The City Times - February/March 2025 by Itsyourmedia

City Times Intro

Hello readers,

Welcome to The City Time February/March edition.

If you have a cat check out our new advertiser Meow to Wow below; as you can see from the photos, Sharon does an amazing job!

To the right, Steve (SJM) offers interior and exterior decorating. On page 5 we also have Empire Pools, who have been specialising in designing and constructing pools since 2007. If like Steve, Sharon and Emprie Pools, you wish to advertise with us, then please do call or email - all details are below.

We are now back on Issuu the online magazine publisher - find us at www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia with online linking to all our adverts.

Please also remember to tell our advertisers that you saw their advert in The City Times, as it really helps both them and us to know that their adverts are working.

Paul & Nick

www.thecitytimes.co.uk www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

Advertising

Nick Garner 07970 206682 ads@itsyourmedia.co.uk

Editorial

Paul Mclean 07595 949701 editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

It’s Your Media Ltd

Disclaimer: It’s Your Media Ltd publish The City Times. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of It’s Your Media Ltd. No part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of It’s Your Media Ltd. Registered offices: 15 Hayes Close, Chelmsford. Reg No 9154871. Printed by Warners (Midlands) PLC.

Well, January is done with now - which is both good in one way and scary in another. Here we are in February with half-term soon upon us and time for mock exams already. Many a household and student will be stressing I am sure, but do try not to; whatever happens just happens and there is plenty more time.

The weather around the world is just awful, from floods to fires, outrageous winds, snow and more... So there is no global warming I hear some say? I am afraid that I beg to differ!

At last, it is finally getting lighter in early mornings and staying a little lighter in the evenings, so does that mean spring is nearing? l hope so! I have now seen some snowdrops, have you?

The PANIC Awards are back. Check them out and get nominating! These awards are for theatre, venues, music, DJs, promoters and more. The award winners will be announced at the live event (raising money for charity) on Wednesday 2nd April at The Chelmsford Theatre. Unfortunately, I have a gig at Hot Box so will be unable to attend.

There are some changes happening with the roads here in Chelmsford, with a new road and bridge being built. Why? I do not really know as it seems to be for those living around the Wharf Road and the Chelmsford records office area, where they do not have many cars and I have driven around there to see. In my mind they would be better using the money to make repairs to where I live in Upper Bridge Road. Repairs were made to the lower part of Upper Bridge Road some time ago, but they left the rest of the road. We do have some large potholes, mainly where the road has been dug up in the past. I have also noticed similar incidents all over the place where they obviously have not been repaired properly in the beginning. Maybe they should get those contractors who did this in first place back in to do a better job on them.

Music

I have now got going at both my usual venues for the year. Though I am also still filling in with a few more shows as well. I have confirmed one more for the Social Club so far which will be on Friday 2nd May with Atomic Rooster, who you hopefully remember. They still have their 1970s guitarist with them who we love, Steve Boltz Bolton. Sadly, founder member Vincent Crane is no longer with us and Carl Palmer has moved on. We would advise you not to hang around as we believe this show will sell well and pretty fast - all booking details for all shows are on this page.

We do suggest checking out any of the acts we put on that you don’t know much about on YouTube.

We have some returning acts to Blues Box at Hot Box as well. Firstly, we have Tim Edey on Sunday 26th October which will be an afternoon show. Tim always blows us away as do all of our acts to be honest. On Monday 10th November we have the slide supremo Martin Harley back. Then, because we all loved him and he loved playing for us, we have The Paul Rose Trio back on Saturday 15th November playing in the afternoon again.

We are thrilled to welcome back Robbie McIntosh and Hamish Stuart for another great acoustic show full of great music and fun on Saturday 29th November for two shows - these will be an afternoon and an evening show. We sold out with one of the shows last time, so don’t wait and book now to save being disappointed.

Besides all the shows that I put on at Hot Box, the venue also has lots of other great stuff going on - and not just music either, so do check them out by searching ‘Hot Box Live Events’.

We think all our shows so far have been amazing and we are so looking forward to what’s coming up - and we hope you are too. There are so many events going on in the area, from beer festivals to poetry nights, to chess and gaming nights and so much more to choose from.

Please do remember to support all live events whatever it is in your local area - this helps keep events and acts, as well as the venues, going. If you can, please do book in advance as it really does make a difference to the organisers, venues and the acts.

You can get tickets for all our Black Frog Presents shows at The Social Club in Chelmsford from Intense Records, The Hop Beer Shop and Chelmsford 4Good - please pay cash in person when you buy from them. Tickets for all shows are also available online from www. wegottickets.com/BlackFrogPresents, or via our ticket hotline at no extra charge - call or text us at 07508 496 411 and you can then pay the advance price on entry and without paying any commission for the show rather than the regular walk-up price. To find out more about Black Frog Presents and our shows, go to www.linktr.ee/ BlackFrogPresets or scan the QR code in our adverts.

City Times Food!

We are finally at the end of what seems like the longest January ever! We are also now finally seeing a bit more daylight too... I’ve thought long and hard about what dish I wanted to share with you this time, and I’ve decided to share a dish that could be cooked for Valentine’s Day this month or even just for a little treat.

I wanted to also recommend I few places I have been this month. I visted the Tin Roof cafeteria and bakery located in Woodham Walter - it’s a perfect spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch. I liked the layout of the restaurant; it was very open and large and I love the fact that they use all local ingredients and suppliers. I visited Tin Roof for brunch and have also been for lunch and would highly recommend it for both. Note that it does get very busy and you can’t book tables, but they are super organised and we only waited 10 minutes - they had a very good system.

The next is the Laughing Pear in Rayleigh. I went here for breakfast with girlfriends and again I loved the feel here. This is a smaller restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch. We went for breakfast and the eggs were poached to perfection.

This time, I wanted to share a recipe which is very dear to me, as this recipe was the first recipe that I ever learned and made, and to be honest, this was what made me want to become a chef. I feel this recipe was the very start of my career in food which has now led me to actually becoming a food technology teacher.

Stuffed Chicken Breast

This is my stuffed chicken breast with a creamy wholegrain mustard sauce.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• Olive oil.

• 2 cloves of garlic.

Essex Food - By Krista

Hello everyone. We have finally made it to February! January always feels so long, doesn’t it? Despite the dreary weather and what felt like an endless wait for payday, I’ve managed to make the most of the month. I had a wonderful stay at Bethnal & Bec luxury retreats (www.bethnalandbec.com), which I highly recommend if you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, and I had the pleasure of visiting one of Chelmsford’s top restaurants to try their tasting menu, which I will tell you all about. You can see more of what I have been up to recently on Instagram by following ‘@thehungrykp’.

• 250g mixed mushrooms.

• 1 bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley (30g).

• ½ a lemon.

• 4 chicken breasts.

• Plain flour for dusting.

• 320g ready-rolled puff pastry.

• 1 large egg.

• 2 heaped tablespoons wholegrain mustard.

• 150ml white wine.

• 150ml double cream.

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C and place a frying pan on a mediumhigh heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Peel and finely slice the garlic and add to the pan. Finely slice half the mushrooms, and then roughly chop the others and add to the pan. Cook for 10 minutes, or until golden. Then finely chop the parsley, squeeze in a little lemon juice, remove from the heat and leave to cool down.

Use the tip of a sharp knife to slice into the thickest part of each chicken breast and create a pocket. Divide and stuff in the mushrooms, then shape the breasts back into their original form, sealing the stuffing inside.

Slice the pastry lengthways into 4 pieces, and wrap around each chicken breast. Whisk up the egg and brush over the pastry. Put the chicken into a baking tray with either some oil or greaseproof paper and cook for 35 minutes.

While your chicken is cooking, place the mustard and white wine into a frying pan on a medium heat and allow to reduce. Pour in the cream and simmer. I like to serve this with green beans and some roast potatoes.

I hope you love this recipe as much as me!

Lauren x

features low ceilings and rustic wooden beams, with a cosy fireplace and separate bar area.

The WindmillChatham Green

Tucked down a country lane, just a short drive from the city centre of Chelmsford, lies this beautiful restaurant, The Windmill, which is run by owners Nancy and Tom. They offer a fine dining experience in a cosy pub setting.

Tom, who is both owner and chef, has worked at many high-end restaurants, including Michelin Star L’Ortolan - which is clear to see when working your way through the menu.

The pub itself is an old windmill which dates back to 1820. It

The restaurant isn’t too big, which creates an intimate yet relaxed dining experience. There is a private dining room too, which can be hired for special occasions and you can book an overnight stay in one of their stunning rooms.

During my visit, we indulged in the 5-course tasting menu, which was incredible. It was one of those meals that you think about for days after. As you can see from my photos, the food was so beautifully presented that it was almost too pretty to eat! My favourite dishes of the evening were the chicken skin butter with sea salt and sage focaccia, and the perfectly pink roast loin of venison. I also enjoyed the rhubarb parfait with coconut mousse, which was a lovely light dessert to finish the meal with.

If you are just popping in for a drink, there are local tipples such as Essex Spirit Co gin and wine from Tuffon Hall Vineyard, which can be enjoyed in the dog-friendly bar. I loved it so much that I am already planning to return - this time for a Sunday roast!

Chatham Green, Little Waltham CM3 3LE www.thewindmillchathamgreen.co.uk

February may still have winter’s chill in its grasp, but the garden is stirring. Snowdrops nod in the breeze, daffodil shoots push through damp soil and on brighter days, the air carries the promise of change. The lengthening days bring an urgency to nature - birds begin their courtship songs and buds swell with quiet determination.

For gardeners, this is a month of anticipation. There’s pruning to be done, seeds to sow and plans to put into action. The bare bones of the garden, so stark in winter’s light, reveal opportunities for structure and new planting ideas. It’s a time for clearing, preparing, and dreaming - because spring is just around the corner...

So, wrap up warm, step outside and embrace the quiet energy of February. The garden is waiting!

With that in mind, I’m off down the garden to increase my snowdrop numbers. Snowdrops are best lifted and divided ‘in the green’- just after flowering but while the leaves are still present. This ensures they establish quickly in their new locations. Follow these steps to increase your stock and create drifts of these charming early flowering perennials:

• Best time? Late winter to early spring, immediately after flowering (February - March).

• Use a garden fork rather than a spade to avoid damaging the

bulbs. Insert the fork a few centimetres away from the clump and gently lift the plants, keeping as much soil around the roots as possible. Shake off excess soil to expose the bulbs and roots.

• Carefully tease apart the bulbs into smaller groups, ensuring each section has both bulbs and roots attached. For best results, I aim to replant small clumps of 3-5 bulbs rather than single ones as it looks more natural. Choose moist, well-drained spots in partial shade under deciduous trees or in borders.

• Dig a small hole and plant bulbs at the same depth as they were before (about 5-7cm deep). Water well to help them settle in.

Final tips for success:

• Water regularly if the weather is dry to help them establish.

• Mulch with leaf mould or well-rotted garden compost tor etain moisture and improve soil.

• Leave the foliage to die back naturally - this helps the bulbs store energy for next year’s blooms.

• Avoid mowing or cutting back snowdrop areas until the leaves have fully yellowed.

By following these steps, your snowdrop population will increase over the years, forming beautiful, natural drifts that signal spring is on its way.

Lastly:

• Winter-prune shrubs and trees: Cut back late-flowering clematis (eg, Clematis viticella) and summer-flowering shrubs like Buddleja davidii and Lavatera maritima. This a hard prune for all three examples. With the late flowering clematis, prune back to 1-2 pairs of buds. With the butterfly bush, reduce to knee or thigh height and for the mallow, I hard prune to the ground. All of these examples flower on new wood, therefore you can be hard on the plants. Follow through with a general feed such as blood, fish and bone from March onwards (follow the pack instructions).

• Cut back deciduous grasses towards the end of this month: Tidy up Stipa tenuissima by raking through with your hands to dislodge last years spent flowers and loose leaves and Miscanthus before new growth appears by hard cutting to the ground,

• Tidy perennials: Remove dead stems of plants like sedums, but leave emerging shoots undisturbed.

Other Gardening Tasks for February

Take a look at this RHS link for more tasks to do: www.rhs.org.uk/ advice/in-month/february.

Happy gardening - and here’s to a year of enjoyable gardening!

For personalised gardening advice, feel free to contact Tom Cole, Freelance Horticulturist and online tutor, at tomcole8@hotmail.com or visit www.learningwithexperts.com for online RHS courses.

Independent kitchen retailer Just Fitted Kitchens was established 20 years ago and has been based locally in Writtle since its inception. Situated on the Reeds Farm Estate (tucked away) but with 10-plus displays, a range of worktops and creative designs, its definitely worth a visit. Steve and Julie offer great enthusiasm and a wealth of experience in the kitchen industry.

All of their kitchens are individual, but follow current trends. Just Fitted Kitchens is aimed at the middle-market, but offering high quality kitchens at very affordable prices.

All of their doors are made from solid wood (usually oak or ash) and are painted in the factory in any colour from any paint chart with a hardened paint finish - no vinyl wraps.

Being within a farm estate and to ensure you time to chat through your ideas, they open by appointment 7-days per week - this also keeps overheads down which can then be passed on to customers.

Being in complete control of manufacturing of their products, this offers customers a wide choice in both terms of style, colour and the ability to make cabinets in any height or size - each being totally bespoke to each job.

Just Fitted Kitchens’ vast experience in design, installation and project management puts them a cut above your regular high street kitchen retailers.

The company uses a local team of tradesmen and can offer a startto-finish service, including electrics, plumbing, plastering, minor building work and flooring - all project managed by Steve and Julie.

What are their customers saying?

“We recently had our new kitchen with Just Fitted as part of a kitchen extension. From the beginning, Steve worked with us to design the kitchen and the layout to maximise space, function and storage and was able to give great advice on what would and wouldn’t work. He was alway conscious of budget and never tried to upsell, keeping us informed of quotes as we changed things along the way. We were able to include a bespoke seating area which is fab!”

“Steve liaised and worked with our builders and came on-site when needed. The installation went smoothly and the fitting was excellent including the appliances and work top. Julie’s communication throughout was perfect and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. We’re utterly thrilled with our new kitchen - it’s now the proud heart of our home!”

“After going backwards and forwards for a couple of years trying to work out which kitchen firm to use, we decided against the mainstream nationwide firms and chose Just Fitted Kitchens instead.”

“We are really pleased to have made the right choice. Steve’s design and Julie’s excellent project management made the process so smooth. Trades are subcontracted, but the fact the team of tradespeople know each other well and clearly work together all the time meant that everything was handled seamlessly.”

“Both Julie and Steve have been exceptionally responsive in dealing with any queries. Now booking them to fit cabinets in our larder.”

Youngest Grumpy Old Man

Gift cards. Martin Day talked about them on the radio the other day. He said that millions and millions are unspent on them. I believe I have always spent all the amounts I ever receive on my gift cards I think. You have to, when you’re not so well off - whether it is on gifts for me or my family or essentials. Gift cards are good when you don’t know what to get someone. Some can be used in multiple shops other that just a specific one; just make sure you pick the right shop for the person.

I just had the One4all gift card refused at WH Smith, what’s going on? I Know they are closing a fair amount of their shops, but it looks like Chelmsford might keep its shop, but I know Haverhill and Halstead are losing theirs.

Did you know this, but email companies have cut down the amount of space they give you? I found this out with my gmail. I did not know they had changed their policy in 2020 and so they are now trying to charge for extra space.

They have also changed how you get your prescriptions. Instead of

bulk collections, they are cutting down and restricting the amount you get, costing you more.

The cost-of-living crisis is bumping up a notch or two, putting some things up beyond the poor and average people. Everyday essentials like groceries and bills rise faster than average household can keep incomes. This is all exacerbated by covid, Brexit and wars and mismanagement.

Why do some work places not treat there staff that well? I was looking for another job and applied for some only to find the reviews from former employees were shocking. No wonder the jobs were advertised if the others left. Does anyone going for a job look at reviews? I do, to make sure I don’t make a mistake - I’ve done that before when I was younger.

The scary prospect of getting another job after years and years of service to one place is actually quite daunting...

Thomas

Running until 4pm, 18 March 2025

Chelmsford City Council is reviewing the district’s Local Plan and it’s your last chance to get involved.

The draft Plan is an important document that sets out how Chelmsford will develop until 2041. Wherever you live, work or study in the Chelmsford district, the Plan will affect you. Don’t forget to take part in this third and final consultation on whether the Plan meets national planning tests.

Find out more at chelmsford.gov.uk/lp-review Read the documents at the Civic Centre Contact us by phone on 01245 606330

Color Connects - By Sabrina Moser

Backnang was all a buzz recently with the names of Chelmsford community artists on everyone’s lips thanks to a wildly successful vernissage held under the motto, Color Connects.

The brainchild of Jennifer Flint of Artists at the Meadows and the team of the Partnerschaftsverein Backnang-Chelmsford, this art exhibit illustrated in no uncertain tones, that town-twinning is not an antiquated armchair notion, but rather a catalyst for creativity and collaboration.

Working under the theme of tea, thirteen Chelmsford artists all submitted canvases especially commissioned for this event, and although the parameters were similar, the works could not have been more different. Ranging from an abstract image

painted with tea itself to varied representations of a ‘storm in a tea cup’ - the paintings drew observers into unique and separate sensory experiences.

Why the tea theme? The Vernissage was held in Backnang’s very own Tea Time, a shop nestled in the high street and run by American Cara Thompson Barthels, a sommelier with credentials from the UK Tea Academy. Cara’s shop is well on its way to establishing itself as cultural institution in Backnang. Alongside the salon, she and her collaborator, Kristina Britvec, use the room as a gallery as well as a space for aspiring musicians such as Clemens Ziesik who generously provided twinkling piano music to go with the scones, tea and art. The combination proved to be a winning one as several works sold within an hour of opening, a boon not only for the Chelmsford artists but also for those Backnanger who went home with paintings proudly tucked under their arms. The pictures going up in living rooms across town bear colorful testimony to the personal connections that come into focus when art and twinning combine.

backnangforyou@gmail.com

Poems by Martin

Winters’ hand is all consuming It’s got us in its grip

The seasons feel like they are pausing Feels like we’re in a dip

Springtime is just around the corner

So let’s rejoice and smile

Earth is yet another year older

Let’s be happy for a while

Nature tells us when spring is here

The sun has warmth and vigour

Daffodils show and bluebells glisten The days are long and brighter

Let’s hope we have a better year Even better than the last one As 2025 gets into gear

It’s happy days and then some!

martin.kilbey@gmail.com

To view both the City Times and the Moulsham Times magazines online, visit: www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

Lasting Legacy: Interring Ashes at Old Park Meadow

Saying goodbye is never easy, but finding a way to honour a loved one’s memory can bring a sense of peace during a difficult time. When considering final arrangements for your loved one, an ash interment at a natural burial ground, a place for reflection and remembrance could be the perfect final resting place. Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground provides a beautiful and natural setting for this meaningful way of saying goodbye.

The Comfort of a Permanent Place

For some, the idea of a designated resting place offers comfort and closure. Interring ashes at Old Park Meadow allows families to visit and reflect on special memories. This serene setting is full of meadows, young woodland, flora and fauna that provides a place for quiet contemplation and remembrance.

A Celebration of Life

The interment of ashes can be a time for both mourning and celebration. Old Park Meadow’s peaceful setting allows families to gather for a ceremony that reflects their loved one’s life. Imagine sharing stories, laughter and tears amidst the beauty of the meadows, creating a meaningful farewell that honours their memory.

Open Communication Is Key

Discussing final wishes openly with your loved one beforehand can be an act of love and respect. By understanding their preferences, you can ensure their final arrangements truly reflect their wishes.

Finding Solace at Old Park Meadow

Choosing an interment at Old Park Meadow offers a beautiful and respectful environment to say goodbye. Walking the peaceful grounds can offer comfort during this difficult time.

Ultimately, the way you choose to honour a loved one is a deeply personal decision. An ash interment at Old Park Meadow can provide a final resting place; a space for reflection for generations to come. Why not visit Old Park Meadow to experience the serenity of the space firsthand? It might help guide you towards the option that feels most comforting for you and your family.

If you would like to find out more about ash interments and the services Old Park Meadow has to offer, please visit oldparkmeadow.co.uk or call 01245 806 332.

February

Friday 14th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Hearthbreak - The Tom Petty Show

Chelmsford Theatre - Mercury

Hot Box - HotHaus Silk Soiree: The Valentines Pyjama Party

Old Court Theatre - Touching the Void

Saturday 15th

Chelmsford Theatre - The Dinosaur That Pooped a Rock Show

Chelmsford Theatre - Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time

Chelmsford Theatre - A Joke

Cold Norton Village Hall - After Eight Social Club Disco Dance (doors 8pm - admission: £10 - no bar so you are welcome to bring your own drinks & nibbles. For further information: www.aftereightsocialclub. chessck.co.uk or 01621 856 219)

The Compasses - Karaoke

Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)

Hot Box - The Stretch + Randomduck

Old Court Theatre - Touching the Void

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm)

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Wickham Bishops Village Hall (CM8 3JZ) - Wickham Bishops Jazz Club: Paula Jackman’s Jazz Masters (6.30pm for 7.30pm - contact Pete, wickhambishopsjazzclub@gmail.com, 07548 775 777)

Sunday 16th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - Andy Zaltzman: The Zaltgeist Gardeners - Open Mic

Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box: Greg Coulson Band

Monday 17th

Ale House - Beery Bingo

The Bootmaker - Swing Dance

Chelmsford Theatre - Pop Divas Live! Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Hot Box - Little Juke

Tuesday 18th

The Bootmaker - Quiz night

Central Baptist Church (Victoria Road South) ECC Retirement Fellowship monthly meeting (2-4pm - new members welcome)

Chelmsford Theatre - SIX Workshop

Chelmsford Theatre - Pirates Love Underpant

Hot Box - Open Mic Night

Patch Places - Escaping from Colditz (talk by Brian Key, 2pm. Email info@chelmsfordcivicsociety.co.uk to book)

Wednesday 19th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

The Bootmaker - Salsa Dancing

Chelmsford Theatre - Pirates Love Underpants

Chelmsford Theatre - Raise the Oof with John Shuttleworth

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - Bricknasty + SafeNath

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666)

Rettendon Lodge (Battlesbridge) - Belvedere Jazz & Music Supper Club (UK’s no. 1 big band vocalist, Matt Ford with Quintet - 7.45pm.

To book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

Thursday 20th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz Night

Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening

Thursday 20th (continued...)

Chelmsford Theatre - The Brick People

Chelmsford Theatre - NT Live: The Importance of Being Earnest

Chelmsford Theatre - The UK Pink Floyd Experience

Courtyard - Karaoke

Hot Box - Regrets + Berenice + My Latest Faliaure

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 21st

Bar Vino (South Woodham Ferrers) - Rock Night (9pm to 1am)

The Black Bull - Shakey’s Sessions: The Number Twenty + We Fought a Bear Once + Mr B & the Wolf + No Idea Callum Solo

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: FM Play Acoustic

Chelmsford Theatre - Forbidden Nights

Chelmsford Theatre - Jacob Hawley: Space

Hot Box - Native James

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga

Saturday 22nd

Chelmsford Theatre - Breathe

Chelmsford Theatre - Comedy Special with Seann Walsh, Marcus

Brigstocke and Faitha El-Ghori

Chelmsford Theatre - John Grace: Taking the Lead

The Compasses - Karaoke

Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)

Hot Box - Giuseppe Morena + Brdy

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm)

Village Hall (South Hanningfield, CM3 8HL) - Christmas Fayre

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 23rd

Bar Vino (South Woodham Ferrers) - Soul Sunday (3pm to 8pm)

Deli and Fizz (Maldon) - Pinot and Paint

The Gardeners - Open Mic

Monday 24th

The Ale House - Beery Bingo

The Bootmaker - Swing Dance

Chelmer Village - Pilates classes (carolinesdanceandpilates.co.uk)

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Tuesday 25th

The Bootmaker - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - Rose (12A)

Chelmsford Theatre - A Chorus Line

Hot Box - Hot Box Waxes Lyrical

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

Wednesday 26th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

The Bootmaker - Salsa night

Chelmsford Theatre - Harriet

Chelmsford Theatre - A Chorus Line

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - New Music Wednesdays

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

Thursday 27th

Bootmaker - Karaoke

Courtyard - Karaoke

Chelmsford Theatre - A Chorus Line

Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box: Willaim Meade’s Sharpeez

Friday 28th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Derek Nash Funk

Experience with Louise Marshall

Chelmsford Theatre - A Chorus Line

Hot Box - Vigalates: Longy

The Oddfellows Arms - Karaoke

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Chair yoga

March

Saturday 1st

Chelmsford Theatre - A Chorus Line

Chelmsford Theatre - Justin Moorhouse: The Greatest Perfomance of My Life

Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)

Saturday 1st (continued...)

Hot Box - Soul, Northern Soul, Disco & Motown Night

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm)

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 2nd

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - RBO: Swan Lake

Chelmsford Theatre - The Rolling Stones Story

The Gardeners - Open Mic

Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box presents: Innes Sibun

Monday 3rd

Ale House - Beery Bingo

The Bootmaker - Swing Dance

Chelmer Village - Pilates classes (carolinesdanceandpilates.co.uk)

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.309.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk)

Tuesday 4th

The Bootmaker - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - Cruel Intentions

Hot Box - The Only Way is Melee

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660)

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 5th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

The Bootmaker - Salsa night

Friends Meeting House (Rainsford Road) - CRAG Retirement Group

monthly meeting (9.30am for 10am. First visit free)

Chelmsford Theatre - Cruel Intentions

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - Resonanae Open System

Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666)

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

Thursday 6th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening

Chelmsford Theatre - Cruel Intentions

Courtyard - Karaoke

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

Hot Box - The Wave Pictures

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 7th

Chelmsford Theatre - Cruel Intentions

Hot Box - Birthday Roast of Kenzie Blackheart

Saturday 8th

Chelmsford Social Club - Record Fair

Chelmsford Theatre - Cruel Intentions

Deli and Fizz (Maldon) - Ladies who Brunch event for International Women’s Day (Bottomless Brunch - 1-3pm sold out! 4-6pm last few spaces available)

Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)

Hot Box - Halcyon Daze (12pm)

Hot Box - Dickies Birthday + Shake Rag

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm)

Thirst Syndicate - Dope: A Night with Danny Bounce

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 9th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - The Syd Lawrence Orchestra

Chelmsford Theatre - Attention All Shipping Gardenders - Open Mic

Monday 10th

The Bootmaker - Swing Dance

Chelmsford Theatre - New Hall: Iconic

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Monday 10th (continued...)

Sandon School (Sports Hall 2) - Scottish Country Dancing (7.309.30pm - all abilities welcome - www.sandonscotdance.org.uk)

Tuesday 11th

The Bootmaker - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - New Hall: Iconic

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

Widford Village Hall (turn left at Chandlers) - country dancing (barn dance, £2 - 7.50pm - 01245 475 660)

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 12th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Karaoke

The Bootmaker - Salsa night

Chelmsford Theatre - Aurie Styla: The Aurator Tour

The Golden Fleece - Karaoke

Hot Box - The Hot Box Big Music Quiz

Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666)

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

Thursday 13th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening

Chelmsford Theatre - In Other Words

Courtyard - Karaoke

Golden Fleece - Quiz Night

Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box: Claire Hamill Band

The Oddfellows Arms - Quiz

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

Friday 14th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: John Hackett Band + Dikajee

Chelmsford Theatre - Ronnie, Reggie and Me

Chelmsford Theatre - Sophie McCartney: One Foot in the Rave

Hot Box - Snakes + Arcane Moon

Saturday 15th

Chelmsford Theatre - Whipped

Chelmsford Theatre - Disco Inferno

Chelmsford Theatre - Lucy Porter: No Regrets!e

The Compasses - Karaoke

Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos (2pm)

Hot Box - Andy Poole’s Riddled with Booze Orchestra

Maldon Town Hall - After Eight Social Club Disco Dance (doors 7.30pm - admission £10. Optional fish & chips can be ordered and paid for on door. No bar so you can bring your own drinks & nibbles. www.aftereightsocialclub.chessck.co.uk or 01621 856 219)

Old Court Theatre - Touching the Void

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - Coffee morning (10am to 1pm)

South Hanningfield Village Hall (CM3 8HL) - St Patrick’s Ceilidh with Yardarm Ceilidh Band (doors 7pm, tickets £8, cheap bar, raffle. To book email vallisc@aol.com or phone 07891 653 238)

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Wickham Bishops Village Hall (CM8 3JZ) - Wickham Bishops Jazz Club: Alan Gresty & friends, with guest appearances from Colin Bray on vibes & Pete Neighbour from tUSA on clarinet (6.30pm for 7.30pm

- contact Pete, wickhambishopsjazzclub@gmail.com, 07548 775 777)

Sunday 16th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - Dances Through the Decades

Gardeners - Open Mic

Hot Box - Guitar Club

Venues are in Chelmsford, unless mentioned in the listings as being elsewhere.

If you have an event between 14th March and the 15th April for the next issue, then please email editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

Chris Rea Driving Home for Christmas-inspired Mini Thirty Electric up for Auction

Christmas may now just be over, but a connection lingers with the news that rock singer Chris Rea’s classic electrified Mini is now up for auction at Iconic Auctioneers, who are based in Ashorne, Warwickshire, about an hour or so from Rea’s home in Cookham.

The car is a 1989 bespoke Mini Thirty that has been converted to run on electric power, but there are some distinct artifacts that connect the car specifically to Rea, such as a commemorative plate that sits in the same compartment as the EV power supply. It takes the form of a 45rpm with the words to the hit, Driving Home for Christmas swirling around in the shape of a vinyl record.

This isn’t the car that triggered the making of the record incidentally, but the classic Christmas song - which was recently allocated as the 12th most streamed/downloaded Christmas song of 2024 by the Official Charts - was indeed inspired by Chris Rea and his wife Joan driving a Mini, but long before this Mini Thirty was produced. Rea has mentioned that the song was inspired by a journey he and his wife took in 1978 from Abbey Road Studios back to their home in Middlesbrough; and these locations can be seen on the plaque. You can also find Rea’s signature on a further plaque indicating the car’s year and the date it was ‘recharged’ in 2023.

The Mini Thirty Electric was presented to Rea at Abbey Road Studios in February 2023, emphasising the appreciation of Rea’s classic Christmas song, a song that seemingly continues to garner more popularity as the years go by; perhaps as the unique choice of words continue to become more and more relevant as the years continue to pass as people travel home for the season.

In 2021 Mini produced a winter ad campaign that celebrated the

song and its connection to Mini, encouraging users who were bold enough to create their own videos based around Driving Home for Christmas. The campaign was well received and inspired Mini to take things a step further by commissioning Mini Sport & Recharged Heritage to seek out a classic Mini and convert it to electric, a task which was undertaken by a Bristol-based company called Fellten.

The limited edition Mini Thirty was inspired and created to celebrate the car’s 30th birthday back in 1989, with the guts of the car being based on the hugely popular 998cc Mini Mayfair, which came in either black or cherry-red with plenty of eye-catching chrome and Minilite alloys. Inside, the theme was mostly black and red with partleather seating. Only 1,000 of the Mini 30 cars were produced in black, while the remaining 2,000 were in cherry-red.

The Iconic Auctioneers auction will take place on Saturday 22nd February 2025 at 11am at Stoneleigh Park in Coventry. The guide price for this rather unique electrified Mini is currently set from £30,000 to £35,000 and the Mini Thirty Electric itself will come direct from the Chris Rea Collection. The car looks to be in very clean condition and sounds like it might be a bargain depending on your levels of fandom. If you are wondering whether to bid or not, imagine how you might feel having not even tried to win Chris Rea’s Mini Thirty once we head into December…

Sean Neylon

Courtesy of Smart Motoring magazine smart-motoring.com

Images: iconicauctioneers.com

Setting up the Hoops for the New Season

Members of Maldon Croquet Club, now one of the foremost croquet clubs in East Anglia, are busy preparing their beautiful lawns in Hatfield Peverel for the start of the new season in early April. The Club plays golf croquet at all levels. Every week there are five ‘roll-up’ sessions where members play half hourly games on a mix-and-match basis.

There are also club competitions which are open to all members and teams play in local tournaments and friendly matches. The more experienced players compete in national tournaments and over the years several have reached the finals of the All England Golf Croquet Handicap Tournament, including a member who won the event in 2023.

Social activities, including lunches, BBQs and a Christmas quiz, are regular features throughout the year.

If you would like to combine gentle exercise in a tranquil setting with a social activity, why not join the members for a taster session? You will be assured of a warm welcome and support to play the game with all equipment provided.

For further information please contact Jan Hall at janchall@ btinternet.com or maldoncroquetclub@gmail.com

The Long Walk - a Short Film, Raising Awareness of Mental Illness

Coming to Galleywood Heritage Centre (Galleywood, Chelmsford, CM2 8TR) on Saturday 12th April at 2.30pm will be The Long Walk - a multiaward winning short film created to raise awareness of mental illness. Based on a true story told through the eyes of the sufferer and his family, the movie stars Michelle Collins (EastEnders) and Daniel Casey (Midsomer Murders) as the sufferer’s parents.

A young teenage boy suffers a trauma in his life and is catapulted into the world of psychosis. Later in life he suffers another psychotic episode and ends up on the streets of London to be helped by unexpected kindness. This is a heartbreaking film full of hope. The film is certificated as a 12A so any child attending would need to be accompanied by an adult. Tickets cost £10 each with 10% going to a mental health charity in Essex. To book please email info1thelongwalkfilm@gmail.com.

After the film, there will be Q&A giving you the chance to ask

questions to the creator of The Long Walk, local Galleywood actor Andrew Alton-Read.

In the 80 years since the end of the Second War, the Chelmsford area has gone from having a limited secondary education system and a significant number of village schools under threat, to having one of the best sets of schools at both primary and secondary level in the country.

The process of improvement was not smooth however with overcrowding being a significant problem in the 1950s. Chelmsford’s two selective schools have survived and the King Edward Grammar School remained in the state system after looking at various times almost certain to go independent. The area’s general high standard of both primary and secondary education has made a significant contribution to the attractiveness of the area to newcomers. Although Chelmsford failed in its attempt to get Essex’s first university, by the new millennium it had a thriving university of its own on a brand new campus.

The 1944 Education Act, as with every area of the country, had enormous effects on Chelmsford. First it established uniform change from primary school to secondary school at 11. This meant the remaining elementary schools becoming primary schools and teaching pupils up to the age of 11 instead of 14. The Act introduced compulsory secondary education for all children up to the age of 15. Secondary schools were to be divided by the tripartite system, namely grammar schools, technical schools and secondary modern schools. Even then it did allow for comprehensive schools which would take mixed ability intakes.

Pupils took the 11 Plus because it was thought abilities and aptitudes were more or less fixed. The Act also resulted in Chelmsford losing control over education and a Mid Essex Education Executive Committee being set up - one of six in the county. This central division included Chelmsford, Maldon and Saffron Walden and the Ongar and Dunmow rural districts. Both Chelmsford Borough and the RDC had two representatives each, with the other authorities having one each. The Butler Education Act also mentioned that the LEA should give support to nursery education but this was certainly not a priority. The Ministry of Education decided that nurseries should be provided by schools but the borough council allowed the Waterloo Lane, Corporation Road and London Road nurseries should continue until the schools could provide them. A month later, the county education committee decided to take over the three nurseries.

These nurseries had finally been started during the war after pressure from mothers working in the Chelmsford factories. The chair of the Women at Work Committee, Jean Roberts, had played a prominent role and the Trades Council also played a part. By 1942 the nursery at Corporation Road was almost finished, but the two others had barely been started because of the lack of materials. Ministry of Health officials set high standards, preferring that the nurseries be overstaffed rather than understaffed.

The Corporation Road nursery opened in August and the one at Waterloo Lane a few weeks later and were judged a great success, even though they were viewed as a social experiment. Their positive inspection was due in no small part to the help given by the Women’s Volunteer Service. Attendance did however drop and by the beginning of 1943 the three nurseries were only operating at less than one third of capacity. The council was however pleased that the National Society of Child Nurseries reported that they were running smoothly and that they appeared to be a happy atmosphere in all three.

Working mothers also pressed for play centres to look after their children after school. This demand was resisted because it was felt that it would set a dangerous precedent and allow mothers to shirk their responsibilities. Even though the demand for nursery places hadn’t quite matched what had been expected, the likely growth of industry in post-war Chelmsford and with it the continued employment of many women in the factories, meant that continued nursery provision was essential. Indeed, the council quickly identified

the need for additional nursery facilities in the Melbourne Park and Springfield Park estates. Severe financial stringencies meant that the government’s initial desire for nursery facilities in the schools was never a serious prospect in the Chelmsford area in the immediate post-war era.

The Butler Act also included the compulsory provision of school meals by LEA Chelmsford, and also the ECC had a long standing resistance to providing such meals. In 1908 the Essex County Council had declined to do anything about meals. Chelmsford’s SMO was forced to provide cocoa to the most malnourished children in the depression of the early 1920s, but refused to provide proper meals.

During the Second War, the provision of school meals became essential because so many mothers were working. The borough considered two schemes; firstly providing its own meals from three Chelmsford schools and secondly using a Ministry of Food cooking depot. Chelmsford Borough Council came under strong pressure to provide midday meals for the 400 pupils now receiving free milk, but it was not until August 1942 that a scheme involving a depot was approved. Parents were to be charged 6d a meal, and the meals were delivered from Witham with frequent complaints about their quality and the fact that they were often not hot.

Inevitably, there were problems getting the food from the depot to the schools. In the first three weeks of the scheme an average of 900 meals was sent, but by the beginning of 1943 this had fallen to below 800. The government were pursuing an objective of 95% of pupils receiving school meals and the council was forced to consider at least some of its schools providing meals. By the end of the war the Moulsham and Rainsford schools were each providing 1,000 meals a day, with the latter cooking meals for Kings Road pupils. In 1945 the proportion of Chelmsford children receiving school meals was not far short of the national average (22% compared with 30%). The Witham depot was still providing 5,000 meals a week, by far the majority. After the war, all schools had to have dining rooms, although for a long while they were not purpose-built.

In the immediate post-war period, the conversion of elementary schools to primary schools threatened 60 schools in the county, of which two were in the borough and thirteen in the rural area. These were Friars Infants and St Peter’s in the borough and included East, West and South Hanningfield Voluntary Schools, Good Easter County School and Writtle Junior Boys and Girls in the rural area.

The Weekly News said: ‘Many of the smaller schools were in scattered villages and hamlets and often were dark, insanitary and inconvenient’. Great Leighs School had toilets that consisted of buckets, cleaned three times a week by contractors. These were so awful that some children refused to use them. In the event no schools closed immediately because the remaining pupils would have to be educated somewhere. There would be the logistic problem and the expense of bussing them to surrounding villages. The very small school of St Peter’s in the borough wasn’t even scheduled for closure until 1959.

This month we dedicate our article in The City Times to Matthew Willis who sadly passed away on Tuesday 14th January.

Matt had been one of the original presenters of Chelmsford Community Radio when we launched over a decade ago. He was one of the first to go live on air and help set the tone for everything CCR has become. His passion and talent have left a huge mark on the station and everyone who worked with him. He was deeply committed to inclusion and kindness, which was at the heart of his shows. Whether it was the variety of guests, tackling tough subjects with sensitivity, or making sure Chelmsford was heard, especially through his show Zest, Matt

After the success of our two major events in January, our first New Music Wednesdays for new musicians at Hot Box (subsequently broadcast on City Sound) and Musical Anthems night put together by Ovation our theatre show, also at Hot Box, we are happy to announce two new presenters this month who will bring their own brand of show to the airwaves.

Rebecca Skingley is a passionate music lover always looking for something new to listen to. Rebecca’s background is within the music and performing arts industry and she brings a lot of energy to her show Overdrive. Tune in on Fridays from from 7-9pm for two hours of rock, punk and metal, from timeless classics to fresh new tracks.

Ian Flavill has long been a promoter of quality country and Americana music in the Chelmsford area and is very active in the Ignite creative collective. He hosts Country Roads, a two-hour show from 9-11am on the second Sunday of every month, showcasing local and global artists and talking about events at our local music venues.

A Tribute

made a real difference. He was a hugely talented individual who was brilliant at interviewing, especially with younger guests, always putting them at ease and creating natural, flowing conversations. Such a lovely man who was always friendly to anyone who came into the studio - no ego, just someone you could see loved what they did. He was simply a magnificent presenter and a great asset to our team. Matt had stepped away from his show Zest when he became a dad and only recently returned to present a new show Palette and Pages in the autumn of 2024. All of us at Chelmsford Community Radio are shocked and saddened at Matt's passing. Our hearts are with Matt's family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time. We send our love and strength.

Should anyone wish to pay their respects, Matt's funeral will be taking place at 11am on Wednesday 26th February at Basildon and District Crematorium and Cemetery, Church Road, Bowers Gifford, Basildon, Essex, SS13 2HG. Dress code is smart clothes in dark colours, with some colour if desired. Family flowers only. Please direct enquiries regarding donations to TP Cribb & Sons, Willows, 61 High Road, South Benfleet, SS7 5LH, 01268 859 843.

www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

news about our upcoming coverage of local sport. Catch us live 24/7 on our website at citysound.radio, or our app which is downloadable from app stores, or on your smart speaker - just say ‘play City Sound Radio’ - or on numerous radio apps.

City Sound - The Voice Of Chelmsford

Baddha Konasana - By Steve Johansen, Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga

When I first started doing yoga I thought of it as just another sort of exercise, but with regular practice I realised that it was much more than just a fitness regime. The word ‘yoga’ means union and unites body, mind and spirit in perfect harmony. The idea of union has resulted in a wide variety of poses, aimed at developing strength and flexibility, especially in the hips to enable you to sit in Lotus Pose and meditate for long periods of time.

Baddha Konasana (BAH-dah cone-AHS-ah-nah) is a seated pose. Baddha, translate as ‘bound’ and Kona as ‘angel’ and Asana, means ‘pose’. Hence the English name Bound Angel Pose. The word Bound refers to using the hands or arms along with physical effort to enhance the effects of the pose. In the case of Bound Angel Pose the hands, arms and core are all used to increase hip mobility and flexibility - and with good spinal alignment, improve core strength. The word ‘angel’ refers to the pose’s ability to help in developing a focused mind developing the spiritual side of your yoga practice.

Where to Start

• Start in Dandasana (dun-DAHS-anna) or Staff Pose.

• Sit up tall on the sit bones with the legs extend straight out in front.

• Your hands should rest gently by the side of the hips.

• Lift the crown of the head to the ceiling to sit as tall as you can.

• Relax your shoulders downwards, creating space between your shoulders and ears.

• Find your Dristi, at eye hight in front of you, to maintain your mental and physical focus.

• Establish a long slow, steady breath.

• Ideally with each inhalation, find strength and ease on the exhalation.

To get into Bound Angel Pose On your next inhalation:

• Draw the knees up, to a 45-degree angle so the toes of your feet rest on the mat.

• Let your knees fall outwards and bringing the soles of your feet together.

• Creating a big diamond with your legs.

• Place your finger on the front of your knees, roll the shoulder blades downwards.

• Keep sitting tall on the sit bones, your eyes focused on your Dristi.

On your next exhalation:

• Keep your core strong, sitting tall on your sit bones and lengthening though the spine.

• Press the fingers against the knees as you draw the elbows outward and backwards.

• Drawing your sternum forwards, towards your Dristi. Allow yourself to fold forwards, at the hip flexors, while keeping the back straight.

• You will want to arch your back but resist this by keeping the core strong.

• Let yourself just relax into in the pose for 3 to 5 breaths.

Coming out of the pose, on your next inhalation:

• Use the core to sit up straight.

• Release your knees and straighten your legs out and giving them a little shake.

I like to hold this pose for 3 to 5 long slow breaths, using my inhalation to find strength, lengthening the spine and lifting the sternum. On the outbreath, I find ease within the effort. During my practice, I either then move on another pose, or other times I like to fold back down to Bound Angel Pose, repeating a sequence of 3, before moving to a new pose.

Teacher Tip

At first you may find this pose difficult - especially if the hips are tight, but over time and with practice you will be able to sink lower and deeper into the pose.

For more challenging variations, once you can fold forward easily, you can move your hand down the front of your shins using your elbows to draw your sternum forward, until eventually your nose touches your toes.

For those of you who feel like you would like to know more of the benefits of Bound Angel Pose or how to incorporate this pose within your practice, join me at my studio and let me guide you into this fabulous pose. Use this free pass code, HPYFREECLASS. My gift to you.

Winter Reading Challenge

Have you joined the Winter Reading Challenge yet? You can join anytime at any Essex Library and take part in fun, interactive activities this winter to help six dragon friends make their way home out of the cold!

This year, children go on a mission to find the dragons who are lost around the dragon kingdom and get them home to the castle before they get too cold. Complete six challenges from a choice of twelve, which includes a range of cool things to read, make and do.

Once children complete the six challenges, they can also enter the prize draw - find more information on our website: libraries.essex.gov.uk/home.

Arty Bookworms

Arty Bookworms are back for 2025! These are weekly sessions for the under 5s,

Could you help someone with dementia do the things they love?The Alzheimers Society

Side by Side is a service to help people with dementia to keep on doing the things they love - and try new things too! They meet up with a volunteer, decide what they’d like to do, and do it together.

Side by Side is a fun, friendly, super-flexible volunteering opportunity through which you’ll receive expert training and support to develop within your role.

Cooking volunteer - FoodCycle

FoodCycle cooks a free hot meal for anyone in the community who needs it, once a week, from food that would otherwise go to waste. We need volunteers to help us at our Thursday afternoon session in Springfield Baptist Church.

Charity Shop Manager

We are seeking a dedicated, responsible volunteer who would like to play a leading role in managing a charity shop in central Chelmsford. This would mean helping out on the till and with donations, but also unlocking and locking up, cashing up, and helping us keep a rota of volunteers.

where we’ll be having some fun storytelling, creative crafting, and at the end children will be borrowing a book to read at home to foster a love of reading.

Join us every Wednesday from 11am to 11.45am (term time only). These are free events, but booking is required - please book your place on our website: libraries.essex.gov.uk/events.

Creative Wellbeing Workshop by Heads2Minds

Don’t miss this fantastic creative wellbeing workshop for parents and children this February half-term. Join Heads2Minds on Friday 21st February from 10am to 12noon and give your children the chance to discover practical strategies for emotional wellbeing in a fun and engaging way.

This event is free and suitable for families with children 5 years old and over. Please book your place by sending an email to chelmsford. library@essex.gov.uk.

Please get in touch if you fancy a fun, varied role with a bit of a challenge.

Charity shop assistants

We are also seeking new volunteers to work alongside the above request. Please get in touch if you can dedicate one morning or one afternoon a week to our little shop.

Treasurer at Hearing Help Essex

Hearing Help Essex exists to alleviate the isolation and loneliness that hearing loss can bring. Our award-winning team of staff and volunteers provide services across the county supporting over 8,000 individuals each year.

We are seeking to appoint a treasurer to join our Board of Trustees

Social Group Volunteer - DeafBlind UK

Come and join the fun. We need friendly, outgoing people to assist at our monthly group meetings in Chelmsford. Our members really enjoy getting together each month to have a good chat and a catch up.

For many, it provides a much needed opportunity to get out and to meet and make new friends in a safe supported environment.

Our Chelmsford group meets on the first Thursday of every month from 11am - 2pm with plans to open an additional monthly group in the area.

Crafts - By Magali Ellis and Scrap-Circle

Times and Seasons

I have recently became reacquainted with a form of craft I used to do ages ago: mixed media. There was a time when I had a mixed media project on the go all the time. I usually started something on a Sunday afternoon, especially if it was a dull, rainy one. The drying times were perfect to plan the next steps, and I enjoyed the freedom of just throwing bits and pieces together.

Then as other crafts took over, I just stopped doing mixed media pieces altogether. My craft took me to other fashions and other avenues and I concentrated on scrapbooking and card making. Now scrapbooking has always been one of my main staples, so I never totally stopped that craft. However, with starting my craft business and organising craft weekends and retreats, I was fully involved in devising and making all sorts of layout projects to meet demands. Until a Make & Take workshop at one of the craft shows, just before Christmas.

What Is Mixed Media?

Mixed media is a piece of art which incorporates more than one medium. Think about lace, ribbons, buttons, paint, inks, and paste as well as paper. It is a great way to use up all the leftover bits and pieces from scrapbooking packs!

Mixed media also used several techniques in each piece: for example, stencilling, tearing, scrunching, painting, spraying, oil pencils to highlight, shading. It is all about layers upon layers. Mixed media used textures such as wood, metal, pearls, beads, corrugated

The Art Place @Meadows Shopping Centre: More than a shop - community, caring, learning, hope and love.

The theme of the March exhibition at The Art Place is Women in Art: from Muse to Creator. The project is structured around two key axes: women as a muse and women as creators. It examines the historical and contemporary evolution of women’s roles in art, moving from a passive object of the male gaze to an active

cardboard.

How Do You Start a Mixed Media Piece?

Good question! I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to do it, I usually start with colours. And that is true for all my craft projects, actually. But people may start with shapes or textures first. Adding the base colour, then while it is drying you have the time to hunt for embellishments and a theme you would like to develop. It could be a piece of music sheet, paired up with an old bit of frame. Then comes sticking time. Another drying session and it is the little touches such as stencilling (and yes, more drying time!) and spraying ink or stamping and maybe in the last finishing touches, some accents in oil pencils, or wax rubbing on some of the interesting textures. The main thing is about having fun and exploring colours and textures in a creative way.

What Are You Going to Do?

So what is next? Which craft haven’t you done for a long time? What about reacquainting yourself with it? Go on, I dare you to hunt for those products that are gathering dust in a drawer or at the bottom of a cupboard and get them out and have a craft afternoon - just enjoy yourself! If you don’t want to be on your own, please book a place at one of our monthly Saturday Craft days at Highwood Village Hall and have fun among like-minded people.

Our 2025 dates are: 15th February, 29th March, 12th April, 17th May, 14th June, 26 July, 30th August, 27th September, 25th October, 29th November and 13th December. Check www.scrap-circle.co.uk for more details and to book.

participant and creator in the artistic process. This exhibition aims to explore the transformation of their image and their efforts to assert their right to be recognised as more than mere inspirations for male artists and instead as full-fledged authors, creators and initiators of art.

Women in Art: from Muse to Creator aims to redefine and expand the understanding of the female role in art. As well as a story about how images of women have changed, it is also about how women themselves have overcome age-old barriers and stereotypes to become an integral part of the artistic process. Today, a woman is not only a muse but also an active creator whose voice resounds brightly and powerfully in the world of art.

Open Call for Artists to Exhibit

The exhibition starts on 1st March, and we welcome works in all forms: painting, photography, graphic art, sculpture, video art, installations, sound art, digital art, as well as written pieces and performances.

Selected works will be exhibited at The Art Place Gallery in Chelmsford, and there will also be social media coverage. We are looking for bold, emotional, and powerful projects that address the theme of women in art loudly and sincerely. The main themes are:

• Women as sources of inspiration: classical and modern interpretations.

• Women as artists: breaking stereotypes, fighting for recognition and offering new perspectives.

• Women as symbols: cultural codes, myths and their reimagining.

Please send your submissions to communityexhibition@ ideashubchelmsford.org.

This article was written by Elena from EKM Gallery.

For more information about our work, projects, workshops and support offered, please visit www.ideashubchelmsford.org and follow us on Facebook by searching ‘The Art Place Chelmsford’ (for The Art Place) and ‘Ideas Hub Chelmsford’ for the charity in general, and on Instagram by searching, ‘Art Place Chelmsford’.

Interior Design Tips for Your Home - By Tania Dadd

Reflect & Redesign!

Another month has gone by and we are getting closer to saying hello to spring. As we are not quite there yet, it’s a great time to think about what needs to be done at home, inside or out.

Planning ahead can save you time and money, especially if the budget is tight. Identify what you would like to change, any jobs that are urgent and finally what’s on your wish list. DIY projects and home improvements allow us to make our rooms unique by creating interesting spaces that put our stamp and personailty in to where we live.

Tips for planning ahead...

• Urgent jobs need to be assessed first. Get at least 3 quotes if you are using tradespeople. Not sure who to use? Trusted sites on Google will give you reviews from customers.

• If you are going to be embarking on decorating and perhaps changing the colour of the walls or furniture, pick up some samples first. Trying a swatch of fabric in your room or a tester pot of paint will save you any costly mistakes.

• If your home improvements include revamping a kitchen or bathroom, you can order samples of tiles and flooring before making a final purchase.

• Kitchen cupboard doors can be resprayed and handles changed at a fraction of the cost of replacing them. It might seem like a lot of hassle, but new work surfaces and revamped doors can also transform a tired looking kitchen.

• If you want an instant uplift in a room look at the soft furnishing, such as cushions, curtains, throws and lampshades. Even getting a footstool recovered in another fabric will give it a new lease of life and bring a different aspect to the overal look. Take time to look at different fabrics before settling on one.

• Clear the clutter. It’s not quite spring, but start now and get rid of anything you don’t use or need - recycle, give to charity, or sell it!

• If you have a piece of furniture that doesn’t quite match your décor you can always give it a coat of paint (depending on what it’s made from). Most DIY shops stock inexpensive furniture paint. It may sound like a bit of a faff, but its actually really rewarding to reuse a side table or chest of drawers etc that you were going to get rid of - it’s also quite therapuetic to paint.

Finally, I just want to say, lighting! Getting the right temperature of the bulb can make a huge difference to the ambience of the room. Soft white or warm white are best for relaxing spaces like bedrooms

and living rooms. While cool whites or daylight are better for task areas where bright lights are needed, such as kitchens and workspaces.

If you would like any advice on interiors, we offer a consultation free of charge. Our services include interior design, colour consultation and styling.

07979 663 339 info@saltmarshinteriors.co.uk www.saltmarshinteriors.co.uk

Tales from the Circle - By Sylvia Kent

Many parents know that young children invariably enjoy a story as part of settling them down to sleep. This appears to have been so over past centuries. In 1995, Joy Whitby, the BBC’s producer of the Jackanory series on children’s television, was on to a winner when she created the programme which was so popular with youngsters and even adults for many years. Fortunately, Joy was able to invite some very famous faces - and more importantly voices from famous actors such as Bernard Cribbins, Kenneth Williams, Geraldine McEwan and Rik Mayall among a host of other narrators who starred on her programmes. When interviewing notable people of a certain age, they often recall those early programmes, along with Play School and Play Away, which are so fondly remembered.

Thirty years later, many of those young children are now parents and are hopefully reading stories to their own youngsters, which will encourage them to want to learn to read and write by themselves.

So, what a treat it was for members of our Brentwood Writers’ Circle a few days ago, when Tony Cranston of Talking Stories Radio paid us a visit. Among our own Writing Circle members, we have several who enjoy writing tales for children which have been published, and

they loved meeting Tony whose title on the web is ‘Storyteller in Residence at the Bexley Bards Storytellers’. His work in this field is important, particularly as he regularly appears on East London Radio where he also invites enthusiastic writers, poets and lovers of the written and spoken word to send their stories to him. Tony’s voice is superb and he gave a wonderful performance of his work in this field of storytelling, which has become so popular in many countries around the world. For more details, search ‘Tony Cranston’ on Google.

A visit to Brentwood Writers’ Circle will help budding writers, as well as professional scribes. Find out more at at www. brentwoodwriterscircle.com - first visit is free. Full details are on the website and a very warm welcome awaits.

www.sylviakent.blogspot.com

In the Bible, who was Adam and Eve’s first-born son?

In which country can you find Botany Bay?

What is the opposite of a neap tide?

Which animals live in a holt?

What is a sheep-shank?

What name is given to a thin Mexican pancake?

‘C’ is rhe chemical symbol for which element?

What trade did a webster follow?

What was Disney’s first full length cartoon film?

Who was Liz Taylor’s eighth husband?

What were Fletcher’s two first names in Porridge?

On which river does Preston stand?

What is the male honey bee known as?

What is Camilla Shand’s married name?

What is the capital of Malta?

What word can go before thorn, sand and silver?

What is Mulligatawny?

Who was backed by the Hermits?

In motor racing, what is an ECU?

Vanessa and Wilja are types of what?

Elaine Page’s first top ten hit was from which musical?

Which old English coin was known as a tanner?

How many cubic feet are there in a cubic yard?

Which is the biggest sea in the world?

Who created Dracula?

What is a derrick?

What is the white ball in snooker called?

How many popes have been called Gregory?

What is a wampee?

Sealyham is a breed of which type of dog?

What is ECG an abbreviation for?

What does the Japanese word Shogun mean?

What is a fouetté?

In which UK county are the Quantock Hills?

What sport is played with a shuttlecock?

What is a mistral?

How many events are there in the heptathlon?

In which county is Melton Mowbray?

What is the name for a ship’s kitchen?

What canal, spelt backwards, is the name of a Greek god? (Answers

For most of this year, Mars is an evening object, moving through Gemini, Cancer, Leo and Virgo, until it is lost in the evening twilight in October.

March 8th - Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation: The planet Mercury reaches greatest eastern elongation of 18.2 degrees from the Sun.

This is the best time to view Mercury since it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the planet low in

the western sky just after sunset.

March 14th - Total Lunar Eclipse: Alas, this will not be visible in the UK.

March 20th - March Equinox: The Sun will shine directly on the equator and there will be nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world. This is also the first day of spring (vernal equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere.

New Moon: On and there will be a new Moon. This means the skies will be extra dark which is a great opportunity to see planets, galaxies and deep space objects.

As usual, email me with any questions.

www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com mark.willis@chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

The Friends of Chelmsford Museums Present the Annual Museum Lecture

The Friends of Chelmsford Museums present The Annual Museum Lecture at Christ Church Hall, New London Road Chelmsford on Friday 21st March 2025 at 7.30pm.

‘...that Honourable and gentlemanlike house’

A History of King Edward VI Grammar School Chelmsford 1551 to 2001 by Tony Tuckwell, former Headmaster and author of its history.

Tickets cost £10 and are available from Eventbrite or, if still available, on the door (cash or cheque only). Two of the commissioners who oversaw the transfer of monastic property to Henry VIII in the 1530s were Chelmsford brothers, Thomas and Walter Mildmay. But Henry was wary of destroying the chantries - private chapels endowed by wealthy families to chant masses to speed the tortured souls of their dead through Purgatory to Heaven. Many of their priests also provided schools for local boys and these were popular. The Mounteney Chantry in Chelmsford churchyard was one such.

On Henry’s death in 1547, 9-year-old Edward VI’s Puritan Privy Council was adamant that the chantries must go. They were a papal invention with no scriptural basis. The council would preserve those schools that went beyond the 3Rs and taught classical languages. Walter Mildmay was recalled to decide the survivors, and the rest would be dissolved and their endowments used to create additional schools.

So, in 1551 new grammar schools emerged. Chelmsford Free Grammar School was one such for up to 60 boys from Chelmsford and the hamlet of Moulsham. It taught Latin and Greek grammar plus the articles of faith of the new Church of England. It was endowed with ex-chantry lands in Essex and its governors (elsewhere usually the town corporation) were uniquely four named Essex knights, the two Mildmay brothers, Sir William Petre and Sir John Tyrell and their male heirs in perpetuity. The school was housed in a former Dominican friary by the River Can that had been given to the Mildmays by Henry VIII.

In its first 100 years, it notoriously beat one boy to death and the school building collapsed, requiring a transfer to a new site opposite the Parish Church. Bound strictly by its royal charter, its narrow curriculum failed to attract many pupils. It was not alone. By 1700 many grammar schools were near closure - great days were still far off...

Tony Tuckwell read history at St Peter’s College, Oxford and subsequently taught at schools in Portsmouth before moving on to a Deputy Headship in Sale and then the Headship of King Edward VI

Grammar School (KEGS), Chelmsford from 1984-1999.

In this millennium, he has researched and written That Honourable and Gentlemanlike House; the history of King Edward VI GS, Chelmsford; New Hall and its School; Coming of Age, the life and times of Chelmsford Cathedral; Small is Beautiful, the story of Messing Village School and Life is for Living, the story of Acorn Village, Mistley. He is well-known as a speaker on historical themes throughout Essex and north London and is currently Chair of the Essex Branch of the Historical Association. He has also been a keen walker, including the Essex coast and the Thames Path.