive a 14-seater minibus to various places around the Chelmsford area.

Kirsty Mountain, Excursions Coordinator for the organisation, explained: “These trips are a really good way of helping people stay active and mobile, as well as reducing loneliness and isolation.

Many families are busy with their own children at weekends so these trips are a good way of getting their older or disabled relatives out of the house, meeting new friends and visiting new places.�

Volunteers are essential to the continuation of the day trips and the charity is seeking friendly and enthusiastic minibus drivers to join a team of drivers who offer their time on a rota basis. Volunteers are welcome to bring a plus one on the trips, and the charity offers lunch money so that volunteers can sit with their passengers and ensure they have a great time! The only criteria for volunteering is that volunteers hold a D1 category on their licence. Previous experience is beneficial, but all training is provided.

If you think you’d be perfect to help out and put a smile on these passengers faces, please contact the charity by calling 01245 477 789 or email info@chelmsfordct.org.

www.moulshamtimes.com 13

Greenest Independent Kitchen Company in Essex?

As homeowners become increasingly conscious of their choices and how they affect the environment, often the kitchen is the most important area to be considered when it comes to designing an ecofriendly living environment.

Our showroom in Navigation Road, Chelmsford is open 10am - 4pm 7 days per week. www.regalkitchens.co.uk

At Regal Kitchens, we are committed to contributing towards sustainable thinking and helping to reduce pollution and emissions, save energy and reduce food waste to slow down global degeneration. We have selected our suppliers not only on the aesthetics of the products they provide but also researched their stance on adapting their factories and offices to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their energy efficiency.

Our main furniture manufacturers have won several awards for their sustainability as well as their reduction in CO2 emissions and their impact on the local and worldwide environment. We offer splashbacks made from recycled aluminium in our clients’ homes and also provide filtered water taps through our supplier, InSinkErator, who are committed to reducing the number of singleuse plastic bottles in circulation. We also discuss every customer’s recycling requirements whilst helping them choose which integrated waste bin system is right for their family and offer energy efficient appliances through our continued relation with Neff.

Did you know that 7.3 million tonnes of food waste ends up in landfill each year where it emits harmful greenhouse gasses? Instead of going to landfill, food waste can yield valuable bio-gas and other vital soil nutrients which can be recovered at the wastewater treatment plant and re-used in agriculture. Using an InSinkErator food waste disposer keeps your kitchen cleaner and helps you to do your bit for the environment by diverting food waste from landfill.

Ideas Hub Festival - 14th October to 27th October The Ideas Hub Festival is an annual festival organised by the Ideas Hub Chelmsford.

The Ideas Hub Chelmsford, based in Chelmsford Library, is a charity using the arts to bring people together for a better community. This year’s theme is Ubuntu: I am who I am because of who we are. All events are free thanks to the National lottery and the Arts Council England. Please note that events may require booking. More details can be found on www. ideashubfestival.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ IdeasHubChelmsford for the latest development and anecdotes!

13th October - Midnight Poetry Competition on Mental Health - 2x £50 prizes.

Please email entries to hosts@ideashubchelmsford.org, or bring along to the Ideas Hub at Chelmsford Library. If you need support to write your poem, the Poetry Circle can help at The Transition Chelmsford, 5pm-6pm on Sunday 29th September and Sunday 13th October.

16 October - 6.30pm to 9.30pm Talk: Giving Everyone a Voice on Climate Action with RSA Essex.

Hear more about the RSA’s Deliberative Democracy campaign promoting a step change in democratic process, to put people at the heart of decision making. th

Event sponsored by the RSA. Venue: The Transition Chelmsford, CM1 1LW. 17th October - 6.30pm to 9.30pm The Bundle A play from The Journeymen Theatre about the true story of an asylum seeker, a real woman and her three young children, running away from Chechenya.

Arrive at 6.30pm for a prompt start at 7pm.

RSVP: www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Event sponsored by Chelmsford Quakers.

Quaker Friends Meeting House Chelmsford, Rainsford Road, CM1 2QL. 19th October - 11am to 4pm Ubuntu Day A day of fun performances and activities for the whole family.

Asian market with Chinese dumpling making, African dances and drumming workshop, Bollywood dancing, Punch and Judy, Raspberry Pi workshops, henna tattooing, lantern making.

RSVP: www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Venue: Cramphorn Theatre and Marconi Place, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford.

22nd October - 7.30pm to 9.30pm A Pint of Poetry Join Kelly from the Poetry Circle to write poetry around a pint and enjoy a great evening of fun!

RSVP: www.eventbrite.co.uk.

Venue: Two Brewers, Springfield Road.

Join us to hear from Riley Thorold who is leading the RSA’s work 27th October - 6pm to 8pm - Light Parade in this area and a chance to take part in a taster of a deliberative Leaving Meteorway Scout Hut at 6pm to walk through Central Park, process, on the topic of Climate Action. It’s going to be a packed Bell Meadow Park, down by A Canteen, and up Chelmsford High evening so please arrive from 6.30pm for drinks and nibbles, to be in Street. your seats and ready to start promptly at 7pm.

RSVP: www.eventbrite.co.uk.

14 www.moulshamtimes.com

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15

The Singing Chef Hello you lovely lot, hope you’re all well. This month I have a yummy recipe that will save you lots of money if you often like to order in an Indian takeaway. You will need some time - an hour maybe - to tend to this lovely, warming curry. The kids seriously love the potatoes, but I take the chicken off the bone for them before serving.

A lot of you will know that I like to support Cool to be Kind, helping our rough sleepers, and as Thursday the 10th October is National Homeless Day it would be lovely to involve more of you.

Every Sunday evening a group of very special volunteers meet up and serve hot food, desserts and snacks to around 40 homeless people.

If anyone would like to make this curry or any other hearty dish for an up-and-coming evening, please contact Cool to be Kind on Facebook or email me and I’ll put you in contact with the relevant person. It can be quite expensive, but do note that some local supermarkets will help with the cost for a mention on Facebook. When I cooked, Tesco gave me a £30 gift card towards the ingredients, which was very helpful.

This is the most amazing Curry! DO NOT ORDER A TAKEAWAY THIS WEEK. TRY THIS!! You will not be disappointed. This is, sorry was, Nanny Razia Fazel’s Special Secret Curry with Chicken and Potatoes.

OMG. The golden/sunset colour of the potatoes, so soft there’s no need for teeth. The onions dark and toasty. The stock thickens into the most delicious sauce.

I have been given permission to publish this. Thankyou Tahira!

It takes some care and a little time - you can’t rush this stunning dish. The mouthwatering aromas float through the house and the goodness you receive from the delicate spices are sure to keep you in tip top form for the coming winter.

Ingredients: 8 pieces of bone in chicken pieces (The bones keep the chicken moist and add flavour).

4 large potatoes cubed about 1 inch squared and just covered and soaked in water. PLEASE NOTE: the water is important for this curry; don’t throw it away or change it.

3 tbsp rapeseed oil (for the flavour and beautiful orange colour).

1 tbsp butter.

1 onion.

1 bay leaf.

5 cloves of garlic.

1 tsp cumin seeds toasted and crushed.

1 tsp coriander seeds toasted and crushed.

1 tsp ground coriander. ½ tsp ground ginger.

1 tbsp turmeric.

1 tsp chilli flake - or less depending on your taste (add fresh green chilli for an extra hot punch).

1 tbsp gram masala.

Fresh coriander and yogurt and any breads of your choice.

Method: (You can use either a wok or frying pan).

Sweat down your onions and garlic in oil and butter with the bay leaf until they’re golden.

Add all your dry spices and mix.

Add chicken, stir and cook until brown (about 25 mins).

Add the potatoes and the water, cover and cook for a further 25 mins until soft, stirring every now and then making sure the chicken is cooking on both sides. Serve with rice, nann bread and whatever else takes your fancy!

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

16 www.moulshamtimes.com

Autumn Days Autumn days when the grass is jewelled And the silk inside a chestnut shell.

Jetplanes meeting in the air to be refuelled.

All these things I love so well…

So begins a children’s hymn by Estelle White who died a few years ago. An amusing anecdote is that a choir in Norfolk, near where Estelle White lived, walked out of church when asked to sing this hymn as they thought it far too banal - a view certainly not shared by Miss White!

What do we sing about in these autumn days? I was astonished to find Christmas goods already on sale in my local supermarket when I did a little necessary shopping earlier. No doubt ersatz versions of Christmas carols will soon be gracing our ears as part of the high street experience. I sympathise with the rather sour observation that Christmas starts earlier every year, but I think this dash for the midwinter festival as soon as summer draws to a close hides a sadder truth.

In American English, autumn is known as ‘the fall’. It is the fall of the year from the vitality of summer into the hibernation of winter. Few people, I think, welcome the onset of winter. Colds, ’flu, chilblains, bad weather, cancelled arrangements, huge heating bills, overstretched emergency services... the list of negatives for wintertime seems endless. No wonder that (in Europe) the date of Christmas has been changed several times to squat on older, pagan, midwinter festivals such as Yule (sacred to the god Odin) and Samhain (the ancient Celtic solstice feast). It seems that nowadays we need to look forward to the razzmatazz and excitement of a big winter bash to assure ourselves we are still alive, despite the worst that winter can do, rather than enjoy the gentle, rustic beauty of Keats’ ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’.

But we know in our hearts there is much to savour about autumn.

The following snippet from the Bible illuminates this, connecting autumn with spring: “Even as they pass through the Valley of Sorrow, they make it like spring; and the autumn rain covers it in blessings...”

(Psalm 84, v.6) Why wait for midwinter festivals to celebrate our place in creation?

Even if we can’t identify with jetplanes meeting in the air to be refuelled, surely we can still sing along with the chorus of Estelle White’s hymn:

Heritage Open Days Heritage Open Days was once again a great success this year.

Alan and Paul of Chelmsford Civic Society would like to thank everyone who attended an event, everyone who volunteered at the venues, and everyone who gave their venue for events for free!

It stayed dry throughout the whole 10 days right up until the last hour of the events.

Next year the dates will be 11th to 20th of September.

To stay up to date, visit www. chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk

“So I mustn’t forget No, I mustn’t forget.

To say a great big Thank You I mustn’t forget!” (©1969 Stainer & Bell Ltd. and McCrimmon Publishing Company Ltd) Gareth Bennett Music Minister, Christ Church URC, Chelmsford Christ Church URC: 164 New London Road, Chelmsford CM2 0AW www.christ-church-chelmsford. com 01245 354 529 cchubdesk@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook or Twitter

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17

After the nightmare of the Egyptian border, I relaxed in the dive resort of Dahab for a week before returning to the border to get my motorbike. It took me a further seven hours, but eventually rode away with Egyptian number plates into the Sinai desert.

It took me two days to ride through temperatures of over 45° to get to Cairo. I stayed there and achieved what many people told me could be unachievable: I secured visas for both Sudan and Ethiopia!

The main potential problem for me in the whole trip was behind me, I could now head south, following the Nile through Egypt and Sudan arriving at its source in Ethiopia.

Having rode in the deserts of Iran and Pakistan in 2014, I thought I was prepared for the eastern Sahara. How wrong I was! Temperatures were in the high forties everyday, and I struggled to enjoy the riding some days. I got into a routine of getting up at 4am and being on the road before 5am, starting riding in the dark and watching the sunrise above the desert - it was spectacular. However, by 8.30am the temperature would be stifling. On a few occasions I reached my destination by mid morning, but invariably it was early or mid afternoon when I arrived.

Not everything in life has to have an immediate positive result to make it worth doing. Whilst riding through the desert was very hard - not just the temperatures, but the remoteness - upon reflection every evening, and now whilst writing this, I feel a great sense of accomplishment. I feel stronger both mentally and physically having completed such an adventure. It’s amazing what we can all achieve when we challenge ourselves!

I loved Egypt and the Egyption people, so welcoming and friendly. The Sudanese even friendlier, possibley the most friendly people I’ve met.

That’s not to say the Ethiopians weren’t friendly, they were friendly too. From my experience, in all of the countries I’ve passed through since crossing the Mediterranean, the people have shown so much warmth and friendliness to me. How lovely; it’s all about the people.

Egypt and Sudan was about crossing the eastern Sahara. I achieved that challenge and arrived at the Ethiopian border. Some borders don’t really define differences, whereas others are striking! As I crossed the dry, dusty, dilapidated border into Ethiopia it was like being transported to another world. The scenery changed instantly from a dry, arid landscape, to lush green fertile land. Having been in Muslim countries for a month or two, it was like arriving in the wild west. Within metres of crossing the border, people came up to me offering me food and beer, I could hear modern music coming from the shed-like buildings, women were smiling and talking to me. Wow,

I’m going to like Ethiopia, I thought.

After 2,000 miles of desert, I was physically tired, and the new world I entered was so welcoming. Ethiopia north to south is high in the mountains throughout. I quickly ascended to 2,000 metres where I was cold for the first time in months. Over the next 10 days I would ride through beautiful mountains with the brightest green forests and crops growing on plateaus. The majority of wildlife I had seen were camels, now I was surrounded by beautiful coloured birds, snakes and monkeys.

Life in Ethiopia is directly associated with the road; people live next to it, children as young as two play on it. Herdsmen and women take their livestock along it. Farmers dry their crops on it. Such a manic and beautiful way to travel. It forced me to be slow, as at any second somebody or animal could walk out in front of me. I stopped in so many villages, people made me the most wonderful coffee, great food...

Then I arrived in Addis Ababa, the awful capital city. High in the mountains at over 2,500 metres, it’s cold at night and it was the end of the rainy season. My body started aching for the first time in many months, I had stomach pains and my mental health deteriorated quickly. I questioned why I was travelling, I wanted to be home, not here I kept thinking... After resting for a few days, I left and headed south to the Kenya border as quickly as I could. Over the following days my health, both physical and mental improved. I prefer riding and being in small towns and villages, give me nature all day long!

The rain had caused the southern Ethiopian roads to deteriorate and were washed away in places. I both loved the challenge of riding in extreme conditions (mud), and found it difficult at times. I arrived at the Kenya Border looking like I had just rode through many days of mud. I had!

My health was continually improving as I rode through northern Kenya. I really enjoyed the remoteness, wonderful people and new wildlife. I passed ostriches, gazelles, monkeys and huge herds of camels. My destination for a mid-Africa stop was Nairobi. I was so pleased when I arrived at ‘Jungle Junction’, a place for overlanders to stop, rest and prepare for onward travel.

Over the last three days I’ve serviced and repaired my motorbike, washed the mud from everything I have, and have sorted my mental health out. Tomorrow I leave for the final leg of my adventure, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and finally Cape Agulhas, South Africa.

I’m fully fit both mentally and physically, and my bike feels like new.

Roll on the next few months. danskeates.com

18 www.moulshamtimes.com

Personal Finance Clinic: What Is Inheritance Tax and Should I Worry About It? As a financial adviser, I discuss Inheritance Tax regularly with my clients. A few shrug their shoulders and say, ‘I’ll be dead; I don’t care’, but most feel very strongly that it’s a tax against assets you’ve already paid tax on.

Both views are valid, but there’s good news for the second group in that there are plenty of ways to reduce or even eliminate it... as long as you start planning early enough.

So, what exactly is it? Inheritance Tax is a tax levied against a person’s estate on death. Once any allowances are used up, Inheritance Tax is charged at 40% on the rest. Yes, 40%! The tax man gets a very big slice.

Many people also don’t realise that Inheritance Tax must be paid by the executor of the deceased’s will before the estate is released to any beneficiaries. This can cause major problems if there is a large bill to pay. It’s not unusual for executors to have to take out short term bank loans to pay the Inheritance Tax in order to release the estate to the beneficiaries.

estate from Inheritance Tax and pass on more to the people you love.

Lauren Peters, Senior Financial Adviser at Fiducia Wealth Management, is a Chartered Financial Planner. She also holds the Pensions Specialist and Later Life Specialist qualifications.

Fiducia Wealth Management has offices at Saxon House, 27 Duke Street, Chelmsford CM1 1HT (01245 950 922) and at Dedham Hall Business Centre, Brook Street, Dedham, Colchester CO7 6AD (01206 321 045).

You can contact Lauren directly via lauren@fiduciawealth.co.uk. www.fiduciawealth.co.uk

Everyone has an allowance against Inheritance Tax - called the Nil Rate Band - of £325,000. There is also a Residence Nil Rate Band, which is an allowance applied when you pass on properly to children or grandchildren. This allowance is currently £150,000, increasing to £175,000 from 6th April 2020.

So, from 6th April 2020, many people will be able to pass on up to £500k before paying Inheritance Tax. But be aware, the Residence Nil Rate Band starts to be reduced if your estate exceeds £2m. Plus, if you don’t have children or grandchildren to bequeath property to, you can’t use it at all.

If you are married or in a civil partnership, it’s worth knowing that you can pass all of your estate to your other half without Inheritance Tax being due. If you do this, they can inherit your Nil Rate Band and Residence Nil Rate Band and use these allowances against the total estate on their death. So, from 6th April 2020, a married couple could potentially pass on an estate worth £1m before tax is due, when the second person dies.

It sounds like a lot, but property values can easily take up half of this allowance in many parts of the country.

Should you worry about Inheritance Tax? It’s a personal thing, but if you think your estate is likely to exceed your available allowances, it’s worth having a chat with a financial adviser to discuss. In some cases, the tax man could be as big a beneficiary of your worldly assets as your children! Plus, the rules can and do change from time to time. With an appraisal of your situation, it’s quite possible there are some simple things you can do now in order to protect your www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia 19

Human Fruit Machine in full working order - all the way from Las Vegas

Out and About In the Community It does surprise me sometimes when I talk about Rotary that so many people do not know much about it, some even say they have apparently never heard of it. Yet here Rotary is, supporting good causes all over the place - locally, nationally and internationally.

There may well be a case for being unaware of the projects supported

by Rotary overseas. We all understand that many countries do not enjoy the same standards as in Britain. There are shortcomings in education facilities, health, sanitation and food. There are also natural disasters bringing devastation to already under resourced areas. In both instances Rotary steps in to help, to provide much needed aid. I could cite numerous examples of where Rotary has made a difference worldwide, and these include projects run by Chelmsford Rotary clubs.

Supplying financial or hands-on aid is not confined to global disasters.

When the UK experienced severe floods such as in Somerset and Cumbria, Rotarians stepped in filling sandbags and providing blankets, tents and essential food and drinking water. There is now a dedicated Rotary fund explicitly for UK Disaster Relief.

But more strangely is the lack of knowledge of what Rotarians are doing in the city of Chelmsford. Many times I have written about the youth competitions organised by our clubs or the treats given to our elderly residents. You will see many of the local charities supported by Rotary such as the Chelmsford Community Bus or Kids Inspire. Joy is brought to disabled people through KidsOut and other schemes. We have long supported CHESS for the homeless in Chelmsford. I could go on listing literally hundreds of such projects.

If the public knows very little of Rotary beyond Christmas collections, then it must be our fault - so we are going to be more visual in bringing home the message. Over a recent weekend Rotary had a stand at the National Country Park Show in Hylands Park. It was a great success, thanks in large to the wonderful Human Fruit Machine which engaged the children giving us the opportunity of talking to their parents about the advantages provided through Rotary.

Our Public Image Team is preparing a list of similar events where Rotarians will be seen. Some of these will include free Blood Pressure 20

Days carried out by members who are also doctors or nurses. This is a vital service for local people and could save lives. We will also continue with providing prostate tests, which most men do their best to avoid if requests come from their GP. We think we are already very prominent on the streets of Chelmsford and surrounding areas but clearly this is not sufficient. Some of these shows are already in existence, but the overall message is not getting through - that is if Rotary is to continue with all the invaluable work it does then it needs fresh blood (not literally).

The Rotary Club of Chelmsford is organising a Club Showcase at Hampton’s Sports and Leisure Club off Beehive Lane on Thursday the 21st November at lunchtime. It will be a chance for anyone who has an interest in wishing to learn about the club and the various ways in which you can get involved.

This could be as a full member, a corporate business member, a Friend of Rotary and a couple of other possibilities. There will be much more about this in the next issue of Moulsham Times, but please feel free to contact me now for more details if you Rotary organising a fundraiser for would like to attend.

British Post Polio Syndrome victims My phone number is 01245 260 349, or you can email communications@chelmsford.rotary1240.org.

There is no doubt that one of the main benefits from joining Rotary is the personal satisfaction you get from helping others. We are trying to make it easy for you to share the Rotary experience.

Stan Keller

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21

Hello all. Hope all is well with you. The weather’s playing games again, warmer than it was for most of June. Good though.

Did you get a chance to go to one of the Heritage Open Days this month? If you are not aware of these, there were 32 events held all over Chelmsford during September. The events are organised every year and include visits to buildings or organisations some of which are not normally open to the public. You can read more about them at www.chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk. This year they included Essex Police Headquarters, the Salvation Army building and the Cathedral.

We went on a few. A walk through the city centre with guide and historian Alan Pamphilon, who is extremely knowledgable and very entertaining. He often dresses in clothes appropriate to the subject of the walk. Alan hosts many of these tours throughout the year and they are well worth attending. You can see the range on his website, www.chelmsfordhistorywalks.uk. He even does a ghost walk! We also had a tour around Anglia Ruskin University. Again, with a very informative guide. So if you missed out this year, make a note to check next September’s brochure. On another tour, we were shown the council chambers. Inside the building, there are several paintings showing lots of different events from the history of Essex. The guide explained that there were chandeliers in the grand foyer, but they had been taken down and it is not known where they are now. I think they probably regret giving an ancestor of Derek Trotter’s the cleaning contract!

In the press this month, another example of ‘The World’s Gone Mad’, when it was reported that Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service scrapped their mascot - a children’s cartoon character called Fireman Sam. In each episode he manages to save people or animals using his skills. He always succeeds and there is a message on each occasion, hopefully discouraging dangerous actions. Apparently, he is not to be used any more because he may put off people from ethnic minorities and the like. I can see it now, a potential recruit would be saying, ‘I was going to join the service, but as they have this mascot, I am not now...’ What absolute nonsense!

I am worried that the worldwide reputation of the country is getting worse by the day. One thing that we are getting much better at these days though, is creating fiascos (Is that a word?).

Fiasco Number One. Brexit: Need I say more...

Fiasco Number Two. HS2 (Half Speed 2?): I didn’t realise that HS1 was the channel tunnel link from London. I think that they must have borrowed the lottery number selection machine to calculate the forecast expenditure and timescales. This could have been more accurate if they had read the end of the instruction ‘select the balls,

then multiply all results by 2’.

Fiasco Number Three. The Smart Meter. Have you got one yet? These are gas and electricity meters that they say will save us all money on the utility bills. In a report, it is suggested that these savings will be about £36 a year by 2034. Don’t think I’ll worry about it then. There is a little display that shows how much is being used in real time (is there such a thing as unreal time?) Now, I don’t know about you, but my annual bill does not change that much, and I know that if I use an appliance, it will cost me money, so what is the smart meter doing?

Complete installation for all homes was supposed to be finished in 2021, now it is 2024, and some ‘experts’ are telling us that this date is unlikely too. There are numerous other fiasco examples. So come on people of Great Britain, at least we are good at something!

The main question now, is which of these will be completed first?

I was driving in Chelmsford recently and witnessed something I didn’t think I would ever see. I was following one of those big 4X4s and directly behind me was one of those fast, expensive saloons. We came up to a junction, and both drivers used their indicators! This happened at a further three junctions and a roundabout. Incredible!

A heading in one of the newspapers this month read: Brexit Fears About Raspberries. My imagination went into overdrive. Was this Boris up to his tricks? He made reference to the Incredible Hulk recently. I was concerned that, at one of the EU meetings he would follow the example of the Two Ronnie’s Phantom Raspberry Blower of old London Town and make rude noises at the President of the EU, but in turns out that it’s about the possible shortage of fruit.

Do you think that some people act oddly in shops, especially supermarkets? I have noticed that some do not want to be separated from their shopping on the belt at the checkout and insist of walking slowly toward the cashier next to it, which leads to me having to rush when they finally move.

Just a totally unconnected thought: If the White House in Washington has a cat, will it be called Trumpet?

Bin end chuckles: If you sign somebody’s plaster cast with a rude message, is it adding insult to injury?

Remember Billy Connolly’s advice: Never trust a man, who, when he is left in a room with a tea cosy, doesn’t try it on...

22 www.moulshamtimes.com

Spot 10 Differences... (answers on page 31)

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23

Neighbourhood Watch Hi All it’s your Friendly Neighbourhood Ayman here, I dont have a particular topic this month so I thought I’d just go for a news update!

We’ve had a lot of activity this month, some positive and some not so positive.

The season change and school starting has meant we’ve had quite a few cars targeted and windows smashed on a few vehicles where bags have been left out on seats. It appears to be one individual on a bike doing a smash and grab near Moulsham School and Widford Lodge. We had three in one day.

One person was even watched entering their pin at Tesco Metro on Moulsham Street; they were followed to their car and their bag taken from there. Sadly the owner had the same pin for a number of their cards...

Please ensure you have different pins for your cards, and please lock your belongings in the boot of your car or take your bag with you - even if you’re away for just 5 minutes! That’s all it took in one incident.

After the season’s changed, we’ve had some late night break ins affecting three cars that I’m aware of. This was a few weeks ago and things have now gone quiet.

Oaklands Park continues to be busy with a few teenagers causing problems for some of the neighbours and cars around the area. This is being investigated by the police.

The Neighbourhood Watch Whatsapp group is continuing to be a positive success and the combination of neighbours reporting and the police responding is helping to make a number of successful searches for the police. We’ve had a number of arrests related to Class A drugs and antisocial behaviour.

I can’t emphasis enough the continued need to report all incidents.

Options for non-emergency situations are to dial 101 or go online at www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online, or send info to your NhW Coordinator on Whatsapp.

Through our neighbours and police working together, we’ve also had arrests and charges based on burglaries in the area too. This could not have been done if it wasn’t for those neighbours working on getting the CCTV and sharing info and providing it to the police. It was great to see such good teamwork between neighbours and the police.

We’ve also had a few neighbours report that have received bogus calls from their Internet provider telling them that their Internet will be cut off. Please be careful with these calls and do not call the number they provide.

Sadly, bikes continue to be targeted. Im aware of three recently, including one just bought as a birthday present. So far these are not being taken from shed break-ins, but from opportunists finding bikes in easily visible places.

This leads on to what can we do about bikes? Get them registered!

PCSOs are holding a bike marking event on the 28th October at 12pm in Chelmsford High Street. It’s on a first come first serve basis and is expected to be busy. Please arrive their early and remember it’s a pedestrianised area.

Some good news to note. It was great to see Facebook at work when neighbours were able to help find an autistic young man, getting him reunited with his family.

One neighbour also highlighted that Old Moulsham has the best of both worlds; 10 minutes from the river with peace and quite and then 10 minutes the other way with the vibrant hustle-bustle of the city centre. We can often forget how fortunate we are.

Please continue to join the FB page Old Moulsham Neighbourhood Watch. Until next time, stay safe and be vigilant.

Ayman Syed Moulsham and Central NhW Coordinator aymansyed@gmail.com

It Is That Time of Year Chimney Sweeping Chelmer Chimney Services is based in Chelmsford and was born ten years ago, when Mark, being a research and development engineer for over twenty years, was made redundant. I am his wife, Sandra, and although I am a qualified chimney sweep too, I stay in the office taking care of booking the appointments and everything admin - it is very helpful having the knowledge to help customers over the phone with advice and tips.

We are professional chimney sweeps and belong to The Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps and follow the Industry Standard National Code of Practice for the cleaning of chimneys. On completion of works, a Sweeping Certificate is issued. This can be used for your insurance company if required. We take pride in offering a professional, thorough, no mess service at a fair price. After all, we want you to ask us back and recommend us to your friends!

We also belong to HETAS who are the official Government body of the solid fuel industry to approve solid fuel domestic heating appliances, fuels and services. For chimney sweeps, this means that they can provide the highest level of professional service to their customers while having the support and experience of national trade organisations.

Mark is a Master Sweep and has many other qualifications, including Thatch Roof expertise and CCTV qualification.

Why should I sweep my chimney?

Chimneys and flue-ways should be cleaned and checked at least once every year to ensure they are free from soot and debris and in full working order.

Each time a fireplace is used, soot collects on the inside of the chimney. An excess build-up of soot inside a chimney will eventually cause smoke to back up and flow into your home, or worse still, start a fire inside the chimney. This will also avoid the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, hence employ a professional qualified Chimney Sweep. An inexpensive annual sweep by a professional will reduce the risk of these problems ever affecting you.

How often should I sweep my chimney?

Smokeless fuel - At least once a year Wood - Quarterly, when in use Coal - Twice a year Oil - Once a year Gas - Once a year How long does it take to sweep a chimney?

We always allow on average one hour. Inglenooks and chimneys with a blockage (ie, a birds’ nest) will take longer, Regular sweeping is important. Always use a professional chimney sweep.

Mark & Sandra Hagon - Chelmer Chimney Services 01245 258 406 www.chelmerchimneys.co.uk

24 www.moulshamtimes.com

1.

Quiz Time

by John Theedom

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On which island are Bob Marley and Noel Coward buried?

In Wales, what exactly is ‘laver’?

What is sometimes called the oyster plant?

At a race meeting, what is a call over?

What is the name given to the killing of a brother?

What do ‘too many cooks’ do?

Which saint is the Saint of Fishermen?

Which zodiac sign is the bull?

Mount Etna is on which island?

What was the other name for mens’ knickerbockers?

What is a decalogue usually called?

What does the term AWOL stand for?

How many old pennies were there in a florin?

Throwing events in the Olympics are javelin, discus, shotput and which other?

In which country are cows considered sacred?

What is another name for the northern lights?

What are cone-bearing trees called?

Where would you expect to find The Ocean of Storms?

What nationality was William Tell?

How did Icarus die?

What is Bruce Springsteen’s nickname?

What is the drink poteen made from?

Which musical instrument does Bill Clinton play?

What was the nationality of Adolf Hitler?

What is the unit of currency of Poland?

What is measured using the Beaufort Scale?

What is a Gurkha’s knife called?

In archery, what material are the arrow shafts made of?

Where did the Great Fire of London break out in 1666?

This Month!

(Answers on page 31)

30. The disease is AIDS, but what do the initials stand for?

31. What are the scientists who study volcanoes called?

32. Who was the well known actress famous for saying ‘come up and see me sometime’?

33. To which Scottish village do couples run away to get married?

34. Is parsley an annual, biennial or perennial plant?

35. How many red balls are in snooker?

36. Where, on a garment is a fob?

37. Who led the Argonauts?

38. What kind of food is raita?

39. What was King Ethelred’s nickname?

40. Who is the man reputed to be ‘the greatest lover of all time’?

The Remo Four: 1958-1970 Although managed by Brian Epstein, The Remo Four functioned more as a backing group for other artists. They were formed in 1958 as The Remo Quartet by Colin Manley and Don Andrew, when they teamed up with Keith Stokes, vocals and guitar, and Harry Prytherch on drums. They started playing locally at parties or wherever they could find gigs, and changed the name to The Remo Four in the summer of 1959. They featured a lot of guitar instrumentals inspired

by The Shadows and did vocal harmonies in the style of The Everly Brothers. By 1961 they were voted one of the three best bands in Liverpool. They played at The Cavern Club in 1961 and 1962, while also in ‘61 they featured in Operation Big Beat at New Brighton’s Tower Ballroom, with Gerry and the Pacemakers, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes and Kingsize Taylor and the Dominoes. Whereas Hamburg had been a great learning curve for The Beatles and many other Liverpudlians, The Remo Four found more interest in French US air bases. They also got to play on the same bill as their heroes, The Shadows, at the only occasion that the Shads played The Cavern.

They took on a lead singer between ‘62 and ‘64 in the shape of Johnny Sandon, followed by Tommy Quickly, while Roy Dyke replaced Harry Prytherch on drums. At that point Brian Epstein signed them to his NEMS organisation. They released Tip of My Tongue with Quickly, as well as instrumental compositions of their own.

Wayne Bickerton and Tony Waddington soon came and went from the band, heading for the US with Pete Best - The Beatles’ drummer before Ringo. Tony Ashton joined on keyboards and vocals in place of Don Andrew. The group also backed Billy J Kramer (another Epstein/ NEMS artist) as The New Dakotas, where his previous backing band had been just called The Dakotas. On their own they came up with a jazz-rock fusion album called Smile on the German Star Club’s label. Late in ‘67 George Harrison used the group for the soundtrack for his film Wonderwall, a title and idea attached to the film which Oasis were to resurrect in the early days of their career. The Remo’s contribution was mainly instrumental, but George did sing on one track. They also backed Billy Fury late in his career during the sixties.

After The Remos disbanded in 1970, Tony Aston and Roy Dyke joined Kim Gardner to form Ashton Gardner and Dyke. Kim Gardner had been in Creation, and The Birds (as opposed to the US Byrds) with Ronnie Wood. Ashton later played with members of Deep Purple.

Manly joined the Swinging Blue Jeans. He died of cancer in 1999, so did Tony Ashton in 2001, and Keith Stokes died in 2010.

Rory Storm and the Hurricanes: 1959-1967 This group was the one that young Richard Starkey, aka Ringo Starr, played in before he joined The Beatles.

In 1960 they were more popular than the Fab Four, so no wonder that John, George and Paul looked to them when wanting to replace Pete Best on drums. The two groups really got to know each other when they were both playing in Hamburg.

Rory, born Alan Caldwell, formed the group in 1959, and became known for his acrobatic stage performances. The group started out as the Raving Texans, but soon changed that the same year. With Ian Broad on guitar, they played Liverpool Stadium in 1960 supporting Gene Vincent, which brought them to public notice. There were recordings made of them playing in mixed line-ups with The Beatles in Hamburg, such as Lou Walters from The Hurricanes singing and playing bass, Ringo, rather than Pete Best, on drums, joined by John 28

Mersey Beat Part Three

by John Power

Paul and George, as an indication of alliances being formed. The tapes did not survive, or even any of The Hurricanes with Ringo on them. The band did make a couple of singles after Ringo had left in 1963 and 1964.

Ringo also played with Tony Sheridan - an established rocker from the London 2i’s Coffee Bar skiffle scene - and his band for a while in Hamburg, but caught up with The Hurricanes at Butlins in Skegness when back in England briefly in 1962, before being asked to join The Beatles. John Lennon said later that Pete Best was a great drummer but that Ringo was a better ‘Beatle’, meaning that he shared their sense of humour.

Gibson Kemp replaced Ringo in The Hurricanes. He was later a third of Paddy, Klaus and Gibson with German Klaus Voorman, who had been boyfriend of Astrid Kirshner from Hamburg who did the early iconic photos of The Beatles, like those that appeared on the Twist and Shout EP. Astrid was also engaged to ‘fifth Beatle’ Stuart Sutcliffe when he died in Hamburg in 1962. She finally married Gibson Kemp, while Klaus Voorman played bass on occasions with The Beatles and in Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band. He also did the artwork for the cover of the Revolver album.

With The Beatles success, many Liverpool groups jumped on the beat bandwagon and The Hurricanes slid down the pecking order of fans. Rory’s voice was quite high and did not lend itself to belting out rock vocals. Neither did the band write any of their own material, but simply bashed out US covers. Three recordings of them were gathered on This is Mersey Beat Vol.Two compilation along with Dr Feelgood/I Can Tell, a single from ‘63, and America/Since You Broke My Heart from ‘64 on Parlophone Records, produced by Brian Epstein, with Ringo on drums.

There were several personnel changes after Ringo left the band, but the group kept going until 1967. Rory became a deejay, but died in 1972 in a suspected suicide. Three more tracks by the band were released in the 1990s, all recorded in ‘63.

Faron’s Flamingos: 1959 - and On Faron’s Flamingos were originally known as The Ravens, or some times Robin and the Ravens, when they formed in 1959 consisting of Nicky Crouch on guitar and vocals, Billy Jones also guitar and vocals, Eric London on bass and Trevor Morais on drums. In 1961 Faron Ruffley from The Tempest Tornados became lead singer which led to the name change. London and Jones left in ‘62 and Dave Cooper from The Undertakers joined on bass/guitar and vocals followed by Paddy Chambers. Faron and Morais displayed comedic acrobatic skills on stage. The group became successful in France by 1962.

Cooper left in 1963, so Faron took over bass as well as singing. ‘Let’s Stomp, So Fine and Talkin’ ‘bout You by the group are all appear on the This Is Mersey Beat collection. Do You Love Me, with See If She Cares intended to be the b-side, was recorded for Oriole Records in 1963, but Do You Love Me was also recorded by Brian Poole and The Tremeloes, who had a hit with it, as did The Dave Clark Five, so the Flamingos’ b-side was promoted instead. Also in 1963 Shake Sherry/ Give Me Time was released but did not result in national chart success.

Faron and Paddy joined versions of The Big Three, Crouch joined the Mojos, and Morais joined jazz-rock combo The Peddlars. Faron reformed The Flamingos in 1965 and found renewed success in France. There have been ongoing reformations in Liverpool involving saxist Brian Jones (not the Stone!) who had been in The Undertakers.

Faron’s health became poor so his gigs were rare, although The Flamingoes did gig without him separately. In the mid 1970s, old tracks were reissued on the United Artists label compilation Mersey Beat 1962-64.

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Blesma, The Limbless Veterans Moves to Chelmsford A national military charity that helps injured veterans to lead independent and fulfilling lives has relocated its headquarters to Chelmsford.

Blesma will mark their first event in Chelmsford with their Christmas Carol Service at Chelmsford Cathedral, Duke Street on 5th December 2019.

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans moved into 115 New London Road on Monday 23rd September, with an opening launch planned for 10th October.

For more information about the service or to attend, please contact Abbi Wilkins on cceo@blesma.org, or call 0208 548 7084.

The move is the result of a lengthy review in which trustees of the charity concluded that their office in Chadwell Heath was no longer fit for purpose and it would be more cost-effective in the long term, as well as being in the best interest of the association, to purchase the more suitable and accessible building. The new building will house 30 office employees whose roles include welfare support, prosthetic advice, organising rehabilitation activities, communications and fundraising. It is hoped that this move will lead to more member and staff interaction and provide members, Blesma staff and trustees with a far more efficient work environment.

Blesma was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932. Blesma is dedicated to assisting serving and ex-service men and women who have suffered limb loss or the loss of use of a limb, or an eye or loss of sight, to rebuild their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support.

Today Blesma is one of only around ten charities that still exist from the 18,000 that were born out of the First World War. Barry Le Grys, Blesma’s Chief Executive, said: “After a significant exercise in due diligence and considering all our options we are very pleased to arrive in Chelmsford where we are up and running after a weekend move from Chadwell Heath. We look forward to engaging with the local community as a national but specialist services charity.�

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27

All About Moulsham Lodge Moulsham Lodge Community Trust We are now on the homeward straight with the building work at the community station, and we anticipate the builders having left the building by the end of September. That does then leave the volunteers to do all the decorating, painting and the installation of the kitchen.

The internal alterations of the building have removed a long corridor which was a waste of space, and one meeting room. We divided what was the largest meeting room to create a utility/storage room and the remainder is part of the larger area which will make up the café space.

There will still be meeting room space available to hire and for now that constitutes one large room, but we’ve had the building work done so that in time we can install a movable sliding partition to allow the room to be hired as two smaller individual spaces. The photos show some of the work in progress and particularly the difference the bifold doors make to the overall space.

Our sign language class will resume in October and details of when the café will open will be confirmed via social media and on our notice board.

We are planning an open day in November when we will say thank you to all those who have helped in fundraising to allow us to make the changes to the building. This will allow people to come along and see the results of the work and enjoy some refreshments with us.

This is a very exciting time for Moulsham Lodge Community Trust and we hope that all of the work will allow us to provide a central hub that the people of Moulsham Lodge and Tile Kiln will enjoy. www.mlct.org.uk enquiries@mlct.org.uk 07411 808 731 Also, search for us on Facebook and Twitter

Cllr Mark Springett - Moulsham Lodge Ward John Shennan Friends of John Shennan Playing Field would like to say thank you for the great turnout on their open day. Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate Marie Goldman came along to find out what ideas people had for the green space and were thankful that it had been taken out of the plan, which means there will no longer be 200 homes on the field.

To date, around 400 people have responded to the survey and expressed some preferences for what they would like to see in the future. These range from additional school car parking to a forestry school. One of the main features I would personally like to see is a new community facility, now recognising this could impact immediate neighbours, it would have to be planned in a very sympathetic way to minimise this impact. The design would also have to consider the visual effect and blend into its green location. Whatever happens, the community will be fully consulted.

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Essex 2020 You may have heard Chelmsford has been selected to host the British Science Festival. This will be the first time it has ever appeared in Essex in its 188 year history. There will be lots of events over the whole year, so hopefully everyone will have an opportunity to enjoy this celebration. Visit www.essexfuture.org.uk/essex-2020 for more details.

In other news, The Army & Navy flyover has been shut for good.

You may remember I was part of a campaign to review the safety of the flyover following large chunks of concrete which fell from the road deck. They subsequently repaired two of the feet which we discovered had moved. The recent hot weather had also moved three more of the feet and a recent engineering report has resulted in its closure. The Task Force is now looking into the future of this junction and other possible designs elsewhere in the city. It needs funding, and this will have to come from Government, so I don’t expect a quick fix to this traffic nightmare. I’ll include any updates as they become available. mark.springett@chelmsfordlibdems.org.uk 07411 808731 www.markspringett.co.uk/blog Twitter: @markspringett (and also on Facebook)

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Tile Kiln Corner - by Linda Mascot Tile Kiln Church in Robin Way are holding their annual Gift of Christmas Community Day on Sunday October 13th from 1-3pm in the Church Hall.

A small team of people from Tile Kiln Church and the community are taking Christmas gift bags for underprivileged children to Romania again this year and invite all ages to come and help pack the bags with toys, games, stationery, sweets, toiletries etc.

The project provides an opportunity for one community to help another and gives us an awareness of people living in very different and more difficult circumstances to our own, which shows care for others and faith in action.

This is always a fun event with a great atmosphere and refreshments.

Any donations of the above items welcomed as well as clean, secondhand clothes to either sell to fundraise or take to Romania and distribute. For more information and details of how to be part of the team going out to Romania on 21st November, email

marywood2012@me.com.

Tile Kiln Church Toddler Group is an informal group for play, craft and chat with refreshments and music for 50p per family and has spaces on Mondays from 1.30-2.45pm, or Tuesdays from 9-10.30am. Call 01245 269 691 for more information.

The Clay Pigeon pub in Robin Way are now offering a Sunday morning full English breakfast comprising of bacon, sausage, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, hash browns, scrambled or fried eggs, white or granary toast and unlimited tea or coffee for £7.50. Available from 9-11am with Sunday newspapers also provided. To book, phone 01245 358 971, or search ‘Clay Pigeon’ on Facebook.

If you have any community news or events you’d like to publicise in this area, please email me at mascotlinda@gmail.com, or contact me on Twitter: @lindamascot.

VAR Your Life?

If you’re a football fan, you won’t have failed to notice that the Premier League has introduced VAR (Video Assistant Referee) - and that it is controversial!

It’s to help referees avoid the clear and obvious mistakes that they sometimes make because they are human and football is played at a frenetic pace (oh, and because sometimes footballers cheat…).

It got me thinking; are there decisions I’ve made that I would like to take a second look at? Any decision that I’ve made that I’d like another go at making, knowing now what I didn’t at the time? Or worse, knowing I just made a bad choice, quite deliberately?

What about you? What would you ‘VAR’ in your life?

Are there any clear and obvious mistakes that you’ve made that you want to change, wish you could wipe out, long to delete?

Sadly, we don’t have the luxury of VAR in real life. Let’s save the arguments about whether it would spoil our lives like some claim it’s spoiling football for another time - but a vital question remains: what do we do when we make a decision that turn out to be wrong, or bad, or dangerous, or hurtful?

Jesus doesn’t offer to change the past.

He won’t let you go back and take a closer look with the help of VAR. But he does offer the chance to change your future. His offer is a whole-of-life kind of offer - he offers healing, forgiveness, help, peace, freedom. Not just in what we might think of as ‘religious’ spheres of life, but through the whole of life.

No decision is too bad or wrong or dangerous or ignorantly taken to be outside his reach. He brings light into exactly these kinds of dark places.

If you’re sceptical, try asking him!

Tim Goodall tim.goodall@tilekilnchurch.org.uk

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29

Why Is This Car so Cheap? - by Simon Inglis Today that is. Like many, it may someday be a classic. Yet the Mercedes CLK is in many eyes the prettiest Benz in 30 plus years.

The pillarless coupé is a class of car that Mercedes-Benz seems to have made its own. There’s plenty of useful tech, four proper seats and a decent boot. There’s a top speed (when new) of 155mph.

And even the V6 is very economical on a run at most national limits.

The equipment levels varied according to the options box but a lot of goodies came standard, then there’s the 5 star used car safety rating. Along with the Mercedes W212 E Class (from 2009 on), these cars are near the top sensible used car selections in their category.

Australia generally follows NCAP, but its equivalent - ANCAP, examines real world accidents which only vehicles of a certain age can be sources. The new car assessment involves a series of simulated tests, and while I’m not going to be so silly as to query their validity, the used car tests are most enlightening.

Most motoring authorities will be very clear about purchasing the newest car that you can afford. The Mercedes-Benz models I’ve just quoted are not new and yes they are now complex ageing luxury cars.

Yet it’s the purchase price, the independent garages and the era of Internet sourced parts that still scream ‘bargain!’ - surely? My most precious thing in life is my child. When he starts driving, given the focus on elaborate safety gadgetry you’d think I’d need to fork out a fortune on a new car to keep him safe. But the reality is that I do not.

Nor do I need to fork out for myself, my wife, my mother - nor indeed for anybody dear to me.

There are dozens of ‘safe’ cars on the market. Given these ‘real world crashes’ the data is often very surprising. An ‘08 Audi A4 seems to match the better models of 2019 just now coming to market. A 2007 to 2015 Ford Mondeo sells for a pittance now but gets the full 5 stars. No need for a luxury brand name then?

attest to the reality that not all 3, 5 or 10 year old cars are mobile coffins. Cars are certainly 10 to 20 percent dearer to buy here in Australia. The reasons for this are a separate subject, but focus mostly on unsalted roads even in the icier climates, a high level of standard specifications on imported cars in this country as well as an infuriating ‘luxury car tax’ that will start to hit at lower-premium SUV levels. Yet the used cars I’ve quoted earlier are downright cheap.

The 10 year old Audi A4 can be had with about 150,000km with a decent warranty for $6,000. The Mondeo, well try just $3,500. These are nice everyday cars with good fuel economy and comforts such as leather, climate control, rain sensing wipers and so-on. If you don’t get Bluetooth, well, why not add it via a decent aftermarket system?

Crucially, when junior turns 16 or 17, a Mondeo will be a nice car for college or visiting distant places. Also of course, we know that it is pretty safe!

If you’ve been thrown out of the house by your ex or a vicious landlord, how about a Volvo or Saab wagon? I kid you not, for the first night to the second month you can lay back at a safe spot and sleep in it. I should know, for I once ditched the idea of a tent, as well as a £40 services hotel room, and did precisely that! Although I’m not sure my ageing back could manage that now....

I’ve long extolled the virtues of a private plate and a nice car and it isn’t ‘bangernomics’ I’m necessarily ranting about. In this environmentally conscious era what bites me is that the production cost of a new car is seldom even cited let alone costed versus keeping good older cars a few more years.

If I can return to the extremely pretty CLK. In Australia the insurance structures are very different to those of the UK. Indeed, a 21 year old can have one. It’ll cost more than a 10 year old Camry but it shouldn’t require a second job to afford. Beyond my beloved Mercedes branded example there’s a world of pretty Fords, Peugeots, Volvos, perhaps a Lexus or two if that’s your thing. What is true is that the evidence is more than anecdotal.

There’s just no need to put yourself nor your most precious cargo - your family - in a clapped out banger if you really need to use the MasterCard to buy a set of wheels. Your children can have an interesting car too.

I’ll admit a fair degree of prejudice on this subject. I simply can’t afford a new car that I actually really want. The new cars I could have are awful (to me), so I shan’t name any of them! The new cars I could stretch to by means of a trade-in, my own savings and a loan - well I simply can’t justify that amount of money on what is going to be at the end of the day, an unremarkable car. Now this really is a big issue if you love cars. I’m talking to people who love what I don’t as much as those who may agree on machinery such as a Mercedes CLK or a BMW E46. The point is, for all the safety talk there are many, many of us who would never borrow upwards of £20,000 for a fast deprecating asset.

Yet I do desire the safety. And the used car assessment programs

Why aren’t we hearing more about the true environmental and safety aspects of keeping safer cars going a few extra years? Well you can work that one out yourselves as governments of all persuasions virtue signal their greenness. Yet there are sales taxes to consider as well as a veritable plethora of other bureaucratic agendas. However the data is there. If you can avoid the addiction to new number plate sales or stop and think - in what way is the manufacturing process of a Tesla ‘environmentally friendly’??!

Then there’s the best bit. You may just be fortunate enough to pick up a future classic. Airbags to AEB are going to be in mainstream electric cars too. But right now, you can buy a pretty safe used car without busting your credit rating - or destroying the planet. So, as I often say - why aren’t more of us doing precisely that?!

30 www.moulshamtimes.com

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Jamaica Seaweed Salsify Naming of horses with the latest betting odds Fratricid Spoil the broth St Peter Taurus Sicily Plus Fours The Ten Commandments Absent Without Leave 24 Hammer India Aurora Borealis

17. Coniferous 18. On the moon 19. Swiss 20. He flew too close to the sun and burnt his wings 21. The Boss 22. Potatoes 23. Saxophone 24. Austrian 25. The zloty 26. Wind velocity 27. A Kukri 28. Aluminium 29. A baker’s shop in Pudding Lane 30. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome 31. Volcanologists 32. Mae West 33. Gretna Green 34. Biennial 35. 13 36. The pocket on a waistcoat 37. Jason 38. Indian: cucumber and yoghurt side dish 39. ‘The Unready’ 40. Casanova

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