Moulsham Times - October 2024

MoulshamTimes

MT Welcome

Hi readers,

Welcome to the October edition of Moulsham Times

Halloween is approaching, as you can see from our front cover this month - which also means the clocks will shortly be going back and autumn is underway...

If you would like to advertise in this magazine, please contact us for prices and also for distribution details. We can then send over all the information you will need.

Regards

Paul

Advertising & Editorial

Paul Mclean 01245 262082/07595 949701 paul@moulshamtimes.com

Disclaimer: It’s Your Magazines Ltd publish the Moulsham Times. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of It’s Your Magazines Ltd. No part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of It’s Your Magazines Ltd. Reg Co No. 12080535. Printed by Warners (Midlands) PLC.

Chelmsford - By Marie Goldman MP

In a few days’ time, Parliament will return after conference recess. I am thrilled and honoured to have been appointed to the Liberal Democrat frontbench team as Shadow Leader of the House of Commons.

This is an extremely interesting role which should allow me to have broad insight and overview of all the business of the House of Commons. The Leader of the House, Lucy Powell MP (Labour), is responsible for ensuring that the government’s legislative agenda is properly programmed into and progressed through the House. She makes a weekly statement detailing what’s coming up and it will be my job to scrutinise and challenge this on behalf of my party. I will be pushing for issues that I know are crucial to voters, both in Chelmsford and nationwide, to be included.

I am deeply proud to have been chosen to be on the Lib Dem frontbench, especially so early in my parliamentary career, and I can’t wait to get started.

The last month has been quite a mixed bag. It started off with a return to Parliament after the summer recess - but only a short return of less than two weeks before breaking up again for conference recess to allow the parties to hold their autumn conferences (more about that later).

During those two quick weeks, as well as voting against the government’s awful plan to cut winter fuel payments for pensioners, I finally had the opportunity to deliver my maiden speech in the House of Commons. I spoke about the history of Chelmsford, including its links with Marconi and its enviable claim to have sparked the entertainment broadcasting that led to the creation of the BBC. I thanked my predecessor for her work, and I laid out my belief that we should be investing in our country - and that the very best place for that investment is in our children and young people. You can watch my maiden speech on my YouTube channel here: bit.ly/ MGMaidenSpeech.

Although I was keen to make my maiden speech anyway, there was another reason for getting it out of the way - until an MP has done that, there are some things in the House that you aren’t allowed to do, including speaking in Westminster Hall debates. And in the first week back after recess, there was a debate about special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) that I very much wanted to take part in. Regular readers will know that this is an issue I’ve been involved in for quite some time. The injustice caused by a completely broken system makes me furious and the government absolutely must fix it. Having made my maiden speech, I was able to highlight one of the issues related to this in the Westminster Hall debate on SEND provision on Thursday 5th September. You can watch my intervention here: bit.ly/MGWHSEND.

Several constituents from Moulsham & Central have written to me in the past couple of months about building safety issues, including about remedial works needing to be done in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Lots of residents are still waiting for these works to be done and many are being charged exorbitant fees by building owners to replace faulty fire doors that were either incorrectly specified or poorly installed. I find the attitude of some building owners and their managing agents disgraceful in this regard, but it is a systemic problem and one of the many things identified by the second and final report from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, published in September. I was therefore very pleased to be given the Liberal Democrat spokesperson slot in the House of Commons in the Building Safety and Resilience general debate in the wake of the publication of this report. Among other things, I said that the construction industry needed to stop having slippery shoulders and change its attitude towards fixing things, and that it could learn a lot from the aviation

industry when it comes to matters of safety and how to learn from previous mistakes. And then Parliament rose (or in other words, ‘broke up’) for conference recess.

The Liberal Democrats had their party conference in very sunny Brighton from 14-17th September. It really was a joyful event. Yes, it was an opportunity to celebrate the amazing electoral success that saw our parliamentary party grow from 15 to 72 MPs overnight, but it was also - arguably far more importantly - a key chance to thank the thousands of dedicated party members from across the country who volunteered and worked so hard in the general election campaign to get the change that so much of the country wanted to see. I had a wonderful time meeting up with and thanking them.

Conference is also a time to meet with lots of different organisations and find out what they need to continue the work that they do. MPs hold lots of one-to-one, face-to-face meetings during this time and it’s a great opportunity to learn about the many, many different issues being faced by businesses, charities and other organisations. Among others, I met with representatives from the Salvation Army, Greater Anglia, the Post Office, and the Music Venues Trust, all of whom are doing important work serving Chelmsford. I also met with ambassadors and other dignitaries from several different countries, from as far afield as Japan, to as close to home as Ireland.

I think these sorts of meetings are so important to learn, to understand, and to find ways to work collaboratively. I’ve also been meeting up locally with organisations in Chelmsford to find out more about their challenges and what they need help with.

If you are involved in a Chelmsford organisation that would like to meet with me as their local MP, please do ask them to send an email to my office here: marie.goldman.mp@parliament.uk.

Thanks for reading. See you next month.

Marie

Regal Kitchens Named Which?

Regal Kitchens has proudly been awarded the prestigious Which? Trusted Trader of the Month for September, solidifying its reputation as a leader in kitchen design and installation. This accolade presented by the renowned consumer rights organisation Which? recognises businesses that deliver outstanding quality, customer service and innovation.

At Regal Kitchens, our mission is simple: to transform kitchen spaces with bespoke designs that blend style and functionality. From consultation to installation, our customer-first approach ensures a smooth, stress-free experience, tailored to each client’s needs. Our expert team listens, advises and delivers, earning us top reviews and a loyal customer base.

Winning this award underscores our commitment to excellence. Our innovative designs incorporate the latest trends and technologies, ensuring every kitchen is not only beautiful but also enhances everyday living.

Whether it’s smart storage solutions or energy-efficient appliances, we focus on creating spaces that reflect our clients’ lifestyles.

One of the judges commented: “its easy to see how a focus on client care makes this company a success with customers.” Another said: “What really sets Regal Kitchens apart is their ability to listen to their customers and deliver exactly what they want, often exceeding expectations. Their team goes the extra mile to ensure a seamless process, from design to installation.”

This recognition as Which? Trusted Trader of the Month highlights our dedication to going above and beyond for our customers.

As we continue to innovate and expand, Regal Kitchens remains committed to setting new standards in kitchen design. Trust us to bring your dream kitchen to life with quality, professionalism and the personal touch that sets us apart.

Discover the Regal Kitchens difference - where customer satisfaction is our highest priority. Contact us today to start your kitchen transformation!

Bookings are now open for a host of free, fun and educational events at the 2024 Chelmsford Science Festival, organised by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in partnership with Chelmsford City Council and Chelmsford For You.

This year’s festival is again sponsored by Teledyne and will take place between Tuesday, 22nd October and Tuesday, 29th October.

The festival will take on the theme of Our World – Planetary Health, and features a range of events, activities and engaging talks from experts. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Inspiring Young Minds

The festival kicks off with a Young Minds Science Workshop, filled with fun STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) experiments for toddlers and early years children. This workshop is led by STEM educator Sandra Beal and experiments will include selfinflating balloons, electromagnetics, ziplines and water fountains

Fun-filled Family Days and Out of This World Activities

Two Family Science Days will take place on Saturday, 26th and Sunday, 27th October featuring hands-on, interactive activities for all ages, including a chance to build your own skull, be an architect for a day, and enjoy a Living History of Science Show. Other activities to enjoy on the Family Days include exploring the aurora borealis through a solar telescope and discovering the evolution of gaming technology with arcade games, simulators and more.

On both days, the Family Science Days offer SEN hours, which are quieter, more relaxed sessions.

Half Term Fun

During half term, young explorers can step into the world of virtual reality by taking part in an immersive simulated experience, becoming an astronaut on the International Space Station. A Space Dome is also coming to Chelmsford for a 360° cinematic experience like no other. Visitors can explore the inner workings of the Earth’s climate system, with a high quality 360° display, learning more about concepts such as the Earth and sun, life and the carbon cycle, plate tectonics, and climate change.

Talks by Major Science Figures

The festival programme this year includes varied talks by industry experts ranging from the architectural wonders of Chelmsford Cathedral to understanding how AI will have an impact on our future. The ARU School of Architecture will lead the Discovering the Architectural Wonders of Chelmsford Cathedral event, exploring the architectural and artistic features of the cathedral. Visitors will join ARU lecturers in visiting the Cathedral and its precinct, discovering the stories behind the Cathedral’s construction, and the most relevant and beautiful aspects of the building and its artworks. An interactive talk with Dr Chris Callaghan, senior lecturer at ARU, explores how AI is reshaping our world, bringing profound changes to everyday life. The talk will explore key debates at the frontiers of knowledge, helping listeners to navigate the latest scientific developments across natural and social sciences.

Other talks include Nurtured by Nature: Why Being in Nature is Good for Us, A Practical Guide to Gardening on Mars and Challenges and Opportunities of Heat Pumps in the UK.

Having a Laugh

For something a little different, there is the Science Showoff: Standup Comedy event. Attendees will join MC Steve Cross and the area’s

science talent for an evening of laughter and learning, poking fun and trying to understand the universe all in one go.

Steve is the founder of Science Showoff, working with universities to run clever comedy shows. He takes scientists, engineers, researchers, historians, medical professionals and anyone else with the expertise to share stories – and makes them funny.

A Grand Finale

The festival will culminate in a free talk by acclaimed wildlife photographer Hamza Yassin – a former winner of Strictly Come Dancing – who will talk about his life and career on Tuesday, 29 October. Hamza will deliver an inspiring and engaging talk, covering his personal journey of overcoming adversity with dyslexia, his path to becoming a renowned wildlife photographer, and his triumph on Strictly Come Dancing. He will also showcase stunning photographs from his early life in Sudan and his global travels as a cameraman. In addition to the presentation, Hamza will bring along his cameras, offering an exclusive, up-close look at his equipment.

Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said: “Science is all around us from the weather and the buildings we live in, to computer games and the human body, and the Chelmsford Science Festival is an opportunity for ARU to share our world-leading knowledge and facilities with the people of Chelmsford. “Last year’s event was a fantastic success and once again there promises to be something for everyone taking place across the city. We are grateful to headline sponsors Teledyne and our partners Chelmsford For You and Chelmsford City Council for their support in organising a fantastic festival.”

The full programme of events can be found here www.aru.ac.uk/ events/chelmsford-science-festival including booking links. While most events are free, places must be booked as numbers may be limited.

Most events will take place on the ARU Chelmsford campus, with additional events on the ARU Writtle campus and throughout Chelmsford high street.

ARU transforms lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research. ARU is the UK University of the Year (Times Higher Education Awards 2023), holds a Gold award for the quality of its education, awarded through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), and has been named University of the Year at the UK Social Mobility Awards.

ARU’s research institutes and four faculties bridge scientific, technical and creative fields, delivering impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities. Our academic excellence has been recognised by the UK’s Higher Education funding bodies, with 16 of our research areas assessed as world-leading.

With main campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough and Writtle, we are the largest provider in the East of England of undergraduates employed in the health and social work sector, and one of the UK’s leading universities for degree apprenticeship provision, working with hundreds of employers across the country.

Bookings are open for a free extravaganza of science. Find out more and book: https://www.aru.ac.uk/events/chelmsfordscience-festival

MT Gardening

Septembers is turned out to be a lovely month so far, although the nights are definitely drawing in and there is a slight chill in the early air. I do have a job for you all to keep warm and fit though - it’s good old autumn lawn maintenance...

Autumn is the time of year for carrying out lawn maintenance tasks, such as scarification and aeration. The ground is moist (allowing the implements to penetrate) and there is time for the turf to recover before the following spring when active growth recommences.

Scarification

This is the vigorous raking of the lawn surface just above ground level. Scarifying removes any debris (thatch) such as moss and weeds that have accumulated over the season. If moss is present apply a moss killer three weeks prior to scarification to prevent spores being spread.

Scarification also encourages the production of tillers, which are side shoots that arise at the base of the grass. Scarification can be done either by hand with a spring tine rake or with a tractor mounted or pedestrian operated mechanised scarifier.

The debris or thatch builds up for several reasons:

• The build-up of moss and other weeds.

• Clippings being left on the lawn.

• The soil being too acid. Below pH 5.5 microbial activity decreases and organic matter is not broken down.

• Compacted soils have low levels of oxygen and consequently bacteria and fungi which decompose thatch are less numerous if oxygen is in short supply.

Thatch causes problems in the lawn as it:

• Prevents fertilisers reaching the grass roots.

• Acts like a sponge preventing water percolating down to the grass roots.

• Encourages shallow rooting causing the grass to become prone to the effects of drought.

• Encourages pests and diseases.

• Encourages moss and other weeds.

• Encourages growth of annual meadow grass.

Aeration

Aeration is the making of holes in a lawn to improve drainage and movement of air into the soil. It encourages deeper rooting and allows top dressing to be incorporated. Lawns become compacted from both machinery and pedestrian traffic. Compaction is the loss of the large pore spaces from a soil that normally contains air. Small pore spaces contain water and soil that has more small pores than large and will hold onto water - it will be poorly drained. This is problematic for turf as it encourages weeds and impedes root penetration.

Aeration can be either manual with an aeration or garden fork, or for large areas a mechanised aerator is more practical. Different types of tines can be fitted on the aerator fork and the mechanised aerator.

Top Dressing

• After aeration, turf will benefit from an application of top dressing.

• It encourages tillering, allows you to improve the soil and the root environment and it can even out minor undulations in the turf surface.

Top dressing consists of sand and loam in varying quantities. It should be distributed over the turf by shovel and then worked in using a tru-lute or a besom. Commonly used formulae are 70:30 sand and loam for a light soil and 80:20 for a heavy soil. The sand must be lime free, washed and about 0.2 - 0.5mm in size. Top dressing should be applied at rates between 24kg/m². Check out this RHS link to lawns and after tasks to consider, including pest and disease control: www.rhs.org.uk/lawns.

Other Jobs for Early Autumn

If you have fruit trees, and have windfall fruit, don’t be too keen to clear them away, leave it in place. Migrant birds such as redwings flock to gardens in bad weather and feast on windfall fruit. Late flying butterflies and other insects may also feed from them when sources of nectar have dried up.

Plan for spring colour and at the same time help our bees and other pollinators/predators Choose crocus, snake’s head fritillary and grape hyacinths for a bee-friendly feast.

Happy gardening

For any gardening tips, please contact Tom Cole, Freelance Horticulturist and online tutor (www.learningwithexperts.com) by email at tomcole8@hotmail.com.

Hello all. Here we are in September and it’s getting colder. The heating came on this morning and the shorts went into the drawer for another year!

It will soon be Chr....... no, I won’t go there - although I have already seen decorations in the shops. Just in case you haven’t seen the ads, you need to book your celebration meal now - to ‘avoid disappointment’!

Self service checkouts in supermarkets... I may have covered this before, but they have been in the news again lately. You either love them or hate them. Some shops are reducing their number or getting rid of them altogether. The first thing I would point out is that they are not compulsory. If you don’t like them, don’t use them! I do think they are useful, especially when you have only got a few items, but certain aspects annoy me.

It has been reported that some people are taking advantage and putting things on the weighing scales and wrongly identifying them, selecting a cheaper item instead. I guess that this could be reduced quite easily, assuming that the shop staff seem to be quite close by, they could surely see if a banana was identifying itself as a lettuce.

On one occasion, I had called an assistant over after having trouble entering an item, or being shouted at with ‘UNIDENTIFIED ITEM IN THE BAGGING AREA!’ They sorted it, but then noticed that I had left a pack of cold meat in my trolley. Pure accident, honest! The look they gave me as they pointed this out was scary to say the least. Um, sorry I missed that... I am not sure they believed me though. The most annoying one was when I had completed my shopping, under the watchful eye of the assistant, I was confronted by a closed barrier at the exit. Looking like a helpless elderly person, which I am, apparently (a well practised look that I always find useful in shops), I was told that I had to scan the bar code on the receipt to get out. I did not like that one bit

One last point. If they all decide to get rid of these sort of checkouts, who is going to pay? Us of course!

I spent about 10 minutes recently trying to get the cap off of my carton of orange juice. I found that if it stayed on and in the wrong position, the juice went everywhere but in the glass. After getting more and more annoyed, I realised that it was not faulty, but actually made that way. Why? Apparently, the EU decided that we could not be trusted to replace container caps when we recycle the bottles, so they made the manufacturers attach them. Now. I support recycling 100%, but we are not in the EU. I do understand that with a lot of things that are mandatory in EU countries, it means that manufacturers are not prepared to produce a different product for the UK, so we have to put up with it. I am fed up with changes made to processes and products that are only necessary because the minority cannot, or will not, comply, resulting the majority of us being inconvenienced. And yes, I am getting more grumpy!

Just had a quick look in the newspaper for ads selling something I didn’t know I needed. I notice one for a Zoom Monocular. This is, apparently, like a pair of binoculars but with only one lens (is that what it’s called?). ‘It has all the quality of a huge telescope but it fits into your pocket.’

It’s only £29.99, which they say is a very good price. For an additional £9.99 - or at no extra charge if you use a code - you can have a tripod and a smartphone connector as well. Straight away I’m thinking, oh dear ‘smart’ seems to cause me problems most of the time. I must admit, I wondered why I would need a smartphone connector. Was it so that I could see who I was phoning from about 2 miles away? Perhaps not. Reading on, I see that you can attach your phone and take photos, zooming in if required.

Well, I am impressed. I am not a bird watcher or a sky at night

watcher, but if I was, I think I could be tempted. Moral of the experience being - don’t dismiss stuff before you know a bit about it!

I have just watched the follow up of the first class Mr Bates vs the Post Office series that was broadcast earlier this year. How on earth did that happen? This programme focused on the way some of the people involved were affected and it was a difficult watch. Some have died, others have had health problems that have meant they have not worked since it happened - and some even went to prison. Although we have only really seen one side of this, it amazes me that someone, somewhere, did not query the fact that the number of people prosecuted for fraud had suddenly increased by incredible numbers.

I was very moved by the reflections of of the so-called ‘victims’ and hope they all get the compensation they deserve. What ever that might be, it cannot erase the terrible memories of those times.

Bin End Chuckles

Some people say ‘John, are you an optimist?’ I say ‘I hope so...’

I rang BT and said ‘I would like to report a nuisance caller’. They said, ‘Not you again...’

Stay safe and look after each other.

Did You See Us on The One Show or Hear Us on Chelmsford Community Radio?

We have had more than our fair share of ‘5 minutes of fame’ this month. Do you know how long it takes for the moon to circle the earth? Do you know how many times the tide goes in and out in a day? Did you know that every second breath we take comes from microscopic organisms in the ocean!? We need to protect it to survive!

On Friday 6th September, Lisa Brazier (CEO - Chief Entertainment Officer) of Beach School Explorers was asked to join Rich Lyman on Chelmsford Community Radio for his Feel Good radio show. We talked about Beach School Explorers and how we hope to inspire everyone, through sessions at the beach or in the classroom, to love the ocean so they will want to protect it in the future.

We want to deliver our sessions to as many groups, charities, schools, nurseries and care homes, so please get in touch to talk about environmental funding opportunities that we have received. We chatted about all things ‘blue space’ with mental health swims and wild swimming in the River Chelmer and how we have recently been filmed by the BBC for The One Show, when we took Cherry Wood Grange Care Home to Southend for the day with a group of children from Beach School Explorers. Multigenerational fun at its best!

You can catch up on the radio show to learn more about Beach School Explorers and how we are building a community of ocean lovers on Spotify on Rich Lyman’s Feel Good Friday Show. We had a fantastic day with the residents and the children at the beach and you can catch up on The One Show on BBC iPlayer, Tuesday 17th September 2024. It’s lovely!

Lisa Brazier

www.beachschoolexplorers.co.uk 07841 371 391

Nick Garner’s Music & Ramblings

October... it already that means that half term is approaching along with Halloween, how has that happened?

There’s been plenty going on recently, and the children are back at school but with half term already on its way. Some local businesses are on the move, with Touch Typing have moved into Moulsham Street, and Hopsters has now taken over The Hop Beer Shop - not that you will notice much change here, apart from extended opening hours. I have also moved my Black Frog Presents ticket outlet from Hopsters to the Hop Beer Shop as it is open later and more often. Intense Records have now closed their Viaduct Road outlet to concentrate on the shop in The Meadows, and we have also gone with them too.

In Tile Kiln we have seen that The Clay Pigeon has reopened as well, so let’s wish them good luck. Bar Plus seems to be doing well and I am not surprised, as it is a good place to go to for all the family - they are all very welcoming and they have a good garden area out backso while the weather holds up, it’s good!

I see that Mr Ram has also now reopened following a complete refit with brand new people running it - and we wish them every success. This part of Chelmsford does still look to be on the up fortunately, which is good - and it is full of independent businesses too.

It was sad to see that HMV has gone (for now) from High Chelmer. Let’s hope that they can find a new home and get going again. We do still have Intense Records for your vinyl needs as well as Alan in the Market, but it’s the rest of the stuff that HMV did which will be hard to source locally now.

Titu’s Kitchen is trying to obtain the space next door to their takeaway to offer a new sit-down-and-eat-in area - let’s hope that they get this going. They are said to be the ultimate for discovering classic Hyderabadi flavours with their current takeaway. All food is home-cooked just as their grandma cooked it, and all reports so far are superb.

BBC Essex has just recently held their Make A Difference awards, and all the winners and artists are all amazing. It was good to see the Ideas Hub got awarded ‘Highly Commended’ as well. Do check it out for more information as the BBC do this every year. You can see how you could get involved or put people or animals forward for next year. I think it’s wonderful to see the recognition for all who are doing good in our community - they are all winners!

It has indeed got a bit cooler recently with some rain as we are on the cusp between late summer and autumn. Then as it does, it has got warmer again this mid-September. I am noting the weather as my friend is on holiday and I am watering her garden for her, which I quite enjoy.

Please do remember if you have anything that could be of interest to our readers or any events to share, then please send an email to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk and we will see if we can get it into either Moulsham Times or The City Times for you and our readers.

Music

I have just put on my first show at Hot Box in a while, and what a show it was with Mim Grey and her band. The feedback has been amazing - and deservedly so as well. No wonder Mim is Tom Jones’ favourite singer! She just blew us all away with her wit and her beautiful smokey tones that reminded me of Joni Mitchell.

Her band is outstanding as well and we will certainly be having her back and I am pleased to be able to call her and the band my friends.

Hot Box has just held their first Sounds Good Festival and all the feedback I have seen says it was very successful. Also recently, Shakey - a well-respected promotor and local radio DJ and label owner - who is always championing local talent, put on a packed weekend competition called Act for the Future at The Black Bull in Rainsford Road. The atmosphere was fantastic! All his shows are free and you can also hear him on CCR (Chelmsford Community Radio). There are also lots of others putting on good live entertainment of all types of course.

Black Frog Presents has lot of shows coming up at the Chelmsford Social Club and Hot Box too - see my adverts in this mag and the City Times

I went to The Station Arms in Southminster the other Saturday to see Joel Fisk and Tim Aves play, who were great. I have also been asked to get them some alternative acts for the first Saturday of the month, starting on 5th October with Trevor Gentry and then on the 2nd November they have Joe Anderton (Greene). All shows are acoustic and free-to-enter at a most friendly pub with great ales. They welcome all and they all love live music.

You may not have noticed yet, but my show at Hot Box on Sunday 6th October has changed slightly from Del Bromham to now being Del and his band Stray. We are thrilled about this! The doors will open at 3pm and the show will be from 4pm. It’s rare to have these guys play somewhere this size and I am so excited that they want to play here for us all.

From 5th January 2025 I am starting Blues Box at Hot Box on the first Sunday of each month. For all these shows the doors will open at 3pm and the show will run from 4pm to 7pm. So I guess I am getting back to my Chelmsford roots!

I have now filled 2025 which is amazing, so please do come along and support the live scene - not only here but all over, as without the grassroots venues we will lose not only venues but acts also actsremember, most of the big acts today started in grassroots venues. I must throw a shoutout to Coldplay; love them or not, they are going to donate 10% of their tickets for their six-show run at Wembley back to grassroots. This is great, but why are there not more big acts or the government doing more to help I wonder? It may be worth getting onto your MP or local and county councils to see what they can do to help.

If you have anything you think that could be of interest to our readers for either publication, then please let us know by emailing editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk - it may be an event or a topic of interest. Or have you done anything unusual or are you planning something? If so, we want to know about it! If know of someone who may wish to advertise with us, then please ask them to contact ads@ itsyourmedia.co.uk and we can send over full details.

You can get tickets for all our shows in Chelmsford at the Chelmsford Social Club, at our shows or from Intense Records, The Hop Beer Shop and Chelmsford 4 Good - please pay them cash when you buy. Tickets are also available online from www.wegottickets.com/ BlackFrogPresents, or via our ticket hotline for both the Chelmsford Social Club and Hot Box at no extra charge - call or text 07508 496 411 and you can then pay the advance price on entry to the show rather than the walk-up price.

For all Black Frog Presents gig updates and information go to www. linktr.ee/BlackFrogPresents, or scan the QR code in the poster in this magazine.

It would also be fantastic if you could share our magazines The City Times and Moulsham Times for us - just go to the mag websites for the online versions.

M.

Non-Spoiler Film Reviews - By Henry Godfrey-Evans

Alien: Romulus

Who decides which creatures, or which franchises become iconic?

It has to be the design to some extent - and, in turn, it needs to feel real. This is exactly what the Alien franchise is known for. With a slight risk of regurgitating this film’s marketing campaign - they used excellent physical props and models which just makes it feel real.

That was the main appeal to be honest, and for some, this will be enough to sell it. However, if you need any more convincing, it’s also a solid action film with some nice ideas and horror tactics.

Cailee Spaeny is a superb actor, but it was David Jonsson who was surprisingly dominant on-screen. He played a cold, calculated nonhuman who played a huge part in the narrative. I watched this twice.

The Crow

It’s an (arguably pointless) remake of a classic, fantastical revenge story. Lots of gore, some lust and plenty of long, dark coats. It unapologetically sensationalises the broody, angry, gothic young man and your enjoyment of the film will rest on whether you choose to cringe or lean forward in your seat.

I like immersion - so I decided to buy what they were selling and I had a decent time. The soundtrack thoroughly sold the experience and there were some really great visuals. I did occasionally shake out of my trance due to some of the poorer bits of the film, but hey, nothing is perfect.

It was like speed dating: shallow, but fairly exciting. And you have to try and ignore the stupidity on occasions.

A Greyhound of a Girl

It’s a very simple story about people and families. Quite a slog to begin with until the point you realise that there was some genuine heart to it. At that point, you start listening and it was really quite enjoyable.

It follows a spirited young Irish girl and her grandmother who have a very unique bond, and it teases the message that grandparents are temporary in children’s lives.

You work out pretty quickly that the voice acting and the writing have been done with a lot of passion, and it definitely places high among wholesome animated films that I’ve seen. Still not quite my sort of thing overall, but I loved the payoff.

Afraid

Yeah, that’s the title - how creative.

And no - it’s not a film about emotions or the art of fear. It’s about a family who face the wrath of a particularly nefarious AI system, and I guess that makes our characters quite… afraid?

The lack of creativity is a poor indictment of the current horror industry - appalling and baffling.

In itself, the film was quite entertaining, it had some okay new ideas about the popular horror trope that is: ‘technology is scary’. But it didn’t seem to go full circle at any point and in the end, it was quite shallow and unprovocative. Blumhouse productions almost seems like a stamp of factory quality nowadays.

The Substance

This falls into the category of ‘initially peculiar film slow becomes absolutely mental’. The people who love this kind of film experience know who they are, but I’ll convince a few more people by saying that I think this had a great grasp of filmmaking.

Lots of physical props and make-up, lots of creativity behind the editing and shot choices. This may sound like ‘reviewer-speak’ to some, but these things make a huge difference and you will notice the gulf in quality.

I wasn’t a huge fan of some of the later escalation but oh well - I had fun.

Speak No Evil

More Blumhouse (see two reviews up), but I wrote this one afterwards and actually I enjoyed this one.

About two couples that meet on holiday and very much bounce off of each other, enjoying their stark differences.

Thrillers are supposed to make you feel extremely tense but usually in a more fantastical way. This film opted to blend ‘everyday uncomfortable’ with pure terror. A stroke that blurred the lines between the two and possibly affirmed some real stranger-danger paranoia.

It wasn’t a hugely unique film but executed well. James McAvoy did a superb job at conveying the fun uncle type, which slowly curdles into something more sinister.

The Critic

I was buzzing for this film because I thought it might be having a few digs at me.

Ian McKellen plays a cheeky chappy with a sharp tongue whose favourite pastime is to rip theatre plays to shreds.

It begins quite interestingly but then I have to say it quickly mutates into your standard period drama about scandals and adultery, thus making its trade description feel like a bit of a scam.

Shame.

Lee

Kate Winslet plays ex-model who becomes a WW2 photographer, Lee Miller. You may have heard of the name, but I hadn’t and that felt like the main plus of the movie - it gave you a slice of history.

The drama itself was solid, justice was done with certain harrowing events that needed to be depicted with respect and horror.

For the most part it was a little bit ordinary, very watchable but nothing to crow about. Although I thought the tiny little twist was fantastically done, it made a lot of sense but still shocked me.

henrygodfreyevans@gmail.com

A

It’s funny how things sometimes align in unexpected ways. Last month, I wrote about the importance of building bridges within our community and how we all have a part to play in making Chelmsford a welcoming, inclusive city for all. This month, quite literally, there’s been progress on a different kind of bridge - one that promises to physically connect parts of our city in a meaningful way.

Marie Goldman MP and Cllr Graham Pooley and I visited the site of Chelmsford’s newest infrastructure: the striking new bridge being built across the River Chelmer.

As part of the wider Chelmer Waterside development, this impressive structure will link Wharf Road and Parkway, improving connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles alike.

Bridges, both symbolic and structural, serve an essential role in any city. They link not only places but people, opportunities and experiences. This bridge represents progress for Chelmsford: a commitment to connecting our communities in both the physical and the social sense.

At 50 metres in length, with its industrial-inspired arches, the bridge beautifully reflects Chelmsford’s heritage while looking toward a more connected, sustainable future. The project prioritises both safety and accessibility, with traffic-calming measures such as a 20mph speed limit in place to ensure it remains a safe passageway for all.

It’s part of a larger initiative by the council to facilitate sustainable growth across the city, with this development bringing not just a bridge but new homes, open and riverside green spaces and vital infrastructure that will benefit Chelmsford for years to come.

While connecting places is key, so too is maintaining a sense of safety and security in our city. This month, residents have reached out to me with concerns around community safety, particularly regarding antisocial behaviour in Moulsham Street. As someone who lives and works in Chelmsford, I share these concerns deeply. Our streets should feel welcoming and safe for everyone, from residents to visitors to business owners.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been speaking with various teams and businesses to address these concerns. Chelmsford City Council’s Public Protection Team, Essex Police’s Community Policing Team and local businesses continue to collaborate to ensure that Moulsham Street remains somewhere people feel comfortable spending time. I’m really pleased that these conversations have led to a commitment to increase police patrols on Moulsham Street.

I also had the opportunity to meet with Roger Hirst, the newly reelected Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner for Essex as part of a wider workshop. We discussed the upcoming Police and Crime Plan,

as well as the Fire and Rescue Plans for 2024-2028. I’m pleased to report that antisocial behaviour remains a top priority and the Commissioner’s office is committed to addressing the issue in a meaningful, sustained way.

One of the key elements in tackling antisocial behaviour is ensuring that incidents are consistently reported. When residents inform the police about every incident, it allows Essex Police to build a clearer picture of where and when problems are occurring. This data is essential for shaping targeted operations, such as increasing police presence in certain areas or organising community safety initiatives.

So, I encourage everyone to report even minor incidents - these reports play a vital role in helping local authorities plan and respond effectively. If you’ve witnessed or been the victim of crime that is not an emergency, please call 101 or report it online at www.essex.police. uk. If someone is seriously injured, in immediate danger or if there is a threat to public safety, please call 999.

We know that antisocial behaviour is an issue that can undermine the sense of community, but it’s important to remember that it can be addressed through collective effort. Whether it’s through targeted police patrols or simply ensuring that residents feel empowered to speak out when they see something, we can work together to make sure that Moulsham Street remains the thriving, welcoming space we all know it to be.

Last month, I talked about the importance of building bridges in a more metaphorical sense. Now, with a literal bridge taking shape across the River Chelmer, I see this as a perfect moment to reflect on how we continue to build bridges between people.

Our city is growing, and with that growth comes a responsibility to ensure that everyone can benefit from the progress we’re making. Whether it’s through infrastructure improvements, housing developments, or community safety initiatives, our focus must remain on making Chelmsford a place where everyone feels connected - both to the physical spaces they inhabit and to the people who share those spaces with them.

Until next time, let’s keep building those bridges - both the literal and the metaphorical ones!

Charlene

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

City Councillor for Moulsham & Central Chair of Policy Board Equality and Diversity Champion

Afternoon Tea with Old Park Meadow and the Essex Wildlife Trust

Old Park Meadow joined forces with the Essex Wildlife Trust to host an afternoon tea and a very exciting birds of prey demonstration for the residents of care homes across Essex.

Residents were invited to learn about the trust’s charitable efforts and the exciting community events offered by Old Park Meadow. This was followed by a birds of prey demonstration with Eden Falconry putting on a great show, where the guests saw a kestrel and barn owl show off their incredible flying skills. Eden Falconry also brought along a tawny owl and a European eagle owl.

To end the wonderful day, staff and residents

enjoyed a delicious spread of sandwiches and cakes. Delyse Jackaman, manager of Old Park Meadow, highlighted their ongoing collaboration with the Essex Wildlife Trust: “We knew an afternoon tea would be a perfect way to connect with care home residents. Thank you to everyone who joined us.”

Old Park Meadow hosts their Gardening Club every Wednesday between 9am -12pm alongside their Coffee Morning which is held between 10am -12pm, and on the third Wednesday of every month their Bereavement Café takes place between 10am - 11.30am for the local community.

Ignite Member of the Month

Ignite Chelmsford is a free network for creative individuals and businesses in the borough. Each month, Nikki Wilson talks to an Ignite member who is doing something interesting.

This month, we catch up with Aytac Uzmen, a professional photographer based in Chelmsford, specialising in tailored portraits.

“My inspiration comes from a few different sources. I’ve always been fascinated by the way things co-exist in nature, interdependently. When I go for walks, I have a dialogue with nature. Another inspiration is my multi-cultural background. I like travelling but you don’t always need to travel geographically.

“Sometimes, even in the same city when you meet new people, it’s another way to travel and it continues to happen in everybody’s inner world anyway. I’m also inspired by artists.

“The main goal of my conceptual art projects has always been to encourage people to enter into a new dialogue with others beyond divisive labels and social alienation.”

Read more:

St John’s Moulsham - By Benson

Hello my pawsome chums. I hope you have had a pawtastic summer - I did! I got to bound through lots of long grass on walks with my humans, I supervised my female human on the paddleboard and I got to do lots of digging. My humans have bought me a sandbox as they were fed up with me making holes on the lawn. It’s really cool and has a lid that they fill with water and I paddle and chase ice cubes around it.

I hope all you who had to return to school, college or university got off to a good start and the term is going well. I returned to my puppy classes and thought this year, as I’m now one of the senior puppies, I’m going to come back a wise serious pup. I got my paws tapping on Doogle (doggie Google) and looked up ‘wise dogs’. All the dogs seemed to be wearing glasses, which got me thinking; my female human wears glasses and she looks wise(ish).

I bounded upstairs and into my humans’ bedroom to try on her glasses. Unfortunately trying to put glasses on when you’re all paws is really difficult. So I thought maybe if I ate them I could ingest some of their wisdom. Alas this did not work and I ended up being in the doghouse for breaking my human’s glasses.

While in the doghouse I had time to think and I realised I behaved foolishly for thinking that I would be wise from wearing a pair of spectacles.

So, I decided to try and find out how I could become a wise pup. I looked in the Bible (the Christians’ holy book) and found the story of two builders (Matt 7:24-29). One builder, who was a bit foolish, built their house on the sand with no foundations and when the rain and wind came, it fell down. The other builder was wise and built their house on a rock with good foundations, and when the rain and wind came the house remained firm.

This made me realise how foolish I was, because I was behaving like the foolish person. Not having a solid foundation and thinking I could skip doing the hard work in my doggie classes. I need to be like the wise person and have a solid foundation. This means listening to my teacher and humans. Putting in the hard work to learn the skills I need to develop - like loose-lead walking. Then when I am older, hopefully I can be wise, like the dogs in the pictures I see - though paw-haps without the spectacles.

Thankfully, my human let me out of the doghouse and I am allowed to come and help out the St John’s team on Hallowe’en who give all the trick or treaters hot chocolate and sweets outside the Parish Hall on Vicarage Road. I am even allowed to dress up, which I am really looking forward too. I hope to see you all then.

Have a wooftastic month!

Benson

Grove Road Evangelical Church

Each year, around September or October, most churches will hold some form of celebration focussed on the annual harvest. This year, September 29th was the date of our church’s harvest celebration - or harvest festival as it is often called. The modern form of the Christian tradition of harvest festivals began in Cornwall in 1843 and soon spread to most churches to be an annual celebration of God’s goodness to us.

Why do we continue to give thanks to God each year for the harvest? We recognise that ultimately God is to be thanked for every blessing, including our food. But Christianity also teaches us that such a blessing needs to be distributed not just to those who have enough, but also to those, who for various reasons, do not have enough. So, for example, Chelmsford Foodbank uses our church premises three sessions a week to share food and other provisions with people locally. We also support as a church various agencies who help support others around the world who are in need in various ways.

Yes, Christianity is concerned about the needs of others. After all, didn’t Jesus remind us that we are to love our neighbours as ourselves? But he also reminded us of a higher priority even than that: we are to love God and serve him by living for him. So we also have this concern, that other people would get to know the Lord Jesus Christ, the only one through whom we can know God, and the only one through whom all blessings flow to humanity. We would love you to come and visit us and find out what it means to be a Christian and what it means to know Jesus for yourself. We meet on a Sunday at 11am.

Philip Loose, Senior Pastor

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

www.grecuk.co.uk

pastor@grecuk.co.uk

Life at Moulsham St Luke’s...

Suddenly the weather has shifted, the leaves are beginning to change colour and starting to fall from the trees - and it is autumn.

Thank you to those of you who came to our table-top sale and helped us raise much needed funds to repair the roof of our large hall. Lots of people said how much they enjoyed it and so it may be something we do again - watch this space.

Last week I was impressed by the arrival of the folk from Good Gym who ran from the city centre to St Lukes to enjoy some weeding. They were all smiles and so were we after a job well done clearing our front paths. We are very grateful for their help.

Do you like exercise? Life is a complex rhythm of exercise, rest, diet, work and sleep. Jesus had a rhythm to his life. He walked from place to place every day. He preached and talked to hundreds of people who were inspired by his stories. He taught a team of followers and many others who enjoyed listening too. He spent many hours talking in prayer to the Father and enjoyed socialising and partying, eating and drinking.

It says in the Bible that he grew in ‘grace.’ Grace isn’t a word we hear often today, and yet it holds a mystery of its own. Grace reminds us to be thankful, for what we have - the simple things in life that we enjoy every day. Develop the rhythm of your life to include time for friends and family, time for eating together and having fun, maybe you could learn a new hobby and get out there with the Good Gymmers. Jesus walked - just a few minutes everyday can make such a difference.

We were reminded about being thankful when we celebrated Harvest, collecting much needed donations for Chelmsford Foodbank. It was wonderful to be joined by Bishop Guli, Bishop of Chelmsford who also presented us with our Eco Church Bronze Award, recognising our actions to be responsible for our planet. We are grateful for the help of 1st Moulsham Lodge Brownies who made a hedgehog hotel and some hanging bug houses for us too.

The rain stopped just in time for Bishop Guli to be able to go outside and bless one of the benches outside St Luke’s - it is now designated a ‘chatty bench’ with a colourful sign letting everyone know that by sitting on the bench you’re happy to chat with whoever joins you. Thank you to Anchor for providing the sign. We know how many people, young and old, enjoy sitting on our benches and we want to encourage conversations - passing the time of day can have such a positive impact on someone feeling lonely.

We have a relaxing evening coming up with our Community Variety Concert on Friday 11th October at 7.30pm. There will be a varied line-up of local performers, including CHEGO (Chelmsford Guitar Orchestra), St Lukes Music Group, some poetry reading, a male vocalist and a clarinet/guitar trio. It should be a fun time together and the evening is free to attend, just come along!

Bishop Guli, Revd Stephanie and members of the congregation sitting on the chatty bench

In the rhythm of life, we care for your soul, so come and join us for a bit of family fun on All Hallows Eve (31st October). What do we have in store? Come and see...

All the best.

Take Your Moulsham Times Away With You!

Here we have another Moulsham Times on holiday - Tom and Elena took their copy to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina! The mural is for the supporters group of the FK Velez Mostar football team.

If you wish to send in a photograph of your copy in a stange or far away place, please email paul@moulshamtimes.com.

Reverend Canon Stephanie Gillingham

CCR Latest News

We‘ve been very busy again at team CCR and September has seen us supporting the Chelmsford Civic Society 40s-themed Heritage Open Day event in Chelmsford High Street.

There were some lovely vintage vehicle displays from Essex Historic Military Vehicle Association and Lodges Coaches, stalls from local community groups and wonderful performances from Air Raid Jive, Chelmsford Male Voice Choir and Lorraine Cater. Best of all, the sun came out!

We also saw the first heats for Shakey’s Sessions’ Act For The Future contest, kindly sponsored by Shakster Records, Card Trick Music, Blackstar Amplification and Fizz Web Design alongside the nice people at The Black Bull in Rainsford Road. Both days saw the venue well attended with numbers reaching into the 100s. The solo final was won by No Idea, and there were four finalists in the band category go through to the last stage. The finalists are: Hear My Roar, James Gold Band, Park Drive, and Serendipitous.

Why not come down and support the final four on Saturday 23rd November? It starts at 7pm and the solo winner, No Idea, will also be there to play as a special guest.

As for other things going on, we are delighted to be once again taking

If you’re interested in Chelmsford Community Radio coming down to your event in the community, do let us know - ping us an email to admin@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com.

part in the Anglia Ruskin Science Festival in October. Keep an eye on our social media (@ChelmsfordCR) for more details.

Why You Need a Personal Trainer

When people ask me what I do for a living, I tell them that I’m a health and fitness guru. That includes being a health and nutrition coach, Boxercise instructor, seated exercise instructor and a personal trainer.

Until recently, even though I am a personal trainer, I’d never hired a PT on a consistent basis. I mainly train on my own and I’m disciplined and consistent. I’m part of a small calisthenics group that runs on Mondays and Thursdays. I’ve also had some one-off PT sessions to learn specific skills but nothing consistent - until now.

So why now? I think now since I’m coaching and training so many different groups, I need to be ahead of the game. This year so far, I’ve trained for kick Boxercise, advanced Boxercise and as a kids’ Boxercise instructor. That’s a lot of training - and I’ve been putting it into practice.

However, lately, there’s been something missing. Enter Lucy Wildheart, former professional boxer and my new PT - result! So why now? I feel I need to hold myself accountable to someone else. I also want to improve my pad holding skills. I guess I’m putting myself on the line here and some people may think that I’m more than qualified. However, I feel the need to continuously improve my skills. So, what do I hope to achieve by having a PT and why is it important to you? First and foremost, I’m hoping to learn from someone who has been there and done it. Who knows, she may even let me spar a few rounds with her. Since I’m teaching so many other people, it’s nice to have someone else be responsible for telling me what to do. The one thing you can’t do as a boxing coach/instructor etc is hold pads for yourself, so I’ll have someone to do that for me.

I guess for me, having a PT is all about having someone to help me to set and achieve new goals. I always like to move forward and lately; I’ve been feeling a bit stale in my own training even though I’ve

Pilates and Yoga - By

acquired many new skills this year.

So, my question to you is - do you think it’s for you? Do you need a personal trainer? The clue is in the title personal. The best thing about being or having a PT is that it is tailored specifically towards you. There is no one on this planet who is the same as you - even if you are a twin. We all have different ways of doing things; a personal trainer will help you find the best way for you to train - it’s their job to help you become the best version of yourself.

A PT will work around you to make sure that you train at times to suit your schedule and work with you in ways that suit you. There is no ‘one size fits all’ when you train with a PT.

I’m really excited about starting these sessions and I’ll keep you updated. The thing I’m most excited about is not giving the orders, but having some else boss me around! And who’s going to argue with a former world champion?

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

Eleanor Searle

You will have heard of pilates and yoga, often endorsed by genetically blessed celebs, but what are they really and what is the difference?

Pilates and yoga are low impact exercises which use your own body weight to improve strength, flexibility, balance, posture, focus, breath control, relaxation and well-being.

Pilates and yoga are both controlled and precise but some people consider that yoga has more dynamic, flowing postures but the truth is that yoga has so many different types from those that are slow and predominantly mediative, to those that are faster and more flowing.

Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates, a circus performer and boxer, dispelling the myth that pilates is just for women! Core stability is often thought to be at the heart of pilates practice, but the truth is that like yoga it gives you a full body workout, which when taught properly doesn’t overload the body, but supports it to get gradually fitter, stronger and more supple.

Yoga is an ancient practice which stems from India; it nurtures the connection between mind, body and spirit and universe.

There are many different types of yoga, and at Hummingbird we specialise in Hatha Yoga which focuses on breathing, yoga postures and relaxation, Vinyasa Yoga which links the breath with dynamic flowing sequences of movements, and Restorative Yoga

which supports the body in gentle (but powerful), restful, nurturing positions.

Which One Is Most Effective?

My journey started with pilates 20 years ago when I qualified as a physiotherapist. It was in vogue for the treatment of lower back pain and as such it was my first post-graduate qualification.

Yoga and meditation have now come to the fore with their power in the management of chronic pain. Most people with back pain need to move more or move in a way that is kinder and more appropriate to them; Pilates and or yoga when well taught can provide that. Exercise is powerful in reducing pain, as is deep breathing and relaxation, so either can be a great option for those with pain or other health issues.

Yoga has also been shown to help people with mental health problems, but for me all exercise is useful in the management of anxiety and depression providing a positive outlet, distraction, endorphin release and all the other benefits associated with moving more.

If you are healthy then it is a case of which you enjoy most and will do regularly, as like anything, best results are achieved through regular practice. Why not come and try for yourself? We offer an initial 30-day trial of unlimited pilates and yoga classes for £45, enabling you to appreciate the differences for yourself and decide what suits you best. Our trials also let you find your perfect teacher. You might even become a true Hummingbird and like me over time, embrace both!

www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk

MT Finance - How to Overcome the Biggest Challenges in Business

The entrepreneur’s path to success is lined with adversity and setbacks. Find out the best ways to tackle these challenges and develop a stronger business as a result.

The recent economic environment, with stagnating growth coupled with high inflation and increased interest rates, has been the latest obstacle to test entrepreneurs and business owners’ financial resilience.

We recently surveyed a selection of UK business owners. The results revealed that more than half (53%) see high interest rates as a threat to UK businesses. One in four (25%) believed a change in government would be a threat to their business as Labour regains the reins at Westminster.

But it’s tough times like these that can make brilliant businesses. The same survey revealed that over half (54%) of UK business owners see the current environment as an opportunity for entrepreneurs. One in two (51%) believe that British entrepreneurship is about to boom.

In this article, we look at some of the biggest challenges that entrepreneurs face, and how to overcome them.

What Are the Biggest Challenges for Small Businesses?

Economic downturns: Economic recessions present challenges for businesses of all sizes, from small, family-run businesses to global corporate conglomerates. While no two recessions are the same, you’ll typically see job losses, declines in real household incomes, and as a result, reduced consumer spending. All of which can erode the bottom line for businesses.

Larger businesses typically have a better time weathering the storm during a recession. They’re larger and more established companies, with the financial fire power and market share to withstand a market downturn.

Rising inflation and higher interest rates: Rising inflation isn’t just an issue for consumers. It’s one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs and business owners too. Inflation disproportionately impacts small businesses, which have less weight behind them when it comes to buying power compared to their larger peers, with labour often being a significant part of their cost base.

If the rate of inflation rises above the targets set by government, central banks will start an interest rate hiking cycle as a tool to cool down rising prices. Higher interest rates can increase costs for businesses, especially those with debt on their balance sheets. Supply-chain disruption - this is a common challenge for businesses, especially those who provide goods rather than services. Delays in receiving the goods from manufacturers can lead to a loss in sales, missed opportunities and a decrease in customer satisfaction. In addition, supply-chain disruption could lead to higher production and shipping costs, further eating away at the profitability for businesses. Similar to the impact of inflation, small businesses typically feel the full force of any supply-chain disruption as suppliers will want to keep their biggest and most valuable customers happy, which are typically the larger corporations.

How to Overcome Business Challenges

Seek new opportunities: In most cases, entrepreneurs and business owners often face the same challenges and have the same predicament to others. It’s the businesses that seek opportunities in the face of adversity that often succeed.

to have a major impact on how we live our lives. It allows businesses to streamline their operations and creates opportunities for those who can identify new ways to apply the technology.

Half of business owners are worried about the impact of AI on the next generation. At the same time, three in five (62%) are excited about what AI will bring, while a similar number (60%) think it will make their business more profitable and view it as an opportunity to improve productivity and efficiency.

Just like the businesses that thrived during the Great Financial Crisis (GFC) and the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s the businesses that are willing to embrace change and seek new opportunities that will be well-placed to succeed through uncertainty.

Be Agile

Small businesses can be more agile than their larger peers during times of uncertainty. They have the ability to shift and pivot in a different direction, seeking out new opportunities during adversity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses pivoted by either offering new products or making changes to how they offered certain services. For example, food and beverage companies changed the way they provided their products, with takeaway and home delivery services becoming increasing popular.

Our latest report Opportunities in Adversity, available on our website, contains case studies from Tandem, Forest, Muc-Off and Samudra Oceans who all found opportunities in tough times. It shows how adapting to changes, making smart pivots and spotting opportunities in difficult situations can lead to greater business success.

Build Resilience and Improve Cash Flow

The path to entrepreneurial success isn’t linear - you’ll face your fair share of ups and downs along the way. There’s much we can learn from ‘phoenix founders’, a term to describe someone who found success after a previous business has failed.

You can’t predict when these periods of adversity will come, but you can prepare for them. Keeping a cash reserve within your business can help to protect its ability to absorb any shocks.

Without a substantial cash reserve in place, you might have to turn to short-term borrowing to keep your business afloat. And, with interest rates well above their long-term average, this could prove to be an extremely expensive way to run your business. Debt could begin to mount up and you might struggle to keep up with the interest repayments.

Every business is unique, so the amount you need to keep aside will be different to the next. As a general rule of thumb, businesses should have around three to six months’ worth of working capital readily available. Working capital is any stock and short-term debt owed to you, minus any short-term liabilities that you owe to other people, such as staff wages or loan repayments.

How Charles Stanley Supports Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

At Charles Stanley, we are committed to supporting entrepreneurs through the good times and bad. We offer a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Our holistic approach ensures personalised financial planning and investment strategies tailored to long-term success and financial security.

Looking ahead, AI, clean technology, and digital health, are poised to drive the next of entrepreneurial growth and we remain dedicated to guiding our clients through these emerging opportunities.

Graham Austin, Chartered FCSI Investment Director

Graham.Austin@charles-stanley.co.uk

0207 149 6696

The value of investments can fall as well as rise. Investors may get back less than invested. Past performance is not a reliable guide to future returns. The information in this article is for general information purposes and is not a trading recommendation. Charles Stanley is not a tax adviser.

Nothing in this article should be construed as personal advice based

on your circumstances. No news or research item is a personal recommendation to deal.

Charles Stanley & Co. Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 55 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 3AS.

The Singing Chef

I wrte this month from a very very beautiful Zante in Greece. Wow, what a place. I am in love... It helps too that I am here with Sam, another one of my beautiful best friends!

Sam and I met as backing singers in London 25 years ago - how time flies... We still both still singing!

Anyway, if you find yourself here and near Laganas, go to Greco! They have the best food I have had anywhere in along time!

I don’t have a kitchen here so no recipe unfortunately, so this month, just a massive recommendation that if you find yourself in a Greek restaurant, or actually in Greece itself, you simply myst try to get frigania!

It’s the most delicious set cream custard, flavoured with nutmeg and lemon on top of a syrup soaked sponge.

It’s divine.

We had this version last night at Greco - which had, I think, a cinnamon baklava kind of filling. Insane!

You can catch her at O’Connors in November. Look out for and search for ‘FireStarterSam’.

Christmas is coming! and our main event of the year, Breakfast With Santa, will once again be taking place this year on Saturday 30th November and Sunday the 1st December.

There are two sittings each day: 9.30am

and 11.30am and tickets will be released in early October - watch our social media for details. Tickets go fast and we sold out (200 tickets) in around a week last year. It is a family event where family/friends come along and all enjoy breakfast together, Santa comes along to say hello during breakfast, then disappears to his grotto, where all the children go to receive a personalised gift.

The Copper Pot Café is now such an integral part of the Community Station that some people don’t even realise it is a community facility, you can hire our rooms and our marquee. The Copper Pot Café can provide catering if required for events from birthday parties to wakes. We must admit that most people do come to The Community Station for the café, but we want to remind people it is actually a community hub that happens to have a café.

Men’s Shed has been busy and they have made a number of planters for sale (see the photo) - there are also a few bird feeders

still for sale. They will also be selling any that they have left, plus some Christmas decorations and gifts at MLCTs Christmas Market on Saturday the 2nd November. Men’s Shed have also been asked to make some bespoke bench planters, so if there is anything along these lines you would like, please get in touch. Men’s Shed runs every Friday from 1pm till 4pm.

AS mentioned, MLCTs Christmas Market, Made With Love, is on Saturday 2nd November, where there will be a marquee full of Christmas gifts and decorations.

New City Voices will be performing their Christmas concert at 3pm on Sunday the 8th December at St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Galleywood. You will be able to buy tickets in the Community Station via The Copper Pot Café, online, or from anyone in the choir.

The Copper Pot Café is open Monday - Friday from 8am till 4pm and on Saturday from 9am till 3pm.

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

From Moulsham Lodge Ward - By

Ashley Thompson & Simon Goldman

Even if summer has been taking a while to decide whether it’s finished with us or not, your two Lib Dem city councillors for Moulsham Lodge Ward, Ashley Thompson and Simon Goldman, have had little respite come rain or shine!

Ashley has continued to run regular Community Speedwatch sessions across our three allocated sites along Gloucester Avenue and has been successful, alongside his committed band of volunteers, in catching out various drivers travelling at excessive speeds in recent sessions.

There are no less than three schools in close proximity in the area we cover and the visibility we have is a key factor in making Moulsham Lodge safer for all. So why not join us? We’ll give you free training, hi-vis and police-calibrated speed guns and you’ll help us get that message in peoples’ heads that if they use Gloucester Avenue and go too fast, then they may well get caught. Email ashley.thompson@ chelmsfordlibdems.org.uk to get involved.

And whilst we’re on the subject of the roads, can anyone honestly defend the state of some of our local highways and footways in Moulsham Lodge? St Anthony’s Drive is just one example of where serious investment is needed. Highways are the responsibility of the Conservative-run Essex County Council, and we are continually banging the drum on behalf of our residents for proper investment. We’re quite clear that if they don’t up their game, then the county council elections await them in May 2025, and that we’re putting them on notice on this issue and others.

Ashley has also received complaints this month regarding maintenance issue such as clumps of weeds being left to grow unchecked through cracks in the road and pavings. This has once again been reported to County Council for action.

Simon and Ashley have also continued to meet regularly with the

police at the monthly Coffee With Cops events held at The Copperpot Café. Moulsham Lodge remains a relatively low crime area, though perceptions of crime and more occasional incidents do heighten concerns at times. We’ve been delighted to see quite a number of our residents and putting their views to the police in their own words.

Please do pop along from 1.30pm on the first Saturday of each month to help us support and hold accountable community policing in action.

Take care.

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

Follow us on the following platforms - search for ‘Chelmsford Liberal Democrats’.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChelmsLibDems

Facebook: Simon Goldman - Moulsham Lodge Councillor Twitter: twitter.com/ChelmsLibDems

An Update

Tile Kiln Corner - By Cllr Linda Mascot

Are you or your loved ones affected by dementia? If so, we’re very lucky to have supportive groups within our local vicinity.

Cherry Wood Grange Residential Care Home in Writtle Road specialises in dementia care and was recently featured on The One Show taking their residents out on a day trip to Southend. They joined the Beach School Explorers at Chalkwell Beach with residents and family enjoying time together reminiscing and remembering trips to the seaside.

The sights and sounds evoked happy memories and the residents were seen to be singing and paddling in the water. All staff attend regular dementia training and Cherry Wood Grange put on many other activities to support their residents and families with dementia, for more information contact cherrywood@ carebase.org.

Fundangles is a local support group run by the brilliant Glenys who runs a variety of fun activities which support carers and families living with the challenges of dementia.

They hold musical afternoons, Side by Side pop-up sessions and Thingamajigs.

They also offer Memory Café sessions where you can ‘knit & natter’, do arts and crafts or play table tennis at different venues including Galleywood Heritage Centre, St Paul’s Church in Loftin Way and the Church of the Holy Spirit in Forest Drive.

Their support includes information about benefits you might be entitled to and informative sessions with former carers who offer help and share their experiences. The groups are very friendly and approachable - do reach out if you need help.

Glenys is always looking for volunteers to help with the groups and are expanding their services to more rural locations, for more information contact her on 07958 855 038.

Tile Kiln Church, which has the Dementia Friendly accreditation from the Alzheimer’s Society, hosted an excellent one-stop-shop Dementia Awareness event in September; this was an informal event, particularly for local people who are starting or already on the challenging journey of caring for loved ones with dementia. There were many companies to help support carers and families and hopefully, there will be other events like this in our area.

If you need support, please do reach out - I have personal experience of a family member with dementia and know what a difficult time it can be, others are in the same situation and willing to help.

mascotlinda@gmail.com

Let There Be Light!

Well, in just a few weeks’ time, in the early hours of Sunday 27th October, the clocks will turn back an hour. For a few days, it’ll be slightly lighter slightly earlier in the morning. But it will be getting darker earlier in the afternoon.

Sunday afternoon of 27th October is the first afternoon where it’ll start feeling dark at around 4pm (depending on the weather, but then, depending on the weather is always risky in Britian!). So, what better than to celebrate the LIGHT on Sunday 27th October at 4pm?!

We at Tile Kiln Church are holding a Light Party on that day from 4-6pm, at Church4All. And, you are invited to our party! We have games, craft, story, song and always end with a light meal together (that’s tea for the kids sorted!). Have a look at the poster on this page, and get in touch with me if you want any more details or have any questions.

But, why celebrate light? Well, because in the Bible, Jesus describes himself as the ‘Light of the World’, and Jesus’ birth is described as light coming into the darkness, so Jesus is the light that comes into the darkness in order to give light to everyone.

Any darkness in your life? Well, of course, we all have dark areas of life. But here’s the promise from Jesus - he will come into your darkness and shine his light. Not to condemn or to judge, but to bring healing. And here’s the best bit: no darkness has ever overcome Jesus’ light. And no darkness ever will.

Come and find our more at our Light Party on Sunday 27th October from 4-6pm.

If you want to know more, or have any questions, please get in touch!

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

www.moulshamtimes.com

07821 866 301 YouTube: tinyurl.com/y24qlkvx www.facebook.com/tilekilnchurch www.tilekilnchurch.org.uk

Quiz Time - By John Theedom

Which country hosts Cannes Film Festival?

What word can be the covering of a sheep and to cheat someone?

What is another name for a field day?

What word can be fuel for your fire and records of information?

What is an official trade ban?

What is cryptography?

What is a Hindu forehead decoration called?

Alopecia is the technical name for what?

Who is the 102 year old ex-wren who has just completed a parachute jump from 7,000 feet?

Who played James Bond in The Living Daylights?

What is Mother Teresa’s real name?

Bird related, what is the meaning of a ‘brail’?

What birds collect in a covey?

The song America comes from which musical?

What does ‘chop suey’ mean literally?

Blur were formed in which Essex town, now a city?

What sort of creature is a fluke?

Where is your pituitary gland situted?

Where in Westminster Abbey was the Stone of Scone?

What is Madison Square Garden situated over?

What is the Swedish platter?

According to the proverb, what plays when the cat is away?

What is a butterfly larva more commonly known as?

From where did the rhumba originate?

In WW2, whose nickname was Lord Haw Haw?

How many cards are there in a Tarot pack?

What is another name for boardsailing?

Light, Home and Third used to be what?

Who was the female lead in Singing In The Rain?

Peace River is in which country?

What is the correct name for chicken pox?

What is the name of the character played by Sean Bean in Goldeneye?

Which metal do you get from bauxite?

Which unit of measurement was defined by Henry III of England by placing 3 barley corns in a line?

What was Operation Dynamo in WW2?

Who or what is sweet William?

A durmast is a variety of what?

What was the name of Woody Woodpecker’s nephew?

What gift is traditionally given for a 50th wedding anniversary?

What part of your body is initialised as ANS? (Answers on page 30 & 31)

Imagine the joy of helping a child unlock the doors to a world of reading. We need more volunteers, like you, to support children’s literacy in Essex.

Schoolreaders, a national charity dedicated to improving children’s literacy, is seeking volunteers to provide vital reading support to primary school children who need it the most.

Currently, one in four children are leaving primary school each year unable to read to the expected standard 1. This means they cannot fully access their secondary education, which will have life-long consequences. By placing reading volunteers into primary schools, children can explore books and develop a love of reading increasing their opportunities in later life.

Schoolreaders recruits and places volunteers into a local primary school to provide regular one-to-one reading support. The need for Schoolreaders volunteers has never been greater. There are

currently more than 27,000 children receiving this support from a Schoolreaders volunteer each week in term time, and with your help, we can increase that number. By dedicating just an hour a week, volunteers can make a significant impact on a child’s reading ability, boosting their confidence and lighting the path to a brighter future.

“It has been a joy to volunteer in the school and listen, encourage and support the children with reading” said Rosie, a current volunteer in Derbyshire.

“I have focused quite a bit of my time with Reception and Year 1 children who are finding reading more difficult. One little boy has really improved, and it has been very rewarding to see him enjoy reading now and feeling more confident.”

Schoolreaders matches volunteers with local schools based on their location and availability. The commitment is just one hour a week during term time for a year, making it an ideal opportunity for retirees, or those who work part-time or flexibly. No qualifications are required, applications are open to anyone with a good grasp of English, and a little time to spare.

Find out more and apply to become a volunteer at www.schoolreaders.org/volunteer.

Volunteers for Community Bookshop/charity shop

We need enthusiastic, friendly volunteers to help in our charity bookshop on Market Road, Saturday morning 10am to 1pm and/or Sunday 11am to 3pm.

Minibus and/or car drivers - Chelmsford Community Transport

Can you help isolated people to get out and about?

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

Millrace furniture workshop volunteer

We are seeking volunteers to help in a small workshop specialising in furniture restoration and City & Guilds’ training. We need a volunteer, experienced in woodwork, to help maintain the workshop and tools

and equipment and help in the workshop with furniture repairs and restoration.

Recovery Space Volunteer at Essex Recovery Foundation

The Recovery Community is a combination of people with lived experience of addiction and people affected by someone else addiction. We want to create spaces across Essex for the recovery community to come together and this role will help with that.

This volunteer role will support the delivery of the Recovery Spaces in venues across Essex. Supervised by the Community Engagement worker, volunteers will help with the smooth running of each session and will be part of team that creates a space in which people want to come together each week.

Minibus driver for the elderly - Chelmsford Muslim Society

We provide facilities for the elderly at their Hamptons Sports and Leisure Centre. The elders are brought to the centre every Wednesday in a minibus around 10am and taken back around 2pm. At the centre they do light exercise, have a light refreshment, learn various skills including knitting and healthy cooking

A fully qualified driver is required to bring the elders to the centre and take them back. Pick ups are in Chelmsford, Springfield and Broomfield area then onto Hamptons Sports and Leisure Centre.

Take a Look Through the Moulsham Lodge Camera Club Lens

A photograph is not always about what is in it; sometimes, there is more power in what we leave out. This month, why not grab your mobile or camera and give it a go? Here’s an example of what is meant by this.

These two photos are of working police dogs, both waiting to be let out of their cage to demonstrate drug sniffing skills. One photo has hardly any of the dog visible as opposed to the other photo which has over half the dog as well as the cage. The question is - which photo has the more impact? Do we need all the dog? Do we need its’ environment or is it enough for the onlooker to imagine what’s going on?

At Moulsham Lodge Camera Club, we learn these tips and tricks to get the best from whatever device we have in our hand. The imagination is often far stronger than fact and certainly we think that less can often mean more which seems clearly demonstrated by these two photos. Why not give it a go this month and take less but express more? Be mindful while taking photos and ask yourself this question - who/what is the main character and who/what are the supporting cast? Simplify your composition, leave stuff out, simplify again and be amazed at the results.

Now try to imagine transforming those dark Monday nights into a stimulating evening of photography related activities. This is something you don’t need to leave to the imagination we will be happy to see new members for a free trial on Monday nights, Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church, 110 Lime Walk, CM2 9NJ. it starts at 8pm with tea and biscuits at 9pm, and we finish at 10pm.

Here are some more examples: The whole flower or part of the flower?

By Liz Croxson

moulshamlodgecameraclub@gmail.com

Man-eating shark or seagull’s dinner?

Beautiful dandelion or just part of it?

Military exercise

Logs

Embargo

Process of hiding or coding information

A Bindi

Hair loss or baldness

Manette Baillie

Timothy Dalton

Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu

Leather strap to bind a hawk’s wing

Partridges

West Side Story

Pain and injury treatment, now on Beehive Lane.

Sports & remedial massage

Injury & pain treatment

Back Pain Care Plan

Pregnancy & Pelvic Floor Rehab

www.charlieking.uk

info@charlieking.uk 07796060163

Bits and pieces Colchester Worm

Base of brain

Under the Coronation Chair

Pennsylvania Station

Autonomic Nervous System

A pancake The mice

Caterpillar

Radio stations

Debbie Reynolds Canada

Varicella

‘006’ code named Janus. Real name Alec Trevelyan

Aluminium

An inch

The evacuation of at Dunkirk

A flower Oak tree

Knothead Gold