Moulsham Times - September 2024 by Itsyourmedia

MT Welcome

Hi readers,

Welcome to the September edition of Moulsham Times

In Moulsham Lodge and Tile Kiln you will have new delivery people; Chris has been delivering to both areas for many years and is now finishing due to other commitments, so I would like to thank her for all the years she has been delivering in rain, snow and shine. And also obviously many thanks to the other deliverers for what they do!

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

September brings the start of so many new things, which is possibly a bit strange as it’s two thirds of the way through the year. But it always conjures up that back-to-school feeling for me, despite my own school days being very far behind me. I still have one child of school age and there are always the last minute dramas in trying to source school uniform items and other school supplies.

Perhaps it’s to do with that feeling of days being noticeably shorter, the sun being just that tiny bit lower in the sky in the evenings, or brushing the sand out of beach bags as they get put away for another year...

For students going into their first year of university, or taking their first independent steps in the world of work, it’s the start of a brand new chapter in their lives.

Congratulations to all of you who worked so hard for your GCSE and A-level results. I hope you get you what you needed and they give you the stepping stones for the futures that you want. If you didn’t quite get what you were aiming for, please don’t worry, there are plenty more opportunities ahead - just make sure you grab them with both hands.

September also brings the start of the new parliamentary session after the summer recess. But it’s rather short-lived as it breaks for another recess for the political parties to hold their party conferences from 13th September, returning on 7th October. The new Labour government has a pretty full agenda, so I’m looking forward to lots of activity in Parliament both before and after conference recess.

Looking at issues that will directly affect Chelmsford, there are several items that need to be addressed. Of course there is housing, the environment and the NHS, which are all key topics, and I will be working with my party to hold the Labour government to account. One very helpful consequence of being part of a third party that is not very much smaller than the official opposition is that the Liberal Democrats will be chairing three of the all-important Select Committees, namely:

• Petitions.

• Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

• Health and Social Care.

I would argue that the Select Committees do a lot of the heavy lifting in Parliament - holding the government of the day to account by calling witnesses and taking expert testimony, including from ministers. Being given the opportunity to chair the above committees is excellent news, especially for the latter two as these were key campaign areas for my party, as well as being extremely important issues for the public and indeed the country as a whole. It will be good to see which of our experienced members of Parliament are selected to take up these roles.

For my part, I would be keen to get involved in the Select Committees where appropriate, but membership is decided a bit later. I will also hopefully be joining the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the East of England, which among other things will be fighting against the poorly thought through proposals to run pylons through much of Essex’s beautiful countryside, including to the north and west of our city. I agree with campaigners that there are better, less devastating options that should be properly considered.

Funding for the Army & Navy proposals are now also potentially up in the air as Labour reviews its capital spending plans. While I appreciate that costs have escalated, I am keen to see the project go ahead, not least because of the benefits the scheme should bring for sustainable forms of transport. I will be raising my concerns in

Parliament.

I’m also pleased to see that works are progressing well to install the new bridge for the Waterside development, which you will have seen if you’ve walked along the river recently. You can follow its progress online here: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/ developments-and-improvements-in-chelmsford/chelmer-waterside/ newsletters.

And finally, lots of constituents across Chelmsford have been in touch with casework issues since the general election. With several hundred bits of new casework and thousands of emails, it has been impossible to respond as quickly as I would have liked. However, I have been concentrating on getting a team in place to ensure that going forward, constituents will get the sort of response rate that we all hope would happen.

By the time you read this, most of my Chelmsford-based staff should be up and running, but please bear with us as we deal with the backlog. It’s a very strange and frustrating feature of our electoral system, but when there is a change of political parties for the local MP, there is no handover of staff or systems - you have to start completely from scratch at precisely a time when you are inundated with people wanting to contact you. Thank you for your patience if you have been trying to get in touch.

If you need to contact me or my team, please send an email to marie.goldman.mp@parliament.uk.

MPs can only deal with casework from their own constituents, so please remember to include your name, your address, and a brief summary of the issue you need help with.

Thanks for reading. Happy September!

Marie

A Legacy of Excellence

Regal Kitchens: NEFF Partnership

Regal Kitchens and NEFF: A 15-Year Partnership in the South East

For over 15 years, Regal Kitchens and NEFF have partnered to bring exceptional kitchen solutions to homeowners across the south east. As NEFF’s preferred retailer in the region, Regal Kitchens has consistently delivered innovative and stylish appliances that meet the diverse needs of their customers.

Regal Kitchens is renowned for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, providing bespoke kitchen designs that blend functionality with aesthetics. Their partnership with NEFF, a brand known for cutting-edge technology and elegant design, has allowed them to offer appliances that enhance culinary experiences. Features like NEFF’s Slide&Hide® oven door and CircoTherm® technology showcase the perfect blend of innovation and practicality that has become synonymous with both brands.

New Social Media Initiative

This partnership is set to reach new heights with the launch of an exciting social media programme. Regal Kitchens will lead this initiative, focusing on bringing NEFF appliances into customer kitchens through dynamic and interactive content. The programme aims to engage customers through platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest, offering virtual kitchen tours, appliance demonstrations and cooking tutorials featuring NEFF products. By providing an immersive experience, Regal Kitchens aims to inspire potential buyers and showcase how NEFF appliances can transform their culinary spaces.

Engaging Customers

Regal Kitchens plans to share customer testimonials, design tips and expert advice, creating a vibrant community for homeowners seeking inspiration for their kitchen projects. This digital strategy underscores

Regal’s commitment to innovation and maintaining its leadership in kitchen design and appliance retail.

Transforming Kitchens

The collaboration between Regal Kitchens and NEFF exemplifies the power of partnership and the pursuit of excellence. Together, they continue to redefine kitchen experiences, offering homeowners in the south east unparalleled quality and style. As they embark on this new social media journey, Regal Kitchens and NEFF are poised to transform kitchens into the heart of the home with flair and innovation.

Regal Care

Regal Kitchens are the only UK NEFF retailer that will organise our resident home economist to cook a 3-course meal as part of a demonstration of your new kitchen; this ensures that their customers have the confidence to get the most from the new appliances. (subject to minimum appliance spend).

Really living their pledge that the Client Is King!

Hello everyone. Summer’s here! Wow, it’s finally arrived with lovely sunny days, relaxing in the garden. Great!

Have you noticed though, that the people who complained about the cold weather a few months ago, are the same people who think it is now too hot? No pleasing some. We tend to avoid going away in the school holidays, so we have been at home for the past few weeks. Never mind, we just sit in the garden and use our imagination, thinking we’re in a lovely caravan park... It’s not the same, but much cheaper!

We had some friends visit at the weekend, and took them to Flatford, where Constable painted the Hay Wain as I am sure you may know. It’s a lovely place and lots of people decided to do the same, so it was a bit crowded. Great to see a big range of people, especially young families wandering round in the sunshine. Lots of them were in rowing boats on the river. You can also take a trip on the river, but we didn’t have time for that. It was very popular. In this day and age when we read that young children spend too much time indoors on their gaming stuff (whatever that is), so it’s heartening to see them enjoying the natural beauty of a place like this. It’s well run with helpful staff and two coffee shops. It is so much easier for children to learn about things when they able to see it for themselves. A lovely day out. Thank you National Trust.

Back to TV advertisements. There is one on at the moment advertising a local railway company. It features what I think is a red hare (it looks too big to be a rabbit). This hare has featured in their advertisements for some time and I could never see why. Is it because hares are supposed to be fast runners? Maybe they like trains, I don’t know. However, I have noticed that there is also a young lady featuring in these ads, running around and smiling, then suddenly she is poking her head out of a hole in the road. It’s one of those that access a drain or such like. Question one: what has this to do with train services? Question two: how did she get in there? Question three: how is she going to get out?

All of this is beyond me, but once again, I do remember the ad and what it is advertising, so I guess the advertising executives would call it a success!

We took a couple of the grandchildren to Brightlingsea today. A lovely little place and very busy. It has a lido, which was very pleasant. Shops, cafés, and it is ideal for children, thanks to the little sea water pool on the beach. Very nice place and free parking on the road if you get there early enough. The photos are of the view across the estuary and of one on the small islands just off the coast.

So, the football’s back. That break seems to get shorter than ever. First game of the Premiership and already the moans are in. VAR features again, even after they have changed a few things to make the game flow better. Players still argue with the referee, appear to be poleaxed when an opponent gets within in half a metre from them to tackle, take throw-ins from the wrong place etc. I think that players gathering round the referee shouting the odds, is unacceptable. The officials can’t change their minds, because it’s too late. I think an immediate yellow card for offenders might reduce this. Bring it on!

Animal funny stories continue to amuse me. One I have seen involves a yellow-crowned Amazon parrot called Chico. He lives at the Lincolnshire Wildlife Park in the East Midlands. Apparently, he regularly belts out pop songs. He sings If I Were a Boy by Beyoncé as well as Poker Face (Lady Gaga), Crazy (Gnarls Barkley) - I thought a dog would have been better singing that one - and Firework (Katy Perry). I can think of some others that he may have a go at: There will be Blue Parrots over the White Cliffs of Dover, Sergeant Parrot’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and of course, anything by Taylor Swift. If he could get a dog to join him to form a little group, they could sing a duet, It’s all Rover Now (Rolling Stones) or Bark Life (Blur). This list goes on.

Bin End Chuckles

I was walking through Chelmsford High Street the other evening and saw a lemon sorbet, a dish of trifle and an apple pie. The streets looked strangely desserted...

I said to the gym instructor, “can you teach me the splits?” he said, “how flexible are you?” I said, “I can’t to Mondays or Fridays...”

Stay safe and look after each other.

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MT Gardening

What a super summer it’s been so far. Yes, I know that we’ve had a mixed bag of hot, dry and wet days, however it hasn’t stopped us from getting out to tend our various garden plots, balconies and patios. As we veer from August to September, there’s still plenty to do in getting all things sorted for the autumn and next year...

At this time of year, I start to scour the various online and physical bulb catalogues for anything to extend the season of interest both for now, but importantly later winter/spring colour. Selecting the right bulbs and corms is key to achieving vibrant autumn and spring displays in your garden. Here’s a short guide with a few of my favourites and tips for their use.

Autumn Flowering Bulbs and Corms

Colchicum (Colchicum autumnale): try out cultivars such as ‘Waterlily’, ‘Album’ and ‘Lilac Wonder’. Known as autumn crocus, these corms produce large, goblet-shaped flowers in shades of lilac, pink, or white. Plant in late summer, 10-15cm deep in well-drained soil. Great for naturalising in lawns or planting in rock gardens and woodland areas.

Cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium): For example, ‘Album’, ‘Bowles Pink’, ‘Silver Leaf’. They have delicate, nodding flowers in pink, white, or red with attractive heart-shaped leaves. Plant in partial shade, around 5cm deep and 15cm apart in humus-rich soil. Ideal for underplanting trees, in woodland gardens, or shaded rockeries.

Autumn Crocus (Crocus speciosus): Check out these cultivars, ‘Albus’, ‘Artabir’ and ‘Cassiope’. They are similar to the spring crocus but blooms in the autumn with violet-blue flowers. Plant in late summer

8-10cm deep in well-drained soil in full sun. Suitable for rock gardens, borders, or naturalised in grassy areas.

Nerine (Nerine bowdenii): For example, ‘Alba’, ‘Pink Triumph’ and ‘Isabel’. Nerines offer striking clusters of pink, white, or red flowers on tall, slender stems. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil, with the neck of the bulb just above the soil surface. Perfect for adding late-season colour to borders or growing in pots.

Spring Flowering Bulbs and Corms

Daffodils (Narcissus): For example, King Alfred’, ‘Têteà-Tête’, ‘Thalia’. Both are reliable, bright, and available in shades of yellow, white, and orange. I tend to plant them in groups in borders, under deciduous trees, or naturalised in lawns. They’re ideal for creating cheerful, early spring displays. Most importantly, I’ve found that they are deer resistant. Tulips (Tulipa): For example, Queen of Night’, ‘Angelique’ and ‘Red Riding Hood’. Together they offer a wide range of colours and forms, from single to double petals. Plant in well-drained soil in sunny locations, 15cm deep and spaced 10cm apart. They are excellent for formal beds, borders and containers. Group by colour for a bold effect or mix varieties for a more natural look.

Crocus (Crocus spp.): For example, ‘Ruby Giant’, ‘Jeanne d’Arc’, ‘Pickwick’. They are low-growing, with cup-shaped flowers in purple, white, and yellow. Plant in well-drained soil, around 8cm deep and 5cm apart, in full sun. They are perfect for naturalising in lawns, under trees and shrubs or in rock gardens. Their early bloom provides a vital food source for pollinators.

General Tips for Selecting and Planting Bulbs and Corms

• Consider the flowering times of different bulbs and corms to ensure continuous colour.

• Most bulbs prefer welldrained soil; improve heavy clay soils with organic matter.

• Follow the specific planting depth for each variety, typically 2-3 times the height of the bulb.

• Mix bulbs with perennials or ground covers to provide interest once the bulbs have finished blooming.

• By carefully selecting a range of bulbs and corms, you can enjoy a garden that bursts into colour from early spring through late autumn.

Happy gardening.

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

Nick Garner’s Music & Ramblings

I am now back home after my travels around parts of the UK and I had a good time. I did have a few problems with my caravan to start with, but I got them all sorted by the second of three festivals. The weather in the main was great, although we did get a little rain at the first two festivals. I have covered a good few miles and my vehicle towed well throughout, and my miles per gallon was a little bit better than I thought it might be while towing.

What has been happening back here in Chelmsford? Well, the Hop Beer Shop in Moulsham Street has changed hands. John Prior, who opened the first micro-pub in Essex back in 2014, has decided to pass it on. He has achieved so much and winning many awards during his time, having gained many friends - including myself. The great thing is that Ed (who owns Hopsters over the road from the Hop Beer Shop and is pictured below) has taken it on and vows to keep it much the same as it currently is, and to keep the staff on. He has reopened it now. One difference he has planned is to extend the opening hours, and a couple of other tweaks after talking to some of the existing customers - so it should all be for the good of the customer.

Bar Plus is now up and running from what I hear, which is great as this is helping to make Moulsham Street the place to go to with so many different independent traders. Do please make use of your local independent retailers so that we don’t lose them, which l am sure none of us want.

Now open in Beehive Lane near the Abbercorn Garden Centre is Regal Kitchens, and Feran Home and Interiors having both just opened both at Apiary Yard, Beehive Lane in Great Baddow. Both are well worth a visit.

We have plenty going on in and around the Moulsham Times area. The schools are about to return too, so good luck to one and all and to all those going to college and university and those choosing to start work. I know many parents will be missing their children when they go to wherever they go.

Will they be able to cook anything but pasta and microwave meals I wonder, and how about using a washing machine - or will they find all that too confusing!? I am sure that many of us parents caused the same fears for our parents back in the day, although in my day we did not have microwaves, computers, or mobile phones to find out how to do things!

Hot Box has its multi-venue festival Sounds Good coming up on the 13th and 14th of September - go to their website to find out more.

I was happy to see after the ‘planned’ night of disruption in August in the city (following the murders in Southport) did not go ahead. Crime is seemingly being dealt with well by our police - and by us in the community being alert. Let’s all help to reduce crime even more.

We have had Clockstock recently, which I hear went very well, and of course the Scout World Jamboree, which some of you or your children may have attended - again, I hear it was a massive success.

Do remember, that if you have anything of interest or that we have missed do please let us know. You can email paul@moulshamtimes. com, or to editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk for as both the Moulsham Times and City Times

Music

We are going to move our ticket outlet at the beginning of October from Hopsters back to the Hop Beer Shop, as they will be open from Wednesday to Sunday from noon each day.

We are about ready to start at Black Frog Presents again. Our first show is on Friday 6th September with The Overtures, who Sir Elton John says they are the best of their kind. They play mainly 60s music and Elton had them play at his wedding as well as at the O2 with him. Sir Paul McCartney has had them play some private events for him too, as have other celebrities. We advise you not to miss this showin fact, don’t miss any of our shows as they are all now listed for the rest of this year in our adverts for both Chelmsford Social Club and Hot Box.

New for 2025, we have Black Frog Presents Blues Box. We will be putting on a monthly Sunday late afternoon blues event at Hot Box - we start on January 5th with Bag O’ Bones, and I already have over half of the events booked up. More info to follow in future editions.

Along with this, I am already booking some acts for the Social Club for 2025. We will kick off with Hamish Stuart and his band on Friday 31st September with Greene (Joe Anderton’s new band) opening the show. I know I mentioned some of this last time, but I want to make sure that you know what is happening and going on.

Mentioned in this article is just a fraction of what is happening with lots going on all over the place - from pubs, clubs, halls, theatres, and shops, etc. Now with better weather, we have the outside too. We do list a good amount in the City Times magazine in our What’s On section. Please let us know if there is anything you would want to include.

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

You can get tickets for all our shows in Chelmsford at the Chelmsford Social Club at our shows or from Intense Records, Hopsters and Chelmsford 4 Good - please pay 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 be fantastic if you could share our magazines The City Times and Moulsham Times for us - just go to our websites for the online versions.

Non-Spoiler Film Reviews - By Henry Godfrey-Evans

Deadpool & Wolverine

The scepticism was justified; it could have been cheap nostalgia and not much else.

And it was cheap nostalgia - but they also gave Hugh Jackman some beautiful scenes, and - as ever - Ryan Gosling was hilarious and they even stepped up the meta jokes.

It was like ‘The Roast of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’ and I really liked how self-aware it was. There are arguments to say it lacked some art, but there’s space for dumb fun if it tickles the right spots.

Harold and the Purple Crayon

It’s basically Elf or Big without the genius or the commitment to acting.

Most of the minuscule bits I enjoyed were my memories of those films, or Jemaine Clement, who was quite funny.

Kneecap

About two good-for-nothing Northern Irish lads who stumble across a proficiency for rapping and combine it with their passion for speaking the Irish language.

Very interesting style, pace, filmmaking etc. Wild and loud, ticks some boxes, but perhaps it could have better harnessed the emotion that it did actually have in its story.

Solid.

It Ends With Us

Dramas like this are so interesting, I keep thinking it’s not going to be my sort of thing, and then I realise I care about what’s happening. It’s as simple and as dumbly put as that.

The theme was quite serious and it was done quite well. I thought it was very brave with the nuance that it concluded things too.

Still sort of pedestrian at times, but it goes firmly in the category of enjoyable.

Borderlands

It looked like a lot of work went into it, but some departments just weren’t pulling their weight, so it was crap anyway.

Cate Blanchet is in her 50s, she should not be playing action heroes that are in their 20s.

It looked cheap and the cast felt like it was picked by an algorithm. Eurgh.

Trap

I think I had a soft spot for this because it was a 3-star movie, but I liked it so I’m giving it 4.

It’s a classic ‘ooh wow, am I really rooting for the villain right now?’. It’s a criminal trying to escape capture from an expert FBI profiler, all happening at a concert with his daughter. A mastermind criminal brain vs the equivalent law-enforcer. Fun.

It had stretches of the film that were lacking, but it felt original so I forgave it. Josh Harnett played dad/villain so well.

I Saw the TV Glow

It’s like someone picked a random DVD out of a shop and inserted the disc without looking.

Very random, very artsy… but what an enjoyable film.

You follow a pair of characters who bond over an obsession for a tacky-looking 90s TV show. For some reason though, it feels just like it would have felt watching your favourite show growing up. I can’t explain how, but they did it.

It has some good themes around escapism, and gradually it became very heavy and poignant. Marvellous I thought, but I’m not sure if it would be quite as enjoyable to the mainstream audience.

I almost gave it a 5.

Alien: Romulus

I just feel like most people going to watch this are huge fans of the old hits. You want to see Aliens, you’re keen to see the new ideas in terms of making them look good and making people fight them. It did that very well.

Yes, there were rubbish characters, but I see that as necessary in horror. You’ve got to have cannon fodder so that you can see how scary these creatures are.

Cailee Spaeny will win an Oscar some day. Cut this out and frame it, because it’s gonna happen.

henrygodfreyevans@gmail.com

This month, I had the privilege of attending the opening of the Open To All exhibition - a collection of thirteen canvases by the talented fine artist and theologian Elizabeth Gray-King. It was held at Christ Church URC in Chelmsford on New London Road. This exhibition was the final stop in the UK, which has been touring the country over the past nine months, before it moves on to Australia. The event was organised in partnership with the Open Table Network, a national charity dedicated to facilitating wider, safer and more authentic inclusion for LGBTQIA people across UK churches, the exhibition left a profound impression on me.

As I admired the powerful and evocative artworks, I couldn’t help but reflect on the recent unrest across the country. For over a week, violent rioting has plagued many towns and cities, creating an atmosphere of fear and tension. Non-white citizens have been particularly targeted, facing intimidation and violence. In these times of disinformation and fear mongering, it becomes all too easy to create an ‘other’ to marginalise and scapegoat. However, I was heartened by the calm and collected response of our community here in Chelmsford. Despite unfounded rumours of potential riots, our city remained peaceful, thanks in large part to a strong police presence and the collective resilience of our residents.

At the exhibition’s opening, I was fortunate enough to speak with Elizabeth Gray-King herself. Our conversation inevitably turned to the current climate of fear and division, and she shared her thoughts on the power of art in fostering community cohesion. Elizabeth emphasised the importance of coming together in conversations and using art as a medium to bridge gaps and strengthen our collective bond. This spirit of unity is crucial for creating a supportive environment where everyone’s voice matters.

Reflecting on our discussion, I realised just how essential it is for our community to embrace inclusivity and actively work towards building bridges rather than walls. This ethos of unity and understanding is not only vital for addressing current societal challenges but also for ensuring a brighter future for all residents of Chelmsford.

In this context, it is particularly important to encourage young people to get involved and have their voices heard. Empowering youth to participate in community initiatives not only gives them a platform to express their views but also helps them develop leadership skills and a sense of responsibility towards their community. One great opportunity for this is by standing for the Young Essex Assembly (YEA).

I recently learned about this brilliant initiative during an open day at the Essex Youth Service at Galleywood Youth Centre, where I was kindly invited to join their team for lunch. During my visit, I met one of our existing Young Essex Assembly members for Chelmsford, who explained the process to me. The YEA is the elected youth council for Essex, with 75 members representing districts across the county. Six members of the YEA are also elected yearly to represent Essex within the UK Youth Parliament.

YEA members meet monthly in their local areas to work on issues that matter to young people. They review priorities, consult with their peers, and campaign to make a positive difference. Every two years, young people aged between 11 and 19 (or up to age 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) can stand for or vote in the elections for the Young Essex Assembly. Applications to stand as an Elected YEA member are now open and will close on Thursday October 31st 2024. For more information or to apply, you can email yea@essex.gov.uk.

As I continue to reflect on my experiences this month, I am reminded of the importance of fostering a supportive community. Whether

Cllr Charlene Adutwim

Equality and Diversity Champion Building Bridges - By

through art, youth engagement, or everyday interactions, we all have a role to play in creating a Chelmsford that is welcoming and inclusive for all. The Open To All exhibition and the initiatives like the Young Essex Assembly exemplify the power of coming together to celebrate our differences and work towards common goals.

As always, please feel free to contact me about any local issues or to share your ideas on how we can continue to make Chelmsford a great place to live. My door (and email) is always open, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Until next time, let’s continue to work together to build a community that we can all be proud of.

Charlene

Cllr Charlene Adutwim

Liberal Democrat

charlene.adutwim@chelmsfordlibdems.org.uk

City Councillor for Moulsham & Central Chair of Policy Board

Seaside Jolly with Cherry Wood Grange Care Home

We have been providing a range of beach activities at Cherry Wood Grange Care Home for individuals with dementia, which incorporate sensory experiences. We have found the memories of the seaside help residents to feel more comfortable and engaged.

Our sensory experiences have included mimicking the sights, sounds and smells of the seaside. We enjoy singing seaside songs, displaying tactile beach-themed decorations past and present, listening to the sound of seagulls, waves and children playing and enjoying the taste of ice cream - yum!

We also provide residents with tactile objects related to the seaside, such as shells, sand to play in and water to dip our toes, to encourage sensory stimulation. Activities that stimulate the feelings you get from being at the seaside, like sandcastle building, art projects with shells and making sandcastle flags, are a few of the activities we organise.

The activities provoked many conversations between the residents and at their request, we went on a jolly to the seaside. We took along some children for some multigenerational fun and the residents enjoyed promenading along the seafront with relatives, getting up close with the sea life caught by the children, playing ball games and building sandcastles. With the feeling of sand beneath their toes, some residents braved the water for a paddle in the sea and enjoyed a yummy ice cream.

By incorporating sensory experiences and memories of the seaside, care homes can help residents with dementia feel more connected to their past and provide a sense of comfort and familiarity. This can help improve their overall wellbeing and quality of life.

We had a fantastic day with the residents and the children which we were lucky enough to have filmed by the BBC - keep a look out for our TV debut! We are planning another trip soon.

Lisa

The Wilderness Foundation UK to Purchase 92 Acres of Ancient Semi-natural Woodland

On 12th September The Wilderness Foundation UK (WFUK/The Foundation) is hosting an event to celebrate the acquisition of Mann Wood, 92 acres of ancient semi-natural woodland in Essex for the benefit of people and wildlife, funded by Biffa Award and The Banister Charitable Trust.

This acquisition will enable WFUK to further its work in nature-based therapy, environmental education and the protection of wild spaces. The foundation will be joined by the great and the good from Essex, including the Mayor of Chelmsford, Lord Lieutenant of Essex, High Sheriff of Essex, ECC Climate Czar, ECC Chair, CCC Leader and CEO of Essex Wildlife Trust, who see the importance of this woodland and its legacy for generations to come.

Mann Wood at Great Leighs in Essex comprises 92 acres of seminatural ancient woodland assembled over the past 30 years by the previous owner, David Boyle DL, by combining four separately owned adjoining woods. Mann Wood is one of a series of woodlands in the Great Leighs area and lies close to other nature reserves such as the Essex Wildlife Trust Sandy Lay reserve, so allowing for future connections.

WFUK has been fortunate in provide its therapy and environmental educational services at this 92 acre woodland over the last five years. Now, as new owners of this beautiful woodland, ownership will allow WFUK to continue and expand their outdoor services with a wider impact whilst adopting a new approach to woodland conservation.

Background

Essex is straining under increasing housing needs, climate change impacts, predicted water shortages, and growing mental health problems amongst children and adults post-pandemic.

Ancient and semi-natural woodlands, such as Mann Wood, are a key aspect of our heritage and can offer multiple solutions to the social and environmental problems we face. They provide a range of habitats which support a rich diversity of plants and animals, moderated temperature and humidity, shelter and other vital components for managing climate change and biodiversity loss. At the same time, they store high levels of carbon, can help alleviate flooding, water and air pollution, and stabilise water tables in time of drought.

The foundation provides mental health services and shares research gathered with partners, such as The University of Essex, on the impact of healthy nature on mental health and behavioural improvements. Evidence collated by them over the past 17 years demonstrates how connection with nature improves well-being. WFUK is a pioneer and expert in this field.

Jo Roberts, CEO added, “The acquisition of Mann Wood represents not just the protection of a natural landscape, but the creation of a vibrant hub for education, research and community engagement. It paves the way for innovative solutions to the pressing environmental challenges we face today. Together, we embark on a journey to create a lasting legacy that not only protects nature but also enriches the lives of communities and generations to come.”

WFUK’s application for the Biffa Award was supported by a wide range of entities with which the foundation works closely, including Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford City Council, Essex Police, Essex County Council, University of Essex and Essex Wildlife Trust and the National Trust, amongst others. The importance of environmental education is equally key to the work of the Wilderness Foundation.

In 2023 they engaged over 7,000 participants in a range of

workshops, including learning about biodiversity, to being green influencers and taking action for nature.

“Having the opportunity to engage children in such a large piece of woodland helps them expand their understanding of our relationship to trees (we share 50% DNA with trees), the homes they offer to so many forms of life, how fungi form vital communication networks under the soil and how critical their protection is for nature to flourish is a massive opportunity for everyone and everything.” says Terri Dawson, Senior Environmental Education Officer.

Rachel Maidment of RSWT and Biffa Award Grants Manager said, “We are honoured to have contributed to the preservation of Mann Wood, ensuring its legacy for years to come. Through our Partnership Grants Scheme, we awarded The Wilderness Foundation a significant award which funded the purchase of 92 acres of ancient seminatural woodland in Essex, to help preserve, protect and enhance it in perpetuity.

“Protecting rare habitats like Mann Wood is vital for biodiversity conservation and offers invaluable recreational opportunities for all. We look forward to witnessing the continued flourishing of this cherished landscape, serving as a beacon of natural beauty for years to come.”

See the video link, used in the fundraising submission which shows the wood and the purpose for its protection for both people and nature: youtu.be/SXfkcVOMlX4.

St John’s Moulsham - By Benson

Dear pawsome chums, I’m a bit pup-plexed, I have misplaced my green dinosaur! He is my favourite toy, and I don’t know where he is...

I have looked in my dog beds (because naturally one is not enough), I’ve sniffed through my toy box, checked out my secret chewing spot that no-one knows about (my human would like to add it is on the step in the hall in full view of everyone… so not exactly secret!). But, alas, no dinosaur.

Next, I went outside and checked all my normal hiding places - he was not in the potato patch or in the holes I’ve dug in the lawn, and he was not in the blackberry bush nor under the tree.

I would have checked under the carpet, but my humans have taken that up after my exploits last month. I have no idea where my dinosaur is and I’m quite sad as I do miss him. I liked to snuggle up to him at night resting my head on his body, and he was always

there when I was sad. So, if anyone finds a green dinosaur - please return him to The Vicarage care of Benson. I can offer an award of a whimzee (a doggie dental chew) if found.

But all this searching has reminded me of a story in the Bible (Luke 15:8–10). There was a lady who had ten shiny silver coins (they were very special to her - imagine the most amazing doggy toys that you don’t ever want to play with because they are so special.) One day, she realised that she had lost one of her precious coins. She quickly lit a lamp, swept the house and searched carefully until she finally found her lost coin. She was so happy that she called all her friends and neighbours together and said: “Celebrate with me, for I have found my lost coin!” And they all celebrated with her, happy that she had found her lost coin.

This story is a lesson to me that, even though I can’t find my dinosaur, I should not give up but should keep searching. Then, when I do find him, I will have a big celebration with my other doggy friends and we’ll eat delicious biscuits and treats at JubiLatte at St John’s Church. It would be very easy for me to give up looking for my dinosaur and promote Mr Potatohead as my favourite toy, but Mr Potatohead is not as soft and comfy at night. So, I am going to keep searching until I find my dinosaur because, through the story of the lost coin and the lady’s lengthy search, I’m learning not to give up hope nor the search for my dinosaur, as I know one day I will sleep with my head on him again.

Paws for now, as I continue my search in my human’s herb garden, Benson

Grove Road Evangelical Church

The apostle Peter was not a stranger to attacks upon him because of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Roman authorities eventually put him to death for it. Towards the end of his life, Peter wrote a letter

tto new Christians, where among other things he gave some wise counsel about how to live as a Christian in a society where you were hated.

At that time, it was illegal under Roman law to be a Christian, and many of your neighbours would probably attack you for your faith too.

It is worth thinking about Peter’s counsel at a time when there is much turmoil around us in society due to all sorts of reasons. Maybe we are asking ourselves how we should live as Christians? Well here are six important bits of advice that Peter gave:

1. Don’t repay evil for evil, rather commit to being a blessing to others.

2. Pursue peace and not conflict.

3. Live as a good Christian. But remember you may still suffer attacks and persecution even though you are being good and kind to others.

4. Don’t be full of fear, but rather, trust in the Lord at all times.

5. Honour the name of Jesus at all times, and live as he wants you to live and not as society would try and make you live.

6. Know what you believe, and be ready to explain it to others whenever the opportunity comes along, but make sure you do it with gentleness and respect.

For the full story, read Peter’s first epistle in the Bible. You are more than welcome to visit our church to learn more about what it means to be a Christian, and how to live as a Christian today. We meet on a Sunday at 11am.

Philip Loose, Senior Pastor

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

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

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Well, it is the start of a new academic year, and so we think about and pray for all the little ones starting school, the bigger ones moving on to secondary school, and of course, all the leavers going on to Sixth Form or college. I say a special prayer for all the parents too - it is tough, but so good.

In a few weeks’ time, children will be singing, ‘Cauliflowers fluffy, and cabbage is green,’ and in church we will be polishing up ‘We plough the fields and scatter the good seed on the land’ as we all get ready, for the first celebration - a way of saying thank you; thank you to God for supplying our every need, thank you to the farmers and the fishermen, and many others who prepare our food, and thank you for the joy that food brings us in celebrations and daily living.

Jesus was well known for enjoying a cup of wine and eating food with friends and family. In fact, Jesus was different, he was willing to eat with people others would not want to eat with, for example tax collectors and ‘sinners.’ You might remember the story of Zacchaeus, a very little man, who had no friends, but found one as he determinedly set out to see Jesus. In the end he had to climb a tree, and then Jesus saw him too. Jesus said, ‘hey Zacchaeus, I’m coming to your house for tea.’ Zacchaeus was so excited, he sorted out all the things that had gone wrong in his life, so that he was ready to meet Jesus and enjoy his company - forever.

At St Lukes Church in Moulsham Lodge, we will be celebrating Harvest with a special guest visitor, Bishop Guli, Bishop of Chelmsford. You would be most welcome - perhaps you could bring a gift, your way of saying a little thank you for all that you have and will receive this year. This year we are supporting Chelmsford Foodbank. The service starts at 10am on Sunday 22nd September 2024. We will also be receiving an Eco Church bronze award - come and see, you would be very welcome.

Alternatively come and join us for an evening of musical entertainment by People of the Green on Saturday 28th September at 7.30pm, with songs sacred and secular, including music from the shows. Tickets are on sale for £10, including refreshments and can be booked by phoning 01245 248 685 or emailing moulshamchurches@gmail.com. Tickets will also be available on the door. All proceeds will be going towards our Hall Roof Appeal. It promises to be a great concert! We look forward to seeing you in and around Moulsham Lodge and Tile Kiln.

Reverend Canon Stephanie Gillingham

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

CCR Latest News

What a busy summer for our team at CCR - we were joined by more work experience students who were learning about our work in the community as well as picking up some new skills for themselves. We also attended the General Election count and were able to broadcast coverage as the results were coming in as well as speak to candidates who were eagerly awaiting an outcome.

In August, we were absolutely delighted to be invited to take part in the Chelmsford Market Family Fun Day. The weather was amazing and it was brilliant to see so many people there. Do check out our Facebook page (search ‘@chelmsfordcr’) to see all the pictures we took.

Michelle attended the AGM of the Chelmsford Twinning Partnership to deliver a short talk about

how we work with the Max Born Gymnasium School in Backnang and future aspirations on growing what is already a wonderful alliance.

Of course we must also give a massive shout out to the Hylands Estate Radio Themed Open Day, where we were able to run some hands on activities for young and old, plus work with the lovely Chelmsford Theatre Workshop folk on their radio drama showcase. Do keep an ear out for when we will drop the finished works into our schedule.

Chelmsford Community Radio are so very grateful to our many partners and supporters for allowing us to be involved with their projects. If you are part of a local organisation who might be interested in connecting then please do get in touchadmin@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com.

Moulsham High School Presents Exam Results 2024

Moulsham High School are celebrating another fantastic set of A-level and BTEC results which show that academic standards in our outstanding Sixth Form remain high.

While we are immensely proud of every student’s individual performance. Exceptional outcomes have been achieved in the following subjects: Photography, Computer Science, Drama, English Literature, Film Studies, French, History, Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Psychology, RS, Sociology, Spanish, and the Extended Project Qualification.

The vast majority of our students will now be taking up places at universities, including Kings, Kent, Bristol, Reading, Southampton, Durham, Exeter, Royal Holloway, Loughborough, Bath, Surrey, and St Mary’s.

We also have a student joining the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and another going to the USA to study International Business Management on a Football Scholarship.

Headteacher, Julia Mead said: “We are delighted for all our students. Both they, their teachers, and the Sixth Form team have all worked incredibly hard and their success is very well deserved. These students have a very bright future ahead of them.”

And on Thursday 22nd August Moulsham High School students collected the best set of GCSE, BTEC and Cambridge National results the school has achieved since 2019.

All 270 Year 11 students sat at least 8 qualifications and, while we are delighted with their performance across the curriculum, exceptional results were gained in: Chemistry, Computer Science, Maths, Geography, Physics, Biology, Art, Photography, Business Studies, Child Development, and Food Technology.

Headteacher, Julia Mead, said: “This is the eighth consecutive year our GCSE results have been well above national average. We are extremely proud of all our students. They, and their teachers, have worked incredibly hard to achieve today’s success.

“We look forward to many of them joining our outstanding Sixth Form in September and wish everyone, regardless of their onward destination, every further success in the future.”

www.moulshamhigh.org

Compassionate Communities Exhibition

Compassionate Communities invites you to explore a captivating art exhibition at The Art Place, Meadows Shopping Centre, High Street, Chelmsford CM2 6FD. The exhibition runs from September 3rd to November 3rd 2024, and showcases the incredible artwork of over 28 different local artists, around the theme of Celebrating Living, Caring and Dying.

These unique pieces are the creative expression of very personal experiences, important reflections and stories that we would like to share with you to help our communities to openly embrace discussions around dying, death and loss as a normal part of life.

The ethos behind this initiative is to foster supportive communities that offer comfort, understanding, and creative expression around death and dying. We hope to establish compassionate and resilient communities who are activated to support one another at the end of life in both emotional and practical ways.

All are welcomed to attend the free exhibition.

Fast Food, Slow Recovery - Junk Food

During one of my Diabetes Prevention Programme sessions, we were talking about replacing unhealthy foods with healthier ones. The conversation revolved around snacks and the subject of treats came up. When we are feeling down, upset, sad or experiencing any negative emotion, we decide to ‘treat’ ourselves and the first thing we think of is food. I wonder why? Is it because food is cheap and readily available?

As a health coach, when I’m trying to get people to think of rewards when they’ve achieved their goals - the first thing that comes up is some sort of food. I was speaking to a client the other day and she said she has started making a list of non-food treats - that was a pleasant surprise to me.

So, what does the word ‘treat’ mean? What sort of things did you have as treats as a child? I remember that my favourite sweet was sherbet lemon, but I only had this once in a blue moon. I also seemed to have a taste for Lucozade.

When I was growing up, you only had Lucozade when you were ill or recovering from an illness - now you can have it any time you want. My mum would never give it to me - even if I was at death’s door! I guess I should thank her now.

When did a treat stop being a treat and become something you have whenever you want it? It seems like the words ‘treat’ and ‘snack’ have become interchangeable. Let’s look at what they mean.

According to Sanford Fit (fit.sanfordhealth.org), ‘a snack is a small portion of nutritious foods that we eat between meals when we feel hungry.’ On the other hand (according to the same website), a treat is ‘a less nutritious option that does not fuel your body and brain as much. These foods are often disguised as ‘snacks’ in stores but are

packed with extra sugar and very few nutrients.’

It looks like now we are using these foods as rewards - especially with our kids. This is part of a larger problem.

This brings me back to the situation with A & E, my friend who started off this discussion. She decided to write an email to the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). Her suggestion was to stock the vending machines with healthier options. I think she’s still waiting for a reply.

I think this is a good short-term solution. Long term, I think we need to rethink snacking and treats. Do you really need a snack in between meals if you are having a balanced meal? Do you need to reward yourself with sweets, cake and chocolate when you achieve something? Those are the big questions, and the answers will be counter-cultural!

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

The Power of Getting Away from It All - By Eleanor Searle

I hope that you have had a lovely summer, maybe got away on holiday, or at the very least survived the school holidays!

For those of you lucky enough to have had a holiday, I hope that you have returned a relaxed version of yourselves. Having time to decompress is invaluable and a great boost to health and well-being. Unfortunately, so many people rely on a getaway to literally get away from it all, whether it be their desk, demands of others, or to simply have the time and space to do what they love.

Patients often tell me that their chronic pain is alleviated, or at the very least improved while they are on holiday, leaving me to prompt them further about why they think that was the case. The reason, in the most part, is that they have relaxed. Relaxation is so important. We all know about the role of adrenaline in the fight-or-flight response but what is often forgotten is the power of relaxation in boosting all the chemicals that we need to feel good.

It seems to me that it is a shame to leave that holiday feeling behind and return to the pressure or pain of modern life. So this article is about encouraging you to find a little bit of that holiday feeling every day.

I want to remind you of the power of a deep breath in boosting relaxation, the strength of a little bit of time away from your desk and

the rejuvenation of a bit more movement.

My advice is to try and build a little bit of what you love about your holiday into daily life. Yoga and pilates are a great way of boosting your relaxation and movement and our clients always feel that they are getting away from it all when they walk through our door.

If you’d like to improve your well-being all year, we’d love you to join us at Hummingbird to see how powerful it could be for you. Here is a free class pass code to help you to get started, ‘HPYFREEPASS’.

http://www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk

MT Finance - How to Teach your Children and Grandchildren about Money

We are all coming to realise that having clarity and control around our finances gives us confidence in the future. However, very few of us were taught this at an early age. Engaging our children in their financial futures as part of your everyday routine can help them develop good habits for life.

Today’s world is more complicated in many ways, but none more so than when it comes to organising our finances. However, life events are much the same as they once were: going to school, buying our first car, you might go to university and have to budget for the first time, you might get married or move in together, and there’s buying a first home, children, pensions etc.

Every generation goes through the same - or similar - cycle of events, but no-one prepares us for what is to come. Yet these are basic life skills we should be passing on to make our children as financially independent as we can.

Why Is It Important for Kids to Learn about Money?

Teaching children the basics of finance can save you money. Teaching them to put a jumper on rather than turning the heating up, only boiling enough water to make a cup of tea and putting a lid on the saucepan to reduce the amount of energy it needs to bring it to the boil, will all help the household finances.

This can lead to a conversation about budgeting. Having a fixed amount of money coming in every month (like pocket money) and deciding how you want to spend it can be a valuable lesson in prioritising spending on the necessities and the ‘nice to haves’.

Ideas for

How to Teach Children about Money

1. Help them learn the cost of living: You might start by explaining that money is a finite resource. To spend it, you must earn it, and that means making choices.

A good practice some of our clients try with their children is setting aside a sum of money and asking them to balance the family budget for a month. Tell them how much the utilities cost and then ask them to assign the remaining budget between grocery shops, takeaways, clothes, cinema trips, sports clubs and saving for a holiday. Allow them to do the online shop so they get used to how much things cost in the real world.

If you have smart meter, remind them of how much energy has been used at the end of every week and get them to rework their figures. At the end of the month, talk to them about their experiences and what they learned. How much money was left? Could they have spent less, and how?

2. Help them learn the value of money: Let your children see how many hours it takes to earn a certain amount of money, encourage them to do household chores in exchange for their weekly spending money: wash the car, mow the lawn, empty the dishwasher, tidy up, dust and vacuum their room... This is a vital way of teaching your children responsibility and accountability. Encouraging older teenagers to look for weekend work - earning their own money and seeing just how far it goes is a great life lesson.

3. Teach them about the dangers of ‘bad debt’: Speak to them about the dangers of credit cards and the consequences of buying things that you cannot afford. Help them understand the very high rates of interest charged on this type of debt and what could happen if they couldn’t keep up the repayments.

4. Teach them about credit scores: When your children turn 18, teach them about the importance of maintaining a good credit score. If

they have a poor credit score, lenders might charge higher rates of interest, offer a smaller credit limit, or reject a credit or mortgage application altogether. You can explain how to boost their score by adopting good financial practices, such as opening a bank account.

5. Encourage them to save: Get them interested in putting a regular amount of money aside. Price comparison websites can help here as they provide information on the best savings rates for children’s accounts.

Junior ISAs offer a great first step into the financial world. As children can’t touch the money until they turn 18, it also teaches them the discipline of saving now, to benefit later down the line. By showing them the power of compounding - earning interest on interest already earned - you can discuss the role of pensions in providing better choices when it comes to the day when you are no longer working.

6. Teach them about money scams: Children are likely to be more tech-savvy, but also more casual about sharing their personal information online. Warn them about the dangers of doing this and let them know that a bank or financial institution would never ask them to divulge their personal information.

7. Invest time in your kids: Above all, spend time teaching your children everything you have learned in life. Make a list of the things you wished you’d known about at certain stages in your life. Then assess when you think each child is ready for the next lesson.

Show them the importance of saving in the short, medium, and long term. You could teach them about the merits of pensions and investments as well as how to plan their futures. Help them set life goals and discuss the potential amounts of money needed to achieve each stage and how long and how much they will need to save for to reach each milestone.

If you need help with any of these topics, our website has plenty of tools, guides, and insights for you to lean on.

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 really miss Spain and my nanny Bligh and aunties and uncles. Unfortunately, We’ve not had the opportunity to go and visit everyone yet this year.

They live on the coast in Torrevieja, Alicante. It’s beautiful, it’s warm and my beautiful auntie and my wonderful nan always make us so welcome. They even have my name put down on music jams to sing before I’ve even booked my flights!

Obviously with all that beautiful sun comes amazing produce. I know this recipe only has 3 ingredients, but it takes me straight back to

How Far Can You Take Your Moulsham Times on Holiday?

This month the Moulsham Times was taken a staggering 10,474 miles to the Eureka Skydeck in Australia.

Eureka Tower is a 297.3m (975ft) skyscraper located in the Southbank precinct of Melbourne, so it is a pretty high point for the Moulsham Times to be photographed! Thanks to the Dexter family for the photo - a great effort!

Spain every time I have it.

Method

Buy THE best tomatoes you can afford. A big Spanish white onion. And tuna in oil.

Assemble how you see fit.

Drizzle with plive oil and a splash of white or red wine vinegar. Salt and pepper to taste. And enjoy!

Little tip: Keep tomatoes at room temperature and they will taste more tomatoey

Summer is still here!

tIf your Moulsham Times takes a trip with you, please photograph it far away or in an unusual location and send us the photo and we will feature it in a future edition.

Send photos to paul@ moulshamtimes. com.

It’s always nice to have visitors at the Community Station and The Copper Pot Café, especially when they can help spread news of who our volunteers support and what we do here at MLCT.

Marie Goldman (on left in photo below) visited us before becoming elected as the new Member of Parliament for Chelmsford and tried her hand at knitting one of the many squares that we’ve being knitting to make blankets for homeless charities.

We featured our Men’s Shed on here before and here we feature a range of planters they have for sale that they’ve made this summer. Men’s Shed can make them to order and currently also have a couple of commissions to make seated planters. The planters are made out of scrap wood and pallets, or specific wood could be provided or purchased.

There are also ambitions to make some speciality garden furniture by steaming and then bending the wood to make curved designs (see the photo of the Men’s Shed steaming pipe being built).

Reminders Volunteer Party and Volunteer Drive: On Saturday 21st September we’ll be holding a volunteers party and volunteer drive. We always need volunteers and are always grateful for the volunteers that support us.

Moulsham Lodge Community Trust AGM, 3rd September 2024, 7pm - 8pm. All welcome!

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

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

We hope that you have enjoyed the summer and been to many of the events put on around the city by the council and Chelmsford For You over the summer break.

One special event coming for the first time in Essex, is The Essex Podcast Festival which will be taking place on the 28th and 29th September around various venues in the city centre. The festival features a mix of live podcasts, networking and workshops.

Each podcast will be staged in front of a live audience and features a mix of leading podcasters and guests from the county covering a range of topics such as music, sport, comedy, witches, lifestyle, climate change and many more subjects. To find out more about what’s going on head to www.chelmsfordforyou.co.uk/essex-podcastfestival-2024-line-up.

The public consultation for the play area in John Shennan field was well attended both at the Copper Pot and online. We hope that you got to see the various choices and gave your feedback. Once we know what the final design will look like and when the works will commence, we will let you know.

It would be good to hear from you about any local issues that you may have and suggestions on how we can keep improving Moulsham Lodge.

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

Take care.

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

Or 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 From Moulsham Lodge Ward - By Ashley Thompson & Simon Goldman

Tile Kiln Corner - By Cllr Linda Mascot

In May 2023 Tile Kiln Church was approved as ‘Dementia Friendly’ by the Chelmsford District Dementia Friendly Community Group. Tile Kiln is lucky to have such an inclusive church at the heart of our community, offering a warm welcome to all. Caroline Shephard and other volunteers are organising an awareness event for dementia on Thursday 19th September from 2-4pm at Tile Kiln Church.

There will be lots of organisations who support carers and those living with dementia on hand to give information and advice over a cup and tea and slice of cake. The event will be informal but there will be the opportunity to chat one to one with local service providers. For more information contact Caroline on 07887 242 804.

Congratulations to Cameron James for being appointed Captain of Chelmsford City Football Club for the new season! Cameron grew up in Galleywood Road where his parents still live, and attended Mildmay and Moulsham Schools. As well as being a talented player, Cam is a family friend (he attended Moulsham School Prom with my daughter as best friends) and I’m

delighted he has received this much-deserved accolade.

He joined CCFC after playing for Colchester United and is the longest serving player in the squad, having made 118 appearances in all competitions for the Clarets.

Manager Robbie Simpson enthused: “I could not think of anyone better to take on the captaincy than Cam! He is Chelmsford through and through, absolutely loves the club, and is a great leader in the dressing room and on the pitch.

“He leads by example and is adaptable to all situations and people, I could not think of anybody better as captain for this season.”

For details of fixtures and other CCFC info, visit their website: chelmsfordcityfc.com. mascotlinda@gmail.com

The ‘New Year’

I always find that September feels more like the new year than January. Not sure whether that’s just because I have kids in school, but I think it goes beyond that. There’s a kind of freshness in September, coming toward the end of the summer, a restarting of more regular patterns of life, as holidays peter out through September and the weather changes slightly.

As much as sometimes spontaneity is lauded as a highly prised value, and as much as FOMO means that a non-committal response is often favoured, we are made for the regular and the routine. We are made to need seasons and regular changes - we need to come back regularly to the ‘new year’.

The predictable patterns of life help us navigate the challenges of life. This is, in fact, a gift from God. We know that when things aren’t as predictable, we struggle - just think about the weather for a moment: remember the Beast from the East (massive snowfall in March 2018) or, more recently, our rained-off July?! We don’t thrive in such situations - we need the routine predictability of spring buds in March and sunshine in July.

We were created like this. Christians believe that God created the world, everything that is, all humans - and you. That God created

September, and your emotional response to the newness it brings, and the kind of freshness that the start of something new bringsGod created what is tangibly material and what is not.

You might laugh at that. That’s fine. But more and more scientists and philosophers are grappling with how we can account for this world, our lives, and our experiences. And more and more times they’re saying that there’s more going on than what just meets our physical eye. There’s an itch in humanity that begs to be scratched - what if all this is purposeful? What if there is a God? What then..?

Well, scratch that itch as we start a ‘new year’ - and if I can help with that, please be in touch. Or, if you want to explore at your own time, try this out: 321.speaklife.org.uk/course/321.

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

Tim Goodall, Pastor, Tile Kiln Church.

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

Quiz Time - By John Theedom

What is a samurai?

What word can be a girl’s name and a festive song?

What is an underwater missile?

How would you describe ravioli?

What is a tailless, large primate called?

A long-handled spoon is called what?

What is Aleph?

Nomenclature is what?

What would you do with masala?

What is the meaning of the word peregrinate?

What name do the Americans call a coffin?

What does a ice hockey match begin with?

What is another name for a natatorium?

Who is the female singer in the Zoflora advert on TV?

Which part of your body is inflamed if you are suffering from encephalitis?

What kind of reference book was Bradshaw’s Guide?

Which WW2 hero had the same name as Hilda Ogden’s cat?

What was invented by Lewis E Waterman?

What is England’s second largest cathedral?

What can be a 5 card game, a smooth woolly surface or a sleep?

In which desert is the Bactrian camel found?

What is held annually in Ramelagh Gardens, London?

Edmonton is the capital of which Canadian province?

In the medical world, what does PSA mean?

Who is buried at the Arc de Triomphe?

What is another name for a yam?

If someone or something is gravid, what does it mean?

What was Simply Red’s first UK number 1 in 1995?

Which is the largest and oldest Australian city?

Which city is called the City of Brotherly Love?

In which sport would you find a movement called a salchow?

What is studied by a phrenologist?

What oldest railway station in London?

Which drug took its name from the Greek god of dreams?

A percheron is a breed of which animal?

What does OBE stand for?

In horse racing, where where is the Two Thousand Guineas held?

What is a sabot?

From which country does Mulligatawny soup originate?

Whose motto is ‘Per ardua ad astra’?

(Answers on page 30 & 31)

Armadillo Customs - The Home of Motorcycles

Hey there, fellow rider! Welcome to Armadillo Customs - The Home of Motorcycles - a place full of passion for motorcycling and the bikers community!

After years of experience, thousands of miles, hundreds of new friendships, tens of machines and many hours spent with the spanner, in 2020 the dream of Home of Motorcycles came to life.

Starting with a small workshop and big dreams, Armadillo Customs is now proud to be one of the biggest and most diverse motorcycle stops nestled in the heart of Essex!

At our motorcycle workshop and clothing store, you’ll find a team of seasoned and passionate staff ready to fuel your biking adventures...

Whether you’re looking for expert advice on how to fine-tune your

beast or searching for the perfect gear to rock on the open road, we’ve got you covered.

From full custom built motorcycles, through servicing, tyres, diagnostics and MOT, all the way to protective clothing and other motorcycle apparel and accessories. The list of what we can supply is long and expanding.

Picture this: a haven where camaraderie is as important as quality, where stories are shared over the roar of engines and the smell of leather. We’re here to be your trusty sidekicks on the amazing journey of riding. So swing by, say hi, and let’s rev up those engines together!

Blake House Craft Centre

Blake End

CM77 6RA

Without volunteer trustees, no charity would be able to legally exist, and here in Chelmsford we’re very much in need of more people to join local boards.

Becoming a trustee is an incredibly rewarding way to make a big difference to a cause you believe in.

Trustee boards help to direct the affairs of a charity. They are there to make sure that it is being run well, help guide the journey it’s on and check that it’s meeting the purpose for which it has been set up.

Individuals with all kinds of skills and backgrounds can sit on a trustee board. Some charities look for professional expertise, such as in finance, fundraising or IT, but you don’t need to be a specialist or professional to be valuable.

Fresh and diverse perspectives, commitment and common sense are

some of the most valuable things a trustee can bring. Young people are also very much needed and welcomed!

The best boards are made up of a wide variety of motivated people, all of whom share a passion for the charity’s services and success. Depending on the size of the charity, trustees will usually meet just four to eight times a year, so it’s a lovely role for someone who is working full time but still wants to volunteer.

Below are some of your local charities who need new trustees. Please contact the Volunteer Centre for more information!

• Age Concern.

• Chelmsford Scouts.

• Citizens Advice Chelmsford.

• City of Chelmsford Mencap.

• Essex Respite & Carer Association.

• Farleigh Hospice.

• Homestart Essex.

• InterAct.

• North Avenue Youth Centre.

• Sanctus Homeless Charity.

• The Wilderness Foundation.

Please contact us using the details above.

Moulsham Lodge Camera Club - Snap Crackle and Pop

SNAP: Do you take snaps with that thing most people carry all the time - the mobile phone? What do you do with all those snaps?

Would you like to learn more about that amazing communication device you carry every day? Is it time to dig out that ‘proper’ camera languishing in a cupboard, or perhaps you’d like to start at the very beginning with no device at all. If this is you then read on...

CRACKLE: Our club was formed 43 years ago by four local residents. Currently we have members from within Moulsham, but also further afield. We welcome the massive changes mobile and digital photography give us whilst actively still embracing traditional

photography.

Most of all we embrace comradery, friendship and shared knowledge. Come and meet a bunch of enthusiastic individuals crackling with ideas. We offer a jam-packed program of events, activities, practical nights, internal competitions, amazing talks, model evenings, trips to local green spaces/city walks and of course London - the list goes on.

Our first night back is Monday, 2nd September at Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church, 110 Lime Walk, CM2 9NJ. It starts at 8pm, with tea and biscuits at 9pm and finishing at 10pm.

POP: Make it snappy and pop in for a free taster session - be prepared for some cracking good fun. It’ll transform your life or at least those dark Monday nights.

By Liz Croxson moulshamlodgecameraclub@gmail.com

You’re in safe hands with MLCC!